“Can I come in?” he asked.
“Of course.” Vivi smiled and waved him inside.
He shut the door and walked over, handing her the flowers. “I thought this place could use some brightening up. It’s pretty much been a bachelor pad, as I mentioned.”
“Thank you!” She set them down on a coffee table in front of the sofa, where they could be seen by anyone who walked into the apartment. “I appreciate it.”
She met his gaze, his blue eyes taking her in. She could drown in those depths … if she let herself.
Instead she cleared her throat. “So I was wondering if it would be okay if I spent the afternoon downstairs. I want to get familiar with the piano and the venue.”
“No need to ask. Make yourself at home. The club opens for business at six p.m. and closes at four a.m. Earlier hours are yours.”
She nodded. “Works for me.”
“I just wanted to let you know there’s no need to be uncomfortable around me. You said you don’t want to get involved and I respect that.”
“I … well, thank you.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. He’d given her the easy out she’d hoped for. The one she’d needed, and yet her stomach twisted in disappointment. For as much as them keeping their distance was necessary, she wished she didn’t have to let him go.
Chapter Four
Landon drove home from dinner at his parents’ house. Carrie and Samuel lived in the same home in Linton, Connecticut, where Landon and Levi had grown up, making Landon’s trips there difficult each and every time. It wasn’t just that his parents had kept most of Levi’s things in his bedroom, but the entire house reminded Landon of all he’d lost. But Samuel and Carrie hadn’t meant it as a shrine.
They had somehow managed to both keep living and to stay together despite their pain and grief, and to find enjoyment where they could. With their grandson moving nearby this summer, they were excited. It was all they’d talked about during dinner, and Landon had to admit that he was looking forward to being around while his nephew grew up. LJ was as close to Levi as Landon could get, and he wanted to be there for his twin’s son.
He arrived back at the club, knowing he was in for some self-torture. He’d spent the two and a half weeks since moving Vivi into the apartment in a state of pure sexual frustration.
While she rehearsed on stage with her band, both in and out of costume, he’d been completely unprepared for the impact she had on him physically and emotionally. He spent his days sitting by the bar or up in his office with windows overlooking the stage, watching her sensual moves and listening to her sultry voice. She strutted around the platform like she was born to own the spotlight, and he had no doubt she was headed for stardom. He only hoped he survived the two months she spent here if he was forced to look and not touch.
Now he stood behind the bar drinking from a bottle of water. Tanner and Jason had spent the day with their women, though one or both of them might stop by later. And Landon knew he should head out since it was an off night for him. He had his big, empty, three-bedroom renovated warehouse turned into an apartment, waiting for him.
But Vivi sat at the piano, her fingers flying over the keys, a soft song on her lips. Lips he was dying to kiss. He could still taste her sweet flavor as it had exploded on his tongue, and he groaned. Shifting in his seat, he adjusted his rigid cock. He couldn’t let this go on. He needed to push things a little and see if she was as into him as he was into her.
He strode through the empty club and made his way down to the stage area and the piano on the side. Vivi caught sight of him and smiled, slowing her touch on the keys until she came to a stop completely.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked.
She slid over on the stool, making room. He sat down beside her. She wore a pair of skinny jeans and a cut-off shirt that exposed her belly and hung low on her shoulder. The one closest to him. The desire to kiss her bare skin, to glide his tongue along her delectable flesh was strong.
“How are things going?” he asked instead.
“Great! I love it here. The band sounds amazing, we’ve worked up a fabulous routine, and everything is wonderful. No complaints.” Her wide grin lit up the darkened room.
“I’m glad. That song you were playing… It’s beautiful. Did you write it?”
She nodded and glanced down to where his fingers lingered on the keys. Huh. He hadn’t even realized he’d put them there. Something about her music pulled him in and took him to emotional places he hadn’t felt in ages. Desires he hadn’t let himself experience since his brother had died.