Page 56 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“Why do you keep pursuing her, anyway? You don’t have that flicker and spark of something rare that I see with others. Like Dak and Miranda. Or Daisy-Mae and Maverick.”

Her friend was in deep with Maverick. So deep. She just hoped he loved Daisy-Mae back in the same way.

Leo was blinking at her after that outburst.

She sighed. “Right. You don’t need love because you don’t fall. Sorry, carry on.”

“I hit three things,” Leo stated.

“Hmm?”

“It’s second nature now.Words.I complimented her. I offered to lessen her burden and get her a drink. And then I also offered to spend quality time together with a dance.”

“She’s not a checklist, Leo.Loveis not a checklist!” Violet whirled on him, suddenly angry. Angry for the way her heart was leading her on. Angry for the way she was falling for a man who was looking elsewhere. Angry for the way she kept having stupid moments with him where it felt like he might have an inkling of similar feelings for her.

But it just wasn’t going to happen. And that made her angry, too.

“I thought I was doing well.”

“We wantgenuine.”

“I’m not?”

“Why do you want to be with Christine? What do you like about her as a person?”

Leo licked his lips and dropped his hands on his hips. His Adam’s apple bobbed.

“Does she make you laugh? Can you imagine bringing her home to your family? Do you want to do the same things she does on days off? Or is it all one big business plan where you don’t even care if you two can tolerate sharing the same space?”

Leo’s shoulders had sagged and Violet felt like she’d just rained on his future parade.

“I’m sorry. That was really harsh.”

“No, I appreciate the honesty. And truthfully, I don’t know why I want this anymore.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, Leo looking more and more dejected by the second.

“Come with me,” she commanded, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the ballroomdoors. There was a tall table by a white-and-gold-decorated Christmas tree and the CEO of Family Zone sat alone, nursing a drink, his earlier posse gone.

Perfect.

She stopped in front of the table. “Mr. McGregor, have you met Leo Pattra? He’s one of the Dragons’ newest players. “

“Yes, I’m familiar.”

“As a former bull riding champion, he’s worked with some high-profile companies in sponsorship agreements. I thought you might like to meet him before he gets swooped up, because he literally never stops talking about Family Zone and I think you’d be a great fit.”

Leo reached forward, shaking hands. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. McGregor.”

“I believe your agent has contacted me a time or two.”

“Leo is dogged when it comes to something he wants. He has some pretty thick blinders,” Violet said, her tone dry.

Mr. McGregor chuckled. “Well, then that’s something we have in common. Why don’t you pull up a seat, if you can find one.”

Leo quickly spun, finding a chair abandoned by the wall. He placed it for Violet, then took her hand and helped her onto it.

She should have made herself scarce. The man was going to spend his few precious minutes with the CEO searching for a second chair for himself.

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