Waterfall Kisses (The Kisses 9)

“I don't need your help, Charlotte.” He spat out my name like it left a bad taste in his mouth. “I've got everything under control.”

He straightened to his full height and tugged his shirt smooth before pushing past me to get back to the restaurant. I took a step back, surprised at how uncaring his attitude was. I was just trying to help him, but here he was acting like I was the enemy.

“Right,” I sneered, hating how catty I sounded even in my own head but unable to stop. “Because that phone call sounded very in control.”

Leo froze, every muscle in his back going stiff. He turned slowly. “It's none of your business, Charlotte.” His eyes narrowed and his voice was low and dangerous. “You need to drop it.”

“It is my business, Leo,” I snapped. How dare he put me in this position? The money was missing from the slush fund in the exact amount he was paying his blackmailer. It wasn't rocket science to figure out they were related and it certainly wasn't legal. “It's personal, professional and every thing in between. It is entirely my business.”

“Let it go, Charlotte.” Leo's eyes flashed. “It isn't what you think it is.”

“I just want to help-”

“I don't need your help!” Leo roared. His lips curled back in a snarl and the vein on his neck pumped with angry heartbeats. “I don't want your help.”

“Leo, if you're gambling...”

“I'm not gambling!” His whole body was tense and vibrating with anger. “I can't believe this. I tell you my biggest shame and you throw it in my face. You have no right, no right at all, sticking your nose into my business. This isn't your problem.”

“What the hell, Leo?” I hated the way I knew my face was flushing and how much I was shaking. I hated that we were fighting and I hated the way he was looking at me. There was betrayal and seething anger in his every glance.

“I don't need this.” Leo turned and started walking away from the restaurant.

“Leo, don't make me get Bastian.” I grabbed his arm, and as he looked down at me I knew it was the wrong thing to do. I should have just let him go off and cool down, but no. Now he was really mad. Now I had crossed the line.

He shook off my hands as if I were nothing. His eyes went up and down my body once, but there was no joy or even lust in the look. “If that's what you're going to do, then I guess I don't need you.”

I don't need you. His words hit me like a Mac truck.

“Leo...”

“I never should have let anyone know how I feel about you. This was a mistake,” he hissed, turning and walking away. “Stay away from me, Charlotte.”

I stared after him, unable to move, unable to speak as he disappeared into the darkening sunset.

A mistake. I don't need you.

What had just happened?

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Hey, Charlotte.”

Bastian's voice was low and soothing, but I didn't pick my head up off the bar. I didn't move. I just stayed there, my face pressed against the plastic that smelled like beer and wished I could curl up and die.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. I could feel his presence now on the bar-stool beside me and I peeked open one eye to see him smiling kindly at me. I wished he would just go back next door and leave me alone to cry.

“Being miserable.” I turned my head to face the other direction, but still on the bar. “Go away, Bastian. I want to mope.”

He moved seats so I had to look at him again. “Can I mope, too?”

I groaned and pulled myself off the bar. I knew him well enough to know he wasn't going to leave me alone. “Where's Ava? Shouldn't you two be dancing off into the sunset or something?”

“She's convincing Robbie to take her sailing tomorrow and to let her steer.” He chuckled and shook his head fondly before focusing on me again. “What are you doing getting drunk? On a workday?”

“I'm not drunk. I've only had one drink.” I looked at the single empty shot glass of rum on the counter. I wanted about thirty-seven more. Maybe then my heart wouldn't hurt so much. “I wanted to get drunk, but the hangover tomorrow sounded miserable.”

Bastian raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms, clearly not believing I was that sensible. “Right. A hangover.”