“This is such a relaxing view, don’t you think?”
“There’s something calming about being near a body of water,” Landon said in a low, deep voice.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Jadin said, mesmerized by the serenity of the ocean view.
“I could stare at it all day,” they both said in unison.
She looked at Landon and laughed.
Jadin finished drinking her pineapple cola as she rocked to the music, looking deeply into Landon’s sexy eyes.
“Looks like you’re ready to dance.”
“I am.”
“Go,” her mother encouraged. “You two have fun.”
Later that evening, they took a walk on the beach and listened to the powerful waves of the sea. The sky was a beautiful shade of purple and rouge.
Jadin snuggled into Landon’s shoulder as they walked on the beach until the red sky turned to an awesome midnight blue sky, with the moon reflecting on the water and the backdrop of stars sprinkled against the sky.
A perfect night for lovers.
Chapter 12
Jadin sank down in a tub of bubbly water, scented with lavender bath salts. It had been a long day and she was exhausted. She trailed her fingers in the hot liquid, playing with the bubbles. Picking up the bar of soap that sat in a dish beside the tub, she bathed.
“That looks inviting.” His gaze roved to the creamy expanse of her neck and traveled downward.
She looked up at Landon. “Unfortunately, this tub was not made for two.”
“We’ll have to do something about that,” he responded with a seductive grin.
“Can you check on the salmon? It should be done by now.”
“You’re trying to get rid of me.”
“I’m sure you don’t want our dinner to burn, because if it does, then you’re taking me out to a restaurant of my choosing. I’m not settling for pizza like before.”
Landon chuckled. “I’ll go check on the salmon.”
“Thanks, baby.”
A few minutes later, Jadin got out and dried off with a soft, fluffy towel. She picked up a bottle of scented body lotion and slathered it on her skin.
She slipped on a sundress and went downstairs.
The first thing that caught her eyes were the dozen roses on the counter. “You bought me flowers?”
“Of course, I did.”
He was the only man who had ever bought her flowers. Michael considered them a waste of money. Jadin decided from this moment forward that Michael was a part of her past. He did not deserve even a small part of her heart. He was a good man—just not the man for her. Her future was with Landon.
She walked up to him. “I love you.”
He seemed caught off guard by her words. “I was wondering if I’d ever hear you say those words to me again. You’ve shown me that you love me, but I wanted to hear you say it.”
“I love you, baby.”
Landon kissed her. “I love you, too. More than you could possibly know.”
After dinner by candlelight, they sat on the porch.
The moonlit view was spectacular but so was the view of Landon’s physique every time she stole glances at him. It was nice to be with someone who respected her choices and loved her for who she was. Someone who did not ridicule her romantic gestures. Landon made her feel appreciated.
Jadin reached over and took his hand in her own. “Why don’t we call it a night?” she suggested.
He moved his mouth over hers, kissing her hungrily.
They made it as far as the living room floor.
* * *
Landon and Jadin spent Saturday at the children’s festival Garland hosted annually. They were charged with watching Kai and Amya while Ryker spent some father-son time with R.J. at the event.
“Landon, will you help me with my castle?”
He smiled at Kai. “Sure.”
Amya peered at them, then whispered, “Jadin, when did you get married? Was I there?”
“No, sweetie. Landon and I didn’t have a big wedding like Austin and Bree, or Jordin and Ethan.”
“I thought that was the only way you could get married.”
Jadin chuckled. “No, there are different types of weddings.”
“Oh,” Amya responded as she colored the unicorn drawing. “When I get married, I’m going to have a wedding like Jordin’s. I want a carriage and horses, too.”
“I hope you’re not planning on that anytime soon.”
Amya giggled. “I’m too little to get married now, Jadin.”
Amused, she responded, “Oh, I agree.”
“I’m gonna make a picture for Emery since he couldn’t come to the festival.”
“That’s so sweet,” Jadin said. “He’s gonna love it.”
“Emery’s sick,” Kai contributed. “He has a fever.”
Landon smiled, then placed a kiss on the little girl’s forehead.
Jadin loved watching him with Kai and Amya. He was so good with them. It was hard for anyone not to be, she told herself. The girls were so lovable.
Kai was the first to see Garland. “Hey, Mama.”
“How’s it going?” she asked Jadin.
“Don’t worry. We’re being good, Mommy,” Amya responded. She never looked up from her coloring.
Jadin bit back a smile. “What she said.”
“This festival is fantastic,” Landon said.
“Thank you,” Garland murmured. “I had a really good team this year.” She checked her watch. “I need to make sure the storyteller is here.”
“We’re good,” Jadin told her. “Landon and I will feed the girls, take them to get their faces painted and whatever else they want to do.”
“Have you seen Ryker and R.J.?”
“They were making toy cars or something,” Landon said. “They were over by the cotton candy stand about fifteen minutes ago.”
“Thanks, I’ll see if they’re still there.”
“This is a huge undertaking,” Jadin said. “I’m always amazed at how Garland is able to pull something like this together.”
At noon they got something to eat for the girls.
Afterward, Amya and Kai wanted to see the puppets. It was one of their favorite shows.
In the early July heat, Jadin’s shirt clung to her skin. She was pleased with her decision to wear shorts instead of jeans.
Jadin headed straight to the shower when she and Landon arrived home. She looked over her shoulder at him and said, “Want to join me?” Her body ached for his touch.
Removing his clothes, Landon responded, “You don’t have to ask me twice.”
* * *
The next morning, Landon awoke to the delicious aroma of bacon frying. He showered, dressed and went down to the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Jadin greeted.
He kissed her on the lips. “Need any help?”
She smiled at him. “No, thanks. I’m almost done.”
Grinning, he asked, “When did you learn to make pancakes?”
Jadin gasped. “Are you really gonna go there? Really?”
Landon’s hand was on her right hip, the searing touch of his fingers burning through her body like a brand.
“Hey, I’m just saying.”
“Just because you can make perfectly round and pretty pancakes, you don’t have to bash my misshapen ones.”
Landon chuckled. “Baby, I don’t care how your pancakes look. I’d eat them because I know they were made with love.”
Jadin burst into laughter. “It’s hard for me to argue with that.”
She turned off the stove after the last stack of pancakes was ready. “These are by far my best-looking stack.”
Landon cleaned up the kitchen when they finished breakfast.
“So, we’re going to your uncle’s house for dinner today?” he asked when he entered the master bedroom.
Jadin nodded. “Yes. Aunt Rochelle likes to do themes. We might get an evening in Paris, or a journey through Italy... I don’t know how she manages to come up with this stuff. It doesn’t matter, though. The food is always good.”
Landon laughed. “She’s a very interesting person.”
“Yes, she is.” Jadin walked out of her closet with a black sundress. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, holding up the dress in front of her.
“You’re going to look beautiful in whatever you put on.”
She turned around, facing him. “Thank you.”
Landon glanced over at the clock. “You know, we have a couple of hours before we have to leave.”
Jadin quickly abandoned the dress, letting it fall to the floor, followed by her shorts and tank top.
Chapter 13
“You okay?” Austin inquired.
“My stomach’s upset. I had some chicken for lunch and I don’t think it agreed with me.” Jadin pointed to the folder in his hand. “What did the investigators find?”
“Sandra Davis worked a couple of flights to Los Angeles, but not on the night of Millicent’s murder. She was supposed to work the flight to Chicago, but she switched with another attendant.”
“Was she working the day of the funeral?”
“Nope. And get this—she rented cars on both days, here in Charleston.”
“Austin, she’s the one who stabbed Millicent. I’m sure of it.”
“Does Landon know about Sandra?”
“If he does, he hasn’t mentioned it.”
“None of the prints match Sandra’s,” Austin said. “One more thing. Sandra Davis was once Sandra Mayfield. She stabbed her husband after catching him in bed with another woman. She was charged with assault.”
“I need to go see Blaine,” Jadin said. “He needs to stay away from that woman.”
“He needs to tell Landon about Sandra, too.”
She still felt a little nauseous, but Jadin did not let that stop her from her task. Blaine was expecting her.
She pulled into the circular driveway and parked. Jadin stayed inside her car for another five minutes, willing her stomach to settle down.
Jadin made her way to the front door, which opened immediately.
“Come in,” Blaine said.
They settled in the living room.
“Have you spoken to Sandra any more?” she asked.
“She’s been calling to check on me,” Blaine responded. “Why? What is this about? I told you I ended things with her.”
“I wish there was another way to say this... Blaine, I believe she killed your wife.”
Shaking his head, he uttered, “You’re wrong.”
“Sandra has been lying to you. She was in Charleston the night Millicent was killed. We have rental receipts to prove it. And I’m pretty sure she was the one who sent you the champagne.”
“I can’t believe she’d do something like this. Not Sandra.”
“Blaine, she stabbed her ex-husband when she caught him with another woman. She’s capable of violence.”
“This is my fault,” he said after a moment. “I brought that woman into our lives. I brought her to this house. Milli’s dead because of me.” A lone tear rolled down his cheek.
“It’s time for you to tell the police and Landon about her,” Jadin said gently.
He nodded.
“I’ll call the station to let them know that we’re coming in.”
Landon was at the police station when she and Blaine arrived. Jadin had notified him, as well.
“Is he about to confess?” Landon asked when they entered the observation room.
“No, but the truth is about to come out.”
* * *
“I did not see that coming,” Landon said. “But what real proof do we have that this woman sent the champagne and that she was the one who stabbed Millicent? It’s pretty circumstantial.”
“She was here in Charleston the night of the murder,” Jadin told him. “Blaine thought he dreamed her up, but I’m sure it was actually a memory. She’s no stranger to stabbing someone. Landon, my gut tells me that she killed Millicent because she knew Blaine would never leave her. She has more motive than anyone.”
“She’s coming to Charleston tonight, so the detectives will have a chance to interview her.”
“Blaine had no problem convincing her to come,” Jadin responded. “He’s blaming himself for everything that happened.”
“I can see why,” Landon said. “It was his actions that set everything in motion. That’s a heavy burden to carry.”
“I need to take him back home.” Jadin bent to retrieve her purse. Everything suddenly began spinning and then turned black.
* * *
“Wake up, Jadin. Can you hear me?” Landon said as he patted her cheek.
The deep voice came first, then Jadin’s vision gradually started to clear.
“Oh, thank God. Are you all right?”
Her eyes followed the sound of the voice as she looked up, dazed. Trying hard to focus, she found herself staring into Landon’s concerned brown eyes. “What happened?”
Jadin felt his hands on her arm and behind her back, helping her to rise.
“Take it easy, sweetheart. You fainted.”
She rubbed her face with her hands. “Oh... I just remember getting dizzy suddenly. I think it’s just the heat... I’m so sorry,” Jadin blustered, brushing off her pants and avoiding Landon’s gaze. Her heart skipped a beat at the worry she saw there.
Landon led her over to a nearby chair. “How are you feeling now?”
Jadin gripped the desk for support as she sat down. “Okay.”
“We called for an ambulance,” one of the detectives said.
“They don’t need to come,” Jadin interjected quickly. “I’m fine. Really.”
“I think you still need to be checked out,” Landon said.
Gratitude washed over her for his gallantry.
“The paramedics are here,” someone announced.
They rushed to her side and checked her vitals.
Jadin could feel Landon’s gaze on her. She looked up and gave him a smile, hoping to remove the worry she saw in his expression.
“You’re a little dehydrated,” the paramedic named Greg told her.
“I’ll drink lots of water,” Jadin responded. “Thank you so much for coming. I feel like I’ve wasted your time, though.”
“You haven’t.”
She was able to convince them that she did not need to go to the hospital.
“You’ve been working a lot of long hours,” Landon said when the paramedics left. “And you haven’t been feeling well for a couple of days. Maybe you should let me take you home.”
“I’m good.” Jadin stood up but rose too quickly. Her blood pressure dipped, and she saw black shapes behind her eyes once again.
His arms were instantly there to steady her. “Where are you going?” Landon’s fingers were firm on her wrist as he helped her sit back down. “Stay put.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Mike, can you take Herndon home?”
“Sure,” the detective responded.
Jadin avoided his eyes. “Sorry about that.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me. Finish off your water,” he said. “I’m taking you home. But first I’m going to get you something to eat.”
He helped Jadin out to her car.
At home, Landon sent her straight to bed.
Settled against a stack of pillows, Jadin asked, “What are you going to do about your car?”
“I’ll take an Uber back to the office.” He pressed a hand to her forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Are yo
u still feeling dizzy?”
“No, I’m actually feeling much better now. I was feeling nauseous earlier. I think the chicken I had for lunch didn’t exactly agree with me.”
“Do you think that had anything to do with your passing out?” he asked.
“I was just dehydrated, baby.” She placed a hand to his cheek. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.”
“I’m always going to worry about the woman I love. You know, I don’t have to go back to the office,” Landon offered. “I can work from home.”
“I really would rather not be alone.”
“Then you don’t have to be.” He loosened his tie, then climbed into bed with her.
“I should probably check on Blaine.”
“Honey, he was there when you passed out. He will be fine. His girlfriend... That’s another story.”
Jadin snuggled against him. “Looks like we may each come out of this with a victory.” Her eyes drifted shut.
Landon peered over at her.
She was sound asleep.
He eased out of bed and went into the guest room to get some work done while Jadin was sleeping.
Two hours passed, and Landon navigated to the kitchen to start on dinner. He decided against chicken since she had had that earlier. He placed a quick call to Aubrie.
“Hey, Jadin’s not feeling well and I’m trying to think of something she can eat.”
“Is she nauseous?”
“Some, but she passed out earlier. She was dehydrated.”
“I’ll bring over a tomato-eggplant-zucchini casserole. I made some for Bree and there’s enough left to drop a dish off to you and Jadin, as well.”
“I was just calling to get some suggestions on what to cook, but this is even better. Thank you.”
“We’re family,” Aubrie said. “We have to look out for one another. I also have a delicious grapefruit-and-blackberry fruit salad. I’ll bring that, too. All of this will help with dehydration.”
“Thank you again.”
“I’ll see you in about ten minutes. I was just about to leave the house when you called.”
Landon released a long sigh of relief.
* * *
Jadin felt rested after her two-hour nap. She had been more tired than usual lately.
Another Chance with You Page 11