Page 71 of Deal Breaker
Ford
I swear the hands on the clock are moving backward because no matter how long I wait, 6 p.m. refuses to come.
After a week of long-distance teasing, nonstop travel days, and Landyn’s voice in my head every time I close my eyes, I need her. Not through a screen. Not in a text bubble. Not at the office. Just us, together, in a place where we don’t have to pretend, we’re not halfway in love again.
The drive to her place is fast, the sky already dipping into shades of gold and copper by the time I turn down her street. I don’t bother running through what I’m going to say or do, I’ve been thinking about her too much to plan it out.
All I know is, I want tonight to feel different. I want more.
I want to take her out on a date.
Hold her hand.
Take things further.
I park out front of the little cottage and step out into the cooling air, the scent of the ocean immediately hitting me. Itake the stairs two at a time and knock on her door. She opens it a moment later, and just like that my whole body lights up. She’s wearing a soft blue dress that hits mid-thigh, her hair loose in soft waves around her face. I can’t stop staring.
“Hey,” I say, a little lower than I mean to.
She smiles—nervous, but real. “Hey.”
“You look…” I drag my eyes over her again, slower this time. “Like I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”
That gets a quiet laugh. “That must mean you like my dress.”
I nod, stepping forward, “I do. Very much. Can I kiss you?”
She blushes, her hand sliding up my chest as my hands move to her nape. “That would be nice.”
I touch my lips to her, humming as I kiss her.
I smile against her lips. “We should go before we’re late.”
It feels warm, familiar. I don’t know where this night is going but I already know I don’t want it to end. Ten minutes later, we’re walking towards the front doors of the restaurant. I picked Wave and Warf because it has a low-key vibe that felt perfect for tonight—dim lights, ocean views, and just far enough away from Deep Cove’s hot spots that we shouldn’t run into anyone from the office. I don’t want any interruptions.
I watch her slide into the booth across from me, dress hugging her legs, those soft waves brushing her collarbone.
She looks around the restaurant, one brow raised. “Wow. Tablecloths and everything.”
“I’m trying to win you over,” I say, shrugging out of my jacket. “I don’t mess around.”
“I remember that about you. Some things never change.”
“Apparently.” I lean forward. “So, is it working?”
Her lips curl. “That depends. What am I in for?”
“Dinner. Wine. Me.” I pause. “Dessert’s negotiable.”
She lifts her glass of water, hiding her grin behind the rim. “You’re definitely not subtle.”
“Never claimed to be.” I pick up my menu. “But I’m very effective.”
She hums. “We’ll see about that.”
Our server arrives a few minutes later and we order right away. She takes our menus before leaving, and as Landyn hands hers over, her foot brushes mine underneath the table.
My eyes meet hers. “You playing footsie, Sinclair?”
