Page 72 of Falling for Them

Leo cringed. “He’s the only one I can trust, and I needed advice. He won’t tell Ryker… but we really need to do that soon before he finds out…”

“I should probably be the one to do it.” Libby sighed and put her head on my shoulder. “I kind of hinted at it a few weeks ago when I told him about Ethan and me after a meeting, but he didn’t say anything since then. Did he say anything to you, Ethan?”

“He hasn’t said a word. Not even a ‘you hurt her, and I will kill you’ warning.” I was honestly a bit disappointed he hadn’t brought anything up. It felt like a rite of passage to be threatened by your girlfriend’s brother.

“He probably feels he doesn’t have to threaten you. Me on the other hand…” Leo shook his head as if trying to get the mental image of being castrated out of his head. “We’ve both been so busy, and hockey hasn’t started yet, so we’ve been on a bit of a friendship hiatus.”

“I don’t watch hockey, but Paige’s best friend, Nora, is the Tri State Titans’ new skating coach, so I might watch. I’ve seen videos of when they’re stretching on the ice. Pretty much is the best part of the game.” Libby giggled.

“You really shouldn’t objectify men like that, but tell me more about this stretching.” I wasn’t the biggest fan of hockeyplayers after my few interactions with my boss’s brother, who played in the NHL.

The airport wasn’t far from Leo’s house, and as we pulled down the long driveway, my jaw dropped. I’d pictured a sleek modern house, but instead, what greeted us was a white Cape Cod- style two-story that felt homey. The lights were on inside, casting a warm glow around the exterior.

I whistled as we stepped out of the car. “This place is beautiful.”

Leo shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “Wait until you see the inside.”

He wasn’t kidding. The living space was wide open with a large living room and a kitchen that was meant for entertaining. The decor gave beachy modern vibes and had a warmth that even our own condo didn’t have.

“This is incredible.” Libby went straight to the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out into the backyard. “It’s gorgeous.”

The backyard was lit up with fairy lights in the trees and strands running along the edges of the patio. Most striking was the large pool, which was lit up and had fountains shooting water across.

“Thank you.” Leo shoved his hands in his pockets, a proud look on his face. “I had the caretaker turn on everything for us, including the pool heater. Let me show you two where we’ll be sleeping.”

We grabbed our bags and followed him upstairs to two French doors that opened up into the most luxurious bedroom I’d ever seen. It was all crisp white with the same décor as downstairs. And most striking was the bed that was so large it was comical.

“Wow.” I was unable to keep the amusement out of my voice. “That’s... a big bed.”

Leo laughed. “Luca had the king swapped out for a family-sized one that sleeps four.”

Libby’s face scrunched up. “Oh, God. My brother sleeps in this bed.”

“Don’t worry, there’s a waterproof mattress cover.” Leo burst out laughing.

“That makes it worse!” Libby groaned, burying her face in her hands.

Libby’s mortification made me crack up right along with Leo. I couldn’t help but tease her. “I’m sure they change the sheets.”

“You’re not helping,” she groaned, but the corners of her mouth twitched as she fought a smile.

Leo chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “If it makes you feel better, the caretaker changes all the bedding after every visitor, and the mattress cover is top of the line.”

“Slightly better,” Libby mumbled, but she was smiling now. “Should we unpack?”

Leo rubbed his hands together like he couldn’t wait to get the weekend started. “Why don’t you two unpack and go for a swim while I get dinner started?”

My stomach growled in agreement with his plan, although he hadn’t shown us any of his culinary skills so far. He was in the restaurant industry, so he couldn’t be that bad of a cook, he just didn’thaveto cook. “Do you need help?”

“No, the chef got everything prepped for me. I just need to pop it all on the grill. It’s about the only thing I’m good at cooking-wise.” He shrugged with a sheepish expression.

“Sounds great.” Libby kissed his cheek before grabbing her bag where she’d dropped it and heading into the bathroom. “Holy shit, this is a big shower.”

When I stepped inside behind her, my jaw nearly hit the floor. The place was massive, with gleaming white marble surfaces and a shower big enough to host a small gathering.

After changing, Libby and I made our way down to the pool. I dipped my toe in, and the water was perfect. I shoved Libby in and dove in after her.

Leo busied himself at the outdoor kitchen, which was fully equipped with a massive grill. I should have been right there next to him, learning how to barbecue, but was there even a point? It was rare to ever have the opportunity to do it in a condo high-rise. Plus, there was something about starting a fire in the city that made me uneasy.

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