Page 41 of The Secrets We Keep

“Thank you.”

“Where did you learn to cook like this?” I’m curious to know.

“My parents loved to cook together and always had me in the kitchen helping. I guess I just picked up on it.” Landon gives me a small smile before taking another bite of food.

“That is great. They must have been amazing cooks.” Whenever he mentions his parents, it makes my heart heavy for him. I can tell he misses them dearly.

“That they were. Tell me, what is really on your mind?”

I put a piece of broccoli in my mouth hoping to delay for a minute. I really don’t want to discuss this.

“I want you to be able to talk to me. Stop hiding behind that wall.”

Ugh… why does this have to be so difficult for me? Why can’t I just let it out. Swallowing and taking a deep breath I decide to try.

“I was thinking about the trial and all the what ifs”

Landon reaches across the table and grabs my hand. He gives it a tight squeeze. “You, I mean we, we will get through this. Please don’t worry about this. I can’t stand seeing you closed off. It’s as if you are pretending. I want the real you. Don’t let him take that away.”

I give him a small smile. If only it were that easy.

“Listen Evie. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Do you understand?”

I can feel myself becoming emotional and I don’t want him to see it. I stand quickly and try to walk away, but he’s on me and before I know it he grabs my wrist and spins me around to face him. He grabs my chin gently before speaking.

“I love you. I won’t let anything happen to you. Stop running and hiding from me.”

He kisses me then. It’s slow and passionate. He makes everything disappear. All my worries and fears. Landon pulls back and walks me backwards toward the back door. Once my back hits the door he lets go of me and puts his arms on each side of my face, closing me in. He leans in to my ear and the feel of his breath sends chills down my spine.

“You are mine and I will do anything to keep you safe. Do you understand that?”

His words are my undoing. I grab his shirt and yank him into me, kissing him hard. Our hands are all over each other. Landon picks me up quickly and I immediately wrap my legs around him. The kissing never stops. Any thoughts of dinner and Chet have been long forgotten as I allow Landon to take me right then and there.

Chapter 20

Chet’s trial was today. He stayed quiet and pleaded not guilty. I’m sure he pulled the not guilty card at the advice from his lawyer. It doesn’t matter though, I stayed strong and held my head high. My testimony along with Sarah’s and the photographs the detective took of me as part of evidence will be all the proof the judge needs. Plus, the skanky receptionist, Lexi gave her statement that I did in fact catch the two of them in the act.

I glance over at my sister who is to my left. She teared up and shook her head. I reach over and whisper, “We’ll get past this Sarah. He’s not worth your tears.”

Reaching out I squeeze her hand and smile. It’s the first time I’ve really seen her cry over Chet. She’s cried, but for me. It’s always been for me and what I’ve been through. Up until now Sarah has only ever shown anger when it comes to Chet and everything he has done. Even with the move, she never shed a tear.

We waited in silence for his verdict to be read. The jury found Chet guilty. When given the verdict, he dropped his head in his hands. His cocky lawyer didn’t even say a word. I let out a breath and smile. It was like the last of the baggage I’d been carrying around had finally been dropped off at its destination. Baggage that will soon be off to the state prison for what I hope will be a very long time.

“It’s over now Evie, baby. No more tears.” Landon’s voice startles me as his fingers wisp across my cheek to wipe away my tears.

“Happy tears.” I smile up at him.

He leans down and places a kiss softly on my lips then pulls away much faster than I would like.

“Later” he mouths to me before backing up slightly.

Sarah comes up from behind and hugs me. A hug so tight confirming our bond is solid and unbreakable. I hug her just as tightly back and tell her I love her.

I walk out of the courthouse with Landon on one side of me and my sister on the other. I smile happily as this chapter in my life is finally coming to a close. One I’m more than happy to put away and move on from.

We drop Sarah off at her place and drive in silence holding hands to our place. Our place, it still feels strange to say that. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to find happiness again. I look over at Landon, grateful that we have made it through so much in such a short period of time. Sometimes, the secrets we keep, hold us back from living life. I’m glad there’s no more secrets. He steals a glance and his emerald eyes sparkle. He smiles and looks back to the road. Landon gets me. He knows no words are necessary right now.

As we pull up the long driveway, I stare out the window. The sun is starting to set and it casts a glow from behind the house. It’s then that I realize I’m starved. “What should we do for dinner, Landon?”

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