Chapter 21
Levi
The look on Layla’s face when I wasn’t ready to talk last night hits me like a punch every time it crosses my mind.
I saw her eyes shutter as if I betrayed her and close down just before she walked away.
My gut told me not to let her go, but my head didn’t catch up fast enough and now I’m paying for it.
My cell rings causing my heart to lurch, in hopes that it’s Layla.
No such luck. Brady Williams, a friend from baseball camp when we were in high school lights up the screen. Trying to push aside my disappointment, I swipe to answer the call. “Brady, how the hell have you been?”
“Hey, Levi. I thought I’d give you a call to see how you’re doing now that things seem to have settled down from the season.”
“Yeah, as much as they can anyway.” I laugh. “I’m all right. I escaped Las Vegas, at least for a while.”
“I’m sure it’s good to get out of there. How’s the arm?”
“Not you too,” I groan making him chuckle. “But I’ll be honest with you, it’s been okay. I just started working with a new physical therapist and she works wonders. I’m improving every day. How’s Sam?” I ask about his girlfriend.
The smile in his voice is obvious when he answers, “She’s good. She’s my fiancé now. It’s the other reason I called you. I’m engaged.”
“Wow. Congratulations, Brady. That’s fantastic news.”
“Thanks. I’m really happy. So, what about you? Dating anyone besides what I’ve been seeing in the media?”
My heart drops into the pit of my stomach. “What do you mean? What did you see in the media, Brady? Shit. They better leave her the fuck alone.”
“Whoa, Levi.” He chuckles, talking me down. “It’s okay. I’ve only seen some of the same old bullshit of you with a different woman every time and all of them claiming to be the love of your life.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, my entire body sinking into the couch. “Thank fuck,” I mutter under my breath.
“But you’re obviously not talking about the same thing or same woman as me, so care to enlighten me?”
Frowning, I mutter, “I’d rather not.”
“I promise the only one I’ll share with is Samantha, but after that, you have to tell me. And you know I don’t give a damn what they say in the news. You deserve to find some happiness.”
“Fine, yeah, you’re right. I met someone.”
“About damn time. Tell me about her. How’d you meet?”
Chuckling, I admit, “I fucked up at first because I thought she was a cleat chaser, but I’ve been trying to make it up to her. She’s damn gorgeous, smart as hell, and she knows baseball.” The pride in my voice is obvious.
“So how do you know she’s not a cleat chaser?”
“You know Gabe Romano?”
“Yeah, from the Mavericks, right? He’s a fantastic first baseman.”
“That’s him. Layla is his sister.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Exactly. Anyway, I’ve been trying to get her to forgive me for being an ass when we first met, and I think she has, but I also feel like her walls are up. I’m trying to find a way to get through.”
“You really do care about her,” he mumbles in disbelief.
“Of course, I do, or you wouldn’t even know her name.”
He laughs in response. “Just saying, it’s good to hear.”
“Thanks. Any ideas on how I can show her I care?”
“Honestly, that’s an individual question. With Sam, it was all about paying attention to what she needed or wanted from me. I fucked up too, but not intentionally. No one is perfect, Levi, just be smart and remember to always consider her. If she’s worth it to you, go all in. Listen to her.”
“Sounds simple enough.”
Brady laughs. “Nothing is simple if you love her.”
“Whoa. I didn’t say anything about love. I’m interested. I like spending time with her and I think about her all the damn time, but it’s too soon to be in love with this woman. It’s barely been a week.”
“And it’s been over five years since you’ve had any interest in a woman besides getting them into your bed. I’m pretty sure it can happen faster than you expect. It did for me.”
Running my hand through my hair, my heart pounds against my ribcage like a jackhammer at the idea of being in love.
It’s the first time I thought of love and haven’t wanted to punch something at the mere concept.
Maybe that’s a possibility with Layla, but I would have to get her to agree to see more of me beyond her appointments to treat me.
She can’t keep pushing me away or our chance will be over before it begins.
Spending time with her is exactly what I’m hoping for.
I want more of everything when it comes to her.
But does she feel the same? I crave everything about her.
“Levi? Did I lose you?”
“Sorry, Brady, I’m here.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind. But I need to go. I have something I’ve got to do.”
“Okay. Take care of your arm. Sam and I want to come to a game next season and we’d like to see you on the field.”
“I will. Thanks Brady. Tell Sam I said hi and congratulations,” I say and end the call.
My mind races, thinking about the things I’ve already learned about Layla and connecting them to something special I could do for her, or something we could do together. Hopefully spending time with her will convert to her giving me a real chance.
An idea forms in my head. Turning towards the door, I stride to the main house, calling, “Aunt Miranda?”