“I want you to be able to open up to me. I don’t like secrets.” Landon says flatly.
There’s that word. Secrets. I’m full of them these days. I feel ashamed at who I’ve become.
“Soon.” Is all I can say, hoping he’ll believe the lie.
“Soon.” He replies, then kisses me softly.
My heart breaks a little. I’m a terrible person for lying. I’m a fake, nevertheless he can’t know the truth. No one can.
“Damnit!” I yell as I hit my steering wheel. My car has been acting up lately. It’s nothing fancy, a Toyota Corolla. I leased it when I first ran to this city. I’m currently pulled off on the side of the road and by looking at the dash, my car is overheating… again. I call Landon, but it goes to voicemail.
“Hey babe, it’s me, listen I’m broke down again. I probably won’t make it home for dinner. Call me when you get this.”
I hang up frustrated. It’s going to take forever for the tow company to arrive. I call the tow company and give them my location. Yup, just as I figured about an hour before someone can come. I sit back and close my eyes. I start to have visions of that night. I try to think of Landon, but Chet takes over. His nasty hands, hot breath. It’s suffocating me.
“No Chet, stop please!”
As he continues his assault I hear the faint sound of ringing.
“Chet please stop!” More ringing in the distance... “Chet no!” I jerk awake suddenly and realize the ringing from my dream was my phone. I pick it up to see 2 missed calls and texts from Landon. I decide to give myself a minute to calm my breathing before calling him back. He answers on the first ring.
“Evie! Are you okay? Where are you stranded at?” Landon sounds panicked.
“It’s fine. Tow company is on the way. I’ll just be a while.”
“Okay, but you need to take the car in. Maybe it is time for an upgrade or something.” Landon suggests.
“That sounds like a good idea actually. I think I deserve something more.”
“You do babe. Do you want me to come car shopping with you?”
“Would you? You don’t mind? I hate going alone, salesmen can be vicious.”
Landon chuckles. “Of course I’ll go. Tomorrow we’ll try to plan a day to go.”
What a relief, car shopping is something I dread. I did it alone and ended up with a less than stellar deal on my lease. “Sounds good. I’ll call you when the tow company arrives.”
We say our goodbyes and I wait. And wait.
Finally nearly 2 hours later the tow company arrives and I’m headed for home.
It’s late when I finally make it to Landon’s. All I want is food, a shower, and bed. In that order. Landon greets me at the door as if he’s been keeping watch.
“Babe.” He pulls me in and wraps his strong arms around me. He smells so good and it awakens something in me. Maybe a little play between the sheets before bed I think to myself.
“I need food.”
“It’s ready and waiting.” Landon says as he closes the door.
Dinner was good. But the shower is better. I let the hot water wash down my back to help relax my muscles, letting it wash away the stress of the day. I could stand under the stream for hours, however it would put off sleep. I turn the dial off, grab a towel and dry off. When I come out of the bathroom, Landon is already in bed, sheets turned down. I love that he’s waiting for me. Did I just say the L word? Do I love him? Can I love him? I shake the thoughts and grab one of his shirts to put on. I climb into bed and turn towards him.
“Thank you for cleaning up so I could shower.”
“No problem.”
He kisses me on the nose and tells me to sleep. I close my eyes but find my hands roaming his chest, daring myself to reach lower. I make it to his joggers and snake my hand inside.
“Evie,” he says roughly.
I don’t say a word just keep moving my hand until it finds his cock. He’s hard. I never realized how thick he was. Of course I’ve never really stared at it because well, this is all new to me. I make a mental note to check this bad boy out next chance I get.
“What are you doing?”
“Shh…” I reply as I place a kiss on his lips. I start to move my hand and his comes down over mine.
“Have you ever done this before?”
“No.” I whisper. This is kind of embarrassing and I’m thankful the room is dark so he can’t see how flushed my face is.
“Let me teach you babe.”
I just nod my head. He starts to move our hands up and down, stroking his cock.
“Just like that.” He tells me in my ear. It sends chills all over my body.
“Keep doing it just like that.”
“Okay.” Is all I can say back. I keep stroking him as he removes his hand. I come to realize this is such a turn on for me. I’m not sure why, but him quietly moaning and me stroking him is certainly turning me on. I can feel my nipples harden against his shirt.
“Just like that babe, don’t stop.” Landon growls. He’s gripping my hips tightly as I keep pace. Next thing I know his cock is convulsing in my hand and cum is shooting all over his lower stomach.
“Wow.” I whisper.
“Wow is right.” Landon says breathlessly. I get up to get a towel to clean up and come back to Landon. He tries to take the towel, but I stop him.
“Let me clean you up.”
Landon nods and closes his eyes. I go about wiping him clean and can’t help but to check him out. He is still semi hard. For some reason staring at it makes me feel like a nervous school girl, yet it turns me on all over again.
“Like what you see?” Landon asks. I feel my face heat again.
“Mhmm.”
He takes the towel from my hands this time.
“Get into bed. You need sleep.”
I shrug, “Okay Mr. bossy.” Giving him a wink as I climb into bed. Within minutes I’m out cold.
Chapter 7
I awake to the sunlight beaming through the blinds. I try to toss away from it, but realize Landon isn’t there. I sit up and blink a few times. It’s rather quiet. I reach over to the nightstand and pick up my phone, it’s just after noon.
“Crap.” I say out loud as I stretch my arms above my head and get out of bed.
“Bathroom then coffee” I tell myself, all while wondering where Landon is.
I make my way to the kitchen and notice there’s a note on the counter and coffee is already brewed. I pour a cup and look down at the note.
Hey babe, hope you slept well. I had to meet with a client unexpectedly. I’ll be back by 1pm. Love, Landon
There’s that L word again. I take my coffee and head out back. It’s my favorite spot. As I stare out into the back yard, I begin to wonder if Landon loves me. Does he? Do I love him back? Are we at that point already? Too many questions and yet I have no answers. I hold a secret too. I shake my head and take another sip of coffee. I close my eyes. I wish Sarah were here. I wish I could talk to her about this stuff, but that’s not possible so it’s on me to figure out this relationship stuff on my own. I really need a girlfriend.
Landon arrives back just after 1pm and right away starts to apologize as he comes and joins me on the couch.
“I’m sorry, they decided they wanted to revamp the website design I had previously done. I figured it was better to just meet in person so I don’t have to keep redoing it.” He doesn’t look at me as he says all this and it gives me an odd feeling. Like he’s not being honest.
“Don’t apologize. I slept in and enjoyed a bit of quiet time.”
He kisses me on the forehead and then says, “You had a nightmare last night. It’s been on my mind. Something about begging a Chet to stop.”
My heart sinks and I’m sure my face pales. “What?” I stutter.
“Ya, you kept repeating no Chet, you were very restless too.”
“I don’t remember dreaming.” It’s only partially a lie. I can picture little bits and pieces of it. It wasn�
�t good.
“Hey,” Landon says, touching my arm. “Where did you go, I lost you for a second.”
“Sorry…” I decide to break down my wall a little… for Landon. “Chet was just some guy I used to know, where I used to live. He’s nobody important.”
“I see. Landon pauses, he’s not buying it. You know come to think of it, I don’t know where you are from.”
“Oh, I’m from a small town a few hours away, probably not on any maps.” I shrug, then stand and pull Landon up with me. “Let’s go do something. Maybe walk the downtown market.”
“Okay, but Evie... you can tell me anything. I don’t like you being closed off.”
I give a weak smile and nod my head. I’m slowly drowning in this mess I’ve created.
We walk the market, enjoying the fresh air. It’s hot but at least there is a breeze. We walk up to a little jewelry tent, cute handmade stone bracelets and necklaces.
“Hi there, I’m Jessy the owner of Jessy’s stones. I hand make all the jewelry.”
The girl comes up to the table and smiles. A genuine smile. She’s pretty. Long blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Hi, I’m Evie and this is Landon.” I reply by gesturing to Landon. “Your jewelry is very pretty and one of a kind.” I say as I continue looking at the pieces. I just might treat myself.
“Hey you know you look really familiar.” Jessy says.
I look up to see who she is talking to. She’s looking directly at me. I start to feel nervous, does she know the old me? Panic starts to rise.
I try my best to smile before speaking, “I’m kind of new here.”
Gosh that was pathetic. Jessy smiles back and shrugs her shoulders.
“Just let me know if you find something you like.”
She walks back to her lawn chair and plops down. She picks up her cell phone and starts playing on it, so I study her for a minute to see if I can place her. I don’t think I know her so I look back to Landon as he picks up a necklace.
“This one reminds me of you.”
I look over at it. It’s beautiful. It has 3 little purple round stones with a silver dove on each end, placed on a thin black leather necklace.
“It is perfect. I’ll take it, let me find a bracelet to go with it.”
I browse over the bracelets and find one that is made of a stretchy band that is covered with pretty purple bead like stones.
“I’ll take these two.” I tell Jessy.
“These are perfect aren’t they? Doves are a symbol of peace and love. It soothes the soul. I like that you are tying it with purple jasper stones. It’s a soothing and calming stone. Helps calm when anxious or stressed.” She says so matter of factly.
“Really?”
“Yup.”
I’m not sure if I believe all that jazz, but hey whatever. She bags the jewelry in small velvet drawstring bags. I hand her my debit card and she walks back over to her chair to process.
Landon kisses me on the head and whispers, “I hope what she said is true. Maybe the stones will help with your dreams.”
I look up at him and smile. This gorgeous man truly cares about me.
“Well, here you go. You’re all set. Hey! I know where I know you from!”
Jessy practically jumps up and down at the realization. I’m frozen in place waiting for her to go on.
“You work at my accountant’s office don’t you? S1 Accounting?”
“Why, yes... that’s where I work.”
“I knew you looked so familiar. I just knew it.” Jessy is clapping her hands, a little too excited if you ask me but I just smile.
“That’s where I met Evie too.” Landon chimes in as he puts his arm around me almost protective like. I glance up at him before directing my attention back to the jewelry chick.
“Really? That is so sweet. You know, since you said you are kinda new here, we should meet up sometime for coffee. Here is my business card. It has my number on it so just call me when you are free.” Jessy practically forces the card into my hand.
“Thanks, that would be nice.”
“Great! I can’t wait. This is so exciting! Oh, and I make my own schedule since I’m the boss and can take breaks whenever.” Jessy says, still smiling like a little kid with candy.
“Um okay, cool.”
She’s strange. We say our goodbyes and Landon and I walk away.
“She seems nice. I think you could use a girlfriend.” Landon says.
“I suppose, she was a tad hyper, but maybe.”
I know I can really use a friend. One to shop with and talk to about relationship stuff with. We finish up our market shopping with some fresh wildflowers and head for Landon’s.
Sunday comes and goes with us relaxing around the house. I wish it was still Sunday. Work has been really busy today and Sam is stressed. I’m trying to keep up and help him in any way I can, but I’m not an accountant so there’s little I can really do other than some prep work. I’m running the front, filing has taken a back seat, but that’s okay. The bell on the door dings and I look up to see the bubbly jewelry maker walking in. I smile at her as she comes up to the counter.
“Hey Jessy, what brings you in?”
“Dropping off some statements for Sam and I need to make my appointment.”
“Okay let me see what’s available.” I pause while looking through the appointment book. “He has next Tuesday wide open.”
“Perfect, I’ll take 11 am.”
I pencil her in and then hand her, her card.“Okay here is your reminder card, you’re all set.”
“Thanks. Have you had your lunch yet? I was gonna hit the little cafe nearby.”
I shake my head no as it dawns on me that I’m actually hungry. “Let me ask Sam if I can take 30 for lunch. It’s been hectic today and I usually just eat here.” I say as I move away from the counter.
“Okay!” Jessy replies a bit happily. Is she always this cheerful?
I come back with my purse in hand. Jessy practically dances when she spots it.
“I take it he said yes?”
“He did, I just have to put the sign up and lock the front. Sam is hungry himself and wants a break too so it works out.” I tell her while grabbing the sign. I hope she isn’t like batshit crazy because I just committed to 30 minutes of being around her.
We walk to the little cafe up the block and grab a table. Looking at the menu I say, “Everything sounds good. I don’t know what to get. How about you?”
“I’m going to get the crunchy Asian salad. The ginger dressing here is the best I’ve ever had.”
“Mmm, that sounds good.” I reply, still pondering over what I want. The waiter comes over and I tell Jessy to go first. I end up going with the club sandwich with potato salad.
“So how long have you been living here?” Jessy asks.
“Around 10 months or so, what about you?”
“I have lived here about 2 years now. I came down here for college from Texas. Decided I loved it here and have made it my home.”
“That is great.”
Such a normal thing to do, moving away for college and settling into life. Will this ever be my home? I take a deep breath and remind myself of all the stolen opportunities.
“Hey what’s wrong?” Jessy asks and grabs my hand.
I flinch slightly, “Sorry I was lost in thought. Nothing is wrong.”
“Okay good.” Jessy smiles.
We make small talk, getting to know each other while waiting on our food. Once it arrives we eat in a comfortable silence. I actually like this and tell myself I can get use to having Jessy around. Maybe her bubbly personality will bring me out of my closed off shell.
We’re walking back from lunch when Jessy asks me about Landon.
“So is Landon your boyfriend? Are you two serious?”
“Umm... I guess you can say we are dating. I’m not sure how serious, but dating ya.”
“Oh come on! He’s totally into you!” Jessy exclaims.
“H
uh?” I ask, confused by her excitement.
“Duh! It’s obvious. The way he stares at you. He only has eyes for you. He couldn’t peel his eyes away when you guys stopped by my tent.”
“Really?”
I know his stare is intense. Thinking about it makes me tingle. Especially when he stares at me before he’s about to devour me. I shake my head embarrassed to be thinking these thoughts right now.
“See! You do know what I’m talking about. It’s written all over your face!”
“Okay maybe he is into me.” I say waving my hand out, laughing.
“There’s no maybe about it. I’d say he is in love with you.”
“You think so?”
“Definitely Evie. He’s got it bad and so do you.”
That four letter word scares the crap out of me.Thankfully we have made it back to my place of employment and I don’t have to discuss my feelings further.
“Lunch was fun Jessy. Thank you.”
“Sure thing, can’t wait until next time. See ya.”
Jessy waves and heads off with a bounce in her step.
My thoughts for the rest of the shift are about Landon and the L word.
Chapter 8
“Come on, wake up Evie. You have put off car shopping long enough.”
Landon quietly whispers in my ear while gently shaking me. I try to put the pillow under my head but he stops me and places a kiss on my lips. One I really don’t want to welcome because well morning breath but he smells good and it’s playing with my head. I open slightly for him and he deepens the kiss. It’s rough.
“Mmm” I moan as my hands find his rock hard abs. I trail my hands under the waistband of his sweats and find him hard.
“Babe.” Landon warns.
I start stroking him slowly. Landon pulls away, moving his hands to my panties and yanking them down quickly. I look up at him. His dark hair is styled and I just want to rake my fingers through it. The thought has me squeezing my legs together and he notices. Landon cocks an eyebrow at me and smirks. He drops his sweats and his cock is now firmly at attention. I gasp loudly and Landon chuckles. He climbs back on the bed, kissing up the right side of my leg. By the time he reaches my upper thigh I’m soaked and trembling slightly. His tongue slides along my slick folds ever so lightly.
The Secrets We Keep Page 4