Page 43 of Don't Look Down

But that smirk on those lips. I am melting inside. This should not be happening. He’s my friend.

As I watch, he reaches across and steals my beer. He looks at our friends and asks, “Split this with me?”

“Fill her up.” Addy holds her cup up for her portion of swill. Cough, I mean beer. My thoughts scatter as my eyes trace Landon’s forearm and hand while he divides the rest of my beer between their cups. Colorful swirls of ink reach one wrist.My God the forearms on this man are delish. I want to bite him to see if he tastes as good as he looks. Fucking. Hell.

What were we talking about?

Shaking my head to clear away the thoughts that keep worming their way in, I redirect the conversation back to the topic at hand. “So, is it really difficult for you on a day-to-day basis, Landon? Do you get mobbed by crazy fans?”

“Not so much in the off season, but it gets worse the closer we get to the playoffs. The further you make it, the more attention from diehard and bandwagon fans alike. It gets overwhelming having to be ‘on’ all the time. But I love it.”

Addy grimaces. “To me, that sounds like torture. In a way, it’s your version of a customer service voice. We all have one. I use mine when I’m showing listings, but those are usually scheduled, and I have time to mentally prepare myself. It’s different for you. You just always have to be ready.”

“That’s a fact, but it’s very easy to turn me on.” Luc’s statement is quickly followed by more laughter. He’s an idiot. I love it here.

“What’s it like traveling so much? On the way to the arena, Sky was telling me you have a few away games coming up. Do you get to sightsee while you’re on the road?”

“Abort, Addy, abort,” I whisper-yell dramatically at her, while eying Landon.

Her eyes bounce around to each of us, bun of messy curls bobbing wildly. “What did I miss?”

He sighs. “It’s okay, Sky, I can talk about it. I’m aerophobic.” At her blank look, he continues. “Scared of flying. It’s pretty severe, which makes traveling with the team hell. But I pushthrough. We have three flights in five days this coming week. I can’t wait.” He’s gone a little pale.

Luc wraps his arm around Landon’s shoulders and jiggles him. “He’s got a fantastic support system, though. He’ll be alright.”

“Oh, wait, don’t tell me. It’s you?”

“Of course it is, Addy dear. Look at us. We’re pretty much besties now. You know me so well already.”

“You’re so full of shit, I can’t even.”

He points at her. “You see? You’re just proving my point.”

Laughter fills the table and some of the tension lightens. Our food is delivered, and we dig in. There’re a few platters with different flavors of wings. Sweet Thai chili sounds delicious. I serve myself a few, along with a healthy serving of tots.

Addy’s voice is gentle this time. “Do you mind if I ask if there was something that caused your aerophobia?”

Shaking his head, he answers, “Naw, I don’t mind. It’s kind of ridiculous, honestly.”

“Wait, can I tell this story? I can tell it so much better than you.”

“What? No. Fuck off, Leigh.”

He laughs and gestures at Landon. “Well, get on with it then. But don’t expect me to keep quiet.”

“Why would I expect that? You never shut your mouth.”

“You wound me.” Hand to his chest and a mock pout on his face, he leans back in his chair.

“A little back story to start, in case you don’t know. My mom had me when she was fifteen. If you ask her, she’ll tell you she didn’t miss out on what was left of her childhood when she had me, but she definitely did.”

“Holy shit. I’d basically have a whole ass ten-year-old if I’d had a child at fifteen. Goodness. What a woman. That could not be me.” Her expression is full of genuine awe.

“Right? Annie is the greatest,” Luc adds.

Nodding, Landon agrees. “She really is. Anyway, when I was growing up, it was our thing to watch scary movies from her childhood once or twice a month. Our schedules were chaotic, but we found time.”

Addy covers her eyes, obviously sensing where this is going. “Oh no.” I already know this story, so I sit back and enjoy watching the emotions play across his face. His eyes are slightly unfocused at the memory. “Don’t tell me you watched Final Destination.”

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