CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
SCARLETT
“This is fun, you know. We should make a habit out of this!” Gigi says as she tucks her feet beneath her on the couch, taking a gulp of her white wine.
Ayla holds up her glass. “I second that.”
I decided to have Gigi and Ayla over for a couple of glasses tonight as life has been so busy, I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve caught up with either of them.
The last several weeks have just consisted of more sessions with Levi, moral support as he returns to more advanced training, and all the little moments in between – breakfasts, lunches, friendly bar dates, movie nights, and even a couple of rugby games.
I’d even go as far to say that he’s really starting to enjoy the sport.
“So,” Gigi leans in closer. “How are things?”
I laugh nervously. “Things with what exactly?”
Ayla and Gigi simultaneously roll their eyes at me.
“With Levi.” Gigi waves me on.
“Oh, yeah they’re good.” I nod, sipping my wine.
The girls just stare at me.
“And…” They look at me expectantly, though I’m not quite sure what they want from me.
“I mean, yeah, they’re great, actually. Levi is just about ready to get back to playing on the ice. He’s done really well.”
Gigi narrows her eyes at me. “You know that’s not what I mean. Are you guys together now, or what?”
I shake my head profusely, waving them off. “There’s nothing to tell. We’re not together, we just enjoy each other's company.”
Ayla sighs exasperated. “You don’t honestly expect us to believe that, do you?”
Gigi smirks. “My brother acts differently too, I’ve noticed. He seems to really like your company, Scar. I’ve never seen him like this before.”
I feel myself beginning to tense, my cheeks growing hot under the attention.
“What is it that you’re scared of, Scar?” Ayla asks, leaning in closer.
“I’m afraid,” I mumble, shrugging my shoulders as I slump into the couch. “If it means something, I’m opening myself up to be hurt. And I just don’t know if my heart can take that, you know?”
The girls contemplate for a second before Gigi is the one speaking up. “I’m pretty sure Levi is incapable of hurting you. Like, it would physically pain him to hurt you, babe. He’s not reckless with the people he loves.”
I freeze, Gigi’s eyes widening once she realises what she said.
“That’s… that’s a strong word.” I murmur, glancing down at my wine glass.
“I didn’t say he loves you yet,” Gigi reaches out, taking one of my hands in her own. “But I know my brother. And I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and the way he acts around you. He’s practically already gone, Scar.”
Ayla nods in agreement. “Yeah, absolutely. It’s written all over his face.”
“Not to mention that he asked you to go to the gala with him.” Gigi tacks on.
My pulse is roaring in my ears as I process the words, beginning to nod slowly.
I open my mouth when there’s a knock on the door and I furrow my brows, looking at the girls.
They put their hands up in surrender.
Rolling my eyes, I walk toward the door. Opening it, Levi, Bennett and Hudson are standing outside holding boxes of pizza. I look at them with confusion.
“We thought you girls might want some company?” He smiles cheekily.
I fight my own grin as I widen the door further, letting the guy’s step in before I shut it behind them.
I take the pizzas from Levi, walking toward the kitchen with Levi following closely behind. Bennett and Hudson go straight to Gigi and Ayla.
Placing the boxes on the counter, I spin toward Levi. Grasping the collar of his shirt, I yank him down into a rough kiss, causing him to groan with a mix of surprise and pleasure. I open my mouth to allow him access, his tongue swiping inside to taste me.
By the time we pull back, our chests are heaving, and Levi’s cheeks are flushed a beautiful crimson.
“So,” I turn back to the pizza, opening the boxes. “You just thought we wanted company, huh?”
Levi comes closer, pressing his hips into me from behind, hands finding my hips. He presses a kiss to my hair before coming around to my side to help me set up the food and plates. “That’s right.”
I turn, raising an eyebrow at him.
He sighs. “Fine. We were at a bar, and I missed you, so I suggested we pop in.”
“I missed you too.” I murmur, turning back to the food before calling out to the others. “Come get your food.
After grabbing our food, we all settle down to eat, the girls taking the couch, and the guys taking the floor.
“So,” I pause to take a small sip of my wine. “Are you guys excited to get back on the ice? It’s only a couple of weeks away.”
Grins grow on Hudson and Bennett’s faces. Levi’s grinning as well, though it’s slightly hesitant.
“Super keen to get back out there. I’ve missed it.” Bennett says excitedly, taking another bite of his pizza.
Hudson speaks next. “I’m so ready for the next season. I think we could win it this time around.”
I glance at Levi, his smile still as hesitant as before. “Yeah. I’m excited.”
His voice is quiet, his eyes downcast as he picks at his food.
Bennett throws an arm over his shoulders, pulling him in softly. “He’s going to be excited, because we’ve got his back.”
Hudson nods in agreement. “Yeah, man. Nobody will even come close to checking you.”
“You’ve got this, Levi. I promise you that you’re ready.” I smile with encouragement, and Levi returns it.
I watch him for the rest of the night. The quietness, as though he’s afraid of taking up too much space. And I wonder if he’s always been like that. Whether it's a normal occurrence in a group setting, or if it was a reaction to the conversation of the season starting up again.
I’ve never known that side of him, I know the man who isn’t afraid to speak up and hold his ground, and I want to find a way to bring him out more often.