My dad leaned over and held my hand. “Look at my girl, all grown up. Taking care of me now.”
“Trying to.”
“Well, you be sure to bring him around one of these days. If he’s caught your eye, I’d better check him over.”
“Dad!”
We all shared a laugh. I poured us some coffee and we jokingly went through the books until I felt my phone buzz. I read over Matt’s text. Join us for dinner Friday?
I replied… Can’t wait!
MATT
The house was often empty and quiet, except for the staff Leandro insisted we keep. With just him and me, and especially since he wasn’t home all that much, there was no need for a house cleaner or a chef, but he wouldn’t budge.
“We’ll be having salmon and rice pilaf.” Leandro walked through the kitchen as he sniffed the pots and gave the chef and his crew a smile. “Salad, of course. Wine…” He leaned back and winked at me. “Of course.”
I nodded as I followed him through to the dining room.
“She’ll be wowed and won’t hesitate to sign.”
“She already accepted the offer.”
“I know.” We stopped at the table, Leandro on one side and me on the other. He drew in a long breath, then exhaled through his nose. With his hands on the back of one of the wooden chairs, he tapped his fingers in rhythm.
“Are you nervous?”
He faced me quickly with a smile. “Not at all.” After a pause, he shifted his eyes to the window.
I walked over and put my hand on his back. “I know you’re worried that the trip won’t go well. You always focus too much on work.”
“It isn’t just that.” He shook his head.
“Why is it so important to look a certain way in the public eye?”
Leandro faced me and his smile was gone. “I can’t explain it. I have an image to uphold, and it’s not just for this company, but also for my family.”
I tried really hard not to roll my eyes. “You mean your parents.”
“I knew I was bisexual in college. You know that.”
I nodded along.
“I was attracted to my roommate, and by the end of the second year, we had gotten intimate. I couldn’t ignore the feelings anymore.” Leandro looked out across the table with a sigh. “But that doesn’t mean I can parade them around for others.”
“I’m not asking for that.”
“I know.” He turned and put his hand on my face and gave me a smile. “I know you wouldn’t ask me to do something I’m uncomfortable with. And…” he hesitated but continued, “it’s not that I’m not comfortable with you.”
I interrupted him before he could explain further. “You’re just trying to figure out who you are.”
“Exactly.”
“Leandro, I know who you are. I know that you love me, even though you have your own way of showing it.” We both laughed. “But you have to learn to embrace yourself at some point, or you might lose the important parts of your life that helped you discover who you truly are.”
Before either of us could say another word, the doorbell rang.
I looked down over my outfit and gave the collar a straightening.
“Shall we?” Leandro lifted his hand toward the door, and I smiled as we walked there together.
When I opened the door, the first thing I noticed was the evening sunset cascading down the hills behind Jourdanne. The sky was a blend of soft pinks and oranges, and she was standing there looking like an angel. Her hair was up in curls with a few loose twirls framing her gorgeous eyes. She had on more makeup that she had worn in the past, but it was exquisite. Her bright blue eyes popped with that mascara, and her lips were perfectly pink.
“Come in, please,” Leandro said. He moved aside to let her through as I closed the door.
Jourdanne was wearing a long sweeping gown in lavender, my favorite color. The dress had little green flowers across the bodice, and it came to a plunging V-neck. Nothing too wild for a sweetheart like Jourdanne, but enough to showcase those curvaceous breasts of hers. Just looking over her gave me tingles, and it reminded me of the other day when I had her nipple wrapped in my tongue.
“Dinner is almost ready,” Leandro said as he guided Jourdanne to the dining room.
She smiled at him, then glanced over at me as she scrunched her shoulders in excitement. “It smells amazing.”
“Can I get you a drink?” Leandro asked.
“Sure.”
I went behind Jourdanne and pulled out her chair at the head of the table. Leandro and I had discussed having her sit between us, and the head of the table was the best solution so we could all see one another clearly. Jourdanne was adorable about it, though.
“Oh, but it isn’t my house.” She shook her head ever-so-slightly, then placed her hand on her chest. “One of you should.”