Finding His Mrs. Right (Mending Hearts Series)

by Harris, Cyndi

  “I want details, now.” Tyler snapped as we headed to the parking lot. The meeting had been postponed until a later date because Mr. Wright and his team weren’t too fond with giving up his company just yet. I was fine with the delay because I had other things to do.

  “Against better judgment, I got pissy drunk last night and drunk dialed Tessa.” I said, stating the best part of my night.

  “Tessa? As in the hot matchmaker I knew you had chemistry with?” Tyler smiled as he unlocked his car, and we got in.

  “So, did she spend the night?” he asked, starting the car.

  “Sort of.” I shrugged, and that was kind of the truth, but I knew what he was hinting at.

  He wanted to know if I’d ended my year long dry spell. God, I couldn’t believe it had been that long since I had been laid; but as I always say, I don’t have the time anymore. This past year had been really hard on me, and not being able to talk about it had made it worse. Don’t get me wrong, Tyler was there, but I hated burdening him with my emotional crap. He had been dealing with it since I was a kid, and I felt he needed a break. But then again, I didn’t have anyone else I trusted enough to talk to, but him.

  My sister Cassidy had moved away a year ago, and I was glad for it. I didn’t want her stuck here in this town forever, like I would be. I made sure she was on the very road she wanted to pursue in life. Having the connections that I did, she was firmly planted in the modeling world. But, she was only twenty, and also still in school studying fashion. She wanted to ultimately be a fashion designer. I called her about five times a day, and if she didn’t answer she knew I’d come looking. So far, everything had been good.

  “Sort of?” Tyler asked pulling my attention back to now. “What does that mean?”

  “I made love to her.” I muttered, and he glanced over to me surprised.

  “You used the word love in a sentence for a female that wasn’t your mom or sister.” He replied raising an eyebrow.

  “I didn’t say I loved her. Calm down.” I chuckled, and we fell silent.

  “Do you want to tell me what happened last night?” he asked, breaking the silence.

  Tyler’s tone had gone somber, so I knew he didn’t mean with Tessa. He wanted to know about the bruises on my face. I couldn’t lie to Tyler because he had an inkling of what had already happened. It wasn’t like it was the first time.

  “If I said no, would you leave it at that?” I asked.

  “Not by a long shot.” He said, looking over at me.

  “Tyler—”

  “It was her wasn’t it?” he asked, and I knew exactly who he meant, so I sighed deeply.

  “Damn it, Landon! I told you this was a bad idea.” He scolded as I looked out of my window. We were approaching the restaurant where my car was parked, and I was thankful. I didn’t feel like having this same damn conversation again.

  “Things have been good.” I protested.

  “Bull—Landon, you’re being delusional. You think I haven’t noticed how bottled up you’ve become over this year? I mean you were bad before, but now you’re just so—” he sighed, and stopped as he parked in the lot, but I looked over at him angrily.

  “I’m just so what?! Fucked up that I can’t see straight?!” I huffed.

  “Landon, I didn’t mean—”

  “It’s ok, you don’t have to bite your tongue now.” I said, spotting Tessa by my car, and I was damn sure glad to see her.

  “I thought you understood me, but apparently you don’t.” I said getting out of the car as I heard him call my name. Ignoring him, I stalked through the parking lot, and was glad to see my car intact. The look on my face must’ve been pure rage and hurt because Tessa frowned.

  “Is everything alright?” she asked, as I got closer.

  “Fine, you need a lift?” I asked, unlocking my car and getting into it.

  “Sure.” She said hopping into the passenger seat and strapping on her seatbelt, as I started my car and tore out of there angrily.

  Eight

  I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles were white. I was so angry that I had no idea where I was going. I’m sure Tessa was staring over at me scarce because the ride had remained silent. Scaring her was the last thing I needed, after last night.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” I finally heard her soft voice ask.

  “I don’t know.” I huffed.

  “My ears are here to listen, if you want to.” She offered.

  “What were you doing at the restaurant?” I asked, genuinely.

  “I figured you’d have to come get your car sooner rather than later, so I asked Gwen to drop me off. At least I had hoped you would.” She smiled, as I looked over to her.

  Her smile was infectious, and it made me smile in return. I turned to look back at the road as I felt an unnerving heat in my stomach. What the hell was that? Butterflies?? No freaking way. I was Landon freaking Brooks, there was no way a female was making me heat with anxiety and desire, just by smiling at me.

  “Lucky for you, my meeting got cut short.” I replied, still smiling.

  “Yeah, lucky for me.” She whispered.

  “Tessa, did I—do something stupid last night?” I blurted out.

  “Stupid?” she asked, a bit frazzled. “Like what?”

  “Anything,” I pushed.

  “You ruined the date I set you up on.” She whispered, as if she were disappointed about something.

  “I mean, I remember us making love.” I said looking over to her, to ensure that I knew what I was doing in that area. I didn’t want her to think it was a mistake on my part, and I damn sure didn’t want her to think I hadn’t remembered it. What happened between us had undoubtedly stuck with me when nothing else had.

  “We only had sex.” She emphasized the word sex. I must’ve have really done something to screw things up between us.

  “Whatever I did, I’m sorry.” I replied. “I like you, Tessa.”

  She fell silent as I parked my car. God, I knew I was freaking her out, and I couldn’t blame her. I felt the same, but not for the reason she did, I was sure. Tessa looked like a nice, sweet girl, who was monogamous. Whereas I, I was a serial dater, or bedder—if that was even a thing. I didn’t want her to think that she was just a one night stand.

  “You don’t have to say those things, Landon.” She insisted.

  “That’s the thing.” I said, leaning over to her. “I know I don’t, but I want to.”

  Tessa sucked in a hard breath, as our eyes locked. I knew she had to feel something for me. There was no way she didn’t. She didn’t seem like the type to just hop into bed with anyone for nothing. Hell, I was the one who had been wasted, and I still remembered the ordeal. That was saying something.

  “Landon, last night was a mistake.” She said pulling away, but her breathing was labored, so I didn’t believe a word she said. If she thought it was something I needed to hear, just to make me feel good, she was wrong. I truly felt something for Tessa Winters, and it was scary.

  All I could think about was taking her tiny body, and claiming it as mines—sober this time, so I could enjoy every minute a million times better. I craved her kiss and caress. She had unwittingly ignited a fire in me, and no, not just last night. The first night we met, she had stuck with me. I had wondered what it would be like to be with her over and over again. Then the first kiss we shared had sealed my fate. Sure, it had started out as a joke, but the taste of her had me hooked.

  I didn’t want to admit it before now, but Tessa had set me ablaze. But, sitting here now, listening to her, I was hurt by her words. I hadn’t felt this kind of ache in ages. I hadn’t felt it since my only real relationship ended. I knew Tessa was a heartbreaker, and I wasn’t about to lose her just yet.

  “Tessa—”

  “I can’t do this with you.” She said, cutting me off, and getting out of the car.

  We were at the local park, not too far from my house. It was a nice a quiet place to clear your head. I usuall
y took runs here to start or end my day. With the life I lead, I definitely needed to clear my head a lot. Sighing, I grabbed my keys and got out, too. Tessa was standing at the front of my car, so I walked over to her.

  “I’m sorry.” She interjected before I could say anything.

  “Tessa, I know you have to feel at least a little of what I feel for you.” I replied, looking down at her scarce. I was afraid of rejection, and knew I wouldn’t be able to accept it that well.

  “Landon, please.” She begged.

  “Tessa, you can tell me if I scared you last night. Sometimes I have really bad dreams.” I said, finally admitting what I was scared to say. Grabbing her face gently, I made her look at me. I felt the heat sear through me, just by looking into her beautiful eyes.

  “What are you—”

  Leaning down, I cut her off as I went to kiss her. My heart was hammering against my ribcage, and for the first time, I was scared of actually feeling something for someone new. My phone buzzed, killing the mood. I groaned as Tessa pulled out of my grip, and moved away. I forgot that I had somewhere else to be right now, but this wasn’t over by a long shot.

  “Have you eaten yet?” I asked, looking over to Tessa.

  “No.” she answered, and she was blushing.

  “Good because I want to take you somewhere special tonight. Tell me you’ll say yes.” I smiled getting in the car. I hoped I wasn’t going to regret this.

  “Only if you’ll go out on another date this afternoon.” She offered.

  Tessa wanted me to go out on a few more dates, then fine I’d go on a few more dates. After all, I had paid her to send me out with girls, but that was before she weaved her way into my mind. How was I supposed to sit through this mixer after what had happened between us last night? If she wanted to act like nothing happened that was fine. I could play her game. Hell, I was the master of not caring about my feelings.

  But there was just one problem.

  I wanted Tessa more than I ever wanted anyone.

  Why? I didn’t know because I was used to being cold hearted. Just because I was here didn’t mean I had to like it. Tessa strolled into the room, and my breathing got caught in my throat. See? No one had that effect on me, and I wanted to see where it would lead.

  “Alright, I’m going to send them in, Landon.” Tessa smiled as she adjusted my suit and tie.

  I wanted to pull her into my arms and taste her lips again.

  “Tessa…” I muttered placing my hand on hers, but fell short of finishing the sentence. She had gone rigid at my touch.

  I didn’t want to push her away any farther. It was apparent that she wanted me to try and date. Nixing the thoughts floating around in my head, I said the next plausible thing.

  “I’m ready.” I smiled and she nodded.

  Sucking in a hard breath, I watched her as she sauntered over to the door. Opening it, five women walked inside. There was one redhead, two blondes, and two brunettes. Did Tessa really think I was into blondes? I mean I had nothing against them, but I was into dark haired women.

  They smiled as they followed Tessa over to me, and I hugged each and every one of them. This was different for me, I was use to one on one dates, not a full on hoard of women. Well a hoard of women that I had to get to know.

  “Landon, this Eliza, Stephanie, Joanne, Maggie, and Fiona. Girls, this is Landon Brooks.” Tessa said, introducing us.

  After the introduction, we mingled. Tessa left the room and I was stuck in a group full of beautiful women. Time seemed to ebb by as they yammered on about themselves. Eliza had been a teacher. Stephanie was a caterer; Joanne was a single mother who was a secretary. Maggie was a student and Fiona was into fashion. All interesting, but nothing that stuck with me because all I could think of was Tessa. I wanted her to come back into this room and send everyone home.

  To my surprise, the door swung open and Tessa walked in. Maybe my prayers would be answered. I drank the champagne as Tessa came back over to us.

  “Can you guys go sit in the lounge while I chat with Landon?” she asked and I smiled.

  The girls hugged me and said their goodbyes before they left the room. Here it was, Tessa was going to realize the mistake she made by setting this whole evening up.

  “So?” Tessa asked, and I frowned confused.

  “So, what?” I asked.

  “Which one of the girls did you like the best?” she shrugged and my heart dipped.

  Maybe I was wrong, maybe Tessa really did sleep with me out of pity or—hell I don’t know, but it was clear she wasn’t interested in me.

  “Fiona.” I muttered. I damn well wasn’t going to say “no one” because I’d just be set up with a bunch of other girls. I didn’t want Tessa to think I hadn’t taken this evening seriously either.

  “Okay, I’ll send her back in for your one on one, and if you really like her, you can set up a proper date.” Tessa smiled.

  “Great.” I said sarcastically with a smile to match.

  Tessa left, and I sat at the table. A few moments later, Fiona sauntered in. She was one of the brunettes, and she was pretty. Maybe she’d be the distraction I needed to forget about Tessa right now.

  “Hi again,” She smiled, sitting down.

  “Hi.” I smiled back.

  “I’m glad you picked me. So now that everyone else is gone, do you want to tell me anything about yourself?” she asked.

  “Um, what do you want to know?” I asked.

  “Have you ever been in love?” she asked.

  “Puppy love, so I’m guessing that doesn’t count.” I shrugged.

  “Really? So no girl has ever touched you in an unforgettable way?” she asked intrigued.

  “I don’t know…I mean there’s one person. She’s amazing. I haven’t known her that long, but there’s instant chemistry. Something I’ve never felt with anyone. She’s smart, funny, sophisticated, and definitely knows how to handle parts of me that would scare away tons of women. Thing is, I don’t think she’s really interested in me and that’s never happened before.” I answered, not realizing I was rambling.

  “Sounds like you’ve already found the right woman for you.” Fiona said disappointed.

  Snapping out of my thoughts, I realized Fiona was right. Sitting here with other women trying to drown out Tessa wasn’t going to work. Fact was, she had left her mark on me and I was determined to leave my mark on her. No matter what it took.

  “I’m sorry.” I replied getting up and leaving her alone.

  Going into the lounge, I spot Tessa, and she gave me a puzzled look.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “This whole night.” I answered. “Tessa, I like you and nothing you do will change that. Not setting me up with tons of women…I just—let me take you out.” I practically begged.

  This was getting out of hand, and it had to stop. I needed to tell Landon that I wasn’t interested in dating him in the least bit. But, that was hard seeing as how my knees got weak when he got close to or even looked in my direction. Don’t even get my started on when we actually locked eyes. See?! Ugh, stupid thoughts that didn’t need to be there. But, he had asked me if I felt the attraction. I’d be stupid not to! But this just couldn’t be. I wasn’t available.

  Sitting in his car, I tried to find the right words to let him down easily, but nothing made sense. God, I felt like a bitch. Landon was finally opening up his heart a little, and I was here trying to thrash it.

  For some reason, he was worried that he had scared me away the night before. I had no idea what he meant by that because besides him being intoxicated, the night had been perfect. I slipped out before dawn because I didn’t see a future for us. Dating wasn’t on my agenda and neither was love. I just needed to work harder at finding him a match—that wasn’t me. I sat quiet for the remainder of the ride until we pulled up to his estate.

  “This is special?” I asked wrinkling a brow. I hoped that he was thinking we were going to be doing anything that didn’t invo
lve clothes!

  “Trust me, ok?” he asked. Sighing, I rolled my eyes and got out of the car as he did the same.

  Heading inside, Landon placed his hand on the small of my back as we stepped into the large living room. Just being touched by him, sent electrical currents through my body. Boy, I definitely needed to get my hormones under control. It wasn’t like I was a teenager anymore, so I needed to get my hormones in check fast. Seeing the place again, and this time in the daylight, made me realize how gorgeous it was. Landon had really put some thought into his interior design. I felt like I had stepped into an old time Victorian home.

  “Come on.” He said, grabbing my hand, and pulling me towards another room. We entered his huge dining room, and an older woman was sitting at the table with a younger woman.

  “You made it!” the older woman smiled brightly. She had a head full of beautiful blonde hair, and was tall, but not taller than Landon.

  “Of course I did, mom.” Landon said, going over to hug her.

  My heart quickened as the word “mom” left his mouth. Had he seriously just brought me to meet his mother?! This was too freaking soon. We weren’t even dating, for Christ’s sake. When had one night of hot passion put a stamp on a relationship? Landon hadn’t even seemed like the type to take a woman home to mom. But, if that were the case, why was I here? Jeez, this meant he was serious about finding a wife, but I wasn’t it.

  “You look good today.” He replied, as I stood awkwardly behind him.

  “And, you look—oh Landon, what happened to your face, sweetie?” his mother asked concerned as she caressed his face.

  Landon frowned, before looking at the floor. That was a question I wanted answered too. I could tell he felt some sort of shame or dismay about the incident.

  “Don’t worry about it, mom. Just a sports injury.” He answered, and I could tell he was lying.

  “You have to be more careful, sweetie. Protect that pretty face of yours, who’s she?” his mother asked, finally spotting me.