Chapter 17 #2
“They can be ruthless, Tessa. Trust me, I’ve lived it. I don’t want that to touch you, but at the same time, I want to shout to the fucking world that you’re my girl. But I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything.”
“Come to me. If you read or hear something, come to me and ask. I’ll always be honest with you, and 99 percent of the time, it’s going to be a lie you read or hear about.
Just… give me the chance to tell you what really happened.
They like to throw a spin on the most innocent of acts and make them seem scandalous. ”
“I can do that.”
“I mean it, Tessa. I wanted more time with you.” He runs his fingers through his hair.
“I wanted more time to show you I’m a good man, one you can count on, one who will be faithful to you.
I wanted time to prove that to you before they came barging into our lives, but I would rather they hear it from me. ”
“Okay, then we wait.”
“You see, that’s just it. I can’t be near you and not show how much you mean to me.
I can’t avoid you all day. I won’t. I refuse to.
So, it’s now. I just have mixed emotions.
I want it out there… that I’m off the market.
That this beautiful green-eyed girl has captured my attention, but I want to keep you safe.
Safe from the rumors, just… safe from the vultures that are the media. ”
“You’ve never given me a reason not to trust you.
I don’t think you’re asking too much. If I hear something, I’ll come to you.
In fact, I like that you’re being open and we’re talking about things.
I want us to be about more than just sex.
” Not that the sex isn’t fantastic. This has been a really, really good week.
“We are more, Tess. We’re so much more, baby.” He leans in for a kiss.
“Now,” I say, our mouths barely a breath apart, “feed me.”
He chuckles, presses his lips to my forehead, and backs away. “As you wish, milady.” He adds the final layer of cheese to our pizza and pops it in the oven. “Practice ends at noon, so I’ll be there right after.”
“That’s perfect. The event starts at one, so you won’t miss much. You sure you don’t mind hanging around? You can just make an appearance and jet. Isn’t that what most of you big-time celebrities do?”
“Maybe, but I’m not just some big-time celebrity. I’m your boyfriend before anything else, and a supportive boyfriend stays to help.”
“Yeah, but most boyfriends aren’t the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Cougars.”
“Right? You’re lucky.”
“Oh, you think so?”
He leans in close. “I know so.” His lips hover over mine but never connect as a knock sounds at the door.
“Expecting company?” I ask.
“Nope. Be right back.” He pushes off the counter and disappears into the living room to answer the door.
Deciding to make myself useful, I hop off the counter and begin cleaning up, putting the extra toppings away and washing the few dishes he used to make the dough. I hear voices but don’t pay too much attention until Landon is standing in the doorway of the kitchen wearing a grin.
“Tessa.”
“Landon,” I mock him.
“There are a couple of people I’d like you to meet.” He takes a step forward and then another, and my eyes stray from him to the doorway. Landon reaches me and slides his arm around my waist. “Tessa Deaton, these are my parents, Carly and Bryan Barker. Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Tessa.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet you. Landon has told us so much about you.” His mom, Carly, steps forward and wraps her arms around both of us, hugging us tightly.
“Let the girl breathe, honey,” his dad, Bryan, says.
When his mom steps back, he comes in for a hug, as well, just not as tight or nearly as long as his wife’s.
“Nice to meet you.” He steps back and turns his attention to his son.
He gives him a subtle nod. Had I not been watching, I might have missed it.
“What brings you two to town?” Landon asks.
He’s all calm and cool, standing with his arm around my waist, while I’m freaking out.
My hair is piled on my head in a knot, I’m still wearing my work clothes, and I probably smell like wet dog.
It was bath day today as we got the animals ready for tomorrow’s event.
Not exactly the best way to meet the parents.
“Can we not just drop in on our only son?” his mom asks, smiling.
“You can, but you rarely do,” Landon counters.
“Well, you’re all over the news and social media, talking about this adoption event at the shelter. We wanted to come by and support the cause. Turns out, we’re killing two birds with one stone and catching your game on Sunday.”
“That’s so nice of you, thank you,” I speak up, and then realize maybe I shouldn’t have.
“Well, you made quite the impression on our son, although we didn’t know that you two were official. Congratulations,” Carly says, then she leans in and whispers, “He left that part out.” Her whisper is more of a quiet voice so that Landon can hear her.
“It’s new, and between work and spending time with Tess 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 didn’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. Tessa,” 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 caused 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, taking the pizza out of the oven and slicing it up. “What do you want to drink?”
“Just water for me. I got some of that bottled root beer you like if you want to switch it up. 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.”
“Autumn and her nicknames.” He’s grinning as he shakes his head.
“What? It fits. Jeremy 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. Lady luck was on my side.”