Chapter 7
Levi
I’ve never been this nervous for a date, but I really do want to make the other night up to her. I feel like such an ass. Parking my car in front of her house, I rub my hands down my blue jeans, attempting to wipe away my nerves.
This is ridiculous. I’ve been out with hundreds of beautiful women. But maybe that’s my problem. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out with a woman who is not only gorgeous, but kind and I’m genuinely curious about.
Taking a deep breath, I grab the white lilies I drove two towns over to buy and climb out of the car. Straightening, I push my shoulders back, striding for her door with faux confidence and knock.
Rocking back on my heels, I wait. The door flies open, and my mouth drops as Layla steps into the doorway.
Dressed in black leggings, the fabric appears like it was painted on her skin, making her legs look strong and longer than they are.
A silky, evergreen, scoop-neck top curves over her full, round breasts, flaring over the waist of her leggings, barely covering the arch of her ass.
Proving I’m not an asshole might be harder than I thought.
She makes something so simple look absolutely stunning making my jeans the worst thing I could be wearing.
“Hi,” she smiles, her tanned skin tinging pink.
Clearing my throat, I shift to get more comfortable and force myself to meet her soft brown eyes. Her long, brown hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, a few loose curls framing her face, drawing my attention to her slender neck. “Hi, Layla. You look beautiful.”
She smirks like she caught me checking her out and at the same time doesn’t believe my compliment. “Thanks.”
I’ve got my work cut out for me. “These are for you,” I announce, holding out the flowers.
Her eyes soften as she looks down at the delicate petals and smiles. “You found lilies.” Reaching out, she takes them from me, my hand lightly brushing hers, sparking a shock of heat to shoot up my arm. Tipping her head towards the flowers, she inhales deeply, her grin widening.
Clearing my throat, I nod. “I did. And I am really sorry for the other night. You didn’t deserve that.”
Lifting her gaze, she meets mine and gives me a smile. It’s a look that could melt a glacier in a heartbeat, while I try to control mine. “Thank you, Levi. Wait here. I’ll go put these in water.”
Leaving the door open, she strides towards her kitchen.
My eyes remain glued to her, watching as she walks away.
The natural sway to her hips garners my attention making my mouth water.
She fills a tall glass vase with water and sets it down on her counter next to a smaller vase filled with the carnations I gave her the other day.
A smile curves my lips. For a moment I wondered if she might toss them after I left.
Knowing she kept them gives me a little more faith in humanity, even though it likely has absolutely nothing to do with me.
She returns quickly and I ask, “You ready to go?”
“As much as I’ll ever be.”
She locks her door and slings a purse over her head, letting it hang across her body. Gesturing for her to go in front of me, I quickly think better of it, not wanting my dick to lead me by watching her move and quickly shuffle my feet next to her, walking side by side.
Before we reach the car, I step in front of her, opening the passenger door. Her eyes widen in surprise. “Thank you.”
Smirking, I claim, “I do have manners. I’m not the animal you probably think I am.”
A smile tugs at her lips. “We’ll see about that.” She sits down and I close the door behind her, chuckling.
Jogging around to the other side, I slip in behind the wheel and buckle my seat belt before I look over at her once again just as she drags her lip between her teeth eliciting a low groan without my consent.
“What?” she asks, arching her brow.
“Nothing,” I growl, barely able to get the word out. Clenching my jaw so I don’t say something stupid, I start the car and drive away from the curb, keeping my focus on the road as I head out of town.
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“It’s not too far,” I tell her, not ready to answer.
Clearing my throat, I change the subject.
“So, I wasn’t very good at answering your questions before, and I want to change that.
” I feel her gaze on me and push forward.
Opening up to anyone is not easy, but at least this time I don’t believe she’ll use anything she learns against me.
“How?”
In response, I start talking. “I enjoy all kinds of music, but a good rock anthem motivates me when I’m working out or preparing for a game, and I love jazz when there’s no one around.
It’s not that I don’t want to share it, but that’s the kind of music that allows me to let go and relax.
That’s not something that’s easy to do when other people are around, at least not for me. ”
“Levi,” she begins, her tone filled with empathy.
Suddenly feeling weak, I interrupt, “I love a quiet night in watching movies or television to decompress, but I don’t get a lot of time for that during the season.
Honestly, it’s been a long time since I’ve done that with anyone except someone from my family.
That’s something I’m usually doing alone.
” Pausing, I clear my throat, not daring to glance in her direction.
“Sports are my go to, movies included, but ironically I’d prefer anything except baseball when I’m not working or watching game footage.
I do love a good action or comedy too, depending on my mood. ”
“It’s like you’re suddenly an open book,” she jokes and I give her a crooked smile. “I like it,” she whispers, her voice sensual sending a shiver down my spine.
“What about you?”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. What are the things that make you Layla?” I inquire, staring through the windshield.
“Well, most of the time I like softer music, but the genre isn’t necessarily important, just something calming.
Lively or powerful music makes me think of girls nights, especially my best friend, Chloe.
” Glancing at her out of the corner of my eye, a smile touches her lips, the vision making my breath catch and I quickly force my eyes back on the road.
“When it comes to movies, I want something with a good story, but I’m not big on television, I’d rather have a book in my hand. ”
“What do you like to read?”
“Mostly some kind of romance, but I’ll read anything with a good story. Do you like to read?”
“I do, but I don’t get much of a chance. I’m not sure I remember the last good book I read.”
“You could always listen to an audiobook when you’re traveling. You do a lot of it.”
“That’s a great idea. Maybe you could recommend a good book for me.”
“You’ll read a romance?”
“Why not?”
“Then, maybe I will,” she agrees, just as a sign painted with a wagon full of pumpkins comes into view. She gasps, a bright smile lighting up her face as I drive into the dirt parking lot. “Are we going to the pumpkin farm?”
“We are. I hope that’s okay?”
“It’s perfect. I haven’t been here since I was a kid.”
My nerves loosen. I park my car along a wooden fence and reach for my sunglasses, slipping them on. “The only time I remember going to one was when I went with my cousins somewhere out here.”
“Della and Lawson are your cousins, right?”
“Yeah, do you know them?”
“Not really. They seem nice, but Della is a year younger than me and Lawson is two years older.”
“So, you’re, what? Twenty-six?”
“Yeah,” she says, drawing out the word.
“I’m a year younger than Lawson. Twenty-seven.”
I jump out of my car and stride around to the other side.
The door swings open as I approach and I hold my hand out, reaching down for hers.
She looks up at me from underneath her long, dark lashes, hesitating before she takes it, giving me a grateful smile.
Heat shoots up my arm and I try not to react.
Quickly, she drops my hand and looks away. I instantly feel the loss. The top of her head reaches just above my shoulder. She’d fit in my arms perfectly, my head resting atop hers, but I brush the thought away and focus on the moment.
I’d love the opportunity for a woman as beautiful as her to see me for me.
No, just her. I’d love Layla to see the real me.