Page 30 of Heart Like Yours
Leo is an intimidatingly attractive man. When I first met him a couple days ago, seeing him and Garrett beside each other was so mind-boggling and breathtaking that I stumbled through introductions. I might not be attracted to him like I am to Garrett, but even I can admit he’s one of the most beautiful men I’ve seen.
Every inch of his deep golden skin is covered in tattoos. His edged up black hair and perfectly groomed beard highlight his sharp jawline while his brown eyes shine. I’ve only been around him twice, but both times he lit up the room with his joy.
Garrett laughs, tapping his drink to Leo’s and mine in turn. “Now comes the fun part of executing the vision for the company.”
Leo shrugs, grinning around the rim of his glass. “And that’s why I prefer the investing side of things.”
“Is that your professional way of saying you’re allergic to hard work?” Garrett raises a single eyebrow at Leo, who rolls his eyes.
“We both know that’s not true, my friend.”
“Fair,” Garrett admits. Leaning back in his seat beside me, he crosses his arms over his chest and nods. “Anyway, I forgot to ask. How’s Kira doing?”
“She’s good. Work has been keeping her super busy.” His eyes drop to the almost empty glass in front of him and a frown mars his face for the first time. “I don’t actually think she’s been home in the past two days. You know how it gets with some projects.”
Garrett nods in understanding. “Yeah, sucks she couldn’t join us, though. You’ll have to tell her I said hi, but hopefully, her current project wraps up soon.”
“I will. She was bummed that she was missing you.” Leo motions to the passing waitress and asks for the check. “I’ll let you guys get back to your hotel so you can rest. How long is the drive tomorrow?”
“Four hours, so it won’t be too bad,” I answer, finishing off my wine.
“I’m just gonna use the restroom before we go.” Garrett stands, tucking his chair back into the table.
Once alone with Leo, every possible topic for small talk leaves my brain. I fidget with my necklace while he signs the check.
“I’m gonna make things awkward and be serious for a second, Paige,” Leo starts, resting his elbows on the table andinterlocking his hands together. The serious expression on his face has me straightening in my seat and nerves pooling in my stomach.
“About what?” I ask meekly, racking my brain for what I could have said or done wrong.
“Garrett is the best man I know.” He watches me carefully, but the knots in my stomach ease at the subject.
“He is,” I agree hesitantly.
“When he cares about someone, he does it with his whole heart. I’ve watched that man get shut down and walked all over more times than I can count. He will always put everyone’s wants before his own. Garrett deserves someone who will puthimfirst.”
“It’s not like that.” I shake my head, flinching at the lie as it comes out. “He’s my boss.”
“Not anymore.” He points out, making my cheeks flush with his pointed stare. “So if that’s the only thing you’ve got holding you back…”
Leo’s gaze lifts over my shoulder, another cocky smirk crossing his lips as he sits back. “If you’re going to trust me on anything, let it be this. Allowing a man like Garrett into your life will only make it better.”
I open my mouth to say something, anything, but Garrett appears at the end of our table, smiling down at me.
“Ready to go?”
Nodding, I push to my feet. The three of us leave the restaurant, Garrett and Leo falling behind as they start saying their goodbyes. When we step out into the brisk, cool air, I suck in a deep breath, grateful for the distraction from Leo’s words. I rub my hands on my arms, attempting to fight off the bone-deep chill and wishing I had thought to bring a coat. Living in Florida has really ruined my tolerance for being cold, so even if I had thought of it, I don’t know where I stored my winter clothes.
At least I packed jeans and sweaters for my time in Vermont.
“It was an honor to finally meet you, Paige,” Leo says, grinning from ear to ear with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I look forward to seeing more of you in the future.”
I can feel the crimson burning on my cheeks and down my neck as I shake his hand. A simple “you too” is all I can manage.
After a few more lingering farewells, Garrett and I start the short walk back to our hotel, making small talk about this past week. By the time we’re stepping onto the elevator, Leo’s comment mixed with Garrett’s declaration last weekend, my head is a mess on what I should do.
“I was thinking we could leave around nine or at least after breakfast.” Garrett suggests as we approach our floor.
“That sounds good.” I smile up at him, stepping off the elevator and heading toward our adjacent rooms. Pulling out my room key card, I’m about to hold it to the sensor when Garrett stops me.