by Layla Hagen
Maddie
On Thursday evening, I put on one of my fancier dresses, dark pink and bandage style, and paired it with black heels. I was equal parts giddy and nervous. Landon had sent me flowers every day. Every day.
I arrived twenty minutes too early at the restaurant where we were meeting. Some might say I was overeager. Some. Not me. I had too much energy to wait in my car, so I headed inside the restaurant. A petite blonde in a black uniform stood behind a Wait to be Seated sign.
“Hi! I arrived a bit early, but I’d like to be seated in case the table is free already. Reservation under Landon Connor, I think.”
“Mr. Connor arrived already. I’ll show you to your table.”
I grinned as I followed the waitress. So I wasn’t the only one who was impatient. She led me to the far back of the room. I took in the splendid view of the ocean through the large windows. When I saw Landon, my breath caught.
“Someone will be taking your order shortly,” the waitress informed me before heading to the front.
Landon stood up as I approached, flashing me a huge smile. His green eyes were molten and one-day stubble covered his jaw and cheeks.
“You look beautiful, Maddie.”
“Thanks.”
He kissed my hand, then pulled me into a hug, holding me tight, as if he didn’t want to let go. I didn’t want him to let go either. But he did let go and held out the chair for me, which was when I realized the chairs weren’t opposite each other but on adjacent sides. I was sure the idea behind that was so that both of us could enjoy the view of the ocean through the windows, but I saw it as an opportunity for accidental-on-purpose touching.
He took my hand in his, pressed it to his cheek. “I’ve missed you, Maddie. Since I got into that cab, I’ve been missing you like crazy. I couldn’t even stand being in my condo. I felt like I didn’t belong there, and I don’t. I belong with you. I love you so much, Maddie.”
I covered my mouth with my free hand, swallowing a small sob. Next thing I knew, my vision became blurry as tears sprang in my eyes.
“These are happy tears,” I whispered. “I promise.”
Landon moved his chair right next to mine and wrapped me in his arms. I thought I might explode from the sheer emotion building up inside me.
“I love you more than I can say, Landon.” My voice shook, but I repeated the words again and again. And then his mouth was on mine, and I brought my hands to his face. I was so greedy for him that I didn’t know where to touch him first. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remembered we were in a public place, so the touching had to adhere to standards of common decency. He loved me. This wonderful man loved me.
“I missed your lips,” he whispered, holding me in his arms. I rested my nose in the crook of his neck. “Your skin. All of you. I wasn’t looking for love, but you’re part of me now. We belong together.”
At that, I pulled out of his arms, straightening up. “Yes. I gave this some serious thought. I’ll move to San Jose. I’ll start my landscaping business there, or maybe even work for a local company for a time.”
If anyone had told me a few months ago that I’d be uttering these words, I wouldn’t have believed it. Last time I moved for love, things ended in a fiasco. I never thought I’d take such a risk again, but Landon had changed me. I was ready to start over for him. I could build my business there. Since I’d been ready to partner with Elise, maybe I could start with a partner there from the get-go. I certainly had the portfolio and awards credentials to be an appealing business partner.
“You’d do that for me? For us? My sweet Maddie. It means a lot to me that you’d consider it.”
He smiled, kissing the tip of my nose. Hmm.... Why isn’t he jumping up and down with joy, or whatever the manly equivalent is for that?
A waiter arrived at our table, pad and pen in hands. “May I take your order?”
“We haven’t looked at the menu yet, but bring us some sparkling water and champagne.”
I took the champagne as a good omen. Landon scooted his chair back into its place once the waiter left.
“Why did you move away? I could get away with feeling you up much easier,” I said.
“That’s exactly why I moved. You’re distracting me.”
“From?” I challenged, batting my eyelashes.
“Telling you that I’ve decided to sell DBC Payment Solutions.”
It took me a second to realize what he meant. “Wait, you’re selling your company?”
He nodded, looking genuinely thrilled about it.
“But you went back because you wanted to stop the sale,” I said slowly, not quite understanding.
“We’re not selling it to Sullivan or any of his associates. I won’t hand over my employees to dishonest people. But others have expressed interest in acquiring us in the past. We’re reaching out to them.”
“You never mentioned you wanted to sell it.”
“In the initial business plan, I did envision selling it about one or two years ago, but for the past four years, I wanted to lose myself in my work. The truth is, I held on to the company for too long, and now it’s time to let go.”
I understood what he meant. If we were alone, I’d lace my arms around his neck and kiss him with all I had. But I stayed put, because I didn’t think I could keep it decent this time.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll be flying back and forth until we kick off the sale, but in the meantime, think you can make a place for me in your bungalow?”
“I don’t know. What do I get in return?” I teased.
He leaned in so close that our noses were almost touching. “I promise to hold you every night. Make your coffee in the morning.” He veered left, brushing my cheek with his, bringing his lips to my ear. “I’ll sink so deep into you every night that you’ll still feel me when you leave the house in the morning.”
Pulling back, I pouted, pretending his words hadn’t tugged at my heartstrings and made me all hot and bothered.
“Think you can sweeten the deal, Mr. Connor?”
He kissed my hand. “I will love you with my whole heart, Maddie. Every day.”
The need to be alone with him slammed into me. Landon’s gaze fell to my lips, and when he rested his hand on my thigh under the table, I felt my need mirrored in his grip.
The waiter appeared, carrying the tray with soda and champagne.
“Are you ready to order appetizers? Or do you want to move on directly to the main course?”
I wanted neither. All I wanted was Landon. The thinly disguised desire in his eyes only stoked my fire.
Without taking his eyes off me, he said, “I’m afraid something came up, and we have to leave right away. We’ll take the champagne with us.”
***
We barely made it past the threshold of my house before we started undressing each other. My dress landed on the floor of the living room, my bra and panties in the hall. Landon’s clothes became a heap next to the bed.
“I love you, baby.” He peppered kisses on my shoulder, fondling my right breast, then the left one. “I’ve missed them.”
“I knew it,” I teased. “You made all those life-changing decisions for my girls.”
He licked a nipple and gripped my ass in his hands. “Don’t be modest. This beauty sealed the deal for me. Begs for a little biting.” He spun me around and I felt him lower himself. I laughed when he bit my right ass cheek.
I turned around, lavishing him with attention. I started kissing his torso, insisting on the defined squares of his abs, then tracing the V-shaped obliques with my tongue, feeling his erection against my clavicle.
The look in his eyes when I stroked his hard-on was so intense that heat rushed between my legs. Gripping him at the base, I squeezed him tight, and as I moved my fist up to the tip, I licked every inch of him my hand freed up. When I reached the tip, I took my hand away completely, swiped my tongue across the head. I was rewarded with a heavy and masculine groan, and h
is thighs quivered almost imperceptibly.
I wanted to take him in my mouth, but Landon hoisted me up, effortlessly laying me on the bed on my back, thighs spread wide.
Settling between my legs, he eyed my center, licking his lips. Then he dragged his thumb from my clit right down to the entrance. My entire body shuddered. He slid on protection and rubbed his length along my clit, until my thighs were shaking.
Then he entered me. I cried out as he filled me, inch by inch, stretching me. He held my gaze, brought a hand to my face, touching my cheek gently, kissing my chin, the tip of my nose.
“I love you, Landon.”
He started sliding in and out of me slowly, never breaking eye contact. We were both coming apart at the seams. Every inch of my body was on fire. When a burst of pleasure coursed through me, every muscle tightened, my breath caught, my ears were ringing. I felt our connection growing deeper with every thrust until I was completely lost in him.
I laced my arms around his neck, touched my forehead to his. So many emotions bubbled up inside me that they overwhelmed me. He was back in my arms. He was mine to keep and to make happy. Oh, I had such great plans to make that happen.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked after a beat.
I smiled sheepishly. “That I will shower you with love every day.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Fair warning, I might go overboard and smother you.”
“That’s really not possible.”
“Ah, that gives me so much leverage. You’re never going to win another negotiation.” He tugged with his teeth at my lower lip while his fingers feathered the sides of my breasts.
“I look forward to proving the opposite, my love.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Landon
I held my hand around Maddie’s shoulders as we headed toward Val’s house the next evening for Friday dinner. I kissed the side of her head and nuzzled her temple with my nose. I couldn’t stop touching her—wouldn’t stop. She was mine, and I planned to take advantage of that every waking minute. I loved the way Maddie leaned into me, her warm, soft curves fitting perfectly against me. I would never get enough of her, and I couldn’t wait for her to be my wife. If it were up to me, I’d pop the question right now, marry her at the nearest city hall. But I wanted to do everything the right way: the proposal, the big wedding, let her have her dream dress. I wanted to fulfill every dream of hers for the rest of our lives.
I couldn’t help imagining the clan’s reactions when I broke the news of my return to LA. I’d simply told them I was visiting, and they hadn’t pushed for more. The door swung open before I’d even knocked.
“I’m so happy to see you! Both of you!” Val grinned, looking between Maddie and me. Her cast had been removed, but she was still using one crutch because the muscles in one leg had atrophied somewhat. “When did this happen?”
“Yesterday.”
Val cocked a brow. “You flew in yesterday? And didn’t tell us?”
Maddie tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at me. “You were pretty confident you’d spend the night with me, huh?”
“What can I say? I knew I had strong arguments.”
Maddie huffed. She was adorable. I focused on my sister again.
“So, are you going to let us in or what?”
“No, I’m considering keeping you out there as punishment that you flew in incognito. But you brought Maddie, so you’re forgiven.”
Dinner was delicious and loud. Business as usual at the Connor table.
Before dessert, I cleared my throat. “I have a few announcements to make.”
“Obviously you two are back together,” Hailey remarked.
I took Maddie’s hand, pressed it to my lips.
“Yes, we are. The second thing is this: I’m selling DBC Payment Solutions and moving back to LA.”
The table fell into a stunned silence for a few seconds before everyone started talking at the same time.
“Wow, that’s unexpected—”
“When exactly are you moving back?”
“When did you decide to sell?”
I explained everything in a few quick words. Once I’d realized I didn’t want to continue living the way I’d had and that I was ready to let go of the company and the past, I hadn’t agonized over the decision to sell. It was time.
“Welcome home, brother,” Jace said. “That’ll give us more leverage when these three”—he pointed at our sisters—“decide to band together.”
Lori rolled her eyes, muttering, “Men.”
I grinned. I loved being back, knowing I’d be here for weekly dinners, bickering with my siblings like we’d done since we’d been kids. I was sure we’d be doing the same well into our retirement.
Most of all, I was grateful my Maddie was right next to me. I still hadn’t let go of her hand, and I felt like holding it a while longer.
She shook her head, laughing. “Jace, sorry to break it to you, but I’m tipping the balance in the girls’ favor.”
I whipped my head to her. “No you’re not. You’re on my side.”
“I won’t automatically take your side. Only when I’m convinced it’s the right thing.”
“Ouch,” Will exclaimed.
I glared at Maddie. She returned my glare, even though her cheeks were turning a delicious pink. I would have pressed the point further, but I didn’t want her switching sides before I’d brought up my next point.
“So, since you know I’m selling the company, you know I’ll have a lot of spare cash in the near future,” I began. Maddie squeezed my hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw she was suppressing a smile.
“You could buy yourself a decent car,” Will suggested. “You know, not sensible.”
I cocked a brow. “Since when is a Mercedes sensible?”
“Since you can afford a Maserati.”
“I’ll stick to what I know,” I informed him.
“So what are you going to do with all that wad of cash exactly?” Val asked. Ah, how I enjoyed keeping her on the edge. I could tell she was wondering how she’d missed all this. Truthfully, I was surprised they didn’t know about the sale. I had to give Adam more credit. But even Adam didn’t know about my plans. I’d only shared them with my Maddie.
“I will set up an investment fund.”
“Smart,” Jace said. “What will you invest in? Real estate? The stock exchange?”
“Start-ups?” Will followed.
I shook my head. “I’m keeping my options open. I have my eyes on a very promising cosmetics company.”
I was looking directly at Val now. She opened her mouth, closed it again.
“No, no, no,” she croaked finally. “We—it’s your money, Landon.” She looked around the table helplessly. “Back me up.”
The rest of my siblings seemed as stunned as Val, but I was banking on them being less stubborn and proud. And if they were, I’d pull on my creativity. The stubborn streak was strong in the Connor clan.
“This extends to everyone, by the way. You need funding, tell me before you go to a bank or external investors.”
“The purpose of an investment fund is profits,” Jace said. “You don’t owe any of us anything, and we’re not kids anymore. You and Val did more than your fair share raising us.”
I sat up straighter. “That’s not what this is. An investment fund invests in worthwhile ventures, like our family’s future. As your older brother—”
Val held up a hand. “You can’t play the older brother card on me. We’re twins.”
“Still fifteen minutes older than you,” I reminded her. “And still 500 percent more stubborn than you.”
Val shook her head, but I saw the small smile playing on her lips. The development of the line for the department store chain was progressing well, but if she took my offer, she could expand sooner.
“At least wait until we finish dessert to start attacking my defenses,” she said.
Maddie laughed, s
miling at me. “Come on, Val. Your brother is a man of opportunity. He sees an opening, he takes it.”
“By the way, the offer extends to you too, Maddie.”
She gasped, squeezing my hand. When I told her about my plans, I’d skipped the part where I could invest in her business. Now, when she’d openly agreed that my fund was a great idea, was the best time to bring it up.
“We don’t have to discuss specifics now. I just wanted everything out in the open, give you all food for thought,” I said.
“That was sneaky,” Maddie commented a few minutes later as we headed to the kitchen. We’d offered to bring the dessert to the table.
“I disagree. It was smart. Just think about it, babe.”
She took the tiramisu out of the fridge, setting the tray on the counter. I was supposed to take out the plates, but instead I pushed her hair to the side, kissing the back of her neck. She shuddered, her skin instantly turning to goose bumps.
“Landon, stop.”
“Why, you don’t like it?” I teased.
“I like it too much, you terrible man. Stop.” She fidgeted as if trying to break free, but her attempt was so halfhearted, it only made me smile. But I did stop and spun her around to face me.
“We need to talk about you not being on my side.”
She pinched her nose, poking my chest with one finger. “If I see Neanderthal attitude, I have to call you out on it.”
I grabbed her wrist, kissed her finger. “You didn’t seem to mind that attitude this morning.”
She’d tried to tease me this morning, walking half-naked around the kitchen. Emphasis on tried. I loved her so hard on that counter, it creaked with our movements.
“I can’t believe you’re using that as bargaining chip. You’re even more terrible than I thought. First you get me to fall in love, now you show your true colors. Typical. You almost demolished my kitchen this morning.” She was so adorable that I had a hard time keeping a straight face.
“About that.... I like your bungalow, but it’s small. I want to build a big house on that lot of land we both love so much. Could you draw up a plan?”
“I’d love to, but it’s been years since I worked on anything other than outdoor spaces. I can recommend a top-notch architect.”