Spying Under the Mistletoe (Love Undercover #2) - Stina Lindenblatt Page 0,13
her on an all-expense-paid trip to the Bahamas.” I’m kidding, but given what Ava told me, even that might not be enough in Tabitha’s eyes after what her husband did.
Even though that had nothing to do with me.
It was all on him.
Kiera smiles sweetly at Landon, flashing her dimples. “Maybe you could seduce her into granting her permission for the Christmas show. You know, take one for the team.”
I beam at him. “Oh, that’s a great idea. You’re hot. She’s bound to say yes if you ask her.”
One of his eyebrows raises. “You think I’m hot?”
I wave off his comment and pick up a cherry tomato from my salad. “Of course. We all do, right?” The last part is directed at Kiera and Ava.
“She does make a good point,” Kiera says. Ava doesn’t say anything, but the corners of her mouth twitch with barely contained mirth.
Of course, she won’t say anything. She’s in love with her husband. In her mind, everyone pales in comparison to Liam.
And pretty much in reality, too.
The man is damn hot.
Just not as hot as Landon, but I’m not admitting that to anyone. They might get the wrong idea.
“And once you’ve seduced her into giving me permission to do the show,” I say, “I’ll arrange everything. Zoe is the one who usually organizes the school concerts and performances, but since she’s on maternity leave, that falls on me.”
Somehow I keep my voice even, not a hint of panic coloring my tone.
Perhaps there’s an actress inside me, after all.
Way, way, way deep inside me.
“I can help you with the concert part,” Landon says.
“Do you know anything about organizing performances?” Hope swirls inside me like a chocolate-and-vanilla soft serve ice cream.
“Not exactly, but I’m willing to do whatever I can to help you.”
“And that includes the seduction of Tabitha?” I flash him what I hope are convincing puppy dog eyes, channeling the ones in Whiskey’s photo.
“I don’t seduce women I don’t want to be with.”
“Even if it’s for a great cause?”
“Not even for that.”
“How about a little harmless flirting? Just pour on that natural charm you have going for you. You don’t have to seduce her. Flatter her a little, and she’ll be more than happy to oblige your requests.”
From the corner of my eye, I catch Ava cringing.
“You look like you work out regularly,” Kiera says.
Landon nods. “That’s right.”
He’s wearing a button-up shirt, but it’s clear from the way it fits his body, he’s in great shape. His exposed muscular forearms confirm that, too.
“Then, I suggest you remove your shirt while talking to her.” Kiera waves her empty fork at him. “That’s bound to work. Just don’t be obvious about it—that way she won’t get the wrong idea.”
Ava covers her mouth with her hand as though she’s trying to hold back a laugh. The corners of her eyes crinkle, giving it away.
“Can’t you just ask her?” he says. “She might surprise you. Tell her exactly why you want to do the concert. How can she say no?”
“Do you not remember the part about why she hates me? It’s not like I can even apologize for what happened. I didn’t do anything to encourage him. I’ve never even met her ex-husband.”
“Okay, I’ll ask her, but I’m not seducing her, and I’m not removing my shirt.” He directs the last part to Kiera, and I grin.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And the seniors thank you, too.” I’m so giddy with excitement, I’m practically bouncing in my chair. “And if there’s anything you need help with, just ask me.” It’s the least I can do.
“I wouldn’t mind getting more pointers about working with elementary school kids. And we should talk about the production sooner rather than later.”
“I can definitely do that.”
“I have to pick Whiskey up at the vet after school—”
“Chloe can go with you,” Ava says. “And you can talk about all those things afterward.”
Landon unfolds himself from his chair and gathers up his empty lunch containers. “Sounds like a plan. And then I can make you dinner.”
He strides from the staff room before I can respond.
“What the hell just happened?” My head feels like it’s spinning after the abrupt turnaround of that conversation.
Kiera grins. “I believe you got yourself a date with the hot teacher.”
7
Landon
Well, that was easier than expected.
Several hours later, I’m still thinking that as the final bell rings.
I don’t mean that being a teacher is easier than I’d expected. Because it isn’t. And anyone who says otherwise is an asshole.