Page 92 of Time to Shine

“That sex we had last night.”

The rest of Landon’s face turned pink, but he smiled. “Yeah?”

“Probably going to be thinking about it like ninety-nine percent of the time. So when we’re playing against Philly tomorrow night, I’m gonna be doing some sick stickhandling, but I’ll also be thinking, ‘Landon is so fucking hot when he comes.’”

“Jesus,” Landon mumbled as he moved the pancake from the pan onto a plate.

“So, yeah. Anytime, Stacks. You can assume I’m down pretty much 24/7, so whenever you wanna get ravished, lemme know.”

Landon laughed. “Ravished?”

“I like that word. It sounds fancy and hot. And also exactly what I want to do to you.”

Landon was quiet for a long moment. He flipped the newest pancake (the boring, spatula way), then quietly said, “I’d like to do that for you too. Learn how to make you feel good. But...”

Casey’s smile fell. “But?”

“I mean, I’m leaving soon.”

Even though Casey knew it already, hearing Landon say the words was still a punch to the gut. The truth was easier to ignore if no one said it aloud.

“You’re not leaving today,” Casey argued.

“I know.”

“So let’s enjoy today, and any other days we get, and we’ll deal with the leaving thing when it happens, okay?”

“Okay.”

Casey leaned in and kissed him. They kissed until they smelled something burning, then Landon swore and frantically flipped the pancake that was now much darker than the others.

“Worth it,” Casey declared.

A phone started ringing. Landon’s phone.

“No,” Casey moaned.

“It’s my mom.” He accepted the call. “Mom?”

Casey was able to decipher, from Landon’s side of the conversation, that the Stackhouses’ flight had to be changed for some reason, and that they would be arriving today instead of Wednesday.

Well. So much for a relaxing and sexy day alone with Landon.

When Landon ended the call, Casey said, “Today, huh?”

“Sorry. There’s a storm coming to Halifax on Wednesday and this was their only option.”

“Why are you apologizing? I told you I can’t wait to meet them. I just wish the cleaning service was coming today instead of tomorrow.”

Landon turned to face him. “I think I can handle it.”

“I’ll help.”

Landon raised his eyebrows.

“What?” Casey said, affronted. “I can help!”

Landon poured the last of the pancake batter into the pan. “This is weird timing.”

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