Page 22 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“Who? Dylan?” Leo frowned as if she was talking crazy. But at one point, even with his foot in a cast, the athlete had lunged at Leo, sending him running. They’d laughed it off, but there’d been some posturing involving a lot of testosterone going on between the two of them. It was just… No.

“You don’t have brothers, do you?” Leo asked.

She shook her head.

“That teasing was not mean. Trust me. Unrelenting, yes. But Dylan actually kind of accepts me.”

She shook her head again, this time in disbelief. “Men are weird.”

“So how do you plan to see me in the limo as I ride to the parts store if you don’t take my car and won’t call for a boost?”

“I’m coming to town tonight, and I’ll stay in a hotel.”

“You’re too cheap to change out your car’s battery, but you’ll stay in a hotel just to see me in that limo?”

She giggled. The entire conversation was becoming ridiculous. “I’m selectively cheap. I like hotels and they’re way more comfortable than dealing with car issues. Plus I’ve never ridden in a limo, so I’m curious.”

“That settles it then. You have to come to the city with me tonight, because tomorrow we ride.”

“I didn’t realize the city would be so busy this weekend,” Leo said apologetically.

“I guess a lot of people come to visit family, but don’t actually want to stay with them for the holiday,” Violet replied, rubbing one arm nervously as he unlocked his apartment door.

Leo felt he should drive her back to Sweetheart Creek, as their joking around had led her here—to San Antonio, where there wasn’t a single available hotel room close to his place. Her staying in his guest room felt like it could be construed as an elaborate setup on his part.

“I promise there are clean sheets, fresh towels, and I’m tidy. If you want a lock on your door tonight, I can switch the lockable handle from the bathroom to your bedroom.”

“That’s not necessary.” She remained in the doorway, watching him, after he swung the door open. “Unless you have some deep, dark secrets you want to tell me about?”

“I don’t.”

“You’re nervous.”

“Yeah.” Strangely so.

She gave him a coy look, and his nerves gave another jump.

He couldn’t seem to settle himself. They were friends. He was helping her out and tomorrow he’d be treating her to a limo ride. What was the big deal?

She was a woman.

In his space.

Overnight.

That didn’t happen in his world.

But she was a friend. And she’d remain a friend, which meant nothing was going to happen. Which meant he should chill out.

Violet’s tone softened. “I don’t have to stay if you’re uncomfortable—”

“No, it’s fine,” he said quickly. “You’re just very private and I don’t want you to feel as though—”

“I’m private?”

“Very.”

“I guess that’s true.” She swept through the doorway, moving with the grace of a queen. She slid the strap of her pink overnight bag from her shoulder and let it fall to the floor as she slipped off her shoes.

---