LANDON’S POV
I sit across from Elise. She smiles. Her lips are painted a shade of red that looks too deliberate, too inviting. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, my fingers tightening around the stem of my wine glass. The room is warm, almost suffocating, and I find myself glancing at the door every few minutes, hoping her husband will walk in and put an end to this dinner.
"You're distracted, Landon," Elise purrs, tilting her head slightly. "Is something on your mind?"
I clear my throat, forcing a neutral expression. "Not at all. Just thinking."
She hums, amused, and leans in, resting her chin on her palm. "About what?"
"Work."
Her laugh is light, teasing. "There’s no need to think about work now. You need to loosen up."
I exhale sharply and take a sip of my drink. "I like my routin
