Page 9 of How to Prevent a Fumble

BRIAR

If you had told me this morning that I would be getting ready for bed with Elara in Leo Warner’s apartment, I’d tell you to fuck off.

But that’s the reality of my situation.

After I agreed to stay, I took Elara back to my car, grabbing her overnight bag. The only thing I brought from home was a little black dress for the job I was going to, so I’ll have to deal with sleeping in the clothes I have on.

When we get back to the elevator, Elara tugs at my arm. “Is Uncle Owen home now?” she asks, her light blonde hair falling over her shoulders as she looks up at me.

I shake my head. “No bub, we’re going to stay with Aunt Isla’s brother tonight, okay?”

She shrugs, as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. I didn’t expect her to. Elara loves being out and about, and Isla is one of her favorite people on this floating rock. She’s become one of mine, too.

“He’s nice,” Elara says, leaning against the cool metal of the elevator.

“Who?”

“That guy.”

“Leo?”

She yawns. “Yeah. But his place is sad.”

I smirk a little. “Not a whole lot of color, is there?”

She shakes her head, pursing her lips. “I think he needs some help.”

“He needs help alright,” I grunt under my breath.

My daughter looks up at me in question, but the elevator dings, bringing us all the way up to Leo’s floor. We exit, making our way back to his place. I knock softly, and he’s there in a second, letting us in.

The second we’re through the door, his massive frame blocks me, and for a second I rear back, trying to figure out what he’s doing.

But I’m too distracted by watching his left hand rake through his hair to realize his right hand is outstretched, a shiny key between his fingers.

“You going to take it?” he asks with a smirk.

I narrow my eyes, deciding to ignore his comments altogether instead of defending myself.

Crosby’s don’t admit weakness.

Realizing I’m not going to address it, Leo turns to watch Elara run into the center of the room, turning back to watch us.

“I put clean towels in the bedroom for you guys so you can take a shower. Or a bath. Whatever you want. There’s a TV in there with all the streaming services you can possibly imagine. There’s plenty for her to watch if that’s something you do before bed. There should be toothbrushes and everything you may need in the bathroom cabinets.”

“Oh you’re stocked,” I tell him.

He shrugs. “I have a lot of guests over.”

I gag.

Leo rolls his eyes, turning and walking further back into his place. “Not like that. Family and friends. My parents bring a lot of friends here for games when they’re in the states.”

I forgot that his parents moved overseas. I once had a whole conversation with his mom in the suite at a game about the highland cows she was contemplating buying.

Stopping, I turn back toward him, Elara’s overnight bag clasped to my chest. Strands of my blonde hair fall into my eyes, and I blow them out of the way before looking him over. “Are we going to be an issue here if, well, you know.”

“If you end up staying here more? No. I have plenty of space. I promise.” His hands are in his pockets, his hair disheveled. His lips are tipped up in a friendly smile, and when my eyes land on his boyish smile lines I force myself to look away.

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