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“I agree. I’ll call the sheriff’s department now and see if they have anyone willing to pick up a shift.”
I quickly give a rundown of what needs to be done to the volunteers and field more calls while Aubrey arranges security. In a matter of minutes, Landon has turned this into an “I don’t know how it’s going to turn out” to “this is bigger than we ever could have imagined.”
By the time I pull into my driveway at ten minutes after five, I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day of fielding calls. While it’s not the physical work I’m used to, mentally I’m drained. In a good way. I never could have dreamed that one simple Tweet from Landon could bring this kind of publicity to the shelter.
Before I even get my car in Park, Landon is pulling in behind me. His long legs carry him to my door and he’s pulling it open before I can even get the chance. “Hey, freckles.”
“Hi.” I smile up at him. He offers me his hand and helps me from the car. “Sorry, I still need to pack, and I could use a shower.”
“You can shower at my place. Rough day?”
“Mentally, yes. Your Tweet created a stir. The phone has rung off the hook all day long. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t mention it. I got Case and a few of the other guys on board as well. Trent is going to bring his wife, Luna.”
“Seriously? You’re amazing.”
“Amazing enough for a kiss? It’s been way too long.” He leans in and presses a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth. “I missed you today.”
“It’s been like six hours since you saw me last.” I’m going for nonchalant like I didn’t miss him too.
He nods and the expression on his face is serious. “That’s too long, Em.”
“Get used to it, pal. What do you think is going to happen next week when you have an away game?”
“You know my schedule?” He grins.
“Is that creepy?”
He chuckles. “Not creepy at all. Come on. Let’s get you packed and we’ll pick up some food on the way home. I was going to make dinner, but I do believe my time is better spent holding you.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and guides me into the house.
As I’m tossing items in an overnight bag, I wonder if this is all too soon. Am I rushing this? It feels right, though, and that’s what matters. I can only imagine what Aubrey would be telling me right now. She and Chance fell in love in a week. Not that I love Landon, but I do really like him. We’re both adults and as long as we’re both on the same page with where this is going, I’m not going to let my fear get in the way.
“You ready?” Landon asks when I enter the living room.
“Yes. I think I have what I need.”
“You know, I’ve never asked you, why don’t you have any animals?”
“The landlord doesn’t allow it. Doesn’t mean I haven’t brought a few home from time to time.” I shrug. “One day I’ll buy my own place so I can have a pet.”
“Dog or cat?”
“Dogs.”
He nods. “Yeah, man’s best friend. I had a golden retriever as a kid. His name was Ace. If I wasn’t at football practice, I was out in the backyard with him. He died my senior year of high school. I swear he was a member of the family. Hit me and my parents hard.”
“Landon Barker, you’re nothing but a big ole softy.”
“Shh,” he says dramatically. “Don’t let that get out. It will ruin my street cred.”
I throw my head back in laughter. “Sorry to break it to you, Number Eighteen, you don’t have any street cred. Your skill and your number get you respect.”
“As long as it gets me yours.” He stands from his spot on the couch, and reaches for my bag. “What sounds good to eat?”
“Honestly, a burger from Harvey’s.”
“That’s my girl,” he says, guiding me outside with his hand on the small of my back. He stops and makes sure the door is locked. “I was thinking I could drop you off at work in the morning on my way to the field, and then pick you up. That way we’re not taking two cars.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s selfish, really. It gives me more time with you.”
“Well, when you put it like that.” I smile and he returns it. His is just as wide as he leads me to the passenger side of his SUV.
“You want me to call it in?” he asks, reaching for his phone.
“Nah, we can go in and eat.”
He reaches across the console and links his fingers with mine, and we’re on our way to dinner. Just like that. He’s so seamlessly slipped his way into my life, and I realize I wasn’t really living before Landon.
