Page 3 of The Secrets We Keep

“Good afternoon, how may I help you,” I ask, trying not to stutter. But holy hell he is gorgeous. His green eyes stare back at me, almost pulling me in.

“Hi, I’m looking for Sam, is he in?”

“I’m afraid he has stepped out, I can take a message for him to contact you.”

The man tilts his head while looking at me, causing his dark hair to shift. His stare starts to make me a little nervous. Okay, very nervous. I’m always on edge that someone is searching for me. I clear my throat to get his attent

ion.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before, are you new here?” he asks. His voice is intoxicating.

“Um… Um...” now I’m really stuttering. “I’ve been here a few months now, I usually work in the back doing clerical work.” I hitch my thumb behind me, pointing towards the back.

“That explains why I’ve never seen you. Can you please tell Sam that Landon Miller stopped in?”

I nod and begin to scribble down his name on the note pad when he interrupts, “It was a pleasure to meet you, I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?”

“Oh, it’s Evie. It’s nice to meet you as well.”

The dark, mysterious man smiles and goes to walk out. He turns to look back at me briefly, his gaze intense. I’ve never seen such green eyes before. He nods once and leaves. I just stand there, staring out after him. Everything about him oozes sex and something else that I can’t quite put my finger on.

Thankfully the rest of the day is quiet, leaving me alone with my jumbled thoughts of him.

Chapter 2

It’s been a few days since Landon stepped foot into S1 Accounting. I’d be lying if I said I haven't thought about him. I have. I can’t get him out of my mind. It’s sad really. But thinking of him and his disheveled hair, his gorgeous eyes, it helps me pass the time. When I’m not busy filing paperwork or doing data entry I’m alone with my thoughts. I have no friends and no one to talk to. I go to work and then home. It’s a sad never ending cycle. The weekends are the worst. I try to keep busy with cleaning my already clean condo. I go grocery shopping and then back home to do laundry. Occasionally I go out to get my hair touched up. Some days I miss the old me. The girl with light brown hair that rested on her shoulders. The girl who lived life. I shed a tear thinking about my past life. The days of Eleanor are gone. Now I’m Evie with long hair and highlights. Another tear falls. Damnit what did I do to deserve this lonely pitiful life?

I glance up at the clock near the filing cabinets and see it’s time to call it a day. As I close the drawer I’m working on, I hear the bell at the door up front and Sam start talking. I pay no attention as I gather my purse and keys. When I walk out front I stop dead and suck in my breath. There stands Landon looking delicious wearing clothes that fit him just right. Landon looks my way causing Sam to do the same.

“Heading out, have a nice weekend.” Sam says.

“Yes sir, you do the same.” I start to make my way to the door when I hear Landon mumble something to Sam and then a goodbye. I’m making my way to my car when Landon catches up.

“Hello to you too”.

I stop and look at him for a minute. He is dressed simply, plain white shirt and dark jeans. I really take in how handsome he is. It should be a crime to have such green eyes. They look like emeralds staring back at me. Landon clears his throat, reminding me that I have just been caught staring.

“I’m sorry. Hi, how are you?”

“I’m good now. Where are you headed?”

“I’m just headed home”.

“Want to grab a bite? You know if you aren’t busy.”

Did he just ask me to dinner? I look around confused for a minute.

“I get it, you must have a boyfriend. I’m sorry.” He says a little too fast.

“No, no... I don’t. I just, well you caught me off guard. Dinner sounds good actually.” Did I really just agree to go to dinner with a stranger?

"Great, I know just the place.”

Landon stops outside this cute little cafe, it was just a short walk from my work.

"Is this cool?"

“Yes, this is fine." If I didn't know better, I'd think he was slightly nervous.

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