Page 150 of Only With You

That stops him in his tracks and he looks down at me as we stand at the front door. He stares at me like he never doubted me, and if his expression isn’t enough to tell me, the smile on his face floors me. It even forces the dimples on his face to make a grand appearance.

“I did nothing. It was all you. I’m proud of you.”

My heart stutters and even though it’s bitterly cold outside, the glacial wind nipping at my skin, a searing heat spreads through my veins.

There’s nothing like getting a compliment from a girl, ordering an iced coffee that looks and tastes just right, an outfit I’ve envisioned looking stunning in person, or warm weather that feels like I’m at the beach.

There are so many things that make me feel good, but I don’t think anything will ever feel as good as hearing someone genuinely say that they’re proud of me. Although, good doesn’t describe how that particular word—proud—makes me feel.

I don’t hear it often—or ever—from the two people I want to hear it from the most, but coming from Landon and how sincere he sounds, it satiates something within me.

“Thanks.”

“Come on.” He ushers me inside.

The gentle expression on his face hardens when he steps into the living room where everyone is at, including the pretty brunette. She’s not wearing his clothes anymore, but anoversized white pullover with a faint brown stain on it and pink flared leggings.

“Holy shit!” She cackles, throwing her head back, and loudly claps her hands. “Oh my gosh! That was by far the funniest shit I’ve ever seen in my life. Please, someone tell me they got that on camera?”

“Lucy, not now.” Landon shoots her a look, but she continues laughing, not fazed by his murderous glare. “No one thought to tell Julianna that Lucy was in my room?”

Jayden rubs the back of his neck. “In my defense, she brought those.” He eyes the container on Landon’s hand. “It just slipped my mind.”

Landon scrubs his palm over his beard. “Of fucking course. And the rest of you?”

“In our defense, it’syourfault you didn’t tell Julianna about Lucy,” Jagger counters with a shrug. “And she didn’t give us much of a chance to explain because she ran out of here before we got to tell her.”

“He’s right. It’s your fault.” Lucy looks at Landon. “But if anyone should be apologizing here, it’s you.” Then straight at me.

My brows furrow, taken aback. “Me?”

“Yes, you, for assuming I was sleeping with him.” Her face twists in disgust. “Not only is that revolting, but that’s incest.”

Now I feel immensely embarrassed. “So you’re his…sister?”

“Half-sister, same father, different mother, but it really doesn’t matter. I’m his sister nonetheless,” Lucy replies with a smile.

Now really looking at them, I can see the resemblance. She may not have a British accent or have the same hair color, but she’s tall. They have the same nose and unlike Landon’s dimples that only appear when he smiles, hers appear every time she talks. They also have the same eye color and shape.

I shift uncomfortably as everyone’s eyes settle on me. “I’m sorry for assuming, I?—”

“No worries.” She dismissively waves her hand. “Either way, you just made up. You should have seen the way he ran out to get you. Didn’t even turn off the water before he was off.”

“Right! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him run that fast.” Saint snickers, holding his phone up. “TJ’s going to hear about this.”

“I wish you’d stop telling TJ everything,” Landon grits. “And stop putting it in the group chat. I’m getting sick and tired of it. I swear I’ll block all of you if you don’t stop.”

Saint doesn’t take his threat seriously because he continues typing away on his phone.

“So I was thinking that’s a lot of sugar for you. Want to share?” Jayden asks, eyes burning on the Tupperware.

“No, I’m not going to share with any of you. This was made for me.”

“Oh, come on,” Jayden whines. “If you want to blame anyone, it’s Malik’s fault for not saying anything. He’s the one who told her to go upstairs.”

Malik gapes at the betrayal from his friend. “Jesus fuck, Jay, throw me under the bus, why don’t you? I swear I thought she knew.”

“It’s nobody’s fault. I’m sorry I assumed.” My cheeks burn when their eyes land on me again. “You should share with them. I can make you some more.”

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