Chapter 14
Layla
Knowing I don’t have enough time to dry my hair, I brush it up into a high ponytail and take a quick look in the mirror.
My cheeks are flushed underneath my neutral makeup, keeping it simple.
Rushing to my closet, I stand in my matching red lace bra and panty set, the sexy lingerie increasing my confidence.
I need something to give it a boost when Levi is around, even if I’m the only one who sees it.
He leaves me on edge and burning with desire, salivating like I’m the modern day kissing bandit ready to pounce and chase him around the bases.
I’m stronger than that. I can have dinner with a gorgeous man at his place without trying to jump him.
I do it all the time. Well, that’s not true, but I could and it wouldn’t be a big deal.
So why does Levi feel different? Brushing the question away, I search through my clothes, wanting to be cute and comfortable without looking like I’m trying.
Ugh. What the hell am I supposed to wear?
Trying not to think too hard, I grab a pale pink, short-sleeve, cotton dress, with a collar and two of the three buttons open.
The fabric skims my thigh as I slip it on.
A knock at the door, grabs my attention while I slip on silver sandals.
Glancing in the mirror one more time on the way out of my room, I stride for the door.
Yanking it open, I smile at Levi. “Hi.”
His eyes flare as they swiftly roam my body before meeting my gaze. He gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “Hi,” he says, his voice cracking. Pausing, he clears his throat. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yup.” I step outside and tug my door shut, locking it behind me.
Spinning towards the sidewalk, his hand falls to the small of my back, his light touch like an electric charge causing my hair to stand on end. When I lift my gaze, my steps falter. “Um, where’s your car?”
He gives me a crooked grin making my heart stutter. “It’s only two blocks. I thought we could walk.”
My face heats. “Oh, sure. It’s the perfect evening for it, but you should’ve let me walk over. I forgot you were so close.”
“It’s time I get to spend with you.”
A giggle slips out before I can stop it making me blush. “Sorry but I couldn’t help it. That sounds like another line.”
He chuckles. “Is it working?”
My heart stutters but I try to ignore it. Instead of answering, I attempt to redirect the conversation. “So, what are you making for dinner? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?”
His eyes spark with amusement. “I do love PB and J.” We both laugh. “Believe it or not, I can cook.”
“Well, I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”
We walk through a gate on the side of the house, the soft glow of lanterns lighting the path. The calming sound of small waterfalls spilling into a pool below brings a smile to my face. “Wow, this outdoor space is incredible.”
“Yeah, I think so too. They did all this after my cousins moved out.” He gestures to a door on the right. “This is where I’m staying while I’m here.”
He opens it and I step inside, the apartment modern, yet warm.
With the lack of personal pictures on the walls, I’m surprised by how cozy it feels.
Maybe it’s the salty and masculine scent of Levi permeating my senses or seeing a baseball bag and shoes stacked on a bench near the front door.
Or it could be the small, oval, oak table between the living room and kitchen set with navy blue cloth placemats, white napkins, candles and a small bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas bringing a smile to my face.
“This is a fantastic space.”
“It is, but it’s definitely designed for guests. Although, my Aunt Miranda put a picture of my cousins and me in the hallway.”
“Is the table design for guests too?” I smirk.
“That might be my doing.”
“Might be?”
He gives me a crooked smile making my breath catch. “Do you want something to drink while I finish up dinner?”
He walks backwards towards the kitchen, keeping his eyes on me. “What do you have?” I follow him, pausing in the doorway.
“Water, beer, red wine, white wine, rosé…” he trails off, hesitating. “If I didn’t know you were coming there’d likely be a few less choices.”
Giggling, I answer, “I would love a glass of chardonnay if you have it.” He nods, my eyes remaining on him, watching as he reaches for two clear glasses and swiftly pops the cork. He pours a glass for each of us and hands me one, his fingers brushing mine, eliciting goosebumps.
“To getting to know each other better,” he proclaims, holding my stare.
A shiver runs down my spine and I let out a shaky breath, tipping my wineglass to his. “I’ll drink to that.” As the light clink echoes in the room, I tear my eyes from his, attempting to calm my nerves. I take a sip, the dry, oaky flavors accented with a hint of peach dance on my tongue.
“What do you think?”
I lick my lips and his gaze follows the movement making me gasp. “It’s good. I like it.”
Taking a deep breath, he spins away from me and sets his glass down. “Good, good,” he murmurs, turning on the stove. Lifting the lid off a large skillet, he grabs a serving spoon and stirs, the savory aroma of its contents hitting me.
Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply. “That smells so good,” I croon, opening my eyes and staring at him. “What are you making?”
Satisfaction and happiness dance in his eyes. “Shrimp orzo. It’s garlic sautéed shrimp with the orzo cooked in clam juice, blended with peas, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream, lemon…” He pauses, glancing at me. “We weren’t gone long, so it will be ready soon. I think you’ll like it.”
“It sounds incredible and smells even better.”
His cheeks heat, surprising me. “Thanks.”
“So, you like to cook?”
“Yeah, I guess it made things easier.”
My eyebrows draw down in confusion. “What do you mean?”
He chuckles and waves his hand in the air as if it’s no big deal, but something in his eyes tells me that’s not the case. “I was a teenage boy and an athlete. I ate a lot.” He laughs again, but it sounds hollow.
“You learned young.”
“Yeah. What about you? Do you like to cook?”
“I do, but I can’t cook anything fancy like this.”
He chuckles. “This isn’t fancy.”
“It is to me.”
“Well, as long as you like it, I’ll be happy.” He stirs the contents in the deep skillet again. “It’s about ready. Do you mind grabbing the bread out of the oven? The mitts are in the drawer to the left of it.”
“Sure.”
“It’s already cut. I put it in there to keep it warm. Why don’t you take that and your wine to the table, I’ll be right there with dinner.”
“Okay,” I agree, doing as he suggests.
I sit down at the long side of the table where we’ll be closer.
A few moments later he sets a white bowl down in front of me causing my mouth to water.
The shells are removed from the pink shrimp, mixed in with the white of the orzo, and the greens and reds of the veggies, a picture perfect, colorful palette. “This looks amazing, Levi.”
He smiles and strides back to the kitchen, retrieving his wine, butter, and some fresh parmesan before sitting down across from me. “Dig in,” he urges, his eyes glued to me.
“Don’t watch.”
“What?” He laughs, but my eyes narrow. “Okay, fine. Just eat.” He picks up his fork, flicking his gaze from me to his own food and back before taking a bite.
The moment my mouth closes over my fork, the flavors burst in my mouth and my eyes reflexively close. A soft hum escapes, as I savor the taste. “Oh my god, Levi, this is delicious.”
“Thank you,” he rasps, his voice strained. “But if you eat every bite like that, I may not make it through dinner.”
My face flushes and my stomach twists. “Um, I’m ah…I’m sorry.”
“Please, don’t be sorry.” His eyes glint with mischief.
I need to change the subject before I really start fumbling. “So, um, you’re definitely much smoother than you were on our first date.”
He quirks his brow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
Feeling like we’re getting back on even ground, I ask the question that’s been circling, “For someone who can be all lines and ego, have you ever had a serious relationship, or have you always been a player?”
He flinches, but I’m not going to brush this question to the side. This is one answer I need to know.