For a moment Landon was sure that she was going to say no.  That she was going to retreat behind the mask he’d seen almost settle across her features more than once that day.  He didn’t let the relief he felt when she agreed show until she disappeared into her bedroom to change, and then he slumped over on the counter and glanced at his friend, a touch of guilt flickering behind his eyes before he rested his head in his hands for a moment.<br/><br/>His voice was muffled when he spoke, barely audible.  The last thing he wanted was for Claire to overhear.  “I was sure she was going to say no…”<br/><br/>When he finally stood and pushed away from the counter he shook his head and shared a look with Gavin, his unease plain for the other man to see.  “I can’t push her like that often.  She’ll break, and we both know it.  Go change and let’s get out there.  She’ll need some time to build up her courage for this…” he added more to himself than Gavin, speaking from personal experience.<br/>