Chapter 13 Maybe
She forced herself to look, even though only a small part of his torso was exposed. Still, it was enough for her mind to go blank. His body was firm, defined—abs visible beneath the soft light of the restaurant.
She stared far longer than she should have.
“How are my wounds?” Leo asked casually, like this was the most normal thing in the world.
That snapped her back.
Focus, she scolded herself. You’re being shameless.
She leaned in slightly, her eyes finally landing where they were supposed to. The surgical marks were there—clean lines, carefully stitched before. They were no longer fresh, but the skin was still tender, still healing.
“Alright,” she said, her voice shifting back into something firm and professional. “Lower it.”
As he did, she reached out without thinking and helped guide the fabric back down, careful, precise—making sure her fingers barely brushed his skin.
“You still need proper bandaging,” she said, already in lecture mode. “Leaving it exposed like this isn’t good. It can lead to infection. Bacteria can enter easily.”
Leo didn’t interrupt. He just listened.
“And you need follow-up checkups,” she continued, her tone serious now. “No heavy exercise. No pushing your body. If that wound reopens, you’ll bleed again—and it won’t be minor.”
Leo returned to his seat, leaning back comfortably, his posture relaxed as if he hadn’t just made her heart race.
“Noted, Nurse Olive,” he said.
He nodded once. Then again.
Obedient. Attentive.
And yet—
He couldn’t stop smiling.
When they stepped outside the tall building, the night air brushed against Olive’s skin. It was cooler now, carrying the faint smell of rain and city lights. She hugged her arms lightly, letting out a quiet breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Dexter walked toward them and looked at his boss. “Sir, are we heading out now?”
Olive glanced at Leo.
She still couldn’t explain it—but she felt calm. Curious, yes. Cautious, still. But the fear she’d felt earlier was gone. Standing beside him didn’t make her feel threatened. It made her wonder. About his life. About the world he belonged to. About the kind of man someone like him truly was.
Before Dexter could say anything else, Leo reached out and took the car keys from him.
“I’ll drive.”
Dexter froze.
The surprise on his face was obvious. Olive noticed it instantly. She understood right away—Leo driving himself wasn’t normal.
Probably never happened.
“Take a taxi with the others,” Leo added casually. “I’ll message you tomorrow if I need anything.”
Dexter hesitated. His eyes moved from Olive to Leo, concern clear in his expression. It was the look of someone used to protecting, not questioning.
Leo tilted his head slightly. “You can go.”
Only then did Dexter nod, bow lightly, and walk away with the other men.
The quiet that followed felt different.
Personal.
Leo turned to Olive. “I’ll drive you home.”
It wasn’t a question. And it wasn’t said like an order.
It was gentle. Certain.
Olive looked at him for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”
They walked toward the black van parked out front. The engine was already running. Leo opened the passenger door for her.
“Thank you,” Olive said softly.
As she watched him walk around to the driver’s seat, something tugged at her chest. The simple gesture—opening a door, waiting, being careful—reminded her of her father. The way he used to do things quietly, without asking for thanks.
She hadn’t felt that kind of respect in a long time.
Leo glanced at her. “Are you okay?”
Olive blinked, then smiled. “Yes. I’m fine.”
They drove through quiet streets, the city slowly falling asleep around them. Streetlights passed one by one. Olive rested her hands on her lap, her thoughts calm but full.
By the time they reached her house, it was already past eleven.
Just like before, Leo stepped out first and opened the door for her. He even offered his hand to help her down.
They stood facing each other.
Olive clasped her hands in front of her. Leo slipped one hand into his pocket.
Neither of them spoke at first.
“You should go,” Olive said softly. “It’s late. And… don’t forget to clean your wound and follow what I told you.”
Leo smiled. “I won’t forget. Maybe that way it’ll heal faster.”
She smiled back. “Goodnight. Thank you.”
She turned toward the gate—
When she felt his hand gently wrap around her wrist.
“Wait,” Leo said.
His voice was still gentle, but serious now.
Olive turned back, her brows lifting slightly.
“Before you go,” he continued, “can I have your number? I’m serious about courting you. I want to know you better. And… I’m expecting a second date.”
Her breath caught.
“So… this was a date?” she asked herself.
Leo smiled.
Olive hesitated.
She had told herself this would be the first and last time. But standing here now, curiosity tugged at her. Interest. Something real.
Slowly, she raised her palm. “Your phone.”
Leo chuckled. “Just tell me.”
She rolled her eyes lightly, then said her number as he saved it.
“Go inside,” Leo said. “It’s cold.”
“You should go too,” Olive replied. “Drive safely.”
She smiled, turned, and opened the gate—this time without looking back.
Only when she was inside did she press a hand to her chest, her heart racing. She waited until she heard the van drive away before finally breathing out.
Later, after her shower, her phone vibrated on the bed.
An unknown number.
Thanks for tonight, Liv. Hoping for many more. Don’t forget to save my number — Leo.
She pressed the phone to her chest.
Adrian crossed her mind. The disappointment of realizing he hadn’t been the one who sent the rose. Maybe she had assumed too much. Maybe she was just a friend to him.
Then she thought of Leo.
The flower. The certainty. The way he treated her.
Maybe… giving him a chance wasn’t wrong.