Free Waterfall Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story (Saltwater Kisses Book 8) by Krista Lakes Page B

the finer points of literature were a bit more tricky. It was so subjective that my objective brain rebelled even thinking about it.
    “No, seriously, Leo- I'm never going to get this.” I banged my head again. “I'm sorry I called you. You should go on your date.”
    Leo reached out and took my hand. I kept my head on my book, trying desperately to ignore the electricity running through me at his simple touch. He didn't feel that way about me, no matter how much I wished he did.
    I was his friend's little sister. A friend. Nothing more. That's all I'd ever be.
    My brain realized this, but my heart and body just hadn't gotten that memo yet.
    “Charlotte,” he said softly. “I believe in you. You can do this. You've managed to help us set up Kindling and get all your course work done. You're amazing. Don't let this one test stop you.”
    My chest squeezed hard on my heart. I wanted to believe Leo.
    “I just...” I raised my head and looked at the book in front of me. It looked more like gibberish than actual words. “How am I going to learn all this in one night?”
    “I'm going to help you.” Leo said it without hesitation. “I even brought energy drinks and flashcards.”
    I looked up at him. He was serious. Those blue eyes were smiling at me, but they were serious. “Really?”
    “You called me and said you needed help.” Leo handed me an energy drink. “I'll stay here all night if you need me to. You're going to pass this test, Charlotte.”
    “Okay.” I sighed. If Leo thought I could do it, then I could do it. I still felt guilty for taking him away from his evening out. “You don't have to do this, Leo. I know you have a hot date tonight.”
    “This is more important, Charlotte,” Leo assured me. “You are my friend and you need help. I'm here until you can recite that book backwards and forwards. The date can wait.”
    I stared at the energy drink in my hand. This test felt hopeless, but Leo wasn't giving up on me. He never gave up on anyone, come to think of it. He wouldn't give up on me.
    Leo stood up and walked around the table, putting his hands on my shoulders. It was a simple gesture. It wasn't romantic or sexy, yet it filled my heart. Even if Leo never felt the way I did about him, he still cared about me. He didn't have to stay here and help me study- he was choosing to. He was just that awesome of a guy. I loved him, even if I couldn't have him as my own. He was my friend, and if that's all that I could get, I would take it. Having Leo in my life as a friend was better than not having him.
    Besides, he'd given up his date night to come help me. That had to count for something.
    He squeezed my shoulders, making my heart ache for more. I knew that a shoulder squeeze was as much as I was ever going to get from him. “Okay, then. Let's start at the beginning...”

Chapter Eleven
    “A nd that concludes our auction. Thank you to all of our bidders and to Mr. Sebastian Belrose.”
    I leaned against the back wall and let out a huge sigh of relief. The auction was over. My work here was done. Everything was now in the hands of the auction house and Realtor, so I could go back to my normal job and not be doing double duty. For the first time in weeks, I was free. After the gala last night, and the auction all day today, I was beat. But, with everything finally finished, I could finally relax.
    My sigh turned into a yawn, which I quickly stifled. I'd been up since before dawn making sure that everyone and everything was ready for the auction today. Luckily, the auction house run by Ava's aunt had their act together. Even my least favorite auctioneer in the world managed to show up on time and do a good job.
    My stomach rumbled, reminding me that the last meal I ate was coffee and a granola bar sometime around sunrise. I needed to eat soon or I'd be chewing on the curtains. I was half surprised my stomach growls hadn't accidentally made bids during the auction they were so loud.
    I turned and