Page 18 of The Secrets We Keep

“Your name is Eleanor?”

Shit.

“Uh, ya… I don’t go by Eleanor though.”

“Your last name is Ross.”

This time it’s a statement not a question and that puts me on edge.

“Yes... to that too, I guess we’ve never really discussed my name.” I reply nervously. I look over at Landon whose face is now pale. “Are you okay?”

All Landon does is nod. But before I can push any further, Matt the salesman has walked back in to take my license.

“I just need to make a copy Ms. Ross. It’ll be just a little bit longer. I have to have you sign papers and by then the detailing department should have your new car ready to go.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as Matt is gone I look over to Landon and ask again, “Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t look well.”

“I’m fine.” He says through clenched teeth.

I reach over and touch Landon’s thigh and I can feel him tense under my hand. He’s never acted like this around me so I don’t know what to make of it. “You don’t seem fine.” I state matter of factly.

Landon runs his hand through his hair and lets out of huff. What is his deal?

“I just realized that there is a lot we don’t seem to know about each other.”

His words are like a slap in the face, it irritates me, even though he’s not wrong. I say nothing in return as he looks at me holding my stare. I look towards the doorway hoping that Matt will be back in soon and shrug my shoulders. Now is not the time for confessions. No, that will have to wait until we are alone. Landon pulls me from my thoughts when he clears his throat. I look back to him, clearly he has been watching me this entire time. Something passes over his face before he speaks.

“I think I need some fresh air.”

Landon’s voice is void of any emotion. He stands up and walks out. I’m completely baffled. He was fine prior to learning my name. Why the sudden change? Before I can try to put the pieces together, Matt comes back in and I begin to sign my life away.

We walk up to my shiny black BMW. It’s sexy. Landon comes to the driver side and opens the door for me.

“Congratulations on your new wheels.”

He doesn’t look happy though. He looks the complete opposite of happy if I’m being honest and it’s starting to scare me. Alarm bells are going off in my head and I’m trying to quiet them and not over think.

“Thank you for helping me find the perfect car.”

“You’re welcome, Evie.”

The way Landon drags out my name gives me slight chills and not the good kind. The door is the only thing standing between us but I can feel how distant he’s becoming. I smile and ask, “Do you want to follow me back to my place and we can grab dinner?”

For a minute I don’t think he has heard me. He’s pulled out his phone, staring at it with an expression that’s unreadable.

“Something has come up. I can’t.”

Well, that’s certainly not the response I was expecting.

“Is everything really okay Landon?” I’m starting to sound like a broken record but I need to know.

“Yes” He snaps.

This isn’t the Landon I’ve come to know. I reach out to touch his hand and he pulls back. What the fuck?

“Okay then. I guess I’m headed out.” I reply in frustration.

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