Page 7 of Leo

She stared at him quizzically and opened her mouth to say something but thought better of it.

“That’s tidy, then!” She murmured, waving a hand in dismissal.

“Regarding the living arrangements,” he began casually, determined to settle this before he left. “Won’t your aunt want proof that this is not something you put together for her benefit? My townhouse is quite large with plenty of rooms.”

She stared at him with a frown.

“And I have a very large kitchen,” he prompted.

“I would not want to put you out,” she objected.

“You wouldn’t be. I am hardly there anyway, and this would convince your aunt that this is a genuine arrangement. Think about it?”

She nodded slowly, uncomfortable with the idea of living with him. “Are you certain you want to take this on? I mean, this will benefit me more than it will you. In fact, this is going to put a crimp in your style as a bachelor.”

Picking up his glass, he slowly sipped water and thought about his response. He was determined to take it slowly. It was obvious she was not ready for what he had in mind, but he was hoping that with them in the same space, it could come naturally.

“Perhaps I am tired of the whole dating scene and want to give it a break.” His blue-green eyes twinkled. “It might be that you are doing me a favor.”

She snorted at that and rose to clear the dishes. He had cleaned his plate, but she had barely touched hers, showing him that she was still unsettled.

“Sherrian?”

“Hmm?” She looked up from the water she was running in the sink.

“I am not being pressured into anything, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

Turning off the tap, she turned to face him. “You know what happened with Greg two years ago.”

He nodded, careful to keep the tension he was feeling from showing. He did not want the ghost of her dead fiancé between them and wished she had not brought it up.

“After the devastation, I promised myself that I would concentrate on building my business. I wanted to concentrate on me. Ingrid gave me a chance and I am so completely grateful to her, but I want this place to reflect my style.”

She smiled slightly. “I take daring risks, do my research and combine ingredients that seems iffy, but I want this place to be the talk of the goddamned town. That is the only reason I am doing this, Leo. I need the money and would do almost anything to get it.”

She held up a soapy hand. “I am sorry, but I have to say this to make it clear. It is just an arrangement, a temporary one. Greg broke my heart and my trust and it is not going to be easy for me to trust another man, not right now. I just want you to know.”

He controlled his anger by sheer will and somehow managed to appear nonchalant.

“Got it.” He rose, indicating it was time to leave, and she wiped her hands in her apron.

“Are you leaving so soon. I just have a few things to do before that can happen for me.” She walked him to the door in silence. “Uhm, will you be open to meeting my aunt? I am planning to tell her tomorrow.”

“Of course. Just call and let me know when and I will rearrange my schedule.” He was about to open the door when she touched his arm.

“Thank you.” Her voice was soft with sincerity. “I really mean it. You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I believe I have some idea,” he offered her a small smile before turning away and leaving.

She locked the door behind him and leaned on the glass. He said ‘yes’! She would enter into this arrangement and receive the money in short order. Afterwards, she would be free to do whatever she pleased. And release Leo from his obligations. Because no matter what he said, a man like that would not remain single for long.

A frown touched her brow as she recalled that she had not asked him about the legal ramifications. Would his lawyers have to be involved? She knew a man like him had a fleet of them on his payroll. She was going to have to remember to ask him about it. But the main thing, the most important thing was that he had agreed.

“Yes!” Pumping her fist in the air, she looked around the dining area, anticipating the changes she would be making.

*****

“Lights.” He ordered as soon as he stepped into the lofty foyer. Shrugging out of his jacket, he slung it carelessly over the elegant entrance table, next to the coat closet. His housekeeper would see to hanging it up when she arrived in the morning.

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