Page 28 of Christmas Crisis
“No apologies needed,” Leo said, winking at her. “I suppose that means the ladies at the salon are very beautiful.”
The woman paused. “They certainly are.” She glanced my way before smiling. “Sorry again for the intrusion.”
Leo dipped his chin at her. “Have a nice night.”
As she walked away, I grinned. “She thought I was your girlfriend.”
“Of course she did.” He chuckled. “I was feeding you chocolate cake.”
“You told her I was beautiful.”
“You are.”
I blinked. “Sometimes I don’t understand you, Leo.”
“Hey, Panda?”
“Hmm?”
“Because you’re one of my favorite people on the planet, and also probably my best friend, I’m not going to pretend I don’t know what you mean. You’re trying to call out that there are times I doboyfriend-ythings, but I’ve been clear that I’m not interested in a relationship.”
I snorted. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re incredibly subtle and indecipherable? Seriously, total brick wall.”
He barked a laugh. “I owe you an explanation. But can it wait until we get back to your place? I’d rather have this talk in private.”
“Yeah, Leo-Bear. I have a feeling it will be worth the suspense.”
Chapter eight
Leo
NOW
My main thought as I pulled Miranda against me was that it was a good thing I’d had a rare jerk-off session in the shower before bed. At least I wouldn’t need to worry about my dick misbehaving.
When I’d gotten up to fill my water bottle, I heard her stirring in the guest room. I debated not saying anything—not wanting to push my luck after the fantastic day we’d had—but ultimately, I couldn’t resist.
I’d always offered her comfort, and we’d shared a bed more times than I could count. Enough for me to know that it helped her sleep. At least it had in the past.
She didn’t know that my thinking had evolved. That the bed we shared was less neutral than she might believe.
But if I could play the role of fake boyfriend in public to save Stone, then I could play the role of unaffected platonic best friend behind closed doors to make Miranda feel better.
That was why, as I drifted off to sleep, I reminded myself for the millionth time that it wasn’t just Miranda I held in my arms.
It was Stone Caseman’s girlfriend.
20 MONTHS AGO - MARCH
The drive from the restaurantto Miranda’s apartment probably should have been tense. Except it was us, and we weren’t that way.
I’d known I wanted to talk to her about this for a while. The woman at the restaurant had simply opened the door.
We moved to the couch as soon as we came in. One cushion held the stack of sheets and blankets I was using for sleeping, so we sat close together on the other side. I pulled her legs across my thighs and settled my hands on her calves.
“Alright, Leo. I’ve been patient. What is this obviously significant thing you need to tell me? Are you dying or something?”
I took a deep breath, exhaling it loudly. She immediately sat straighter.
