Page 20 of Leo

Pushing back from the desk, he answered the phone in French! And it was fluent. The man constantly amazed her, she mused as she continued to sip her coffee and listen to his deep voice fading away as he left the room.

His absence gave her a chance to look around. Without leaving her comfortable position, she turned her head to take in the deep cushioned sofas, the glossy desk and leather chair, with the steel cabinets to the right. She had a peek at the cabin and was amazed to see that the bed was a king-sized one.

Leo Coleman certainly lived and traveled in style.

“I apologize for that. It took longer than…” His voice petered off as he stepped into the room.

Emotions stormed inside him with a force that shook him to the very core. She was curled up fast asleep, one hand hanging over the sleep chair.

Stepping quietly into the room, he stood there, staring at her.

She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions he'd just experienced. He approached her slowly, careful not to wake her, and gently draped a cashmere blanket over her shoulders. He stood there for another moment, watching the rise and fall of her breath, feeling a strange sense of contentment settle over him.

Stepping back, he moved to his desk and began to sort through the papers scattered across its surface. Despite the luxury surrounding him, it was moments like these - quiet, intimate, and real - that he cherished most.

After a while, he settled into his leather chair, his mind wandering to the conversation they had just had. He knew she had the potential to achieve remarkable things, and he was determined to support her every step of the way.

He glanced over at her again, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. She stirred slightly, the blanket slipping off her shoulder, and he resisted the urge to tuck her in once more. Instead, he leaned back, allowing himself a rare moment of relaxation.

He could not concentrate on work anyway and he wanted to get her in bed where she would be more comfortable.

Carefully, he eased her into his arms, cradling her gently so as not to wake her. He marveled at how light she felt, despite the weight of the day's events that surely rested on her shoulders. Crossing the room in a few quiet strides, he laid her down on the king-sized bed, arranging the blanket over her once more.

She murmured something unintelligible, her brow furrowing slightly before smoothing out again. He watched her for a moment longer, ensuring she was comfortable before turningto leave the room. As he reached the doorway, he stopped and glanced back, feeling a pull at his heart.

In the dim light, she looked almost ethereal, her peaceful expression a balm to his stormy thoughts. He knew that whatever lay ahead, he was bound to her in ways he had not fully understood until now. A sense of purpose filled him, solidifying his resolve to be by her side through it all.

Returning to his desk, he made a silent vow to protect her, to support her ambitions, and to cherish these quiet moments together. He might have the world at his fingertips, but he realized now that she was his world, and he would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness and success.

With a final, lingering look at her sleeping form, he settled back into his chair and tried once again to get some work done.

*****

“I slept for hours.”

He looked up from the email he was responding to, an amused smile touching his lips.

“You did, yes.”

She was rubbing her eyes and yawning. She was bare footed and looked like a recalcitrant child.

“And we are due to land in an hour. I was just coming to wake you.”

“Did you sleep?” She asked him curiously. He looked rested and fresh as if he had taken a shower. He was certainly wearing a different outfit from the one he had on earlier. What the hell time was it anyway?

“I took a nap, in the chair.”

“You put me to bed.”

He nodded. “I wanted to make sure you were comfortable.”

“Thanks.” She rubbed her eyes again. “Is that coffee I smell?”

“Want a cup?”

“I’ll pour it.”

“Breakfast is ready.”

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