Page 33 of Wilderness Daddy

I head back to Landon’s. I can’t leave things like this again. Every time I see him I walk off in a huff and it certainly doesn’t leave a good impression. I really have to learn to control my emotions.

“Landon?” I call into the empty garage. The truck is still there but Landon isn’t. I walk in further. The thought of going to the door makes me anxious. What if Landon told his mother what a jerk I am? I gather a breath and spin to head back to my car when I see him.

“You’re back?” He leans against the garage door. His open flannel shirt, rolled at the sleeves, shows his muscular forearms, hard chest, and flat stomach. The plain white T-shirt beneath the flannel may as well be painted on. My eyes find his before raking down his body to stare at his jeans—the bulge there makes my gaze fly back to his. The dimple on his cheek is barely showing and his lips turn down at the corners just enough to let me know he’s not impressed with me.

I look to the floor because it’s easier than looking at his face.

“Didn’t damn me enough?”

“Uh, no, I—uh.” I gather a breath. “I’m sorry... again.”

“Is it more sincere than before? You say it a lot but I don’t see much in the way of improvement.”

I groan and wrap my arms around myself, letting my eyes flit up to his. “I have a temper.”

He smiles and the rumbling in my gut slows a little. “Yes, you do. And yet you control it quite well with your parents. Why is that, Akari?”

“Look, Landon,” I say and then pause to blow out and check my tone. “Can we try again before you go?” I look sideways this time to avoid his penetrating look. “Please.”

“Again?”

“Another date?” I say, my voice rising in question. “To get to know each other better? Maybe one that ends in me not getting spanked.”

“Like we were supposed to yesterday?”

“That was spur of the moment. I... had plans.” Again my rising voice gives me away. I can tell by the way his dark blond brows hover lower over his gorgeous eyes.

“Other plans, huh?” He folds his arms across his chest and my gut flips.

“No, I guess not. But it was sprung on me.”

He nods. “You’re lucky you ended that lie.”

I swallow hard.

“I think you’re beautiful, Akari. And intelligent, fierce, full of spunk and wit. And as much as you drive me crazy, your spark pulls me. You challenge and intrigue me.” His eyes search mine. “But I’m leaving early tomorrow.”

“Why?” I ask with a crack in my voice. His dirty blond waves move in a way that makes my hand itch to touch them.

“It’s part of my plan.”

“We can do anything, Landon. Whatever you want. I just need you to see I’m not a total bitch.”

“Akari,” he sighs and I look down, emotion battering against my resolve. Tears sting behind my eyes.

“I don’t think that. You’re an impulsive brat, no question, but not that. Baby, not that.”

His use of the word baby makes me swallow again, harder this time as emotion begins to clog my throat.

“Please.” This time when I look him in the eye, I don’t school my features. I don’t hide behind my tough demeanor.

Again he scrutinizes. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I grin and he shakes his head, but smiles at me.

“I can’t resist. I love it when you beg.”

“I didn’t beg,” I say, rolling my eyes. His brows rise and the playful glint in his eyes tickles my insides.

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