Page 16 of Second Chance Christmas

“But you need,” he murmured softly.

Surprise showed on Cassidy’s features. How did he know what she needed? How did he understand how close she was to breaking point?

“Yeah, I need,” she murmured, turning her back on him a moment, bracing her hands on the counter.

“Audrey, do you know where a football is?”

“Uh huh. Grandpa keeps them in a hutch out back.”

“Could you go get one out and I’ll join you in a minute?”

“It’s cold.”

“We’ll be running around.”

“Okay.”

“Put on a jacket, honey,” Cassidy called as Audrey padded from the kitchen.

When they were alone, Leonardo came to stand behind Cassidy, his powerful body so close it was pressing to hers, and his hands wrapped around her waist, idly stroking her sides, reminding her of the way he’d worshipped her scars. She closed her eyes, the feelings he was stirring inside of her just too nice to resist.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she lied.

He pressed a kiss into the curve of her neck. “I don’t believe you.”

Damn him. He had no business knowing her this well. Tears threatened. She swallowed hard, to clear the lump in her throat.

“Yeah, well, that’s your prerogative.”

“What time does Audrey go to bed?”

“In about an hour.”

“Where’s Harry?”

“Helping set up the church nativity.”

Leonardo was quiet as he processed that. Cassidy turned around slowly, and found they were toe to toe. Her breath snagged in her throat at the sight of him. Something familiar panged in her chest.

“So he’ll be out a while?”

She nodded. “No hotel room tonight.”

He lifted his thumb and ran it across her lower lip. Cassidy closed her eyes. “Very long foreplay then.” He replaced his thumb with his lips, kissing her softly, quickly, then stepping away. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment with an up-and-coming player.” He winked at Cassidy then turned to leave, and Cassidy was glad. Glad that he didn’t see her lift a hand to her chest and press it to a heart that was beating far, far too fast all of a sudden.

* * *

“Right.”Leonardo studied her from between shuttered eyes, his expression unreadable. “Do you still like baths?”

Cassidy’s eyes widened. “Leonardo,” she hissed his name. “I amnothaving a bath with you in my father’s house while my daughter sleeps two doors away.”

“While that idea definitely explores exploration at a later point, I meant that you should go and have a bath while I make dinner.”

Cassidy’s knees felt weak. The suggestion was considerate and tempting. But she didn’t want to be looked after by Leo. She didn’t want to think of him as thoughtful and kind. He’d broken her heart and set her on the course to Grant.

“That’s okay,” she shook her head.

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