Page 78 of Ace of Spades

The way he’s convinced that we can’t be anything. But Theo coming in with the news of Evie’s arrest, just solidified it for me.

Everyone wants a piece of Levi Steele.

And he gives them away freely and without expectation. So much of himself, that I wonder if he knows what’s left. Does he even recognize it at the end of the day?

My heart breaks for the man I can only know on the surface. I missed him today but he did shoot me a text to ask me to run the shop today… so at least he’s learning to let go.

Even if just for a day.

I’m halfway through my second Dr. Pepper and popping peanuts into my mouth when I hear a voice I haven’t heard in months.

“Didn’t think I’d seeyouhere.”

My spine goes tight. I turn and there he is.

Grayson Holt.

Every bit as smug and clean-cut as the day I left. His shirt crisp. His jaw sharp. His eyes raking over me like I’m something he thought he’d lost—but now isn’t so sure he wants to give up.

“Could say the same for you. Kinda far from home aren’t you?”

His smile doesn't falter as he approaches and leans over the bar.

“I always liked your mouth.”

I scoff. “That’s funny. Because I always resented yours.”

He flags down the bartender and orders a whiskey neat. “And whatever she’s having.” He motions his head to me. I give him a look.

“I’m fine.”

Something inside me twinges. Not attraction. Not nostalgia.

Shame.

Because for way too long, I let that smile convince me he knew what was best for me.

He steps closer, ignoring the warning in my eyes.

“I heard you were working at SKC.”

I shrug. “Sounds like word gets around.”

“You’re better than some has been place, Sienna.”

“Did you show up here looking for me?” I ask Grayson, scooting a little bit more back in my stool.

“No,” he says smoothly. “I have a meeting nearby. Just saw you and figured—hell, maybe you’d come to your senses.”

The bartender passes him his drink and he thanks her. Lifting it up to me before taking a sip.

I laugh. One hard, bitter breath.

“You think I made a mistake? Nah. Leaving you was the smartest decision I’ve ever made.”

“I think you’re wasting your talents in a shop that’s running on fumes. You could be managing a real team. Making big moves. Would’ve been real good for TV. I couldn’t have done what I did without you.”

The fact that he feels the need to remind me, makes my insides swirl.

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