Chapter Five

Willa

Dinner at Luke and Natalie’s was supposed to be a fun, easy night. Just good food and great company. But now, with Leo sitting beside me, laughing with my family and looking more at ease than I’ve ever seen him, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something. Something big.

He fits so well, it’s almost too perfect. And it’s making me uneasy.

I pour myself a little more wine, hoping it’ll calm my nerves. Luke is telling a story about our childhood about one of the many pranks we used to pull on our parents. Leo laughs along, his smile warm and genuine.

“He’s a good storyteller,” Leo says, leaning in so only I can hear him. “And I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who got into trouble growing up.”

His closeness makes my heart skip a beat, but even as he looks at me with familiar warmth, there’s a part of me that’s starting to question who he is.

“So,” I say, trying to keep my voice light, “any chance I’ll get a story or two about your family?”

Leo’s smile falters for just a second before he recovers, laughing it off. “Oh, they’re not that interesting, trust me.”

I raise an eyebrow, not buying it. “Everyone has a good family story.”

He gives me a rueful smile. “Maybe, but I’d much rather hear yours.”

It’s been over a week now and every time I ask about his life he manages to dodge the question. He’s kind and funny and thoughtful, but I don’t really know him. Not the way he seems to know me.

After dinner, Natalie clears the plates, giving me a knowing look as I stand to help her. “He’s great,” she whispers, glancing over at Leo, who’s deep in conversation with Luke. “He seems really into you.”

I nod while forcing a smile. “Yeah, he’s…he’s amazing.”

Natalie catches my hesitation, her gaze sharpening. “But?”

I hesitate, glancing over at Leo as he chats with my brother. “I just feel like there’s a lot he’s not telling me. I don’t know very much about him and he knows so much about me.”

She gives me an understanding smile, resting a hand on my arm. “Maybe he’s just private. Or maybe he’s been hurt before. You should ask him.”

The idea makes my heart pound with nerves, but she’s right. If I want to trust him, I need answers. I thank Natalie and head back to the living room, sitting beside Leo as he glances at me with that soft, steady smile.

After we say our goodbyes and step outside, I take a deep breath, turning to him as we walk down the path toward my place.

“Leo,” I say, my voice low, “why don’t you tell me more about yourself?”

He looks surprised, pausing mid-step, and for a second, there’s a flicker of something in his eyes —guilt, maybe? “Willa…”

I stop, crossing my arms, not letting him off the hook. “I feel like there’s a whole part of you I don’t know. And I don’t understand why you aren’t sharing with me.”

He hesitates, running a hand through his hair, his gaze shifting to the ground. “I don’t know what to say. It’s not that I don’t want to share with you. It’s just…complicated.”

We continue to walk side-by-side toward the beach. The silence stretches between us until the words I’ve been holding back bubble up, and before I can stop myself, they spill out.

“Leo,” I begin, my voice wavering but determined. “Are you married?”

He stops in his tracks, his eyes wide with surprise. “Married? No, of course not.”

“Or involved?” I press, watching his face for any hint of reaction. “Someone waiting for you back home?”

He shakes his head slowly, his brow furrowing. “No, Willa. There’s no one else.”

“Then what is this?” I ask, my voice harsh as frustration slips through. “Am I just a way to pass the time? Is this some holiday fling for you?”

His face softens, and he steps closer, reaching for my hand. I can see the conflict in his eyes, the war of emotions he’s struggling to contain. “Willa, it’s not like that. You’re more to me than that.”

“Then why?” I ask, my voice breaking as I look up at him. “Why do you keep me at arm’s length? Why won’t you tell me anything real about yourself?”

He lets out a long breath, his fingers brushing over mine as if he’s afraid to let go. “Because I don’t want this to end.”

I hold his gaze, searching his face, wanting to believe him but unable to get past the doubt that’s taken root. “I need to know if this is real, Leo. If I’m falling for you, I need to know that it’s more than just a fling.”

His hand tightens around mine, his voice a low murmur. “It’s real, Willa. This is the realest thing I’ve ever felt. I promise you that.”

But as we walk on, his answer leaves me feeling no closer to him and still unsure about what’s happening between us.