Page 26 of Leo

“Will you sell it?”

“What?” His throat was so tight, he wondered how the words managed to pass through his esophagus.

“The hotel. Will you sell it after you fix it up?”

He swallowed and took a sip of the coffee before responding. “Usually, that is what we do, but this time, I am thinking we keep it. You should see the place. It is a little broken down at the edges but, it still manages to maintain its dignity.”

“I would like to see it.”

“You would?”

“Yes.” She nodded, a smile curving her lips. “We should make a day of it. Sightseeing, including taking in your building and restaurant hopping.”

He sent her an amused look, completely enchanted by her. “Why do I get the feeling that the latter suggestion was what you were aiming for?”

“That’s because you know me so well.” Her laugh sent heat straight to the core of him. “But seriously, I would love to see the place. The way you described it had piqued my curiosity.”

“All right. I have another damn meeting in the morning. But right after, I will see to it that we meet up somewhere. How does that sound?”

“Great.” She finished the coffee and rose to clear the stuff away. He left his chair at the same time with the intention of helping her. Their hands touched just as she was picking up his cup and for a second, he let it remain.

His eyes left their hands to journey to her face and felt an electric jolt at her expression. She looked like she wanted to run but had no idea how to go about it. They were near enough for him to see the black mole near her left eye, one he had noticed before. Her breath became shaky and his thickened as his gaze drifted to her parted lips.

He was not certain what he would have done if she hadn’t dragged her hand away and stumbled back. Without saying a word, she gathered up the things and headed towards the kitchen.

He stood there and closed his eyes briefly, trying his best to quiet his rioting emotions. He had no idea if he should follow her into the kitchen and apologize. For what? For touching her and letting the touch linger.

He was not going to damn well apologize for that. He was a man, albeit one in excruciating agony of course, but a man, nonetheless. And he was yearning for her. It might be prudent for her to remember that.

She did not come back for the rest and coming to a decision, he took them up and brought them in. He found her at the sink with her hands in the sudsy water.

“I brought the rest,” he told her unnecessarily. He did not know whether to be annoyed or amused when she shifted away as he came up next to her.

“Need help?”

She shook her head and refused to look at him. “I’ll just finish this and head on up to bed.”

“I was thinking of turning in, too.” He stayed where he was, enjoying the warmth from her body. And maybe staying longer, just to make her uncomfortable. “I had no idea it was quite so late.”

“It is.” She had stopped washing and just stood with her hands in the water.

“Well, goodnight then.” He touched her lightly on the arm and caused her to jump.

“Are you afraid of me?”

She turned to face him then, her eyes huge, face strained.

“No.” She swallowed. “Of course not.”

“I would like to think you knew me well enough to realize that I would never do anything without your clear approval.”

She tilted her head to look at him, exposing her long and graceful throat. One that he wanted to kiss.

“I know.”

“Good.” He said briskly, stepping back from her. “I will see you in the morning.” He turned on his heels and left.

She waited until his footsteps had faded away and let out a breath. To her consternation, she realized that she was shaking. Her knees were literally wobbling, and she could swear she still felt his touch on her arm. Her arm covered by the wool of her sweater.

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