Chapter 10 - THE KISS THAT BECAME A PROMISE
The discovery changed everything.
Leo's father had been connected to the financial network Arthur Bell documented.
But the records didn't clearly establish whether he had participated in wrongdoing or tried to expose it.
Christa refused to jump to conclusions.
She insisted the documents be preserved and reviewed by independent attorneys.
Leo agreed.
That night, they sat on the porch at Bellweather.
The air was cold.
The stars were bright.
Christa held a mug of tea.
Leo sat beside her.
“Are you angry?” he asked.
She looked at him.
“About what?”
“My father's name.”
She considered.
“No.”
He turned.
“Why?”
“Because I don't know what it means yet.”
Leo looked down.
She continued:
“And because you're not responsible for every choice your family made.”
His expression changed.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then whispered:
“No one's ever said that to me.”
Christa's heart tightened.
She set down her mug.
“Leo.”
He looked up.
She leaned closer.
This time, she kissed him because she wanted to.
Not because she was frightened.
Not because someone was following her.
Not because she needed protection.
Because she wanted him.
Leo kissed her gently.
Then drew back.
His forehead rested against hers.
“Do it again,” he whispered.
May you like
Christa laughed softly.
And kissed him again.
