what I’m talking about,” she states, treating Londyn with disinterest, acting as if she isn’t even in the room. “You’re more than aware that some of the firm’s longest and highest paying clients have certain…predispositions.”
“I am. And if they take issue with the fact that I’m in love with someone who’s not white, then they’re not the type of people I want to be associated with in the first place. Not the type of people I want the firm associated with.”
She balks, peering at me as if I just sprouted another head. “In love?” she mocks. “You can’t be serious, Weston.”
“Oh, I’m very serious.” I maintain eye contact with her, making it more than apparent I won’t back down. Not this time. Not when it comes to Londyn. “So if there’s nothing more you need, I suggest you leave before you say something you’ll regret.”
“Is this any way to treat your mother?” she retorts. “I raised you to treat people with respect.”
“Actually, Gampy and Meemaw raised me, since you were usually too busy getting your hair done or gossiping with your catty friends. And do you know what they taught me? That respect must be earned. I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mother, but you haven’t earned my respect in years. I’m not sure you ever have. So until you treat everyone in my life with respect, including Londyn and Julia, I won’t bestow that honor on you.” I glower at her.
“I…” She blinks repeatedly, struggling to come up with some sort of argument in response, something to make her appear deserving of respect.
I doubt she’s done anything out of the kindness of her heart in years, preferring to trample over people in order to feel superior. That’s just who she is. She uses people as stepping stones to get what she wants. She doesn’t form close bonds. In her eyes, everyone’s disposable, including her own parents. It’s a wonder she’s still married to my father. Then again, his bank account is reason enough for her.
“If there’s nothing else you need,” I say when she doesn’t make a move, “please leave. I have no tolerance for your lack of compassion.”
She pins me with a glare, the seconds stretching. Finally, she spins around, storming out of my house and slamming the door behind her, causing the wine glasses hanging below the cabinets to rattle.
I blow out a breath, setting my mug onto the counter. Facing Londyn, I run my hands down her arms. “I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have answered the door. I should—”
Before I can complete my thought, she grips the back of my head, the harshness of her hold cutting me off. “Shut up and kiss me.” She yanks my mouth toward hers.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” I crash my lips against hers, our tongues tangling as I pull her closer. My hands roam her frame, something about her in my clothes turning me on more than I thought it would. When my hand disappears under the shirt and I discover she’s not wearing any panties, I harden.
Gripping her ass, I hoist her onto the counter, her kiss scalding and intoxicating as I pulse against her. I tear away from her, peppering kisses along the length of her throat, her skin salty and sweet.
“No one’s ever stood up for me like that,” she exhales huskily, losing herself in my touch. “It’s such a fucking turn-on.”
With an animalistic desire, she returns her blazing eyes to mine and reaches for my waist, shoving my bottoms down my hips.
My pulse skyrockets, everything about this completely unexpected. Then again, Londyn is the most unexpected thing I’ve ever experienced.
I never intended to fall for her, just like she never intended to fall for me. But we fell. Now, I never want to return from this sweet place of exhilaration where all the problems we’re sure to face will never find us.
Like we just got a taste of with my mother, this won’t be easy. Despite it being the twenty-first century, there will be people who won’t like the idea of us together, especially in my typical social circles. We’ve made it this far, though. And as long as we’re together, I have faith we’ll get through anything life throws at us.
Our chests heave in unison as I bring my erection up to her center, rubbing her desire around. She keeps her eyes trained on me, just like I asked her to last night. Her pupils dilate, need radiating from her.