Page 34 of Worth the Risk

“Kylie told me tonight she left a note the morning she took off. She said it had her number inside it. I was in the kitchen the next morning, but I never saw it.”

“I didn’t see it. Maria stopped by to clean that day. Do you think she may have thrown it away by accident?”

“Maybe, but I was in the kitchen before she came by. I think I would have noticed it.”

“Don’t know what to tell you, then.”

It doesn’t matter now. We talked it out, and I now have her number. I have a date with her tomorrow and already know where we’ll go for dinner. I also know where I hope to end our night.

ChapterThirteen

Kylie

All day, I have been nervous as hell. I’ve gone through ten different outfits trying to figure out what to wear. In the end, I went with a blue maxi dress that brings out the color of my eyes, paired with low-heeled white sandals. To complete my casual but cute outfit, I left my wavy hair down and put on subtle makeup.

When the doorbell rings, the clock reads six forty-five p.m.

Shit, he’s early.

Grabbing my purse, I race downstairs and enter the open living room, where Leo is waiting. He’s wearing jeans with a blue button-up, collared shirt, his hair is styled with that just-fucked messy look, and a light dusting of a five o’clock shadow is gracing his sharp chin.

He’s mine.

At least for tonight.

Stop it,Kylie.Stop assuming the worst.

“Come on in,” my mother welcomes him.

“Hello, Mrs. Sullivan, and thank you,” Leo says, stepping inside. Upon seeing me, he stops, and his eyes roam my body from head to toe. From the corner of my eye, I notice my mother fanning herself.

I know, Mom. I know.

“Hello, Leo.” I breathe while my eyes take in his deliciousness.

“Hello, Sunshine.” Leaning closer, he gives me a soft peck on the cheek.

Lord, he smells good.

“Leo, this is my mother, Nora. Mom, this is Leo.”

“I see where Kylie gets her beauty.”Oh, he’s smooth. And my mother eats it up. It’s true, though. I do resemble her.

“Well, well, who do we have here?” Manda says as she joins us in the living room.

I silently pray for her not to embarrass me. Manda is not subtle.

“Manda, this is Leo. Leo, this is Manda.”

“Hello, Manda.” He takes her hand into his, but instead of shaking it, he brings it to his lips and kisses the back of it.

Like I said, smooth.

“Oh, that’s sweet, Leo…” she starts, “… but don’t think I’m a fool. You’re a handsome bugger, I’ll give you that, but that will only get you so far with me. I’ve been on this earth far too long to be dazzled by a pretty face. You mess with Kylie, hurt her… you better run. I may not be as fast as I used to be, but I’ll chase you down and cut off your balls… with an unsharpened knife.”

Oh no.I’m mortified, but Leo takes it in stride.

“No need for threats. I don’t intend to hurt her. I just want the chance to spend time with the exquisite girl who’s been consuming my thoughts,” he answers coolly.

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