Hot Summer Nights

39

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Leah

Landon sticking up for me to my parents was one of the sweetest and hottest things I've ever witnessed. Never in a million years would I have imagined that someone I was dating would be bold enough to say those things to them.

No one has before, not even Colin who's one of the boldest people I know.

It was shocking and thrilling at the same time. Landon stood up for me, showing everyone within earshot that he was in my corner and that he would fight for me when I couldn't find it in me to fight for myself.

I felt so much for him as I witnessed his lecture to my parents- awe, amazement, affection, and extreme attraction. When he took my hand and led me outside, I had forgotten all the shame and dejection I felt at my mother's words.

If any fraction of those emotions were left, they all flew out the window when Landon took my face in his hands and kissed me. After that, he was all I could focus on.

His actions only made my feelings multiply. If I hadn't already fallen for him, I'd certainly have been a goner after that.

As soon as we got back to my apartment, I showed him how appreciative I was of him, stripping us both bare and dragging him to my bedroom. We came together in a heated rush of passion and lust, not separating until we'd both come hard enough to see stars.

Once wasn't enough. Not after what he'd done for me. Not after what his actions made me feel for him.

I rode him hard and fast, slow and steady, gentle and deep. We spent hours that night worshiping one another, making love until the early morning sun started to rise.

I almost told him then- how I felt, but I wanted to make it special. So, I waited. And I planned.

~

For days after the dinner incident, my parents tried to call me. I let each attempt go to voicemail until I was ready to speak to them again. When I finally answered, they apologized profusely. They said that they never meant to hurt me the way they had, and promised to set aside their worries until I told them myself that there was something to worry about.

We had a heart-to-heart and they took a long time asking about my platforms and getting to know more about what I do for people and why I love it so much. In the end, they told me they loved me and knew why others did too.

They apologized for not taking an interest in it much before and confessed that they worried that it was a fleeting interest. They thought I'd get bored with it and give it up, then wind up lost and frantically searching for a new purpose in life. They just wanted the best for me, and now I think they see that I'm the one who knows what that is.

It was nice getting to share that part of myself with them. They never seemed to take an interest in it before, but now that they understand it better, I know they'll support me much more going forward.

Both Mom and Dad promised they wouldn't shove more job openings down my throat and agreed to only bring up the family business to share their successes with me. No more talk of me leaving my social media to come to work for my dad.

It felt great.

Everything seemed to be going so well and it felt like I was walking on clouds as I headed to Tessa's apartment to hang out with her, Charlotte, and Colin. I'd told them how I felt about Landon and how I wanted to tell him in a grand gesture. So, they agreed to help me plan everything out.

That's one of the reasons we were meeting today. I had several ideas for the big night, but I wanted to get their input too.

As I walked to Tessa's door, I felt so light and airy. Nothing could ruin my mood. Nothing.