Page 109 of How to Prevent a Fumble

“I just guessed,” he says, pink rising to his cheeks.

Adjusting the flowers in my arms, I realize I need to set them down in order to do anything, but before I can, Leo clears his throat.

“Turn around,” he says quietly, his voice rough.

“Why?”

“Just turn around for me, Sunny.”

He steps forward, taking the necklace out of the box, and it takes everything in my power to remember that there are kids in the room. Including one child that will grill me to the end of time if she thinks that anything real is going on between us.

But when my eyes flicker to her, I realize that I may be a little late. The way she’s looking at Leo almost breaks my heart right then and there.

I can work through a broken heart. But Elara has never known a stable father.

My stomach drops as I meet Leo’s hooded gaze once more, feeling smaller and smaller despite the heels as I feel like I’m naked in front of him. Swallowing, I do as he says and turn.

I can feel the heat of his body as he comes closer, and when he places his arms on either side of my head to wrap the necklace around my neck, I can’t help but shudder.

Leo’s hand carefully moves my hair over my shoulder before he clasps the necklace in place, his fingers brushing against my hot skin.

God, what would his hand feel like holding me?

And why in the world am I having these thoughts?

I can’t just fall for the first man who’s kind to me.

But he’s not the first man who's kind to me. He’s just the first man who’s taken me by surprise, shattering my preconceived notion of who he was like every mirror Tony ever broke.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“You look beautiful,” he replies simply, and when I turn, I can’t help but fall a little harder, my heartbeat racing as anxiety creeps up my spine.

I didn’t want this, but it’s all I can think about.

The charity dinner is held in one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever laid eyes on, and despite growing up around here, I’ve never actually been.

Lights are strung from each level of the main room, with a stage set up on the far side. There’s tables everywhere, beautifully decorated with greenery and roses.

I didn’t know a ton about what the charity was for before our ride over, but when I asked, Leo informed me that it’s his charity for kids around the city, to ensure they have access to sports as well as lunches for school.

He’s been the head of it for years, but apparently his sister decided she wanted in last year, and asked him if she could step in and also raise money to help kids have access to the arts.

“This place is gorgeous,” Zara says as she hugs me, “and so are you. Damn, who are you?” she laughs.

“You look beautiful as always,” I tell her, taking in her gorgeous green gown.

“Where’s Leo?” Zara looks around. Although we’re still a little early, there’s quite a few people already here, and when I look toward the door, I find Isla walking in with Mila right behind her. From what I heard, Amara and Heidi would be coming together.

“I’m not quite sure, but he’s probably checking in on something.”

“Want to go get a drink?” she asks.

“Yeah.”

We head to the small bar to the left of the room. I order my usual and Zara orders a red wine, and we head back to where a small circle of our friends stand.

“This place is stunning,” Mila says, looking up at the windows in the ceiling.

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