Chapter 3
Layla
Running my hands over my white sleeveless blouse with eyelet stitching, flared at the waist and onto my navy blue pencil skirt, I wonder if I should go home and change.
I feel like I’m overdressed for the diner.
Although, I didn’t want to underdress for a date either.
Coming on this date at all wasn’t my choice, but I committed to it and I’m not backing out now.
Besides, I don’t want whoever they set me up with to see my reluctance the moment they lay eyes on me or think I’m over excited.
I haven’t been on a date in a long time.
Then again, that doesn’t mean anything. If I knew who they were setting me up with, it’d be easier.
I’ve known everyone who lives in Love Canyon for most of my life.
That’s part of the reason I don’t date anymore.
Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step inside.
My eyes widen. I’ve never seen the diner so full.
Familiar faces glance my way, a few older couples and several women from book club standing out.
My eyes narrow on Chloe’s grandmother sitting with her friends letting me know exactly what’s going on.
This was a bad idea.
I spin on my heel and reach for the door. A hand on my arm stops me and I turn. “Hi, Layla. What a surprise seeing you here. Are you meeting Chloe?”
“Hi, Nora. I’m here for the blind date you and the rest of book club set me up with,” I remind her, offering a polite smile. I don’t believe for a second she doesn’t already know exactly why I’m here.
“Was that tonight? Oh, well, let me walk you to a table. I saw one right over here,” she says, giving my arm a gentle tug.
Reluctantly, I let her guide me to the only empty table, diagonal from her and her friends. “Thank you.”
Waving to the other women, I sit down with my back to them, knowing seeing their eyes on me will only make me more nervous. Nora leans down and whispers, “Don’t forget to put the rose on the table so he knows it’s you.”
Sitting up straight, I look around the room. “I didn’t bring a rose. No one told me.”
She gasps. “What? Oh, dear.”
Shaking my head, I claim, “It’s fine. I’m the only one here who’s alone and the rest of the tables are full. I’m sure he’ll figure it out.” Or maybe he won’t and I can leave, but with everyone here, being stood up is not ideal either.
“Okay. Good luck, Layla and have fun.”
“Thanks.”
Smiling brightly, she turns and walks away. Trying to forget about everyone here, I exhale slowly, getting my nerves under control.
The door to the diner swings open, gasps and murmurs hitting my ears before I lift my gaze, seeing the man behind all the chatter. My heart skips a beat.
His face isn’t one I recognize, nor one I would ever forget.
There’s no way he’s from around here. He’s tall and lean with broad shoulders, and strong arms, his firm muscles on display underneath a black t-shirt.
His thick, dark brown hair sticks up as if he continuously runs his hands through it making me want to do the same.
Golden brown eyes roam the room and land on me causing my breath to catch.
Damn, he’s gorgeous.
Gulping hard, I square my shoulders, tuck my hair behind my ear and force a smile as he approaches, hoping it looks natural.
He saunters across the room, his stride exuding confidence, along with a crooked smile that nearly brings me to my knees and he knows it.
“Hi, I’m looking for a rose, but... Are you waiting for a blind date?
” His voice comes out deep and gravelly making my breath catch.
Nodding, my head wobbles like a bobble head and I force myself to stop. “Yes, hi. I’m Layla.” Wiping my suddenly sweaty palms against my skirt, I stand, reaching out to shake his hand.
He grins wider, giving me goosebumps. Clasping my small hand in his large one, a shock goes right through me, causing me to jump. His smile falters and he drops his hands to his sides, assessing me. “Nice to meet you, Layla.”
Clearing my throat, I pull myself together. “And you are?”
Taking a moment, his eyes narrow before he answers. “Levi.”
“It’s great meeting you.”
“You look nice,” he mumbles, suddenly diverting his gaze, glancing around the room instead of at me.
“Ah, thanks,” I respond as more of a question.
That word tends to rub me the wrong way, but I try not to let it bother me.
He doesn’t know that. I watch him look around, taking in our small red, white, and black retro diner as if he has something else on his mind besides this date.
I can’t blame him, since I didn’t want to be set up either, but we’re here. Why not enjoy it?
Swinging his attention back to me, he asks, “So, what’s good here? You are from Love Canyon, right?”
“Yes, I grew up here. Honestly everything is good. It’s basically all homemade, so it only depends on what you like.”
“Then, I guess that makes sense why they picked the diner for our date. Variety and homemade cooking.”
Huffing a laugh, I claim, “Or it’s because they wanted to witness every part of it. I feel eyes on us from every direction.”
His gaze widens and he scans the room again, a smile curving his lips. “You’re right. I hadn’t noticed.”
“How can you not?” I question, squirming.
He shrugs. “Guess I’m used to it.”
“I didn’t think that was something anyone would get used to. There’s no way I could.”
Leaning back, he crosses his arms defensively over his chest, staring at me through narrowed eyes. “Then, what are you doing here with me?”
I scoff. “You really think highly of yourself, huh?”
“No, it’s just the way it is.”
Is he serious? The audacity!
“Just because you’re good looking doesn’t mean you have people fawning all over you.”
“You think I’m good looking?” He gives me another crooked grin making me want to slap it from his face. Holding his hands up as if trying to calm a rabid beast, he claims, “I’m teasing and besides, that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“What are you talking about then?” I clasp my hands tightly together, forcing myself to stay glued to the chair.
At least he’s nice to look at. I hate that damn word.
Everyone always assumes I’m the smart girl, or the nice one.
Apparently, I’m destined to never be pretty or fun.
Internally groaning, I try to stop obsessing about a word and pay attention to my date.
A teen waitress approaches us, her red hair pulled up into a high ponytail. “Are you ready to order?” she asks, pouring water into the glasses placed in front of each of us.
“May we have a couple more minutes?” Levi asks.
“Sure.” She nods, turning and walking to another table.
“Look, I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. Maybe we can start over?” His voice comes out low and soft, apologetic.
“Okay,” I mutter halfheartedly, wondering if he means it.
“How’d you end up on a blind date with me?” he questions, leaning towards me as if he’s truly curious about my response.
“Honestly, I think I was manipulated into it by my book club.”
He laughs, bringing a genuine smile to my face. “I have to say, I’m very curious about this book club.”
“It’s definitely one of a kind. Why are you here?”
“The truth? I’m doing my aunt a favor.”
I flinch. “Oh, how charitable of you,” I mutter, sarcasm thick on my tongue.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be here.”
Tilting my head to the side, I stare at him and challenge, “Doesn’t it?” He wouldn’t be the only one.
Instead of answering, he redirects. “What do you do, Layla?”
Exhaling slowly, I attempt to relax my shoulders, trying to feel more comfortable with him. Maybe this isn’t so bad. “I’m a physical therapist. Currently, I work mostly with all the high school sports teams and sometimes I fill in for the school nurse.”
“That must be interesting.”
“Sure, it’s a good job. It’s not exactly what I want to be doing, but my options are limited in such a small town.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and yes, I enjoy working with the students.
So many of them push too hard and end up getting hurt.
I’m glad I can be there for them, and help them, but for me, it’s not ideal. ”
His face falls and he clenches his square jaw, the movement making me squirm, both sexy and a little scary. “Really?”
Furrowing my brow, I try ignoring his obvious displeasure at my response and ask, “What about you?”
“What about me?” he snaps.
I lick my lips, attempting to ignore the reappearance of his attitude. “What do you do?”
He laughs humorlessly. “After that speech you’re going to pretend like you don’t know? I was told you were a nice girl.”
“I’m not pretending anything and why do you keep using that word?”
“What word?”
“Nice,” I emphasize, narrowing my eyes.
“You’re acting like it’s a bad word and if you’re not pretending, why did you bring up how much you like working with the teams at the high school, but say it’s not ideal? I can’t get you a job.”
A sound of pure disbelief falls from my lips. “Good because I never asked for one. Besides, I don’t even know what you do.”
“My aunt or uncle never mentioned that I play professional baseball for a living?” He quirks his brow.
Inhaling quickly in shock, I stare at him, eyes wide and mouth open while everything clicks into place. “You’re Levi Brennan.”
“Yeah, but you already knew that.”
Gripping the edge of the table so tight my knuckles turn white, I lean closer, attempting to keep my emotions under control and my voice quiet. “No, I didn’t. If I did, I would not be here.”
He scoffs, giving me a look, telling me he doesn’t believe me. “Right.”
“I gave in to this blind date choosing a former player. They obviously made a mistake because that’s not you.”
“Well, I am a former player, but I hope that status is only temporary. Guess you’re wrong on a technicality. ”
“Too bad for you I don’t give a damn who’s right or wrong. You are the epitome of everything I don’t want in a man.”
“Keep saying it. Maybe I’ll pretend to believe you.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I shake my head, irrationally disappointed. For a second when he walked through the door, I actually had my hopes up, but that sure as hell didn’t last. “I’m done. I don’t need this.”
“You think I do? I don’t ever need someone to set me up on a date.” His gaze narrows.
Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall.
Grinding my teeth, I push the chair back, letting it screech across the floor.
I stand, glaring at him. In an instant, I no longer care about the people around us.
Snatching the glass of water, I mutter under my breath, “Screw you, Levi,” a moment before tossing the contents in his face.
Ignoring the gasps around the diner, I spin on my heel and storm out, knowing my name will be on everyone’s tongue before I even make it home, but I don’t care.
My phone rings as I slide into the front seat of my car, Chloe’s name flashing on the screen as if trying to prove my point. Swiping to answer, I ask, “Why the hell would they set me up on a date with a man who’s a player in every sense of the word?”
“I’m sorry, Layla. Want me to come over and you can tell me about it?”
“I appreciate the offer, but no, thanks.” I’m positive she has plans with Beck tonight and I’m not about to ruin that for her. Just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean she needs to.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m going to grab a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dinner and read. At least the book boyfriend on the pages is one I can get behind.”
She laughs. “Okay, but I’m still coming over tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Thanks Chloe. Tell Beck I said, hi.” I disconnect the call and turn the key, veering away from the curb.
Maybe I didn’t want to be set up, but after finally giving in, this was definitely not the way I thought tonight would end.