“Nonnie.” He smiled as he called out her name.
He diverted from his plan to usher Landon in before him and stepped over the threshold, tossing his garment bag over a side chair and heading straight for his grandmother. Every time he saw her, she looked a little older. This time was no different, but she was strong and self-assured, her slow steps never faltering as she came toward him.
She allowed the hug but kept her head angled. Someone else had the bulk of her attention. Robert glanced over his shoulder too to see if Landon had followed him inside or if he still hovered on the front steps. Robert drew in a breath, marveling at the sight of Landon backlit by the bright sunlight emphasizing all his dark features. Landon’s chest expanded as he took a steadying breath. His hands came together as if trying to stop the fidgeting, and his eyes sparkled as he stared at Nonnie. He looked the epitome of respect as he waited for Robert to finish the hug. Landon was as gorgeous as Robert had ever seen him.
“You must be Landon.” There was kindness and warmth in his grandmother’s tone as she released Robert and stepped toward the door.
“Yes, ma’am.” His handsome sergeant came forward, and his grandmother extended both arms and took Landon in a hug.
“I’m Kennedy Adams, but you can call me Nonnie.”
Landon seemed in straight-up reverence mode. The tension eased, and he seemed lighter than he had in hours.
“You have a beautiful home.” His rich, southern accent sounded cultured and self-confident.
“Oh, it’s ostentatious. Avery and I inherited it when my husband died. It’s too much, but I love the view and access to the Atlantic, so I stay. How was your flight?” she asked, taking both of Landon’s hands in hers.
“It was good, ma’am.”
“None of that ma’am business, makes me feel old. Why don’t you show him to your room, Robert? Take a look around then join me on the patio. Autumn and her young man should be here by then. I’m dealing with the final details of the wedding. The wedding planner’s in the living room.” She looked to the room she’d just come from.
“Absolutely,” Robert agreed.
“I wanted to greet you properly, Landon. I’m so pleased you’re here.” She let go of his hands and patted his arm. She started her slow but sure steps back toward the living room. When she rounded the corner, Robert gathered the garment bag, and Landon picked up the two bags he’d set down to greet Kennedy.
“Good job,” Robert whispered, nodding toward the stairs.
“I was nervous.” Landon’s mood brightened as the tension disappeared. He started toward the stairs, stopping at the first step to encourage Robert to lead the way.
“I know, but you need to trust me, you have no reason to be nervous here.” He made his way slowly up the grand staircase while keeping his attention on Landon. “I want to show you around a bit. By ‘meet her on the patio,’ she means we have about forty-five minutes for you to get your bearings. The layout is a little complicated. The house was built by my great-grandfather and the additions seemed architecturally designed by kindergartners.”
Landon nodded and looked around. Robert suspected he marked the territory to help find his way back, making Robert have to turn away to hide his smile, but thankfully, Landon followed him up the stairs and didn’t head right back out the door.
Landon sat ramrod straight in his seat, hoping he didn’t appear awkward or uncomfortable. His legs were slightly apart, his right palm rested on his thigh. In his other hand, he gripped the edge of his linen napkin, worrying the fabric underneath the tablecloth. Nervousness rolled over him in constant waves. Robert’s palm caressed along his thigh. The thin material of his slacks did little to diffuse the heat burning a trail from his knee to his thigh with every caress. His body was all too aware of Robert’s charismatic charm and how the man tried to ease him.
Dinner had been served in the comfort of Mrs. Adams’s personal dining room. The table seated six where the five of them sat together and ate then had coffee and a delicious dessert, a custard-filled something with a crunchy sugary top. He’d forgotten the name, but he’d loved the rich creamy concoction. The meal had been intimate, friendly, and everyone strived to make him feel welcome. Maybe more welcome than he had ever felt anywhere before. Kennedy Adams, Autumn, and her soon to be husband, Cam Connors, were just like Robert—very personable and down to earth.
Landon couldn’t shake the anxiety tugging at his happiness. When he and Robert were alone at Robert’s place, he’d been able to ignore the glaring contrasts. Here, within these walls, all the reverence and respect he’d formed for Vice President Adams seemed open and on display. On the wall were pictures of the Adams family throughout the years. They had dined with world leaders, fought for human rights, given their lives for the betterment of mankind, and here he was being wined and dined by these extraordinary people. Being surrounded by such grandeur paled in comparison to being surrounded by such genuineness.
“So, Landon, Robert tells me you’re shy. I wasn’t sure I believed him until now.”
Landon nodded at the statement and looked over at Robert who had pushed his seat slightly backward to extend his long legs, those bright blue eyes focused right on him, awaiting his reply. His heart did the slipping in his throat thing and his breath caught in his lungs. That look in Robert’s eyes got him every time. Landon glanced at Autumn who seemed interested in his answer as well.
“Maybe. I get quiet sometimes,” he said. A warm flush rushed up his neck and his
