by Layla Hagen
“Hmm... this is how you want to go out with me? Wearing this lovely suit and cuff links? This will make women everywhere swoon. I’m doing them a favor by keeping you all for me. They won’t know what they’re missing. Plus, traffic is a nightmare at this time.”
His gaze snapped fire, and a smile danced on his lips. I had the feeling he saw right through my attempt to seduce him. In retrospect, it had been a little lousy. Traffic, really?
“Make no mistake, Maddie, when we come back, I’m going to sink so deep inside you that you’ll forget your own name. But right now, I want to spend some time with you outside the bedroom. Anything against that?”
“No.” I was a little breathless, a lot hot. He was charming me like it was his job. Was he even aware of that? “But for the record, I didn’t just have naked activities in mind when I suggested we stay in. I could take care of you. After the day you had, you could use it.”
His eyes softened and he leaned in, kissing the corner of my lips. After a beat, he said, “You can take care of me anytime you want, Maddie. I’d like that. But tonight, I am taking care of you. So let’s go.”
As I caught a glimpse of the flowers, a small voice at the back of my mind whispered that it would be very hard not to fall in love with Landon. I quieted the voice as he took my hand, whisking me out of the house for an evening of debauchery.
Chapter Eighteen
Maddie
Landon knew how to wine and dine a woman. He’d brought me to the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. They had an elegant restaurant set up on the patio, with twinkle lights hanging everywhere. I was soaking it all in, but truthfully, the man sitting across from me was monopolizing my attention.
“You, sir, have excellent taste,” I informed him as I took a sip of my red wine, a shiraz. It went well with my steak. “How hard will it be, juggling Val’s project and your merger?”
He frowned. “Very hard. I keep trying to map out a plan of attack so I can give both projects the attention they need, but it’s going to be hellish.”
“Well, you can count on me for helping you relax,” I declared. His frown melted into a smile.
“How do you plan to do that?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’m gonna draw up a serious plan.”
I was going to take good care of him. So good that he wouldn’t want to let me go. Whoops. Where had that thought come from? I gave my shiraz the evil eye.
“How long are you still going to work on Val’s yard?” he asked.
“Three weeks. Then I’m landscaping a school yard. It’ll be less complicated than Val’s, because it doesn’t involve terracing. I’m looking forward to it.”
“A school? I thought you said you liked working on residential projects.”
I was pleased he remembered that little detail.
“I do, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. It’s for a private school, and if the parents like what they see, that might lead to other projects.”
“Smart. Very smart.”
“Thanks. That’s the project I needed those permits for.”
“So you handle everything? Permits, design, implementation?”
“Yes. I do work with subcontractors, though. For example, Val wants stone steps, and I’m bringing in a mason for that. If the soil requires more than the standard irrigation system, I bring in a company specializing in that. But I do try to do as much as possible myself. I’ll hire a permanent staff as soon as Grace finishes law school.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Maddie Jennings.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Connor.”
“You’re hardworking, and you’re devoted to your sister, two qualities I admire.” He put his hand over mine on the table, squeezing lightly. “I admire everything about you.”
“Now you’re making me blush.”
“I love it when your cheeks go all red.” His voice was lower, breathier, and it sent my mind right into the gutter.
“Landon! We’re halfway through dinner. You can’t make me blush already. I believe we were talking about my business.”
He gave me a wolfish grin. “You’re right. Have you thought about partnering with one of the subcontractors you use more often? You wouldn’t have them on your payroll, but you could use the synergies.”
I leaned back in my seat, playing with my wine glass. “I did think about it, but honestly, that spells headache. My ex and I had a similar arrangement. Even though we had different areas of expertise, we’d set up a company together, Eden Designs. We were sharing an office, and administrative expenses like accounting. Occasionally some of his clients used my services too. When it all went to hell, it was so much work to disentangle myself. It got messy. He fought me for every contract. The lawyer fees ate up a lot of my savings. It soured me for partnerships. I work better alone.”
“Your ex was a real douchebag.”
“It was weird, starting all over again. New house, new everything. Most of our friends were his friends, because he was from LA, so my circle of friends was suddenly very small, and meeting new people isn’t easy.”
“Did you think about going back to Miami?”
“No, I like it here. But when I moved to LA, I never imagined I’d have to start over twice. I hope I never have to do it again. It’s exhausting.”
Landon scrutinized me, but then his attention was caught by a tall man in a suit approaching us, stopping next to our table.
“Landon? I can’t believe this. I didn’t know you were back in LA. How long has it been?”
Landon stood up, shaking the man’s hand. I stood up too.
“Stephen. Nice to see you.” Pointing at me, Landon said, “This is Maddie Jennings. She’s a very talented landscape architect.”
Landon sounded so proud of me that I wanted to kiss him on the spot. I took in his body language, and I knew those weren’t empty words. I knew it was wrong to compare Landon to my ex, but I couldn’t help it. Whenever Owen introduced me to someone, he left out my occupation, and when I brought it up, he’d cringe.
“Nice to meet you, Maddie.” Stephen shook my hand before focusing on Landon again. “How long are you in LA?”
“A few weeks.”
“I’ll call to set up a meeting. I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.”
We sat again after Stephen left, finishing our steaks. Landon cradled my legs between his under the table. I loved being surrounded by him like this. After the server took away our empty plates, I rubbed my belly. “Are we having dessert? I’m dying to eat their panna cotta.”
A smile played on his lips. He cradled my legs tighter until my knees touched. “I’d rather eat you, but panna cotta will do, for now.”
“You’re shameless,” I whispered. “You brought me out here, and now you’re seducing me?”
“You’re complaining?”
I opened my mouth, closed it again. “I’m hot and bothered, but I feel like I should give you an earful just because. I’m conflicted.”
Without taking his eyes off me, he ordered panna cotta for both of us, then leaned forward. “How hot and bothered are you exactly?”
The air sizzled between us, and I considered bolting before dessert. But my stubborn side reared its head and I held my ground, even enjoying two more glasses of shiraz until we finished the panna cotta.
Landon offered me his arm when we rose to leave, and I gladly took it. I was wearing sky-high stilettos. The shoes were new and I hadn’t had time to break them in, so the balls of my feet were hurting.
As we passed the row of tables, I became aware of women eye-fucking him. A lot of women.
“This is the last time you’re going out with me wearing cuff links. Every woman in there wants to bang you,” I whispered when we were alone in the corridor leading to the lobby.
“Bang me?” He laughed. Oh, this amuses him, huh? “You’re a little buzzed from that wine.”
“Maybe. But I know what I saw. Next time we’re going out, you’re wearing some ugly sweater. A pap
er bag over your head would help too.”
“Possessive much?”
I sucked in a breath. “I’m getting ahead of myself, sorry. I have no business being possessive.”
Landon came to a halt, turning to me. He kissed me so hard, it made my mind spin. “Yes, you do. Sweetheart, the thought of you with another man drives me crazy.” His eyes glinted as he ran his thumb over my lips, delicious possessiveness written all over him. “I like seeing you all worked up, but you don’t have to worry about anything. You’re all I want, Maddie.” He kissed the corner of my mouth, whispering, “Let’s go home so I can show you how much.”
I’d never prayed for zero traffic more than now.
When we stepped inside my bungalow, Landon kissed me hard and walked me backward to my bedroom, until the backs of my calves hit the bed. He lowered me on it, breaking our connection. He switched on the light, remaining near the switch.
“Take off your clothes for me, Maddie.”
I toed off my shoes and then climbed on the bed. I lifted the hem of my top just a little, until my belly button was visible. Landon fixed me with his gaze, as if daring me to continue. I lifted it a few inches more, as slowly as I could. He released a sharp exhale, and my hands started to shake with anticipation. Watching him watch me was a damn turn-on. I lifted it another inch, and then Landon took off his own clothes. When he was completely naked, he climbed onto the bed in front of me. He cuffed my ankles with his hands, still watching me. When I pulled off my shirt, he bit his lip. I reached under my pillow and retrieved the condom I’d hidden there... just in case.
“Unclasp your bra.” Although his voice was a whisper, it still sounded like a command. I did as he said, and my breasts spilled free in front of him. Releasing one of my ankles, he reached out one arm, undid the zipper and button of my skirt, then pulled it down my legs, throwing it behind him. I felt exposed, wearing nothing but a thong. He was watching me with a lustful gaze, his eyes darting from my neck to my breasts to the triangle between my legs, then back up.
He moved over me, capturing my mouth. I sighed against his lips, my hips bucking off the bed when he cupped one breast, twisting the nipple slightly. I instinctively tried to push my thighs together. Since he was sitting right between my thighs, I merely squeezed him good. He groaned, pulling back, looking down between us. Lowering one hand, he placed his thumb right at my entrance, over the panties. A shiver of anticipation ran through my body. He dragged his thumb all the way up to my clit.
“Landon! Oh—”
He repeated the motion. I parted my thighs, giving him more access. He settled between them, lowering his head. Through a haze of lust, I felt him slide two fingers along the rim of my panties, right where my thigh met my center. I fisted the sheet when he hooked the fingers in the fabric, pushing it to one side. And then his hot mouth was on my slick flesh, and it felt so impossibly good, so impossibly intense, that I cried out shamelessly. Pushing my head up, I saw he’d lowered an arm under him. His shoulder was moving—he was touching himself. While his mouth was on me, his hand was on his erection. The sight awoke something deep inside me. Warmth billowed under my skin.
Unexpectedly, he took the thumb away from my clit, sliding his hand under my ass, lifting it up the mattress. I dug my heels in the bed, my tummy contracting as I braced myself. He sucked my clit into his mouth.
“Aaaaaah!”
My glutes stiffened, my thighs burned. My center was on fire. My entire body shook. It was as if thin, invisible threads connected my clit to every cell in my body. I thrashed and whimpered, needing my release. The tension inside me kept mounting.
The next few seconds were a little fuzzy. Landon moved, pulling away from me just as I was on the cusp. I heard him rip the package of the condom, and then he moved over me, sliding inside me as I came.
Pleasure of such intensity ripped through me that it knocked the breath out of my lungs. My inner muscles spasmed and clenched along his length. My orgasm intensified. Pleasure coursed through my entire body, making my toes curl and my fingers stretch out, almost in a spasm.
“You feel so good, Maddie. So good.” His voice was an unsteady whisper, and as I came down from cloud nine, I noticed his arms were shaking slightly. He’d braced them on either side of me. Kissing my neck, he slid in and out of me. It was impossible, but I felt that with every stroke he filled me more, gave me more of himself.
“Lift your legs, wrap them around me,” he said.
Blindly I hooked a leg around him, then the other, not understanding where he was going with this... until I did. As I pressed my heels on the back of his thighs, just under his ass, the angle between us changed, and he was rubbing a spot inside me he hadn’t touched before. I didn’t even know pleasure so intense was possible. I was putty in his hands, his body pushing mine closer to the edge with every thrust. My body strummed with tension, muscles clenching. Landon kissed me, interlacing his fingers with mine.
The next moment, my senses were overwhelmed as my entire body coiled with the orgasm. Through my own cries of pleasure, I heard Landon’s and knew he was right there with me.
Chapter Nineteen
Landon
The streets were crowded on the drive to Val’s house the next morning, even though it was early. The city had begun to wake up, but we made it back with enough time to spare. Maddie’s crew hadn’t even arrived.
“You know what? I’ll bake a carrot cake for Val as a welcome home gift,” Maddie said as we walked up the front porch.
“I’m gonna share a secret with you, Maddie. My sisters’ telltale signs when they don’t like some food. Val drinks a lot of water, so she doesn’t have to eat much. Lori only takes very small bites. Hailey will say she’s on a diet. So if Val didn’t eat much last time....”
She shook her head. “Why didn’t she just tell me she didn’t like it?”
“You can’t escape my siblings’ flinch-inducing honesty if you share their blood. They show more tact toward the rest of the world.”
“And I had to sleep with you to find out the family secret, huh?”
“Can’t sell our secrets cheap.”
I pulled her into my arms, kissing that sassy smile. Then I headed upstairs to change into fresh clothes. I’d only brought two of my best suits, but I’d arrange for more to be sent from San Jose. Clothes mattered, especially when dealing with people who didn’t know me. A groomed appearance set a foundation of confidence and trust, even before I introduced myself. I knew how to play that game well.
When I stepped back outside, Maddie was near the front gate, stretching her back. A sack half her size was propped on the ground next to her. She must have unloaded it from her truck all by herself. I hurried to her.
“Maddie! Wait for the guys to arrive and unload.”
“Why waste the time when I can start right away?” She straightened up, making to move for the gate, but I put a hand on her waist.
“Because you’ll break your back. Wait for the guys.”
My voice was firm. I didn’t want her to exert herself. She tilted her head to one side, pushing my hand away.
“Do you think you can give me orders just because your dick’s been inside me?”
She was a spitfire. And hearing the word “dick” from her mouth turned me on.
“I’m not giving you orders. Just looking out for you.”
“Right,” she countered, but her expression had softened a bit. “I’m a tough girl, Landon.”
“I’m not questioning that. But the laws of physics still apply to you. I’ll help you unload them.”
“And wrinkle this mouthwatering suit? It would completely offset the effect of the cuff links. You’ll do no such thing. If you think—”
I pulled her into a kiss, eating up all her fire and sass, palming her butt and rolling her hips against mine.
I’d been semi-hard all morning, but now there was no semi about it. When I ground her against me, I could feel her nipples pebble even through her bra and wor
k shirt. What this woman did to me was insane. My shoes sank into the earth as I scooped her up by her ass. She wound her arms around my neck, her knees pressing at my sides.
I kissed her until the sound of the front gate opening reached us. Maddie pulled back, gasping as I put her down.
“I don’t want the guys to see me like this,” she said.
“Why not?”
“Because I’m their boss.”
I dragged my thumb across the skin around her lips, which was red from our kiss. I’d marked her as mine.
“I’ve messed you up,” she murmured, arranging the collars of my shirt and suit. “Good luck today, Landon.”
I took one of her hands and kissed her palm, holding it to my lips. I’d loved waking up next to her, feeling her warm little body next to me. I’d been cradling her in my arms and hadn’t been ready to let go. I wasn’t ready now either, but we had to start our day.
***
I took a cab to the office and called Adam on the way. As I’d predicted, he hated my news.
“Landon, you can’t do that, man. Look, I’m sorry this is a bad time for Val, but it’s not peachy around here either. Sullivan is going back on every point. He’s trying to renegotiate everything, and he’s aggressive. He’ll have a field day when he finds out you won’t be back for another six weeks.”
“Adam, you’re my acting CEO. Sullivan knows that.”
“Yes, but I don’t actually own this company, and that diminishes my decision power. Is Val’s project really worth the risk of striking a bad deal with Sullivan? Or the deal falling through?”
A chill ran down my spine. Clenching my teeth, I looked out the window. I wanted to grow the company to be a force to be reckoned with. Our investors required the same. To set up the company, I’d had no choice but to take outside investment, and I’d had to give away shares in exchange. I owned 49 percent, the rest was distributed among the various investors, and they wanted larger profits. I’d brought the company as far as I possibly could have, but I couldn’t bring it to the next level on my own.
