Page 80 of Sexting My Ex's Dad

Leo had never said that to Owen.

“Elio.”

“Thank you Elio.”

“You’re welcome, buddy.”

“Thank you, Elio,” I whisper too, touched by his thoughtfulness. His eyes meet mine, and there’s a tenderness in his gaze that makes my heart skip a beat.

Leo eagerly dipsthe brush into vibrant blue paint, his eyes alight with excitement. He strokes his brush all along the canvas.

“Wow, look at that!” Elio exclaims, pointing to Leo’s painting. “You’ve got a real talent there, buddy.”

“Thank you, Elio!” Leo beams, clearly proud of his work.

I bite my lip, my emotions threatening to overflow. Nobody else has ever had as much fun with Leo as I have – Elio really cares.

“Alright, Picasso, let’s add some finishing touches to this masterpiece.”

As they continue painting, I treasure every second, unable to stop the warmth from spreading through my chest every time I look at Elio.

“Leo, Stella, I hate to say this, but we need to get going,” Elio announces after a while, checking his watch. “I have a meeting I can’t miss, and the facility is about to close.”

“That’s okay,” I smile. “Visiting hours are about over anyways.”

“Okay, Elio,” Leo pouts, clearly disappointed. “Thank you for painting with me.”

“Anytime, buddy.” Elio ruffles Leo’s hair affectionately before standing up. “Take care, and keep working on your art. You’re so talented.”

“Goodbye, Elio!” Leo waves as we make our way to the door.

We checkout and go outside.

“Are we going to a hotel?” I ask, as he opens the car door for me.

“I wish, but I really do have a meeting early in the morning. I’m going to take us home and then drive up to San Francisco.”

“Oh.” My eyes widen.

“You could come if you want.”

“I’ve never been before.” I admit. “But I probably shouldn’t. I have work, and I can’t keep randomly taking off. They could fire me.”

He laughs. “I don’t think the boss would let them.”

“Don’t you dare interfere,” I tell him. “People will say I’m getting special treatment because I’m sleeping with my boss.”

He waggles his eyebrows at me. “Who cares if you are?”

I roll my eyes. Of course, he doesn’t understand. “Just consider it a favor.” I push my hair out of my eyes. “But, since we’re leaving, do you think I can drive the helicopter ?” I ask.

Elio throws his head back in laughter. “Not this time. Maybe next time.”

“You mean it?”

“I do.”

As he closes the door after I’m in the car, I can’t stop grinning and thinking about the fact that there’s going to be a ‘next time’.