Page 88 of Only With You

“Not like that, pervert.” I try to play it off and act as if I didn’t just imagine what Landon would look like on his knees for me.

Who’s really the pervert here?

His eyes darken. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You thought about it,” I lamely accuse, because I thought about it too, and I’m still thinking about it.

“Okay, and? You weren’t specific.”

My heart stutters and my jaw almost hits the floor at his admittance, but I manage to keep myself composed at least externally. Internally, I’m struggling to breathe. Why is it so hot in here?

I take a step back, because our close proximity is doing weird things to my head.

What do I say to that?I wasn’t but now I’m thinking about it too.

“Apology accepted,” I say instead, because that’s safe and I really need to disengage from this conversation that’s spiraling my thoughts out of control. “I’m going to make hot chocolate. Do you want to stay?”

Landon stills, probably not expecting that, which is fair, because I didn’t expect it either. I just said it without giving it much thought.

I also really don’t want to be alone tonight, especially around this time of the year. It always reminds me of what could’ve happened that night.

“I have plans tonight,” he replies like it pains him to say it, but I’m sure I’m just hearing things.

Of course he does. What was I thinking? “I’ll see you Monday for tutoring then?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you Monday.”

Landon opens the door, but looks over his shoulder like he wants to say something, but all he says is, “Good night, Julianna.”

“Good night, Landon.”

My smile stays intact, but once the door closes, it falls fast.

It’s not a big deal. I chose to be alone tonight. Gabby and Polly invited me out, but they’re planning to go to a party that I know all my sorority sisters will be at. They also invited me to go out with them, but I don’t have it in me to deal with Sienna and I’m not prepared to run into Cole. It’s inevitable running into him, but if I can prevent it, why not?

Well, hot chocolate for one it is. Either way, I had already mentally prepared to be alone tonight and attempt to fix my record player. I accidentally dropped it in the process of moving and it’s been hidden under my bed until I pulled it out this morning.

As I chop the chocolate bar, my mind wanders to Landon. I hate that I’m even thinking about him, but I can’t help but wonder what he’ll be doing tonight.

I shove the stupid thought away. What he does is none of my concern.

Turning the TV on, I put on my playlist and pick up the knife again to finish chopping the chocolate, but a knock on the door stops me.

When I open it, I’m momentarily stunned.

“Is the hot chocolate offer still available?” Landon asks.

I stare at him, stupefied. “I thought you had plans tonight?”

“They’re not important.”

The flutters return again. What the hell is going on with me?

I lean against the doorway and smile up at him. “Awww, so I am important to you?”

I joke because I’m having a hard time processing that he’s here again and willingly wants to spend more time with me.

He stares at me, less than impressed, but takes a step closer. “Is the offer still available?”

---