Page 23 of Leo

He closed the door before she could say anything else.

She stood there, staring at the closed door, her mind racing with a torrent of conflicting emotions. She knew she had crossed a line, but why did he have to react so coldly?

Her chest tightened as she contemplated knocking on his door and apologizing, but pride held her back. Instead, she walked over to the window, parting the heavy curtains to gaze at the city lights that twinkled like distant stars.

The night air was cool and calming, a stark contrast to the heated exchange that had just transpired. She sighed, feeling the weight of their conversation settle on her shoulders. Perhaps she had misjudged him, misread his motives. But deep down, a nagging doubt remained, whispering that she was right to be cautious.

As she stood lost in thought, the sound of running water from the bathroom ceased. Moments later, she heard the door open and close, followed by the muffled sounds of him moving about. Her heart ached with a confusing mix of anger, regret, and a burgeoning feeling she dared not name.

She knew that sleep would be elusive tonight, her mind too restless to find peace. With a resigned sigh, she decided to explore the kitchen, hoping a cup of tea might soothe her frayed nerves. She walked down the hallway, the soft pads of her feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet.

In the kitchen, she busied herself with the tea, the repetitive motions of boiling water and steeping leaves offering a modicum of comfort. She wrapped her hands around the warm cup, the steam rising in delicate curls. Taking a tentative sip, she leaned against the counter, her thoughts once again drifting to him.

What did he genuinely want from her? The question lingered, unanswered, as she took another sip of her tea, the night stretching ahead with all its uncertainties.

Okay, so she had managed to make him angry. Good job, Sherrian. The man had been nothing but kind to her and all she had done was to be suspicious of his motives. It did not help that she was starting to notice how attractive he was. His cologne, that subtle scent that was so much a part of him.

It was maddening how a simple scent could evoke such a strong reaction. She found herself remembering the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his passions, his easy smile that seemed to break through her defenses, no matter how fortified.

Her tea now lukewarm, she poured the rest down the sink and washed the cup, taking her time. As she placed the cup back in its place, she decided that come morning, she would try a different approach.

She was going to be casual and friendly and ignore any undercurrents she might be feeling. She was not going to drive herself crazy wondering if he had an ulterior motive.

She had been given the opportunity of a lifetime. A trip to Paris and a chance to gather some much-needed information in order to push her plans forward.

She had made him angry and was sorry for it. But Paris brought back a lot of memories and not good ones, something she could not tell him. This was the honeymoon destination she and Greg had planned on and spoken of it in length.

She had told him of her dream to come back and brush up on her French as well as steal some ideas for her shop and he had agreed. He had even encouraged her to look for a place where they would have access to restaurants in the area. He had been so enthusiastic about it that she had felt puzzlement when she discovered his betrayal.

All the time she had been planning excitedly about their life, he had been screwing around with her best friend. It still stuck in her craw, but it was unfair for her to take it out on Leo. He did not deserve it.

Chapter 6

Leo sat around the conference table, half listening to the discussion going on. The bid for the Parisian hotel had reached a stalemate, part of the reason he had to make a personal appearance.

He had sent a team over to study the architecture and design and they had come back with a full report. The two brothers who owned the elegant and antique building were at war with each and could not bloody well make up their minds. His company had plans for the place, big ones and those plans need to get under way.

He was looking at undertaking a winter grand opening. The hotel was situated in a prime location and promised to make a quick turnover.

But his mind was not on the heated discussion. When he left the house, she was still sleeping. He had knocked first and then eased the door open to see her curled up on the bed.

The quilt had slid off at some point during the night to reveal her skimpy t-shirt. Her hair was steaming on the pillows, and he stood there with a yearning that was making him angry and frustrated.

He needed her, and yes, it had come to that. What she had said last night in that off-handed way of hers had wounded him.

He knew that her honeymoon destination with that bastard had been Paris, because Michael had cornered him with that information. “You might want to change the destination.”

“What the hell for?” The man had cornered him just as he was coming out of the guest powder while they were at the reception.

“She didn’t tell you that was where she and that son of a bitch planned to spend their honeymoon?”

“No!” He bit out. “What the hell difference does it make? This is not a real wedding as you well know.”

The man had given him a knowing smirk. “Want to continue telling yourself that? Anyhow, it is bound to bring back some nasty memories.”

“Or she might be over him.”

The man had nodded. “Possibly. I hope for your sake that she has.” It had sound cryptic. He had forgotten about it until she had remarked about him having someone here. He had or did.

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