Page 4 of Estranged Heart
“Yeah, that.” He rolls his eyes. “It’s a big deal. You’ve wanted this for so long.”
“Yeah, I know.” I kiss his nose. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
Sighing, he slaps his hand against my chest. “Yeah, you would have. You never needed anyone but yourself.”
“And the money you helped me scrape up after opening the second restaurant on the other side of town. Me working my ass off at Bentleys certainly wasn’t enough.” Bentleys was the bar I’d been pulling doubles at every chance I got up until two weeks ago when I worked my last shift. I’ll miss some of my customers and people I worked with but not getting home late to Landon.
“I only helped a little. You’d have found a way without me if you’d had to. You always did before.”
Pulling him closer, I rub my nose over his. “I’d rather not have to find out what that’s like.” I really wouldn’t. I forget what it’s like to live a life without this wonderful man beside me, and I’m not sure I want to go back to remembering. No, our relationship wasn’t perfect, but whose was?
Smirking, he wraps his arms around my waist, his fingers resting in the center of my back. I’m not a huge hugger and he knows that. I don’t mind the occasional closeness, though, and this is the right moment for it. No one understands me better than Landon. Not sure anyone else ever could.
“Don’t worry. You won’t have to. From the moment you slipped that ring on my finger, you’ve become forever stuck with me.”
“I won’t even complain about it either.” His lips are warm and familiar when I capture them with mine. I used to feel like he moved too quickly for me in every situation but now we go the exact same comfortable speed. My life has come with plenty of bumps in the road, but with Landon, the journey has been moresmooth sailing than before we met. He makes sure it is with all his planning and picking up my slack. I do wish he’d let me take care of him more, but what matters to me most is making him happy.
Our tongues tangle, his nails digging into my back and his cock hardening against mine. Today is worth celebrating, but I’d rather do that in bed with the man I look forward to growing old with than be surrounded by other people who don’t matter. This is all that does. Him. Us. Moments like these where we can’t help but get lost in each other.
We both break apart a little, staring into each other’s eyes, breathless and smiling.
“You sure you don’t want to stay home instead?”
Cheeks flushed and eyes darkening with arousal, he shakes his head. “I already made reservations, and a change of scenery will be good for us.” It’s not a secret that Landon’s more outgoing than me. When we first met, I was sitting on the floor in the horror section of the bookstore, reading, and he nearly tripped over me trying to find the travel section. It’s not that I don’t like going to new places, it’s just, where Landon craves to climb mountains and get as close to the sky as possible, I’d rather keep my feet on the ground.
I breathe out a laugh, running my thumb over his puffy bottom lip. “Okay, but only because you insist. I want you to enjoy your night off too.”
He laughs when my stomach growls. “You want food too, apparently. Come on, big guy, I’ll drive, and afterward we can stay home all weekend if you want and only leave the bed when necessary.”
Letting him go, I search for my jacket and car keys. “Let’s do this then.”
His whole body shakes as he laughs louder. “I knew that would work. The way to your heart is through your stomach.”
“There really aren’t any more secrets between us, are there?” Grinning, I pluck the keys from the hook by the door and toss them into Landon’s open hands. He shoves them in his pocket when his phone rings. His eyes fall to the screen and he holds up a finger, answering the call. It’s probably work. As I slip on my jacket, he’s pacing the room while arguing with someone.
“This is the third time this week. I’m really trying to be understanding, I am, but every time you call at the last minute I get left in a bind.” He sighs loudly. “Look, if you don’t come for your scheduled shift tonight, I’m going to have to let you go. It’s not fair to the other employees who have to keep picking up the extra slack. I understand you don’t want to leave your husband alone so close to him being released from the hospital. I do and I’m sorry, I really am, but I really need more advance notice than this.” Nodding a few times, he apologizes again and ends the call.
“Everything okay?” I ask as he shoves the phone in his back pocket.
He pinches the bridge of his nose, shrugging. “I’m not even sure, honestly. I get that her husband is sick but I need someone I can rely on. It’s been two years of her coming in late and calling in at the last minute. I don’t know how much longer I can put up with it.”
Frowning, I walk closer and pull him into my arms, sensing how much he needs it. “Today is supposed to be a good day, remember?” I press a kiss to the side of his head, breathing in his lemon scent. Him smelling like food all day long is something I’ll never get tired of.
“Yeah.” Sighing deeply, he rubs his head over my shoulder. “You’re right. The rest can wait until tomorrow. I’ll really have to bring her in for a one-on-one chat. I think it’s time.”
“You do whatever you feel you have to do. You have to think about your business and other employees too. Don’t let people take advantage of your kindness and sympathy.”
“Yeah,” he breathes out. “Definitely something I need to work on.”
With his family too, but I don’t have to tell him that. They keep calling for money and he gives in the moment his sister or mom shed a single fake tear. I’m sick of it. He is too, but won’t ever admit it out loud. He’s a much nicer person than me. Landon is my good on my worst days and the first place I go to when I’m feeling lost.
“Well, you can’t always be perfect, can you?” Gripping his chin, I lift his face so our eyes can meet.
“No, but I’ll still try anyway. At least in your eyes.”
“You are exactly how I want you to be.”
“On the days I’m angry and yell too?” He cocks his head.
