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“It’s new, and between work and spending time with Em and getting the shelter ready for tomorrow, we’ve been pretty busy.”
“I forgive you,” she teases. “So, what are you two doing for dinner?”
“Pizza. You’re welcome to stay,” Landon offers.
“Oh, no.” His mom waves him off. “We have a room and want to take a stroll on the beach. Tonight is the perfect night to do that.”
“Why did you get a room when I have all this space?” Landon waves his hand around his condo.
“We don’t want to intrude,” his dad speaks up.
“You’re not intruding. How many times have we gone over this?” Landon asks, exasperated.
“Well, now that you’ve settled down….” His dad winks at me and Landon groans.
“Damn it, Dad, how many times do I have to tell you not to believe everything you read?”
His dad throws his head back and laughs. “You’re too easy, son. We know those trash mags are just trying to sell papers. But in all seriousness, we didn’t want to cramp your style.”
Landon looks down at me and playfully rolls his eyes. “See what I have to deal with?”
“Stop.” I push my elbow into his side, causing him to act like I actually hurt him. His body is made of steel; I doubt he even felt it.
“You kids have a good night. We’ll see you tomorrow at the shelter. Emma,” his mom addresses me, “if you need any additional volunteers, we’re happy to help.”
“That’s so sweet of you. Thank you. I hope we have it covered, but at this point, I’m not sure. Landon has really made a media frenzy and we’re not sure what to expect.”
“Well, count us in. We’re going to go to the hotel and change, then take a walk on the beach. Love you.” She leans in for another hug, and with a wave, they’re gone as fast as they came.
“I cannot believe I just met your parents for the first time looking like this. I’m a mess.”
“What? No, you’re not. You’re perfect.”
“We said honesty,” I remind him.
“Well, if I’m being honest, you’re beautiful.” I roll my eyes playfully. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you your eyes will get stuck like that?” he teases.
“She did and I chose not to believe her.” I stick my tongue out, making him laugh. The buzzer sounds on the oven and he gets to work slicing up our pizza. “What do you want to drink?”
“Just water for me. I got some of that bottled root beer that you like. It’s on the top shelf.”
“You know, you keep spoiling me like this, I might not ever go home. Making me dinner, bringing me lunch and breakfast, picking me up from work, whispered confessions of beauty, and now my favorite root beer. A girl could get used to this,” I say, grabbing some napkins and following him into the living room. Setting our drinks on the table in front of us, I take the plate that Landon offers me.
“Good.”
“I don’t know. I haven’t tried it yet.”
“No, I meant good that you could get used to this. If that’s all it takes for you to be here all the time, challenge accepted. I’m going to be stepping up my game.”
“I was kidding.”
“I’m not. I like you here. This place feels like home when you’re here.”
“This is your home and I’ve only been here consistently for a week.”
“Don’t care. Everything feels different, better when I’m with you.”
“You don’t have to sweet talk me to get lucky, Lucky. I’m a sure thing.”
“Aubrey and her nicknames.” He’s grinning as he shakes his head.
“What? It fits. Chance was Cocky, you’re Lucky.”
“How you figure?”
“You got me, didn’t you?” I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from laughing.
“You know what, you’re right. I’m one lucky bastard.”
Chapter 18
Landon
We finished with the film early, so I rush through my shower and head to the shelter. Case and some of the guys are stopping to eat before joining us. I called ahead and had pizza delivered to the shelter. I know there will be popcorn and things like that served, but a man’s gotta eat and see his woman, so delivery was the best option. Anything that gets me to Emma faster is always the way to go.
It’s just a little past eleven when I get here and already the news stations are set up. I don’t see much in the way of guests, maybe a few lingering around. Most of the people I see are wearing South Bay Animal Shelter shirts, so I know they’re volunteers.
Pulling my SUV around back, like Emma told me to this morning, I lock it up and head inside using the back door. From the sounds of their voices, Emma and Aubrey are in their office.
“So, how are things?” Aubrey asks.
“Good.”
“Good. All I get is good? Come on now, I want the dirt.”
