Page 64 of The Mogul: Leonard

She lets out a sigh but doesn’t protest. I watch her rolling out of the bed and swaying her hips toward the bathroom. It’s really hard to convince myself I need to go downstairs to put together some food instead of following her to the shower and fucking her against the wall.

I’m gathering ingredients from the fridge when the doorbell startles me. It’s ten on a Sunday morning; I’m not expecting anyone at this hour.

I drop the food on the counter and walk to the front door and open it, only then realizing I’m wearing just my boxer briefs. Damn. I’m so caught up in Roxanne, I can barely function. Dressing was not on my to-do list today.

Anyway, I don’t have time to think about it because I’m too stunned to see my friends’ eyes widen at my bare chest.

“What are you doing here?” My voice is hoarse, and it’s clear I’ve just rolled out of bed. But that’s not even the problem. Silver, Raphael, Aaron, Dakota, Mia, Elijah, Sienna, and Harrison are all dressed like they’re ready for the beach. Am I missing something?

“I don’t know. You invited us on a boat trip a month ago, and when you didn’t show up this morning, we came here. We were worried. You never forget an appointment,” Raphael explains with a frown.

“Shit,” I murmur. “I completely forgot about it!”

They seem even more perplexed now. But I need to think of a convincing excuse because I can’t let them know that Roxanne is showering upstairs right now. I feel anxious and guilty at the same time. I didn’t think about how to tell her brother-in-law and sister when I first kissed her. I should have thought of that before diving deep into her.

“Can we reschedule? My boat isn’t ready to take it out,” I half lie. I can call someone to fix everything we need in an hour, but I wouldn’t have a chance to hide Roxanne. Another pang of guilt crosses my chest at the idea. I don’t want her to be my little secret, but I need time before hard-launching my relationship with her.

“Are you okay? You seem…strange.” Silver voices what everyone is thinking right now.

Strange doesn’t even come close to what I feel right now. I’ve spent two weeks so buried in Roxanne’s perfect body that I completely forgot reality. I completely screwed up the chance to do the right thing and talk to Roxanne about how to handle this news with our friends.

I don’t have time to answer because Roxanne’s voice from behind me startles us all. “Who is it?” she asks, putting her hand on my bare back and peeking out from my side.

“Shit,” she murmurs when she sees them.

A series of reactions cross my friends’ faces when they realize we aren’t working, considering my extremely naked body, Roxanne wrapped in one of my white shirts, and her hair still wet from the shower. Silver and Raphael are in utter disbelief—eyes wide and mouths hanging open. Dakota, Mia, and Sienna have a mischievous smile that goes from ear to ear; they seem to silently congratulate Roxanne, who is blushing, hiding a smile. Aaron, Harrison, and Elijah are looking at me with a smug smirk on their faces.

The silence stretches for a long moment before Raphael breaks it. “I need a drink for this,” he murmurs, pushing me aside and entering my house.

I guess we’re discussing this development now. I sigh and let everyone else in. Harrison hits my chest with a playful jab, passing in front of me. The others try to cover their laughter. I roll my eyes and close the door behind me.

“So, are you ready to explain?” I raise an eyebrow at Roxanne with a smile on my face.

She giggles. “Not even a little bit.”

“Me neither.” I laugh as we run upstairs to put on some clothes.

It will be an interesting weekend.

I hope I survive it.

22

Roxanne

I finish getting dressed in yesterday’s clothes, since I don’t have anything else here at Leonard’s house, and start drying my hair. It’s taking way too long to complete this simple task, which normally takes no more than ten minutes. But I’m dreading having to go downstairs and explain to my sister what’s happening in my life.

I saw the shock on her face when I showed up at the door, and even though she insists that Leonard is a good guy, doubt creeps into my chest. What if she’s disappointed? I shouldn’t be concerned about her opinion. At the end of the day, this is my life, and I should do what feels right for me. Still, I know it will hurt a little if she doesn’t approve of our relationship.

“Are you ready?”

I turn around to find Leonard leaning against the door, dressed casually in sweatpants and a t-shirt. He looks surprisingly put together, and I can’t understand how he can be so calm knowing there are people downstairs waiting for a complicated conversation.

“Not at all, but we have to face them at some point.” I’m not just referring to my outfit; I honestly don’t feel emotionally ready.

He smiles, pushes off from the doorframe, and wraps me in his arms, kissing the crown of my head. A warm sensation spreads in my chest, and I realize I really appreciate this sweet side of him. I feel protected, and even my strong, independent self isn’t going to make a fuss about it.

“We’re not doing anything wrong. Like you said, we’re adults, and we’re making our own decisions.” His words resonate in his chest, and I squeeze him tightly.

---