Page 62 of Protected Promise

“It’s amazing, right?” Owen asked. “I was never a morning person until I moved here. I just can’t get enough of this view.”

“It’s beautiful.”

Landon came out from behind the kitchen island that barely separated the area from the rest of the main living space. He wrapped his arms around my waist as we stood there just watching. I relaxed into him. Something in the night had changed things between us. That awkwardness was gone, replaced by simple awareness.

I was cognizant of Owen watching us closely.

“How long have you two been together?” he finally asked.

I shrugged. “Not long actually.”

“But long enough,” Landon added.

“I guess when you know, you know. I just hope that someday, I find a woman that looks at me the way she looks at you, and the way Tobi looks at Jackson. It’s like the rest of the world fades away and only the two of you remain. You’re a lucky man to find a love like that, Landon.”

Landon just grinned and nodded towards Owen. He didn’t deny it.

Love? It was too early for that, wasn’t it?

All I really knew was that after last night, I couldn’t wipe the grin from my face. My cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much. I wasn’t sure that was enough to call it love, but it also didn’t freak me out that Landon hadn’t tried to deny it. Instead, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and my smile grew even wider.

Tobi walked out looking like a hot mess. She practically growled in our direction. “Oh great. You two look disgustingly happy this morning. We aren’t talking about it. I do not want to know.”

“Someone didn’t get her beauty sleep. I warned you we were leaving early,” Landon reminded her.

Jackson followed her out and shrugged.

“This was your doing, wasn’t it?” Landon challenged with a chuckle

Jackson smirked. “It was worth it. You’ll survive.”

“Will I?” he asked.

Tobi smacked Landon. It still surprised me just how close the two of them were. I suppose I knew that, but seeing their interactions solidified it. I wondered if it bothered Jackson how much the two of them touched each other. I didn’t think Tobi even realized she did it. They were just that close and comfortable with each other.

While after last night my confidence had increased significantly, I couldn’t imagine regularly smacking an Alpha. In many ways the two of them seemed more like I’d always imagined siblings to behave.

“Get your things and say goodbye. We’re already packed, and I’d like to be back by tonight.”

“Yeah, fine. There better be coffee in my future though,” she grumbled.

Owen walked over to the kitchen and grabbed two to go cups filled with coffee. “I warned him you’d need it.”

Tobi rolled her eyes but moaned as she took her first sip.

“I don’t remember you being this addicted to coffee,” Landon challenged.

She just glared at him before turning to Owen and giving him a big hug. “Take care of him while he’s here.”

Jackson rolled his eyes.

“I will. Have a safe trip. I’ll send him back to you in about a week. And I hope to get up soon to take a look around at potential building sites.”

“Wow, things are moving quickly then,” Landon said. I could feel he was a little worried about something, but he smiled and shook Owen’s hand. “That’s great, really great.”

I said goodbye to Owen and thanked him for our stay. Then I headed for the elevator. Landon had already grabbed my stuff along with his. Jackson was carrying Tobi’s as he escorted her to the car.

I bit back a grin in the elevator as Tobi edged closer to Jackson. I could see the flash of panic in her eyes, but as long as she was touching her mate, she seemed able to stay just on the brink without going into a full blown anxiety attack.