Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
“Oh,” Ella says sadly. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
“It’s okay, baby. It was a long time ago.”
Landon clears his throat and stands. “I’m going to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
After Ella shows us her baby photos and then takes Landon outside to watch her on the balance beam, we decide to watch a movie. Ella makes a makeshift bed on the floor with a bunch of her blankets and pillows, Hunter gets comfy on the love seat, and Landon and I snuggle up next to each other on the other couch. Landon had some extra clothes here from when we went swimming, so he changed out of his suit and into them so he’s more comfortable.
With my head against his chest, he runs his fingers through my hair while we watch the movie. I’m not sure how long I last before I fall asleep, but the next thing I know, I’m being carried to bed. “The kids?” I murmur, half-asleep.
“Both in bed,” Landon says. He lays me on my bed and pushes the sheets up to my chest. Then he bends down and kisses my forehead.
“Wait,” I say, grabbing his arm. “Lie down with me.”
“Harper…”
“Just for a few minutes, please.” I pout.
“Only for a few minutes,” he warns.
He climbs into bed and I snuggle into his chest. We’ve only been able to spend a few nights together since the kids are with me the majority of the time.
“I really like this,” I murmur softly.
“I do too,” he agrees, trailing his fingers up and down my back. “Does Richie take the kids this weekend?”
“Mmhmm.”
“How about we go away?”
“Just the two of us?” I ask, glancing up at him.
“Yeah. We can leave Friday after he picks up the kids and be back by Monday.”
“That sounds really good,” I tell him as I close my eyes and fall back asleep.
Twenty-Six
Harper
“Harp, you gotta wake up, baby.”
I open my eyes and glance around, trying to figure out where we are. After Richie picked up the kids—late, of course—and I informed him I wouldn’t be home until Monday, so he wouldn’t be able to bring them home early, Landon and I set off in my SUV to wherever it is he’s planned for us this weekend. We weren’t even ten minutes into our drive before I passed out.
“Hey,” I croak, sitting up. “How long was I asleep for?”
“It was an hour drive.”
An hour!? “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately.” I’ve been working on my lesson plans and spending time with Landon and the kids, nothing out of the norm. But this last week or so I’ve felt exhausted.
“No worries,” Landon says, giving me a kiss. “You look adorable with drool dripping down your chin.”
“Landon!” I shriek, my neck warming with embarrassment.
“I’m just kidding.” He laughs. “You’re a busy mom. You need your sleep. I’m hoping this weekend will be relaxing and you’ll get some extra sleep.” Then he leans in and whispers, “That is when I’m not wearing you out.” He backs up and winks before opening the door.
“C’mon,” he says. “Let’s go check in and then we can settle into our room.”
While Landon grabs our luggage, I take it all in. The hotel isn’t simply a hotel. It’s more like a cross between a gorgeous mansion and a castle. The entire outside is white brick and mortar and has to be at least three stories tall. From what I can see, there’s a wraparound porch and several balconies. Surrounding the place are bright green lush shrubs and trees, but when I take in a deep breath, I smell salt in the air. We’re near the water.
After checking in and learning we’re in Newport at The Chanler, which is located on the water, along the infamous Cliff Walk, we head up to our room. I’ve heard of the Cliff Walk, but I’ve never been. From what I’ve heard, it’s a few miles of beautiful sidewalk along the Easton Bay.
When we step into our room—more like a freaking suite—I’m taken aback by how gorgeous this place is. The room is extravagant yet cozy, with rich chocolate browns and creams. There’s a comfy-looking king-sized bed, a dining table and chairs, and on the back wall are two French doors leading outside. Even though it’s already dark outside, I open the doors to check it out and find we’re overlooking the bay, and our balcony isn’t a balcony but a private deck—complete with patio furniture and a hot tub.
As I’m leaning against the railing, strong arms wrap around my body, causing me to jump slightly. “This place is amazing,” I tell Landon as he nuzzles his face into my neck, giving the sensitive spot against my pulse point a kiss. “But just so you know, we could’ve gone somewhere local… less expensive.”
It’s not that I don’t appreciate this grand gesture, but I don’t want him to think this is the way to my heart. Richard did that shit for years, focusing more on the cost than on us, and it’s one of the many reasons we never worked. I might live in an expensive home and drive an expensive car, but I’m not obsessed with the cost of things like Richard is, and I never want Landon to think he has to spend money on me to be let into my heart. He’s already there.