Page 175 of Only With You

Yeah, it was fun, but it was also more than that. I let him have me the way no one else ever has. I let him take and have all of thecontrol while I followed and trusted him. And I alsostupidlylet myself fall for him.

It’s not his fault, because he didn’t promise me anything more than just sex. So I shouldn’t be upset that he’s not reciprocating what I feel.

My heart shrivels at the thought, but I forge through and nod. “Yeah, it was fun.”

He cocks his head and studies me, his lips going flat. “What’s wrong?”

“Why would anything be wrong?”

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Worry washes over his face.

‘No, but I really like you and I hate that I can’t tell you, because it’ll make things weird between us. I also hate that you’re taking Sienna to semi, but who am I to tell you what you can and can’t do?Is what I want to say, but I swallow back those words and force the other ones that taste acidic as they leave my mouth.

“I promise you didn’t. I really had a lot of fun last night, but I don’t think I’ll be able to face my neighbors again.” I half joke, because I’m one-hundred percent certain the apartments on either side of us and the one downstairs heard everything.

He observes me, eyes narrowing like he’s not buying it. “Something else is wrong. Be honest with me.”

“I—”

“Oh my gosh!” A high-pitched squeal cuts me off. I’m thankful for it, but I feel bad at the way Landon flinches, face twisting in discomfort. “It’s Landon! Oh my gosh, you’re so much taller in person!”

“Hey, let’s use indoor voices,” I quickly say before Anaya, the seven-year-old, can let out another squeal.

His tense shoulders ease, but I can tell he’s still on alert like he’s waiting for her or another kid to do it again.

“Holy shit!” Andre, one of the older boys, gapes, eyes wide as saucers, standing frozen in his spot.

“Miss Julianna, Andre said a bad word,” his sister, Kasey, points a tiny finger at him, who’s still staring at Landon in disbelief.

“Andre, language,” I say, but smile at him because I can’t be mad. The kid looks starstruck. “Everyone, I want you all to meet?—”

“Landon!” they say in unison, gathering around him, with thrilled, awestruck, and disbelieving expressions on their faces. Some of the older kids pull out their phones, but I stop them before they snap pictures or record him.

I truly underestimated the popularity the guys have. I expected them to be excited, but this is not what I anticipated. Even the smallest of the kids look like they’re about to lose it.

“All right, listen up.” I clap my hands once to get their attention, and that gives Landon a chance to step back. I don’t doubt he’s overstimulated. He didn’t bring his earbuds because I told him the kids would behave. I should’ve known better; kids will be kids. I can’t blame them for being excited, but he shouldn’t have to deal with this. “Unless Landon gives you permission, don’t take pictures or record him.” Some of them deflate, tucking their phones back in their pockets. “That doesn’t mean you can’t. We just need to ask him for permission first, okay? Now, if you’ll all give us one second, I need to talk to Landon, okay?”

“Okay,” they all reply enthusiastically and chatter amongst themselves while keeping their eyes on him.

I tip my head to the door and he follows me out into the hall.

“I’m so sorry,” I hastily say once we’re out of earshot. “I knew you had some fans in there. I just didn’t expect them to react like that. I promise I won’t be upset if you want to leave. I can tell?—”

“As long as you want me here, I’m not going anywhere,” he says adamantly.

“Are you sure? They might get a little loud again.”

He shrugs. “They’re kids. I knew that when I came, and it wouldn’t be a first. We do a lot of meet and greets and other things. I’ll be okay. If it becomes too much, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, but if you change your mind?—”

“I won’t.”

My stomach somersaults. “Okay.”

Before we walk back, Landon grabs my arm and whispers, “Fix your step. You’re looking a little stiff there.”

He smirks at my eye roll, and when I walk back in, I hear him murmur, “Better.”

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