Looking over the bags of clothes I have yet to put away, I grab the first two things I see: a tight, long-sleeve, brown turtleneck and striped, flared-out jeans. The pants were Em’s idea, and I’m still not sure about them.
A groan comes from behind me.
“No, I want that article…” Em turns and continues to snore.
Biting the inside of my cheek to keep myself from waking her up, I smile at the memory of her and Jake shouting out the words to “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
I move to the bathroom, clothes in tow, and take a shower. Em and Jake came over for a drink after we got back from the precinct. Which then turned into ordering a pizza, which finallybecame a night of board games and conversation. According to Em, this is the first time they had come over to hang out since Levi’s last roommate, who was, in her words, “a rude douchey weirdo,” moved in. Considering how close they all are, he would’ve had to have been an extreme ass to make them not feel welcome at their best friend’s place.
Our guests were wasted by the end of the night, while Levi only had a beer. I couldn’t help but feel that it was because of me. From the glances we exchanged, it seems both of us were hoping we could be alone last night. As much fun as his friends are, we never got to talk about what almost happened before getting arrested.
Arrested.
Jake reassured me there would be no official record of it, thank God. Although I do have to admit, it was exhilarating. The heated moment between Levi and me had also been exciting. Butterflies build up in my stomach at the thought of his hands all over me, but I’m nervous about what Levi’s going to say. I don’t want to ignore what happened; we’ve gotten close and have no choice but to face the music. However, with my hectic schedule, it’ll have to be a “go with the flow” kind of thing until after the audition.
Everything’s been spontaneous until now, so why not keep it that way?
My alarm buzzes, indicating that I need to take my pills. I quickly apply the new hair products I bought yesterday, in the order the stylist told me to do so, bringing out my natural tight waves. Checking my light makeup in the mirror one last time, I unlock the door, almost ready to leave. I need to grab a quick snack and take my meds first.
Opening the door, I turn to find Levi sitting by the breakfast nook, sipping on a cup of coffee, and flipping through a copyof this month’sBillboardmagazine. He hears my footsteps and looks up.
A corner of his mouth lifts. “Hi.”
Jesus, he looks good. Messy bed head, slightly lighter blue eyes, and a lazy smile. Why do men who look like him wake up all…hot?
“Hi.” I return his smile.
He motions to the breakfast nook and pushes the two cereal boxes out to the center. “Want some?”
“Um…” I glance at my wrist, checking the time on my new watch, which features a simple brown faux leather band. According to it, I have about five minutes until I have to leave.
“Got somewhere to be?” Levi asks with his head tilted to the side. “It’s Sunday morning.”
Narrowing my eyes at his nosy question, I round the kitchen and grab a bottle of water. “I’d love to join you for breakfast, but I have rehearsals with Brad.”
He looks over his shoulder while I open my weekly pill box and swallow half of them down. He barely pays attention. Levi’s gotten used to seeing me with them day and night.
“Brad? On a Sunday morning?”
I nod, still swallowing the last three pills. My bullshit insurance refuses to give me one pill of the dose I need for each medication. It’s ridiculous, annoying, and time-consuming.
“Huh.” He gives me a once-over and turns, lifting a spoonful of cereal to his mouth. “You look nice for a rehearsal session.”
I scoff at the neutrality in his voice. It’s too early for this. “Is that jealousy I’m detecting, Hotshot?” Tossing a banana, a granola bar, and juice into my bag, I walk until I’m directly across from Levi.
He lets the magazine fall and smirks. “Just complimenting you, Bambi.” His eyes dip down to my lips, and his look heats.An image of me moving my hips against him pops into my mind, and I bite my lip, feeling heat pool in my core.
Levi shoots his gaze up and pushes the chair back, looking like a man on a mission.
Dammit—
“Good morning, everyone.”
Levi is only halfway standing when Jake walks up behind me, and I let out a sigh of relief. I’m running late as it is, and I have no idea what would’ve happened, knowing how poorly Levi and I do in the “holding back” department.
“And a special good morning to you, Stevie.” Jake wiggles his brows, walking like only he does, and takes my right hand, making me spin. I let out a laugh, and he whistles. “Damn, girl. Just, damn.”
Shaking my head at his unnecessary, yet very appreciated compliments, I give him a hug, which catches him off guard. It catches me off guard, too. I’m only doing it to say bye, but he doesn’t know I’m leaving yet. I guess these guys have made me a hugger.
