“No, you just clean up really well.”
That brought the grin Landon was partial to seeing to Dr. Adams’s face. “Thanks. I’ve been in scrubs or my jogging gear the whole time I’ve been here. It feels odd to be back in real clothes again. I brought you my house key. I’ve notified the neighborhood security that you’re staying at my place. I have housekeeping three days a week. I’ve sent them emails that you’ll be in residence.”
“I don’t wanna put you out.” Staying in the doc’s home had dominated their conversation all last night. It felt like an imposition, and he couldn’t let it go no matter how many times Dr. Adams assured him differently.
“Stop. It’s truly no problem. I’ve also given you my cell number and email. Contact me with whatever you need.” He offered up a padded envelope. “Stay as long as you want.”
Landon had to force himself to reach out and take the package. He was a stubborn guy, hardheaded as hell, but somehow Dr. Adams beat him in the tenacity department. “Thanks, I can’t tell you how much this is going to help.”
“As I’ve said many times, it’s no problem.”
He and the doctor stared at one another. Over the course of the past week, they had spent a significant amount of time together. He couldn’t remember a single time that words had failed either of them. Landon didn’t want their time to end. Logically, the odds of seeing the doctor again were highly in his favor, but he still didn’t want the man to walk away.
Dr. Adams broke Landon’s inner turmoil when he cocked an eyebrow and said, “You do what your doctors say to do. They generally know what’s best.”
Those blue eyes bore into his, but the teasing made Landon swallow the words forming in his throat. Now wasn’t the time to gush out all this appreciation he had. The way Dr. Adams looked at him had him dropping his gaze. This was all too much. Instead of risking giving away his feelings—feelings he didn’t truly understand—he studied the name scribbled in an elegant yet efficient penmanship on the front of the envelope. The style fit the man perfectly.
“I’ll try my best,” he finally muttered, a promise he was determined to keep.
Robert chuckled to himself while staring down at the bent dark head. The one thing he and Landon had never been was awkward. Yet, here they were struggling to say goodbye. Maybe that was it. He didn’t want to say goodbye, which was the sole reason he’d given Landon every bit of his contact information, including Autumn’s email and personal cell phone number. He’d found someone to help him find a way to shoulder his burden, and he would always be grateful. No question…he wanted to keep Landon in his life.
Maybe that was why a strange feeling crept through him. It was like he was leaving his best friend. Robert drew in a deep breath. If he didn’t get a move on, he’d miss his car. He reached for his bag’s strap and slung it over his shoulder then extended his hand to Landon. The sergeant instantly looked up, taking his hand in a firm grip. “Thank you for everything.”
“Doc, that’s what I should be saying to you.” The genuineness of Landon’s tone caused Robert’s smile to grow and dissipated any unease that had developed. Landon’s character was so solid.
“Then I feel better about dominating your free time. I’m heading out. Call me if you need anything.” It still took a few extra seconds to release Landon’s hand. When he did, he took a step backward, his gaze remaining fixed on the man.
“I will.” Landon lifted the envelope as Robert took another step or two backward before forcing himself to turn away.
He had said his goodbyes to the staff during his last shift, but he nodded to the few he saw on his way out. He caught the same curious stares. They were always there whether he was with Landon or not. But he let that go and headed toward the door of the rehab center.
In the doorway, he turned back. Landon was still staring after him. He lifted a hand in a wave, already missing Landon, and he hadn’t even left yet. They had become friends, and he appreciated that friendship more than Landon would ever fully know. He turned away and headed toward his waiting car. He was going home.
Chapter 8
August 2014
One month later
Robert sat, quietly listening to the DC attorney who spoke by live video feed, answering his sister’s question regarding the final division and terms of their late fathers’ vast estate. When Autumn had ushered him into the small conference room, she had taken the seat to his left, closest to the door. His Nonnie, Kennedy Adams, had quickly claimed the chair to his right. He suspected he’d ended up in the middle so his sister and grandmother could block any potential escape routes. Both women were worried about him, and he couldn’t blame them. They had every right to be, considering his track record, but he was working through his issues and didn’t plan to exit until everything was wrapped up and he could move on with his life.