She stares at her hand in mine, then meets my gaze. “Lanes have a lot of kids. At least the last couple of generations did. I’m one of eight.”
“Eight! That is a lot of kids.” I’m sure my mouth is hanging open. Who has eight kids?
“Yup. I have something like thirty-eight first cousins.” She grins at me.
“You know how crazy that sounds, right?” I’m still holding her hand, but I’m lost in the idea of that many people sharing grandparents.
“I know. It’s a lot, but I love them. They’re loud and funny. Going back to Roseville is the best.” She stares over my shoulder as if she can see her hometown behind me.
I close my hand over hers. “You don’t get home much, I guess.”
“No. Not much. In fact, the last time I was home was just before I met you. I was supposed to fly back for the holidays this year…” She doesn’t bother to state the obvious.
“The restaurant is always too busy at Christmas and New Year. I try to get back to Missouri in January, but it’s cold in the Ozarks that time of year. If things are going smoothly, I squeeze in a spring trip.” I miss my family, but there are only five people in my family. I can’t imagine missing a small army, as she does.
“You have a brother and a sister and you’re the oldest, right?” She presses her other hand over mine. “That’s a nice size family. They must miss you at Christmas.”
Shrugging, I love having her attention. I love listening to her voice. “My niece and nephews keep them all pretty busy. One uncle less, they probably don’t even notice.”
She shakes her head. “I know that’s not true.”
Manny brings our meals, ending all conversation and touching. Still, there’s nothing quite as wonderful as watching Grace’s face while she enjoys food. Well, watching her come is number one, but watching her eat is a close second. I have to put that thought out of my head, or my cock is going to start pounding the underside of the table.
Five
GRACE
Despite the fact that we have jobs that demand most of our time, and I know he’ll move on once this film is finished, I can’t get enough of Landon. In four more days, this film will wrap, and my heart could very well break. The damage might be irreparable. Still, as we walk along Venice Beach, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” He smiles at me as though I matter.
It’s addictive and dangerous, and I just don’t care. I’ll pick up the pieces after the new year. “That the movie will wrap in a few days, and how nice this is. I only live about twenty minutes away, but I never come down here.”
“Southern California is weird that way.” He leads us to the left and off the beach. “Ready to head back?”
My body tingles with the possible meanings. “Sure.”
I love the way he slides his arm around my waist, and that my hand fits perfectly inside his back pocket. It’s a beautiful night, and if it could never end, that would be the best.
I know that’s a totally unrealistic wish, but I’m happy, and I haven’t thought that in a long time.
Of course, me being me, I spend the entire walk back to his house overanalyzing what’s going to happen when we arrive. Maybe he’s tired or full from dinner. Maybe he wants to go to sleep and send me on my way. Maybe he isn’t as interested in me as I am in him, and he’s just too much of a gentleman to say anything.
I really need to get a grip and shut the hell up.
As we walk up his driveway, I slow near my car. “Should I go home?”
“Is that what you want?” He steps in front of me and grips my hips.
Not wanting to feel needy, I shrug. “You did say you would show me your house, but if you’re tired, we can do it another night.”
Cupping my cheek, Landon gazes intensely at me. He lowers his mouth to mine and kisses me senseless.
Our tongues slide together. Our breath mingles as he makes love to my mouth.
When he breaks the kiss, I wobble, but he keeps me upright, and his gaze is just as intense. “I want you to stay. I want you, Grace. Last night was not nearly enough, and I’m worried there are not enough nights left in my life to ever have enough.”
I drag in a strained breath. “You’re worried about that?”