Page 34 of Hot Momosa

“We’ll talk later.” I motioned for him to leave.

Stuart and Beth exchanged glances.

“Are you sure?” Still frowning, Leo did a weird half-gallop-half-dance around the room, which sent the little one into a fit of laughter.

Squaring my shoulders, I said, “Yes. Let’s do this.”

The plan went off without a hitch. The paparazzi snapped pictures and shouted questions at Leo and Beth. I hated that Gunnar was in the middle of the circus, but he didn’t seem upset. If anything, he seemed to enjoy the chaos.

I looped my arm with Stuart’s and hurried in the other direction. “I hate this.”

“It’s temporary. We’re going to catch the guy who’s harassing you.”

I arrived to the restaurant fifteen minutes late. Not great, but nothing out of the ordinary for me. Since the reporters started circling, I hadn’t made it to a single meeting on time.

“I’ll text you when I’m ready to go.” I didn’t bother to check the mirror. I knew I looked an absolute wreck. The funny thing was, I couldn’t bring myself to care. All I wanted to do was get this over with and get back home.

Home? To Leo’s. I wanted to get back to Leo’s.

Stuart scanned the area before turning to me. “I’ll park and keep an eye on the door in case there’s any trouble.”

“Thanks.” I walked into the crowded bistro and spotted Harrison sitting at a table in the front window.

He met my gaze and smiled his campaign event smile—convincing but fake.

“Sorry I’m late.” I slid into the chair that put my back to the glass. “The paparazzi aren’t giving up.”

Leaning close, he hissed, “What did you think would happen after that kiss?”

I’d expected his tone, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with one more thing. “I’d rather not discuss it.”

“That makes two of us.” He slid a key across the table. “Do you need any help moving your things?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t move in with you.”

“Of course you can.” He motioned for the waiter.

My nerves made the waffle I’d eaten feel like a ten-pound weight in my stomach. “Don’t. I’m not staying.”

He sighed and softened his tone. “We need to talk, and we can’t stay here without ordering something.”

“I can’t marry you.” There. Short, sweet, and to the point. I’d told him as much before, but for whatever reason, he’d chosen to ignore me.

He rested his hand on mine. “You’ve been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Now isn’t the time to make any rash decisions.”

“This isn’t a rash decision. I gave you my answer the night you proposed.” I sat back and folded my arms.

Harry turned to the waiter. “I’ll have the smoked salmon benedict, and she’ll have the egg-white Florentine.”

“Actually, nothing for me.” I forced a smile.

“Make that two café au laits.” He handed the confused server the menus and turned back to me. His expression had gone from irritated to wounded. “Is this about Leo Marchionni?”

“I told you I didn’t want to marry you before I saw Leo again.” Until that moment, I wouldn’t have thought it possible my rejection had actually hurt him. His career, yes, but his feelings, no. “I’m not in love with you.”

“Are you in love with Leo?” Harry rested his elbows on the table and clasped his hands.

It would have been so easy to lie to him, to tell him what he wanted to hear, but I couldn’t bring myself to deny my feelings. “Part of me will always love him, but this isn’t an either-or situation. I’m not picking him over you or vice versa.”

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