He traces his fingertips across my cheek, then reaches over to press a kiss to my lips. My lids flutter closed. He’s gone too fast, though. “I’ll score for you.”
“You better. I’m not dating some rando who rides the bench.”
He laughs, the sound filling the room, and then he slips away, waiting until the last second to turn.
Levi Soucy sure does know how to make an exit.
25
Levi
Islip into the apartment. My body is always put through the wringer during games. I’m exhausted, but I’m also hyped up on a win. Now, I’m almost vibrating at the thought of Tab lying in my bed, waiting for me.
I want so badly to bury myself between her thighs, but I won’t be able to do that for a couple of weeks. She needs to be all healed up first.
Reaching into my pocket, I grab the jewelry box and pull it out. I lift the lid, admiring the glinting nineteen on a chain. I separate it from the box. I had to pay the guy extra to meet me after hours, but the best jeweler in Nashville put this together for Tab, and I can’t wait to place it around her neck.
Moving toward the doorway, I stand there for a moment. I can just see her face, sleeping angelically. The rise and fall of her chest, her bandaged hand moving up and down with it.
As I cross the room, I strip down to my boxers, placing the necklace between my teeth. When I’m done, I slide into the bed, trying not to wake her. She’s angled away, and I take her all in.
I used to think I wanted the quick fling. The type where we could satisfy each other and leave, but in this moment, I know I had it wrong all along. I want someone to fall asleep with and wake up with. I want someone to talk about my day with and grow together.
After I unclasp the necklace, I reach out, maneuvering it around her head. I slowly readjust her hair, but she stirs. “Levi?”
“Yeah, baby.”
I lift her head, then clasp the necklace.
She grabs for it. “What is this?”
“Your necklace. Because I choose you. I’ll always choose you.”
Her hands go to her throat, and then she slowly turns. “Nineteen?” she guesses.
I nod.
“Well, get over here. I can’t sleep on that side, but I want to see your face.”
I climb over her while she scoots. I land on the other side, and she wraps her limbs around me like a monkey.
“I choose you, too.”
Those words settle within me somewhere deep. Somewhere treasured and safe. At a soul level where I’ll remember them for eternity. “How are you feeling?”
“Better now that you’re here. I sent Raeann home so she could be with Micah.”
“What do you think of our place?”
“Raeann told me you asked for a picture of my old bedroom and then went and bought everything to make it feel like home.”
“I tried.”
She cuddles into my chest. “I saw the heart you made with your hands.”
“Right into the camera.”
“After a great touchdown. Reid was on fire.”
