Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
My palms are sweating as we walk into the hotel. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so nervous for Landon and my mom to meet. Maybe it’s because it was high school the last time I introduced her to anyone. Maybe it’s because I’m afraid he’ll see the house I grew up in and it hits him that I’m just some common girl and that our lives are too different. Maybe it’s because I love him with my entire being, and I’m afraid that by letting him into my past and developing a connection with my mom, the pain is going to be even more striking if this ends.
“Tess!” I hear him call out for me. My eyes scan the crowd until I see him. Suddenly, all my worries fade away. His cerulean blue eyes are shining, and his dimples are on full display when he reaches us. He doesn’t care who’s around. He pulls me into his arms and buries his face in my neck. “Missed you,” he murmurs.
Lifting his head but keeping me in his arms, I embrace him and cuddle into his chest. “Landon Barker. So nice to meet you, Caroline.” He takes the initiative and introduces himself to my mother.
“Nice to meet you, as well. I’d ask if you’re taking good care of her, but I think I have my answer.” Mom’s smile is broad as she takes in the two of us cuddled together.
I know I should pull away from him, but I can’t seem to make myself do it. Not to mention, I don’t think he would let me if I tried.
“I’ve got us a table. Autumn, Jeremy is with us, as well. He’s talking with Coach Neil and the team owner. He’ll join us in a few.” He looks down at me and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get seated.” He finally drops his arms, links his fingers through mine, and guides us through the masses. Players and their families linger everywhere in the large room. “This is us.” He pulls the chair out for me and then tries to for my mom, but she and Autumn are already sitting.
The four of us make small talk over the appetizers, and by the time the salads are served, it feels like we’ve all been friends for years. There’s no awkward silence or lull in conversation. Landon is at ease, as is my mother. Her smile tells me she really likes him. Autumn has met my mom a few times since I’ve known her, so she fits into the conversation just as smoothly. Jeremy joins us, and Mom tells him she loves his accent, so he lays on the charm, hamming it up for her. Autumn just smiles and rolls her eyes.
“This was amazing,” Mom says, pushing her plate back. “Landon, thank you for inviting me. I know this is a family event, but it was nice to get to meet you and see the two of you together.”
“And me,” Jeremy chimes in, making us all laugh.
“It was my pleasure. Besides,” he turns and looks at me, his eyes softening, “we’re family now.” The look in his eyes tells me he means what he says, and by the audible “Awes” coming from Mom and Autumn, they know it, too.
“Bugger had to steal my thunder,” Jeremy says, but it’s his exaggerated thunda that has us all laughing again. I swear he forces his Australian accent to be thicker, more pronounced just for Mom.
“Sounds like this is the table to be at,” a man, probably in his early fifties, says, stopping to stand next to our table. There’s a woman on his arm, and although she’s beautiful, her resting bitch face takes away from her natural beauty.
“Mr. Stamper, this is my wife, Autumn,” Jeremy introduces.
“And this is my girlfriend, Tessa, and her mother, Caroline. Ladies, this is the team owner, Joseph Stamper.”
Joseph’s smile seems to falter as he looks at me and then my mom. I hope he’s not angry that we’re here. His eyes float to Autumn. “Nice to meet you, Autumn. Welcome to the Cougars family,” he says politely before his gaze turns back to me. “Tessa.” His voice is softer, almost reverent. “You seem to be getting our team some positive PR.” He gives me a kind smile.
“Oh, no, that’s all Landon,” I say with a nervous laugh. “There’s no controlling him.”
“Not when it comes to you,” Landon says, not caring who hears him.
“Caroline, was it?” Mr. Stamper says, glancing at my mom. His eyes are locked on her. “It’s good to see you… here supporting Landon. You all enjoy your dinner,” he says, walking away.
“His wife is an odd one,” Autumn says, and I nod my agreement.
“Goodness, I’m worn out. I didn’t sleep well last night, too excited for your visit. I think I’m going to call a cab.” Mom reaches into her purse to hand me her keys. “You two keep the car and come home when you’re ready.”