Page 25 of My Mountain Man Boss
My mind whirls. Rodney’s been helping take her to her appointments. He drops by every few days for a cup of coffee. They go out walking together.
“Oh my God.” I cover my mouth and turn back to Izzie. “Mom’s dating Rodney.”
Izzie giggles, and I join her. “He’s a hundred years old.”
He’s not really, but I’m friendly with his granddaughter, Fritha. He practically brought Fritha up after her parents died.
But as I watch Mom smile up at him and he at her, my heart warms. At least she’s happy, and it means I’m not the only one looking out for her.
The door opens, and Dr. Ryder comes in. Landon catches my eye and indicates toward the kitchen.
“I’ve got to go get my checkup. Landon is watching me like a hawk.”
Izzie squeezes my hand. “This is going to take a bit of getting used to.”
“Thanks for coming out.”
“Dude, you sent me a text to say you were lost and alone on the mountain. Of course I was coming out.”
I cross the room, and Mom intercepts me. “I’ll wait around and drive you home.”
Landon steps up and puts a hand around my waist. “Amy is coming to my place.” His voice is firm, and my mom gives me the side eye.
“I’ll cook her a proper meal and run her a bath. I’ll take care of your daughter, Lauren.”
“I know you will.” Mom pats him on the arm, and I get the feeling they’re not just talking about tonight.
13
AMY
Landon’s place is on the edge of town. It’s a brick two-story with thick carpet, dark paneled furniture, and a navy blue living room. It’s both masculine and homely.
Landon wraps me in a woolen blanket and settles me on the soft couch while he heads to the kitchen to cook us a meal.
We move to the table to eat, and as he puts the bowl of spaghetti in front of me, my stomach rumbles. I didn’t realize how hungry I am.
“You need carbs and protein and rest.”
He watches me as I eat and isn’t satisfied until I’ve eaten the entire bowl.
I stand to help with the dishes, and he pushes me gently back on the chair. “You need to rest. I’ll get a bath running while I do the dishes.”
I stay in the kitchen, chatting with him as he loads the dishwasher and washes the pots. Now that our relationship is out in the open, I’m more relaxed around him, and we talk easily. But there’s a niggle at the back of my mind. We haven’t talked about what “this” is exactly. I can no longer deny my feelings toward Landon. And that terrifies me.
All my life, I’ve thought I never needed anyone but myself. I never thought I’d tie myself to a man and open myself up to potentially be hurt. But now I’m not sure I can walk away.
After the dishes are done, Landon leads me upstairs to the bathroom that adjoins his bedroom. It’s one of those old-fashioned tubs with brass claw feet, and it’s full of steaming water and bubbles. Lavender scent fills the room, and candles line one side of the tub.
“I found these in Izzie’s old room.” Landon indicates the candles. “And the lavender.”
I’m overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, and tears spring to my eyes. Landon closes the distance between us and cradles my cheek in his hand. “Don’t cry, baby girl.”
His thumb brushes over my cheek, sending heat skittering over my skin. He’s so close I can smell his aftershave. Emotions well up inside me until it feels like my chest might explode.
“It’s been a big day,” is all I manage to whimper.
Landon cups my cheek and plants a kiss on my forehead. “Have a warm bath, then get into bed.”
