A Billionaire for Christmas(81)

                Luc shook Phoebe’s hand as they were introduced. “I wasn’t sure Leo was going to come back for the holidays, or even if he should. I’m happy to see he has such a lovely woman looking after him.”

                Leo’s jaw tightened, though his smile remained. “Phoebe’s my date, not my nurse.”

                Phoebe saw from Luc’s abashed expression that he knew he had stepped in it. Hattie whispered something in his ear, and he nodded.

                Other people crowded in behind them, but Leo lingered for a moment longer. “Can we see the kids?”

                Hattie touched his cheek, her smile warm and affectionate. “We have them asleep upstairs with a sitter, but you’re welcome to take a peek.” She smiled at Phoebe. “Leo dotes on our babies. Lord help us when he has some of his own. I’ve never known a man with a softer heart.”

                “Hey,” Luc said, looking indignant. “I’m standing right here.”

                Hattie kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll always love you best.”

                On the cloud of laughter that followed, Leo and Phoebe moved into the thick of the party. It was soon clear to her that Leo Cavallo was popular and beloved. Despite his reputation as a hard-hitting negotiator in the boardroom, everyone under Luc’s roof treated Leo not only with respect, but with genuine caring and concern.

                After an hour, though, she sensed that his patience was wearing thin. Perhaps he hadn’t anticipated the many questions about his recovery. At any rate, she recognized his growing tension. She hated the unmistakable awkwardness between them as the evening progressed, but despite her hurt, she couldn’t stop wanting to help him. Even if he couldn’t be hers, she wanted him to be happy.

                In a lull between conversations, she touched his arm. “Do you want to go upstairs and see your niece and nephew?”

                He nodded, relief in his harried gaze.

                Luc and Hattie’s home was far different than Leo’s, but spectacular in its own right. Phoebe experienced a frisson of envy for the couple who had created such a warm and nurturing family environment. The little girl’s room was done in peach and cream with Disney fairies. The baby boy’s nursery sported a delightful zoo animal theme.

                Leo stroked his nephew’s back and spoke to him softly, but he stayed the longest in Deedee’s room. His eyes were somber as he watched the toddler sleep. “She’s not their biological child, you know. When Hattie’s sister died, Hattie took her baby to raise, and then after the wedding, Luc and Hattie adopted her.”

                “Has your brother been married long?”

                “Less than two years. He and Hattie were pretty serious back in college. The relationship didn’t work out, but they were lucky enough to find their way back to each other.”

                Phoebe stared at Leo’s bent head as he sat carefully on the corner of the bed and touched his niece’s hand. He took her tiny fingers in his and brought them to his lips. It would have been clear to a blind man that Leo was capable of great love and caring. He felt about these two little ones the way Phoebe did about Teddy.

                He turned his head suddenly and caught her watching him, probably with her heart in her eyes. “Will you take a walk with me?” he asked gravely.

                “Of course.”

                Tiny flurries of snow danced around them when they exited the back of the house. Leo had retrieved her wrap, but even so, the night was brisk. In the center of the upper terrace a large, tiled fire pit blazed with vigor, casting a small circle of warmth. Other than the old man adding logs now and again, Leo and Phoebe were alone. Apparently no one else was eager to brave the cold.