Page 75 of Sass

What the?“How did you—”

“You wore it that night at the party when I so stupidly turned you down. But when you’re on a mission, like during the MeToo thing for Alec last year, that’s when you pull out the big guns—the smoky-woodsy numbers.”

My mouth worked but no words came out.How the fuck did he know all that?

Leon touched his finger to my lower jaw and closed it. “You think I don’t notice things like that about you?” He tilted my chin up and kissed me softly. “I noticeeverythingabout you.” His eyes held mine and I couldn’t look away.

“I... I don’t know what to say,” I choked out, lost in the ash of his gaze.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that Ialwayssee you, Chris. No matter how many people are in the room or what’s going on, I always seeyou.” He stared at me a moment longer before finally looking away and taking my heart with him. “It’s the same with this apartment. The quirky art. The expensive cookware. The bright red sofa. It’s all very... you.”

Heat flashed in my cheeks and I really, really needed him to stop before I did something stupid. Like tell him how touched I was, or how I noticed him too. How the Versace Eros pour Homme he religiously wore, made me itch to get my hands on him. Or the way he always picked off both ends of his almond croissants before he ate the rest. Or that he talked to his bike each time before he rode her.

But I didn’t tell him any of that. Instead, I said, “I won’t apologise for liking quality or comfort, but it’s done on a budget. I buy on sale or second-hand if I can. And I’m a pretentious label queen, so yes, the cookware is expensive, but I love to cook and I spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen. I just don’t cook very much for... others.”

“Not for your many conquests, then?” His jaw ticked and I almost smiled.

“Never. I don’t cook for the men I bring here to fuck. That just...” I didn’t finish, pressing my lips together.

“Muddies the waters?” he offered with a knowing smile.

And I might’ve flushed. “Exactly.”

His eyes lit up. “Then I’ll count myself among the lucky few that have sampled both. A point in my favour.”

I held his gaze. “Possibly more than one, but don’t get too excited. There’s a long way to go. Now strip and do what you need to while I run you a bath.”

He frowned. “A bath? I don’t need—”

“Yes, you do.” I summoned my best don’t-argue-with-me glare and Leon immediately started shedding his clothes. “Let me pamper you. After that you can fuck me through the mattress, and we’ll call it even.”

He laughed and almost tripped on his trouser leg. “Helluva deal.”

Ten minutes later and we were both stretched out in the enormous tub. I had my legs wrapped around Leon from behind, washing his hair as he relaxed back against me, and trying not to freak out at the realisation I had never done this with another guy, ever, or how fucking good it felt.

“Can I ask you something?” Leon shielded his eyes from the suds as I tipped a cup of water over his head.

“Of course.”

He hesitated. “Doyouthink I should talk to someone about Caitlyn?” His question barely broke the hush of the room.

I paused with a cup of water halfway to Leon’s head. “Me?”

He swivelled on his hip so he could see me, water and shampoo bubbles dripping from his tight beard, the heavy scent of vanilla wafting between us. “Yes, you.”

“You wantmyopinion?” I abandoned the cup and cleared the soap bubbles from his face, flicking them into the water.

“Yes.” He grabbed my hand and kissed the tip of each finger. “When Mum and Dad left, I got to thinking, and I’m wondering if maybe Caitlyn would be disappointed in me because of what’s happened. But it also occurred to me that she would’ve really likedyou. She’d think you were good for me. Loosen me up and all that. So, I want to know what you think.”

Caitlyn would’ve liked me?I tried not to let that idea nestle too deeply in my heart because it came with a whole lot of responsibility. “Leon... I...”I what?I had no fucking idea other than things had taken a sudden turn into serious and I wasn’t sure I was ready.

His face pinched and he groaned. “Shit. Too much, right?”

I nodded. “A little. I mean, I like that you think Caitlyn would approve, but it’s a bit... I’m not... we’re not quite... you know... at least not yet. Things are still... unsure, right? Besides, you do realise I havetheworst track record in family relations? No one in their right mind would want my opinion.”

He kissed me, but the angle was awkward, and we gave up, laughing. “Well, I do,” he said firmly. “Because you have some of the best instincts of anyone I know.”

“Okay, okay.” I flicked water at him. “But turn around. I can’t talk while you’re looking at me.” I shoved him back around and began sponging all that gorgeous ink, the cascade of soapy water creating a ripple of colour spilling down his back. “I don’t know if you should try therapy, Leon, and it’s not my place to say, no matter how much you think you trust me. Which, by the way, you have to stop doing. You really don’t know me well enough. Trust me, I know.”

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