Read Online Contingent by Livia Jamerlan - Free Book Online Page A

now on this non-date, where we can have sodas instead of beer.”
    “This non-date is growing on me.” And it was. He had a way of turning an awkward situation, into something I was beginning to anticipate. Even if only for a little bit.
    “Me too.”
    Landon had said we were going to a game. But for the last God only knew how many years I’d avoided any type of sports. Not because I didn’t like it or because I didn’t know anything about it. I never had the time to follow sports. I’d immediately presumed baseball since that’s what he played, but when we walked into Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks play basketball, a wide smile grew on my face. Though baseball was interesting to watch, there was nothing like yelling with the crowd for an uncalled foul or booing the opponent at the free throw line.
    What was even more exciting was following Landon to our seats. On the floor. At Madison Square Garden. I had never been this close at any sporting event.
    Landon carried the cardboard tray holding our hot dogs and nachos and I held onto our drinks. “Do you like the Knicks?” he shouted over the music that blasted.
    “Does it matter? These are floor seats. We could be watching zoo animals run around and I would enjoy it!”
    The starting line-up was announced for both teams and I became lost in the game. Landon and I shouted at the referee when he was close and high-fived the fans around us when our player dunked on the opponent. By halftime, my throat was hoarse from shouting.
    “I’m going to use the restroom. Do you need anything?”
    “No, I’m good. Do you want me to escort you?” Landon asked.
    I shook my hand at him. “No, I’ll be right back.”
    Waiting in line at the ladies’ room, I felt my phone vibrate in my purse. I fished in my oversized bag until I located it. I had three missed text messages from Gus and a missed call and voicemail from Kennedy.
    Gus: Do you need a bail out call?
    Gus: hello?
    Gus: I guess you’re having a good old time ;) I’m going out with Jon tonight.
    I closed the text message and hit the voicemail button. Kennedy’s voice sprung in my ear. “You are out on a date with Landon Jenkins and I had to find out from Gus! OMG, Braelynn! I want the full report when you get home!”
    When I exited the ladies’ room, Landon was standing against the wall across from me, his arms crossed over his chest. Our eyes met, and the dimple in his cheek appeared with his grin. The butterflies in my stomach began to flap their wings as I crossed to him. Landon extended his arm to me once I was close, placing his hand on my lower back and pulling me flush to him.
    “Hello there.” I placed my hand on his firm chest. Even over his clothing I could feel his chiseled pecs.
    “I wasn’t sure if you’d ditched me and left.” His lips were inches from my neck, and his warm breath tickled my skin.
    I tapped my hand on his chest. “No! That’s rude and I wouldn’t leave you without saying anything. I’d have a friend call with an emergency or fake a migraine if that were the case.” I gave him a quick wink.
    Landon leaned in and pressed his soft lips to my cheek. Sudden heat rose from my neck and a tingling sensation burned in my cheeks. My body was being pulled in all sorts of directions. My mind kept yelling at me to let my hair down and enjoy the moment, but my heart shouted for me to stop this before it got serious.
    “Come on,” Landon whispered, his lips still close to mine.
    Lacing our fingers together, he led us back to our seats. Landon’s hand was firm and rough, his skin tough from what he did for a living. Not at all like Peyton’s hands which were soft and tender when he placed them on my skin. Shaking Peyton away from my head, I returned my focus to the game. My heart belonged to Peyton, but I couldn’t deny that my body had feelings for Landon.
    The last two heart-stopping minutes of a basketball game were what I loved most; the point where each team gives it