Landon had done his homework and already knew where he was taking Bree before he even got to her room. He had Googled her and found out everything about her — high society debutante who didn’t want to be one. He passed by William’s room on the way to hers, shaking his head. What an idiot. Although they were on the same team, it was hard to like him sometimes. He was so stuck up Landon wondered how he didn’t drown when it rained. He stood in front of Bree’s door, took a deep breath, knocked, and waited.

A girl answered the door and her eyes went wide. “You’re Landon Reynolds.”

“Last time I checked.”

“Um, Chloe’s room is next door.”

Landon smiled. Chloe was the head of the cheerleading squad. She must have thought that was who he was looking for. “I’m actually here for Bree. Do I have the wrong room?”

“Bree?”

“Yes, Bree. We have a date. Is she ready?”

“You… have a date with Bree.” She eyed him up and down.

“Yes. Is she here?”

“Oh my God, Penny. What is your problem?” Bree walked up and spotted Landon. “Oh, hi.”

“Are you ready?”

“You were serious?”

“Yes, I was. Now hurry up.” Landon chuckled.

“Okay.” Bree turned around, heading to her room. “Wait, what am I wearing?”

“Jeans and boots.”

“Boots?”

“Yup.” Landon stepped into the room checking around. “Nice room.”

“Thanks!” Bree was in her room trying to find her clothes. Landon at her door had been a surprise. She had thought he was joking when he had asked her out, some kind of payback for how she had treated him.

“So, you are taking Bree out.”

“Why do you look so shocked?”

“You’re a football player.”

“So?”

“So, football players date cheerleaders, not geeks.” Penny crossed her arms.

“I’m not a normal football player.”

“I’m starting to get that.”

“Okay, I’m ready.” Bree came out in jeans and boots. Her hair was in a ponytail and she had her glasses on.

Landon took her hand. “Let’s go.”

Bree shot a look at her roommate on the way out the door. Penny had her thumbs up and was making kissy lips at her. Bree stuck her tongue out. Landon opened her door for her and got in the car. He turned in the seat and looked at her.

“Once we get closer to where I’m taking you, I have to blindfold you.”

“Is this a joke? You’re a serial killer.”

“It’s a surprise.”

She sat back and closed her eyes. She shot sideways glances at Landon while he drove. He had to be the sexiest guy she had ever laid eyes on. His eyes were by far his best feature; you could just get lost in those big puppy-dog brown eyes. He had strong hands, and when he had taken her hand, her palms were sweating.

Once they went over the bridge, Landon gave her the blindfold. They drove for another half hour before stopping. Bree could hear a gravel driveway. Landon got out and opened her door for her. He turned her around and took the blindfold off.

Bree looked around. They were definitely out in the country, and the first thing she saw were horses, at least ten of them running around. She turned and looked at Landon with a smile.

“How did you know?”

“I punched your name into that box that lights up and it gave me information.”

“Okay, you can stop with the computer jokes. I know you’re computer savvy.”

Landon watched her stroll toward the horses. She was an avid rider, had even competed before. He had called his grandfather and asked a favor. Once Jeremy Reynolds-Farrelli had found out Landon was taking a girl out, he had called in his own favors and gotten Landon the whole place to themselves.

Landon called one of them over and stroked his hand up his soft nose. “So, want to go for a ride?”

“Is that a joke?”

They were side by side riding and Bree felt the wind whipping her hair. She was impressed with Landon’s skills. He not only kept up, but made some jumps as well. They rode until they came to the beach and then Landon dismounted and moved over to help her. He put his arms out and Bree smiled. She knew how to get down from a horse, but she indulged him.

He put his hands at her waist and lifted her down, looking into her eyes. Bree was sweating again and her pulse was racing. Landon ran his hand over her cheek, moving her hair back. “Having fun?”

“I am.”

They walked along the beach with the horses behind them talking about everything. Landon told her about growing up with his dads, his best friends, and everything they had ever gone through. Bree told him about her life. Thrust into the limelight as a young girl, she had hated it, and gave most of her money to charity. Her parents had tried to push her at any available blue blood they could find, which just made her that much more determined to take care of herself.

“I know they hate each other. They think I don’t hear them, but I do.” Bree sighed. “They are constantly arguing about some guy. I don’t remember his name, but I guess he’s like a grandfather or something.”

“I’m sorry.” Landon looked at her. “I guess I’m lucky. My dads have been happily married for a long time. High school sweethearts. They don’t really get much gay bashing either. They’re kind of huge.”

“I know, I saw.” Bree clapped her hand over her mouth. “Ooops.”

“What do you mean you saw them?”

“Nothing.”

“You saw the video, didn’t you?”

“No. What video?” Bree giggled.

“You did!” Landon laughed.

Bree smiled and felt wetness on her hand. She looked up to see it had started snowing. They got back on the horses and made it back to the house within a half hour, and Landon saw her shivering. She had a sweater on, but the temperature had dropped since they had come out.

“Here.” Landon took off his letterman jacket and helped her put it on.

They got back to the school by ten and Landon walked her back to her room. She was walking fast again, and Landon almost had to run to catch up. Maybe their date hadn’t gone as well as he thought it had.

Bree was nervous. This was the end of the date and she didn’t think she was ready to kiss Landon. What if she sucked at it? She almost ran to her room like an idiot. When she turned to say goodnight, Landon was right in her face.

“Well, goodnight, Landon.”

Landon searched her eyes. He could see she wasn’t ready. He put his hand on the door behind her, blocking her in. He took her glasses off with his other hand. “You have beautiful eyes.”

“Thank you.”

Landon leaned in and heard Bree’s breath hitch. Her eyes closed and Landon leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek. “ ’Night, Bree.”

“ ’Night.” Bree opened her eyes. Landon backed away and walked down the hall.

“Wait. What about your jacket?” Bree began to take it off.

“I’ll get it on our next date.” Landon winked.

Bree leaned against the door and closed her eyes. Landon Reynolds was gorgeous and a gentleman. The door opened, sending Bree on her butt with a loud grunt. She looked up at Penny standing over her.

“You have his jacket? Did he kiss you?” Penny pulled her up off the floor.

Bree practically floated to her room. She fell back on her bed, smiling. “He kissed my cheek.”

“Is he gay?”

“No, idiot. He was being a gentleman.”

Penny sat on the bed. “Wow, he’s gorgeous and sweet and gorgeous.”

“You said that.”

“It bears repeating. Did he ask you out again?”

“Kind of. He said he’d get his jacket back on our next date.”

“That is another date!” Penny almost screamed.

Bree lay back and snuggled into Landon’s jacket. She could smell a hint of cologne and closed her eyes.

“Well I’ll just leave you to fantasize then.” Penny winked.

“Oh, I will. I will.”