Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Landon’s lips turned up into a smirk as he tipped his head for Robert to go first while reaching around him to hold the door. Landon was so close that Robert felt the heat of his body and got distracted by his alluring scent.
“You first, Doc.” Landon’s voice was a little thick and rough. The implications in that sexy growl curled around Robert’s balls. Did that mean yes? Robert was feeling the effects of the alcohol they’d drunk, maybe he should ask again to be sure they were on the same page.
“The harbor?”
“Sure,” Landon said eagerly, but then withdrew, tucking his fingers into the front pockets of his blue jeans as he stepped away. Those moves sent mixed signals; one second Robert could swear Landon was flirting with him, and the next, he felt as if Landon couldn’t get away quick enough. When the sergeant forgot and let his guard down, he was hilarious, genuine, and charming, but when Robert felt comfortable enough to test the waters and try to hold the man’s hand or show Landon he was interested in more, Landon did things that sent a different message. Like tucking his fingers in his pockets or crossing his arms over his chest, making Robert rethink his approach. “It’s a nice night.”
“Yes, it’s perfect. I’m so glad the weather cooperated. Let’s go this way.” Robert dropped his hand to the small of Landon’s back, guiding him down the partially lit walkway right along the river, farther away from the noisy crowd. The soft sounds of the night blanketed the hustle and bustle they left behind. The lights of the nearby restaurants and streetlights reflected off the water and the moon cast dark shadows along the bank. A soft breeze blew across his skin, reminding him of all the nights he’d spent searching for answers along this path. At that time, he’d never imagined he could feel this happy again.
“I had a nice time tonight.” Landon’s words brought a grin to his lips.
“Me too. Best night in a long time.” Robert was hyperaware of everything Landon. He knew the second Landon’s hand dropped to his side. If Robert didn’t do or say something, he would absolutely regret it. His nerves spiked. The butterflies took flight again inside his stomach. Overthinking the situation wasn’t helping. His heart told him it was now or never. He didn’t allow himself time to back out before he caught Landon’s hand in his, something he’d wanted to do all night.
The moment he slid his hand around Landon’s, the man jerked away like he’d been burned and stepped away. “What’re you doing?”
The shock on Landon’s face stunned Robert and held him frozen in embarrassment as his world tilted and his heart dropped to his stomach. He’d messed up and now he felt stupid. How could he have misread the signs? He’d been so eager to discover everything about Landon, but he hadn’t taken into consideration the real possibility that Landon might not feel the same. He’d confused their chemistry as something otherworldly. Based on the scorn in Landon’s eyes and the rapid rise and fall of the man’s chest, Robert had read their connection wrong.
“I’m sorry. I thought— I was trying to hold your hand. I… Did I mess up?”
“Why would you hold my hand?” He heard accusation and outrage. Oh man, this wasn’t good.
“Isn’t that what people do on dates?” he said simply, his heart breaking in two.
“I’m on a date with you?” Landon took another small step backward as if he’d been caught off guard by Robert’s words.
“Aren’t we? We just spent the last five hours having dinner and drinks. I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending the evening with you. Yes. I believe we were on a date. I don’t…”
Landon must have found what he’d said amusing. He laughed a mocking chuckle and shook his head as he spoke. “No, Doc. There’s no fairytale in which you date someone like me.” Landon spun around as though he were searching for an escape route.
That was the last thing Robert wanted. He gripped Landon’s elbow, stopping the sudden retreat. “Wait, please don’t walk away. Explain what you mean.”
The hot-blooded man reared around on him, taking several steps into Robert, almost throwing him off balance, not with his body but with the words that came out of his mouth. “I’m not sure what you want from me, Doc. What do I have to offer someone like you? Do you just wanna fuck?”
Landon was magnificent in all his indignation. Absolutely, he wanted to fuck Landon into the mattress, but first, he had to remove whatever social stigma or economic class hierarchy Landon was trying to place between them.
“Right now, I just want to hold your hand and walk along the harbor. I see couples do it all the time. I want that with you. I don’t expect anything more.”