A Sweet Mess - Jayci Lee Page 0,63

shake off the dangerous path of her thoughts, she stole sideways glances at Landon, turning away with a blush only to look back again. Every time he caught her staring, he made her heart perform acrobatics with his sexy dimple. He could probably see what she wanted plastered across her face, but she couldn’t stop staring.

When his cell phone rang, she jumped as though she’d been caught being naughty. Aubrey’s heart plummeted when she heard Aria weeping on the other side.

“Landon, please. I need to talk to you.”

Before she could hear any more, Landon transferred the call to his handheld.

“Where are you?” He paused and nodded as though Aria could see him through the phone. “It’s okay. I’ll be there soon.”

When the call ended, tension blanketed the quiet happiness that had permeated the car. Landon seemed distracted, and Aubrey pulled on her lower lip, torn between concern and curiosity.

“Is everything okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes.” He glanced at her and then turned his eyes back to the road. “No. She needs someone to talk to, but she’ll be okay.”

“Let me know if I can do anything to help.”

Landon smiled a little and gave her knee a squeeze, but his mind was elsewhere. Aubrey wished they could’ve enjoyed the rest of their evening together and then immediately felt like a brat. She’d only known Aria for a little more than a week, but Aria was her friend and she needed Landon’s help. Aubrey couldn’t believe how selfish she was.

The remaining drive to the villa dragged on for what felt like hours. The car had barely rolled to a stop when Aubrey jumped out and ran for the front door. If she lingered, she might want to hold on to him. Besides, he’d never leave Aria in tears to stay with her. Their one night together wouldn’t—and shouldn’t—trump ten years of friendship.

Too busy lecturing herself, she didn’t hear Landon behind her and jumped when he grasped her arm.

“Are you okay?” A frown creased his forehead.

“Yes, yes. Of course. I’m just tired.”

“Get some rest, then.” But his gaze bored into hers, seeking the truth behind her transparent lie. “I’ll be out for a while. Will you be okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” she said, tilting her chin up. “Good night.”

“Hey, wait.” As she stepped toward the door, Landon tugged her into his arms. “I had a wonderful time today. Thank you for coming with me.”

“You’re welcome.” Her smile wobbled in the corners. “It was lovely.”

They stood with their gazes locked, and his arms loosely wrapped around her waist. Their smiles dimmed as the space between their bodies became hot and charged like a stormy night in the tropics.

“I should go,” he said, but he made no move to leave and stared at her lips.

“Yes, of course.” She tried to step back, but his hands tightened on her waist. Aubrey cocked her head to the side. She really hadn’t wanted to keep him from Aria. “Landon?”

His eyes darted around her face, tortured and frantic. He was going to stand there all night, fighting an inner battle. Oh, for God’s sake. She rose on her tiptoes and tugged his head down and then kissed him. It was soft and lingering, and he sighed into her mouth. His tongue traced her bottom lip, coaxing her to let him in. Her lips started to part before she remembered Aria, and she pushed against his chest.

“You have to go.” She sounded winded. Gah. She was in trouble. “I hope Aria’s okay.”

“Me, too.” He shoved his hands through his hair and took a backward step. “Good night, Aubrey.”

“Bye.”

Long after Landon drove off, Aubrey stood exactly where he’d left her, blinking like an owl. The chill in the evening air nudged her to action, and she stumbled into the dark villa.

She already missed him.

14

Their lovely day together had filled her with energy, and Aubrey paced her room, twitchy with cabin fever. Nothing made sense where Landon was involved. She was in a perpetual haze of conflicting desires—want him, can’t have him, fuck it, be practical. It was time to make up her mind, and there was only one wise choice. No more kissing. No more testing the line. They were going to be friends. With no benefits.

She heaved a loud sigh and parked her bottom on her bed, but her feet danced around the floor, enchanted with angst. How am I supposed to still this restless energy? Oh yes. The villa’s lovely swimming pool.

She hadn’t brought a swimsuit, but it shouldn’t matter;