Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Landon, you're home early today," Jasper replied to Landon's greeting.

"Darling, I'm home. Why don't you give me a hug after a long day?" Landon beamed as he opened his arms at Lauren. The black coat, which was loosely draped on his shoulders, fell onto the floor, but he did not bother to pick it up.

Despite feeling oddly nervous, Lauren obediently went up to Landon and sneaked into his arms like an adorable kitten. He wrapped his tall and muscular body around her, carrying with him the warmth from the car heater that seeped into her skin. The warm sensation helped soothe her emotions.

"Landon, don't be angry," she mumbled in a voice only audible to them.

"Hm? Why would I be angry at you for no reason?" he whispered in a raspy voice.

"I-I..." Lauren had learned to carefully ponder her words before voicing them aloud. After some thinking, she chose to keep her thoughts to herself.

"If you've done something to upset me, just give me a kiss, and I won't be angry at you anymore." Landon rubbed his lips against her cold cheek.

still tiptoed and gave him

was not enough to satisfy Landon. He pressed a hand on the small of the back,

the tea and desserts. Unfazed by the kiss, she smiled politely at

a cup of tea to Alyssa.

the cup and looked away from Lauren

was plagued by a feeling that something was amiss with Lauren, who seemed a little withdrawn

her deadbeat father was of no help. Her grandfather, Newton, was in such bad health and could not look after her since they rarely met up. As her sister-in-law, Alyssa decided to pay

calmly remarked, "Landon, I need to have a private talk with

to my study." Landon, happy to meet his friend, went upstairs with

juice for me and