Forever (Always & Forever 2)

“Doc!”

Robert turned, and the butterflies in his stomach took flight when he caught sight of Landon standing with a group of people on the other side of the street, waiting to cross. Robert lifted a hand, schooling his features as his body absorbed the visceral reaction he had to the beautiful, smiling man. He could no longer doubt his connection with Landon; his body hummed at the sight of the sergeant striding toward him with that long, self-assured gait. Enthralled, or maybe captivated would be a better way to describe the moment of realization and his decision to fully surrender to the draw of this intriguing, handsome man.

Slow down. He tried hard to tamp down the overwhelming desire strumming through his body. It wasn’t working. His gaze never drifted from Landon as the gorgeous guy returned the wave. Robert strolled toward the intersection on instinct, just needing to be near Landon a little sooner.

All the same feelings from Germany were there, rushing over him, further inciting the butterflies already fluttering excitedly in his stomach. The connection they shared hadn’t faded; it had only grown. Landon’s smile widened, and in that moment, Robert knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life making Landon smile in just that same way. All he had to do was convince Landon to let him try.

“It’s good to see you, Doc.” Landon’s dark eyes held his, and damn if that sexy crooked grin didn’t melt the few lingering icy remnants of his heart.

Robert went in for a hug, something full body, because all he wanted to do in the world was to grab this man and never let go, but Landon stuck out a hand for a handshake at the same moment. Robert didn’t even care that he’d managed to make their first few moments together awkward. He just needed to touch Landon.

Recovering quickly, Robert redirected his hand and clasped Landon’s while following through with the embrace. He closed his eyes and breathed Landon’s unique scent into his soul.

Trying to conceal the fact he’d almost come on too strong, he reminded himself there was a rule to dating. Robert patted Landon’s shoulder and pulled away, still clasping the man’s warm hand. “You look great. Really good. I’m glad to see it.” Less than a foot separated him from Landon’s lips, which drew him like a bear to honey. But he forced himself to try for some semblance of casual.

“I still got a couple of weeks to go on my arm, but otherwise, I’m good.” Landon lifted his casted arm, giving a small wave.

“Great. I heard you were an exemplary patient, going above and beyond in your treatment and attitude. I suspected you were seeing good results.”

Landon’s smile was contagious, and Robert grinned, hoping it didn’t come off as goofy. Landon stood almost the same height; Robert was just a little taller but only by maybe an inch. He finally let go of Landon’s hand, balling his fingers into his palm to keep from reaching out and touching him again. All he wanted to do was wrap this stunning man in his arms and hold him forever.

Slow down, he lectured himself, watching Landon’s lips move. He needed to listen. Focus, Adams. “…quick walk like you said.” Landon’s thumb hooked over his shoulder in the direction of his townhome.

He hadn’t heard most of what Landon had said because he’d been lost in those lips, he hoped he filled in the blanks well enough. “I like the area. I’ve got a buddy that’s the general manager at Farmers. I walk down here quite a bit.”

Landon tucked his hand inside the front pocket of those form-fitting blue jeans, and Robert let his gaze follow the move. His blunt nails bit into the heel of his palm as he balled his fist tighter, fighting the urge to hold Landon’s hand in his, where it belonged.

“I’ve got reservations. We should probably go inside,” he said. He made himself move, cocking his head toward the eatery. They walked side by side toward the front doors. “I requested my favorite spot, but we can eat outside if you prefer. It’s very casual—plastic chairs—but you can see the river,” he offered, glancing at Landon from the side of his eye because he couldn’t take his eyes off the man.

“Good. I was worried I was underdressed after seeing you,” Landon said, opening the door to the restaurant. That comment almost had Robert stopping in his tracks as he walked into the entryway at Landon’s invitation. Robert glanced down at his own clothing.

“I aimed for casual...” he said, trying to understand why Landon thought they were dressed any different.

“You look like a million bucks all the time. It’s you, not the clothes,” Landon said, chuckling at something Robert had evidently missed.

Tugging his sunglasses off, he narrowed his eyes, scanning Landon’s face. Money had never been a topic between them, and Robert didn’t want it to be one now. He was raised very normally and continued to live a reasonable life as an adult. Just as he tucked his sunglasses into his collar and opened his mouth to object, Landon placed a hand on his bicep, and ushered him farther inside the restaurant.