Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Everleigh
Laying on my couch, tucked under blankets, was typically one of my favorite ways to relax. Instead, I was still in my scrubs, hair pulled into a ponytail and my face full of makeup. I wore neutral colors and only a little bit, but I had a nighttime routine that I’d neglected.
Everything had gone out of the window in favor of mentally spiraling in my living room. It was stupid. I was stupid!
Leo was extremely understanding. He might not have even heard my faux pas. Besides, I could always laugh it off. It’s not like I’d invited him to my house or said anything truly embarrassing.
So what the hell was my problem?
You’re a dumbass .
Pushing the mean thoughts away, I tugged the blankets higher. My friends wouldn’t allow me to talk to myself in such a bad way. Mean-girling myself without them around was not okay.
Two knocks sounded on my front door, startling me.
I invited friends on the weekend sometimes, but it was almost eight o’clock on a Tuesday evening. Who was at my house? I padded to the front door and peeked through the curtains on the side window.
Leo was standing outside! Pinching myself, I winced. Not a dream. I swung open the door as if I wasn’t freaking out on the inside.
“Hi.” I spoke with far more confidence than I actually had.
“Hi.” He held out a travel cup from my favorite coffee shop.
Cozy Bean Cafe had an entire store connected to their dining room that carried the best coffee mugs. The one Leo handed me was metallic light pink and shimmery, covered in baby lions. Every six weeks or so a new, limited-edition collectable travel mug became available, but this one was extra special. Lions had a special place in my heart because of the sweet stuffed lion on my nightstand. He protected me from the dark every night.
“Lions!”
“I thought you’d like it.”
“It’s so cute.”
“I brought your things from work. It’s not a great idea to drive without a license.” Leo transferred my purse from his shoulder to mine.
“No, um, it’s not,” I agreed. “Thanks for coming all the way out here. And, uh, for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome, but it’s white chocolate cocoa with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.” He winked. “You said you wanted cocoa, and it’s too late in the day for coffee.”
“Oh!” I giggled. “My favorite. That’s even better.”
He scanned my face before glancing at my uniform, and narrowing his eyes. “You can’t relax if you’re still in work mode.” His observation was ironic, because he was still dressed in his work clothes. But I knew what he meant. I was home for the night and still thinking about worst-case scenarios.
“Um, yeah. I’ve been overwhelmed since the meeting. Usually I start the process of unwinding right away, but tonight my thoughts are all over the place.”
He ran his hand over his mouth as if trying to smother whatever words were poised to come out. Leo glanced up at the small awning, likely buying time before returning his gaze to me. His deep brown eyes were mesmerizing, and I could stare into them for hours if he’d let me. Sipping from my new cup to give myself something to focus on, I waited for him to speak while I murmured approvingly.
Thinking over our connection, I realized he bought me more of the mugs than anyone else. My heart soared. How had I not noticed that, or all the other little ways he cared for me? Maybe he did want more than just our current friendship.
“I hate that you’re having a rough day, Everleigh. Tomorrow is another day.”
Leo patted my shoulder and all my hopes were dashed in a confusing instant.
“Yeah, um, okay. Thanks.”
“Have a good night.”
“You too.”
I shut the door, wondering if I were some sort of hideous beast. Why hadn’t he invited himself in? Why drive to my house but not insist on staying? Blowing out a long breath of frustration, I moved to my kitchen and tried to temper my disappointment by listing out all the reasons we couldn’t be a thing.
We worked together.
He was a doctor.
Doctors weren’t allowed to date their patients, but I’d overlooked something else obvious.
Ronnie ensured a welcoming environment for everyone. Even if Leo wanted to date me, he wouldn’t pursue me first.
Oh my goodness . No.
He couldn’t pursue me.
Though Leo wasn’t my boss, he was technically my superior. I would need to make the first move.
Fumbling through the house on my suddenly clumsy feet, I rushed to the living room. Plucking my cell from the coffee table, I stared at it. I could be reading into something that wasn’t true. After thirty seconds of typing and erasing, I finally texted.
Me
Do you want to hang out with me tonight?
My heart nearly beat out of my chest as I watched the tiny screen, waiting foolishly for a reply.
Why wasn’t he answering? Maybe he didn’t actually want to hang out and I’d been projecting desires onto someone who wasn’t the least bit interested in me.
Three knocks pounded against the front door. Clutching my hands over my heart, I squeaked. But then rationale seeped into my brain. It couldn’t be Leo. There was no way he could have returned to my house in such a short amount of time. Slowly making my way to the door, I opened it without checking to see who was outside. It was probably a delivery or something much less exciting than my crush. Leaning casually against the door frame, drinking his coffee as if he had nothing else better to do, was my crush.
“Yes, I do.”
A smile tugged at my lips as I stared at him. He was so clever, answering my message in person.
“Were you sitting in my driveway?”
“Nope. I drove an entire block away.”
“Smart,” I replied lamely as heat flushed my face.
He was silly, teasing me. Stepping backward so he could enter the house, I gestured for him to follow.
“Sometimes I am.” Leo shut the door, locking it behind us.
“If this, whatever this is, doesn’t go anywhere, are we still going to be okay? I mean we work together.” I took several large sips from the mug, giving myself something to do.
Might as well rip off the Band-aid on my biggest concern and get it out of the way. His dark-brown eyes scanned my face as if looking for some sort of indicator of what my state of mind was. I gave him no indication, hoping my expression stayed neutral.
“I wish I could assure you that our professional relationship won’t change, no matter the outcome of our personal entanglement. But, I can’t predict the future, Everleigh.”
“That’s fair.” I wasn’t sure what to talk about and focused on drinking my cocoa faster than usual.
“What’s on your mind?” Leo asked gently.
His probing made me want to share everything.
“Um, I’m sorry for blurting out the thing, uh from before.”
Shhh. Don’t say it again.
Irritated at my behavior, I dropped the topic. I was acting like a toddler who met their favorite cartoon character at a theme park and could only smile rather than speak.
Setting my purse on the counter, I wondered why I couldn’t seem to make a full sentence at the moment. If I couldn’t interact with Leo in my house, then I definitely shouldn’t consider getting into a relationship with him.
“I don’t consider it a blunder to say what you’d like to do to relax at night, Everleigh.”
Swallowing the last bit of my cocoa, I washed the mug in my sink.
Leo joined me, his back to the counter.
“Can we hang out on a different night?”
He tapped his fingers on the sink. “Sure thing. But let me draw a bath for you before I go. It will help you relax.”
Setting the pretty mug in the dish drain, I shrugged. “I can do it.”
Leo cocked an eyebrow. “If you were going to do it, you would have done it by now.”
That one gesture reminded me of the way my former Daddy used to respond to my antics. It took a lot of composure not to melt into a pile of goo at Leo’s feet. Besides, he was right. Point for Leo. He could read straight through my bullshit.
“My bathroom is the first door on the left.” I motioned to my hallway. That I had caved immediately to his suggestion wasn’t lost on me. I was pretty sure if he’d ordered me to bed, I would have run faster than I had when sprinting across the parking lot.
Leo unbuttoned each of the buttons at his wrist, tucking and rolling each sleeve up to his elbow. He loosened his tie, removing it with flair, and set it on the counter. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, trying to keep my eyes off his delicious-looking forearms. I wondered if he knew what his simple motions were doing to my body. I wanted him to pin me to the bed.
“I don’t want my sleeves getting wet.” Leo answered my unspoken question.
“Of course,” I mumbled as heat flushed my face and barely stopped the flirty retort of how wet I was getting from simply watching him.
He strode out of my kitchen and I admired the way his dress slacks stretched across his ass. Was he actually trying to start something with me?
Of course he was. Leo wouldn’t have sat in his car for ten minutes or more hoping I’d catch onto his offer if he wanted nothing to do with me.
Avoiding the man currently fixing me a luxurious bath, I tidied up the kitchen. When I was left with nothing else to do, I padded up the hallway. Turning into the bathroom, I braced a hip against the doorjamb and watched him.
My home wasn’t overly large or luxurious, but my tub was impressive. I’d opted for a gorgeous porcelain soaking tub done in teal. It was my favorite place to unwind.
Leo lit the last candle on my windowsill, before catching my gaze in his. If he kept looking at me like that, flashing his magical smolder, I’d be on my knees calling him Daddy faster than I could blink.
“Hi, sweetheart. I added a lavender-scented bubble bath. It should help you relax.”
Willing my feet to move, I bridged the distance between us. “Thank you. I probably would have thought about taking a bath, but I’m really tired. So, I would have just gone to bed. Not relaxing would have made me even more stressed.”
“Then you’d be unlikely to get any restful sleep at all.”
I tugged at the hem of my scrub top, but didn’t remove it. “Yeah.”
“I can give you a bath, sweetheart. Would you like that?”
The ball was in my court. He’d been respectful, allowing me to make decisions of my own accord. Apprehension from the thought of what would happen the next time we were at the clinic burned through me. But I’d plopped straight into my couch cushions when I’d arrived home, lamenting over my babbling about nighttime activities to the man staring at me. Leo bathing me would bring me more relaxation than anything else.
“Yes. Please, Leo.”
Kneeling down, he lifted each of my feet in turn, removing my shoes and socks. Undoing the string at my waist, he lowered my scrub pants to the floor and I stepped out. Butterflies swarmed my tummy as he guided the matching shirt over my head, followed by my navy camisole top. Leaving me standing there in only a tiny yellow-and-pink- swirled thong and matching bra, he swallowed hard. His gaze on my body turned me on.
Reaching behind me, he undid the hooks of my bra, catching the cups in his hands as he slid the sexy garment off my arms. It had been a long time since someone else had undressed me.
Though we’d started the evening under professional courtesies, we were long past them.
Leo touched the waistband of my thong, dancing it down my legs. I stared at him, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart. As he’d done with my uniform pants, he lowered the tiny scrap of fabric to my feet and I stepped out of them until I was naked in front of him.
Something about the way he moved, taking his time and having endless patience stroked places deep inside of me. Places not even my ex-boyfriends had touched. What spell was Leo weaving over my body and my heart? He reached up to my ponytail, slowly removing the elastic band until my long blonde hair fell in waves over my shoulders.
“You are absolutely lovely, Everleigh.”
“Thank you.” Beaming at him, I felt warmth on my cheeks, a feeling that had been present since his arrival the second time.
Leo held his hand out to me, and I placed mine in his. Once he’d helped me step into the tub, I sank fully under the bubbles. The water temperature was perfect, exactly as I would have set it. I let my fears and insecurities fade, and my head lolled on my shoulders.
“Did the awful woman at the clinic get you this upset, sweetheart?” Leo asked gently, his brow furrowed in concern.
“She didn’t help the situation,” I admitted with a grimace.
“Uh-huh. And what about me? Did I make it worse?”
“No, not at all.”
His own insecurities seemingly appeased, Leo set to washing me in a decidedly intimate way. I loved the extra attention. Basking in the warm glow of the candles around us, I sank even deeper into bliss.
“You seem much more relaxed now.”
Sighing, I contemplated what was holding me back from speaking my whole truth.
Leo wrung out the washcloth, resting it on the edge of the tub.
“I haven’t been in a relationship in a long time,” I managed, then immediately worried that he’d think I was angling for a relationship with him.
“Is that what you’re looking for?” he asked, his face giving nothing away.
“Well, yes. Plus, there’s some things I miss.”
“What do you miss?”
“Never mind. I’m also sorry for being so inappropriate.”
“Nothing you said was inappropriate.”
“Did you hear the last bit of my hopes for the night back when we were at work?”
Shit. Why had I brought that up again?
Maybe he hadn’t heard me and I was embarrassed for no reason.
He rested his arm on the edge of the tub. “Yes, but you didn’t say you wanted me to do those things to you.”
Licking my lips, I blinked a few times. “I never said I didn’t.”
He’d already checked off two out of the three things. Dared I hope the last one was also on his list? I’d practically given him a manual of things that relaxed me as well as turned me on. Leo appeared casual and relaxed. His overall posture made it seem like we were more than friends. Leo tugged the drain plug, setting it in the corner of my tub before getting to his feet.
“After you’ve gotten some rest, we should talk about it more.”
“Maybe.” I’d never ever mention it again without him broaching the topic first.
Much to my surprise, he opened my dryer. I hadn’t heard it tumbling and was confused about what he was doing. Shaking out a gray oversized towel, he returned to the tub. I stood up and he engulfed me in the warm, fluffy cloth. Lifting me out, he set me on the fluffy rug.
Leo had taken the time to undress and bathe me. Using a heated towel was the icing on an already yummy cupcake. The gesture made me feel wholly spoiled, like the princess I’d always wanted to be.
“You didn’t have to do all this, Leo. But I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
I caught a whiff of his unique scent, something warm, woodsy. Clearing my throat to push away the sudden flood of arousal threatening to push me to do something crazy like grab him and kiss him, I stepped back.
“I should get some clothes on.”
“I’m extremely open-minded in case you were wondering.”
“I was not wondering.” My voice sounded clipped and formal which was so unlike me. We were not venturing down that rabbit hole tonight or I’d confess my wildest fantasies to him. Plus, he hadn’t said what he was open-minded about. Nope, I made an assumption, which was never good.
He licked his lips. “Not even a little bit?”
“Nope. So, uh, I’m going to get my pajamas on.”
Shuffling out of the bathroom, I hit the hallway and ran into my bedroom as fast as I could, practically slamming the door behind me. My heartbeat thundered in my ears as I slowly regained my composure. Ugh, what was wrong with me? I never behaved this strangely in front of men I liked or even ones I didn’t.
Leo caressed a piece of me that had been dormant for far too long. His gentle handling made me think about submitting to him. He acted exactly the way I’d hoped he would. Dominant. Caring. Considerate. The memory of his gaze on mine as he stripped my clothing brought heat to my face. Leo found me attractive but there was something more. The endless possibilities of where we could go left me reeling.
Pacing in front of my dresser, worrying about what we were doing and where we were headed stressed me out again. Leo was my friend; if we ventured into an actual relationship, it could wreck that. It was better to stave off any potential mishaps instead of losing him from my life altogether. No matter how badly I wanted him, or how much chemistry we had between us.
Two knocks sounded on my bedroom door, startling me out of my thoughts.
“Are you all right, Everleigh?”
“I’m fine but, um, I am feeling more like Leelee now.”
“May I come in?”
I hoped upon hope he would understand my meaning. My Little space was prominent after the tender care and soft pajamas. Did he catch my drift or did I need to spell it out for him? Glancing at my pajamas, baby-blue ruffled capris and a tank top in the same color, dotted with flowers, I nodded as if working up the courage. At least I hadn’t selected a onesie.
“Yeah, um, okay.”
Leo entered the room. his sleeves still rolled up. His overall appearance screamed Daddy . Maybe his caring for me put him in a different mindset as well.
“Do you enjoy being in a younger headspace sometimes, sweetheart?”
Phew. He did understand at least on some level. The relief was quickly followed with a rush of anxiety. I’d never admitted that to him. Ronnie knew, and many of my friends, including some of my colleagues. But confessing to Leo left me feeling vulnerable, yet relieved.
“Mmmhmm.” I was currently too Little to exercise the same level of control I used every day at the clinic.
“Do you have a house key hidden somewhere outside?”
He continued with the questions, but I found them gently probing instead of intrusive.
“Yeah, just in case I ever get locked out. It’s in the windowsill garden. The small frog statue.”
“Very good. If you’d like, I can tuck you into bed and lock up behind me.”
“Mmkay.” I sat down on the edge of the mattress but made no move to get under the covers.
Leo seemed to interpret my lack of movement as an invitation to assist me. He folded the comforter and the rest of the blankets and sheets down, helping me into bed. Tucking the blankets around me, he glanced around the room.
“Do you have a friend to sleep with?”
We seemed to be more than just friends. I should have said he could join me. Big me would have made a sassy comment. But that would lead to things I didn’t want to think about in my younger headspace. Darting my eyes to my well-loved stuffed lion on my nightstand, I nodded.
“Yeah, my um…”
“What’s your stuffie’s name?”
Oh no! My sweet smirking lion had the same name as the gorgeous man doting on me. I gestured awkwardly at the side of my bed and said nothing as he plucked Leo from his resting place and held him out to me. I accepted my stuffed friend, cradling him close to my chest facing outward. After a few seconds, I finally responded. “He, uh, doesn’t tell anyone his name without being properly introduced.”
“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Leo. It’s very nice to meet your acquaintance.” He shook the stuffed animal’s paw.
“He said it’s nice to meet you. His name is also Leo.”
In my bigger headspace, I would have grabbed the stuffie and tossed him across the room to hide from my embarrassment rather than show a vulnerable side to my crush.
Much to my chagrin, Leo could not contain his laughter. He wasn’t laughing at me, no, it was a deep, hearty chuckle. The one that told me I’d genuinely caught him off guard.
He patted the lion’s head and his dreamy brown eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’m so happy Leelee has a brave, courageous companion to look after her while she sleeps. You are obviously very trusted.”
My heart beamed at his declaration. If Leo Callahan wasn’t a Daddy, I’d never drink another cup of hot chocolate for as long as I lived. “Um, Leo says thank you. He says you must be a good friend to me. I’ve never let anyone meet him.”
“It means a lot to me, sweetheart.”
Leo brought the blankets up to my stuffed animal’s chin, tucking him alongside me. I said nothing as I marveled over how tonight’s events had played out. Even better than I could have hoped.
“It means a lot to me,” I parroted.
“Is there anything else the two of you need before bed?”
“We’re all set now.” The urge to ask him if he was looking for a Little girl of his own was at the tip of my tongue. He’d gone from charming work crush to something else entirely in the short span of a few hours. I was nervous but also incredibly giddy at the mere idea of us connecting on a deeper level.
“All right. Did you want me to stay the night?”
The question hung out in the air as if each word became a visual bubble. Something rumbled outside followed by a huge clap of thunder.
“No, that’s okay. Unless you can magically make the storm stop raging?”
“The weather is out of my scope of practice. I’m happy to wait until you fall asleep if that would help.”
“No, um, I’ll be okay,” I lied. Storms scared me to my core. It was silly. They couldn’t hurt me, but fears were irrational. Knowing it was silly but valid, I cocooned myself into the warm blankets.
“Are you sure?”
“Yup. I appreciate everything you’ve done tonight. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” Leo strode toward the hallway, pausing a moment to lean against the door frame. “Sweet dreams, Leelee.”
“Goodnight, Leo.”
“Night.”
He turned to go, but he’d only just left when a loud crack of thunder jolted me upward. Before I could calm from the scare, the power shut off. My night-lights and little fairy lights along the top of my ceiling and around my doorway blinked and faded.
And that was the end of my resolve. It was too much. The combination of the storm and the overall bad day tore a frustrated scream from my lips. Letting out another scream released some of my pent-up frustration. The sound of frantic footfalls rushed up my steps toward my room.
Leo held a penlight in his hand, the beam bobbing up and down as he walked to my bedside. Sinking into the mattress, he sat beside me.
“Are you okay, Leelee?”
“I’m okay,” I assured him. “But I hate the dark and I don’t like storms and, and, and….” The tears I’d been holding back poured over my cheeks.
“Oh, sweetheart.”
“I’m really afraid of the dark,” I admitted, hiccupping in between words.
“Power is out across town. There’s no saying when it will return. Do you know they make battery-operated nightlights?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
He shifted us slightly so I could lean my head on his shoulder.
“Maybe you could buy a few. Then if the lights go out you won’t be scared.”
I relaxed against him and he rubbed my back as we sat there. My breathing evened out and the tears finally slowed. “I’m sorry for being so needy.”
“Shhh. Don’t apologize for having needs. I’ll stay on the couch so you don’t have to be alone.” Leo planted a kiss on the crown of my head. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring in the duffel bag I keep in my car with spare clothes and toiletries. It was a necessity at the hospital. I’m like a boy scout, always prepared.”
Oh. He didn’t ask me if I wanted him to stay, but he also gave me the opportunity to speak up for myself if I didn’t want his company.
“You’ll be uncomfortable,” I protested.
Leo slowly released his hold. “When I was a resident, I sometimes slept on a table. Your couch will be much better, unless you don’t want me here.”
“There’s a few blankets in the hall closest and a pillow on the top shelf.” Blowing out a long breath and gathering my thoughts, I relaxed.
“Good. I'll make myself comfortable. No more worries for tonight.”
“I’ll try.”
He held the penlight out to me. “Do you want to keep this?”
It was sort of silly. A penlight couldn’t replace my night-lights; however it was a very sweet gesture. “I don't want to take the light away from you, especially since you don't know where my things are.”
“I'll be right in the living room.”
“Okay.”
“See you in the morning, sweetheart.”
“Goodnight.”
“Night.”
I watched the light from the tiny flashlight disappear out of my room. I wondered how things played out this way, but then exhaustion seeped in. The rest of my concerns faded as I fell into restful bliss, knowing that I wasn’t alone.