Hot Summer Nights

29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Leah

Landon held my hand as he drove us to Jason and Charlotte's house. It would be the first time we'd hung out with everyone as a couple since this whole thing started. Sure, they all knew what was going on between us, but that didn't temper my nerves in the least.

Part of me couldn't help but wonder what they'd think. What if they think it's a terrible idea? What if things are weird and no one knows how to act around us? Would they put on a brave face just for our sake and talk about how awkward it is behind our backs?

It was irrational. I know our friends would never do that, but my insecurities were rearing their ugly heads once again. Never before had I had to deal with this kind of uncertainty when it came to a relationship before.

I never used to care this much about how my friends saw my relationships. It just never crossed my mind. Maybe I was more confident before. Maybe I was naive.

Or maybe I never cared this much if a relationship worked out before...

I've dated. Had serious boyfriends. Introduced them to friends and family.

But with Landon, things feel so different. Especially this time around. He makes me nervous in a good way. But the way I'm feeling as the days go by...

Yeah, that scares the hell out of me. It's new and fierce and has the power to break me like no one has before.

I've said those three little words before, but I've never felt them like I'm starting to with him. That's huge for me. And daunting. Maybe that's all it is. My feelings for him are so big that I can't stand the thought of looking my best friends in the face and hearing them say they don't think we'll work out.

Even thinking it sends pangs through my chest.

I want us to work so badly it hurts.

A strong hand squeezes mine, pulling me out of my downward spiral. I look over at Landon in the driver's seat as he gives me his signature smile.

He exudes confidence and I can't help but relax as he looks at me. "We've got this, Leah. There's nothing for us to worry about or be ashamed of. And it's about time we get to show ourselves off to our friends."

Landon pulls my hand to his mouth, planting a sweet kiss on my knuckles. Instantly, my brain turns to mush.

How does he do that?

I feel a smile creep over my lips as he holds my hand close to his mouth. He knows how to calm my nerves and I love that about him. Looking back, I can't see how I never noticed before how kind and gentle he was. His cocky mask of arrogance was always up and hiding the person I've come to know so well over these last several weeks.

He's let his guard down for me, showing me a side to him that so few ever get to see. I feel so lucky to be one of them. So happy to call myself his.

Blue eyes catch mine and his smile widens. "What's on your mind, babe?"

Shyly, I shake my head. "Not much," I say. "Just thinking about this sexy guy I know."

Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth, I flash him a coy smirk. He answers with a chuckle. "Anyone I know?"

I shrug my shoulders, feigning ignorance. "Oh, definitely not," I tease. "He's just this guy I've known for a while. Tall, tan, and sexy with a mop of sun-kissed blond hair, electric blue eyes, and the hottest smirk I've ever seen. He's got this confidence about him that makes him irresistible."