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“Yeah. One evening I kept rattling about a new project, and he just blurted out that I’d wasted all that time getting my architecture degree to be a glorified gardener. He felt I wasn’t ambitious enough.”
Landon’s eyes turned hard. “He told you that?”
“And more. Said that when he took me to whatever awards he received, he felt... ashamed. That it was clear I didn’t want more from life, and I’d drag him down. I called off our engagement right away. He seemed almost... relieved.”
“Why hadn’t you dumped his ass before?”
My body warmed all over at the indignation in his tone. “No one’s perfect. I thought if we put a lot of effort into it, we could make it work.”
“Being in a relationship shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth, Maddie.”
A question popped up in my mind, but I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate. In the end, my curiosity won. “Was it always easy for you and Rachel?”
I’d expected him to tense at the name, but he merely dropped his head back, as if recalling memories. “We had our fights, like every couple, but it definitely didn’t feel like pulling teeth.”
“Did you meet here or in San Jose?”
“Here. I met her in the early days of setting up the software business, and we hit it off right away. We had a few beautiful years together before she got sick.”
“What happened to her?”
“Brain cancer. It’s a cruel disease. We found out late, but doctors said they couldn’t have done much even if they had found it earlier.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s been four years since she died.” He looked into the distance, then shook his head. “But back to your ex. That guy sounds like a douchebag. He didn’t deserve you, if he looked at you and all he saw was someone who’d drag him down. Do you want to know what I see?”
“What?” I whispered.
“A hardworking woman who’s built a business doing something she loves and is damn good at it.”
“Oh, Landon. How can you say that? You caught me having a mini breakdown because my employees quit.”
“And today you showed up with new ones. The key to running a successful business isn’t not having problems, it’s finding solutions for them, which you did. I’ve had plenty of breakdowns myself. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You’re doing a great job.”
“Thank you.” My mood skyrocketed. I was proud of myself and my business—at least on days that didn’t include breakdowns. But it felt nice to be appreciated by him. “I do love my business.”
After a few seconds of silence, he asked, “How is Grace feeling? Still sick?”
“She’s much better. Went to the doctor on Friday.”
“What are your plans for the Fourth of July? Spending it with her?” Landon asked. I couldn’t believe it was already tomorrow.
“Nah, Grace’s going to celebrate with her study buddies. Two of my friends moved near Desert Hot Springs a few months ago, and they invited me. I’d love to catch up with them, but driving so long just for a day trip is putting me off. Traffic will be a nightmare for sure. I think I’ll just work on some designs for my next project.”
“Join us. We’re having a small party here.”
“Thanks, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea. It’s a family gathering, and....”
I glanced at the kitchen counter, where we’d shared that heated moment
. When I looked back, our gazes crossed. Landon touched my ankles under the table, and energy zipped from the point of contact up between my thighs, which I pressed together. Heat rose to my cheeks. The way he looked at my mouth made it clear he was all too aware of the sizzle between us. The weight of this unspoken thing between us only fueled the tension. My entire body was wound up tight just from sitting across from him, and our ankles touching.
“I’d love for you to be here, Maddie.”
“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
I rose from the table and carried both our plates to the counter. I’d barely placed them on the wooden surface when I became aware that Landon had come up right behind me.
