Thin Ice: Thin Ice, #1

Dedicated to:

All my fans both new and old,to everyone who took a chance and read my work,to everyone who ever had a dream and pursued it,I thank you for your support andhope to continually bring you all the drama,fantasy, love and mayhem you can handle, in the same quality format you’re used to receiving it.

The Collectors Edition

Beware: Thin Ice

(book one)

Today you are a part of history. This printed edition of Thin Ice will never again be produced by Kirabaco Publishing.

Thin Ice was a bold endeavor into the world of Criminal Romance Serial novels by Author KR Bankston. It started as a whisper before growing into a mighty roar. Now some seventeen books strong, it has established itself among the most entertaining serials in existence.

None of this would have been possible without the support of loyal fans and readers just like you. Speaking on behalf of all the characters whom you have allowed to become family, we want you to know how very much you being a part of our world means to us.

A HUGE thank you from, Ice, Ryan, Tariq, KiKi, Tweety, Kim, Mook, Shells, Tae, Hangman, Cartier, Ray Lockhart, Jacoury, Ramell; the twins Tadjra and Tedjra, KiSean, Michael, and each and every character who has ever graced our stage, to YOU our most prized asset.

Thin Ice now and Forever!!

The Beginning – Welcome to the City

F

riday night, clear skies, balmy temperatures and on Lawrenceville highway Club Infusion was jumping. It was one of the new exclusive clubs in Tucker that opened a few months ago and surprisingly took off immediately. Here one could expect to meet every major celebrity Atlanta boasted, as well as those in town for concerts or promotional events. All the hottest DJ’s took turns showcasing their skill and drawing the variety of clientele which kept the club at the top of everyone’s must visit list. You could also blend in well enough to conduct business that wasn’t always legal among the shadowy figures that greased the palms and made the wheels turn in the entire city of Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs.

Kaitlyn KiKi Ross and Jaleesa Tweety Mitchell were enjoying themselves immensely. They finally made it inside the club, which was no easy task, given the waiting list and the celebs always at the top of it. Kaitlyn took in the club once more. The place was extravagantly furnished with beautiful and exquisite black art works, various bronze and ironworks sculptures. The lighting gave a just at dusk allure, not too bright, but not dark enough to be frightening. The carpet was a beautiful midnight blue, as were the chairs. It was everything Kaitlyn expected knowing the owner and his reputation.

Kaitlyn smiled internally, knowing Jaleesa wasn’t going to leave alone tonight. She on the other hand, well, that was a different story. Jaleesa was the more outgoing of the two. They were both beautiful women, with Jaleesa being the taller, at five foot eight inches, brown eyes, and sun splashed blonde highlighted hair. Her outfit tonight showcased her beautiful long legs, and shapely butt. Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Kaitlyn turned her attention to a slightly darkened corner of the club. There she witnessed a man committing suicide. Not literally, but what he was doing would definitely cost him his life if security saw him. Taking another sip of her crown and coke, Kaitlyn continued to watch the man slip the small bag of dope to the customer and take his money, placing it in his pocket. Just as she predicted, moments later two burly plainclothes security men came over and escorted the dealer out through the darkened rear exit.

Kaitlyn sighed slightly hoping they might have mercy and not kill the man, but it wasn’t likely. Ice didn’t play about dealing athis club; she and the other dealers in the area knew it and respected it. Kaitlyn chuckled silently thinking how well she and Jaleesa covered their own illicit activity. They were both deeply entrenched in arms procurement, more simply known as gun running. The fact they were women played well as they drove to various locations across the country delivering and picking up weapons from the various syndicate entities. While they remained soft and feminine on the outside, they were just as deadly and handled business as well as any of their male counterparts. They dealt a little on the side, more as a hobby, from time to time. A little weed, smack, maybe some cocaine. They didn’t get into the recreational drugs like ecstasy. Those were too readily available and the profit margin was low.

Glancing around the club again Kaitlyn thought how much she wanted to be on the same playing field as Ice. He was definitely a heavy hitter, owning two other clubs and trafficking major loads of both guns and dope in and out of the states he played in at will.

Sup KiKi, wanna dance, Tariq asked shaking Kaitlyn from her thoughts.

Looking up she recognized him, smiled and accepted his invitation.

*****

Ian watched Kiki since she and Tweety entered the club and sat down. He immediately recognized them both. KiKi was cool with him, Tweety he didn’t like much, but neither gave him a reason to look at them sideways so far. They respected boundaries and for the most part stayed under his radar. Even though they moved plenty of hardware and made very decent paper, Tweety was still a magnet; his nickname for women who came to the club with the express purpose of finding money to go home with. Ian knew that one day her libido was going to be her destruction. KiKi however always left alone after enjoying her evening dancing and having a few drinks. They were definitely opposite, but he supposed that’s what kept them honest.

Ian was here on business tonight, so of course he didn’t need any distractions, but those big brown eyes of KiKi held him captivated. He couldn’t stop looking at her. Right now though, he forcefully shook the thoughts, keeping his mind clear, and his eyes open. Ian invested a lot of money in this club. He came often to watch his investment as well as monitor his operation, which emanated from the backrooms where only the select few were admitted. For the less privileged, Club Infusion was simply a hot dance, meet and greet spot. Those power players however who possessed the capital knew it was much more. There were pleasures at Club Infusion that were not found at other clubs. No matter your delight, there was something to fulfill your fantasy. Betting was large scale at Infusion, from football to basketball, baseball, horses and racing, to high school and college games. There was even action currently being wagered on the upcoming local elections in the city. The lottery was legal in Georgia, but not the gaming that Ian provided. His clients enjoyed the Vegas atmosphere without the long trip. Large bets were made and secured here. Low-key armored vehicles ferried monies in nightly for his guest’s pleasure. Security was meticulously maintained and no one entered who was not pre-invited or prepaid.

There was also the bevy of beautiful women and sexy men, in addition to the pharmaceutical delights, that he offered for his client’s satisfaction. Ian didn’t manage the girls and guys personally; he was in partnership with one of the elite escort services in the city, having grown up with the founder. Ian Ice Bailey was without a doubt deadly; a cold blooded killer who killed without hesitation or remorse. He took his business seriously and any threat whether real or assumed was swiftly exterminated.

Ian sighed gently as he saw more of his private clients enter the club. He looked to his concierge and the guests were immediately whisked away to their awaiting pleasure, all without so much as a ripple effect of the other guests knowing they were ever present. Ian smiled as he thought of how well his business was going and how much money he was making. He then turned his attention once more to KiKi watching her on the dance floor, his wheels turning and his attraction deepening.

Listen I met this guy, and his friend wants to meet you, Jaleesa told her, returning from the dance floor walking beside her, immediately gaining a frown from Kaitlyn.

Stop frowning, she told her sternly. You need to meet someone KiKi, Jaleesa went on. You need to stop thinking about Tripp and move on.

Kaitlyn felt the hurt again just at the mention of his name.

I’m not thinking about his ass, she threw back, feeling herself becoming angry. I’m just not in any hurry to get with the first guy I see, she told her, taking another sip from her glass.

Yeah, Jaleesa threw back. Then why you burning out batteries in record numbers on your vibrator, she questioned looking at her hard.

What the hell ever, Kaitlyn quipped smiling slightly.

Jaleesa poked her in the arm as they both laughed heartily and finished their drinks.

So who is this joker, Kaitlyn threw out thinking maybe she would take him to a hotel room tonight and get some release.

His name is Landon, she told her. He works in the general offices for the arena football team, Jaleesa went on. He’s 6’3, cute, and makes good money," she told Kaitlyn expecting her to be excited.

Sighing slightly Kaitlyn rolled the information around for a moment before agreeing to meet the two men. They made their way over to one of the booths located in an obscure corner of the club where the two men sat.

Evan Henderson, Landon Pearson, this is my friend Kaitlyn Ross, Jaleesa told the men as she introduced Kaitlyn to them.

Both the men looked her over appreciatively. Kaitlyn saw Landon give Evan a look and they both smiled. She was immediately turned off, but continued to try and make the best of the meeting recalling she only wanted to sleep with the man and get hers.

It’s nice to meet you Kaitlyn, Landon said smoothly.

She took the opportunity to look him over. He was a nice looking man, smooth caramel complexion, and straight white teeth. Nice body, Kaitlyn thought lustfully, checking out the bulging biceps and chest, and a quick glance at his manly assets.

Why don’t you sit right here, he asked standing up, so she could slide into the booth.

Landon slid in beside her once she was seated and leaned close to her.

So tell me, what turns Kaitlyn on, he asked as he leered at her.

She was immediately repulsed. Kaitlyn took a deep breath and turned to Jaleesa, who gave her another look. She turned to Landon again and forced a smile as she answered.

Intelligence, she said simply and sipped the crown and coke the waitress returned to their table.

Landon smiled again. Good answer.

You seeing someone, he asked, getting directly to the point.

This meeting was going from bad to worse as far as Kaitlyn was concerned. She knew that Jaleesa was planning ahead to spend the night with Evan, but she was more than ready to call it a night. This guy was so corny Kaitlyn couldn’t even wrap her mind around screwing him at all. They spent the next hour or so conversing and getting to know each other before Evan suggested they take the party to his place. Jaleesa readilyagreed as they all looked to Kaitlyn expectantly. She drained her glass and placed it on the table, taking her own time answering.

Thank you, but no, I think I’ll call it an evening, she said calmly as Jaleesa shot her another look and Landon’s face fell.

Come on Kaitlyn, he told her softly, moving close to her ear. I would love to spend some quality time with you, Landon went on. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, he finished and kissed her cheek softly.

Kaitlyn wanted to throw up. This guy was absolutely the worst she met in a long time. Were men still playing these same tired games, she thought of the old line just used. She would have respected him more if he simply said he wanted to screw her brains out. Kaitlyn wanted to tell him to drop dead, but instead turned to him and smiled sweetly.

Thanks Landon, but I really have an early day tomorrow, she replied hoping he would believe the lie and leave her alone.

Landon looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before smiling and kissing her cheek again. OK Kaitlyn, he replied amiably. Can I at least get your number before you jet on me, he asked pulling out his phone.

No, not this time, she replied calmly as Jaleesa glared at her.

Kaitlyn knew her friend wanted her to get laid, and hell she definitely needed too, but this guy didn’t turn her on at all. Landon was hurt she could tell, but he covered quickly, thanked her for a great evening and left with Evan and Jaleesa.

*****

Ian was relaxing, having concluded his task for the evening, watching the couples at their table for the last hour. He knew the two men they were talking to. They both worked for the arena league and were serious womanizers. Tweety’s money grubbing ass is in for a helluva surprise, he chuckled seeing her leave with Evan. He made plenty of money from both men as they were frequent visitors of his private quarters. Ian was honestly pissed that KiKi went over to the table, but as he watched he was amused by her obvious rebuttal of Landon’s advances. How very fortunate for him, Ian thought darkly as he watched KiKi walking across the floor. He surmised she was headed for the ladies room. Looking her over again Ian smiled inwardly thinking how fine she was. KiKi was shorter than Tweety. He guessed about 5’3 or 5’4, beautiful brown eyes, nice butt and two of the most gorgeous twins he saw in a long time, sitting on her chest.

They were both capable dealers and he knew KiKi held a penchant for weapons. She was rumored to carry a .9mm and a straight razor at all times, with no fear of using either. Ian did a bit of investigating earlier and found out her and Tripp, a small time wanna be dealer, were no longer dating. I want her, he thought finishing off his own crown and coke when he was rudely interrupted.

Hi Baby, Shelby excitedly greeted him, jumping into his lap and kissing him on the mouth.

What are you doing here, Ian asked her, his expression never changing.

They were seeing each other for the last year or so. He was tired of the games and lies, permanently ending the relationship. Shelby however, wasn’t getting the message, still constantly showing up unexpectedly. She was really beginning to try his patience and for Ian that wasn’t a good thing. Shelby saw the expression, and knew what Ian was thinking. She didn’t care. She dated him for over a year. He treated her great, bought her things and took good care of her. Shelby immediately went back to stripping again when they broke up, but she hated it. She wanted the sweet lifestyle she lived when they were together. Shopping sprees, jewelry, trips, and leisure were the daily norm when she was his woman. Why couldn’t Ian just forgive her and move on? She never cheated on him again since that one time.

I came to be with you baby, Shelby told Ian seductively as she kissed his ear. Don’t you want to be with me, she inquired as she started to caress his chest.

Ian grabbed her hands halting her movements.

I told you I’m done with the drama Shelby, now let it go, he said in the no nonsense tone she learned to fear.

Don’t be like this Ice, she whined, I love you, you know that, Shelby pouted.

Yeah,’ he asked calmly. So it was my name you were calling while that fool was screwing you, he finished giving Shelby an icy glare, the raw anger he still felt evident in his tone. Shelby hung her head in shame and moved off his lap, sitting next to him. Ian picked up his drink and looked back toward the dance floor. He caught KiKi’s expression, knowing she saw Shelby sitting on his lap. She walked by him without glancing his way.

*****

Kaitlyn left the ladies room and passed Ice’s table once more. She was careful not to look at the crying woman sitting across from him. She didn’t like the look on his face when their eyes met for a split second as she walked past him the first time. While Kaitlyn wasn’t necessarily afraid of Ice, she did respect who he was and what he was capable of. He was definitely not someone she wanted to be on the wrong side of. As she reached the front door, Kaitlyn was handed a note and bid a good night by Tye, the burly doorman who retrieved her keys and sent for the valet. Waiting until she was inside her car, Kaitlyn finally opened the note and read with interest what was contained.

*****

Ian saw her leave intentionally ignoring him and Shelby as she did. He was irritated that Shelby once again showed up unexpectedly and caused ripples in his otherwise smooth evening. Ian rose heading for his office to wrap up a couple more loose ends and then he was leaving for the evening. There were a few more miles to go before he slept tonight. Ian knew KiKi was probably trying to figure out who Shelby was, why she was crying and how she fit into his life. That was irrelevant as far as he was concerned. After leaving the club through his private exit, Ian instructed Carlos, his chief bodyguard, to go back inside and get Shelby. He wanted her delivered to his house. I’m going to deal with that bitch tonight, Ian thought ominously, deciding to let her know once and for all they were a thing of the past.

1

H

ey Tariq, I got your note," Kaitlyn spoke into the cell phone once he answered.

Tariq Taylor was a faithful customer. Kaitlyn was selling heroin to him for the last two years on a regular basis. She sighed lightly thinking about him, knowing he carried a romantic attraction to her. Normally he would have been right up her alley physically and intellectually, but Tariq was a junkie, and Kaitlyn made it her business never to date anyone who used.

I can meet you now, she told him again as his voice broke her thoughts and brought her back to now. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes, Kaitlyn told him and disconnected.

Sighing once more she thought about the sexy man she was about to sell another hit too. Tariq stood somewhere around six feet she supposed, with great arms, and sexy brooding brown eyes. He hosted a great smile even with the gold bottom row he sported. She never witnessed him high she admitted, or any track marks on his arms, leading Kaitlyn to believe he shot up using his thighs.

If only, she said softly aloud pulling into the parking lot of the 24-hour breakfast house.

Tariq worked as a cook here for the last four years or so.

Parking and turning off her headlights, Kaitlyn texted Tariq and waited. Moments later he emerged and joined her in the car.

Hey KiKi, he greeted her amiably giving her a quick hug.

Normally she wasn’t this friendly with her customers, but Tariq was unique. They often hung out and went places together, like the zoo, or Six Flags, or the movies. Sometimes they even went to clubs together, but Kaitlyn always made sure she didn’t cross the line or allow Tariq to believe it was anything other than two friends hanging out.

Here you go, she told him evenly giving him the merchandise as Tariq handed her the money.

What are you doing tomorrow, he asked as he pocketed the drug.

Not a lot, KiKi replied.

Cool, you wanna go over to Laugh Factory, he asked and waited on her response.

Kaitlyn knew the place as they checked it out before enjoying some of the up and coming comics.

Sounds good, what time, she threw back as Tariq continued to watch her intently.

Moments like this were always hard for Kaitlyn. She couldn’t lie to herself and say she wasn’t attracted to the man, she just knew she could never allow herself to hook up with him.

8:00PM, he replied as she confirmed the time and where she would meet him.

Seldom did they ride together when they went out, Kaitlyn surmised that if they didn’t ride together it would seem less like a date, and feelings would less likely surface or be hurt.

Thanks again for going out of your way KiKi, Tariq told her softly as he readied himself to leave her presence.

It’s not a problem, she replied calmly completely unnerved by his tone.

Damn, I gotta get home to my vibrator, Kaitlyn thought behind the calm. Truth was she wanted Tariq with her whole being and knew without a doubt he wanted her back.

See ya tomorrow, Tariq told her as he got out and closed the door behind him.

He waved once more before turning and entering the restaurant. Starting the car Kaitlyn shook her head and turned up the radio. I must have the absolute worst taste in men, she thought of her attraction once more before letting the music invade her mind.

*****

OK Ice, OK, Shelby screamed as Ian hit her again knocking her over the ottoman in his den.

I told you not to keep trying me didn’t I, Ian ranted as he continued his assault on the helpless woman.

I don’t know why bitches want to act stupid all the  time, Ian threw out as he kicked Shelby hard in the back and she continued to cry, pleading with him to stop.

When you leave my house this time, Ian began anew, snatching her up from the floor and holding Shelby against the wall by her throat. Forget the address, don’t ever show up at Infusion again, and if you see my ass in the street, Ian paused for a moment watching her gasp for air as he held her, making sure there was eye contact before he spoke again.

Run like hell, and pray I don’t chase you, he finished as released her.

Shelby immediately hit the floor like a lead weight.

Ian walked away from the semi conscious woman and made himself another drink. Picking up his cell he called Carlos and told him to come pick up some trash he needed thrown out.

Get your ass up and off my damned carpet bleeding on it and shit, Ian threw at Shelby coldly as she tried vainly to staunch the flow.

Her head was spinning and one of her eyes was closed. It was all she could do to breathe right now. Shelby never thought Ian would hurt her like this. She knew he could be volatile and owned a temper, but she always thought she was immune from it. Please give me the strength to get out that door; Shelby thought again as she tried to rise and her legs gave her limited support. Managing a quick glance at Ian, she saw him sitting in his highboy watching her calmly, without emotion. The knock on the door startled Shelby and she jumped slightly as Ian went and answered it.

Wassup Ice, Carlos greeted his boss.

Ian grunted a response before nodding toward Shelby.

Where you want it dumped, Carlos answered nonchalantly as he grabbed Shelby around the waist and half dragged, half carried her toward the front door.

Take her to her cousin’s, Yvette, Ian replied as Carlos nodded his understanding and picked Shelby up off the ground, finding it easier to carry her than try to walk with her.

Call me tomorrow morning, we’ve got some business to handle, Ian told Carlos as a parting thought.

Carlos again acknowledged his understanding and hurriedly left with Ian closing the door behind him. Stretching slightly, Ian glanced at the clock. It was almost 4 AM. Quick shower, then I’ma make this run, he planned smiling slightly and heading to the bathroom.

*****

Kaitlyn heard the ice being put into the glass and the sound of liquid being poured over it. Glancing at the clock she saw that it was well after 5 AM. I guess Evan turned out to be a quickie, she thought rising and heading into the living room expecting to find Jaleesa. They didn’t live together but Jaleesa retained a key to her place, just as Kaitlyn kept one to hers also. There was nothing abnormal about her best friend coming over in the middle of the night.

I thought you were gonna stay – , Kaitlyn got out before stopping mid sentence, eyes locked with the visitor standing in her kitchen calmly looking back at her.

What are you doing in my house, Kaitlyn asked evenly trying hard to keep her cool.

She was unarmed and alone.

Obviously I came to see you, Ian returned calmly coming into the living room and sitting down on the leather sofa contained in the room.

Taking the time to look her over in the pale yellow silk nightie she wore, Ian once again took note of how attractive and well put together KiKi was. The nightie was mid thigh in length with seductive splits on either side. Her breasts were sitting pertly alert at the top with the webbed lacing affording a sensual view. Finding himself becoming aroused, Ian immediately changed his thoughts and took in her apartment once more. It was spacious but homey with the beautiful leather grouping she placed inside, dark brown, with almost mint green and yellow accents throughout. He knew right now her mind was on overdrive. Not only was KiKi trying to figure out how he got in, but how he even knew where she lived, considering they never said much past hello to each other.

Taking another deep breath Kaitlyn tried again. There was definitely something he wanted, and she needed to find out what it was quickly. Ian being at her house was not a good sign and if they did something to offend him she needed to know so they could work on immediately rectifying it.

What did you want to see me about, Ice, Kaitlyn tried again, coming into the living room herself and sitting in the recliner across from him.

Sipping his drink, Ian remained mute, simply watching her without expression for the next few moments.

Tweety go home with Evan, he asked calmly.

Yeah, I think so, Kaitlyn answered guardedly.

What the hell, she was thinking hoping and praying whatever the issue was wasn’t going to cost them big.

Mmm, Ian replied taking another sip. You OK with that, he asked as Kaitlyn frowned slightly in confusion.

Yeah, why wouldn’t I be, she returned as Ian smiled slightly.

I just wasn’t sure how open your relationship was with her, he baited.

Kaitlyn immediately frowned and tried to control her voice. Even though this wasn’t the first or twentieth time she heard it, it still pissed her off royally.

Tweety and I don’t get down like that, she replied flatly, still very much offended of the inference.

Mm, OK, Ian replied.

Taking another sip he regarded her again.

So you’re sleeping with the junkie then, Tariq, Ian threw out bluntly and Kaitlyn heard enough.

Rising she headed to her front door and opened it.

You’ve overstayed your welcome Ice, she told him evenly not caring anymore why he was there, or even how he knew where she lived.

Smiling slightly, Ian knew he hit a nerve and remained seated on the couch.

Close the door KiKi, he told her evenly without turning around. I’m not leaving yet, he finished flatly.

Sighing deeply Kaitlyn closed the door and grudgingly walked back into the living room, choosing to stand and look him in the eye.

Again, Ice, what do you want, she asked plainly making no attempt to hide her disdain at the moment.

Rising finally, Ian stood face to face with her, looking down into her eyes.

Answer my question, he told her his tone becoming more annoyed.

Are you screwing Tariq, he threw out never taking his eyes off Kaitlyn.

Still very much annoyed herself, Kaitlyn defiantly returned the stare before finally answering him.

Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I’m not fucking Tariq, she told him angrily.

Mmph, Ian threw back still regarding her. Make sure it stays that damned way, he told her as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

Pulling away Kaitlyn pushed him, using the split second to grab the knife that happened to be lying atop her kitchen table.  Ian was quick enough to grab Kaitlyn and twist her arm hard forcing her to drop the weapon.

You were gonna cut me, he asked angrily as he pushed her onto the sofa glaring at her.

I don’t know why the hell you’re here Ice, Kaitlyn began fully angry and holding her own. But if it’s to screw me, cancel that thought, she told him point blank. This is my body, and I decide who and when I give it up, she finished rising from the couch breathing hard and looking Ian directly in the eye.

Almost smiling, Ian caught himself. He loved Kaitlyn’s fire. He was glad she stood up to him. He needed a strong woman, not another lap dog like all the others he took and threw away.

OK, KiKi, he told her still holding her stare. I’ma let things be cool for now, he replied heading for the front door. But the shit ain’t over, and trust me, you don’t want me for an enemy, he told her opening it and stepping into her hallway.

I meant what I said about the junkie, Ian added once more ominously as he closed the door. Kaitlyn sank onto the couch breathing hard and thanking God he didn’t kill her.

2

H

ello," Kaitlyn mumbled into the receiver, still groggy from being awakened.

She laid down earlier in the afternoon to take a nap. At first she wasn’t sure anyone was there.

Wassup girl, Jaleesa shot back giggling slightly.

Hey Tweety, I was asleep, she told her trying to sound annoyed.

Well get your ass up, its time to make that paper, Jaleesa replied still chuckling as Kaitlyn sucked her teeth and chuckled with her.

Where you at, she inquired heading to the bathroom and turning on the shower.

I’m at the Arena, she replied. Game starts at 8:00, have your ass here, call me as you’re walking to the gate, I’ll be there to get you in, Jaleesa told her.

OK cool, Kaitlyn replied taking off her clothes. What am I bringing?

Weed, and coke, Jaleesa replied. No orders for smack.

Got it, Kaitlyn told her.

Have you talked to Landon lately, Jaleesa asked changing the subject, knowing the answer already.

He and Evan were close. She heard them talking, with Landon admitting how disappointed he was that Kaitlyn wasn’t attracted to him. Jaleesa thought Landon was sexy as hell, not seeing why Kaitlyn didn’t.

No, Kaitlyn replied simply, sighing deeply.

She just wanted them all to leave her alone about that. She couldn’t pretend to feel something she didn’t. She assumed Landon was a nice enough guy; she just wasn’t interested in him romantically. He completely