Landon's Obsession: An Endless Series: Book 3 (Series 3) (63 page)

     “He said he was going to head back to the hospital...But
Maya, did you say something about not wanting to have anything else to do with
him?”

     I stared at her in incredibility. “What!? No! Why?”

     Mama frowned. “He said something about understanding
why you’d never want to see him again.”      

     Was that what he thought when I dashed away? “No, I
never said anything like that. Mama, can you watch Nola until tomorrow for me.
Landon and I need some time together alone to talk.”

     She leaned in to hug me tight again. “Of course, baby.
You go give that boy some love, he’s hurting badly. You both need each other
right now.”

     “Thanks, mama.” It seemed her uncertainty about me and
Landon had diminished significantly after hearing about his mother’s
manipulations.

     With a kiss of gratitude to her cheek I went over to inform
Nola that she was spending the night at Nana’s, and after giving her a long hug
I got my things and headed out.

     The drive to Richmond was an hour and I presumed the
McKay’s would go to the more affluent hospital which was Richmond Mercy. I
debated on whether to warn Landon I was coming but decided against it. I didn’t
want him to tell me no just because his brother was there.

     Surprisingly, my gut twisted and flipped just a little
less at the thought of seeing him, and though my desire to never run into him
again in my life was just as strong I would risk it for Landon.  

     I had to park what felt like a state away from the
hospital entrance, but instead of waiting for a shuttle I jogged the quarter
mile. The ICU was on the second floor and I took my chances that Landon’s
father was still there being monitored. I thought I was going to have to check
every room to find out which one he was in but as I paced down the hallway I
heard arguing and instantly recognized Landon’s deep pitch.

     “Do you really think the first face he should see when
he wakes is the woman who put him in that bed? It might cause him to have a
relapse.”

     I walked up to the door where I heard his voice
emanating. Several people stood feet away shamelessly listening to the argument
going on within. I gave them a hard censorious glare that had them all
scattering, and then I waited outside because this argument didn’t need my
presence.  

     “Landon, how can you say that?” Yep, just as I
thought…his mother. “I love your father, and he loves me.”

     “I don’t think you’re capable of that emotion.” Landon
stated, sounding enormously weary. “What you had Kris do didn’t show love for
him. What you did to me wasn’t love. All this conniving and the secrets…years
of them; that’s not love. You’re someone I don’t know.”

     “I recognize I went too far.” She pleaded. “The plan
was to just break you two up, but things escalated and went beyond my control.”

     “That’s your problem.” He bellowed lowly. “You want
control over everything…things that have nothing to do with you. It’s beyond a
problem, it’s a disease, and it’s infected this whole family. You destroyed
this family. I can no longer look at Kris as a brother because of what you did.
Dad is lying in a hospital bed because of you. I went four years without the
woman I love, as well as missing out on years of my daughters life. Maya believes
she was raped and even though Kris assures me that he didn’t do it how can I
believe him after what he did; how can she? The doubt will always be there. I
can barely look at you I’m so furious and disgusted by you. Until dad wakes up
and can tell me himself that he wants you near him I’m going to protect
him…since your only concern seems to be for yourself.”

     My heart hurt hearing the pain behind his anger.

     Landon’s voice had risen steadily during his tirade and
I saw a male and female nurse rushing down the hall at the commotion. Since the
argument was going to be broken up anyway…Pushing through half open door I
strode in. Landon was facing me so he saw me first, and his angry expression
froze in shock.

     “Your argument has the nurses rushing this way.” I
announced making my way over to his side. I gave him a small smile letting him
know that I was here for him; then I faced his mother.

     She was looking rough. She had made efforts to smooth
her blonde hair back into a bun, but her expensive slacks and silk shirt were
excessively wrinkled, and her face nearly matched those clothes. The last
several hours, and emotional discharge, had brought about a serious age
progression.  

     At the sight of me she seemed to draw what strength she
had left in an effort to straighten her spine and appear collected while at the
same time doing her best to avoid my gaze directly. She didn’t do as well as I
think she hoped. I could sense her discomfort that I was here. She didn’t
intimidate me like she had four years ago; either time, age, or my extreme
dislike for her obliterated all that power.    

     The brief uncomfortable moment was interrupted by the nurses
bursting into the room. They looked at the three of us in stern disapproval,
but it was the older female nurse who took the initiative.

     “We can’t have this kind of uproar in the hospital. If
you can’t keep your voices down, and behave less confrontational, then we will
have to ask you to leave, or escort you all out.”

     “Mother, go home. Use the time to get some rest and
clean up. When dad wakes up I will tell him you were here.”

     Anger and fatigue weighed down Landon’s words and I
grasped his hand to give him my support. He squeezed my hand softly. 

     Landon’s directives caused his mother’s stiff frame to
slump abruptly. She gave him another imploring look, which I noted brought no
softening to his features, and without glancing at me she turned and walked
away. The nurses gave Landon and me curious looks and followed her out.

     “I can’t fucking believe her; she didn’t offer you one
look of repentance. She barely even acknowledged you.” Landon growled.

     I put my own feelings for his mother aside at the
moment. Even though I’d learned some new things about my circumstances most of
them were old news. Landon’s emotions were more important to me right now. Like
he’d said earlier to his mother; his family had just been destroyed, and his
father was lying in this room after suffering a minor heart attack.

     Stepping into his body I wrapped my arms around his
waist and laid my head on his chest. “I’m so sorry.”

     He went rigid for one second, but then his strong arms
surrounded me, clasping me to him, tightly. His face pressed into my hair and
he inhaled deeply before answering. “What could you possibly be sorry for?” He
asked gruffly.

     I did some breathing in of my own; his musky scent went
a long way in settling my rolling emotions. “Landon, you just had one of the
worst nights imaginable; confronting your brother, finding out about your
mother, your father…I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now, and I’m so sorry
that you have to go through all this.”

     “Fuck Maya; my family has brought nothing but misery to
you. We all deserve everything we’re going through…everyone but my dad.” His
voice was saturated in heartache; for me, and for what his father was going
through.

     My eyes teared up at his pain. “You don’t either,
Landon.” I leaned back to look up at him. “Don’t think that I blame you for any
of this. Your mother and brother are at fault here and that’s who I blame, not
you. I love you. Earlier, when I ran, it just became too overwhelming. I needed
time alone to process it…And after I did I wanted to kick myself because
seconds before I ran I told you I’d be there for you.”

     He frowned and it highlighted his fatigue even further.
“I understand; it knocked me on my ass as well. This whole thing is a fucking Greek
tragedy.”

     I stroked over his brow and cheek. “You need sleep.”

     His eyes flickered to his father. “I need to be here
for dad.”

     I smiled sorrowfully. “I figured…but will you at least lie
down in the chair, or a cot, and while you rest I’ll watch your dad.” I could
see he was about to balk, so I pushed. “Please, Landon. When he wakes up I’ll
wake you.”

     He was caving to my puppy dog look…I could see it…which
meant he really was exhausted. Grabbing the extra pillow at the foot of his
dad’s bed I guided him over to the lounge chair and pushed him down. His mouth
quirked and he shook his head, but allowed me to direct him.

     “Bossy.” He mumbled tiredly. His large frame overflowed
the small chair, but it tilted back so he was able to stretch out.

     “Flatterer.” I smirked.

     He reached out clasping my hand and stared up at me
with weary eyes. “I love you, Maya.”

     I smoothed out the frown between his eyes, hating that
he was going through all this. “I love you, too.”

     Bending over I kissed each of his eyes making him close
them, and when I stood up they remained shut. Tenderly, I brushed my fingers
over his brows, forehead, cheeks, nose, and then repeated. It was something
both of us did for Nola to relax her into sleep. It didn’t take long for him to
fall…the man had had a long, emotional night and was dead on his feet.

     I continued for a few more minutes and when I was certain
he was all the way out I turned to go sit in the other chair…and locked eyes
with Landon’s father. I froze in surprise.

     “Don’t wake him up.” He whispered.

     I frowned. “Excuse me?”

     “Landon…don’t wake him up. He looked tired.”

     My brows rose. How long had he been lying in that bed
awake?

     The man looked worn out but his mouth quirked and it
startled me because it was so reminiscent of Landon’s. The sadness in his eyes
was also the same. “I’ve been awake since my wife walked out the door if that’s
what you’re wondering.” 

     I shuffled closer to the bed. “Why didn’t you say
anything?”

     Landon’s dad was a complete unknown to me. I’d only
seen him once when I’d worked at his home four years ago. Mama had little say
about him except that he worked hard and had always been pleasant to her. Mama
had dealt with Mrs. McKay mostly and hadn’t had as many complimentary things to
say about her. Mr. McKay was an attractive older man and I could see similar
features of Landon’s in his; especially the eyes.

     “Well, feigning sleep worked for me because I didn’t
want Nadine coming back in here, and then I got caught up listening to you and
my son.” His brow furrowed pensively? “Hearing the two of you speak to each
other was a revelation. It was incredibly poignant watching you comfort him after
everything my wife and son did to you. You love my son…really love him.”

     “I do…very much.” I replied cautiously.

     His gaze darkened with sorrow. “I’m sorry for what my
wife and son did to you.”

     Unsure how to accept that I just nodded. I didn’t put
any blame on Landon’s father, but I had no rapport with him.

     My hand was on the railing and his settled on it. “Did
Landon tell you that Kris vowed he didn’t…violate you?”

     I stiffened slightly at where the conversation was
going. “He told me.”

     A pained frown turned down his face. “You still assert
he did though…you’re
certain
he did?”

     His sad, tired eyes closed and alarm shot through me.
“I’m
not
certain…” I rushed out which had his eyes reopening. “I want to
believe it, but the uncertainty will always be there because I can’t remember
anything…just waking up naked next to him.” I didn’t mention all the additional
memories that augmented my fears.    

     His eyes pinched closed again and sympathy flooded me.
He was getting two conflicting stories. He wanted to believe his son, but here
I was saying there was doubt. Shit, I hope I wasn’t worsening his condition.

     I turned my hand over grasping his. “Mr. McKay…I want
to believe it though.” I did…I really, really did. I had some serious doubts
that I could ever forgive Kris, or be around him, but I could let others think
that I accepted his word. Regrettably, because I had doubts Nola’s parentage
still hung heavy over our lives. 

     His sad eyes reopened again and he squeezed my hand. “You’re
a compassionate girl.” He declared, sounding weary.

     I squeezed his hand back in concern. “Mr. McKay, you
need to get better. I know all this has been a lot for you; it’s been a lot for
Landon too. He needs you.”

     “I’m not going anywhere, Maya. We will be there for each
other, but he has you now and I can see that you are his life now. My son loves
you, and he loves Nola. She’s a beautiful little girl by the way and I can’t
wait to get to know her better. And Maya, please call me Dan, because I hope we
can soon get to know each other better too.”

     Giving him a smile and nodded in agreement. “I would
like that…Dan.” 

Chapter Nineteen

LANDON

     “It’s good to hear that you’re dad is going to be okay,
Landon.” Evan exclaimed earnestly.

     The guys had been trying to get a hold of me all day
wondering why I’d missed the game. When I’d finally woken from my nap a few
hours later, and observed Maya and my dad talking like old friends, which had
been a pleasant surprise and addition to a bad day, I’d found my phone filled
with numerous texts from the guys.

     Dad had urged me to take off, to go home and get further
rest, but I’d had to talk to him first; insisting he follow the doctors’ orders
about taking it easy. Any more Stress Cardiomyopathy’s could wreak permanent
damage on his heart. I’d told him that I’d be replacing him at the office as
much as I could for the forcible future. He’d argued, and I’d argued back, and
we’d eventually agreed on sharing the work with me doing most of it and him
staying at home to do his. He wasn’t happy about it, but it’s what had to be
during his recovery.