Though I’d love to believe Levi and I have some sort of crazy connection where he knew by some divine intervention that I was in trouble and showed up to rescue me out of nowhere, Micah explained that he had Levi and Reid stay behind to find out any news of me. Probably expecting details of my torched body being found.
A shiver runs up my spine.
“Are you cold?” Levi asks.
I blink, seeing him again, right there in front of me, with a big chunk missing out of his muffin. “I’m fine. Thanks for ordering. I can pay you back.”
He tilts his head, that Levi charm oozing off him. Before, I would’ve preened under it. Now, it stops me in place, almost like running headfirst into a wall. “No need. I’ve been wanting to seeyou, but like I said, Micah’s been keeping you under lock and key.”
“It’s not Micah. It’s Raeann. She’s like a helicopter parent, and you know he’ll do whatever she wants.” But even as I say it, it feels like a lie. If I’m honest with myself, there’s a huge part of me that’s totally fine with Raeann mothering me. It means I don’t have to face anything at all.
“He’s a total goner for her, that’s for sure.”
Levi looks wistful for a second, but my eyes must be blurry because that’s not his MO. He’s a heartbreaker. The kind of guy who will be upfront about what he wants, but the girl holds out hope for something else anyway—then gets her heart broken when he follows through on his word.
Who can blame him? He’s a pro football player. He’s out there sowing his wild oats. He’s gorgeous, women love him, and there’s the simple fact that he can.
Sounds kind of nice, actually. A good distraction.
“How’s the season going?”
“You don’t know? I figured that’s all Micah talks about.” Levi peers around the café and then leans in close. I find myself doing the same. “I have this theory that all of Micah’s dirty talk is football related. Like, ‘Yeah, baby, take that dick just like my stiff arm.’”
I bust out laughing. A real, genuine laugh that has my burns protesting as they rub against my body with big shoulder shakes, but I don’t care.
Levi’s smile turns into a spotlight. “Have you heard them?”
I almost choke. “You think I’m listening?”
“I think my curiosity would get the best of me.”
“You’re not right, playboy.” I shake my head.
“Playboy?”
“Yes, look at you, all suave and handsome with your hair perfectly styled and muscles popping out everywhere. Thatjawline. If Hugh Hefner had been a woman, you’d definitely be one of her bunnies.”
He tilts his head. “Or would she call them rabbits?”
“Jackals?”
“Are they the same thing?”
“No. Hares?”
He smirks to himself. “Why are we talking about this?”
I take in his heated face. “Aww, I made you blush.”
“Well, it’s not every day a beautiful woman tells you you’re also attractive to her.”
I nearly spit out my coffee and laugh. “I might believe that if you were anyone else, but I’m pretty damn sure Levi Soucy gets told he’s good looking all the time…” I lean forward. “And you fucking love it.”
His tongue drags across his lower lip. At first, I think it’s an attempt at flirting, but there are no other factors to indicate that. He’s staring at me, but he’s not really looking at me. “I actually think I’m ready to settle down.”
“The dating show?” I nearly shout.
His face sours again. Damn. When will I ever learn my lesson? This was the most intriguing conversation I’ve had in weeks, and I’m ruining it by asking stupid questions. In all honesty, I just really think the dating show is funny.
