Since my apartment was too small for a dining table, I usually ate at the bar or sat on the floor in front of my couch.
I realized as I started around the counter that I hadn’t given him a knife or fork so I grabbed silverware from the drawer and handed him a set. I was surprised that he waited for me to sit next to him before he cut into the chicken and took a bite.
Then his brows lifted. “This is delicious,” he stated after he chewed and swallowed.
“Thanks.” I smiled at him. “It’s one of my favorite rainy day recipes.”
As we ate, he asked about my day and actually listened as I talked about work. Then he regaled me with stories about his college days with Chris. Apparently, my boss wasn’t always as harsh as he was now. In fact, he sounded like a lot of fun.
Finally, I asked the question that had been on the tip of my tongue since I opened the door to him earlier. “So, why were you so dressed up today?”
Landen’s face closed up and he fell silent for a few long moments. I began to wonder if he was going to answer me when he spoke at last. “I had to meet with an attorney today to discuss the situation in Oregon.”
My stomach knotted, the chicken I’d eaten feeling like a rock in my gut. He hadn’t mentioned his company in Oregon since his explanation for ghosting me two weeks ago. I was ashamed that I’d all but forgotten about it because I’d been so immersed in everything that was Landen Weber and the fiery sexual attraction between us.
I didn’t want to pry but now I was worried. Choosing my words carefully, I asked, “How are things going with that?”
Landen shook his head and sighed heavily. “Honestly? Shitty as hell. It’s a complete clusterfuck and it’s going to take a lot of work to get it straightened out.”
Still hesitant, I questioned, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
His gaze fell on my face and the hard sheen in his eyes faded and his jaw relaxed. “You’re already doing it. Now and in the office. I’m sure Chris has you going through files and pulling information for me.”
I nodded, but I hadn’t realized why I was doing it. Which only reinforced the fact that Chris might joke about giving me a promotion, but he still saw me very much as his assistant rather than a peer. I ignored the ugly feeling that slid through me. I could have a pity party later when Landen was gone. Whatever my issues were, they were nothing compared to what he was dealing with now.
“Hey.” At Landen’s gentle word, I focused my eyes on his face. “Whatever you’re thinking that put that look on your face, stop. It’ll be fine, just a pain in the ass in the meantime.”
“I wish there was something else I could do to help you,” I stated. And that wasn’t a lie. I just didn’t mention the other thoughts that were taking up space in my brain.
He placed his hand on my leg, just above my knee, and squeezed gently. “You’re doing it. You made me a delicious meal and we’re going to lounge on your couch and watch TV afterward. And make out.”
I had to laugh at the lascivious look that accompanied his last statement. “Maybe.”
He squeezed my knee again. “How about definitely?”
I tilted my head and let the heavy thoughts drift away. “How about probably?”
“I’ll take what I can get.”
