Hot Summer Nights

38

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Landon

I watch Leah as she finishes getting ready for our dinner date tonight. She looks incredible with her strappy heels and hair brushing the bare skin at her back. I can't stop staring.

She's just so fucking beautiful. I can't get over it.

She starts fussing with a strand of hair near her face and I can see the worry behind her eyes. Tonight's dinner isn't just the two of us- her parents invited us out to celebrate the success of her father's recent venture.

I don't think Leah has spoken to her mother much since the difficult phone call that almost sent her into a downward spiral- not that I blame her. I wouldn't want to talk to someone who bashes my life choices every chance they get either. Not to say that her parents are bad people- I've met them before at their lake house- they're perfectly nice, but they put so much pressure on Leah. And that bothers me.

I'm sure Mrs. Banks didn't mean for her words to cut her daughter down the way they did, but her delivery was shit. And it's a conversation that keeps happening. I know they worry about Leah and how stable and successful she'll be, but they don't give her nearly enough credit.

They don't see how hard she works or how incredibly loved she is by her followers- how successful she already is. They're still blinded by the dated belief that the only way to succeed in life is to hold a practical, traditional kind of job. Leah's parents don't understand what she does and that worries them. I wish they'd give her the benefit of the doubt and trust her to make her own choices in life.

I can already tell her nerves are starting to get to her. The worry lines between her eyes and the way she's abusing her lower lip are dead giveaways.

Stepping up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her closely. "You look perfect, Leah. There's not a person on this Earth who could deny that right now."

That earns me a grateful smile, but I can still sense her apprehension. Her muscles are tense and her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes.

I kiss her cheek, giving her hip a gentle squeeze before telling her, "I'll be right there with you the whole time. I've got your back, babe. Always."

She seems to relax a fraction as our eyes meet in the mirror. I watch her eyes lighten as she leans into me. "Thank you, Landon. It means so much to me that you're going with me tonight."

"I wouldn't miss it," I tell her honestly.

She links our hands for a moment before checking the time on her phone.

With a deep breath, she asks, "Ready to do this?"

I shoot her my most confident smile, hoping to ease some more of her tension. "I'm ready if you are."

~

The restaurant is filled with nicely dressed patrons as we're led to our table by the host. The music is light and lively and the atmosphere is relaxed. I hope silently that it's a sign of how our dinner will go with Mr. and Mrs. Banks.

The host stops at a table where they're already waiting. When they see us, Leah's mom stands to greet us both with a hug and a light smile.

So far, so good.

Leah's dad tells his daughter hello, hugging her before turning to me. "Landon," he greets with an outstretched hand. "Good to see you again."

"Likewise, sir," I tell him, clasping his hand firmly.