Page 22 of Leo

The nerves started again as soon as they entered the small foyer. On the plane they had the pilot and flight attendant, but now they were alone with each other.

She felt an acute sense of anxiety and tried to will it away as he led the way along the narrow passageway and up the narrow staircase.

“No housekeeper?” She asked casually as they ascended the stairs.

“Maria will be here in the morning. I made the arrangements while we were on the plane. This is you.” Pushing the bright red door open, he stepped back and allowed her to step inside a beautifully decorated room with pastel curtains at the windows and a colorful quilt on the wrought iron bed.

“Are you going to bed?”

“My internal clock is still on US time. I have a meeting first thing in the morning and have to do some prepping. What do you need?”

She went in and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I intend to do some exploring first thing in the morning.”

“Need an interpreter?”

She rolled her eyes and made him want to snatch her into his arms. “I noticed a few cafes in the general vicinity.”

“There are, yes.” He leaned on the door jamb, his blue-green eyes watching her. He was careful to stay where he was for fear of adding to her anxiety. He had sensed it the minute they stepped inside.

“Which is good. Walking distance.”

“If you need to go anywhere else, the driver will be available to you and when I am done with my business, I could be of service.”

She shook her head. “You’re already doing too much.”

His mouth tightened fractionally. “You don’t hear me complaining.”

“I know. It is just that you are so damn accommodating, and I expect…” Her voice petered off as he straightened.

“Go on. What do you expect?”

“From that ominous look on your face, I am afraid to finish the sentence. Okay, fine. I expect you to ask for something in return.”

He had to tamp down the irritation and anger at her words. “Such as?”

“Oh please, don’t use that lofty tone with me,” she muttered, “it makes me sound like a complete bitch.”

“Your words. I will bid you goodnight.” His expression was formal, his voice icy.

“Leo, please!”

He turned to face her and waited.

“I am used to saying what I think, and this is an uncomfortable position for both of us. You have to agree on that.”

“Do I?”

“Isn’t there someone special here in this beautiful city you want to be with?

“Why would you ask me that?”

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Just being nosy, I guess. I am sorry.”

“We are both tired and jet lagged. Try and get some sleep. If you need to grab something from the kitchen, the place is stocked. I am going to take a shower and see to some work.

“Goodnight.”

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