Page 9 of The Sole Suspect
I felt a pang of regret, but I pushed it aside. “Perhaps it is. Penny, let’s go.”
As we headed for the door, Blake called out, “Leo, wait. Whatever you might think of me or my campaign, I do care about this town. I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove that.”
I paused, hand on the doorknob. Without turning, I said, “Actions speak louder than words, Mr. Harrington. I guess we’ll see what yours have to say.”
Penny and I rode the elevator down in silence, the tension from the confrontation still thrumming through my veins. It wasn’t until we were back on the street that Penny spoke.
“Well,” he said, running a hand through his pink hair, “that was... intense.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “That’s one word for it.”
“So, what’s the deal?” Penny asked, his brow furrowing. “What did you mean about him taking a bite out of it? Because honey, it doesn’t sound like you were just talking about the Historical District.”
My face went hot. “I... we...”
“Spill it, Leo. What happened?”
I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. “We kissed. And maybe... a little more.”
Penny’s eyes almond-shaped eyes widened. “A little more? Define ‘a little more’.”
I waited until we were out of earshot of passersby before responding. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to reveal. “Let’s just say things got... heated.”
“Heated how?” Penny leaned forward, practically vibrating. “Wait. Is that why you smelled different for days after Dominic disappeared? Did you...?”
I nodded. Embarrassment heated my cheeks.
Penny’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ of surprise. “You what? When? How?”
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the heat creep up my neck. “It happened the night that note was chucked through the window. In my apartment. Above the shop.”
“Oh my god, Leo!” Penny’s voice rose an octave. “Details! I need details!”
“Keep your voice down,” I hissed, glancing around us. “It was a mistake. A moment of weakness.”
“I bet it was,” Penny waggled his eyebrows.
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “What am I going to do?”
“Well, for starters, you’re going to tell me every juicy detail.”
I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot. “We argued and then suddenly we were kissing and then...” I trailed off, the memory of Dominic’s hands on my body caused my skin to tingle.
“And then?” Penny prompted, practically bouncing with excitement.
“And then we were on my kitchen counter,” I admitted, my cheeks burning. “It just happened so fast. One minute we were fighting, the next...”
Penny squealed, clapping his hands together. “Leo Sterling-Hart, you minx! I can’t believe you lost your V-card to Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dangerous!”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I know, I know. It was stupid and reckless and?—”
“And hot as hell, I bet!” Penny finished for me. “But wait, what about all that stuff with the mayor? And Blake Harrington? And Dominic’s company?”
Reality came crashing back, and I felt my stomach twist. “That’s the problem. I don’t know what to believe anymore. Was any of it real? Or was I just... convenient?”
Penny’s excitement faded, replaced by concern. He squeezed my arm gently. “Oh, Leo. What are you going to do?”
I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. “I honestly have no idea.”