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“Emma,” Corey says, getting my attention.
“Sorry,” I say sheepishly.
“What do you think? You in?”
“Uh, sure,” I say, realizing that everyone’s attention is on me. I’m sure it’s whatever plans they have after we leave here. Corey grins and nods like I just gave him a million dollars.
“Right, well, we’re headed out, we have to pick up CJ.” Aubrey stands from the table. “Em, you need a ride home?” She looks from me to Corey and then over to Landon.
“No, thanks. Landon said he would give me a ride.” We just talked about this so I don’t know why she’s asking.
“I can take you home,” Corey pipes up from beside me.
“That’s sweet, but Landon can take me.” I turn to look at Landon and his jaw is clenched. “Unless you have something else going on?” I ask him.
“No. You’re coming with me.”
Well, all right then. “Thanks anyway,” I tell Corey. He looks disappointed but doesn’t comment otherwise. Corey and Case decide to stay for another round, so we say our goodbyes and head out. Landon is quiet, giving all new meaning to the strong silent type. His body is still as he walks beside me with his hand on the small of my back. He opens the passenger door of his SUV for me, and waits until I’m strapped in to shut the door. I watch him as he jogs around the front of the SUV and slides in behind the wheel. His hands grip the wheel but he makes no move to start the car.
“Landon?”
He turns to look at me, his cerulean blue eyes dark with an emotion I can’t name. “Don’t go.”
“Don’t go where?” I ask, confused.
His jaw clenches. “Don’t go out with Corey.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Corey,” he says through gritted teeth. “You agreed to have dinner with him tomorrow night. You’re not going.”
My hackles rise. “The hell I’m not.” I don’t know why I say it. I have no interest in going anywhere with Corey. But I’ll be damned if he thinks he can boss me around.
“I mean it, Emma. You’re not going. Call him and tell him no.”
“You’re being crazy. You can’t tell me what to do.” I’m seething now, and for no reason really. I’m overreacting, but so is he. I also know that if I would just come out and tell him he’s the one I want, this wouldn’t be happening. At least I don’t think it would be.
“That’s because I am crazy!” he yells and then goes silent. He’s breathing heavily, and when he speaks again, his tone is softer, yet still firm. “I’m fucking crazy about you, Emma. You’re mine. My girl, not his, and I can’t stand the thought of you going out with him.”
I sit here in the passenger seat, my heart aflutter because he said the words. Not just in jest but with sincerity, and I know there is no way I can resist him. Hell, at this point, I don’t even want to. I just want him.
“Okay.”
“Please, I—” He stops as my acceptance registers with him. “Okay?”
“Yeah. I won’t go out with him. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was agreeing to. I was too nervous about asking you inside when we got to my place to tell you I’m ready for that date. The real one.”
“Emma.” He leans over the console and engulfs my face with his big hands. “Say it again.”
“Landon Barker, will you go on a date with me? A real one?”
He doesn’t answer, but instead, his lips press against mine. His tongue glides across my bottom lip and I open for him. He kisses me without reservation, and suddenly our argument is no more. The only thing between us now is passion, and some pent-up sexual frustration, at least on my end.
My hands grip his shirt as I try to pull him closer. I groan when his lips fall away and he rests his forehead against mine. “We can’t do this here. I won’t risk someone seeing you.”
“What is it you think we’re going to do, Barker?” I ask. I’m breathless from his kiss and giddy from this new development, so the teasing aspect of my question is seriously lacking. Not that either one of us mind.
“I’d rather show you.” Sitting back in his seat, he buckles himself in and backs out of the parking lot. As soon as we’re on the road, he reaches over and laces his fingers through mine, placing our combined hands on his thigh while he drives. His grip is firm, yet comforting. Outside, I’m cool, calm, and collected now that I’ve caught my breath from his kisses. On the inside, I’m giddy like the sixteen-year-old me. I’m glad I let Aubrey talk some sense into me. After only one kiss, I know that anytime spent with him, even if it ends in a broken heart, is going to be worth it.
