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)
Once inside the elevator, Landon tucked his hands inside his pants pockets. He fixated on Robert, memorizing everything about him. His heart clenched at how badly he already missed their lives. Robert gave an audible sigh of relief as he poked a finger in his knotted silk tie, loosening its tight hold. “I wish I had thought to bring a change of clothes for the plane.”
Out of the whirlwind last few days of haggling out the details of buying La Bella Luna to managing the complaints of the sudden shutdown of the taco stand to closing their DC townhome, Robert’s frustration remained on his clothing. This morning, he’d complained adamantly about having to wear the suit in the first place.
“Did I hear Autumn say you’re canceling all reservations and closing the restaurant down already?” With everything going on, the details were beginning to blur.
“Yes. Remember, we agreed upon the final design details last night?” Robert pulled the silk tie free, reaching inside the collar to unbutton the small buttons at the top. “I woke you and showed you. You nodded; I felt like you were awake. It was the design we both liked from the beginning. We’re using Layne Construction’s remodel crew. They had a sudden cancellation, and I jumped on the opening.”
Landon nodded, having no idea which interior design he’d agreed to. It didn’t matter. Robert had hired the very best design company in the world. When money wasn’t a worry, things moved quicker than Landon thought possible.
With those details hammered out, Robert could spend his energy working with Helene and Chef Pacino to modernize the recipes. Landon could see heads butting between Robert and Chef Pacino. Robert wanted the cleanest, healthiest foods available with a strong emphasis on both fresh and unique vegetables, something currently unimportant in the restaurant’s serving patterns.
“You have no idea what I’m talking about,” Robert stated at his silence, extending a hand to encourage Landon out of the elevator when the doors opened on the ground level.
“It’s been a lot,” he said over his shoulder, not trying to pretend he remembered.
“I’ll send the design to your email. It’s not too late to change some of the details, so look when you can.” Robert went straight to the front doors of the high-rise building and out to their waiting town car just feet away. The unseasonably warm DC winter was coming to an end. A cold front had been forecasted to arrive right as Landon was scheduled to fly out.
Robert’s rush and the chaos of trying to complete everything before they left had dulled the glaring fact that they were leaving one another. Understanding hit them both seconds after Robert climbed in behind Landon and shut his door. Robert’s blue eyes bore into his as his husband reached for the button to lift the glass partition separating them from the driver.
“I miss you already.”
Landon pushed himself to the center of the seat. He cupped Robert’s neck to draw him forward. “You’re coming to Oklahoma next weekend. It’s not that far away. We can do this.”
Robert’s lips rested against his, kissing him softly before moving inches away. “Next weekend then every two weeks until you can get free and come see me. I’m not sure how well I’ll handle this separation. You’re the center of my world. I’ll go crazy without you.”
Landon laughed and tapped his temple with his finger. “I’m worried about the chaos coming back.” His attempt at lifting their mood failed as Robert furrowed his brow and took Landon’s hand in his.
“No matter what happens, you remember how much I love you. That’s never going to change. I’ll schedule everything around the times you can call. You remember I’m there waiting for you, building our life until you can join me.” Robert’s sorrowful tone and desperate edge shredded his heart and had Landon tightening his grip at his husband’s neck.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have to.”
“I know. I can be brave, waiting for my soldier to come home to me again.” The sweet, overly dramatic words had Landon lifting Robert’s hand to his lips.
He pressed a kiss on Robert’s skin, feeling like he wanted to cry. He’d sounded so cavalier when he had suggested they could make this work, but his own despair made him edgy as hell.
“I never took us for granted. I knew this could happen… you’re very important to me.”
This time, Landon memorized Robert’s hand in his, the pressure and weight imprinting on his soul. The swell of emotion building in Landon was reflected in Robert’s eyes. Those blue eyes turned bluer as they filled with tears. He was losing the battle of keeping a stiff upper lip. Robert looked away, clearing his throat before he could speak.
“This will make us stronger…”
“We’re already strong.” Landon’s faced looked pained. He certainly didn’t expect Robert’s response to be a laugh straight in his face before leaning in and pressing his lips to Landon’s. This time his tongue slipped past his lips. Landon opened and kissed Robert with all the love and devotion he held inside his heart. The drive to the airport took no time, which was about the amount of time Robert had to get to his flight. Robert exited one way and Landon went the other. They reached the trunk along with the driver at the same time. The driver reached for Robert’s two suitcases. Landon grabbed his winter coat and computer bag, handing them over as they walked toward the front doors of the airport. “Sir, I can’t park here.”