Page 61 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"I am sure you will." Lucas' voice sounded strained as he responded to Leo. "Rose, text me if you need me and I'll rush out."
"Okay." I nodded, not sure what else to say.
I got off the couch, feeling the need to at least walk Lucas to my front door and give him a proper goodbye. The moment I was within reach, Lucas wrapped his arms around me. He was careful not to squeeze. I guess he was worried about hurting me. He lifted my chin up to look at him. Those intense brown eyes stared admiringly at me for a moment before his lips met mine. His kiss melted me into his arms further, filling me with a warmth I didn't realize I was missing.
"I'll see you later, Rose," he whispered to me, kissing my forehead before he let me go. I watched him leave down the hall, before closing the door. My cheeks were still heated from my blush. I put the back of my fingers on them, trying to cool them off with my freezing appendages. I turned to find Leo watching me, only making me blush more. I made my way back to the couch, only to be grabbed by the wrist and pulled down onto Leo's lap. He wrapped his arms around my waist, keeping me there.
"My turn to have you all to myself." He whispered into my ear before kissing my temple.
Hailey had finished cleaning up in the kitchen.Arroz con pollois the only thing she can cook without burning it, but she still makes the biggest mess. She turned to see me on Leo's lap. She gave me a mischievous grin, letting me know she planned on leaving now, too.
"I'm going to go, Liv. I have a lot of errands to run, and I think Leo has got it from here," she called out, grabbing her keys and making her escape before I could say anything. "Love you, call if you need me," she quickly blurted from the door before closing it behind her.
Leo kept me on his lap, unwilling to relinquish me. He buried his head into my neck, almost tickling me every time he breathed out. I felt goosebumps start to erupt down my body when his lips lightly grazed over my collarbone. His nose rubbed against my neck as he continued to place small kisses on my skin. Something inside my stomach twisted, and not in a good way.
"I am so sorry you have to go through all this, Liv." Leo kept his voice low as he spoke.
"It's not your fault."
"Still."
He kissed my neck this time, and it made my body react with goosebumps, but it also made me feel weird. I knew I needed to talk to him. I needed to set this straight. Mom said dating more than one guy is okay as long as neither of them have asked me to be exclusive. In this case, they've actually asked me to date them both. I agreed, but after yesterday, I don't think I can go through with it.
Leo is sweet and respectful. He is kind and beautiful, and I would hate to hurt him. I know this isn't what I want. I don't want to come between him and Lucas. This needs to stop before it goes any further. Before Leo gets hurt. He's already been through so much. I know he will not like it, and I may even lose him as my friend, but I need to set this straight.
"Leo, please stop. We need to talk," I said, finally finding the words.He sighed, pulling away from my neck to look at me. He let me go, allowing me to take a seat beside him on the couch. I sat sideways so I could look at him better. He did the same with a raised brow. I swallowed down my nerves, trying to find the right words to say. I want to tell him how I feel without hurting him, but is it even possible?
"I know I agreed I would date you both for six months before deciding, but Leo, I don't think I can." I looked into his bright blue eyes, trying to gauge how he was feeling before continuing. "I can't date you both. I refuse to come between you two. You guys are like brothers, and you may think you like me, Leo, but I get the sense you think of me as this innocent girl."
"Liv.” He was ready to convince me otherwise, but I didn’t give him the chance.
"Hold on, let me finish. You're an amazing guy, Leo. I mean that! You're caring and sweet, but also tough and endearing. I want to be your friend, more than anything, but I understand if it's not something you want. If I would have met you first, I would have given you a better chance. This isn't entirely about Lucas. I am realizing I'm not the kind of girl who can date two guys. I am not comfortable with the idea, nor do I want to force myself to be."
"I can't say I am happy about it, but I understand, Liv. I figured this conversation would be coming soon. My hope was to at least get one more date with you to prove I could be that guy for you." I saw him pick at his lip piercing with tongue as he got quiet.
"I'm sorry, Leo." My head hung as I felt bad, guilty even. I didn't want to make him sad.
"You don't need to be sorry. Thank you for being honest with me. I'm not heartbroken, but I'm certainly crushed. I guess that's why they call it a crush." He let out a strained laugh.
"Arewegoing to be okay?" I couldn't help but ask. I don't want to lose Leo as a friend.
"Yeah, you may have to give me a little while to get over you, but I am not going anywhere. You need your friends, and I get the feeling you don't have very many." He poked my forehead teasingly. I rubbed it while smiling at him.
"Thank you, Leo. For understanding, and for still willing to be friends." He nodded, turning his body back to face the tv. We watched some funny movies to try to relieve some of the awkward tension around us. I texted Hailey, asking her to come back, letting her know I rejected Leo, and he could probably use a break from me. She never responded, but the rhythmic knock on the door let me know she was here.
"I'm here to relieve you of your duties, Leo. You're free to go. I've got it from here." Hailey said proudly as she pulled Leo off the couch, practically pushing him out of the door.
"Perfect timing. I actually have a business meeting I need to get to. Text me if you need me, Liv." His eyes fell on me seriously. All I could do was nod my head at him. Hailey closed the door behind him, turning her burning gaze at me. I could see her curiosity bubbling to the surface. She wanted details, and she wanted them now. I patted the couch beside me, inviting her to sit. She responded with an excited squeal as she jumped over the couch, landing next to me softly.
"Okay, spill. What happened? When I left, you two looked cozy as hell," she asked with a nudge of her elbow against my own.
"I couldn't do it, Hails. I am not that kind of girl, the one who can date more than one person. I like them both, but I like Lucas more. He opened up so much to me last night, Hailey. I don't want to hurt him, and most of all, I don't want to come between them. They have a friendship like ours, actually, probably deeper than ours. They're like brothers. I won't be the downfall of their friendship."
"Oh, Livie. I am glad you realized you like Lucas so much. I think he likes you, too. So, are you going to give him a fighting chance?" Her question hung in the air for a few minutes as I thought about it. I am still scared of getting hurt. I've only ever had one boyfriend, and he was a cheating asshole. I'm all kinds of insecure. I still have a hard time believing Lucas actually wants me. I am scared he'll realize he actually doesn't want me as he gets to know me better.
"I am going to let things take their course. If he still wants me after getting to know me better, then yes, I'll give him a chance." I fidgeted with my fingers as I answered, a nervous energy brewing in me.
Hailey squealed excitedly, pulling in for a tight hug. I winced as she accidentally hurt me, causing her to quickly let go with an apology. She handed me my medicine and curled up next to me on the couch. Hailey was definitely this big sister I never had. It made me imagine what it would have been like to have a sister growing up. I probably wouldn't have felt so lonely having someone to share my trauma with. At the same time, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. My phone vibrated beside me, surprising me with a text from Leo.
