Awkward Love (Stumbling into Love 2)

I smiled, listening to him. I wanted that, to love someone the way he loved her. And I had it, with his son.

“So I worked hard in school. Book smarts didn’t come as naturally to me as it does to Jameson and Cherise, but I had willpower. I got scholarships and took out loans for school. Business came easier to me, and I’d always loved music and movies. When I was young, everyone I knew wanted to play basketball or be a musician, while I wanted to work with those people.”

“And you made it happen.”

“I did. It took a whole lot of work, but there were some years in there when I neglected Brianna in ways I shouldn’t have. I was all business. Then the kids came, and I thought that would keep her busy, for lack of a better term. I wasn’t the most present father either. I wanted better for Cherise and Jameson. I always have. I don’t know how serious you and my son are, but all I can think is how angry that boy upstairs used to get with me when I wasn’t around the way I should have been. And how he felt pushed into being the center of attention and into a role that didn’t come naturally to him when we had events. That last party, which I’m looking at a little differently now that I know about you guys—you were feeling sick, huh?”

I blushed and looked down. “It was the night we realized who the other was, and I wanted to make sure he was okay.”

Leon paused, looked at me, and nodded. “Jameson has always said he didn’t want that. He wants a simpler life, so you have to understand why I have concerns. What if you working with me somehow hurts my son? What if your responsibilities to me come between me and Jameson? There’s nothing more important to me than doing right by my family.”

Which was my favorite thing about him, made me respect him all the more.

“On the other hand, I think about the conversation in my office when you told me there was a man in your life, who I now see is my son, and…well, you talked about him the way I do about Brianna. I could see it in your eyes, how much he meant to you. Hell, you got me to have a much-needed talk with Jameson after that conversation. Those things don’t negate the fact that this can hurt him, though, and it could hurt you.”

I looked away, afraid to catch his gaze. I didn’t want to hear that. I wanted to pretend it was all as easy as it felt when my professor and I were together.

“I like you a lot. I can see you making a career with Crane Entertainment, but again, what happens if it comes between you and Jameson? Or if the two of you break up and we still work closely together? But on the other hand, you’re special, I can see that. I don’t want to lose you, and I hope you know that it would hurt me if that happened. You’re…well, you’ve started to feel like a son to me too.”

My eyes stung when I managed to turn his way. Holy crap. I was going to cry. I couldn’t believe I was going to cry. But what I had to do was obvious. Part of me had likely always known. “That means the world to me. More than I can say. I’m so honored that you gave me a chance. I’ve learned a lot from you, and you feel like family to me too.” I averted my eyes, embarrassed. Plus, the rest of what I had to say would be easier if I didn’t have to look at him. “On Monday, I’ll be bringing in my two-week notice. I’ll make sure Jameson knows it was my idea, that I thought it was the best avenue to take.”

It sucked, but it would be worth it. If I had to choose between him and a job, there really wasn’t a choice, was there?”

Leon’s frown deepened. He sighed, then rested his elbows on the table and rubbed a hand over his face. “You would do that for him, that easily? I thought you were saving money to help your mom, not to mention this is a dream for you, right?”

I nodded. “Yeah, it is, but…I love him. He makes me feel important and happy. When he smiles, I want to smile, and I want to keep making him do it. And he’s adorable when he rambles, even though I know he doesn’t see it. He’s smart and curious, and he’s it for me. Like I said, I appreciate all you’ve done for me. You’ve been the best boss I ever had—more than a boss, but—”