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“If he was so damn good, why did you run from him?” she demanded. “Explain that to me and maybe I can consider forgiving him.”
“I can’t!” my mother snapped. “I trusted him with my most precious baby and he nearly allowed you to get killed. Hell, he did nothing to save you! You saved yourself, baby. He did nothing.”
They were so damn wrong. They had no idea whatsoever how many times my hands and legs nearly slipped from the pole beneath the boat, but Landon’s face had given me the strength to hang on—even when I’d felt the bones in my legs snap…even when I’d felt my shoulder dislocate. Landon was the only reason I was still alive. My love for him, whether returned or not, was what gave me the strength to keep fighting.
I felt my face burn with a blush. Admitting that I loved someone that didn’t love me back wasn’t the easiest thing I’d ever done. “None of this was his fault. I was immature and naïve enough to believe that he had feelings for me—the same feelings I felt for him. I was wrong. When I found out the truth, that he had another man in his life, I overreacted and ran. That’s when my father and his men got me. It wasn’t his fault. The blame lies solely with me.”
Sam frowned as she stared down at me. “What do you mean that he had another man in his life? Landon isn’t in a relationship with anyone,” she rebutted. “I’d know if he was; it’s my job to follow my agent’s personal lives.”
“No, that’s just you being nosey,” a voice interrupted, causing three sets of eyes to whip toward the hospital door…where Landon stood. He looked like hell—like he hadn’t slept in days. He didn’t bother looking at Sammie or my mom…only me. His eyes were only for me.
“I told you that you weren’t welcome in here, Landon!” my mother snapped irritably. “Get out! I’d think you’ve already done enough.”
“She’s right,” Sammie added. “You need to leave. I’ll let you know when…or if you’re welcome to return. Get out, Landon. Now.”
He ignored them and strode across the room. He was very gentle, yet firm, when he moved Sammie out of the way so he could get closer to me. “Baby…what in the hell did you mean about me having another man in my life? Why would you think that?”
My eyes wanted to drift away to try and hide the shame and sadness, but, as always, I couldn’t look away from him. He was my everything. Making him happy was and always would be my top priority…even when it made me look like a lovesick fool. “I heard you talking on the phone, Landon. I heard what you said. You were denying me,” I stammered. “Whoever was on the other end of the line was accusing you of being with me and you denied there was anything there—that you’d been dishonest with him. He must have had some proof, maybe pictures, but you said it was all a lie…that I was a lie.”
Sammie stepped back, like she’d been slapped. Sadness crossed Landon’s beautiful face. Seeing him look that way hurt me.
“It’s…it’s okay, Landon. I understand. This was a job—use whatever tool you have to keep me in line. I understand now. I’m the one that assumed something existed between us…when clearly, it didn’t.”
His hand reached up and caressed my cheek. I leaned into the touch, afraid I’d never feel it again. I wanted that one last time, something to tuck away into my memories and save forever. He was my first true love. “I…I fell in love with you and I shouldn’t have. I hope I didn’t cause problems between you and your…man.”
“Oh, baby,” he whispered. “You have no idea.” He looked up at Sammie. “Go get Ari, please. I’d like for the two most important people in my life to finally meet.”
Sammie offered me a sad smile and disappeared. My mother held my hand, even tighter than she’d been clutching it earlier.
“It’s okay, Landon. I don’t need to meet him. This will just be uncomfortable for all of us. Just go,” I urged. I didn’t say the words, but my mind added for him to just go and take my heart with him. I had no use for it any longer.
“You heard me talking to Ari, didn’t you?” he asked softly. His hand continued to caress the side of my face. I continued to lean against his touch. I craved it more than I craved oxygen. “The night you ran from me—you overheard part of my conversation? And assumed I was arguing with a lover?”
“Yes, I overheard you talking. I understand. It’s okay, Landon. Don’t…don’t make this worse than it already is. I’ll be fine.”
I’d never be fine again, but he didn’t need to know that.
