Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
So, he let the topic drop, not knowing what else to say. The only comfort he could provide for her still-grieving heart was to tighten his arm around her until they both fell asleep.
Chapter Eight
Eating breakfast was a different experience while sitting in front of the big windows of Leo’s apartment overlooking the city. It was just after seven in the morning, but New York City was already alive. After all, it was called the city that never sleeps for a reason.
There was constant activity, with so much to do-entertainment, food and stores that stayed open twenty-four hours a day. There was no other place like it on Earth. She’d never lived anywhere else, and she had no desire to. The energy of the city was a comfort to her, seeing so many people living and working together. The city had a pulse to it that made her feel as if she were part of something larger than herself.
Considering she lived a somewhat lonely existence, the thought helped. She had friends, of course, and her work brought her face-to-face with tons of people, but it wasn’t the same as having family or a partner. If she wasn’t a naturally positive person, it would be easy to get down about her life. Instead, she sipped her coffee and ate her bagel while thinking about how lucky she was to live in a bustling place like New York City.
Footsteps behind her drew her attention away from the window.
Leo approached in a navy suit with the smoky smell of his aftershave wafting toward her. He’d been in the kitchen with her earlier, pointing out where she could find cereal, bagels, fresh fruit, and coffee. Then, he left her so he could take a shower and get ready for work.
“Did you find everything you needed?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes, but aren’t you going to have anything? I can make you a bagel or cereal. Maybe some yogurt or fruit?” His kitchen had everything anyone could want.
“Thanks, but not today. I’m running late. For some reason, I couldn’t drag myself out of bed at the usual time this morning.” He winked at her and she giggled, aware he’d snoozed his alarm twice because he’d been too comfortable in bed with her to get up.
“Sorry about that,” she forced herself to say. They both knew she wasn’t the least bit apologetic.
“Don’t be,’ he said, kissing her lips before walking to the kitchen, where she watched him make his coffee. “I’ll gladly skip breakfast anytime you’re here.”
Warmth rushed through her at the suggestion they would have more nights together along with a sense of relief. She hadn’t been sure how he felt about their night together. Had it been a one-time thing or had it meant something to him, like it had to her?
Sleeping with Leo wrapped around her had confirmed what she’d already suspected. This had never been just a business arrangement for her. Sure, she was excited about an interview at his sister’s company, and she sensed it could change her entire life. But she also knew that regardless of his offer, he would have talked her into being his fake date for the party. She’d liked him from the beginning, and the time they’d spent together just solidified her feelings.
She enjoyed learning about him and feeling him change from a Christmas Grinch to the man who supported charities for those in need and kids who wanted to dance. Leo was a mass of intriguing contradictions, and she liked everything she’d learned about him so far.
Finishing the last bite of her bagel and the rest of her coffee, she rose to her feet, ready to leave when he did.
He drove her home and walked her to her apartment door, though she suspected being a gentleman would make him even later for work. He didn’t seem concerned, especially as he cupped her cheek and kissed her thoroughly before she let herself inside.
For the rest of the morning, she walked around in a daze, happy and content in a way that had everything to do with the time she’d spent with Leo. Normally, she slept alone. Last night, she’d fallen asleep in his arms, exhausted from their deliciously rough sex, as she melted into the comfortable mattress on Leo’s bed.
Today was her day off, so she decided to go dress shopping for the party a few days away. She intended to find something that would make Leo proud to have her on his arm.
Taking his credit card, she started at the boutique he’d mentioned. Urban Trend was near Madison Avenue, with a high-end beauty salon on one side and a bridal shop on the other. The window displayed mannequins in trendy women’s clothing and gorgeous gowns, similar to what Cammie needed to buy.
When she stepped inside, the scent of orange blossoms and vanilla tickled her nose. Five women were in the store, and based on the gold-plated nametags, three were obviously employees, the other two, customers.