12. Zoe
Zoe
T he rich aroma of garlic and red sauce fills Alex and Kristina’s apartment. I swirl the last sip of merlot in my glass, trying to focus on Alex’s story about cleaning out the training room. He’s an athletic trainer for the Nighthawks so, much to Kristina's chagrin, we can easily head down a rabbit hole, talking shop. But the pro hockey team didn’t make the playoffs this season, so there are no diagnoses or treatment plans to discuss tonight.
Which is good because my mind keeps drifting to Levi, anyway. To the fun texting since our date on Wednesday. And to Sunday, when we both have the day off and our plans include discovering how an actual bed treats us. My thighs squeeze tight at the thought.
“Earth to Zoe,” Kristina says, reaching across the table to refill my glass. “You’ve been a million miles away all night.”
“Sorry.” I watch the burgundy liquid swirl and refocus. “Thank you for having me over tonight. Everything was delicious, and it’s been great to see you both.”
“We’re happy to celebrate your enormous accomplishment,” she says with a smile. “But now that your residency is wrapping up, I thought you might have time to meet that guy from the office I told you about. Remember? His name is Brad, and I really think you two would hit it off.”
“Oh, well, actually…” I start, debating how to turn down the offer, considering these two think I’m single. And Levi and I haven’t exactly nailed down when or how we might want to tell my brother.
“You should meet the guy, Zo,” Alex says, forking another bite of cascatelli. “He’s a finance guy, but not the boring kind. He… Sorry, babe,” he adds, catching his wife’s unamused look. Kristina is a wealth manager, who specializes in athletes, which sounds like an awesome job, but she has assured me many times it’s not as exciting as it sounds.
“I’m not sure…” I trail a finger up and down the stem of my glass, determined to change the topic.
But Alex continues before I can. “Oh, and speaking of guys… Levi texted that he’s still hoping to make it tonight. Some hazmat emergency, although knowing him, it could just be an excuse. I meant to tell you earlier.”
My fingers grip the stem, threatening to snap it in two. “You invited Levi tonight?”
Alex’s brows knit together at my outburst.
“Yeah,” he says slowly, “figured he might want to celebrate your accomplishment. I mean, after all, it’s been what, five years since he’s seen you?”
My stomach plummets. Levi didn’t tell me he was coming tonight. Didn’t even mention he was invited. I flip over my phone and double check the notifications. Sure enough, he hasn’t texted at all. In hours. For a split second, my chest constricts. Here we go again.
But then I catch myself. Because the Levi I’ve gotten to know these past couple of weeks wouldn’t offer a lame excuse or no show without a good reason. Not the man who appeared at the hospital bearing flowers and gummy worms. Not the one who bared his soul over virgin mojitos. He must be helping with a genuine emergency.
“Actually,” I say, setting down my glass with trembling fingers, “Levi and I have seen each other recently.”
Kristina’s eyes go wide as Alex’s fork clatters against his plate.
“We ran into each other in SoHo a couple of weeks ago and,” I continue before I lose my nerve, “we’ve actually been out together a few times now.”
“Wait, you and Levi?” Alex’s tone is incredulous. “ Levi , Levi?”
“Yes.”
“But you always said he was such a player. Hell, he is a player. How could—”
“He’s not like that anymore,” I say, words tumbling from my mouth. “Levi’s thoughtful and sincere and genuine, and I know you may not be thrilled with the idea of us dating, especially not so soon, but I think I’m falling for him and…”
The door buzzes, cutting me off. My heart leaps into my throat. Because he’s here. Surely, that’s Levi, and, based on my brother’s expression, the shit is about to hit the fan. Kristina, with a hesitant glance at her husband, shoots me a really, Levi? look, her nose wrinkling, before she jumps up to answer the door. Alex stares at me as if I’ve lost my mind and pushes back his chair, rising.
I follow suit, my heart nearly stopping when Levi appears in the doorway, Kristina hot on his heels. His dark hair is still damp from what must have been a hasty shower, and he’s wearing a black, long-sleeve shirt that makes his eyes look like melted chocolate. But it’s the determination etched across his face that steals my breath.
“Alex,” he says without preamble, facing my brother. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Then, his gaze swings back to mine across the table, and electricity crackles through the air. “I’m in love with your sister.”
The silence that follows is deafening.
Until Levi continues. “I love how brilliant she is. I love her fierce drive, the way she never gives up on her dreams. I love how she calls me on my bullshit and pushes me to be better.” His voice cracks. “To be honest, I’ve loved her since your wedding, but I was too scared to admit it. And, hell, I wasn’t good enough back then. But now? I’m still not, but the only thing worse than risking our friendship is the thought of losing her again.”
My eyes burn with unshed tears as Alex rakes a hand through his hair, glancing from Levi to me and back again as if still processing the news. I would speak, but my throat is so tight I couldn’t force out a single word if I tried.
“This makes no sense. You’re—” Alex starts, his voice a mix of disbelief and accusation. “You’re the kind of guy who’d rather run into a burning building than face a second date. The one who—” He stops, studying Levi’s face with the careful assessment I’ve seen him use on injured players.
“I was that guy,” Levi acknowledges, not breaking eye contact. “But for the first time in my life, I want all the seconds. Hell, I want all the firsts, too. I want everything with Zoe.”
My heart hammers against my ribs as a muscle in Alex’s jaw ticks.
“Alex,” I manage, finding my voice. “Remember when you met Kristina and went from single to inseparable within days?”
“I remember,” Levi interjects.
Kristina’s fingers tighten on her husband’s arm. Alex glances at his wife then back at Levi, who hasn’t moved from his spot just inside the doorway.
“You really love her?” Alex asks, his tone softening just enough to kindle hope in my chest.
“More than I’ve ever loved anyone,” Levi answers without hesitation. “And, to be clear, I don’t need your permission to date Zoe. But I’d like it. Because your sister?” His eyes find mine again, and the intensity in their depths sends a shiver through me. “She makes me want to be the kind of man who deserves her.”
Alex lets out a long breath, shoulders dropping. “You know if you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”
“I’d expect nothing less,” Levi says, the ghost of a smile touching his lips.
“And you,” Alex turns to me. “You’re sure about this?”
I cross the room to stand beside Levi, feeling the familiar spark when I thread my fingers through his. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
“Well,” Kristina interjects, a grin spreading across her face. “I guess we need more wine. And all the details of what happened at our wedding because I sense a story there.”
Alex groans, but there’s affection beneath it. “Just…maybe, not all the details.”
And with that, Levi turns to me with a gleam in his eye. He tugs me against his chest, one hand cupping my face as he kisses me softly.
“Oh, God,” Alex groans. “I’m already regretting this.”
But I can hear the resignation in his voice, and Kristina’s squeal of glee, when Levi smiles against my lips and wraps his arms tight around me.