Landon
Human or not, I still owed you an apology. Whatever you’re exploring, you deserve to do it on your terms, not because some confused guy is trying to work through his issues.
Me
I appreciate that.
Landon
For what it’s worth, if you ever want to talk about this stuff, I’m here. No pressure or expectations. Just someone who gets it.
I read that message a few times before responding.
Me
Same. And Landon, you’re going to get through this. Whatever happened with her, you’ll figure it out.
Landon
I hope you’re right.
I set down my phone and stare up at the ceiling again. My alarm goes off in a few hours, and I should really sleep.
But now I’m also dealing with the fact that Landon Kane just opened up to me about his deepest insecurities, and I wish it didn’t make me want him more, but it does. There can be nothing between us; it crosses way too many lines, and his head is messed up over a girl. I only wish things were simpler, like they were back in college, where all that mattered was hockey and getting laid.
Chapter Ten
Abby
Nerves gather in my stomach, making me nauseous, and I don’t know if I can do this anymore. I initially wanted to wait until after the chase with #Notaserialkiller to tell Landon and Levi why I left, mainly so they would still go through with it. And I wonder distractedly if I should speak to them together or do it separately.
But no, I’ve decided I’ll tell them together today—just rip the bandage off in one go.
“Morning, sunshine,” Levi says, strolling into the kitchen in his tiny shorts that leave little to the imagination. His skin glistens with sweat after his run, and damn, he is fine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head. “Is Landon up?”
“No, he went out last night and had a wee bit too much to drink. He will be out cold for a few more hours.”
Shit, he was going to film some clips with me this morning. “Oh, okay. I guess he changed his mind about helping me with content.”
“I doubt it, Abs. He wants to know why you left us and will do whatever it takes to get answers. But if you need help, I’m here and have nothing to do.”
I look at him and see the goofy, funny guy I fell for in college, and all those emotions come back.
“Hey, don’t cry, you know I hate tears.” He walks over to me and wraps his arms around me. “I know whatever made you walk away must have been serious, but it’s in the past. Now I just want to start fresh. I miss you, Abby, and I miss being able to talk to you.”
Brushing away a tear, I sniffle. “I miss you, too—I really do. If you want to help, I would love that.”
“Fuck yes,” he says, and it makes me laugh. I’ve missed him more than I would have ever admitted to myself.
“So here’s the thing,” I say, pulling back from him. “I’m going to need you to do something for me while we’re filming.”
“Anything,” he says.
“Don’t ask questions, just play along. Can you handle that?”
“Abby, I was born to handle that.” He grins, and I shake my head at his cockiness.
