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"Just be quick Lydia. In and out." I mumbled to myself as I stared at the front doors to Landon's ice rink-Hockey Haven.

It was 3:30 pm the next day and I was already dreading saying yes to doing this. As long as he behaves and isn't a complete asshole this shouldn't be that bad. If we don't kill each other in the meantime.

My hands fidgeted with the ends of my jacket. I decided to go business casual today- a pair of white slim jeans, a silky pink blouse and matching suit jacket. I paired it with beige heels to try and make it a bit more...fancy. I needed to keep it business like today because that is what this was. As long as I had that mindset I should be fine.

That and I also wanted to look good. Did I want Landon to eat his heart out at the sight of me? Yes. I was going to show him that his words didn't affect me and that I was a boss ass bitch. Well that may be a bit of a stretch.

Taking a deep breath I grabbed the door handle and stepped inside. Best to get this over with.

Having been here a few times I made my way through the lobby towards the back where the rink was. I followed the sound of voices, my heels clicking loudly against the floor.

I hated to admit it but this was place was pretty great. The front lobby showcasing trophies the little league and junior league hockey teams have won here at Hockey Haven. Pictures of the teams, kids, families, even pictures of The Knights hung on the wall.

Walking out into the rink I was hit with cold air. Always forget just how cold this place gets. My eyes immediately went to the figures on the ice. I knew instantly Landon by his big frame. That and the small kids surrounding him was a dead giveaway.

"Can I help you?" I didn't realize I was staring until the new voice jerked my head to the side. A girl who didn't look older than 19 stood behind the rental desk, looking at me curiously.

"Just looking for Landon."

"He's just finishing up practice. Should only be a few more minutes." The girl said politely.

"Thanks." I sent her a small smile in return. Seeing as he'll be a few minutes I slowly made my way towards the side of the rink. Parents hung around talking as their kids finished up practice.

Unable to help myself my eyes went back to the ice. I watched as Landon squatted down, little kids surrounding him in their cute little uniforms. Whatever he was saying had the kids nodding. I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach at the sight of him with the kids.

Nope, stay strong Lydia. Doesn't matter how cute it is that he is sweet to kids, or how great his ass looks squatting like that.

To distract myself I grabbed my phone and pulled up the questions Josie sent over last night. There was a good 20 questions but half are simple. Should take about twenty minutes if not sooner if we're quick about it.

The sound of kids yelling had me looking up. My lips twitched as the group waved their hands in the air. A couple of them took off skating down the ice, pushing and shoving each other. It was clear as day the kids loved coming here. I made a mental note to have Josie add that to the article.

I moved off to the side as the kids left the ice, greeting their parents loudly. The smile on their faces were contagious as they talked animately about practice. Their parents nodded along to everything they said as they helped take their gear off.

I glanced back onto the ice, finding Landon talking to a few parents near the boards. I wasn't sure if Josie told him I was coming but I got my answer not even a minute later. As if feeling my eyes on him Landon's head turned in my direction, surprise crossing his face.

Feeling slightly out of element I fiddled with my phone. It's not a big deal Lydia. It's just Landon. Don't let him intimidate you. I've never backed down when it comes to Landon and today will be no different.

I watched him say something to the parents before skating towards me. I leaned against the boards casually, as if my heart wasn't beating a million miles a minute.

"What are you doing here?" Was the first words out of Landon's mouth. Paired with the confused look on his face Josie definitely didn't tell him I was coming.

"Josie had some wedding stuff to take care off so I'm here to ask you questions." I said, my tone indifferent, like I was talking to any other client.

"For what?" His tone was more confused than angry which I took as a good sign.

"Your kids event?"

"Oh Hockey for Kids. Forgot that was today." His hand came up to rub the back of his neck. The movement drawing my eyes to his arms, the muscle bulging under the thin long sleeve shirt he had on. I knew he was muscular but I swear he's gotten bigger since we got back from Australia.

"Just have a few questions then I can be out of your hair."

"Let me take off these skates."

As Landon came around I opened the voice recording app and took a seat on the bleachers. I was already mentally counting down the minutes until I could leave. Being around Landon was dangerous for both my head and libido. The two constantly at war with each other.

"Lets get to it." I said the second Landon's butt hit the bench beside me. Holding my phone up I got right into it. "How did you come up with the idea to do Hockey for Kids?"

"We get a lot of kids that want to play hockey but can't afford the gear, the skates, the fees to play. So I came up with an idea to do a fundraiser where all the money goes to the kids who need the help to play."

I looked up from my phone in surprise. I had known it was a fundraiser but hadn't realize what it was for. Helping kids get money to play hockey was...incredible? Selfless? Amazing? That annoying voice in my head pipped up.

"What can people expect when they come to the event?"

"We'll have the Toronto Knights hockey team here so the kids can play one-on-one with them, get autographs and pictures. We'll have a few booths with games. And then stuff that are up for auction." Landon listed off. I was pleasantly surprised at how much he had going on for the event.

"And when is this?"

"At the end of next month. Tickets are 25 dollars a family and there's limited amount so we suggest people hurry and get their tickets now before they sell out."

I made a quick note on my phone to make sure the news about the event goes out early in the month for people to get tickets.

As I continued on asking the questions I could feel Landon's eyes on me the entire time. I was trying my best not to feel self-conscious under his gaze. I kept my eyes glued to my phone as I asked the questions, not trusting myself to meet his eyes.

Thankfully the rest of the questions went by fast and before I knew it we were done. Hitting the stop button on the recording I hit save before turning my phone off.

"Thanks. I'll make sure news about the event goes up on the website and the front page of the magazine next month." I said as I grabbed my purse and stood up, Landon following my lead. "Josie already took photos so you're all good."

I dared a glance at him as the two of us stood side by side. He was looking at me strangely, like he wanted to say something but couldn't. His blue eyes seeming  more green today. 

"I'll let you get back to it." Giving him a little dip of my head I stepped around him and started for the doors.

Survived that. Thank god.

"Lydia, wait!" I paused mid-step as Landon called out my name. Turning around I saw him striding towards me. He almost looked like he was in pain as he came to a stop in front of me.

"Look I..." He tugged his bottom lip with his teeth as he rubbed his neck once more. His eyes were darting all over the place. A good minute passed before he let out a sigh. "I wanted to apologize for Sunday."

My eyes widened at his words and I felt like time stopped around us. Did Landon Boone just apologize to me?

"I shouldn't have said what I did." He looked so uncomfortable which I would have found funny if I wasn't so floored.

"You're sorry?"

"Yes." Landon said it through clenched teeth. "Mateo told me I needed to say sorry." He went to say but I cut him off.

"Oh, so this is your brothers doing, not yours." I rolled my eyes having known this apology was too good to be true. "You shouldn't be told to apologize Landon."

I turned on my heel once more and stomped off. Did he even see what he did was hurtful?

"Lydia." A hand on my elbow pulled me to a stop. I whirled around, angry.

"If you are going to apologize Landon at least make sure you mean it." I spat.

"That came out wrong. I'm not good at this apology thing okay." Landon blew out an exasperated breath. "I was going to say sorry that night but you had already left."

I stood there frozen as he finally looked at me. Sincerity clear as day on his face.

"What I said was hurtful and untrue. I know you aren't money hungry." Landon stared me right in the eyes as he spoke. "I really am sorry Lydia."

While a part of me didn't want to accept his apology I could tell he meant it. Didn't make it okay but at least he knew what he said was wrong.

"Thank you." I learned a long time ago to never say 'it's fine' after someone is rude to you or yells. Saying it's fine just tells them its okay to keep doing it. Landon saying that was rude and not okay. I can accept his apology while still setting boundaries.

"Let me make it up to you." As the words left his lips, his eyes widened like he was surprised he said it.

"Make it up to me?"

"Have you eaten yet?" I stared at him shock. Was Landon seriously asking to grab food with me?

"Are you feeling okay? Did you fall and hit your head?" I genuinely asked. Who was this Landon and what did he do with the other one?

"I can't do a nice thing?" He crossed his arms.

"You? No." I sent him a look. I can count on one hand the amount of items he's been nice to me.

"We can go to Rick's."

Damn it. He knew one of my weakness's. From the moment Josie brought me to Rick's, the best food truck in Toronto, I was hooked. He had the best hamburgers and fries. I don't know what he does but the food is addicting.

"Promise I'll behave myself." The corner of his lips twitched.

Shifting on my feet I mentally went through the pros and cons of going to eat with Landon. Aside from the fact we are never alone together, what would we even talk about? My stomach growled reminding me I haven't eaten since early this morning.

With Landon giving me puppy dog eyes and my mouth watering at the thought of Rick's, I let out a sigh.

"Fine."

"Yes?"

"Yes." I narrowed my eyes at him. "But you're paying."

"Deal." His lips widened into a smile. My breath hitched at the sight. Damn he's got a nice smile.

"Um, I'll meet you there?" I forced my eyes away from his lips.

"Yeah. Let me tell Emily and I'll be there." He promised.

With an awkward half smile I turned on my heel and headed for the door. I glanced over my shoulder briefly and found Landon staring after me, wiping his hand across his mouth. Ignoring the tingling in my lower belly I left the ice rink, wondering what the hell I was going.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"Boss Lady!" Rick's loud voice boomed from inside the food truck. I grinned up at him through the little window.

"Hey Rick." Rick may be huge and intimidating but the guy was such a sweetheart.

"Haven't seen ya in a little while."

"Been crazy with work."

"You work too much little lady." He gave me that disapproving look a father would. "What can I get ya?"

"I'm actually waiting for someone." I glanced around the parking lot, silently wondering where Landon was. Rick's wasn't too busy since it was only a little bit after 4:30. Give it another hour and this place will be packed.

Rick has always had a good crowd but after our article came out about a year ago the crowds have grown a lot. I've heard Rick say once or twice that he may have to expand to more food trucks or an actual restaurant.

"Oh." Rick raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued.

"It's not a date." I waved him off. This wasn't a date.

"Mmhmm."

Before he could say anything else another voice came from behind me.

"Sorry I'm late." Landon came up to my side. "Had a parent come in and wanted to talk."

"It's fine, I haven't ordered yet."

"Hey Rick." Landon greeted. I didn't miss the way Rick looked back and forth between the two of us, a slow grin taking over his face.

"Always a good day when a Boone comes to eat." Rick teased. "What can I get ya two?"

"I'll take my usual. And onion rings." I said with a smile.

"Same with me." Landon added, handing his card to Rick. I almost reached out to stop him but stopped myself. He wanted to pay and who was I to say no.

"Sounds good. I'll bring it out in a minute." Rick said with a smile.

The silence between us was awkward as we sat across from each other on one of the benches. Neither of us knew how to act around one another without the others. We've only been alone a couple of times and that was in Australia.

"So the rink is doing good?" I asked after a moment, the silence between us so awkward. I had no clue what to say so I figured talking about work is a safe topic.

"Yeah, things are good. The magazine has really helped bring people in."

"Did Landon Boone just admit my magazine has helped his business?" I put a hand to my chest and made my eyes big. I know it took a lot of convincing by Josie to get Landon to agree to do any sort of interview/article.

Landon's eyes narrowed in my direction, making me grin.

"Saying sorry and admitting my business is helpful, all in one day. Maybe the world is ending."

"Ha Ha."

"But seriously, I'm glad it's helped." And I meant it. That was the main reason I started the magazine. Wanted something that everyone could read and see what's going on in the city; more than just the usual big events the paper writes about.

"The magazine seems to be doing good."

"Yeah, we've been really busy lately. We always are when getting things ready for the next issue."

Before he could respond Rick came over with our food.

"Here ya kiddos go."

My mouth instantly watered at the sight of burger. This right here was my kryptonite and I wasn't even ashamed to admit it. I didn't waste a second before shoving a fry in my mouth.

"Marry me Rick."

"Get me a ring." He teased. We both knew he was happily married.

"Oh I will." I mumbled around another fry.

"You guys enjoy." I didn't miss the wink he gave me and Landon before he walked off.

Grabbing my burger I took a big bite, not even caring that Landon was sitting across from me. Nothing would stand in the way of my food. Across from me Landon shook his head as he took a bite of his own burger.

"What?"

"All it takes is a burger to get on your good side."

"Yep. I fell in love with Rick the moment I came here."

"Hmm." I raised an eyebrow at his response. Instead of asking him what he meant by that I let it slide. We were actually getting along for once so no need to ruin it.

The two of us were quiet as we ate our food. Once in awhile our eyes were meet before we quickly looked away. It felt weird yet...nice eating with Landon. Maybe I have eaten alone for too long if I was enjoying Landon's company.

"Thank you." I said after a bit. At his confused look I elaborated. "For the food and for the apology."

"You're welcome."

As the two of us shared a small smile I felt my heart flutter. Don't even think about it Lydia. 

________________________________________________________________________________

Soooooo how are we feeling about Landon? Love him? Hate him? Still on the fence?  Personally I found Landon having a hard time apologizing funny. He's so use to being blunt and doing things his way. He's definitely met his match Lydia. 

Of course I had to throw in Rick. He's the most consistent through the series I swear :D 

I hope you guys are enjoying the book so far! I know there's only 5 chapters so far so thank you for being patient with me as I upload. It's taking me a bit longer to write this book than I'd like but I'm trying and hoping to finish it by the end of the month. That way the whole book will be up for you guys to read. Means the world to me that you guys are reading along each week. I love you all so much!

As always let me know what you think!

VOTE, COMMENT 

<3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S Thank you guys for answering about Mateo's book. Seems the popular vote would be a mix of Uni and being in the NFL. I think it could be cool combining the two for his book, so thank you for the help! 

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to see aesthetics, writing stuff, and updates on things! I love talking to you guys so feel free to message me any time! <3 <3