Page 89 of Only With You

My head is getting foggy with how close he is to me. I don’t know when or how this started happening, but this can’t be good. I should say no because I need to get my thoughts togetherregarding how I feel about him, but my mouth works quicker than my brain.

“I have nothing exciting planned for tonight. You sure you want to come in?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure.”

I swear I’m about to murder the butterflies, because they won’t stop moving.

“On a scale of one to ten, how big of an asshole do you think you’ll be tonight? Because I think I’ll only be able to handle you at a solid six.”

His lips slightly quirk up. “About a five-point-nine-nine.”

I roll my eyes, but can’t stop myself from smiling. “I guess that’ll do, but anything over a six and you’re out.”

Landon steps closer. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it at a solid three, but I can’t promise your smart-arse mouth won’t push it to a six.”

I scoff, pretending to be offended. “Me? You do realize you’re the one with the issues. It’s hard to get along with you.”

“You’re insufferable at times. I have to compensate for your bratty attitude.”

I shoot him a glare, but struggle to maintain the annoyance when I feel the warmth of his body close to mine. “I don’t act bratty.”

“You do.” He nods, and I freeze as his knuckle brushes against my arm. And when it happens again, I forget how to breathe.

“Well…” I lick my lips and his gaze draws to them. “It’s your fault.”

“I don’t see how your attitude problem is my fault.” His eyes sweep over me like he’s thinking of something. “But I can fix it,” he huskily says.

He didn’t just insinuate what I think he did, but the serious expression on his face tells me he’s not joking.

“I—”

A door slams a few feet away, snapping us out of the haze we got stuck in. We both take a step back like we got caught doing something we shouldn’t. My entire body burns and the flutters have become chaotic. It doesn’t feel like them anymore.

A group of girls laughing passes by. The smell of tequila and something sweet follows them and permeates, causing Landon’s face to contort in disgust.

“Sensitive to the perfume? It’s a little strong, but it smells really good.” I make a mental note to ask them what it’s called next time I see them.

“No, it’s the…alcohol.” Whatever cloud we were riding earlier has evaporated, because something flashes across his face before it’s gone. “So is the offer still available?”

Right, we’re still standing here.

“Yeah, come in.”

26

JULIANNA

“You really don’t needto worry about it. I’m sure I’ll be able to fix it.”

He regards me with a patronizing look. “I’m sure you’ll somehow find a way to fuck it up. I’ve got it.”

“Knock yourself out, but ifyoufuck it up, you’re going to buy me a new one.”

I tuck my legs under me and make myself comfortable on the couch. Landon sits on the other end, attempting to fix my record player.

After I told him it wasn’t working, he made it his mission to fix it. I told him he didn’t have to, but Landon doesn’t know how to listen. Nothing I’m not used to.

What I’m not used to, though, isthis. Him being here because he wants to and not because he has to.

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