Since we professed our undying love to each other, Landon has been making plans to correct our missteps. And that means, dammit, I’m getting my personal tour of Chicago.
That sobers the gleaming lust from his gaze. “Right, of course.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No.”
“Don’t clam up on me.” I nudge his arm.
“It’s nothing. I just have a lot on my mind. Your distraction methods are soothing. Tell me something good.” He presses an open-mouthed kiss to my palm. There’s no denying him when he’s being sweet.
“Other than you eating me for breakfast this morning?” I send him a saucy wink.
His chuckle is gruff, rasping against my overactive imagination whenever he’s involved. “Yes, sugar.”
It strikes me at that moment how much I’ve come to enjoy his term of endearment. He feels the same about his nickname, but would strongly prefer I only use it when we’re alone. What started as a taunt has grown into more. Much like us.
I tap my lips with the champagne flute. “My dad has been making a real effort to rebuild our relationship. I wasn’t certain our temporary fix would hold, but it has so far.”
“That’s excellent and far overdue. I look forward to meeting him.” His words don’t match the strain lining his forehead.
A real whopper takes root in my brain. A resulting prickle tingles the base of my skull. Maybe this doozy will shake him loose. “Do you ever miss your dad?”
If the question bothers him, he keeps any outward reaction locked down tight. “Absolutely not.”
“Even just for the sake of gaining closure?”
“No.” The tension lingers.
I exhale a heavy breath. “If it were possible, would you have a conversation with him?”
“After meeting you? Most definitely.” The barest hint of a grin twerks his lips.
Fizzy bubbles erupt in my chest. “Why me?”
“You’ve proven him wrong on countless matters. I’d like to see his face as that knowledge seeps in.”
“That’s morbid and slightly romantic all at once. Only you could accomplish such an odd combination.”
“I get paid the big bucks to be original, sugar. I can’t have it any other way.”
“You’re definitely unique.” And too damn hot. I constantly wonder if this fiery attraction will ever ebb. “Does your mother know about me?”
Landon scoffs as if the alternative is ludicrous. “Of course.”
“And?”
“She’s happy that I’m breaking the cycle and not following in her husband’s footsteps.”
“That’s something we can agree on.”
His chuckle goes straight to my core, stoking the embers. “You two can discuss all the ways I’m better than him in person soon. She’s planning to visit us once I give her the okay. I asked for her advice on an upcoming strategy, and she’ll be interested in hearing how it turned out.”
“Oh? That’s ominous.”
“On purpose.” He winks at me. “The girl of my dreams has been secured. The rest is history.”
And just like that, the mood is lightened. I recline in my seat as the plane dips toward the ground. The crew bustles about to secure a safe landing. When the wheels touch down, I bounce in place and clutch onto Landon. He’s become an anchor of sorts. He chuckles, looping an arm around my shoulders.
The jet rolls to a stop at his private hangar. I forgot just how wealthy he is until the reminder smacks me in the face. While holding my hand, he guides us down the stairs leading directly onto the tarmac.
I lift a hand to shield my eyes from the sun. “Where to, boss?”
A rumbling noise stirs from the back of his throat. “Careful, sugar. That title might go to my head.”
“So long as it grants me some sexual favors.”
“Soon,” he promises. “We have an important stop to make first.”
I leave my hands covering Vannah’s eyes while drawing us to a halt. “Ready?”
“Yes.” The certainty in her voice makes me chuckle.
“Are you positive?” I steady us as the wooden dock beneath us rocks slightly.
“Yes,” she repeats.
“For real?” My pulse kicks, booming low in my ears.
“Landon, quit teasing me.” Her fingers curl around my wrists, preparing to pry me off.
With a kiss on her bare shoulder, I lift my palms from her face. “Surprise.”
Vannah’s lashes flutter as she adjusts to the bright rays glittering off the water. She gasps as the view becomes clear. A blue and white monstrosity bobs in front of us on the river. The tourist trap couldn’t be more obvious if they covered the entire ship with advertisements.
“Oh, this is very unexpected.” Her smile is dazzling, stealing the breath straight from my lungs.