Leo (Members From Money Season 2 #144)

Chapter 5

“Am I disturbing you?” She nodded to the pile of documents on his desk.

“You’re not, no!”

She sipped the excellent coffee and savored the taste and kick of it for a moment. “How did you get started?”

He lifted a brow. “At what?”

“Business.”

Leaning back in the chair, he picked up his cup and took a sip, his expression thoughtful. “I do believe they have an entire section in Business Forum written about my meteoric rise to fame and fortune.” His derisive tone had her laughing.

“I prefer to hear it from you,” her dark brown eyes were twinkling, and he felt himself relaxing in her company.

“Very well.” He put the cup down and steepled his fingers. “It all started with a small loan from my father. I used that to buy my first piece of real estate - a rundown building in the heart of the city. Everyone thought I was mad, but I saw potential. After months of hard work and renovations, I sold it for more than double the purchase price.”

She leaned forward, fascinated. “And you just kept going from there?”

He nodded. “Exactly. Each success gave me the capital and the confidence to tackle bigger projects. But it was not all smooth sailing. There were plenty of setbacks and challenges along the way.”

“Like what?” She asked, genuinely curious.

He smiled wryly. “Oh, the usual - market crashes, bad investments, partnerships that went sour. But each failure taught me something valuable and made me more resilient.”

She tilted her head, considering his words. “So, you believe in learning from mistakes?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I would say that has been one of the keys to my success. That, and surrounding myself with people who are smarter than I am.”

She laughed. “You don’t strike me as the type to admit that readily.”

He chuckled. “Well, it is the truth. No one achieves greatness alone. It is about building a team of talented individuals who share your vision and complement your strengths.”

She sipped her coffee, feeling inspired. “That’s a very humble perspective.”

He shrugged. “I have been humbled plenty of times in this business. It keeps you grounded. What about you? What turned you onto pastries?”

She grinned. “I have an impossibly sweet tooth.”

His eyebrows lifted. “I am sure it’s much more than that.”

“It is.” She nodded. To his surprise, she toed off her boots and curled her feet under her. Her expression was intent and serious and reminded him of a scholar about to launch into her dissertation. “My mom loved to cook, and I became fascinated. One day I tried to bake a simple sponge cake and almost burned the place down.”

He stared at her in genuine amusement. “How old were you?”

“Seven.” She laughed at his expression. “I was that determined.”

“What happened?”

“Fortunately, it was a Saturday, and my parents were outside in the yard. They saw the smoke and came running. I was more concerned that I had ruined the sponge cake than almost burning the place down.”

“And?”

“And my mom decided to give me a crash course in baking safely.”

“And that started your meteoric journey to baking success.”

She laughed at that and settled back against the cushions.

“Something like that.” She eyed him for a minute. “I saw you going into the house with my aunt.”

He nodded. “She handed over the finances to me – the running of it. The lawyers tied up some loose ends and I have messengered the documents to my lawyers to take a look. I want to make sure you are covered all the way.”

“I don’t know if I should be thanking you or resenting you.”

His thick brows lifted. “Why would you resent me?”

“I know it’s unfair, but it looks like I am exchanging one warden for another.”

“Warden?” Irritation and amusement showed on his face.

“It might be the absolute wrong word, but I cannot think of another.”

“Try.”

She gave an irritated shrug. “I thought that after coming up with this convoluted plan where we are both put out, I would be home free. I make these jottings, things I want to do as soon as possible – expansions, employing more people, so that I am freed up to do what I love to do and that is baking.

Now I will have to run things by you and wait for your approval.” She gestured with her cup. “What if you think I am expanding too quickly, that my ideas are nonsensical.”

He set his cup down and leaned forward, his gaze steady. “I understand your concerns, truly. But I want you to remember that I am here to support you, not to restrain you. My goal is to see you succeed, and sometimes that means letting you take risks. I am not here to micromanage your every move.”

She took a deep breath, mulling over his words. “So, you’re saying you’ll trust me to make the right decisions?”

He nodded. “Exactly. I will offer guidance and advice when needed, but ultimately, I trust your instincts. You have built something amazing, and I believe in your vision.”

Her eyes softened with gratitude. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“No problem…” He stopped when his phone pinged. Turning it over, he studied the screen. “I have to take this. It is a call I’ve been expecting from an associate in Paris.”

“Go ahead. I will just finish my coffee.”

Pushing back from the desk, he answered the phone in French! And it was fluent. The man constantly amazed her, she mused as she continued to sip her coffee and listen to his deep voice fading away as he left the room.

His absence gave her a chance to look around. Without leaving her comfortable position, she turned her head to take in the deep cushioned sofas, the glossy desk and leather chair, with the steel cabinets to the right. She had a peek at the cabin and was amazed to see that the bed was a king-sized one.

Leo Coleman certainly lived and traveled in style.

“I apologize for that. It took longer than…” His voice petered off as he stepped into the room.

Emotions stormed inside him with a force that shook him to the very core. She was curled up fast asleep, one hand hanging over the sleep chair.

Stepping quietly into the room, he stood there, staring at her.

She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions he'd just experienced. He approached her slowly, careful not to wake her, and gently draped a cashmere blanket over her shoulders. He stood there for another moment, watching the rise and fall of her breath, feeling a strange sense of contentment settle over him.

Stepping back, he moved to his desk and began to sort through the papers scattered across its surface. Despite the luxury surrounding him, it was moments like these - quiet, intimate, and real - that he cherished most.

After a while, he settled into his leather chair, his mind wandering to the conversation they had just had. He knew she had the potential to achieve remarkable things, and he was determined to support her every step of the way.

He glanced over at her again, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. She stirred slightly, the blanket slipping off her shoulder, and he resisted the urge to tuck her in once more. Instead, he leaned back, allowing himself a rare moment of relaxation.

He could not concentrate on work anyway and he wanted to get her in bed where she would be more comfortable.

Carefully, he eased her into his arms, cradling her gently so as not to wake her. He marveled at how light she felt, despite the weight of the day's events that surely rested on her shoulders. Crossing the room in a few quiet strides, he laid her down on the king-sized bed, arranging the blanket over her once more.

She murmured something unintelligible, her brow furrowing slightly before smoothing out again. He watched her for a moment longer, ensuring she was comfortable before turning to leave the room. As he reached the doorway, he stopped and glanced back, feeling a pull at his heart.

In the dim light, she looked almost ethereal, her peaceful expression a balm to his stormy thoughts. He knew that whatever lay ahead, he was bound to her in ways he had not fully understood until now. A sense of purpose filled him, solidifying his resolve to be by her side through it all.

Returning to his desk, he made a silent vow to protect her, to support her ambitions, and to cherish these quiet moments together. He might have the world at his fingertips, but he realized now that she was his world, and he would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness and success.

With a final, lingering look at her sleeping form, he settled back into his chair and tried once again to get some work done.

*****

“I slept for hours.”

He looked up from the email he was responding to, an amused smile touching his lips.

“You did, yes.”

She was rubbing her eyes and yawning. She was bare footed and looked like a recalcitrant child.

“And we are due to land in an hour. I was just coming to wake you.”

“Did you sleep?” She asked him curiously. He looked rested and fresh as if he had taken a shower. He was certainly wearing a different outfit from the one he had on earlier. What the hell time was it anyway?

“I took a nap, in the chair.”

“You put me to bed.”

He nodded. “I wanted to make sure you were comfortable.”

“Thanks.” She rubbed her eyes again. “Is that coffee I smell?”

“Want a cup?”

“I’ll pour it.”

“Breakfast is ready.”

“What time is it?”

“After midnight.”

She blinked at him. “And we’re having breakfast?”

“Not hungry?”

“I am starving. It must be the change in time and the setting. I am going to take this excellent coffee inside that kick ass bathroom or head or whatever the hell it is called and soak in that huge tub.”

An image of her naked and surrounded by bubbles, kicked him straight in the crotch and had his breath strangled.

Clearing his throat, he returned to his screen and tried to keep his mind off her naked body. “Take your time.”

Waiting until she had left his office, he pushed the laptop away and closed his eyes. He was going to have to find a bloody way to keep his control.

*****

Paris at midnight was stunning as she well knew after spending more than two months taking a Cordon Bleu course and an extensive one in pastry making. But she would never tire of seeing the romantic city shrouded in lights.

It was cold and she was thankful that Leo had prepared for everything. The thick cashmere jacket enveloped her in warmth. A car had picked them up at the private airfield, the driver dressed in black and snapping to attention as soon as they deplaned.

She listened in fascination as Leo snapped out orders in fluent French and within minutes they were on their way.

“You speak French.”

“Yes, I do.”

She eyed him curiously. “What other language do you speak?”

“Italian, Spanish and a smattering of Chinese and Japanese.” His lips quirked at her raised brows. “It helps when you can communicate directly without using an intermediary. Words sometimes get lost in translation.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” she remarked, her eyes still wide with curiosity. “I’m impressed.”

“I’ve always believed in the power of language,” he replied with a modest shrug, “it opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.”

They drove through the quiet streets of Paris, the cityscape unfolding before them like a glittering tapestry. The Eiffel Tower stood tall and majestic in the distance, its lights twinkling like stars against the midnight sky. It was a sight that never failed to take her breath away.

The pied a Terre was in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering structures, stores she recognized. Romano’s France was a stone’s throw away and she was delighted to see several café’s tucked away from the street.

As they continued their drive, she could not help but feel a sense of awe at Leo's effortless command of languages. It was one of the many facets of him that intrigued her. Despite his sometimes-aloof demeanor, there was a depth to him that she found endlessly fascinating.

“Leo,” she began hesitantly, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them, “how did you learn so many languages?”

He glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. “It was a necessity,” he said simply. “My business requires me to travel extensively, and I found that learning the local language always made things easier. I also had a tutor when I was younger who instilled in me a love for languages.”

“That’s incredible,” she murmured, her admiration for him growing. “I wish I had the same talent for languages.”

“You could learn,” he encouraged, “it’s never too late to start.”

She smiled at his encouragement, feeling a warm glow inside. “Maybe I will,” she said softly.

The car came to a stop in front of an elegant building, and the driver quickly exited to open the door for them. Leo stepped out first, then turned to offer her his hand. She took it gratefully, stepping out of the car and onto the cobblestone street.

“This is it,” Leo said, gesturing to the building before them. “Our home away from home.”

She looked up at the building, its facade illuminated by soft lights. It was beautiful, and she could not wait to see the inside.

“Come,” Leo said, guiding her towards the entrance. “Let’s get you settled in.”

The nerves started again as soon as they entered the small foyer. On the plane they had the pilot and flight attendant, but now they were alone with each other.

She felt an acute sense of anxiety and tried to will it away as he led the way along the narrow passageway and up the narrow staircase.

“No housekeeper?” She asked casually as they ascended the stairs.

“Maria will be here in the morning. I made the arrangements while we were on the plane. This is you.” Pushing the bright red door open, he stepped back and allowed her to step inside a beautifully decorated room with pastel curtains at the windows and a colorful quilt on the wrought iron bed.

“Are you going to bed?”

“My internal clock is still on US time. I have a meeting first thing in the morning and have to do some prepping. What do you need?”

She went in and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I intend to do some exploring first thing in the morning.”

“Need an interpreter?”

She rolled her eyes and made him want to snatch her into his arms. “I noticed a few cafes in the general vicinity.”

“There are, yes.” He leaned on the door jamb, his blue-green eyes watching her. He was careful to stay where he was for fear of adding to her anxiety. He had sensed it the minute they stepped inside.

“Which is good. Walking distance.”

“If you need to go anywhere else, the driver will be available to you and when I am done with my business, I could be of service.”

She shook her head. “You’re already doing too much.”

His mouth tightened fractionally. “You don’t hear me complaining.”

“I know. It is just that you are so damn accommodating, and I expect…” Her voice petered off as he straightened.

“Go on. What do you expect?”

“From that ominous look on your face, I am afraid to finish the sentence. Okay, fine. I expect you to ask for something in return.”

He had to tamp down the irritation and anger at her words. “Such as?”

“Oh please, don’t use that lofty tone with me,” she muttered, “it makes me sound like a complete bitch.”

“Your words. I will bid you goodnight.” His expression was formal, his voice icy.

“Leo, please!”

He turned to face her and waited.

“I am used to saying what I think, and this is an uncomfortable position for both of us. You have to agree on that.”

“Do I?”

“Isn’t there someone special here in this beautiful city you want to be with?

“Why would you ask me that?”

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Just being nosy, I guess. I am sorry.”

“We are both tired and jet lagged. Try and get some sleep. If you need to grab something from the kitchen, the place is stocked. I am going to take a shower and see to some work.

“Goodnight.”

He closed the door before she could say anything else.

She stood there, staring at the closed door, her mind racing with a torrent of conflicting emotions. She knew she had crossed a line, but why did he have to react so coldly?

Her chest tightened as she contemplated knocking on his door and apologizing, but pride held her back. Instead, she walked over to the window, parting the heavy curtains to gaze at the city lights that twinkled like distant stars.

The night air was cool and calming, a stark contrast to the heated exchange that had just transpired. She sighed, feeling the weight of their conversation settle on her shoulders. Perhaps she had misjudged him, misread his motives. But deep down, a nagging doubt remained, whispering that she was right to be cautious.

As she stood lost in thought, the sound of running water from the bathroom ceased. Moments later, she heard the door open and close, followed by the muffled sounds of him moving about. Her heart ached with a confusing mix of anger, regret, and a burgeoning feeling she dared not name.

She knew that sleep would be elusive tonight, her mind too restless to find peace. With a resigned sigh, she decided to explore the kitchen, hoping a cup of tea might soothe her frayed nerves. She walked down the hallway, the soft pads of her feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet.

In the kitchen, she busied herself with the tea, the repetitive motions of boiling water and steeping leaves offering a modicum of comfort. She wrapped her hands around the warm cup, the steam rising in delicate curls. Taking a tentative sip, she leaned against the counter, her thoughts once again drifting to him.

What did he genuinely want from her? The question lingered, unanswered, as she took another sip of her tea, the night stretching ahead with all its uncertainties.

Okay, so she had managed to make him angry. Good job, Sherrian. The man had been nothing but kind to her and all she had done was to be suspicious of his motives. It did not help that she was starting to notice how attractive he was. His cologne, that subtle scent that was so much a part of him.

It was maddening how a simple scent could evoke such a strong reaction. She found herself remembering the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his passions, his easy smile that seemed to break through her defenses, no matter how fortified.

Her tea now lukewarm, she poured the rest down the sink and washed the cup, taking her time. As she placed the cup back in its place, she decided that come morning, she would try a different approach.

She was going to be casual and friendly and ignore any undercurrents she might be feeling. She was not going to drive herself crazy wondering if he had an ulterior motive.

She had been given the opportunity of a lifetime. A trip to Paris and a chance to gather some much-needed information in order to push her plans forward.

She had made him angry and was sorry for it. But Paris brought back a lot of memories and not good ones, something she could not tell him. This was the honeymoon destination she and Greg had planned on and spoken of it in length.

She had told him of her dream to come back and brush up on her French as well as steal some ideas for her shop and he had agreed. He had even encouraged her to look for a place where they would have access to restaurants in the area. He had been so enthusiastic about it that she had felt puzzlement when she discovered his betrayal.

All the time she had been planning excitedly about their life, he had been screwing around with her best friend. It still stuck in her craw, but it was unfair for her to take it out on Leo. He did not deserve it.