Maddie

The Monday before my birthday, I was cooking in the sun, dragging a sack of fertilizer across the school grounds, when my phone buzzed. I took refuge under the shade of a large California oak tree before answering.

“Maddie Jennings speaking,” I said into my phone.

“Hi, Ms. Jennings. This is David Hooper, from Hooper Properties.”

I recognized the name. It was the housing developer who was looking for landscape developers for his green residential project. I’d applied a few weeks back, but I wasn’t expecting a call so soon.

“I love your portfolio, but I hit a roadblock in your application, and I’m hoping it’s a typo. In the comment section, you mentioned it would take you two months longer than I asked for to complete the project.”

“Yes, that’s correct. Unfortunately, that’s the capacity I have.”

“I see. Well, if your situation changes, give me a call. I’d love to work with you.”

“Sure. Thank you for the call, Mr. Hooper.”

I couldn’t help the pang of disappointment after the call disconnected. Sure, I’d known my personnel capacity would prevent me from winning this project, but hearing it out loud still stung. I thought about working with Elise again. Landon was right. I shouldn’t allow the failed partnership with Owen to keep me back from following my dreams. Easier said than done, but I resolved to give this more thought after my birthday.

Right now, I saw Leta Hendricks, the school’s principal, crossing the yard. I’d asked her here today to show her our progress, ask if she wanted any changes. The boys I’d hired for this project and I had worked a few weeks on it already. We still had ten days left, but I wanted her opinion before we completed it.

“This is amazing, Maddie. The parents will be very happy,” she announced. “I love what you did with that cluster of palm trees and with the arch with bougainvillea. It’s even better than what I imagined when you described it. And they blend nicely with the sycamore trees.”

“Of course. That’s what I wanted. I fell in love with this space as soon I saw them.”

The California sycamore trees were on the property before there was a school here. They gave the entire space a traditional air, even if the school was relatively new.

Since she was impressed, now was the best time to ask the principal for a favor. I took in her coiffed salt-and-pepper hair, the old-school cut of her jacket and skirt. Leta looked exactly like I’d imagined the principal of a private school would look. But despite her strict appearance, she was friendly.

“I’d love to stop by on the first day of school, if that’s okay with you, and show the parents and kids around.”

“Sure. We’d love to have you here.”

I didn’t doubt Leta would refer the parents to me if they asked, but I wanted to be more proactive. Nothing beat being there in person. I normally wasn’t a fan of pitching myself to people, but this opportunity was golden. I couldn’t pass it up.

“Thank you.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to get back to work.”

After she left, my stomach started grumbling, reminding me it was lunchtime. The boys had packed lunch with them, but I went to the burrito place across the street. I missed my lunches with Landon.

While I ate, I mentally reviewed my work calendar for the year. I was booked almost solid until the end of October. Even though LA had nice weather most of the time, people didn’t give redoing their yard much thought in winter, and I had to go the extra mile to secure projects. I wondered if project rotation was the same in San Jose, then shook my head. Why was I even entertaining those thoughts? I knew the score.

But I was missing Landon already.

***

The next morning, I woke up buzzing with anticipation. I patted the bed next to me, even though I knew it would be empty, but I’d harbored the hope that Landon had snuck in during the night. A girl could dream.

The buzz of anticipation intensified. Grace had been teasing me relentlessly about the plans she’d concocted with Landon and Lori, but neither was sharing any details. Bastards. I’d get my revenge on them first chance I got. Well, on Grace anyway. I wasn’t sure how that would work out with Lori or Landon. He was leaving in one week. Val had declared that she’d be fit to return to work by then. My eyes began to sting, and I blinked a few times. I couldn’t tear up on my birthday.

I reached for my phone. It was almost eight o’clock in the morning. I hadn’t slept so long on a weekday in years, but Landon had persuaded me to take the day off.

My phone rang the second the clock turned eight. I grinned as Landon’s name appeared on screen.

“Most people wait until later with the birthday calls. Common decency and all that.”

“I’m not most people. And I have no decency when it comes to you,” Landon said. “Happy birthday, Maddie.”

“Thank you. Are you going to tell me the plans for today?”

“Nah, but my helper will be there soon.”

I wiggled my ass. “Grace or Lori?”

“Grace.”

“I can’t believe you’ve been plotting with my sister and your sister. And that you’ve used all those tricks to convince me to take the day off.”

“I don’t remember you complaining at the time.”

I felt my cheeks burn. His tricks fell into two categories: racy and downright sinful. Of course I hadn’t complained.

“You really have no decency. I don’t know why I keep you around.”

Landon laughed softly. “I can’t wait to see you later. Have fun today.”

“Fun doing what? Come on, just a little hint.”

As if on cue, the bell rang. Landon must have heard it too, because he said, “That’s your hint. See you later, Maddie.”

“See you.”

I scrambled out of bed, looking for my jeans. An idea struck me. What if Landon was at the door, and he’d just been messing with me? My heart went pitter-patter at the thought. The knock at the front door became more insistent.

When I swung it open, my smile faltered just a bit.

“What’s that?” Grace’s voice dripped with accusation.

I hung my head in shame and owned up to my sins. “I’d gotten it into my mind that Landon was messing with me saying I’ll only see him later.”

“I’d be mad, but it’s understandable. I’d be disappointed too if I was expecting that hunk and all I got was little old me.”

I pulled her into a hug. “I’m not disappointed, you little schemer.”

“Happy birthday, sis.” Pulling back, she added, “I will be your guide today. You have fifteen minutes to get dressed.”

Curiosity and panic warred inside me. Curiosity regarding our plan for the day, and panic that I only had fifteen minutes to shower and dress. Fourteen minutes later, I did a full turn in front of Grace.

“Acceptable?”

She nodded. “Let’s go.”

My phone rang nonstop while Grace drove us through the city. Friends and old clients called, then my parents.

“We’re here,” Grace announced while I was bidding Mom goodbye. She pulled the car into a parking space on a narrow street lined with restaurants and shops. We were going shopping? I loved shopping. I didn’t need anything in particular, but that had never kept me from indulging. I loved pretty things.

I finished the conversation with Mom as Grace took my hand, guiding me onto the main street. Only when I shoved my phone into my purse did I realize we were on Rodeo Drive, also known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in LA.

“Rodeo Drive is a bit out of my budget, don’t you think?”

She winked. “Luckily, you’re the birthday girl so you’re not paying. Landon’s treat. He asked me what you liked to do, and I brought up shopping.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but she held up her finger.

“Any complaints, direct them to Landon. I’m just your guide. But just so you know, you’re not leaving here without at least a dress and shoes.”

“I can’t believe it!”

We came to a stop in front of a store displaying fabulous evening gowns. They looked exorbitant. I felt myself melting as we admired them. It was a hot day even for August standards. Grace pushed open the door to the store. It even smelled expensive.

A perfectly coiffed blonde vendor greeted us.

“How may I help you?” she asked.

“We’re looking for an evening gown. It’s my sister’s birthday, and we’re having a party tonight.”

“Of course. Shall I give you a tour? You can tell me which dresses you want to try on, and I’ll bring the right size to the changing room.”

I tried on dress after dress after dress, excitement bubbling inside me. I couldn’t decide which one was my favorite. The black one with a plunging neckline? The dark blue one with little ribbons up my back? I thought Landon would particularly like that one. Undressing me would be like unwrapping a gift. I toyed with the idea of sending Landon snapshots, but I wanted to surprise him. Then I had an even better idea. I took a picture of myself in between changing dresses, when I wore nothing but underwear. He replied after I’d already slipped into a new dress.

Landon: Maddie...You don’t want to do this. Teasing me is a dangerous game.

I licked my lips, anticipation firing me up.

Maddie: You’ve teased me about my birthday. This is your punishment.

Landon: I’ll collect my reward tonight.

I clenched my thighs, letting out a long breath. Right. This was not the moment to get turned on, with the vendor and Grace waiting for me to come out of the changing room. Damn Landon. How could he affect me even from a distance?

“If something doesn’t fit you perfectly, we’re happy to modify it. We have a seamstress here, and she’ll have it ready for you in a few hours,” the vendor called from behind the curtain separating the changing room from the store.

“Okay.”

I still had one more to try. A white one that looked like something out of a fairy tale. The bodice was tight, with a delicate motif of pink magnolias. The skirt was light chiffon, flowing into an A-shape to the floor. Both Grace and the vendor sighed when I walked out wearing it.

“This is the one,” Grace exclaimed. But my stomach tightened as I looked at my reflection. I looked like a bride trying on her wedding gown. The dress was definitely beautiful enough to pass as a wedding dress. And the man was perfect enough to marry.

I shook my head, dispelling the fantasy. I wasn’t going to marry Landon. He was never going to ask. This wasn’t what this was. He’d said right from the beginning that he didn’t know how to do love. Why had my thoughts even wandered in that direction?

Because Landon was the only man who’d made me feel special. He’d done the legwork to find out what I liked, just to please me. Landon had made me feel special ever since he’d walked me home the night after we danced. Every kiss and touch made me feel special.

I loved him. I could admit that to myself, at least. There was no hiding from my own feelings when I fantasized about being Landon’s bride just because I was trying on a white dress.

“No, I have another favorite,” I said eventually. My voice didn’t sound quite right, but I hoped neither Grace nor the vendor could pick up on it. “I’m trying on the blue one again.”

I bolted back inside the changing room, pulling the curtain. I changed out of the dress without looking in the mirror. But my mind came up with more pesky thoughts.

Could I move to San Jose? I’d followed a man once, and it hadn’t worked well for me. Could I start over in another city? For Landon? Grace was all grown-up, so she didn’t need me here physically, and I could work as a landscaper anywhere. I had savings to cover Grace’s tuition fees even in case business was rocky in the beginning.

Even though I’d built my business here, I didn’t have many repeat clients. People didn’t remodel their gardens often. Recommendations brought in a big chunk of business, and most clients recommended me to their friends in LA, so I’d be starting over. I couldn’t believe I was even contemplating starting over. But Landon was worth the risk. The big question was, would Landon want me to move at all? I was afraid his answer would be “no.”

“I want this one,” I said when I came out wearing the blue one again. “But it needs tucking in at the waist.”

The vendor nodded. “I’m going to get our seamstress.”

“This is so expensive, though,” I muttered to Grace once the vendor was out of earshot.

My sister didn’t miss a beat. “Not for Landon. Let the man buy you what he wants. He was as excited as a kid when we planned this. He’s the only man I’ve ever heard sound happy about spending money on clothes.”

Oh, how well I could imagine that enthusiasm. Grace was right. It would make Landon happy. And wasn’t that what I wanted? Also, the dress was gorgeous.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”

The vendor reappeared with the seamstress. It took her all of ten minutes to set up her needles.

“I can have it ready for you in two hours,” she said.

“We can be back for it in two and a half,” Grace said, making me wonder what else she and Landon had planned for me.

We shopped till we dropped. I bought two pairs of shoes and a bag, as well as a number of tops and jeans. While I was trying on my last pair of shoes, I caught Grace looking wistfully at the racks of merchandise.

“What?” I asked.

“Landon said I should buy something for myself too, but I feel like I’d be taking advantage.”

My heart soared. He’d even thought of Grace.

“Well, the joke’s on you, little sis. You’re not leaving here without a pair of shoes.”

Manicures and pedicures were on the list too. I’d asked Grace if they were a gift from Landon too, and she’d replied, “No! That’s my gift, because you’re the best sister ever.”

By the time we returned to my bungalow, I wanted to take a nap, but I still had work to do. I had to wash my hair and style it, and apply makeup. We popped open a small bottle of champagne while we did each other’s makeup.

We took a cab to the location, and I was so excited, it was ridiculous. We drove into West Hollywood and pulled in front of a white building lined with wood poles at regular intervals. The simplicity was chic and elegant. The rooftop was glass-encased, and I could see people milling around. The name of the restaurant, Sinful, made me smile.

Landon came out the front door the next second, giving Grace and me a wide smile.

“Here is the birthday girl,” my sister announced unnecessarily.

“Happy birthday, Maddie,” said Landon.

“Thank you for today.” I did a full turn so he could admire me. My blonde hair was styled in a chic updo, with a few curled strands falling from it to reach my shoulders. The dark blue dress didn’t have a plunging neckline, but it did show enough cleavage to spark someone’s imagination. The ribbons on the back were my favorite part. The skirt reached down to my toes. I moved my leg through the thigh-high gap, showcasing the shoes—black, sky-high heels, and a thin strap I’d wrapped around each of my ankles. Landon might not know shoes, but he recognized hot as hell when he saw it. His eyes turned molten.

Grace cleared her throat. “Shall we go upstairs, lovebirds?”

I smiled sheepishly, taking Landon’s arm as Grace led the way through the building. We went up a narrow spiral staircase. I held my dress up in my free hand, afraid I’d step on it.

“Who is here?” I asked when we reached the upper floor, tapping my foot to the rhythm of the music blaring through the loudspeakers. The room was dimly lit, with an inviting atmosphere. The glass wall at the other side of the room showed a beautiful view of LA at night.

“You’ll see,” Landon said, kissing the side of my head.

Grace beamed. “Landon and Lori asked me to make a list of the friends you’d like to see.”

I’d been expecting Dylan and Alena, and even Emma and Robbie, who’d driven over from Desert Hot Springs. But I definitely wasn’t expecting my best friends from college, Jenny and Wilma, and even Sarah and Lydia, with whom I’d shared an apartment back in Miami.

The Connor clan was sitting at a round table, near the glass wall. Val still had the cast on her leg, but her ribs had healed, at least. Lori strode straight to us, flinging her arms around me.

“Happy birthday,” she chanted. “What do you think?”

“This is incredible. Thank you.”

“Now, I don’t want to take all the credit, Grace and Landon helped. But it was mostly me,” she said with sass.

“Well, this is great. Where is Milo?”

“I arranged a sleepover with one of his friends so I didn’t have to leave too soon.”

I went on to say hi to everyone, smiling from ear to ear the entire time.

Jenny monopolized me right after I made the rounds, dragging me to the bar. The menu was full of cinematic-themed cocktails. I ordered a Casablanca, and Jenny a Cleopatra. She was rocking a little black dress, not looking one day older than in our college days.

“Girl, I thought I’d melt on the spot when Landon called. You’ve found yourself a keeper,” she said. I sighed sadly, sipping my drink. I knew that, of course. The question was how to keep him?

I hadn’t had a big bash in years, not since I moved to LA, anyway. Life had gotten in the way, and I’d always had a small celebration, but this was the way a birthday should be celebrated. In style.

I found my way to the Connor table soon enough. Lori and Hailey were sitting with Val. Landon, Jace, and Will were scattered around the room. The Connor girls were knockouts tonight. Val was wearing a tunic-style red dress with a black leather belt around her middle. One leg was bared, the other concealed by the white cast. Hailey had styled her dark hair in a frilly bun, with curled strands falling in ringlets around her face. I was jealous of her killer red shoes with silver heels. It was only when I saw her sitting between Lori and Val that I realized she was the only sister who didn’t have green eyes. Hers were dark, like chocolate. Lori rocked a white, short dress with a lovely lace pattern, her blonde hair pulled into a French braid.

“Girls, I come bringing cocktails,” I announced, setting the tray with four glasses on the wooden table.

“My favorite words ever,” Hailey exclaimed.

We all helped ourselves to a glass, and as we clinked them, Val said, “To the wonderful Maddie, who’s made our brother happier than I’ve ever seen him.”

“Hear, hear,” Hailey said. “I can vouch for that, and I’ve been keeping an eye on him at the office.”

“Girls, stop. You’re making me blush.”

Val, who was sitting nearest, covered my hand with hers. “You’re good for him, Maddie. And looking at you, all happy and gooey, I’d say he’s good for you too.”

Lori was picking at her fingernails, a suspicious smile playing on her lips. “Just saying, but I want to plan a Connor wedding soon. Considering the state of things, you’re the most likely candidates.”

Damn. My imagination didn’t need more ammunition. It was in a dangerous place tonight as it was. The cocktails weren’t helping.

When Landon pulled me in the darkest corner of the dance floor a while later, my emotions were running high. If that was how he did birthdays, I wondered how he’d make a proposal. I bet it would be epic. I sighed. Tonight, Landon had opened the floodgates. Dreams and hopes were coming through. I was powerless to stop them, and that scared me a little.

“What are you thinking about? Must be something real good. Look at the smile,” he said.

“It’s top secret,” I teased.

“Is that so?”

I nodded confidently, even though my pulse skittered. I was afraid he’d see straight into my heart.

“I happen to know a few techniques to make you spill secrets,” he said.

He touched my upper lip with his forefinger, pressing on the bow. He pulled me to him, swiping his tongue where he’d touched before, in a slow, sensual movement. I felt his lick straight between my thighs. He captured my mouth with his, kissing me until my toes curled and I wanted to climb him. Oh goodness, his kisses weren’t helping me close those floodgates. Not at all.

“What you did today for me was so thoughtful. Thanks,” I said. “I’m just happy.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I love making you happy.”

He flashed me that dreamy smile I adored. I reached out and pulled him in for another kiss, needing his lips again.

Landon touched my arms, my back, then lowered one hand down my back. There was a small, inviting slit between the last ribbon and the base of my spine. Landon found it and slipped two fingers there, as if what was on display wasn’t enough and he needed to touch more of me. I melted against him, moaning into his mouth when I felt his erection against my belly. Landon rocked me to the rhythm of the music, resting his mouth on my neck.

“I can’t wait to take you home, make you mine,” he said when the song was over. His voice was gruff. His breath was coming out in hot bursts that lit me up too. He looked at me as if he wanted to claim me right here on the dance floor. I swear I could feel my panties melting under the heat in his gaze.

I trailed my fingers on his chest. The white shirt was stretched over his taut muscles. I could trace his dents and ridges in my sleep by now.

“Maddie, don’t tempt me.”

I knew his words were supposed to warn me, but his voice sounded like pure sex, making me wanton. But I decided to behave. I didn’t want to tempt him to the point where he’d whisk me away. I was detecting that possessive glint in his eyes that meant he wasn’t far from throwing me over his shoulder, and I hadn’t even cut the cake.