Chapter 11 Maddie #2
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.
“Now that’s not a good enough answer.”
“Is that so? Not to your liking, Mr. Connor?” I challenged. He brought his mouth to my ear.
“Not at all, Ms. Jennings. You need more convincing?” He cupped one of my hips in his large hand and whirled me around to face him. He was only a breath away from me. “What if I add another kiss to the mix? Would that tip the balance?”
“Landon!”
His leather and wood scent enveloped me. It wasn’t fair. Why did he have to be so attractive?
“Was that supposed to be a protest?” He gave me a devilish grin. I was fully aware I’d sounded breathy and needy. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Maddie.” He brought a hand to my face, splaying his fingers.
Oh, Landon, Landon, Landon.
“Just say yes,” he said.
“You’re not leaving me much of a choice.”
“I know.”
Those green eyes grew even more determined.
His entire body language reminded me of the way he’d looked when he’d pulled me out of the rain, when he’d announced he’d carry me over his shoulder if I wasn’t being reasonable.
An image flashed in my mind, of Landon breaking into my bungalow and carrying me over his shoulder to the party if I didn’t agree.
I grinned. Why did that idea amuse me so much?
I liked being on my own two feet, in control of my life.
But standing here, merely a breath away from Landon, I realized I wouldn’t mind being whisked away by him.
“Okay, I’ll be here tomorrow for the party,” I relented.
“Good. After that, I’d like to take you to watch the fireworks. Just the two of us.”
I narrowed my eyes, even as my heart thundered in my chest. “Landon,” I whispered.
“Still didn’t sound like a protest.”
“You’re using dirty negotiation tactics on me.”
“Oh, beautiful, I can get much dirtier than this. Would you like proof?”
I cleared my throat. “I’ll take your word.”
“Go out with me. You know you want to.”
“Oh, you can read my mind too, in addition to playing dirty?”
He tilted his head forward until our foreheads almost touched. “No mind reading needed. On Friday, you kissed me back like you wanted me to make you mine on that porch. And I nearly did.”
Holy crap. Testosterone was oozing off him, and my defenses were no match.
Maybe it was a good thing he was here on vacation.
Surely my heart couldn’t get involved too much in a matter of days?
He was leaving in a week, after all. My mind was racing, but having him this close was messing with my ability to remain rational.
“We have chemistry. It’s more than chemistry. Go out with me, Maddie.”
“Fine, Mr. Connor. You can take me to watch the fireworks.”
He tipped his head a little lower, almost touching my lips. “I can’t wait.”
The sound of the front door opening cut through the sexual tension.
“Landon, are you in the kitchen?” Val’s voice filtered to us.
“Yes. Coming right out,” he said, without taking his eyes off me.
I drew in a deep breath, watching that gorgeous ass of his as he left the kitchen. Both Landon and Val were on the porch when I stepped out a few minutes later. They were sitting on the small wooden bench, hunched over a laptop. I made no noise as I put my shoes back on.
“But won’t that seem like I don’t have enough production capacity?” Val asked.
“No, it’ll make him understand you’re in high demand,” Landon replied.
What was happening? I placed my hands on my hips, stepping right in front of them. “What’s this? Val, you made me spy on your brother and now you’re the one corrupting him?”
Val winced. “You’re right. He offered to look over a pitch I prepared for a potential client I’m meeting on the fifth. He was just supposed to glance at it last weekend, but it kind of spiraled into… this. His fault entirely.”
I would have argued, but I’d just had firsthand experience of Landon’s convincing prowess. I turned my glare to Landon, who winked at me.
“Landon tells me you’re joining us tomorrow.”
I eyed the two of them. “Yes. You’re sure I won’t be intruding on your family time?”
Val glanced at her brother. “Gee, now that she asks, maybe we should change our minds.”
Landon crossed his arms over his chest, flashing a grin that bore an uncanny resemblance to his sister’s.
“Everyone’s required to bring a homemade dish,” Val informed me.
I dropped my jaw in mock shock. “First your brother coerces me into joining you, and now you tell me I have to cook? Sneaky.”
“That’s my middle name,” Val confirmed. “How do you think I convince everyone to do my bidding all the time?”