Embers (Bayverse LeonardoxReader)

•Chapter Seventeen•

I'm back! Did ya miss me?

Sorry it took so long to update, I'm absolutely slammed with requests, this book and my other two, softball, weight training, lessons, school etc

Prepare for cheesiness :)

                                   •••

While Leo led you away from the kitchen and towards the lounge area, you managed to keep your anxiety at bay. When Casey first said that Leo had wanted to show you something, you instantly assumed you had done something.

But the way Leo kept smiling from beside you, made you abandon any negative thoughts. And the reassurance he held in his ocean blue eyes only made you feel even more safe.

"So, I thought that you'd like a place for all your favorite pictures." Leo says quietly, his face feeling warm.

He gestures towards a large board, outlined with small lights and fake vines. Underneath the board sat a small shelf, and on top of it was a box of tacs, a stack of paper, different colored markers and a plain card board box.

"Every time you take a picture you like, you can tac it up here. There's some markers and paper to make it look good. You know to date it or sign next to it." Leo explains, approaching the board and grabbing the card board box.

Your lips stayed parted in awe as you accepted the box. You lift the lid, instantly smiling down at the sight.

He had printed the pictures from your camera.

"Leo...this..."

"I don't know if it's too over the top or..."

You shake your head, smiling softly. Setting the box aside, you lean up against Leo. You tilt your head upwards, puckering your lips to ask for a kiss.

Leo chuckles, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on your lips.

"Leo. I love it." You breath. "Seriously, thank you so much."

"And I love you." He responds, his blue eyes searching yours. "So there's no reason for you to thank me."

"Help me fill it?" You ask, looking at the shelf and using one hand to gesture in its direction.

Leo nods.

While you both pinned pictures and organized the board, Leo found himself unable to quit stealing glances at you. Two different feelings made themselves known in the forefront of Leo's mind.

Love. He loved you more than he could vocalize. You made him feel appreciated and calm. You were fun and gorgeous, and somehow, you had chosen him.

The other feeling was something that Leo desperately tried to ignore. It wasn't fair of him to look at you like that.

But he couldn't help it. How your jeans beautifully hugged your thighs and ass. The way your top allowed his eyes easy access to your breasts. Your delicate lips and soft skin.

He could imagine his hands gripping your waist while his hovered over you, making-

Leo hauls off that train of thought in an instant, mentally scolding himself for thinking such things of you. He had to remind himself that you were to cherish, not fantasize about.

The next photo that Leo pinned up was slightly aggressive, an outward expression of the emotions he was dealing with inwardly.

Unfortunately for him, you noticed.

"You alright babe?" You ask thoughtlessly, paying no attention to the nickname that had escaped your lips.

Leo was not about to tell you about his lustful thoughts, so he deflected the question. "Babe?" He teases, redirecting the conversation.