Page 42 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"That looks good." Leo came up behind me, pointing to some noodle dish on the menu.
"Leo, I told you I wanted to come alone." I sighed.
"I know, but I also know you don't need to be alone with your thoughts right now." He didn't look at me as he spoke, keeping his attention on the menu.
He was looking out for me, the same way Lucas must have looked out for him. I watched him from my peripheral, admiring his jawline and soft lips. He was a very handsome guy, and it killed me how attracted I still was to him. Our date hadn't exactly gone to plan, but he was a good guy. I think if there was to be a next time, I would have to plan it out. I'm not sure Leo has ever been with someone who wasn't rich before.
"Thank you," I whispered to him.
"I'm here for you, Liv. I know what you're going through. Still going through it myself. Don't shy away from me, okay?"
Leo wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, placing his chin on my shoulder. I leaned into his chest, enjoying the comfort he was bringing me. The moment was cut short as the worker came to take our order at the counter. We placed our order, and of course Leo refused to let me pay.
"You wouldn't have had to spend so much if we hadn't come over, so let me pay, okay?" He squeezed me again as he spoke.
I nodded my head, because it honestly wasn't much. I think Leo likes to express his affection through gifts and monetary objects. I am not one to enjoy such things, but I know he does it with good intentions, so I'm trying to get used to it. In fact, Julius never gave me much of anything, despite being pretty loaded.
The worker brought our food to us in two bags. Leo grabbed them both as I thanked the man, leaving a tip. I chased after Leo down the sidewalk, grabbing one bag. He raised a brow like I shouldn't have taken one, but I raised one back.
"You're too much, Liv." He smiled at me.
Leo had a very sweet smile, one which made you feel the same joy. I smiled back at him, batting my lashes, even though it's not a thing I normally do. The moon was half full tonight, with clouds constantly covering it, causing most of the lighting to come from the streetlights. Leo held my hand as we walked, interlocking our fingers, and giving it a light squeeze.
"I'm sorry our date was horrible, Liv, I didn't think it through. I didn't haveyouin mind. Like I did, but I didn't. I wanted to give you new experiences, but I should have realized it wouldn't be the experience you wanted." Leo sighed, referring to the restaurant and trying to take me shopping.
"You're right, but I know you meant well. Maybe next time, I'll plan it out and you can pay for everything," I joked, making him chuckle.
"Next time, huh? So I didn't totally fuck it up?"
"Yeah, you didn't totally fuck it up." We reached the loft in no time. Leo held the door open for me like a gentleman, allowing me to enter before him.
"After you, my lady." He bowed his head in the slightest, making me let out a laugh.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked me, being the first to see me enter the loft.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I got the food." I held up the large bag, which was quickly taken by Leo.
"Correction,Ihave the food," he said with a cheeky smile as he placed both bags on the table. I wonder if going on another date with Leo is a good idea or not?
"Hailey!" I yelled at her as she continued to mop, swaying her hips side to side over the blaring salsa music. "Hailey!" I yelled again when she didn't hear me.
She was humming along as she helped me clean mom's loft the next day. Eventually, I gave up on yelling, tapping on her shoulder instead. She turned with a smile, grabbing my hands, and trying to make me dance with her. I wasn't in the mood. There was a lot to get done before the service today. I shook my head at her, making her pout for a moment before she grabbed the stereo remote and muted it.
"What's up?" She cocked her head to the side.
"I need to go get the flowers for today and take them to the funeral home and sign the release papers for mom's body. Do you want to come with me?" I bit at my cheek, hoping she would say yes. I didn't want to be alone.
"Of course!" She nodded, dropping the mop and giving me a big hug. "Let me clean myself off first." Hailey and I ran around town for a while, just getting what was needed. I signed the papers, avoiding looking at mom's body. It felt odd knowing she was there, but not truly there.
"I am sure you're tired of me asking, but are you okay?" Hailey turned to me as we entered the elevator. I stared out at the hall, seeing a familiar pair of broad shoulders. He turned, spotting me at the same time.What's he doing here?
Leo was wearing a pair of khaki slacks, loafers and a baby blue button down which accentuated his beautiful eyes. His hair was tossed in a messy way, but you could tell it was done purposefully. He looked extremely handsome, and as his eyes landed on mine, I felt almost exposed under his gaze. He arched a brow at me, recognizing me too, before the elevator doors closed.
"Earth to Olive!" Hailey waved her hand in front of my face.
"Sorry, Hails, I don't know how I am, honestly. I am sad, overwhelmed, and all around numb. I hadn't spoken to her in 11 years and then we had this week, and now she's gone. It's killing me, but I know I'll be fine. I did fine when she left me the last time."
My last sentence sounded colder than I meant it to, but it was the truth. Mom had left me a while ago, and I survived fine without her. I know I'll be okay, just sad for now. Hailey stayed silent until after the elevator doors opened again.
