Page 7 of The Secrets We Keep

Stop with these thoughts. I shake my head.

“You look beautiful Evie.”

Landon pulls me from my thoughts. The way he says my name, it gives me goosebumps.

“Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.”

He smiles as he grabs my hand.

We decide to hit the downtown market. It is bustling with vendors and people. The weather is perfect for it too. It’s sunny and if I have to guess I’d say mid 70’s.

We end up stopping at a little walk up cafe just to grab a small bite and some coffee. After gathering our stuff we find a vacant bench to sit down at.

“Are you enjoying yourself today?” Landon asks.

“Yes, It’s beautiful out today.”

“I agree. Just like you. I enjoy being with you.”

Wow. I have no response for what he just said, so I just smile in return. Landon looks at me intently, causing me to blush.

While at the market we decided to grab fresh vegetables to cook with dinner tonight. Once again, I’m nervous. He wants to bring me back to his place to cook for me. I’ve never done something like this since leaving. It feels new and makes me feel alive, yet unsure at

the same time.

We arrive back at his place. Or should I say his house. It’s huge. Landon lives just on the outskirts of town. Close enough to the city life, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet.

He gives me a tour. Everything is modern, yet simple. The rooms are all different shades of gray. He doesn't show me what's on the last door on the right, and I try not to read too much into it. There's not very much on the walls, just a painting here or there. You can tell it’s a man’s home.

Landon brings me back to the living room,

“Make yourself at home, I’m going to start dinner.”

I walk over to the black leather couch and sit down. I watch him walk back to the open kitchen and start pulling stuff out of the fridge. His arms flex and it has suddenly turned me on. How can arms turn someone on? I can feel my face heat. I need to stop and think of something else. I get up and look at the things on his built-in bookshelf. A very large flat screen sits in the middle of the two shelves. There’s loads of books, so many books. I recognize a few titles, which is a little shocking. Who is this Landon? I wonder. There’s a few framed pictures of a couple that I can only assume are his parents. That’s it, nothing else to help me learn anything about him. I glance back at him and he’s watching me. He smiles brightly at me and says nothing before continuing what he’s doing. His smile alone is electrifying and it does nothing to ease the dirty thoughts I currently have of him.

Dinner is delicious. Landon cooked lemon crusted chicken with fresh carrots and parsnips. We opted for sweet tea tonight instead of wine. Landon told me he isn’t a fan of needing alcohol to enjoy the night. I like that about him. He doesn’t sugar coat.

Our conversation flows well and makes me enjoy being around him even more. I really like him, I tell myself, but the thoughts of keeping who I really am start to bubble up and remind me that I’m keeping a huge secret from him. Thankfully those thoughts are interrupted by Landon.

“Did you enjoy dinner?”

“Yes, it was delicious. Thank you.”

He smiles, gosh that smile. It makes me smile back.

“I could get use to you cooking for me.”

Landon laughs and scoots his chair back.

“Lets get dinner cleaned up so we can go sit outside on the back deck.”

“Sounds like a plan, I’ll wash you dry.” I wink as I carry dishes into the kitchen.

We take our glasses of sweet tea out back. It’s dark but the string of lights set the mood. It’s beautiful and romantic.

“It’s beautiful and quiet out here.”

“Isn’t it?” Landon pauses for a moment before continuing,

---