I arrived twenty minutes too early at the restaurant where we were meeting. Some might say I was overeager. Some. Not me. I had too much energy to wait in my car, so I headed inside the restaurant. A petite blonde in a black uniform stood behind a Wait to be Seated sign.
“Hi! I arrived a bit early, but I’d like to be seated in case the table is free already. Reservation under Landon Connor, I think.”
“Mr. Connor arrived already. I’ll show you to your table.”
I grinned as I followed the waitress. So I wasn’t the only one who was impatient. She led me to the far back of the room. I took in the splendid view of the ocean through the large windows. When I saw Landon, my breath caught.
“Someone will be taking your order shortly,” the waitress informed me before heading to the front.
Landon stood up as I approached, flashing me a huge smile. His green eyes were molten and one-day stubble covered his jaw and cheeks.
“You look beautiful, Maddie.”
“Thanks.”
He kissed my hand, then pulled me into a hug, holding me tight, as if he didn’t want to let go. I didn’t want him to let go either. But he did let go and held out the chair for me, which was when I realized the chairs weren’t opposite each other but on adjacent sides. I was sure the idea behind that was so that both of us could enjoy the view of the ocean through the windows, but I saw it as an opportunity for accidental-on-purpose touching.
He took my hand in his, pressed it to his cheek. “I’ve missed you, Maddie. Since I got into that cab, I’ve been missing you like crazy. I couldn’t even stand being in my condo. I felt like I didn’t belong there, and I don’t. I belong with you. I love you so much, Maddie.”
I covered my mouth with my free hand, swallowing a small sob. Next thing I knew, my vision became blurry as tears sprang in my eyes.
“These are happy tears,” I whispered. “I promise.”
Landon moved his chair right next to mine and wrapped me in his arms. I thought I might explode from the sheer emotion building up inside me.
“I love you more than I can say, Landon.” My voice shook, but I repeated the words again and again. And then his mouth was on mine, and I brought my hands to his face. I was so greedy for him that I didn’t know where to touch him first. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remembered we were in a public place, so the touching had to adhere to standards of common decency. He loved me. This wonderful man loved me.
“I missed your lips,” he whispered, holding me in his arms. I rested my nose in the crook of his neck. “Your skin. All of you. I wasn’t looking for love, but you’re part of me now. We belong together.”
At that, I pulled out of his arms, straightening up. “Yes. I gave this some serious thought. I’ll move to San Jose. I’ll start my landscaping business there, or maybe even work for a local company for a time.”
If anyone had told me a few months ago that I’d be uttering these words, I wouldn’t have believed it. Last time I moved for love, things ended in a fiasco. I never thought I’d take such a risk again, but Landon had changed me. I was ready to start over for him. I could build my business there. Since I’d been ready to partner with Elise, maybe I could start with a partner there from the get-go. I certainly had the portfolio and awards credentials to be an appealing business partner.
“You’d do that for me? For us? My sweet Maddie. It means a lot to me that you’d consider it.”
He smiled, kissing the tip of my nose. Hmm.... Why isn’t he jumping up and down with joy, or whatever the manly equivalent is for that?
A waiter arrived at our table, pad and pen in hands. “May I take your order?”
“We haven’t looked at the menu yet, but bring us some sparkling water and champagne.”
I took the champagne as a good omen. Landon scooted his chair back into its place once the waiter left.
“Why did you move away? I could get away with feeling you up much easier,” I said.
“That’s exactly why I moved. You’re distracting me.”
“From?” I challenged, batting my eyelashes.
“Telling you that I’ve decided to sell DBC Payment Solutions.”
It took me a second to realize what he meant. “Wait, you’re selling your company?”
He nodded, looking genuinely thrilled about it.
“But you went back because you wanted to stop the sale,” I said slowly, not quite understanding.
“We’re not selling it to Sullivan or any of his associates. I won’t hand over my employees to dishonest people. But others have expressed interest in acquiring us in the past. We’re reaching out to them.”