“Thanks. That’s the project I needed those permits for.”
“So you handle everything? Permits, design, implementation?”
“Yes. I do work with subcontractors, though. For example, Val wants stone steps, and I’m bringing in a mason for that. If the soil requires more than the standard irrigation system, I bring in a company specializing in that. But I do try to do as much as possible myself. I’ll hire a permanent staff as soon as Grace finishes law school.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Maddie Jennings.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Connor.”
“You’re hardworking, and you’re devoted to your sister, two qualities I admire.” He put his hand over mine on the table, squeezing lightly. “I admire everything about you.”
“Now you’re making me blush.”
“I love it when your cheeks go all red.” His voice was lower, breathier, and it sent my mind right into the gutter.
“Landon! We’re halfway through dinner. You can’t make me blush already. I believe we were talking about my business.”
He gave me a wolfish grin. “You’re right. Have you thought about partnering with one of the subcontractors you use more often? You wouldn’t have them on your payroll, but you could use the synergies.”
I leaned back in my seat, playing with my wine glass. “I did think about it, but honestly, that spells headache. My ex and I had a similar arrangement. Even though we had different areas of expertise, we’d set up a company together, Eden Designs. We were sharing an office, and administrative expenses like accounting. Occasionally some of his clients used my services too. When it all went to hell, it was so much work to disentangle myself. It got messy. He fought me for every contract. The lawyer fees ate up a lot of my savings. It soured me for partnerships. I work better alone.”
“Your ex was a real douchebag.”
“It was weird, starting all over again. New house, new everything. Most of our friends were his friends, because he was from LA, so my circle of friends was suddenly very small, and meeting new people isn’t easy.”
“Did you think about going back to Miami?”
“No, I like it here. But when I moved to LA, I never imagined I’d have to start over twice. I hope I never have to do it again. It’s exhausting.”
Landon scrutinized me, but then his attention was caught by a tall man in a suit approaching us, stopping next to our table.
“Landon? I can’t believe this. I didn’t know you were back in LA. How long has it been?”
Landon stood up, shaking the man’s hand. I stood up too.
“Stephen. Nice to see you.” Pointing at me, Landon said, “This is Maddie Jennings. She’s a very talented landscape architect.”
Landon sounded so proud of me that I wanted to kiss him on the spot. I took in his body language, and I knew those weren’t empty words. I knew it was wrong to compare Landon to my ex, but I couldn’t help it. Whenever Owen introduced me to someone, he left out my occupation, and when I brought it up, he’d cringe.
“Nice to meet you, Maddie.” Stephen shook my hand before focusing on Landon again. “How long are you in LA?”
“A few weeks.”
“I’ll call to set up a meeting. I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.”
We sat again after Stephen left, finishing our steaks. Landon cradled my legs between his under the table. I loved being surrounded by him like this. After the server took away our empty plates, I rubbed my belly. “Are we having dessert? I’m dying to eat their panna cotta.”
A smile played on his lips. He cradled my legs tighter until my knees touched. “I’d rather eat you, but panna cotta will do, for now.”
“You’re shameless,” I whispered. “You brought me out here, and now you’re seducing me?”
“You’re complaining?”
I opened my mouth, closed it again. “I’m hot and bothered, but I feel like I should give you an earful just because. I’m conflicted.”
Without taking his eyes off me, he ordered panna cotta for both of us, then leaned forward. “How hot and bothered are you exactly?”
The air sizzled between us, and I considered bolting before dessert. But my stubborn side reared its head and I held my ground, even enjoying two more glasses of shiraz until we finished the panna cotta.