“What do you want to know, Scarlett?” I whisper.
She ponders for a second before responding. “How are you really dealing with this shoulder injury? Emotionally, I mean. Iknow we spoke about this a couple of days ago, but tell me what’s going through that pretty little head of yours, Lev.”
My heart stutters at the nickname, though I sigh, tipping my head back to try to ground myself. Talking about this stuff isn’t all that easy for me. But if I want a shot in hell with Scarlett, I need to be a little more open.
Bringing my palm up to her cheek, I keep my voice soft as I start to speak. “I just keep waiting to feel like I’m ready to play. To feel confident in my body again. I know that because I’m quiet, it’s misconstrued that I don’t care.” Scarlett’s breath hitches slightly but she doesn't interrupt me, willing me on. “I care a lot. Sometimes I just don’t know how to deal with things appropriately. I keep it all internalised. There’s been a lot to work through with this injury, obviously. And I expected it to be tough, but I didn’t expect the mental toll it would take on me too. I don’t think I’ve ever had to fight so hard to stay afloat, you know?”
Scarlett slides her fingers into my hair, the other hand moving to caress my shoulder, the tension leaving my shoulder immediately. “That all sounds really heavy, Levi.” She murmurs, pulling back so our eyes meet. “Like I said, let me bear some of that weight for you now. Help me help you.”
Her response was just… perfect. I’ve never felt so seen. Treated with tender respect. The way she just hears me rather than forcing me to open up, she just listens to what I have to say in the moment and she’s perfect for that. Perfect for me. I shake that thought away as quick as it came.
“I’m not going anywhere, Levi. You have me now.”
I swallow, my gaze flicking down to her lips before back to her emerald, green eyes. I tighten my fists at my side. Her hand slides to cup my jaw as I lean toward her, feeling as her breath hitches.
A loud bang sounds as I jump away from Scarlett just as a sweaty Steele comes stumbling into the bathroom, turning on the shower.
I meet Scarlett’s eyes as both our lips pull into a grin. “More of that hot sauce, Benny?” I tease, knowing how much he hates being called that.
“Fuck off, Carter.” He grumbles, before stripping down to his underwear and jumping in the shower.
I sigh, trying to will myself not to get too mad by the distraction. He might have saved us from making a mistake, though, I already know Scarlett would be worth any sacrifice.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
SCARLETT
Getting to the boat, I see Gigi and the boys apart from Levi. Gigi and Steele are standing a couple of meters apart, cheeks beet red as Ash stares them down, shaking his head slightly. I look back to the guilty looking couple whose gazes are downcast at the floor.
I cock my head, narrowing my eyes on them. What the fuck is going on? They didn’t come back to the dining room last night, so I’m not sure what they were up to, but I have a feeling that Ash knows exactly what’s up. I’m going to get to the bottom of whatever this is.
Hearing footsteps behind me I turn and catch Levi sauntering down the stairs looking more relaxed than I’ve seen him yet. His chestnut curls all messy from sleep, dressed in a tank top and boardshorts showing off his broad muscular frame,his golden skin glistening in the sun. The talk last night must’ve really taken a load off him.
“What’s up, fellas?” He asks as he throws an arm around my shoulder, a smile lighting up his face. This happiness looks so good on him, he seems lighter.
The atmosphere surrounding Gigi and Bennett remains awkward, so in an attempt to break the tension I jut my chin towards the boat at the edge of the dock, “Shall we?”
The group moves toward the boat, the guys helping guide me and Gigi on safely.
We make our way toward the middle of the lake before Calloway cuts the engine and turns towards the group, rubbing his hands together, face plastered with a wicked grin that kind of makes me nervous. “Alright, gang. Who’s first?”
Moore is on his feet in a heartbeat, stripping himself of his shirt, my eyes immediately drawing to his six pack. Man, this is a group of attractive men.
I feel Levi’s fingers brush against my thigh making my gaze shift to him. His eyes have darkened to a deeper blue. Must be something to do with me looking at another man. Jealous Levi is interesting – a new development. A smirk pulls on my lips as I lean back on the bench.
“Let me show you assholes how wake surfing is done.” Moore digs as he secures the ropes to the boat, throwing the handle into the water and selecting the largest board of the three we brought out with us to match his giant frame, before throwing the board into the water and jumping in after it in a cannon ball.
Once he’s all set up, he gives a thumbs up to Calloway before calling out, “Easy, Cal.”
Calloway nods before he starts the engine, easing the throttle nice and slow. I watch intently as the rope pulls taut, Moore floating up onto the top of the water.
“This is so American.” I mutter to Levi. “I’ve never done this before.”
His head whips around to me, his jaw hanging open in shock. “What?! Scar, you’ve never been wakesurfing.”
I shake my head at him, shrugging my shoulders. “We don’t have a boat.”
“That’s changing today, Quinn.” He turns back just as Moore is finishing up his go.
