Susan stayed quiet for a moment, hesitating. Keeping secrets had become second nature to her lately—a habit she didn't even recognize in herself anymore. She glanced up to find Caroline studying her, curiosity and concern both visible on her face. "You can't tell Samuel," Susan said finally, a hint of pleading in her voice.
"Why not?" Caroline's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"Well… he doesn't exactly like Leo," Susan replied, choosing her words carefully. It wasn't the whole truth, but it wasn't a lie, either. She was sure Caroline wouldn't like him either if she knew everything about him. Leo's world and everything it touched wasn't something she could easily explain, even to her closest friend.
Caroline sighed, clearly not thrilled with the secrecy but nodding nonetheless. "Alright, so what am I supposed to tell him if he asks where you are?"
"Just say it's a work trip," Susan replied smoothly. "I'll tell him the same."
She realized, with a mixture of pride and dismay, that she was getting good at this… Too good at it. Lying, covering her tracks, keeping secrets, washing money, slipping out of one role and into another, and making out with a dangerous man like Leo. Only months ago, she would never have imagined herself hiding things like these from Samuel, much less diving into the murky waters of Leo's life. But here she was, ready to leave for a weekend with him, heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. "Besides," she added, trying to sound casual, "Samuel just needs time. He'll come around eventually."
Caroline gave her a measured look, then smiled. "Fine, I got your back. Your secret's safe with me. Just… be careful, okay? And hey—don't forget to have some fun while you're at it."
Susan smiled, feeling a spark of confidence flare in her chest. Oh, she definitely intended to have fun. That, she didn't need to be told. What was the point of going to Atlantic City if she wasn't going to have fun?
___________
The hum of a sleek black car came to a smooth stop in front of Susan's building. Through her window, she caught sight of Leo leaning against the driver's door, his casual stance somehow exuding control and elegance all at once. Dressed in a tailored dark jacket and jeans, he looked like he'd just stepped out of a glossy magazine spread, and Susan couldn't help but feel a thrill as she grabbed her small suitcase and stepped outside.
"You ready?" he asked, his eyes gleaming as he looked her over, taking in her casual but carefully chosen outfit—a fitted, cream-colored sweater and jeans that hugged her curves. She'd told herself she dressed like this purely for comfort, but she knew the truth was somewhere in between.
Susan nodded, her pulse quickening as Leo took her suitcase and tucked it into the trunk. He opened the passenger door, waiting until she was seated before moving around to slide in beside her, his presence filling the small, intimate space of the car. As he started the engine and pulled away from her building, she could feel a sense of anticipation building in her chest. She'd been unsure as well as excited about this trip—whether it was too much, too fast. But now, with the cityscape of Manhattan giving way to the open road, the excitement was undeniable.
Leo glanced at her with a knowing smirk. "Feeling nervous?"
"A little," she admitted, hoping the heat in her cheeks wasn't obvious. "I don't do this kind of thing often… or, really, at all."
"Do what?"
"Go on trips with…." She paused and Leo shot her a look with raised eyebrows, "... With men I guess… Or anyone for that matter,"
"Well, I don't usually play tour guide, either," he said, his voice dropping to that low tone that always seemed to unsettle her. "But for you, I'm making an exception."
They fell into an easy rhythm as he drove, talking about anything and everything. Leo was surprisingly open, sharing stories from his past that Susan had never heard before, tidbits about his childhood, his favorite places to eat, even some silly anecdotes from a college road trip, although he said nothing about how he became the man he was now. Susan wanted to ask, but she had a feeling he wouldn't tell her, so she settled for just the parts he was willing to talk about. It was the most human she'd ever seen him—an unguarded version that he rarely allowed anyone to glimpse.
After a while, as the lights of the city grew dim in the rearview mirror, Leo glanced over and asked, "Do you want some music?"
"Sure," she replied, almost relieved for the chance to break the intensity of his gaze. He reached over, pressing a button that filled the car with the soft, rhythmic beats of jazz. The smooth saxophone notes played in the background, adding a sense of intimacy to the drive that she hadn't anticipated. Neither of them spoke of the intimate events that had occurred at his club, and Susan decided that maybe it was better not to bring it up. Although she couldn't help wondering where this new found part of their relationship placed them. The first time could have been a one night stand, but it had happened again at his club, and now they were on their way to Atlantic City together. What did this make them? A couple? Friends with benefits? Crime buddies? Fuck buddies?
The questions lingered in her head, but one of the reasons why she didn't bring it up was simply because she couldn't. Leo didn't seem like a man who did relationships, and her pride just wouldn't let her say anything. She didn't want to seem desperate, and honestly, she wasn't even sure she wanted to know.
They made one quick stop at a gas station, and when Leo returned with two steaming cups of coffee, he handed one to her with a small grin. "Figured you could use a little caffeine," he said, his fingers brushing hers in a brief, electric touch as she took the cup.
"Thank you." She said, It was things like these that made her mind wander. When he looked at her like that with longing In his eyes, even when he thought she wasn't looking. The subtle touches that sent shivers down her spine, and when he kissed her, It made her wonder what exactly he wanted. She sipped the coffee, savoring the warmth against the chill of the evening air seeping through the car windows, and tried to dwell on the present.