Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“Next week is like five days from now?” How could he live without Landon every day? He loved the life they shared. Landon was his world. What would he do?
Landon nodded toward the phone, encouraging him to take it, a pained look on his face as he said, “You’re making it worse again. Make the call.” Landon pressed his thumb to Rodney’s contact information and handed over the phone, staying right there as he spoke to Rodney, nodding his encouragement when he offered to buy the restaurant.
Chapter 35
Five days later
Landon stared absently at the legal documents on top of the conference room table of the Adams DC law firm. He somewhat listened to the explanation and details, watching Robert sign his name when instructed. As he’d come to learn of Robert Adams, once things were set in motion, it was just going to be that way. A genetic trait he was certain came from Avery Adams. After Landon signed where instructed, he’d become a part owner of the legendary La Bella Luna restaurant—Robert’s family’s business.
He hadn’t intended to be a real part owner, not on paper and legalized. Those were just words given to make Robert see the benefit of buying La Bella Luna. No amount of arguing could penetrate Robert’s thick head and make him see anything other than this being a joint effort between them, a happily married couple. Landon had tried to explain that many marriages ended once the initial intensity fizzled, but his steadfast husband couldn’t even comprehend the idea. To Robert, he and Landon were soul mates, two people who would absolutely be together forever.
Funny how intimidation worked. Landon had thought he was done with being made to feel inferior after he had signed the paperwork granting him half of everything Robert owned. At the time, Robert explained his desire to have Landon comfortable with their life, and since his money was a trigger for Landon’s insecurity, Robert had just given it to him. Even stranger, for some reason it had worked. Landon had understood Robert’s line of thinking and explanation, and Landon had settled into their lives. Of course, he wouldn’t touch any of Robert’s cash. Landon lived his life on what he made. He contributed to their household by paying all their utilities with his income, but the act of giving Landon access to Robert’s wealth had settled his nerves.
Now though, he’d gone full circle. He shouldn’t ever be part owner in something that held such historical value to the Adams family. And damn the Air Force for moving so quickly to grant him permission. When had they ever moved that fast?
Instead of going down that downward spiraling headspace again, Landon concentrated on the dream he’d been having for the last several months. The one that had the word children tumbling out of his mouth the other night. In his dream, a blond-headed little boy stood by his side. He and the little guy were flying a remote-controlled airplane, and the boy’s big blue eyes and bright smile beamed at Landon with excitement after he had properly executed a flying maneuver. The boy called Landon Papa when he excitedly asked him to make the plane do it again. His heart connected so strongly to the little boy that it felt more like a premonition than a dream, at least to his heart.
He hadn’t shared his dream with Robert, probably one of the only secrets he’d kept from his husband, who’d also become his very best friend. Landon loved the little bubble they lived within, but their secluded world appeared to be coming to an end. Robert was going one direction, leaving for Minnesota at the end of this meeting. Landon planned to head out for Oklahoma shortly after. Maybe he should have left the Air Force years ago.
“Sign here, babe,” Robert said and managed to wrangle his hand free from Landon’s tight grip. Two sets of eyes focused questioning gazes Landon’s direction.
“Sir, if you aren’t comfortable—” the attorney started, looking unsure at Landon.
Both Autumn, who was on a video call, and Robert blurted out, “No, don’t give him an out.”
The brother/sister team provided the perfect comic relief. Landon chuckled and leaned forward, picking up the pen to scribble his name—his hyphenated last name, Landon Russo-Adams—alongside Robert’s.
“Perfect, I’ll get you copies.”
“It’s not necessary. Give mine to Robert.” Landon got to his feet, assuming the meeting had come to an end. They had a driver waiting, needing to go straight to the airport. Time was an issue. Handshakes were given then Landon went to stand by the office door, while he waited on Robert to follow him out.
Robert pressed his hand to the small of Landon’s back, guiding him to the elevator as if he didn’t know the way. His husband did those possessive moves all the time. Heads turned as they made their way out of the office. No doubt stealing glances at Robert. When he wore his custom-made business suits, the fit and cut only drew attention to Robert’s handsome features like a damn neon sign. The guy was so fucking GQ sexy.