Loving the CEO (Whitley Brothers #7)

Chapter Fifteen

Tory

Being back in New Orleans was bittersweet. Even though I’d only been gone for a few weeks, it felt as if I left a lifetime ago. I asked Debbie to drop me off directly at the house. I toyed with the idea of telling Mom I was here, but I didn’t have the energy to hear her berate me. I only had two goals for this visit: pack all my clothes and cancel the lease.

"You're sure he's not here?" I asked.

"Yes. He said he's going to be gone the whole weekend."

"With her?"

"I honestly don't know," she replied calmly. "Does it matter?"

"Not really."

Astonishingly, I wasn’t even hurting. Something had healed inside me during these weeks while I was gone. If anything, I was feeling more grateful that the wedding didn’t happen. What a mess that would have been.

"I’ll come with you. Between the two of us, we'll be much faster," Debbie said when we reached the house.

I looked up at it with a sigh. "I honestly won't need that long. I want to take my clothes and that's it."

"If you’re sure you’re okay. But tell me if you change your mind, okay? I'll come back.”

"Debbie, I'm fine, really. Thank you for everything. "

"No problem."

"I don't think I can ever repay you for dealing with all the wedding stuff."

She shook her head. "Let's not start that conversation. You're moving on from that shit show. Let's keep it that way."

"You’re right. See you later," I said as I got out of the car.

I wobbled a bit on my feet as I walked toward the house. It felt strange even though I'd lived in it for almost a year. When I entered, I took a deep breath and then immediately realized I wasn't alone. There was the sound of pots being moved around in the kitchen.

My entire body shut down. I was perplexed. Was he home?

I made to turn around and open the front door, but Walter's voice filtered out from the kitchen.

"You're here. Good."

He walked over as I stood rooted to my spot.

"I thought you weren't home," I said.

"Only way I could get Debbie off my back was to lie to her."

Of course. Lying was apparently second nature to him. I instantly got defensive. "Don't you dare talk about Debbie like that."

"Do you know how much of a headache she gave me with canceling all that shit with the fucking wedding? Then she told everyone it was my fault."

"Stop. And she wasn’t lying. It was your fault."

He came closer to me. "You know how much money you owe me?"

I stilled. "Really? For what?"

"For the fucking wedding. Don't think I'm going to be stuck with all the bills."

Crap, Debbie had told me no one was charging us, but maybe she simply didn’t want me to worry .

"If you hadn’t stuck your penis into someone else, or at least had been man enough to tell me what was going on, you wouldn't have this problem in the first place." I flailed my arms wildly.

Walter glanced at them with disdain, but that didn’t deter me. I didn’t need his approval. Damn it, I’d never needed it. I couldn’t believe I’d wasted so much time with this asshole.

"You will pay for your share."

I laughed without humor. "No, I won't. It was your family who wanted a huge-ass wedding to be the spectacle of New Orleans, so it's all on you."

I couldn't believe it. How much more of a jerk could he become? How on earth had I been with him for so long?

But as I stood here in the entrance hall of my former home, I realized that I felt nothing but pure hatred for this man. Not even an ounce of love. Was it because he’d completely trampled on me by behaving the way he did? Or had I stopped loving him long before that?

Whatever it was, it was the closure I needed.

"You know what people are saying about you, right? That you ran off with that Whitley," he sneered.

"I honestly don't even care what they say."

"I do. I've got a reputation in this town. I won't let you ruin it."

I scoffed. "No, you managed that all by yourself. Why did you want to wait here for me, to talk?"

"Because I want to make a few things clear. I bought everything that's in this house."

"I know that," I said. "You've rubbed it in my face every time you could."

"You're not taking anything except the clothes you came with."

That had been my plan anyway, but this was just humiliating .

"I don't plan to rob you, Walter. I want nothing of yours. Absolutely nothing. I'm taking my clothes and my toiletries, and that's it."

The only things I'd bought for this house were some pots for plants, but he could have them.

"Good. And don't go into the guest bedroom."

"Why not?"

"Because I've been living there for a few weeks. We couldn't very well sleep in the master bedroom with all your stuff there."

My lungs froze. I forced myself to take a deep breath, and this time I did feel pain slice through my center.

She's moved in with him already.

The disrespect he was showing for me was palpable, obviously meant to hurt. Knowing she'd moved into the house I'd helped decorate, where I figured we'd spend our newlywed days... it was literally making me sick.

"Just don't go into the guest bedroom," he repeated.

"Got it. Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole," I said. "Honestly, I don't understand why I ever thought it would work between us, but whatever."

I swallowed hard, stepping to one side.

"Don't take longer than until lunch." He started out the door, then added, “I left the paperwork on the kitchen counter. Sign it, and don’t try to do anything funny or I’ll be after you for breach of contract.”

That shouldn’t be a problem, considering I wanted out of this deal as much as he did. I realized I’d better get moving because the last thing I wanted was to run into his mistress.

Well, I guess she's his girlfriend now, not his mistress. Ugh .

He closed the door so forcefully that I feared it may fall off its hinges. I exhaled slowly and felt the tension leave my body. God, being in his presence just had me on edge in a way I hadn't anticipated. Putting a hand on my chest, I sat on the couch and took in a deep breath, hoping to calm myself.

A few minutes later, I ran upstairs.

Walter had already put a huge suitcase on the bed. Good. All I had to do was fill it up.

A little over an hour later, all of my belongings were in that suitcase. He’d taken all his clothes and moved them, which made it that much easier to pack.

The only other things I left behind were my wedding dress and shoes. The dress was hanging in the closet, mocking me along with my white satin shoes.

Once I zipped up the bag, I sat on the bed, drawing in a deep breath. I was exhausted. I should have had some coffee before coming here.

I bit my lip, glancing at the vanity table I’d bought right when we moved in. A wave of sadness rolled over me. I couldn’t believe I’d wasted so many years with Walter. But there was no need to cry over spilled milk. What was done was done. I was looking forward to the next phase in my life. And coming back to the city cemented the fact that my future was definitely not here in New Orleans.

I took out my phone, intending to order an Uber, but honestly, I needed a bit of love, so I called Debbie instead.

"I'm already done," I said instead of hello.

"Wow, you’re fast."

"It was easy.”

"I can be in front of the house in about fifteen minutes."

"That works."

"Want a po' boy?"

"Oh my God, yes. Beef, please. I've missed them."

"I'm on my way," she said in a cheerful voice .

I was feeling much better already. Spending some time with my friend was exactly what I needed.

After hanging up, I dragged my huge suitcase out of the bedroom. I eyed the guest bedroom for a few seconds. I had no idea what possessed me to do it, but I let go of the suitcase and walked over.

When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. I’d expected the room to be filled with Walter’s stuff, but it wasn’t. There was a lady’s suit on the bed and three pair of heels by the window. My stomach leaped to my throat. He’d said she was staying here, but seeing it made it worse. I know Debbie initially said she’d thought they were living at her house, but now I knew for sure.

It doesn’t matter, Tory. Not at all.

I immediately stepped out, closing the door. I didn’t need to see more.

I went down the staircase carefully so I wouldn't break my neck, but by the time I reached the bottom, I was pretty sure I’d thrown out my back. I leaned forward and backward, and it made a loud and ominous crack. Then I leaned to my right and my left.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Well, shit.

I straightened up, doing slow circles with my pelvis. Nope, all good. I was still in one piece.

Taking a deep breath, I finally walked into the kitchen. There was a stack of papers with a pen on top at the right corner of the counter, where I usually stood when I chopped the veggies. I’d spent a lot of time in this kitchen—it had been my favorite place in the whole house—but I didn't want to think about any of that.

I looked at the contract, reading over it once to make sure there were no stupid hidden clauses. I wouldn't put it past him to make me pay for something, but it all seemed legit, so I signed and put the pen back the way it was.

After looking around one last time, I hurried back to the entrance. I couldn't get out of the house fast enough. Stepping outside, I closed the door behind me, locking it, then checking it three times just to make sure. I put the key in the post box, as Walter instructed, and then trudged with my huge-ass suitcase down the front porch before rolling it to the sidewalk.

I should have told Debbie I'd just take an Uber. I didn't want to wait one more second here. But I saw her turquoise Mini Cooper out of the corner of my eye. She’d arrived much faster than I thought.

After stopping the car right in front of me, she opened the trunk before jumping out of her seat to help me.

"It's better if both of us load up that bad boy. It's huge."

"Yep, it is.”

Between the two of us, it was much easier to put it inside the trunk than it had been for me to carry it through the house.

Once we were inside the car, she turned to look at me. "How are you feeling?"

“He was home when I arrived."

Her eyes bugged out. "What the fuck? No. Oh, that idiot. He fought me so hard. I should have known that he had no intention of actually following through.” She frowned and dipped her head. “I'm really sorry. I should have checked the house before you went in."

"It's fine."

"No, it's not fine. He's an idiot."

"We already knew that. But he's an idiot who's now officially out of my life."

"Yes, that's right," Debbie said in a much softer voice. "How about that, huh?"

"It feels surprisingly good. I thought being in the house would be more painful, or that I’d have regrets. But I don’t.”

"Well, I’ll give that to Leo—the man has perfect timing. Giving you all of those orgasms before sending you off here."

I covered my mouth. "Oh my God, Debbie. I can't believe you said that."

"It's true, though, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," I admitted.

"So, here’s your po' boy," she said, leaning backward to grab a sandwich from the bag in the back.

"How about you?"

"I already had one. I was starving."

"What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?" I asked.

"Funny enough, a certain sexy Bostonian emailed me with some very generous spa gift cards."

I stopped in the act of biting into the po' boy. "Wait, what? Leo? You and Leo are communicating?"

"I wouldn't say communicating , but..." She cleared her throat. "I might have asked him how you were doing over these past few weeks."

"Debbie," I said, lowering the sandwich. "You've been spying on me?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're not putting up a brave face on the phone while secretly crying your eyes out."

"I would tell you if I was doing badly."

She shrugged. "I wanted to make sure."

"So, wait, he bought gift cards? I don't get it."

“He called me yesterday morning and asked what you usually do to relax. I told him that we go to our favorite spa. Next thing I knew, I had gift cards in my inbox. "

Warmth filled my chest, spreading to my arms and legs and everywhere else. Finally, I took a bite of the po' boy and hummed. I didn't miss many things from NOLA, but I did miss the food.

"So, what do you want to do?" she asked.

"Umm, hello? We have gift cards to burn. Let's go to the spa."

“That’s my girl.”

Debbie put the car in Drive and headed down the road as I continued eating. After finishing the sandwich, I messaged Leo.

Tory: Debbie told me about the gift cards. Thank you. That made my day.

He replied quickly.

Leo: How are you feeling?

Tory: Perfect. Ready to leave the past behind.

Once Debbie and I arrived at the spa and changed into the comfy robes they gave us, I could feel myself relaxing already. "I can't believe we haven't been here before."

"It's not our usual price range."

I jerked my head back to look at her. "What do you mean?" I tightened my robe around me, swallowing hard.

"Let's just say that Leo is very generous. I like that in a man."

"Yes, of course," I agreed, “but I don't want him to think I’m taking advantage."

Debbie frowned as we headed over to the quiet area. The smell of jasmine was thick in the air, totally soothing.

"He offered. And come on, Leo is a good guy. He's not Walter."

“I know that.” I decided to let the subject drop. She was right. Leo was a generous man. I had no idea how to make it up to him for everything he'd done for me. But I was going to think of something.

As we lay down, I realized I was too restless to be still, but there were two other guests here, and I didn't want to annoy them with quiet chatter. To give myself something to do, I snapped a picture of myself and sent it to Leo.

Tory: Debbie and I are thoroughly enjoying this. Thank you for being so generous.

Leo: My pleasure. I wanted to make sure you have a great time.

I melted at his words.

Tory: How can I ever repay you?

Leo: Take a sexy pic.

I burst out laughing, and the two other guests gave me the side-eye. I covered my mouth with my hand. He was really good at this game.

Leo: What are you planning for the rest of your time in NOLA?

Tory: Just relaxing. And I'll probably buy some supplies for all of my astrology things.

Leo: You couldn’t find what you need in Boston?

Tory: I didn't look that hard, to be honest. Besides, I have my beauty stores here.

I didn't need much, just candles and incense.

Leo: So, besides new moon and full moon rituals, do you do other stuff?

Debbie was looking at me with a smile.

"What?" I asked, and she made a gesture to zip her lips. I remembered we were in the silent area, so I focused on my conversation again.

Tory: Yes. Those are the easiest. I'd love to do more with star events, but I'd need a telescope for that.

Leo: I can't fucking wait for you to be back.

I sucked in a breath. What would happen upon my return? I wasn't even ready to think about it. Would things go back to the way they were before? No, that wasn't really possible. Besides, the man had just asked me for sexy pics. That was a clear sign that he didn't want to ignore our night together, and that was what I wanted to hear.

Tory: I can't wait to be back either.