Page 19 of Landon (In Safe Hands)
It’spast nine when I get back home, and the house smells fantastic. Zoe is sittingat the kitchen table, eating, with an e-reader in front of her.
Shejumps to her feet when I enter, obviously surprised I’m back so soon. “Hey, Iwas just grabbing a bite. There’s chicken fettucine on the stove.”
“Soundsgood. Sit. Eat.”
Shetakes her seat and returns to her food while I make a plate and sit across fromher. “The place looks great.”
“Thanks.”
“Whydon’t you relax for a bit? We can watch a movie.” What the hell am I doing? I’msupposed to be avoiding her. Her eyebrows jump and she regards me quietly.“What?”
“Youhaven’t said two words to me in weeks. What’s the matter? Bored tonight?”
Whydoes she always have to give me shit? “I’ve been busy with work.”
“Ifigured you were pissed,” she says with a shrug.
Ifshe only knew. “Why would I be pissed? You’re doing a great job. Now, quitbeing difficult and come watch a movie with me.”
“Well,since that was almost a nice invitation, fine.”
Zoechooses a comedy, and I sit beside her on the couch to watch. Somehow, wemanage to move closer to each other until her leg is pressed against mine.Screw it. I put my arm around her shoulder, and she leans against my chest asif it’s the most natural thing in the world. I’m barely paying attention to themovie. I’m too distracted by her. She smells amazing, not flowery or drowningin perfume like most women, but natural with a light scent of citrus. The skinon her arm is soft and warm. What the hell is wrong with me? Am I seriouslyturned on by her arm?
Hermusical laughter makes me smile, even though I missed the joke. When she seesme looking at her, she gazes at me, licking her lips in invitation. I’m acentimeter away from kissing her when there’s a loud knock at the door.
“Openup, asshole! It’s raining!” Jeremy yells. Shit. Damn it all.
Zoejumps to her feet as if touching me may burn her. “I should finish up a fewthings before I go,” she says, darting into the kitchen.
“Thisbetter be good,” I growl as Jeremy follows me into my office.
Asmile reaches across his face. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Mynight of peace and quiet. Now, what’s up?”
“Hetook the bait.” A black folder slaps onto the desk in front of me and I pick itup.
Angerrushes through me as I read the contents. “Son of a bitch. You called this oneright. I take it we aren’t going to trouble the cops with this one?”
Jeremyshakes his head. “Fuck no. Justus is already on it. I need the new program youwrote.”
Aftera quick glance at the door, I pull up a fake floorboard to retrieve a flashdrive. “Install it, then delete it from the drive. It’ll get you in any systemyou need.”
Jeremyputs the drive in his pocket. “Do you want to go grab a drink?”
AllI want is to get back to Zoe. “Not tonight.”
“Gotother plans?” he taunts with a knowing smile, heading for the door. “Have agood night, Zoe,” he calls out when I ignore him.
“Goodnight,” Zoe replies without leaving the kitchen.
Chuckling,he pulls the door closed behind him. Asshole.
Zoeis preparing to leave when I return to the living room. “I know it’s a littleearly, but I’m finished, so I’m going to go if you don’t care.” Her expressionis wary as I approach her.
“Youdon’t have to run. I won’t touch you if you don’t want me to.” I smile at her.“But it seemed like you wanted me to.”
Sighing,she shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter what I want. I need this job.”
