Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,55
safe than sorry.
He forces out a sigh. “I’m sorry. You know this has nothing to do with you or us. I just really hate going home.”
“Because of your family?”
“Yeah.”
“But aren’t you getting your business degree, so you can work with your dad and brother? How is that going to work if one meal gets you this worked up?”
“I don’t know, honestly. I’ll be mainly working with Stephen. Dad doesn’t do much with the businesses anymore.”
“So, you’re cool with your brother?”
“No, he’s an ass.”
Leo takes a corner a little too fast, and I hold on to the door for support.
“So, why are you going to work with him? Why not do something else with your life? Something that will make you happy.”
“I don’t know what makes me happy—besides you, that is. I don’t have hobbies or interests or passions. I don’t fucking care about life in general—or at least, I didn’t. But I have to do something. I can’t just sit in my house, playing video games and living off of my trust fund. It’s always just been expected that I follow this path, and I didn’t care enough to argue. Now, I don’t know.”
“Life’s too short to be unhappy, Leo. You deserve to do something that brings you joy.”
“Doing you brings me joy,” he deadpans.
“Well, I’m not going to pay you for your services. That’s illegal,” I say, attempting a joke. “So, you should probably think about another career.” I reach my hand over the center console and place it on his thigh. “You’re lucky in a way because you can do whatever you want even if it doesn’t pay well. You don’t have to choose a career based on income, like so many others do.”
“Real lucky,” Leo drawls out.
“You know what I mean,” I say softly.
“Yeah, I do. And you’re right; maybe I should think about another career.”
“I think you should.”
He places his hand atop mine. “Let’s just get through today. Thank you for coming with me. My mom is excited to meet you, by the way.”
“I’m always here for you. You know that. And really? What does she know about me?” I’m suddenly nervous, realizing that I’m meeting my boyfriend’s parents. I mean, obviously, I knew that coming into today, but that’s big.
“That you’re perfect.”
“Well, great. Then, she’s sure to be disappointed,” I kid.
“No one could ever be disappointed in you, babe.”
The Hardings’ estate is exactly how I pictured a millionaire ex-actor turned business mogul’s property to be. The brick house is more expansive than my entire dorm. The landscaping alone probably cost more than most people have in their retirement account. Even with the snow covering the ground, the trees, stone fountain, and ornate statues are impressive. Why do rich people always have some sort of statue in their yard?
“Who is that statue of?” I ask Leo.
He huffs out a laugh. “I have never cared enough to ask.”
He pulls around the circular drive and parks the car in front of the grand entrance, a wooden door with beautiful glass work.
He grabs the gifts and then extends his hand toward mine. I take it.
“Help me get through dinner, and then we’ll get out of here.” He squeezes my hand.
“Of course.” I stop along the stone walkway. “Look at me,” I tell Leo.
He turns toward me, and I cup his cheek with my free hand.
“It’s going to be fine.” I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips to his.
“Okay,” he utters as we continue up the steps.
Leo opens the door and steps inside. I force my expression to remain calm even though I want to squeal at how beautiful this home is. There’s a Christmas tree in the foyer that’s probably taller than my parents’ house, and every branch is decorated with an opaque white ornament and white lights. It’s stunning, right out of a magazine.
Past the foyer and into one of the living areas, there’s another magnificent Christmas tree, decorated in rose and gold accents.
A gorgeous woman who looks like the female version of Leo greets us with a large grin. She’s wearing a cream pencil skirt, a loose white blouse, and heels that match her skirt.
“Leo, honey. So good to see you.” She kisses his cheek.
“Mom,” he replies coolly.
“You must be the beautiful Alma who Leo’s been hiding from us. He’s not a big sharer, my boy, but I knew you must be special if he was bringing you home for Christmas. Welcome. We’re so glad to have you here.” She pulls me into a hug.
I