Page 34

Not with fear, exactly. More with the horrible realization that the man has actually done it.

He’s wearing a faded black T-shirt darkened with sweat across the chest and back. Dirt smudges his jeans, streaks one forearm, and marks the side of his neck.

For a moment, I just stare.

He actually did it all.

With one arm.

I have to admit, this is kind of impressive. The yard looks great. But I don’t exactly want to encourage him.

I cut the engine and step out of the car, closing the door a little harder than necessary because apparently my body has decided to respond to competence with irritation.

Levi glances down at the noise.

The moment he sees me, that cocky grin appears.

“Hey,” he calls.

I stare up at him. “Why are you in my gutter?”

“Because that’s where you keep the leaves.”

“You have one arm.”

“Had one when you asked.”

“Come down,” I say. I asked because I thought he’d refuse, not because I wanted him balanced on a ladder with something to prove.

The ladder creaks, and my stomach tightens.

“Levi, get down.”

“I’m nearly done,” he says in that irritated tone. “I’ve dropped from higher than this plenty of times. Wouldn’t even limp.”

“Well, I won’t stand between you and an entirely avoidable head injury.”

I start toward the porch, then glance at my watch and stop.

“Where’s Theo?”

The smile drops off his face. For one second, he just stares at me. Then he swears under his breath and starts climbing down. He hits the ground a moment later, jaw tight, one hand braced against his bad shoulder like he’s trying not to show how much it hurts.

“You forgot him?” I ask.

“I didn’t forget.” He grabs a rag from the grass and wipes his hand. “I got distracted. What time is it?”

“Twenty past. School finishes at three, right?”

Levi winces as he folds the ladder, the movement clearly pulling at his injured arm. “Plenty of time. I usually give it a bit.”

“A bit?”

“The pickup line’s a nightmare. Takes forever.”

I stare at him. “You leave him there by himself?”

“He sits on a bench.”