“I would have thought you would have told me about that part since we were, you know… serious.”
Why wouldn’t he share this with me? Especially if he was falling for me. I’m trying hard not to let my feelings boil over. I need to hear him out.
“Evie it wasn’t as simple as just sharing with you. Plus, you have your secrets. You wouldn’t let me in all the way and kept me at a distance. How could I possibly tell you about this when you wouldn’t give me all of you?”
I have no response. He’s right. I wouldn’t tear down all of my walls, I’m such a hypocrite. I look away from him and back to the lake.
“Look at me.” Landon demands.
I take a breath and exhale before finally looking back at him. Those emeralds stare back at me, begging for me to understand.
I smile a sad smile, “Continue, please.”
“I had a client reach out to me. The questionnaire she submitted intrigued me therefore I took on the case. Ms. Ross submitted photos. I didn’t realize it was you in those photos.”
I roll my eyes at that statement but keep listening.
“Anyway, I spent 2 months searching for an Eleanor Ross with brown, shoulder length hair and the perfect smile. Now looking back, I’ll admit something about her was familiar, I just assumed it was because of how beautiful she was, you know just another pretty face.” Landon chuckles.
I smile, but say nothing.
“This was the first case I struggled with. First one since I started investigations 3 years ago. It was as though Eleanor vanished into thin air without a trace. This case was really a challenge and it was frustrating. I had updated Sarah a few times with zero leads and no new information.”
Landon pauses, so I squeeze his hand to encourage him to continue.“And then what happened?” I ask, my voice just above a whisper. This is the part I’m dreading, but need to know.
“I was ready to throw in the towel on the case and let Ms. Ross know I could be of no help. Suddenly, I’m sitting at the dealership and you pulled out your license. Evie, it was such a shock to see Eleanor Ross printed on your license. I couldn’t believe I was sitting next to the woman I was searching for. Everything started to hit me at once, the familiar face. The walls you have placed around you. I started to connect the dots and then came the fact that we were together. Evie, if that’s what I should even call you, I felt it was all lies. I felt like what we had wasn’t real.” Landon exhales. He looks pained revealing all of this to me.
I realize that he had a right to avoid me. I get it now and it makes me feel like such a shitty person. I was only worried about myself without knowing all the facts or thinking about anyone else.
“I want you to know though, I’m so sorry about how you found out. I wanted to tell you myself, I was just stuck on how to tell you. Fuck, you mean a lot to me. I never wanted to hurt you.”
I feel the threat of tears and try to keep it together. I squeeze his hand again and this time he squeezes back and pulls me towards him. I get a whiff of his cologne. Gosh it smells so good. It puts my body on high alert. How can he have this effect on me, especially at a time like this. It’s as if I could forget about all of this and get lost in all things that Landon Miller is.
“Evie, I know you are upset with me and I’m sorry.”
I shake my head to remove those thoughts and try to focus. I think about what he’s saying and I know he’s being honest with me in explaining all that he has. He deserves the same from me.
Looking up at him I begin, “I came to this town on a whim. I ran from home because I had been threatened, my life had been threatened and if I didn’t leave my sister would have been in danger too.”
I feel Landon tense at this admission and it makes me feel terrible for keeping him in the dark.
“I left with just a duffle bag. Left everything else behind. I came here, shortened my name for safety reasons and grew my hair out, changing the color too.”
“What, why didn’t you go to the police?” Landon asks, sounding pissed. I look over to see the tic in his jaw. Yup, he’s angry.
“Chet knows people. He has connections. I couldn’t risk staying. I couldn’t risk Sarah being hurt because of me. Leaving was easier, safer.” The words come out in a rush as I let a few tears fall as I look away from him.
“Who the fuck is Chet? A guy threatened you? What the hell?” Landon’s raised voice causes me to jump a little. I steal a small glance at him and his face is red, nostrils flared.
“Chet is my sister’s boyfriend, fiancé… whatever. I caught him with another woman and the rest you can put together.”
Suddenly Landon’s arms are on my shoulders and he’s looking me in the eyes. It’s intense and I can feel the anger rolling off of him.
“Did this guy put his hands on you?”
The words come out of Landon’s mouth as if they are disgusting to say. I squeeze my eyes close and fear what comes next.
Keeping them closed I reply, “Yes… he did.”
I don’t even want to see the look on his face. I hear him suck in his breath and curse. He lets go of me and I feel him stand suddenly. The loss of his touch leaves me feeling cold, so I take a chance and open my eyes. Landon is pacing, fist clenched at his sides. Standing quickly, I go to him. I grab his fists.
“Hey, it’s okay.” I have no idea what else to say to make him less angry. He’s still tense and doesn’t release his fists.
“Evie, it’s not okay. It’s never okay to touch a woman, especially my woman.” He growls the words my woman. “That guy is a piece shit. Not only did he put his hands on you but he was also cheating.” Landon spits the words out before continuing on his rant, waves of anger rolling off of him.
“We are going to the police. This is absurd that you would run and hide.”
Whoa, what did he just say? I’m taken aback. I wasn’t expecting Landon to react this way. He’s still red in the face and the vein in his neck is clearly visible. I rub my hands down his arms, “Landon, please calm down. I didn’t know what to do at the time. Running was my only option and I finally did go to the police. Jessy took me.”
He sighs, “It’s not okay. I’ve given your sister detailed information on you. Is she still with this jerk?”
“She is. She has texted me a few times since returning home. My replies are very short. I know I’m causing Sarah pain by being short however, I don’t know where Chet is or if he’s checking her phone.”
If I’m being honest, those thoughts alone make me want to run and hide. I don’t tell Landon this part though. It’s much easier than living in fear and being hurt. My emotions are all over. Part of me just wants to go home with Landon and curl up in bed and shut the world out. That won’t solve much, just my desire to have him. Pushing those thoughts aside I must focus on the mess in front of me.
“Landon why don’t we take a walk and maybe grab a bite to eat?”
His expression softens a little as he looks over at me. “Okay, ya… I think that might be good.”
He holds out his hand to me and the minute I place my hand in his, he pulls me to him and holds me tightly. It is then that I realize just how much I’ve missed this. Him… his touch.
Walking with Landon through the park is just what I need. The landscape and flowering bushes are a delight to look at, almost soothing.
“Evie I need to ask you a personal question.” Landon asks quietly, pulling me from thoughts of the beauty surrounding us. My nerves kick up a notch wondering what he wants to ask.
“Umm... sure what is it?”
“That jerk didn’t assault you in other ways did he?”
Landon’s question takes me off guard, but the fury I see in his eyes tells me he needs to know.
“No, not at all. I didn’t stick around long enough. I got the hell out of my office and never looked back.”
“Good, I don’t want anyone touching you. You are mine. That’s if you still want me.”
“Yes.” I don’t even hesitate.
I know for a fact I want Landon Miller.
By the time we make it through the park the sun has begun to dip behind the trees. The orange and pink glows across the sky are breathtaking. We walk a short distance and find a little restaurant.
Dinner is quiet, though I know we both need to process what we’ve just confessed to each other. Landon still wants me. I wasn’t sure he would after hearing why I left my life behind and how I kept secrets from him. I’m glad he’s here sitting across from me. It gives me a little hope and goodness knows I could sure use some.
Pointing to my sleek, black car, “This is me.” My car really is hot. I’m so glad I let Landon talk me into upgrading.
“Where do we go from here? Is there an us? I want there to be an us.” Landon asks as he casually leans on the hood of my car, crossing his feet. He looks at me, expecting an answer.
I knew this was coming, though still unprepared for it. An uneasy feeling settles in the pit of my stomach and I don’t know why. We’ve laid the secrets out on the table, except for my thoughts on leaving town. Maybe it’s the fear of packing and running away that has my stomach in knots. I quickly squish the thought.
“I’m not sure. I want there to be an us but I’m scared and I’ve got so much on my plate now.”
I’m trying to be as honest as I can be. I really enjoy being with him and he makes me feel things I’ve never felt. Nevertheless, if I leave I lose him and I won’t feel anything. I’d also be safe from Chet finding me. It’s a war in my head right now.
“Evie, I have fallen for you. You know that already. My feelings haven’t changed.”
Landon reaches out and pulls me to him, his lips now inches from mine. He’s so close I can feel his breath tingle against my lips. Closing my eyes I let my body take over and I lean in towards his face. The minute our lips touch I feel it. The electricity. The sparks shoot off without warning. I want more. Deepening the kiss, I close the distance between us and press my body against his. I fist my hands through his hair and can feel his erection forming through his jeans. Fuck! I want him. My need for him is building just by grinding against him.
“Mmm… I’ve missed you.” Landon mumbles on my lips.
His hands have found the back of my neck and my face. His touch feels so good and I’m lost in the moment. All too soon he pulls back some, cupping my cheek, “If we’re going to keep this up we need to take it somewhere private, before I lose control and take you right here.”
Just the thought of him taking me right here sends chills down my spine and makes me ache with desire. I rub his cock with the palm of my hand and he pulls back more.
“Evie,” Landon’s deep voice warns, “Are you testing me?”
I smile up at him while biting my lip. His stare is intense and I swear his eyes darken as he looks at me through hooded eyes. I take a step towards him, challenging. I can see the tic in his jaw and I know I’m getting to him. I love that I have the same effect on him as he does me. I go to palm his cock again, but he grabs my wrist fast and pulls me into him. Instantly feeling his erection causes me to moan.
Landon whispers in my ear, “As much as I’d love to take you right here, right now, I don’t want to risk someone seeing you. I prefer to keep you to myself.”
Well… hot damn. If I wasn’t turned on before I certainly am now. I say nothing, just shake my head in agreement. Landon is rigid as he opens my door. “Follow me to my place.”
It sounds more like a demand. One I’ll gladly oblige too.
“Okay.”
It’s going to be a long, torturous ride alone back to his house.
Landon is already outside of my car as I put it in park. Pulling the door open he practically yanks me out and pushes me against the back door. His mouth is on mine before I can even blink. Landon’s strong arms are wrapped around me, cocoon like and I notice he is still hard. I let my hands roam all over his back before moving to his solid chest. I pinch one of his nipples which causes him to bite on my lip.
“Two can play this game baby.”
I’m new at this game and type of play however, I’m more than willing to learn. I smirk and pinch his other nipple. Landon moans into my mouth and it sends shockwaves straight down to my core. I can feel the wetness. He must know what he is doing to me because he moves his hands down to my jeans and quickly unbuttons them. His hand slides into my panties with little effort. His touch alone causes me to moan and throw my head back. This gives him the perfect angle of my neck and he takes full advantage of it. Sucking and nipping all along my neck and collarbone as his fingers are pumping in and out of me. It is too much.
“So wet for me.”
“Landon please I need more.”
He continues working his fingers and brings his other hand to my waist. Just the slightest touch has me trembling. He lifts my shirt up above my chest, exposing my bra. The cool night air sends goosebumps all over my skin. He pulls down my bra just enough to expose my nipple and begins to roll it between his thumb and finger. At that I come undone. I scream out his name as the last waves of pleasure roll through me.
“Let’s get you inside.” He whispers before picking me up and carrying me to the front door.
I’m thankful for it because my knees are too weak from what just happened in the driveway. Landon sets me down to unlock and open the door.
As we make our way in he says, “I hope you’re ready. There’s a lot more where that came from and I’ve been without you for far to long.”
Fuck, I’m in way over my head for this man.
Landon’s front door is barely shut and locked when we start attacking each other. I’m busy pulling his shirt over his head while his hands are on my jeans, fidgeting with the button. Suddenly my phone starts ringing, bringing us out of the sex filled bubble we were in. I pull away from Landon and locate my purse on the floor. Obviously, having dropped it during our escapade. I find a missed call from Jessy. Shit.
“It was Jessy, I need to call her back. I bet she’s worried.”
“Yes, call her please.” Landon smirks at me.
I tilt my head at his response confused. He says nothing and just goes about removing his shoes. Shaking my head, I dial Jessy back and she answers on the first ring.
“Where the hell are you? Are you all right?” Jessy spits out.
“Yes, I’m sorry Jess. I got caught up with Landon and lost track of time. But I … OH!” Landon chooses right then to come up behind me and blow in my ear and grab my ass.
“Evie! What? What’s wrong?” Jessy is practically yelling through the phone. Landon laughs, taking the phone from me.
“Hey Jessy, it’s Landon. She’s good. I was just teasing her a little.”
“Seriously Landon? Is she really okay though? I don’t know what all she’s told you and I’m worried. I need to keep checking on her.”
“She’s good. I assure you. I’ll put her back on.”
Landon hands me the phone with a wink. Damn him and his sexy ways.
“Hi again.” I giggle.
Jessy finally lets out a laugh. “Girl I was starting to get scared. Don’t go so long without checking in.”
“Yes, Mom.” My reply results in more laughter from both Jessy and Landon. I glance over to where Landon is now sitting in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. All thoughts go out the window.
“Yo, you still there?” I barely hear Jessy ask. I’m so stuck on Landon and his lack of clothing.
“I’m so sorry! Really I’m just very distracted at the moment.”
I’m even more distracted watching Landon watch me as he starts pumping his cock in his hands.
“Jessy I gotta go. Call you later.” With that I hang up without waiting for her response.
I walk to Landon and toss my phone on the side table that’s next to the couch. Landon is sitting casually with his cock in hand. He sees me staring and starts moving his hand up and down faster. I waste no time removing my jeans and shirt. Standing there in nothing but my pink bra and
matching lace panties I feel exposed, yet confident. The tic in Landon’s jaw and the way his eyes roam over my body give me all the confirmation I need to know that I’m sexy in his eyes.
Climbing on Landon, I straddle him, making him suck in a sharp breath. I know it’s because I’ve just rubbed against his rock hard erection. One that he’s had for a while now and I know he needs a release. I reach between us and pull his cock free from his hands. It’s thick in my hands, solid too. The minute I start stroking it, Landon throws his head back. His hands have fallen to my hips and they are gripping me tightly. Oh, how I’ve missed the way he holds my hips. Landon’s deep voice calls out my name and it turns me on more. I can feel my wetness through my panties and wonder if he can feel it too.
“Evie…” Landon calls out again before stopping me from stroking him, “If you keep that up, I’m going to lose control right here.”
I say nothing in return. I love that I can bring him to this point. I bite my lip in anticipation of what’s next.
Landon stands up with me still straddling him and I instantly wrap my legs around his waist. Oh my, this is hot! He carries me down the hall to his bedroom. He doesn’t even bother pulling down the comforter. He tosses me right on top of it and crawls over me. Right away he reaches for the lace that’s barely covering me and yanks it down and off, tossing it somewhere behind him. His mouth hovers right above my core and I can feel his hot breath on me. It leaves me aroused and I want more. I’m overcome with need and thrush upward. I need Landon’s mouth on me. He doesn’t disappoint. His tongue darts in and out of my slick folds leaving me dripping, savoring every bit of me.
Landon is like a drug. What he does to me, I’m addicted. I don’t think I will ever grow bored of the things he can do to me. Just as I start to feel the tingle of release in my toes, Landon stops and comes up kissing me hard.
“I don’t want you to come yet.”
He can’t be serious.
“Land… onnnn.” He enters me slowly. I close my eyes as he slowly starts to roll his hips. Each thrust leaves me wanting more.
“Open your eyes. I want you to look at me as I make love to you.”
The Secrets We Keep Page 8
