“No. I’m fine. I’ll be at her brother's home for now. Please take the SUV back and go to bed for the night. I’m good.”
“Okay. Just let me know if you need backup.”
“I’m not worried. Anyway, everything is as planned. Pick me up at seven.” I end the call, and Tobias is staring at me.
“Just making sure you’re not talking to some chick.”
“You don’t trust me yet, but one day you will. Your sister is going to be my wife and when I tell you she has my fidelity, I mean it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check on Lara.” I’ve missed her all fucking day, and I just need to look at my beauty to make sure that somehow she won’t disappear.
Chapter Nine
Lara
I open my eyes and stretch out on the bed, remembering that I’m at my brother’s condo. Looking around the room, I don’t see any signs of Landon, and it upsets me more than it should. After all, it’s not like Tobias would let him sleep in my room. I get dressed and stroll out into the living room, but Landon’s not here.
I try not to be disappointed, so I put a fake smile on my face as I get ready and walk into the kitchen to make some coffee. When I do, I spot the most enormous bouquet of roses. I walk over and pull out the card. Sorry I couldn’t be here when you woke up, but I had to be at work. I miss you already.
“Buying his way into your heart already?” I spin around and see my brother bringing a protein shake to his lips, smugness written all over his face.
“It’s not like that.”
He smiles and gently shakes his head. “No, probably not, but I want you to be careful. You haven’t had a real boyfriend, and he’s way older than you. Fuck, he’s a lot older than you, and frankly I don’t like it.”
“Then why didn’t you say anything last night?”
“I told him. He knows, but it doesn't matter to him, and I would have kicked his ass but the motherfucker is huge and I’d just had a rough game.”
“It’s okay, because I’m old enough to date anyone I want.”
“Yes, but you don’t know him.”
“I don’t ask about your dating life. Please don’t start with me, Tobias. You know what? I’ve gotta go. Class starts in an hour.” I walk out of his kitchen and then return a second later to get my roses and then get my things so I can change and head to school.
After getting dressed, I get a text message. Good morning, Beautiful.
I send him one back. Good morning, Landon. Thank you for the roses.
I leave the bedroom with my bag and roses, feeling my brother’s eyes on me as I make my way through his living room. “Lara, don’t be like that. I’m being pretty damn reasonable about this considering he’s a decade older than you.”
“Do you want a medal or some shit, Tobias?”
“No, I just want you to be smart about it.”
“Too damn late. The moment I bumped into Landon Black, my ticket was punched. I know I’m young and he’s the first boyfriend I’ve had, but he’s not the first hot guy I’ve been around. He’s not even the first hot guy who has flirted with me since I moved here or even that night, but he’s different. There’s just something I feel when I’m near him, and that may sound stupid, naïve, or whatever term you want to toss out at me for a childish crush, but that’s what it is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to school.”
“At least you have your priorities set somewhere.”
“Just remember that the next girl you take to bed better be the one you’re putting a ring on with all that righteousness you’re tossing out there.”
“Touché.” I give my brother a kiss on the cheek and leave the condo, forgetting that I didn’t drive here, which means I have to take a damn cab or a bus back to my dorms. When I step outside, I see Danny waiting.
“Miss Reynolds, good morning. Mr. Black asked me to see you to your destinations today until you are acquainted with your driver and security detail.”
“Security detail?”
“Yes. He said that you were aware they would be assigned.”
“The man is insane.”
“He’s the head of a security firm. He takes the matter quite seriously given the nature of the business and his wealth. Please slide in and I will take you home.”
“Thank you.”
I get in, and he closes the door behind me. Danny walks around and climbs into the driver’s side and smiles. “Please buckle up, Miss Reynolds.”
“Lara, please.”
“Lara. Please, seatbelt. Landon would have my ass if you weren’t wearing it.”
“Understood. I need to drop my things off at my dorm and then head to my class. I can walk to them, so it’s no big deal. You don’t have to drive me around.”