Page 69 of Don't Look Down
“Pretty much.”
“I love it. I have arrived.” I strike a pose with a flourish. When he closes the door behind me, I automatically kick my shoes off next to the entryway. “You practically live in Fort Knox here. Very secure.”
“Yeah, I heard some horror stories, and I wanted to avoid recreating them.” Shaking his head, he recalls, “In my rookie year, some of the veteran players told me how some of the more aggressive puck bunnies were tracking them down at home. To avoid that possible scenario completely, I just decided to go straight to a secure neighborhood.”
“I don’t blame you at all. My place isn’t this locked down, but it’s guarded enough that I feel safe there. And the amenities suit my needs.”
I follow him through a large sitting room. “Are you one of those boujee folks who has a formal living room and an actual living room? This room doesn’t look too cozy.”
He shoots me a sheepish grin over his shoulder. “Nailed it. This is more of an entertaining space. My actual living room isbasically a nicer version of a man cave, thanks to mom.” We pass a few doors on our way down a hallway “Downstairs guest bedroom and bath are in here. It’s a great space. Here’s another full bathroom.”
“How many rooms do you have in total?”
“It’s four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Admittedly, a bit bigger than I need, but if I’m here long term, it has so much growth potential. Two of the bedrooms upstairs are also set up as guestrooms.”
Growth potential. A family? Is he picturing a family with Savannah? Seems like the not-girlfriend-girlfriend is a whole lot more than he’s said.For a ridiculous split second, I almost can’t catch my breath. My hands tingle and there’s a tightness growing in the center of my chest.
Meanwhile, we’ve made it into his kitchen, which smells absolutely delicious. My stomach growls, completely unsympathetic to my inner pain.
Landon has been talking the whole time I’ve been spiraling.
“Do you like Italian? I didn’t even think to ask.” His eyes are trained on my face, waiting for my answer.
Make a joke. Don’t let him see your pain.“Love Italians.Yum.” I smirk at him. It feels a bit forced to me, but I guess I have a better poker face than he thinks. He laughs, and it doesn’t seem like he notices my turmoil. That’s a blessing right now.
He moves toward the counter, where he has plates, silverware, and napkins laid out. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“A very emphatic yes.”
My eyes roam his space. Off to the right of the kitchen is his obviously well-used living room, with a huge TV and an equally huge sofa. He can probably fit eight hockey players on that thing.
To the left is a dining room with a giant-ass table, with a massive painting hanging above a sideboard. His whole teamcould probably fit around it. I’m probably exaggerating, but not by much.
The kitchen island might be the largest I’ve ever seen in person, stools lining one end. Nobody could ever accuse Landon of not having ample seating.
My jaw drops when my eyes land on his stove. Six burners. And a legit griddle in the center. Double ovens. Black stainless-steel appliances. I’d kill to cook a meal in this kitchen. It’s literally a dream.
“It’s almost wasteful having a kitchen like this when I don’t cook much. But it felt like a need when I saw it.”
“Yes. Just yes. Oh my God, Landon. It’s amazing. You have to let me cook for us one day.”
His smile grows. “I know the owner. I’m sure if I put in a good word for you, that can be arranged.”
He grabs some towels off the counter and reaches into one of the ovens to pull out some foil containers. Shamelessly, I watch his juicy ass when he bends over. Sue me. It’s a masterpiece. I may still be dying inside picturing Landon and Savannah as a happy family, but I will appreciate a gorgeous sight when it’s so perfectly presented for my viewing pleasure. I bite my fingertip.I’d really like a side of that ass for lunch, but that’s not happening.
“I ordered some food from Luigi’s. My mom and I eat there all the time. It’s my favorite whenI’m in the mood for Italian.”
It’s cute he ordered us their favorite foods for lunch.
Making a big show, I inhale deeply and rub my stomach. “It smells fantastic. I’m sure whatever you got us will be amazing.”
He juts his chin toward his fridge. “Can you grab the salad for me? I was thinking we could eat outside at the patio table. It’s nice out.”
He laughs at me when I moan in appreciation. “Listen. Your whole entire kitchen is like nirvana. I appreciate the simplethings, but boo. This kitchen?” I bring my fingers to my lips in a chef’s kiss. “You have no idea. My abuela and I would have a field day cooking together in here.Vamos a cocinar una tremenda cazuela de arroz con pollo.Oh yas.Y maduros tambien. Ay que rico.” When I’m done ogling his fridge and grabbing the salad, I turn around and he’s staring at me. “What?”
His cheeks pinken. Clearing his throat, he smiles shyly. “It’s cute how excited you are over a kitchen.”
“Whatever, Landon.” I sniff and turn my nose up at him haughtily. “Now lead the way. I’m starved.” His entire back wall is glass, and he leads us through the centermost panel. Stepping over the threshold, I see the tracks seem to continue along both sides of the glass. “Is this whole wall sliding doors?”