Landon's Obsession: An Endless Series: Book 3 (Series 3) (42 page)

     “It can though.” Gabby countered. “You must have
recognized that your own bond with Nola has become stronger with time. As
mother’s we feel that instant bond with our child, but every relationship grows
stronger with time; and with that trust grows too. Unfortunately, your
relationship with Landon had neither, but that was because you didn’t have the
‘
time
’ component on you side.” She shook her head. “Lon and I have had
seven years together and if I would have come across what he did I would have
believed my eyes, but I would have stormed in there and confronted him with it,
disbelief in my heart.”

     I inhaled and exhaled through the old pain. “That’s why
I don’t blame him for thinking what he thought. I would have thought the same
thing.”

     Greg stood up and walked away toward the kitchen
without a word. Gabby raised her brows at me again. “He is not a happy camper,
is he?”

     “No,” I answered plainly. 

     She gave me a pointed look. “You know it’s because he
wants you for himself and sees Landon as a threat.”

     I gave a nervous look toward the kitchen. “I’ve told
him numerous times that I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting a relationship.
What if things didn’t work out? I mean, his father is married to my mother.” I
declared pragmatically.

     “There’s also the fact that you just don’t feel that
way toward him.” She added even more pragmatically.

     I rolled my eyes, and head. “Yesss, there is that too.”

     She leaned forward and whispered. “Do you know if he
has he been
waiting
for you all this time?”

     I matched her pose. “What do you mean?” I whispered
back.

     She gave me a ‘duh’ look. “You know…
waiting
, not
seeing other women.”

     “I’m pretty sure he’s been dating. I’ve heard him on
the phone with individuals who I hope are women.” I grinned.

     Humor sparked her eyes. “Oh really. Well, if that’s
true than the man hasn’t been exactly wallowing in misery.”

     “I think he mostly feels protective of me.”

     Gabby snorted. “Don’t kid yourself; he’d do you in a
minute.”

     I coughed in surprise. “Jeez, Gabby.”

     She grinned. “Just telling it like it is. But I have to
say that since he’s seeing other women than his feelings for you aren’t as deep
as they should be.” A different spark entered her eyes. “So…how are things
between you and Landon going?”

     My face heated. “Fine.”

     “
Fine
.” She mocked. “Come on, I need more than
that. Has there been any kind of rekindling of your past relationship?”

     Further heating of the face. “We’ve been doing a lot of
talking; about Nola, and what’s been going on in each other’s lives for the
past last four years.”

     “And what has he been up to?”

     “School, lacrosse, working for his dad during the
summers.”

     Gabby rolled her eyes and exhaled. “Boring.”

     “Well, it’s not like I want to hear about the partying
and the girls.” I grumbled before I could help myself.

     Gabby’s disinterest was wiped clear. “Ohh, is that
jealousy I hear?”

     I gave her a glare in response.

     “Are you going to hold him living his life against
him?” She asked curiously.

     “Sometimes I feel like I need to hold something against
him.” I answered honestly.

     I might not blame Landon for everything that happened
to me, but I knew he’d been out there screwing random girl after random girl
and for some reason that irked me enormously. I didn’t even want to acknowledge
the sick feeling in my gut at the thought.

     She nodded. “Yeah, I understand where you’re coming
from. Here you’ve been raising a child all by yourself for four years, no
support except your mother, no dates, no sex…”

     “Gabby!” I exclaimed looking toward Nola and Andrea.  

     “And he’s been at college having the time of his life.”
She continued.

     “I wouldn’t necessarily say that.”

     I twisted in the chair in shock to find Landon standing
in the entryway of the living room. My chest constricted and my face heated in
mortification that he had heard Gabby’s and my conversation. How much had he heard?

     “Landon!” I exclaimed jumping to my feet. “You’re never
here this early. What are you doing here?”

     “And
who
let you in?”

     I twisted the other way to see Greg step into the room
from the kitchen, an irate look upon his face. I narrowed my eyes. Had he been
around the corner listening? How many people had been listening for cripes
sake?

     “Maya gave me a key.” Landon replied with a small
sneer.

     “Daddy!” Nola screamed. She jumped up the floor and ran
to him.

     Landon’s sneer fell away to be replaced by a brilliant smile.
Seeing him greet her with such happiness made my eyes sting. He caught her up
in his arms. “Hey baby girl. I missed you.” He said kissing her cheek.

     She twisted in his arms. “Look daddy, there’s my friend
Andree. She came over to play wif me today. We coloring.”

     With a brief heated glance my way, that warmed me in a
different way than the mortification, Landon walked over to where Nola had been
coloring. “These are so good Nola.” He praised.

     “Look, I colored a mermaid like the one you drew. I
want you to have it.” She held it out to him with a proud smile.

     “Thank you, sweetness. I’m going to hang it up on my
wall so I can look at it everyday.”

     His avowal had my throat constricting as I recalled how
I’d done the same thing to the sketching he’d made for me. Those drawings had
been so special to me. The picture he’d done of Nola, depicting her as a
mermaid, I’d framed and hung on her wall. When Landon had seen it he’d stood
staring at it immobile for a minute before turning to look at me, his eyes stirring
with emotion. Nola had drawn his attention so I wasn’t certain what that
emotion might have been.  

     Nola beamed at his promise and settled back down on the
floor to continue her coloring.

     “Why would you give him a key?” Greg growled stepping
up next to me.

     Landon’s head swiveled, hooded hazel eyes more green
than blue. “Do you have a problem with her giving me a key?”

     Greg’s posture stiffened. “Yeah, I kind of do. This
house is in the company’s name and only company personnel should have a key.”

     Landon took a step forward and I could feel the
antagonism rising between them, but I didn’t fear it would get physical. Neither
one would do anything with Nola in the room. But I didn’t like this constant
antagonism between them.  

     I laid my hand on Greg’s arm. “Greg, I discussed it
with Brian and he said it was okay.”

     Nostrils flaring, Landon’s gaze narrowed on my hand on
Greg’s arm before lifting it to meet mine. I dropped my hand reflexively
staggered by the heat in them, and my heart beat crazily.

     “Well, you won’t have to worry about that…” His gaze
switched to Greg. “…because I bought the house and put it in her name, so it’s
her business on whether she gives me a key.”

     I gaped in utter shock and distinctly took note of
Gabby choking fit from the couch.

     “The hell you did.” Greg barked irately. 

     Shock still held me in its grip and thus I was unable
to correct Greg on his language, but Landon took up the slack.

     “Watch your language, dickwad.” He stepped closer
growling under his breath.

     I snorted with a combination of shock and humor at
Landon’s hypocrisy, and the jolt of it brought me out of my stupor somewhat.
“Wha…when did you do this?” I stuttered.  

     His forceful gaze connected with mine. “Just today. I
stopped and talked to Brian this afternoon. You still need to sign some papers,
but everything else is done.” His hard expression softened. “I wanted to
surprise you with it.”

     “Why?” It was all I could get out.

     This house was in the three hundred thousand dollar
range, and he just decided to buy it. I knew his parents had loads of money,
but I doubted they gave him money to buy this house. What kind of salary was he
making during the summers working for his dad? Or did he have some kind of
trust fund? This was just too overwhelming to take in. 

     “Because you and Nola deserve to live in a house that’s
yours, not a place someone let’s you live in, and I really didn’t like the idea
of strangers tramping through the place you’re both staying in. I’m not sure if
you want to live here long term, but if, or when you decide to move you can
have the profits from the house. It took me a week but it also suddenly hit me
that you’re owed four years of child support so we need to discuss transferring
some money into your account.”

     “Holy shit!” Gabby choked.

     Yeah, that about summed it up.

     Landon turned to Gabby with a smile. “Gabby, it’s nice
to see you again. Maya told me about you and Lon getting married.
Congratulations…on that and Andrea.”

     “Thanks.” She replied with wide-eyed incredulity.

     I tried to shake myself out of my astonishment.
“Landon, you didn’t have to do that, and why would Brian even sell this house,
it’s not even up for sale. It’s the model home.” I voiced in bemusement.

     “There is another house that’s empty; Brian said they
could use that as the model.”

     “But the furniture.” Words were just spilling from my
mouth now.  

     “Brian said they are a gift to you. He said if you
argue he wasn’t going to listen.”

     I shook my head, dazed. “It’s too much.”

     “It’s not enough.” His tone was adamant, and I knew he
wasn’t going to be swayed.

     “You know, you can’t buy your way back into her life.”
Greg sneered.

     “Greg!” I turned to him with a gasp.

     His hostile gaze stayed glued to Landon. “It’s what
he’s trying to do…” He turned to me. “Can’t you see that?”

     Landon countered before I could. “Let’s say I
was
doing that, which I’m not; do you really believe she’s that shallow enough to
be bought?”

     Greg’s lips tightened. “No.”

     “Are you arguing that she doesn’t deserve a home of her
own?” Landon raised his brow in snide inquiry.

     “Of course not.” Greg bit out.

     “Then whatever point you’re trying to make it’s wasted.”
He turned to me, seeming to be done with Greg, and the darkness on his face
mellowed. “To answer your previous question, Maya, I’m here early because we
had a short practice session today and I wanted to see Nola. Is that okay?”

     I stared at him, bemusement still gripping me.
“Uhh…yes, yes, of course.”

     “I’m going to go sit with her then.” With one last
scorching glance he went ever to Nola and lay down next to her.  

     Blinking, I glanced at Greg who was staring at Landon
with aggravation.

     I then looked to Gabby who was smiling merrily and
mouthed, “
Oh my God, girl!”
She stood up and came over to hug me,
whispering in my ear. “Can I borrow him for just a little while? Maybe he’ll
feel the need to buy me a house as well.”

     I coughed through the slight hysteria that wanted to
take a hold of me.

     Gabby pulled back, grinning madly. “Well, we should
probably get going. I have to get home and put dinner on the table for the
hubby.” She walked toward the three on the floor. “Andrea, honey, time to go
home.” Leaning down she picked up her daughter. “Landon, it’s good to see you
again.”

     He looked up from the blocks he and Nola had switched
to offering her a cautious smile. “I’m not running you off, am I?”

     “No. I wouldn’t let you do that.” She answered with
firm candor. “I really have to get home and start dinner. But, I’m sure I’ll be
seeing you around.” She said with raised eyebrows.

     I heard the unspoken question in Gabby’s voice.

     Landon nodded. “I’m sure you will.” He answered.

     Gabby returned the nod and walked toward the front door
carrying Andrea. I trailed behind her still in a state of befuddlement,
glancing back at Landon who was staring after me with that unchanged burning
gaze. I swallowed with difficulty as my body clenched with need.

     “I’m going to head out as well.” Greg declared, coming
up behind me, cutting off Landon’s and my connection.

     At the front door Gabby was bundling Andrea up in her
coat and shoes.

     “Maya, what are your plans for tomorrow? Are you
spending time with your mother?”

     My brow puckered. Was that censure I heard in Greg’s
tone?

     “Actually, Landon is taking Nola and me swimming. He
sort of promised her that he would and doesn’t want to break that promise.” An
unconscious defensive note entered my tone.

     Greg’s face tightened and his motions were jerky as he
slipped on his jacket and zipped it up. “You’re spending
another
day
with him? You’ve barely spent time with your mother and my father this week;
has spending time with him become more important than spending time with your
own family?”

     I couldn’t miss the disapproval in his voice this time
and anger sparked in me.

     “Jeez, Greg, is that sour grapes I hear?” There was
anger in Gabby’s tone on my behalf now.

     Greg’s face tightened further. “I’m just concerned at
the notion of them spending so much time with him. Nola shouldn’t be separated
from her grandparent’s just so HE can absolve himself of his guilt.”

     Okay, that was it. Gabby was opening her mouth again
but I raised my hand. “You need to get home, I can handle this.”

     With a shake of her head at Greg, Gabby gave me another
hug and carried Andrea out the door. I turned on Greg in angry frustration.

     “You need to stop. Your continual harping on Landon was
annoying, but I could understand it because you were concerned for me and Nola.
But now you’re making critical remarks on my parenting. I won’t stand for that,
Greg.”

     He had the grace to look ashamed. “I didn’t mean for it
to sound that way, Maya.”

     “Yes you did, Greg. You were trying to guilt me into seeing
things your way. You’re my friend, Greg, and you’re also family, but you have
no right to push your attitude on me of how I should be living my life, or
raising Maya.” The guilt on his face deepened and seeing it softened my anger.
“I know you’re suspicious and worried about Landon in our lives. You saw my
mini breakdown three months ago and it wasn’t a pretty sight. But Greg, what
happened to me wasn’t Landon’s fault, and he was just as affected by what
happened four years ago. His own brother betrayed him. Can you not try to see
things from his point of view? How he was hurt as well?”

     Saying that out loud made it more real to me. I
wasn’t
the only victim. What had been done to me was horrific, but Kris had known I
was Landon’s girlfriend and he had purposely gone after me. I mean,
damn
,
how could you do that to your own brother?

     Greg frowned and I could see what I was saying was
finally getting through to him. “I’m sorry for making you think I was
disparaging you. I would never want you to think that you’re a bad mother. You
are a great mother.” He paused as though thinking over his next words. “I
admit, I am feeling some sour grapes and I took it out on you. I’m very sorry.”

     I appreciated his apology, but I needed more. “And
Landon?”

     He blew out a sigh and looked pained. “It’s difficult
to forget how upset he made you that day three months ago.”

     I sighed as well. “But that was when Landon thought I’d
willingly slept with his brother. He knows the truth now. I know the truth now,
and I’ve forgiven him. If I can then you really don’t have any right to hold it
against him, Greg.”

     After a slight pause he acknowledged my words. “You’re
right.”

     I decided to be extremely candid with him so there
would be no more misunderstandings or expectations. “Greg, what you thought, or
hoped, was going to happen between us isn’t going to happen. And if you’re
truthful with yourself I think a mild attraction, close friendship, and a deep
feeling of protectiveness have mixed together in your head confusing you on
what’s between us.”

     His expression went from shock to offense. “Now you’re
telling me what I’m feeling.”

     I shook my head at his stubbornness. “I said ‘think’,
and it needs to be said, but Greg, you haven’t been waiting for me in
melancholy. You’ve been living a full social life.” I grinned letting him know
that it in no way hurt me that it had.

     His cheeks flushed and I chuckled. Stepping forward I
hugged him briefly. “I’m glad you didn’t wait, because like I’ve said, I just
don’t feel that way toward you. You’re my friend, and now I think of you as my
brother. Take the blinder’s off and admit that you only see me that way too.”

     He leered wickedly, waggling his eye brows. “Hey,
you’re gorgeous, and I would have had no problem…”

     I cut him off with a punch to the shoulder, grinning.
“Shut up…think brother and sister.”

     He grimaced. “You keep reminding me of that and the
gross factor might just negatively reinforce the connection.” I heard a faint
hint of acceptance in his voice and my shoulder’s sagged in relief. “I’ve got
to get going…big date tonight.” He gave me a pointed look.

     “When I see you next I’m going to want to hear all
about it.” I stated.

     He rolled his eyes and then gave me a frown. “I can’t
say the same about you and
him.
You can keep those details all to
yourself.”

     My face went hot as our kiss popped into my head.
“There’s nothing to tell.”

     His eyebrow shot up and he eyed me closely. “Maybe not
yet, but I can see it coming. That guy wants you back. It’s wholly obvious. Why
do you think I was having such a problem with him?”

     My heart stuttered at Greg’s proclamation. “Landon’s
here for Nola, not me.”

     His expression suddenly became sober. “I have to admit
that him stepping up to claim Nola is tremendous. Everything else aside I could
actually…like the guy for that.” His lip curled in an act of distaste at that
confession.

     I grinned.

     Bending down he gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see
you later. Have fun tomorrow.” The next second he was out the door. I headed
back into the living room and nearly walked into Landon as I turned the corner.

     “What the heck, Landon.” I stumbled back and Landon
grabbed my arms. His nearness flustered me, but I narrowed my eyes. “Where you
eavesdropping
again
?”

     “You were taking a long time out here and I wondered
what was going on.” He rejoined with an intense stare and a flexing of his grip
on me.

     The intensity of his stare had me wondering how much
he’d heard. Like I wasn’t mortified enough by what he’d heard from Gabby’s big
mouth. 

Chapter Seven

LANDON

     I’d been listening to Maya’s and Greg’s conversation
for about a minute, just like I had been before when Maya and Gabby had been
talking. During the first conversation I’d heard Maya confessing she felt like
she needed to hold something against me, and then Gabby disclosing Maya’s
sexual history…or should I say, no sexual history. If those two things hadn’t
punched me in the gut, and then knocked me down flat, hearing Maya now stick up
for me by saying I’d been just as hurt by Kris’s actions was astounding.

     Did she truly think that?

     Still gripping her arms I asked her. “Did you really
mean that?”

     She gave me a vexed look. “I don’t know, Landon. Which
conversation, and what part are you referring to?”

     Ignoring her vexation I clarified. “The part where you
said that I was also hurt my Kris’s actions?”

     Maya’s face instantly softened. “Of course, Landon.
Kris is your brother. How could you not be hurt by what he did?”

     The girl was too good to be true. That she could think
of me after what we’d both done to her. “This whole time I’ve never thought
about what he did to me. I’ve been so angry about what he did to you. I mean,
it doesn’t even compare.”

     Maya’s slipped her arms from my grip and took my hands.
“They don’t compare because they are two different betrayals. He was your
brother, Landon. I know you said you weren’t very close, but it still has to
hurt.”

     I frowned and shook my head. “No, all I feel is anger,
a deep and infinite anger. I’m not going to have any problem beating the
shi…rap out of him when I see him.”

     Her brow quirked at my correction, but then she was
squeezing my hand, her eyes dark pools of empathy. “I think when all this
settles down a little bit you are going to be surprised by how much his
betrayal does hurt. You said you barely spoke to him after finding us…together,
and that was when you thought it was…consensual. You’re angry now, but in time
that will fade and the betrayal will sink in.”  

      Her faltering speech told me it was still difficult
for her to speak about what Kris had done but she still did it…for me. “You’re
amazing, do you know that?” I gave her a look of incredibility. “But then, you
always were, from the very first moment I met you.”

     Maya hadn’t been out for herself like everyone else I
knew, and with her having less it was even more astonishing. My cynicism had
made that questionable to believe years ago but I could see her clearer now.    

     She blushed and pulled away. “Don’t turn this around on
me. We were talking about you.” Whirling, she walked into the living room. “And
I don’t want to talk about anything else you might have overheard.” She called
over her shoulder.

     I trailed after her, my gaze intent on her retreating form.
She was wearing skinny jeans that molded to her ass and it literally screamed
to be touched. I fisted my hands. “But I want to talk about it.” I mumbled.

     She stumbled faintly. “No.”

     She was so damn cute sounding all firm and shit. “But I
need to know why you feel you need to hold something against me, but then the
next instant you’re defending me.”

     I’d overheard Gabby’s comment on Maya being jealous and
it was niggling at me like a two foot sliver. I wanted her to be jealous
because it would mean she gave a shit. I can’t deny that hearing she hadn’t
been with anyone else in these last four years lightened my mood to a
considerable degree. She was mine, and only mine…but then I abruptly remembered
that she hadn’t been with only me. My fucking bastard brother had also…

     I gritted my teeth as fury blazed through me.

     “Can you watch Nola while I get some dinner together?” Maya
asked, oblivious to my sudden anger.  

     I breathed through the familiar emotion. I wasn’t going
to burden Maya with it. “How about I take you and Nola out to eat? That way you
don’t have to cook tonight. Do you want to go out to eat, Nola?” I squatted
down next to her on the floor.

     Nola looked up from her blocks. “To a res-ur-ant?” She
asked.

     “Yes, to a rest-au-rant.” I corrected with a smile.

     “Can I have chicken nuggets and French fries?” She
asked eagerly.

     I looked at Maya for affirmation. She halted on her way
to the kitchen and stood there for a moment without turning. When she did turn her
eyes locked with mine and I wondered at the disquiet I saw in hers.

     Was she experiencing a similar resurrection of past
emotions? And was it messing with her the same as it was me? I hoped so because
this past week had revealed to me that I wanted Maya back. With my past
animosity toward her out of the way those long-ago emotions had rushed to the
surface telling me that I’d done a lot of lying to myself in the last four
years.

     “Yes, we can get you chicken nuggets and French fries.”
Maya finally replied.

     Nola yelled. “Yay!” Jumping up she rushed to Maya who
scooped her up and started back toward the front door.

     “But I’m buying.” Maya glared at me. “I still can’t
freaking believe you bought this house. I was only living here because Brian
insisted. The house is way too big for two people.” She grumbled.

     “Like I said, you can sell and then use the profits for
a smaller house if you want…or maybe you could take on roommate.” I threw it
out there to see her reaction.

     She was tugging Nola into her coat but froze at my
comment. “Roommate?” She asked slowly, unfreezing to zip up Nola’s jacket
slowly.

     I slipped my jacket and shoes on, watching her
attentively. “It’s an idea.”

     With a small pucker between her brows Maya put Nola’s
tiny little boots on her tiny little feet, and then she slid her own feet into
black calf high boots with a heel that made her legs look phenomenal. Maya may
only be a short five foot three but she had the slim long legs of a runner.

     Straightening she reached for her coat but I got to it
first and assisted her into it. Her hair, which she’d finally left down, got
stuck inside her coat so I gently tugged it out running my fingers through it.
Her hair was still thick and soft. I’d missed the feel of it between my
fingers.

     I then moved to right her collar caressing her neck
gently at the same time and didn’t miss the shiver she gave. Since that quick
kiss Sunday I hadn’t kissed her again, but I had touched her any chance I could,
just simple touches. I knew we needed to get reacquainted, learn the new
aspects of each others character, but I’d reached the end of my willpower…I
couldn’t hold back any longer. I’d never been one to restrain myself from
something I wanted, and Maya was something I’d give anything to have.

     Leaning in I set my lips on her ear and whispered
huskily. “
I’d
be a good roommate. I can cook, do laundry, even
separating the whites from the darks, I clean up after myself, I’m really good
with my hands…” I set said hands on Maya’s waist, squeezing, and heard her
gasp. “If anything needed fixing, or set right, I’d make sure it got done.”  

     From my position I could see Maya’s chest heaving up
and down as I murmured in her ear. Seeing how my nearness, my touch, still
affected her was a heady sight and I was just about to haul her ass into my engorged,
aching cock when…

     “Mommy, is daddy helping you with your coat like you
helped me?” Nola asked.

     I jerked in shock and felt a similar reaction from
Maya. It seemed we’d both gotten caught up in the moment, forgetting about the little
eyes watching us.

    “Yes.” Maya croaked pulling away. She fumbled with her
zipper, pulling it up with shaky hands. “So, where are we going?”