Page 56 of The Love Raffle

Amber’s jaw popped open. He could not be serious right now.

Levi had thought things over this morning over breakfast. Oscar had come in like usual to get him ready for work, but Levi managed to slip past him. His scraggly look seemed to throw people off. He hadn’t seen a single paparazzi on his way to grab flowers and chocolate for Amber.

Amber could hardly speak. Why did he look like a zombie? “Levi, are you okay?” Was he thinking straight right now? His puppy dog eyes rimmed with dark circles, and his perfectly cut hair all over the place made him look disheveled. Had he even slept last night? Why was laughter bubbling inside her? He had made a huge scene just now.

“Yeah, but you only said that because I shoved you in the closet and didn’t stand up to my agent when she attacked you.” Levi opened the box of chocolate. “This brand is delicious. Do you want to try a piece?”

Amber snorted then covered her nose. “Levi.” Giggles jerked her shoulders.

Levi beamed at her reaction. That heavenly laugh and hypnotic smile.I knew taking a chance would work.“See?You’re happy. All of this means we need to go public. Screw Rachel and her plan. I thought about it, you know.” He put the gifts on the counter to hold her shoulders. The scent of fresh lavender suddenly engulfed him as he stepped closer to her. He loved her perfume. Her skin on his palms felt electric. “How stupid this charade is. The hiding, the late nights. Like you said, I’m a grown man. Yeah, Rachelthinksdating Fiona is a good move but to hell with that. Ironically, it’s all because of Rachel’s scheme that we even had a first date. We were meant to cross paths again. How can she be mad that I fell for you? I can’t keep hiding you, Amber. It’s not good for either of us.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, brushing it lightly, then pulled away.

Amber smiled slightly. His lips left a tickle on her skin. “Levi.” She placed both hands on his waist. “Didn’t we talk about this? Did I ever tell you why Ialsoagreed to keep things secret?”

He slipped his hands down her shoulders till they reached her hands on his waist. He pulled them away gently. “Because you don’t want to be known as just Levi Marks’ girlfriend or get favors because of that. I know, Amber, but you’re practically established. And so what if more roles pop up because of me? You deserve it. You’re talented.” He kissed her face.

“But…” Amber stepped back. She tenderly stroked her neck as memories of her nightmares returned. “I need to prove that Iamgood on my own. It’s not just about how I look or who I happen to be associated with.” She heard her mother’s discouragement. “I can do it because I’m—”

“Amazing?” Levi held her free hand. “Look at me.”

Amber sighed and gave in. He was a different person from the coward in her living room yesterday. Whether that was a good or a bad thing was unclear. Either way, he rocked the “unkempt” vibe.

“Youareincredible, okay? You never gave up and found a place for yourself despite all the obstacles. For me, I had it allfrom the start. My mom had connections, we lived in LA, had the money for a great agent and acting lessons.” Levi smiled through each word. “The fact that you’ve gotten this far says it all. You deserve every opportunity coming your way. And if people want to call you ‘Levi’s girlfriend’ after the truth comes out then screw them.” He flung an arm over yonder, showing his contempt. “What I think matters most is that we can be honest with ourselves and the world.”

Amber had almost lost her way in his eyes. She’d heard every word, though. His passion, desperation, and love. “Levi, you’re insane.” She hid a smile and held her head low.

Levi pulled her face up. “What do you say, Amber?”

Amber held his wrist. “I say it’s too late to go out there and act like we’re not a thing because you already showed up calling my name with roses and chocolates.” She gestured to the candy.

Levi’s fingers ruffled his hair. “Um…does that mean we’re coming out or—”

“Please don’t say it like that.” Amber laughed at him. How crazy was all this? “Levi, you’re amazing for doing this but insane at the same time. Rachel doesn’t know you’re here?”

Levi had trouble reading her reaction. “N—” As if on cue, his ringtone blared through his pocket.

Amber shook her head. “You might want to take that.”

Levi forced himself to swallow while slipping his cell from his pocket. He checked the ID and sighed in relief. “Oh, it’s just Oscar.” He waved it at Amber.

Amber got closer to check. “Isn’t he just as bad? He’s basically Rachel’s sidekick.” She did a quick check on the door for shadows underneath and noticed someone there. Were they being listened to?The jig is up already.Media outlets must be having a field day with this one. As for the Levi fans? She could only wonder. Damage control might be impossible.Oh gosh.There was this sickening anxiety settling over her butalso an uncanny sense of relief. Some happiness was mingled in there too. They mixed together in her chest, creating this indescribable emotion. She watched as he let his phone continue to ring. How was the same guy terrified of his agent here with flowers in broad daylight? Amber wanted to be mad that he’d taken no heed of her request that they keep hidden but she knew deep down what was true. That a part of her despised the hiding. Levi read that and acted. This guy…

Levi finally answered his phone. “Oscar?” He turned his back to Amber and began walking towards the door. “Hey man—oh you saw a video?”

Amber put her fist to her lips as Levi went silent. Oscar’s faint jabbering came through his cell.Video. Damn.These people were fast. Who’d posted Levi’s romantic gesture? What were people saying? Was it on the news?

“For now, I’m on the set of Amber’s show but…huh? You think the paps might turn up soon? Ah, you got a point. They’re usually quick. Okay. Wait, but what about Amber?” Levi sent sympathetic eyes her way. “Won’t they mob her once she’s done with work?”

Mob?The panic grew. Amber got an ache in the middle of her chest. She’d never been mobbed by paparazzi. As a kid, she’d fantasized about the day that it happened, imagining this glorious light around her as the press, fans, and journalists were detained by security. How appealing it seemed to her young mind. Her current mind had a different impression, though. After all, when the paps showed up, praising her would be nowhere on their agenda. To them and everyone else, she was the slimy side chick.

Bang! Bang!The metal bathroom door bent inwards with each knock.

Amber suddenly remembered why she was here. “Uh, yes?” She ran to the door.

“We’re getting ready to shoot, Sheridan. Quit smooching with hero boy and come to set!” said Phillip, his bright timbre no longer apparent. Instead, his voice had taken on a gruff and harsh quality. “And wonder boy! I want you off this set in the next ten. I don’t care who you are. You’ve disrupted my set, you get the fuck out of here!”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be there in a second!” Levi said, but Phillip had already stormed off.

Amber ran to Levi as he got off the phone. “I have to go and so should you.”

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