I open the door to our room and Landon is laying in the middle of our bed in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs. I could freeze this moment in time. He looks so peaceful laying there surrounded in the soft black sheets. Staring at him, I instantly want him. His dark hair is a mess and his lips are parted slightly. Not wanting to waste any time, I quietly slip out of my shoes and go to him. I start by kissing that sweet spot just below his belly button and carefully tug his briefs a little to give me more access without waking him. I continue my way down kissing and stroking him until he hardens in my hand.
“Boy that didn’t take long.” I chuckle to myself.
As I take him in my mouth Landon begins to stir and his hands find my hair. As if on cue, Landon moans and curses under his breath. I smirk, loving what I’m capable of doing to him. Feeling my own arousal, it gives me the confidence to pick up the pace. I need to have Landon.
Landon tugs my hair, “Evie.” His voice deep.
I love the way he says my name. It gives me chills and turns me on more so I keep sucking.
“If you don’t stop…” Landon starts but I don’t hear the rest as his warm liquid coats the back of my throat. I’m shocked at first, but quickly swallow.
“Fuck,” Landon murmurs while laying back, looking at me with such intensity.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so turned on. I remove my clothing immediately and climb on top of Landon. He pulls me to him, taking a breast in his mouth, sucking and nipping. I let him keep up his assault on my nipple until I can barely handle it. I pull back some, move my hands to position him and sink down slowly. Holy hell.
“Fuck,” Landon says again through clenched teeth. He looks at me through hooded eyes, causing me to want more of him.
“Landon… I need more.”
“Like this?” he asks as he starts touching me with his fingers. He knows exactly what to do. No reason to tell him. I bite my bottom lip and nod my head.
“Yes… Yes…” I throw my head back barely able to get the words out. Landon keeps a steady rhythm, gripping me tightly until I come undone on top of him. I collapse on his chest, both our hearts beating out of control. And just like that, Landon’s touch alone is enough to keep me from running ever again.
“I love you, Landon.”
“I love you too, baby.”
When I hear him say those words to me, it makes me feel alive. They mean everything to me and I don’t think I could ever get sick of hearing those three words.
“Let’s go shower and get cleaned up.”
“That sounds like a great idea.” I want a repeat of what just happened and the shower is the perfect place for it too.
I place a soft kiss on his lips before climbing off and making my way to the bathroom, fully prepared to wash Landon from head to toe.
Chapter 22
The day has finally arrived. It’s my birthday. My twenty-fifth birthday to be exact. I’m currently laying here getting my stone massage at the spa. The girl’s made the reservations earlier in the week so I had no idea what I was getting. Sarah said it was a surprise. What a nice surprise too. The sound of raindrops play softly in the background, it’s both relaxing and soothing. I remind myself that I need to do this more often.
“How does this feel ma’am?” the therapist asks.
“Mmm nice,” I mumble back.
“Great, let me know if the pressure gets to be too much.”
“Okay.”
Closing my eyes, I try to focus on nothing but raindrops, but I’m so excited about tonight. To go out with friends without a care in the world. I’ve missed this feeling, to be relaxed and full of life.
After the spa, we hit our favorite cafe for lunch. The cafe had a booth decorated for me complete with a special birthday menu. It’s got all my favorites and a few treats that are not on the regular menu. The girls really went all out with this party planning and it makes me tear up.
“Eleanor, What’s wrong?” Sarah asks.
“Oh nothing, you guys!” I wave my hands around before continuing, “This is amazing! Thank you.”
Jessy pulls me in for a hug and whispers, “You’re welcome.”
I hug her back while reaching with my other arm to pull Sarah in for a group hug.
“I love you guys so freaking much.”
“Oh Eleanor, I’m so glad we are celebrating you today. Now let’s sit down and enjoy lunch,” Sarah says as she pulls back and gestures for me to sit down. She slides down next to me, leaving Jessy to sit across from us.
We order our drinks and food right away because we already know what we want. Sweet tea and a turkey sandwich with goat cheese and jam for me. Jessy orders a coke and a Cesar salad. Sarah ends up ordering a Caesar salad as well with a water to drink.
While waiting on our food we sip our drinks and chat about our spa day.
“It was better than sex!” Jessy exclaims.
I laugh shaking my head. “I’m not sure I would go that far, but my massage was amazing.”
“My massage was definitely better than sex, since you know I’m not having any these days.” Sarah shrugs and we all burst into a fit of laughter.
“I think we should find you a man tonight. Just for tonight, no strings attached.” I’m wiggling my eyebrows at Sarah and she shoots daggers back at me.
“Come on sis, it could be fun!”
“Yes, yes! Let’s find you a guy to at least have fun with while at the club!” Jessy is jumping in her seat, clapping away. Her excitement makes me laugh harder. It seems to have the same effect on my sister because she starts laughing while shaking her head at us. She didn’t say yes, but she didn’t say no either. This could be the highlight of my night.
We arrive back at Sarah’s to get ready. It makes me a little sad that I won’t be seeing Landon beforehand. He said he’ll be busy putting the finishing touches on the back yard anyway so it’s not like we’d really be spending time together. Still, I was hoping for a little bit of alone time. I can’t seem to get enough of him. He will be picking us up though, so I have that to look forward to.
When we went shopping, I bought a new bra and pantie set just for tonight. Yup, I went all out. Both the bra and thong are black and red lace. It oozed sex when I saw it on the display. I bought a red and black polka dot, low cut dress that they will pair nicely with.
I slip into my dress and look myself over in the mirror. It is perfect. The dress fits like a glove and hugs me in all the right places. The plunge line on my chest exposes just a tease, yet not enough to give any of the goods away. It’s smooth and comes to rest just above my knees. I decided on a pair of solid red heels. My makeup is flawless. I think the smokey eye look really makes my blue eyes pop. My hair is down and curled. I haven’t done myself up like this in… well a very long time. I deserve tonight.
My phone ringing pulls me from my thoughts. I walk over to the dresser to retrieve it, it’s Landon.
“Hey babe, what’s up?” I answer.
“Not much, I’m giving you ladies a heads up that I am headed your way and we can’t be late.” His deep voice comes through the line and sounds so sexy. I can’t wait to see him.
“Okay, I’ll let Jessy and Sarah know. See you soon.”
We end the call as I walk out into the hall.
“Ladies, our driver is en route. He says we can’t be late.” I joke.
Less than a minute later they both walk out of Sarah’s room arguing over who looks hotter. I can’t help but laugh at them. They both look stunning.
Jessy is wearing a red mini dress that barely covers her ass. The thin straps are covered in rhinestones and they make a trail down to her breasts outlining them before trailing back up to the other strap. It’s breathtaking. Her blonde hair curled, resting at her shoulders. The bright red lipstick and black stilettos finish her off. Damn she is going to have lots of eyes on her tonight.
My sister is equally just as beautiful. Sarah is wearing a teal dress that falls to her knees. It’s fitted around he
r chest and then flows out slightly at the waist. She has a pair of white wedges on and her makeup is natural. Sarah’s brown hair is pulled back with a few loose strands curled, framing her face. She’s less wild than Jessy when it comes to taste in clothing and yet, just as gorgeous. They balance each other out.
“Okay okay stop gawking Evie!” Jessy laughs, tugging me towards the front of the house.
We stop and take a few selfies before hearing the horn beep, alerting us that Landon has arrived. Erik will be meeting us at dinner along with a few friends who work at the cafe. Landon also invited a colleague who happens to be another private investigator. He’s been wanting to introduce us however, it was never the right time.
The girl’s walk out of the door before me and I hear Jessy, “Damumnn Landon you clean up nicely.” She ends with a whistle.
Looking to Landon, my mouth surely drops as I take him in. How is this dark and handsome man mine?
He’s dressed in dark denim jeans and a black button up shirt that is rolled to his elbows. The top buttons have been left undone, just the way I like. His black hair is styled in that just fucked look. As I inch closer to him, I can smell his cologne. It’s taking everything for me to not drag him into my sister’s house, lock the door and have my way with him. I don’t of course and the smirk on his face tells me he knows exactly what I want to do. I shake my head as he takes my hand and pulls me in. His kiss is light yet firm and I can just tell tonight is going to be a good one. It’ll be even better when we’re back home and alone.
Chapter 23
We arrive at dinner and everyone else is already here. Black and gold balloons line our table. These girls have really gone all out for me.
“Evie, babe, this is my friend Zander.”
“Hi, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” I reach my hand out to shake his.
“Likewise, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Landon who is your friend?!” Jessy half shouts and she pulls Sarah behind. Sarah’s face is flushed. I have to shake my head, I know just what she’s up to. Jessy is trying to play matchmaker.
“Jessy, Sarah, this is Zander. Zander, Jessy and Sarah.”
Landon gives Jessy a look but she pays him no mind. She continues to chat with him and I notice Sarah slowly starts to relax and engage in the conversation.
It’s not long before our dinner arrives and then is being cleared as they bring out a two tier cake covered in gold and black fondant. It shimmers with each step the server takes. It’s marvelous. I’ve never seen a cake so elegantly decorated. Everyone starts to sing Happy Birthday to me and I can’t help but tear up. How lucky am I to have such sweet people in my life. I decide to give a little thank you speech as Sarah begins to cut the cake.
“Hey everyone?” All eyes turn to me.
“I just want to take a moment to thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate with me. It means so much. I never thought I would have this life again.” I take a deep breath then exhale before continuing, “I ran away from my past life and found a new one. It’s where I found Landon who slowly took over my heart and then I met Jessy. She has gotten me through some of my toughest days. I’m so grateful for them.”
I smile as Jessy gets up and pulls me into a tight hug. She whispers love you before sitting back down.
“Then my past caught up with me and my sister was determined to not lose me again. Sarah, thank you so, so much for hiring a private investigator to find me.”
Like Jessy did moments prior, Sarah stands and hugs me.
“All right, enough with the soft stuff. Let’s eat cake.” Jessy tells everyone, causing our group to erupt into laughter.
Landon pulls me into him and grips my hip before leaning into my ear. “I love you.”
“I love you back.”
Once everyone has finished with desert we decide to head out. Us girls pile back in the BMW. Landon drove my car tonight so the girls would be comfortable in the back seat. I assumed we were heading out to a club but it doesn’t take long to realize we are heading in the direction of home, our home. I turn down Anberlin which was blaring through the speakers.
“Hey, where are we going? The club isn’t this way?”
“Who said we were going to a club?” Landon glances over to me before looking back at the road. I can see the smirk on his face as his eyes dance with mischief.
“What?”
I look back at Sarah and Jessy who just shrug their shoulders. Both have smiles as well. No one says a thing and the silence is too much. I turn around and turn the music back up just as New Found Glory starts. I stare out of the window and get lost in the lyrics to Make Your Move.
“Landon what is going on?” I question as we pull into our driveway. “Why are we here?”
He says nothing just smiles. What the hell is up? The car comes to a stop and he puts it in park.
“Wait here babe.” Is all Landon says before getting out and rounding the car. I turn back to look at the girls. They have shit eating grins on their faces and I notice they are holding hands like they are each other’s life line. I squint at them but, before I can question them my door is being opened and Landon’s hand is outstretched awaiting mine. I take a deep breath and place my hand in his. Once I’m out of the car He kisses my forehead and asks me to wait with Sarah and Jessy. I nod and he walks off towards the house. Once I’m certain he’s out of hearing I turn and look sternly at my two best friends.
“Talk. What is going on? We are supposed to be at the club, dancing the night away.”
Sarah says nothing and the look on her face tells me she is staying silent. That almost pisses me off. Jessy on the other hand is practically dancing in place.
“Well…” I demand and Jessy starts laughing before speaking,
“Relax girl. The party is about to start.”
I sigh. It’s no use with these two.
Landon appears a few minutes later and guides us to the side of the house through the fence. My eyes go wide. The back yard is completely finished and the string lights are lit. There’s music softly playing in the background and tiki torches have been lit. It’s magical. Turning to look at Landon, his emerald eyes light up.
“Surprise baby.”
“Oh Landon, this is lovely! Really!”
I turn and both girls are holding each other as if they are admiring our moment.
“You both knew!” I point to them.
“We did.” Sarah laughs. I go over and hug them both.
“You guys are the best, seriously the best.”
Just then I hear a commotion at the gate, our friends from dinner are arriving.
“Oh my gosh everyone knew to come!” I’m beyond thrilled!
Even Sam comes through the gate with who I’m guessing is his wife.
“Sam!” I yell cheerfully and wave him over.
“Evie, happy birthday dear. I’d like to introduce my wife. This is Mary.”
“It’s nice to meet you Mary. Sam has been amazing to work for,” I tell her and it’s the truth.
“It’s very nice to meet you as well. Sam speaks of you often.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand.
“If you ever need anything, please reach out.” She smiles at me before looking back to Sam.
“I will. Thank you both for coming. Isn’t this beautiful?” I gesture to our backyard. “Landon’s been working so hard on this.”
“He’s done a fantastic job. That boy is a keeper,” Sam says winking at me. I smile back. For a man of little words, he sure does pay close attention to things.
It’s not long before our gathering is in full swing. People have drinks and are talking amongst themselves. Landon has been busy entertaining everyone and I’ve lost sight of him. I start to weave through our friends when Sarah catches my arm.
“Hey sis, can we talk for a minute?”
“Of course, is everything okay?”
“Yes, I just wanted a quiet minute with you.”
She’s starting to make m
e nervous, but I don’t let on. I just smile as we walk over towards the gazebo. It’s then that Landon comes out from behind it, meeting Sarah and I in front of it. I look over at Sarah.
“Sarah?” She pulls me in for a tight hug.
“I love you Eleanor,” she tells me before walking back towards the guests which have all stopped and are now staring at Landon and I. Well this is awkward. Landon takes my hand and pulls me under the twinkling lights, just inside the gazebo.
“These were the perfect touch,” Landon says pointing at the lights. I nod, unsure of what else to do or say. I’m a little freaked out at the moment. Landon then leans in to kiss me softly on the cheek, it should help but it does little to ease my stomach, especially when he starts talking.
“My Evie.” He looks at me with those eyes, eyes I could get lost in.
“I knew you were special, since the first day we met at S1 accounting. I knew. There was something about you. I had to know what it was. You slowly let me in and from that moment on I knew I was gone. Each kiss. Each laugh. I knew I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life.”
Landon looks at me and smiles a huge smile before dropping down to one knee. Oh my God! Is this happening?! I immediately feel tears forming and my face heat as I look over to everyone who has gone silent. Sarah and Jessy have huge smiles on their faces. Did they know about this? Before I have time to even start to process, Landon starts talking again as he takes my hand. He squeezes it tightly.
“I know we’ve been through so much in such a short time. Not all of it has been pretty. Not all of it has been ugly. Through it all, we’ve got something special. So special that I’m not willing to let you go. I promise you that for the rest of my days I’ll spend them making you the happiest woman if you’ll be my wife. Eleanor Ross, will you marry me?”
Tears stream down my face as I look at the box Landon is holding open. In it is the most breathtaking ring I’ve ever seen. A pear shaped diamond in a setting of white gold. It stands out against the black velvet lining of the box. It’s absolutely perfect. I nod my head as more tears fall.
The Secrets We Keep Page 12
