Chapter 19
Levi
The weight of Layla’s warm body presses up against me, my dick stiff and uncomfortable not getting the memo that she’s not here for sex.
I’d been about to fall asleep when I heard the quiet knocking, but when I dragged my tired limbs to the door, I was pleasantly surprised until I got a good look at her face, and my heart plummeted.
She stood in front of me appearing frail, exposed and defenseless.
My need to hold her and comfort her nearly consumed my insides. I’m grateful she let me.
I can’t imagine what she’s going through.
Her confession floored me, showing her strength even in this moment of vulnerability, making her even more beautiful.
Knowing I’m the one she sought out when she needed someone to lean on fills me with pride, but I don’t want to take it for granted.
I want to prove to her that I’m a man who deserves to be by her side through thick and thin.
At the same time the thought crosses my mind, I’m overwhelmed with the truth of it. Layla has quickly and easily embedded herself into my heart whether she meant to or not. And for the first time in a long damn time, I don’t want to let her slip away.
Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I’m hit with the soft scent of vanilla and lavender bringing a smile to my face. My hand slowly trails over her silky smooth tresses onto her back, her body curling into mine, fitting perfectly.
She shifts underneath me and I still, waiting. Slowly, she lifts her head and turns towards me, her eyes fluttering open, her brown orbs focusing on me. Her tongue flicks out, licking her lips and she rasps, “Hi.”
A grin covers my face. “Good morning, beautiful. How are you feeling?”
Planting her palm on my bare chest, she pushes up and looks down at me. My hand covers hers, keeping her there. “Um, I’m okay. I’m sorry for waking you up last night.”
Giving her hand a squeeze, I keep my voice low, but insistent, “You can wake me up anytime you need me. I’m happy I could be there for you last night and I want to be there for you while you go through this. It can’t be an easy road.”
She stares at me as if trying to read me and hopefully sees the truth in my eyes before she finally responds.
“Thank you, Levi. I can’t begin to explain how much that means to me.
” She sits up fully and I release her hand, following suit.
“Last night, I don’t know. I just couldn’t be at home and I started walking. Without thinking, I ended up here.”
“I’m glad you came to me, Layla, but next time call me and I’ll come to pick you up. Yes, Love Canyon is a small town, but you never know what could happen. It’s not safe to be walking alone so late at night.”
She rolls her eyes, teasing, “Yes, sir.”
A salacious grin lights up my face. “Oh, I could definitely get used to hearing that come out of your mouth.”
“Levi,” she scolds, blushing a deep shade of red.
Relishing her reaction, I chuckle. Giving her a reprieve, I glance at the time. “You don’t have to work today, do you? Otherwise, you’re late.”
Shaking her head, she states, “No, I called in last night.”
“So does that mean I have the entire day with you?”
“Umm…”
“Just say, yes. I want to take care of you today.”
“I feel like you’ve already been doing that.”
“Please?” Arching my brows, I give her a crooked grin that I know usually helps me get my way.
Sighing, she relents, “Okay, but let’s say we’re spending the day together. You don’t have to take care of me.”
“I’ll concede if you let me do some things for you.”
“Why is this a negotiation?” She laughs, the sweet sound sending tingles down my spine. “Fine, but I have to go check on my mom later. You don’t have to come with me for that.”
“Would you like me to?”
She opens her mouth, hesitating. “It’s just that I don’t want you to have to do that. She might be fine, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Well, then if it’s okay, I’d like to go with you.”
Her eyes widen and a look stretches across her face, I can’t quite decipher but it elicits a warm rush of waves cresting deep in my gut. Nodding, she whispers, “Yeah, I would like that.”
Leaning towards her, I brush my lips over hers and pull back, looking into her eyes. “Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast?”
Her stomach grumbles in response, both of us chuckling. “That means yes, but you have to let me help you cook this time.”
I press my lips to hers once again and climb out of bed. Holding my hand out for Layla, I wait until she takes it. Scrambling out of bed, she follows me into the kitchen. “What would you like to eat?”
“I make really good French toast and scrambled eggs,” she offers.
“As long as we cook together, it sounds delicious.”
She smiles at me causing my chest to tighten. My fingers itch to reach for her. Turning away before I lift her onto the countertop and devour her, I start grabbing all the pans and food we need.
“Levi?”
Halting, I spin around and look at her, staring at me, nibbling on her lower lip making my dick twitch. Arching a brow, I struggle to keep my voice steady as I prod, “Yes?”
Releasing her lip, she ambles towards me, tipping her head back to look up at me the closer she gets.
Stopping right in front of me, she places her palm on my chest eliciting goosebumps and takes a deep breath as if for courage.
“Thank you.” My eyes widen and my stomach twists.
This woman. “Thank you for being there for me and for being exactly what I needed when even I didn’t know what that would look like. ”
Her words feel like she just reached inside my chest and claimed my heart, squeezing it in the palm of her hand, in tune with every heartbeat.
Sliding my hands up her sides, I cradle her face in my hands, staring into her eyes.
“It’s exactly where I want to be.” Closing the distance between us, I press my lips to hers.
Our mouths move together, slow and tender, tingles spreading throughout my body as it ignites the spark between us.
Tilting my head, I deepen our kiss. Her mouth opens on a soft moan, spurring my desire and inviting me in.
My fingers thread into her hair, holding her close.
I groan as my tongue juts out, tasting, licking, exploring, getting lost in our kiss, in her.
“Levi?” Aunt Miranda calls from the living room, breaking our moment. Layla swiftly tears our mouths apart.
“Shit. I didn’t even hear her come in,” I mutter under my breath. Layla giggles and I back away, responding to my aunt. “In the kitchen Aunt Miranda.”
I hear the sound of her footsteps approaching as I set a pan on the stove. Her eyes widen, and a smile lights up her face the moment she spots Layla opening the bread. “Layla! I didn’t realize you were here. I’m sorry to intrude.”
Layla’s cheeks are red, but she schools her expression. “Hi, Mrs. Brennan. Levi and I are just making breakfast. Are you hungry?”
She laughs. “Oh, no, dear. I was just stopping in to see if my nephew had eaten yet, but it looks like the two of you have everything covered. I’m headed into town to get some groceries. Do you need anything?”
“No, thank you,” I reply. “You really spoil me, Aunt Miranda.”
She presses her lips together and waves off my comment. “I’ll see you later. You two have fun.”
“Bye,” we both call as she leaves.
Layla sags against the counter and both of us burst out laughing. “It almost feels like being a teenager again,” I joke.
She makes a face. “Not for me, but I get it.”
“What do you mean, not for you? You never made out with anyone on your living room couch afraid you would be caught?”
Frowning, she shakes her head. “Nope. No boyfriend until college, remember?”
“And you grew up here? The boys at your school were idiots.”
“Not going to argue with you there,” she mutters, “but probably not for the same reasons.” She shakes her head. “Let’s not talk about them. I’d much rather focus on the man in this kitchen.”
“I’ll go along with that,” I say, giving her a chaste kiss. I could get used to having her in my kitchen.
“I’m sure you will.” She laughs, the sound light again, bringing a smile to my face. “After breakfast settles, we should do your PT.”
“You’re right. Then, we’ll have the rest of the day to do as we please.” Stepping up to her, I move our bodies flush, my front to her back and press a kiss behind her ear.
A low hum falls from her mouth. “Mmm…” She stands a little straighter and suggests, “How about I make the French toast and you make the eggs?”
“Sounds like a plan.” I grab the eggs out of the refrigerator and steal another glance at Layla as she takes a hairband off her wrist and rakes her fingers through her hair, tying it up in a high ponytail before she moves any further.
The simple action draws my attention back to her delectable neck and I force myself to look away or we’ll never eat.