Page 47 of My Promise To Keep

He leans in and presses the gentlest kiss to my lips.

‘Leo, I don’t think I can take the risk with you.’

My eyes close as I say the words, and as he tips my chin up with his finger, they flutter back open to find him smiling down at me softly. Then he winks.

‘Bye, munch.’

I release a breath as he turns and walks away. I hear the click of the front door and look toward the window as the rain hitting the glass tries to drown out the sound of my blood rushing in my ears. Leo wants to date me, and I don't think I'm strong enough to stay away.

You Show Her, Baby

Leo

‘I love it whenyou’re in town, man.’

Doug puts down the bottles of beer on the table between us and sits. I’m watching Bowie throwing a ball for Harley, her dog, in the backyard of Doug’s place.

‘Me too, brother. She’s growing up fast.’

‘Too fast. Can you believe she’s starting school soon?’

I turn to glance at my friend, who shakes his head. He can’t believe the tiny baby he used to hold on one of his forearms isnow a walking, talking five-year-old with sass for days. I smile. She’s so like Zoe.

Doug’s family has been a huge part of helping him raise Bo, Zoe especially. She’s going to be a great mom. I can’t stop the feeling in the pit of my stomach at that thought. I have to get her on board. The only babies that woman is having are mine.

I change the subject before I show my ass.

‘How’s it going with you and Cara, with Bowie and everyone knowing?’

‘It’s great, man. So good.’ He beams, and I’m so happy for him.

‘And Jessie?’

His ex has made things pretty rough for him for a long time, not to mention almost blowing what he had with Cara apart for good.

‘She’s doing amazing. She’s really working on shit and seems to love having Cara in her life.’

Finding out Cara was Jessie’s sister was a shock for everyone except Jessie and Lynnie, Doug’s mom, who had held onto the secret for decades.

‘Are they, like, hanging out and shit?’

‘Sometimes.’ He laughs. ‘It’s taking some getting used to, but both of them are putting Bowie first and embracing their new dynamic as well.’

‘And um, Bree, Zoe, they’re okay.’

‘Yeah, they’re good.’

‘Haven’t met their guys yet, then?’ Jeez, cast the line a little farther, Leo.

‘Nah, Bree was seeing someone for a bit, but that seems to have phased out. Zoe’s dating, but I don’t think anything is sticking.’ Do not smile. Do not fucking smile. ‘What about you? You met the woman of your dreams yet?’

I could tell him. He wouldn’t like it, but I could tell him anyway and get it over with. She’d kill me, though.

‘Nah, not yet.’

‘Finding someone to fit in with your lifestyle proving a challenge?’ The question throws me off, and I tilt my head as he turns to look back at me and laughs. ‘Dude, you live above your business, which means you’re pretty much always at work. You barely sleep. You start work early and finish late, go to the gym, eat, sketch for hours, and then go to bed.’

‘Wow, you make me sound so fun.’

---