Page 24 of My Mountain Man Boss
I can’t deny my feelings for him anymore. Sitting on his lap and kissing him in front of everyone was a sure way to declare to the world that we’re together. But are we?
I’m not sure what is between us, but I’m done with hiding and I’m done with running. While I waited in the rain, all I thought about was Landon. I’m ready to take the risk.
“I’m going to see Izzie. I’ll come back when the doctor gets here.”
Landon frowns and follows me to the door. I turn towards him and bump up against his firm chest.
“I need to see her alone.”
He nods but still follows me through the door that leads to the comms room. “I’ll wait here.”
He leans against the wall, and I get the message. He really isn’t letting me out of his sight.
I scan the room and find Izzie sitting in the corner with Jagger. At least they haven’t left yet.
She looks up when I come over. “Can I join you?”
Jagger stands up, leaving a chair free. “I’m going to speak with Landon.”
He makes a not-so-subtle retreat, and I sit down opposite my best friend.
“How long has it been going on?” Izzie keeps her gaze on her hands, refusing to look at me.
“Not long. I tried to deny it.” I shrug. “But I love him.”
It’s the first time I’ve said the words out loud, and a weight lifts off my chest. I love Landon Laker, and it’s both terrifying and freeing.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Izzie looks up at me for the first time. I expect to see anger in her eyes, but instead there’s sadness. “I thought we were best friends?”
I take her hands in mine, and she doesn’t pull away. “We are. But after what you said at the wedding, I didn’t want to hurt you.”
She scrunches her face up. “What did I say at the wedding?”
“That you’re glad your dad never remarried, that you’d hate to have a stepmom.”
She shakes her head. “Oh Amy. It was an emotional day. I was thinking about my mom a lot and was sad she wasn’t there. But really I’d love my dad to find someone, and if that’s you, then…” she shrugs. “Who am I to stand in your way?”
“You mean you don’t mind if I date your dad?”
She squeezes my hand. “It would be a little hypocritical, don’t you think?” She glances over to Jagger where he’s talking with Landon. Jagger is her dad’s best friend and twice her age.
A smile plays on her lips. “What is it with older men?”
I squeeze her hand and match her grin. “I know, right? Maybe it’s the way…”
Izzie puts her hand up. “I’m going to stop you right there. I don’t want to know any details.”
I giggle, and she laughs with me.
Her eyes scan the room, and she nudges me. “Looks like your mom is into older men too.”
I frown, not understanding what she means. I follow her gaze to see Mom and Rodney chatting in the corner.
“They’re just friends.”
Izzie raises her eyebrows at me. “You believe that?”
I watch them for a bit longer. Mom says something, and when Rodney puts his head back and laughs, she joins in and rests her hand on his arm. I watch for another minute and she doesn’t remove it. Instead, he angles his body to be closer to hers.
