Page 49 of Don't Look Down

I replay our last words in my head. “Oh!” My spine straightens as it all comes back to me. A small smile curlsLandon’s lips, but I ignore it. “If you ask nicely, I’ll let you have a few bites of my French toast.”

His head tips back and he groans. “Yes. Yes, please.”

My elbow hits the table, and I prop my chin on my fist, eyes roving over him. “Ooh, you’re so pretty when you beg.”

His eyes pop wide, then he chokes on a laugh. That gorgeous blush rushes back to his cheeks and down his neck.Yum. Fuck. No. Stop it, Sky. Reroute this train back to propriety.

I tilt my menu toward him, pointing at the last section on the back. “These are their healthier options. Addy and I have tried most of the entrees, and I can assure you, you can’t go wrong. If I have to pick, their protein power-up skillet is probably my favorite, aside from the French toast. It’s packed with plenty of protein and veggies to fuel those muscles.”

His smile is softer now. With a nod, he sets his menu to the side. “That’s what I’ll get then.” His blind trust in my recommendation is gratifying. My chest feels light as warmth spreads through my body.

“Sorry for the delay, we got a little backed up on drinks.” Our server places the champagne flute filled with pale peach liquid on the table near my hand. “Can I get some food started for you all?”

Landon nods. “Yes, thanks. I’ll take the protein power-up skillet, and he’ll have the bananas foster French toast with bacon, please.”

Um, what?Swoon.

“Sure thing. How would you like your eggs cooked in the skillet?”

“Over-hard, please.”

My hand flies to cover my mouth. It’s difficult to hold back my giggle, but somehow, I choke it down. Landon looks at me, then back at Mack, handing over our menus. His eyes are twinkling with mirth.

“Really?” he asks as Mack walks away.

My giggle finally escapes. “Yes, really. I am a teenage boy at heart. You can’t expect me to remain serious when you say ‘hard.’ It’s not going to happen.”

“Clearly. No wonder you and Leigh get along so well.”

“He gets it. And he’s kind of awesome.”

A soft smile curls his lips. “Yeah, he is.”

I pick up my champagne flute, which has a fresh peach slice garnishing the edge. “Okay, here we go.” I hand it over to Landon. “Taste test time.”

“You haven’t even had any yet,” he protests.

“So? I know what it tastes like. Go ahead.Pruebalo.” I gesture at him.

My eyes are glued to his mouth as his lips touch the rim of my glass. He takes a cautious sip, followed by a bigger one. His throat works as he swallows.Mmm.“Oh, wow. That’s actually really good. It’s refreshing and light.”

He hands the glass back to me. “Right? Do you want one? I can flag Mack down for you.”

“That would be great, thanks.” I beam at him and order his drink.

I raise my glass to my mouth to take a sip of my own, ridiculously conscious of the fact his lips were in the same spot moments ago. It’s oddly intimate for something so innocent.

Toast is very busy so we’re waiting a bit for our food, but the time passes easily with good company and easy conversation.

“I’m curious about something.”

“Yeah?”

“I know you’re Hispanic,” he begins.

“Yep. My Cuban roots run deep.”

“Donovan isn’t a traditional Hispanic last name, right?”

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