Enemy's Secret - Ashlee Price Page 0,52

excited since last Christmas, when Santa got her a Barbie Dream House.

"OK," I find myself saying. "Fine. Let's do it."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Mom!" She leaps onto her bed and starts bouncing. "We're going to Disney World! We're going to Disney World! We're going to Disney! Disney! Disney!"

"You crazy little monkey," I say, laughing and hugging her.

Next thing I know, I'm right up there jumping on the creaking bed beside her. Thank God I splurged and got the sturdier $200-more frame.

Maybe this is just what she needs - what I need. Heck, when was the last time I took a weekend trip?

Maybe this could be a really good thing for both of us.

Even if the whole Landon element is freaking me the hell out.

As soon as I've gotten Madison calmed down enough to tuck her in and am out of the room, I call up Landon.

Better make sure this plan is 100% on before getting Maddy's hopes up any more. Although, if it's not, I might just take her there myself.

"Hey," I say, "how's it going?"

"Great," he says. "What about you? You sound exhausted."

"Guess I am," I say, realizing it as I say it. "I had to go get Maddy from school early today."

"Oh. Something wrong?"

"She locked herself in the bathroom to escape her bully."

"Shit. She OK?"

"She's fine," I say. "The principal is going to discipline the girl responsible, but she suggested that Maddy take a few days off school. Maybe even go on a little trip."

I can hear the smile in Landon's voice as he says, "Like a trip to Disney World?"

"I may have mentioned it to her."

"So, you'll go?" he asks.

"Yes," I say, "but I'm footing the bill. I don't want anything on record that could be misconstrued as you paying me off."

"You're winning the case and probably will win the case," Landon points out. "And if I'd be paying you off for anything, it would be for spending time with me."

He pauses. "OK, that came out wrong."

I just laugh. "When are you guys flying in? Maddy and I can try to get a plane around the same time. And are you staying in the actual park?"

The next few minutes we spend back-and-forthing different hotel suggestions and flight options. Finally, we settle on flying in Friday night, and staying at the Four Seasons right in Disney World.

"Guess that's it," Landon says.

"Guess so," I say.

I try and fail to think of something else to say to keep the conversation going.

"Pamela coming over tonight?" Landon asks.

"No."

"Any other plans?"

"Maybe start packing for the trip. Usually I leave it to the last minute."

"Want company?"

I let out a little uncertain laugh. "For packing?"

"For anything, really."

God, what that voice of his does to me, the excitement just a suggestion of his can bring me...

He exhales. "Can I see you tonight?"

I pause.

Do I want to see him? Yes. Should I see him? Why not?

Things are going so well, and when he gets close, I...

"I miss you," he says.

"Let me come over," he says.

My wall of self-control crumbles.

"I miss you too," I admit, "And fine, but just for an hour or so. And no sleepovers."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Landon says in a voice that I can tell is coming out of a wolfish smile. "See you in 15."

'15' is just enough time to change out of my ugly slacks into my cute ones and give my teeth a quick brush (the fish sticks we had for dinner tonight wouldn't do me any favors). Before I know it, my phone is ringing.

It's Landon, at the door. "Wasn't sure I should ring the bell," he explains. "Since Madison's asleep."

"Oh, that girl?" I say with a little laugh. "She'd sleep through the apocalypse."

"In that case," he says.

Ding-dong

"Don't freak out," he says when I open the door. "But I come bearing gifts."

My jaw manages to drop and grin at the same time at what I see: two bouquets of red roses. One big, one small.

"You trying to bribe my child into liking you?" I joke.

"She already likes me," Landon shoots back.

"Thank you, though!" I say, wrapping my arms around him.

"I'm just glad I get to see you," he says, wrapping his arms around me.

As soon as they close around my back, all the tension of the day falls away. Everything does.

God, being in his arms feels so good, safe. He feels so good. And that warm piney musk of his, settling over me like a balm...

Hell, I adore this man.

Whoa there, Ky...

But it's true. Every time we touch, everything softens. Straightens out. Clears up.