He shrugged his good side. “It’s fine.” He murmurs.
I give him a pointed look. ‘You’re impossible, you know that?”
“So I’ve heard.” He replies, gazing out toward the lake.
A beat passes before he speaks again, quieter this time. “I just don’t like people seeing me like this.”
I take a moment to contemplate before responding. “Like what?”
He sighs. “Vulnerable, I guess. I hate this feeling; I really hate it.”
“You’re human, Levi,” I murmur, turning toward him, “All of your emotions and feelings are valid, but I’m here to get you back on the ice come October, and to do that I need you to be honest with me. I need you to help me help you.”
The wind picks up, carrying a faint chill. Wrapping my arms around my knees, I turn my head to watch the early reflection of the moon flicker across the water.
“Everyone’s allowed to fall apart sometimes,” I breathe out softly, “Even you.” I look back at him to find him watching me already, his blue eyes piercing.
“Yeah,” He whispered, “Maybe.”
I sigh gently and look away, presuming that our short conversation is over, but Levi speaks again, “You really think I’m impossible.”
A shocked laugh bursts out of me, making him grin. “Oh, I know you are.”
“Good. You know, I wouldn’t want to risk ruining my reputation and all that.” He replies, still with a grin on his face.
“Don’t worry, your reputation definitely precedes you.”
Settling into the quiet again, apart from the faint rustle of leaves and light lapping of the waves, I decide it’s time to call it a night.
I stand brushing a hand down my shorts before moving toward the door to head inside. “Same time tomorrow?” I ask, turning so I’m facing him, walking backwards toward the door still.
He chuckles, twisting so he’s facing me. “Yeah, Scar. Same time tomorrow.” And maybe I am imagining it, but his tone sounds ever so slightly lighter, maybe even relaxed.
I feel like we’ve just turned a new leaf. Maybe I’m finally starting to crack Levi Carter.
…
LEVI
The house had grown still ages ago, yet I’m still thinking about the moment out by the grill with Scarlett.
“Everyone’s allowed to fall apart sometimes.”
Somehow, she just… knows. I don’t know how, and I don’t know if I like it either.
I lie in bed staring at the ceiling, the dull ache in my shoulder not once dissipating, causing me to let out a frustrated groan and rub my tired eyes. Seriously, how long is this going to take?
Sleep just isn’t coming to me tonight, so I give up, deciding to get a drink instead.
I pad down the stairs to the kitchen, being careful not to wake the princess. I fill a glass from the tap, feeling the glass turn cold against my palm.
“Couldn’t sleep either?” I jolt slightly, snapping my head around to find Scarlett in the doorway. My eyes snap up, meeting Scarlett’s in the doorway. Dressed in a pink silk slip, brown waves cascading down her back, she looks absolutely edible. God fucking help me.
I shrug slightly, “Not really. You?”
I turn leaning against the counter, watching as she struts toward the fridge, her hips swaying, teasing me. Fuck. She pulls out an orange juice before closing the door facing back toward me again.
“So, what’s keeping you up?” She starts, “Your shoulder, or your head?”
