Page 35 of Worth the Risk

“So, the beginning of October?” Verity asked.

“I guess. Fuck.” Landon stood up and cracked his neck.

“It will be nice to see them again.”

“I know, I know.”

“It’s four months away. It’s okay. We can schedule around it.” Verity stood and flattened their palms against Landon’s back.

“I know,” he said again, calmer this time.

“Let’s change the subject.” Verity slid their hands around to Landon’s stomach and rested their cheek against his spine. The contact soothed him and he nodded.

“Yeah, please.”

“Gregory,” Verity said.

Landon unfolded Verity’s hands and put space between them. “Not really abettertopic if you’re trying to reduce my stress.”

“It looked like he was doing a plenty good job of reducing your stress Sunday morning on our kitchen table.”

Verity had graciously avoided talking about Gregory since Sunday, but apparently the time for that discretion had come and gone.

“Yeah, thanks for the cockblock by the way.”

“A lube-free romp on a plate of bacon shouldn’t be anyone’s idea of a good time. I did you a favor.” Verity folded themself down into the corner of the couch with a chuckle. Ed hopped up next to him, did a little spin, then plopped down on the middle cushion.

Landon sat next to Ed and sighed. “You’re right.”

“I know.” Verity smiled wisely. “So, tell me what’s going on.”

“He told me why he did it.”

“Do you believe him?”

“Yeah.”

“Didyouapologize?”

“Of course.” Landon shot Verity a scolding look. “I’m not heartless.”

Verity held up their hands. “I didn’t say you were. I’m just trying to feel this out, Landon. Don’t get defensive with me.”

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

“You’re always forgiven,” Verity reminded him.

“I asked him to let me make it right.”

“What do you mean, make it right?”

Landon scrubbed his face with his hands. “I want another chance. With him.”

“Like a relationship?” they asked with a tilt of their head.

“I think so, yeah.” Landon tucked into the corner of the couch and poked Ed with his feet. “I knelt for him.”

Verity made a thoughtful noise in the back of their throat.