I drop Sarah off at her place and head home. Landon is already there and he is cooking us dinner tonight. I have no idea what we are having, he told me it was a secret. I’m excited to see what he comes up with. I’m craving all the foods. I’ve just recently been able to try to start eating real food again. I’ve been living off of soups, ice cream, mashed potatoes… that sort of stuff since the incident. Let me tell you, it gets old. Not the ice cream though, that never gets old.
I walk into the house and instantly smell garlic. I make my way to the kitchen to see Landon standing at the stove stirring dinner. He looks so hot standing there in a black tank that shows off his strong arms and faded blue jeans. The way his muscles flex as he stirs whatever is in the pan is sexy. Who knew cooking could be sexy?
“Hey there,” I call out smiling while walking up to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Babe, you’re just in time. Dinner is ready, garlic chicken and sautéed vegetables.”
“It smells delicious. Can I help with anything?”
“No,” Landon tells me and places a quick kiss on my lips. “Have a seat out back, I’ll bring our plates out in a few.”
I grab the sweet tea, two glasses and make my way out to the deck. It’s not too hot out. It’s a little humid, but tolerable for Florida. The sun hasn’t quite started to set yet. I close my eyes and tilt my head toward the sky. Allowing the sun to wash over my face, I think back. I’ve been through so much and still have more to go through. I sigh, I have Chet’s trial coming up and if I’m being honest, I’m scared. If he gets off, I’m not safe.
“Evie?”
Landon breaks my thoughts. I didn’t even realize he came out and set my plate in front of me.
“Sorry I was lost in thought.”
“I noticed. Want to talk about it?”
I shake my head. I don’t want to plague him with my worries. I pick up my fork and take a tiny bite. The chicken is amazing. It is full of flavor.
“This is delicious Landon.”
“Thank you.”
“Where did you learn to cook like this?” I’m curious to know.
“My parents loved to cook together and always had me in the kitchen helping. I guess I just picked up on it.” Landon gives me a small smile before taking another bite of food.
“That is great. They must have been amazing cooks.” Whenever he mentions his parents, it makes my heart heavy for him. I can tell he misses them dearly.
“That they were. Tell me, what is really on your mind?”
I put a piece of broccoli in my mouth hoping to delay for a minute. I really don’t want to discuss this.
“I want you to be able to talk to me. Stop hiding behind that wall.”
Ugh… why does this have to be so difficult for me? Why can’t I just let it out. Swallowing and taking a deep breath I decide to try.
“I was thinking about the trial and all the what ifs”
Landon reaches across the table and grabs my hand. He gives it a tight squeeze. “You, I mean we, we will get through this. Please don’t worry about this. I can’t stand seeing you closed off. It’s as if you are pretending. I want the real you. Don’t let him take that away.”
I give him a small smile. If only it were that easy.
“Listen Evie. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Do you understand?”
I can feel myself becoming emotional and I don’t want him to see it. I stand quickly and try to walk away, but he’s on me and before I know it he grabs my wrist and spins me around to face him. He grabs my chin gently before speaking.
“I love you. I won’t let anything happen to you. Stop running and hiding from me.”
He kisses me then. It’s slow and passionate. He makes everything disappear. All my worries and fears. Landon pulls back and walks me backwards toward the back door. Once my back hits the door he lets go of me and puts his arms on each side of my face, closing me in. He leans in to my ear and the feel of his breath sends chills down my spine.
“You are mine and I will do anything to keep you safe. Do you understand that?”
His words are my undoing. I grab his shirt and yank him into me, kissing him hard. Our hands are all over each other. Landon picks me up quickly and I immediately wrap my legs around him. The kissing never stops. Any thoughts of dinner and Chet have been long forgotten as I allow Landon to take me right then and there.
Chapter 20
Chet’s trial was today. He stayed quiet and pleaded not guilty. I’m sure he pulled the not guilty card at the advice from his lawyer. It doesn’t matter though, I stayed strong and held my head high. My testimony along with Sarah’s and the photographs the detective took of me as part of evidence will be all the proof the judge needs. Plus, the skanky receptionist, Lexi gave her statement that I did in fact catch the two of them in the act.
I glance over at my sister who is to my left. She teared up and shook her head. I reach over and whisper, “We’ll get past this Sarah. He’s not worth your tears.”
Reaching out I squeeze her hand and smile. It’s the first time I’ve really seen her cry over Chet. She’s cried, but for me. It’s always been for me and what I’ve been through. Up until now Sarah has only ever shown anger when it comes to Chet and everything he has done. Even with the move, she never shed a tear.
We waited in silence for his verdict to be read. The jury found Chet guilty. When given the verdict, he dropped his head in his hands. His cocky lawyer didn’t even say a word. I let out a breath and smile. It was like the last of the baggage I’d been carrying around had finally been dropped off at its destination. Baggage that will soon be off to the state prison for what I hope will be a very long time.
“It’s over now Evie, baby. No more tears.” Landon’s voice startles me as his fingers wisp across my cheek to wipe away my tears.
“Happy tears.” I smile up at him.
He leans down and places a kiss softly on my lips then pulls away much faster than I would like.
“Later” he mouths to me before backing up slightly.
Sarah comes up from behind and hugs me. A hug so tight confirming our bond is solid and unbreakable. I hug her just as tightly back and tell her I love her.
I walk out of the courthouse with Landon on one side of me and my sister on the other. I smile happily as this chapter in my life is finally coming to a close. One I’m more than happy to put away and move on from.
We drop Sarah off at her place and drive in silence holding hands to our place. Our place, it still feels strange to say that. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to find happiness again. I look over at Landon, grateful that we have made it through so much in such a short period of time. Sometimes, the secrets we keep, hold us back from living life. I’m glad there’s no more secrets. He steals a glance and his emerald eyes sparkle. He smiles and looks back to the road. Landon gets me. He knows no words are necessary right now.
As we pull up the long driveway, I stare out the window. The sun is starting to set and it casts a glow from behind the house. It’s then that I realize I’m starved. “What should we do for dinner, Landon?”
“Hmmm... how about Chinese?”
“Only if it’s from To China and Back.” I chuckle thinking back to one of our first dates and how Landon brought take out for us. It’s become one of my favorites.
“Perfect, I’ll order and go pick it up. Why don’t you draw a bath and relax a bit?”
I smile and nod before getting out of the car. I look up at him as we walk to the front door. He really is some kind of perfect. His scent rolls off him and immediately I forget all about dinner. I’m starved for him. A feast that involves just the two of us starts to play in my mind.
Landon unlocks the door and looks over at me. He must see lust in my eyes because he grabs my wrists and pulls me in before kicking the door shut behind us.
“Babe,” Landon growls. “That look you are giving me is inviting however, you’ve had a very long day.”
“Landon, I… need you, now. I want to forget all about today. I want to forget about it all.” I rush the words out so fast that I’m not sure he understood all of it because he says nothing in response.
“Landon... help me forget,” I plead desperately and look away. Landon takes my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. I stare into pools of green and notice the carnal look he’s giving me. It ignites something inside of me. He lets go of my chin and grabs my hand, pulling me to our room. I can feel the heat between us with each step we take.
We’re barely in the room when Landon pushes me up against the door. I yelp. Not in fear, but excitement. I know from deep down in my soul Landon would never physically harm me. I actually like it when he’s a little aggressive in the bedroom.
He kisses me hard and I welcome it. His hands roam my body, over my breasts where he pinches my already pebbled nipples. I moan into his mouth. I need more of him. I pull at the buttons of his shirt frantically trying to undo them until he releases me and finishes unbuttoning it, tossing it to the floor. I move my hands to the back of my gray and black striped dress to undo the zipper when Landon stops me suddenly. I give him a puzzled look. He slowly spins me around to where my back is facing him. He slowly trails kisses from behind my ear down my neck to my shoulder.
“Let me do it.” Landon’s voice is rough with need.
I nod and he continues placing little kisses as he unzips my dress letting it slowly drop to the floor. Leaving me standing there in nothing except my black lace bra and panties along with my black strappy heels.
“Holy fuck.”
Landon curses as he turns me back around eyeing me from head to toe. I’m on display for him and completely aroused with the way Landon’s eyes are on me.
“Perfect. So perfect.” He says as he begins loosening his belt and undoing the button to his black slacks. As his pants fall, he frees himself from his briefs. It’s mesmerizing to watch him stroke himself. I can feel myself wet with need. That’s how bad I need him right now.
It’s as if he can read my mind when he says, “Babe, bed… now.”
“So demanding.”
I smirk up at him and make my way to the bed. He slaps my ass as he follows. It stings yet arouses me more. As I crawl up on the bed on all fours, Landon grips my hips to stop me from going any further. I turn to look back at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong. Quite the opposite, actually. Seeing you on the bed in this position with heels on… You look… delectable.” Landon’s voice is strained with need. What he just admitted to me has ignited a fire deep within me. I arch back towards him.
“Landon touch me.”
He takes one hand off my hip and moves it to my ass rubbing in circles before slapping it again. Fuck! I almost cry out. He moves my panties aside and slips a finger inside me, growling instantly.
“So wet and ready for me baby.”
“Mmm.” Is all I say in response as I start to grind against his hand.
He continues his game of teasing me with his fingers. He touches all the right spots and it does nothing to help ease the slow burn that’s starting to grow out of control.
“Landon, please, I need more,” I beg as I thrust into his fingers.
“I love how you beg for me to touch you.”
His words are almost enough to send me over the edge but he stops suddenly and in one swift move he has me flipped with my back on the bed. Landon removes my panties in haste and I silently hope that they are still in once piece. He runs his hand up my thigh until he inserts a finger in me. I arch to feel more. I need more. I feel myself teetering on the edge when Landon’s other hand finds my nipple and pinches hard. It’s my undoing. I fall and fall hard without a care in the world.
“Fuck Landon! Yes!”
“You like that?” Landon whispers in my ear, sending goosebumps over my clammy skin.
“Yes,” I slowly answer. The aftershocks are still running through me.
After I catch my breath, I lean up to kiss him and throw my arms around his neck pulling him towards me. Feeling his erection, I reach for it and position it at my entrance. Landon growls before entering me yet stops to make sure I’m okay. I smile and nod. I’m okay. I’m more than okay. He moves slowly at first then picks the pace up. Landon never takes his eyes off of me, not even when he kisses me. He’s making sure I feel him and only him. Landon rocks us both over the edge into pure bliss. It’s an amazing feeling. Everything is perfect.
It doesn’t take long after that for me to fall asleep, naked in his arms with all thoughts of dinner forgotten.
Chapter 21
It’s been a few weeks now since Chet’s court date. It feels great to feel free. I’m happy. My birthday is coming up this weekend and Jessy is demanding that a party needs to happen. I grumble at the thought. Sarah and Jessy have been all about it ever since my victory against Chet. They aren’t just planning, but secret code like planning. It’s super annoying in a cute kind of way.
What I really want is a quiet night alone with Landon. One that involves no guests and no clothes. I even told Landon that’s all I want, yet he just shrugs his shoulders and mumbles crap about Sarah wanting to make up for lost time. Ugh, fine.
I’m currently at work, filing away and Jessy won’t stop blowing up my phone. Her latest text is telling me to meet her and Sarah after work for drinks. We must discuss what I’m going to wear for my big celebration. So much for not wearing anything. Sighing, I send a quick text back agreeing to their shenanigans. It makes me wish for my work day to go by slowly just so I can put off meeting them at Dirt Road’s Bar later.
Pulling into Dirt Road’s Bar, the local hot spot in town, I put the car in park. From the outside, the place looks like every other bar I’ve been to, not that I’ve been to many. After checking myself in the mirror I reluctantly get out and make my way inside. The bar gives off a southern vibe and the atmosphere matches. I can hear Jason Aldean being played over the chatter. After looking around for a minute, I spot Sarah and Jessy. They are sitting across from each other laughing about something. I take a moment and just watch them. I’m so happy they have connected. Jessy is freaking awesome and has been there for me through some of my dark moments. Seeing them makes me feel like shit for being so grumpy over this party. I decide right then and there that I will no longer complain about it. They don’t deserve my sour mood. Really, I have no reason to be like this. Aside from not being naked with Landon, there’s no excuse for it.
I smile as I make my way over to their booth. I’m turning a new leaf and I’m going to focus more on being grateful and happy. After all, I deserve it.
“Hey you!” Jessy exclaims loudly causing a few heads to turn. I feel my face heat in embarrassment.
“Hey guys. What’s up?” I say as I slide in next to Sarah.
“Not much, wait... was that happiness I heard?” Jessy asks.
Sarah laughs at Jessy’s remark causing Jessy to burst into laughter too. They are ruthless.
“Maybe it was, so don’t ruin it.” I wink to let them know I am joking.
The server comes up to our table, so we order our drinks and some loaded fries. Jessy and I order margaritas and Sarah chooses a Miami Vice.
“A Miami Vice, ha!” I tease my sister.
I have to give her credit though, with Chet she only ever drank wine. Had to fit the part of the perfect girlfriend. It was always Chardonnay, nothing sweet and delicious like moscato and certainly no mixed drinks.
While waiting on the fries to arrive we discuss Saturday night. It’s decided that we will do a morning at the spa followed by lunch then home to get ready. I must say I’m beyond thrilled about the spa part. It’s way overdue. Our food arrives and we eat in a comfortable silence and after finishing we order another round of drinks.
“So, we need to go shopping for an outfit or dress for you Evie,” Jessy states.
“Oh yes, we must!” Sarah chimes in while clapping with excitement. I just laugh, slig
htly feeling the effects of the alcohol.
“Wasn’t that the point of tonight?” I ask. We all look at each other and then start laughing.
“I love this song! Let’s go dance!” Jessy is up and out of the booth pulling at me to get up.
“Okay, okay.” I laugh as I reach for Sarah’s hand. I’m not doing this without her. Luke Bryan’s, I Don’t Want This Night to End blares from the speakers as we make our way to the small dance floor in the center of the bar. Jessy starts dancing, her blonde hair waving around her face. She looks so carefree. I decide to let loose myself. I pull my hair free from the messy bun I had from work and run my hands through it, shaking it free. We all laugh and continue dancing through the next few songs.
We danced until we were winded, then headed back to our booth to order a few waters. Between dancing and laughing, my sides are on fire.
We sit talking for what feels like forever. Jessy gushes over Erik and before we know it, the bar has started to quiet down. We decide to head out with plans to go shopping Friday. Sarah and Jessy are off. Technically they both work from home so they make their own hours. I plan to ask Sam if it’s okay if I work later Thursday to have Friday off. I doubt it’ll be a problem. I’ve grown on him and I think he sees me as the daughter he never had.
Upon arriving home Landon had texted me saying he was beat and turning in. He’s been refinishing the back deck in his spare time. He told me he is almost finished building the gazebo for the back corner. I’m so excited to see it, but first I’ve decided or maybe the margaritas decided that Landon needs some TLC for all the hard work he’s been doing.
The Secrets We Keep Page 11
