CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THERE HAD BEEN Afew moments that had slipped through his fingers in which Landon had wanted to say something meaningful to Bailey.
I’m falling for you.
I can’t stop thinking about you.
This is beginning to feel real.
But he had fumbled the moment.
Out of nowhere, his stomach rumbled, drawing attention to the fact that they’d been working way too long without a food break. A quick look at his watch showed that it was almost seven o’clock. Their time together had flown by.
“I think my stomach is telling on me. I didn’t imagine I’d be hungry after all that pizza we ate earlier, but I am.”
“I could definitely eat something too,” Bailey said. “Thatpizza wore off a long time ago. We’ve been at it for a while now. I also need to feed Foxy Brown and take her out.”
“Should we order something?” Landon asked. “My treat.”
“Why order when I can whip something up well before the delivery would get here?” She got up and beckoned him to follow her into the kitchen.
The kitchen was all white and chrome, light and airy. He stood by and watched as Bailey stuck her head in the fridge and emerged with her arms full of ingredients. He stepped forward to help her, taking a host of items off her hands.
“What are we making?” Landon asked, eyeing the items on the counter.
“I like how you saidwe,” Bailey said as she took pots and spices from the cupboard. “I’m thinking quesadillas with Spanish rice and black beans. Sound good?”
He rubbed his stomach. “Sounds like my favorite foods all rolled out on one plate.”
Landon felt a huge smile tugging at his lips. It was amazing how being in Bailey’s presence made him feel as if he could leap tall buildings in a single bound. Being invited into her home was a big deal.
“Okay, if you could, please start chopping the onions and peppers,” Bailey instructed him. “I’m going to feed Foxy Brown, then get the quesadillas going.”
“Will do,” Landon said. He quickly rolled up his sleeves and got down to business.
After feeding the dog, Bailey went to grab Foxy Brown’s leash to take her out. The pup did a little happy dance of excitement.
“Hey, why don’t you let me do that?” He plucked the leash out of her hand and bent down to snap it onto the dog’scollar. “I’ve got it,” he said, as he walked toward the front of the house with Foxy Brown trotting beside him.
It was the least he could do, Landon thought, since she was making dinner for him. Plus, he’d once heard that the way to a woman’s heart was related to how much their dog loved a particular partner. Or didn’t.
Landon wanted Foxy Brown to be wild about him. And with any luck, Bailey would feel the same way.
What was this man doing to her? It was almost as if he were going by a playbook:How to Make Bailey Fall in Love with Me in Thirty Days. Bailey fanned her face with her hand.Have mercy!she thought. She was weak. He was really hitting all the marks now. Sensitive. Caring. Swoonworthy. And loving. The way he interacted with his grandmother said so much about him as a person. As a man. And now he was showing Foxy Brown some love.Squee!Definitely swoonworthy.
By the time Landon and Foxy Brown came back into the house, she had finished making the quesadillas and had heated up the rice and beans. They sat down at her kitchen table and ate their meal while talking about anything and everything that came to mind.
“What’s your favorite movie?” Landon asked her.
“Mmm, I have so many,” Bailey said. “I’ve always loved going to the movies. Let’s see.Wizard of Ozis a classic, as isMildred Pierce. I absolutely love theGodfathermovies andSounder, although I cry each and every time.”
“Good choices,” he said, nodding. “I’m a big fan of theStar Warsmovies, and theFast and Furiousfilms are so action packed I can’t resist.”
“Okay, now books,” Bailey said. “My favorite of all time isTheir Eyes Were Watching God.”
“By Zora Neale Hurston. Right?” Landon asked. “I remember reading it in high school English class.”
“Yes. Me too. The book was deeply moving and impactful. What are your faves?”
