. He’s rubbing sunscreen on my back while I sip a refreshing fruit drink that tastes like a burst of pure paradise. My body is sated from Landon’s lovemaking. With his hands rubbing my back, and the knowledge that he’s so totally mine, no work or other distractions, I’m practically in heaven. “I don’t know why we ever have to leave.”
“I can think of a few reasons,” Landon says, “but you’re right. They seem very inconsequential at the moment.”
I turn around and let him oil my front, then he lays down on the lounge chair next to me. In swim trunks and sunshades, his strong chest and legs exposed, he looks utterly devastating, and it’s clear that I’m not the only one who feels that way. I’ve seen the women ogling him all afternoon. Now, I can barely prevent a smirk from lifting my lips again. ‘He’s mine ladies, deal with it.’
I doze off in my chair, and when I wake up, Landon is also asleep. For a long moment, I lie there staring at his face, overwhelmed by the love I feel for him, and how happy I am.
He opens his eyes find me gawking at him.
“Hey,” he breathes, smiling at me.
I smile back. “Go back to sleep and pretend you didn’t see me eating you up with my eyes.”
He doesn’t say anything, but with one hand, he reaches out and pulls me over to his lounger. I lie beside him, curled up against his body. Closing my eyes, I breathe in the scent of his skin, and somehow, I don’t believe that it will ever be possible to be happier than this.
THE next week goes very fast, and the way Landon’s people handle my move is almost magical in its efficiency. By the day of Aidan’s opening, the move is complete and all the paperwork done.
Late in the afternoon, there’s a farewell party for me at the office. It’s a small party and Mark Willis manages to put aside his work long enough to give a speech about what a great assistant I was, and a hardworking writer and editor, while giving my replacement a meaningful side-eye. Chelsea tells me over and over again how it won’t be the same without me, and the most senior in-house writers and editors just take their slices of cake and drinks and stay long enough to be seen before disappearing. Jessica Layner also shows up, joining the clapping at the end of Mark’s speech.
After everyone has hugged me and wished me luck, I decide to walk back to the Swanson Court while Joe drives alongside me. Landon is not yet back from work, but the apartment feels like home even when he’s not there, and I can see myself coming here every day for the rest of my life.
Landon has given me carte blanche to redecorate as I see fit, even offering me one of his assistants from Swanson Court International to schedule decorators and keep track of the work if I need the help. I’m not yet ready, but I’m sure I will be, soon.
In our bedroom, there’s a large box on one of the chairs and a smaller one set on the floor, without opening them, I already know what’s inside, and I’m not disappointed. Inside the many layers of soft tissue in the larger box is a beautiful dress almost as soft as the tissues. The small box contains a matching pair of shoes and a clutch. I’m still wondering who delivered them and when they came in when I see Landon standing at the door.
Giving him a quizzical glance, I straighten, watching him enter the room and close the distance between us. His jacket has already been discarded, leaving him wearing only his shirt and a vest. He looks delicious, and my mouth actually waters.
“You’re back.”
“Hmm-mm.” He reaches me and lowers his lips to claim mine in a hungry kiss, one hand on my back holding me against his hard body. When he releases me, I’m breathless and flushed with pleasure.
His eyes rove over my face. “Do you like the dress?”
“Yes¸” I exclaim. “And the shoes and the purse…” I sigh. “You really shouldn’t be buying me any more gifts.”
“Try and stop me.” He looks unrepentant and I watch as he goes over to sit on the bed, undoing his cufflinks and removing his watch before placing them on the nightstand. When he’s done, he faces me, the corner of his lips lifting with an unmistakable gleam in his blue eyes. “Come here,” he says.
I swallow, still reeling from his kiss. “You’re trying to distract me.”
“Come here,” he says again.
“Shouldn’t we be getting ready to go to the theater?”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. There’s plenty of time.” He shrugs off his vest and starts to undo the buttons of his shirt. “Come here.”
I bite my lip, remaining where I am. “Come get me.”
He moves as fast as lightning, rising to lift me off my feet before dumping me on the bed. I start to laugh, mirth bubbling out of me, along with a swelling of love that puts a little moisture in my eyes.
“You’re so beautiful,” Landon whispers.
My smile is soft. “That’s love talking.”
“Ha!” he scoffs. “You’re beautiful by any standards, and totally my type. You,” he traces a finger over my nose, “define my type.” He lowers his head to kiss me, unbuttoning my blouse while he teases my tongue with his. I help him get the blouse off and raise my hips so he can pull down my pants.
“I’ve been thinking all day about tasting you,” he tells me, hooking his fingers in the elastic of my panties.
I breathe, already helplessly aroused. I watch him drag my panties down the length of my thighs, leaving me exposed to him. My body clenches, eager for his touch.