Page 17 of The Love Raffle

Amber smiled tightly. “Well…” She remembered the penetrating eyes of Levi Marks. “Okay.”

* * *

Levi had second thoughts about coming here. This place, an upscale restaurant called Providence on Melrose Avenue, wouldn’t have been his first pick for a first date. According to ratings and trending topics, his episode ofThe Love Rafflehad been an absolute hit. The viewership had been through the roof and his fans as well as fans of the show in general were still talking about it. Rachel had mentioned that about forty percent of viewers had been upset about his sudden rule change duringthe last round, but he hadn’t paid that much mind. Other stuff had occupied his headspace.

Levi looked through the glass windows of the five-star restaurant and then at his watch. The public had not been informed of the venue or the date of this meeting.The Love Raffleshowrunners had rented this place out, so it was only Levi sitting here at his table.And my bodyguards, of course.He clasped his hands in front of his plate and rubbed his thumbs together. Hopefully, the paparazzi would remain unwise of the event.

Five minutes past seven p.m. was when she arrived.

Amber wore a tight black dress on her small figure. She had curves where it counted but Levi already knew that from the club. He felt the same now as he did then. He was completely taken with her.

“Sorry I’m a bit late. You look like you’ve been sitting here a while.” Amber hurriedly sat before him, her red lips parted in a smile to reveal perfect white teeth.

Levi smiled with one corner of his mouth. “Not really. There’s no need to rush. I haven’t been here that long,” he lied. “So—”

“How are—”

They had spoken at the same time. “Oh, you go ahead.” Amber scratched the back of her neck.

Levi laughed stiffly. “I was about to ask the same thing. It’s been about what? A week since the show?” He picked up his glass of water and sipped.

Amber breathed out. “Yeah, yeah, it has.” She took in the high-end restaurant while tapping her foot under the table.

“Got any uh…auditions since then?”

When was the last time he’d had a conversation with a regular person?Back in middle school?The nerves set in after realizing this.

Amber hadn’t expected the persona he portrayed on TV, but this was a serious downgrade.It’s a date and we’re practically strangers.Wasn’t she supposed to be making him like her?Connections.She felt dirty.

She gulped and picked up the menu. “You’ve been here before, haven’t you?” she said quickly, eager to change the subject.Shoot, shoot, shoot.

“Yeah, I have.”

“Ah. Good to know.” Amber’s smile was strained. “That means you can uh…” Every dish seemed foreign. “Actually understand what the items on this menu are supposed to be.”

Levi cracked a smile. “Please. This place isn’t allthatfancy.” He held up his own menu. “Once I went to a place in Dubai that served dishes from every country on the planet. It was great.” He kissed his fingers. “They really know how to do it over there. The US needs to catch up if you ask me.” He shook his head and scratched his jaw.

Amber tilted her head in wonder. “But Providence is really up there from what I’ve heard.”

Levi chuckled, setting his menu down. “Maybe to someone like you but…” That had sounded better in his head. “What I mean is—”

“No, no, you’re right. Compared to you I’m like a hobo, right?” she tried to joke.

Levi folded his lips.She’s offended.

Why isn’t he laughing?Amber really needed to work on her charm. How did she expect to succeed in showbiz if being charming wasn’t second nature to her? She was lucky she had been so entertaining on that show. “You know? Since you’re a big-time movie star and I’m…a waitress?” She tried to chuckle, but it came out scratchy.

Levi’s eyes widened.Oh God.“Hey, are you okay?”

No, do not freak him out!Amber felt like she could die. If the ground opened to swallow her, she would simply allow it. “No, no—” She waved her hand dismissively.

“What’s wrong? Was it because of what I said? I wasn’t trying to call you a hobo. I was saying that places like this are fancy to, uh…to…” Levi babbled. He didn’t want to dig himself into a deeper hole.

“I’m laughing, not crying. I don’t feel bad about what you said at all. I…” She spoke over his rambling and soon neither of them could hear a word from the other.

The bodyguards behind Levi’s seat exchanged a look. This was going to be alongnight.

Their awkward conversation was cut off by the waiter who took their orders. After that, the two sat silently with their eyes averted. A few words were spoken here and there but for the most part, things were quiet.

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