Loving the CEO (Whitley Brothers #7)

Chapter Twenty-One

Leo

I was a fucking genius. My eidetic memory was helping, as usual. In the past, Tory used to sporadically mention astrological events. I'd never given two shits about the whole thing, but when I was driving into work last week, a radio host started talking about the upcoming meteor shower and the best spots to watch it.

Typically, I’d just turn it off or change to another channel when stuff like that came up. But this time, I paid attention. Then I did my own research because I wanted the best spot for my woman to see it. And I’d found it.

While I was still on break between tennis sets with my brothers, I decided to check the weather. Apparently, you needed a completely clear sky to see it. This morning, the forecast had held, but it didn’t hurt to double-check. There was even a website keeping track of visibility during celestial events. I refreshed it. Yep, the forecast was still looking good.

“Dude, since when are you into astronomy?” Cade asked. He was sitting next to me at the counter, looking at my phone.

“I’m not,” I said. “But Tory’s interested in astrology. I’m surprising her tonight and taking her to look at the meteor shower.”

Cade jerked his head back. “Have I stepped into an alternate universe? That’s a very couple-y activity. "

I didn't react at all. Fuck, I hadn't even realized how this would look to others.

He tilted his head. "I can't believe this. I thought for sure that Meredith was way off."

"About what?" I asked in a neutral voice.

"Last night, she thought Tory was giving signs that there might be more than friendship happening between you two. You've slept with her, haven't you?"

I looked around, but the bar area was empty except for me and my brothers. Cade had kept his voice down, but without any background noise, it had carried.

Nick, who was at the other end of the bar, was looking at us intently. Then he held his hand up in self-defense. "I already said my bit."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're not going to warn me off again?"

Nick's belligerent expression told me that he’d very much like to warn me off some more. But then he waved and said, "Nah. What was that you mentioned before? A meteor shower?"

"Yes," I replied.

"He's even checking some sort of website about it," Cade said.

"I'm no longer worried that you’ll hurt Tory," Nick said matter-of-factly. "I’m afraid of something else."

"And what's that?" I asked, ready to fight him on it.

"That Gran was right. Another one is about to bite the dust, and then it's just me left. I'm screwed."

I chuckled. "I can't argue with you on that."

"So, do we want to know details?" Maddox asked cautiously. “I figured you were going to need some tips from the more serious men of the family."

"I don't need any tips," I said. Grabbing my racket, I suggested, "How about we go back to that second set? "

"Fine. One thing, though, before you go," Nick said. "I spoke to Mom, and she's thinking about coming to visit."

"That's great news," I said.

Mom rarely came to Boston. In fact, she rarely landed on US soil. She'd been traveling full-time for the past few years, and we were all very happy for her.

While we were growing up, she'd worked two or three jobs at a time, especially when our father was around. He’d insisted that he didn't have access to money, that it was all tied up in the company, and that Granddad was only paying him a modest salary. Just one more lie he’d told Mom. After the truth came out, our grandparents helped Mom out financially, and I’d always be grateful to them for that.

Once we were out of the house, she suddenly had much more freedom. Not just financially but also timewise. Raising the three of us wasn't for the faint of heart. In the beginning, she'd only traveled now and then, when she could afford it between jobs. But once the three of us started making serious money, we'd made a pact to take care of her. She’d been hesitant at first, but we managed to win her over eventually. Now she traveled all the time.

"How long does she plan to stay?" I asked Nick.

"You know how Mom is. She never says."

"I can find her a rental.”

"Call her. Maybe she'll give you the details."

"I'll do that," I said. "Thanks for letting me know."

I looked at the rest of my brothers. "Let's go play. I’m ready to win this."

"You wish," Maddox replied.

** *

Even though half my mind was on setting up the date for tonight, I still managed a quick win. I was fucking proud of myself.

After the game, I headed straight home and called Mom on the way. The change in time zone was making communication difficult, but I knew she had a weird sleep schedule and would likely be awake regardless of the time.

"Hi, darling," she said after one ring. “How are you?”

"Great. I was at Nick's club. We played tennis. He told me that you plan to come to Boston."

"Oh, that boy! I only told him that I'm thinking about it."

"Just tell me when, and I'll take care of the ticket and accommodation and everything else."

She huffed. "That's why I don't like to tell you boys what I'm up to. You always offer to pay for everything."

"Obviously. We have more money than we’ll need in a lifetime, Mom. Just let us spoil you."

"You do that in spades. But my online yoga business isn't doing too shabby, so your dear old mom can buy her own ticket and come see her boys."

That didn't sit well with me. I didn't want her to waste whatever she was making on plane tickets. On the other hand, I had a suspicion that she needed to do this by herself, which I also respected. She was very independent, as were we.

"As you wish, Mom."

"By the way, what's this I hear that Tory is living with you now? Why didn't you say anything?"

I nearly crashed into the car in front of me. "Nick told you?" My brother was not a gossip! Or was he?

"Of course not. It was your grandmother. "

I started to laugh. Mom and Gran weren't what I'd call friends, but they had a mutual respect. As far as I knew, Gran had been supportive of Mom since she found out about our existence. She'd been careful, of course, not to hurt my half brothers’ mom. That poor woman had the shittiest luck on the planet. I mean, first she discovered her husband was a cheating bastard, then became terminally ill.

"She said you took Tory to your brothers’ brunch.”

"So, you've been sitting on this news for a while."

"No. I don't chat with Jeannie that often. But once in a while, we catch up, and she tells me what you boys won't."

"I just offered to help a friend, Mom." It was true, but then I realized I wanted Mom to know everything. It didn't feel right to drop it all on her over the phone, though.

"First time I visited you in college, I couldn't understand why you and Tory weren't an item."

For the second time in this conversation, I nearly crashed into the car in front of me. Mom had a penchant for catching me off guard.

"And why is that?" I was genuinely curious.

“It's the way you were around each other. You two were so easy, so comfortable together. I thought for sure that something would come of it. But then, well..."

“She was in relationships, and I continued to whore around.” And yeah, I wanted to ask her out, but there was never a good time... and then our friendship grew, and I didn’t want to risk that.

Now in hindsight, I should have just asked her out. Had I been given a second chance? Was that what her moving to Boston was all about?

She gasped. "Leo! When did you hear me say that?"

"You were visiting once and were talking with Gran. She was telling you her matchmaking ideas. You flatly told her that your boys like to whore around too much for that. "

"I didn't say that, or if I did, I certainly didn’t mean it like that."

"It sounded a lot like you did." My tone was serious, but I was just teasing her.

“But I was wrong. Just look at Maddox. I never thought he’d settle down. Actually, I figured you were the most likely to."

I was shocked for the third time, but at least I managed to pay attention to the road. "My nonexistent relationships somehow led you to believe that I could have one?"

"No, it was just a feeling. It's hard to explain."

I decided it was high time to change the topic. "So, when do you plan to come?"

"Soon. In about two weeks.”

"Mom, what's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing. I found a good deal, so I bought a ticket."

"All right. How long are you staying?"

"Probably a week. I didn't check Airbnb, but I'll get on it."

"If only you had a son who worked in real estate,” I joked. “I can get you a really good place."

"You're determined to spoil me, aren't you?"

"Yes!"

"Fine. Thank you. I'll let you get back to your day. Actually, what are you doing this evening?"

That was a weird question coming from Mom.

"I'll take Tory out," I said vaguely. "See if she needs anything for her new apartment."

"I thought she was living with you."

Was it my impression, or did she sound disappointed?

"It was just temporary. She figured out that she wanted to stay in Boston and would rather have her own place."

"Hmm," Mom said. "So, you still see her regularly? "

"She's three blocks away, Mom."

"Wonderful. All right, I'll let you get on with your day."

After she hung up, I immediately called my assistant. She picked up even though it was Saturday.

"Hey, Leo."

"Jackie, I'll be quick."

"Don't worry. I always have time for the boss."

"I appreciate it. Mom is coming to town in two weeks, and she'll be staying for a week."

"Want me to find her a place to live?"

"Exactly. With all the comforts she needs. Luxurious."

"Should I send her the links?" she asked.

“Just pictures. No prices.”

“Sneaky. I like it. Don’t worry. I’m on it.”

"You always know just what to do. I don't know how I’d function without you."

She snorted. "You’d probably make a mess of things, but lucky for you, I like you too much to ever leave the company."

"That's good to know," I said on a laugh. "What's Toby's opinion on this?"

"Toby likes what I tell him to like. We agreed on that a long time ago."

Toby was her husband, and he was a genuinely good guy.

"Keep me posted, okay? Send me everything you find. I want to look at them too."

"Sure, but that's assistant's work. I’m more than happy to weed through those for you."

"This is Mom we're talking about. I want to be on top of it."

"You always go above and beyond for your family."

"Absolutely."

“Oh, and we’re all set for tonight,” she stated .

“Thanks a lot for being all over that.”

“My pleasure. I had so much fun organizing everything. Have fun!”

“Will do.”

By the time we finished our conversation, I’d arrived home. I went straight into the shower. I'd already had one at Nick's gym, but I wanted to be super clean for my date. The plan was to have dinner beforehand and then enjoy the meteor shower.

At 7:00 p.m. on the dot, I texted Tory.

Leo: Are you ready?

She didn't reply. In fact, she didn’t even see the message. Maybe she was in the shower. I decided to head to her place instead of waiting for her text me back.

A few minutes later, I parked the car in the usual spot in front of her building. I felt so damn proud of my idea for tonight. It would make Tory happy.

I went up the staircase and knocked at the front door. There was no answer. I knocked again.

"Tory?" I called.

Fuck, what if something happened to her?

I rang the bell, and finally I heard footsteps hurrying toward me. She opened the door the next second. Her eyes were wide, and her hair was a complete mess, but an adorable mess. She was wearing a T-shirt that barely hid her pussy, and as luck would have it, half her ass was on display.

"Oh my God. I fell asleep after work. What time is it?"

I looked her up and down, taking a deep breath. "Seven fifteen."

She narrowed her eyes. "I don't think I heard you."

"That was a growl, but you can't blame me. Look at that bare ass. I'm surprised I haven't pinned you against the door yet." It wasn’t totally bare, but it would be shortly if I had my way .

She went deeper inside the apartment, and I closed the door.

"And you're about to rectify that right now, huh?" Even though her eyes were sleepy, she seemed alert. "Give me a few minutes so I can take a shower and be fully awake for when you plan to attack me."

"Tory," I said slowly.

"Ah, when you growl at me like that, I can't really resist you." She ran her hand through her hair. "Ugh,” she screeched. “I have a bird's nest and morning breath in the evening. Just sit on the couch and wait patiently while I take a shower, all right?"

Before I even had a chance to reply, she darted toward the bathroom.

This woman was something else. I fucking adored her. I couldn't believe she was part of my life again. That she was here in Boston.

That she was mine.