Page 51 of Out of Place

“Yes, you did also say that. But I could tell my boy was smitten.”

I’m not sure what to say to that. I thought her son hated me at first, but it turns out all the times I caught him staring at me, he was checking me out, not trying to think of ways to sabotage me.

The family makes small talk around the table. Lucy tells us how excited she is for her next semester at school, Landon tells them what’s new on the farm, and his parents ask how Bennett’s daughter, who I’ve yet to meet, is doing. I talk when they direct the conversation to me, but for the most part, I just listen and learn about the people who raised Landon.

After dinner, I offer to do the dishes even though I absolutely loathe doing dishes. I have to do them every night at Dottie’s, and it’s really not helping my poor fingernails. Thankfully, Landon rejects my offer, and he and his dad tackle them while I hang out in the living room with his mom and sister.

“What do you miss the most about New York?” Lucy asks once we’re sitting on the couch.

Mrs. Bowen shoots Lucy a look. She’s acting like Lucy asked a terribly invasive question. Little does she know, that’s mild compared to what I’ve been asked before by reporters and paparazzi. I wonder if they’ve read any articles about me. God, if they know about Nipplegate, I don’t think I’d be able to look them in the eye.

“What? I’m just curious. Thundersville is so different from New York,” she explains.

“It is,“ I agree. “Honestly, I really miss my best friend, Serena. We’ve been friends since high school and have been together almost every day since. But besides her, I guess just my everyday life. I miss my nail tech and my hair stylist. The coffee shop by our penthouse. Small things like that, really,” I answer. It’s weird. It almost feels like New York was a whole lifetime ago. I still miss it, but not as much as I used to.

“How long are you here for?” his mom asks the dreaded question.

“I’m not actually sure.” Which is the honest truth. I haven’t heard anything from my parents or Rhett. I’m assuming Dottie is giving them updates.

“Well, we’re glad to have you while you’re here,” she says with a smile.

“I’ve always wanted to go to New York,” Lucy says. “Especially at Christmas.”

I nod. “It is beautiful at Christmas. The city has a different vibe with the decorations and events. It’s really special. It’s also really, really crowded.”

“I bet,” Lucy says.

“Christmas in Thundersville is a little quieter, but there are decorations on Main Street and a Christmas tree lighting in the park,” Mrs. Bowen tells us. “The whole town comes together.”

“It sounds beautiful.” I wonder if I’ll still be here to see that.

A few minutes later, Landon walks out of the kitchen and takes my hand. “Come on. I want to give you a tour of the house.”

In my head, I’m thinking that a tour won’t take long since I’ve already seen the downstairs, and the house isn’t that big. But I’ll take any chance to be alone with him.

He points out everyone’s rooms upstairs and pulls me into his old bedroom. It’s like a time capsule of him as a teenager. There’s a decent-sized bed, a desk, and a bookcase with trophies and medals.

“This was my room. It’s not much, but I liked it.” He points out the window to a big tree right outside. “I used to climb out the window and down that tree to sneak out and meet my friends.”

“Oh my god. And your parents never noticed?”

“Nope. If they did, they’ve never said anything.”

I laugh, and he pulls me closer, cradling my cheek with his hand. “See, you had nothing to worry about. They love you.”

“They’re great, Landon. You have an awesome family.”

He shrugs. “I tried to tell you.”

He leans down and kisses me like he’s been dying to do it. I let him, savoring his lips on mine.

“I’m about ready to get out of here so I can do dirty things with you,” he rasps in my ear.

“Please do.”

He chuckles in my ear, and we head downstairs, saying goodbye to his family and getting in the truck.

CHAPTER 20