Page 36 of Stroke of Fate

“We’re good, Bear. See you around,” Finn mutters before walking away.

I linger in the kitchen, taking longer than necessary to finish my water. I hate that my mood has taken a dip after seeing the look on Levi’s face. I don’t even know why I feel bad. It’s not like I owe him an explanation for talking to Finn.

When my phone vibrates in my purse, I quickly grab it, welcoming the distraction. I assume it’s Macy wondering where I am, but my brows pull together when I check the screen.

Levi: Meet me on the fourth floor.

Bear: How did you get my number??

And why the hell was he already programmed into my phone?

Levi: Come up and find out.

Nibbling my bottom lip, I debate what I should do next. Tell him to lose my number and carry on with my night? No, that doesn’t feel right.

I think about what Pia said this morning.Not everything has to mean something.

She’s right. I need to stop overthinking. Maybe it’s time I adopt a new perspective on the Levi situation. He’s hot, and I’m single. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of fun. I text Macy quickly, letting her know I bumped into a friend.

It takes me about five minutes to reach the third floor, where I come to an abrupt halt. Unlike the first and second floors, there isn’t a visible staircase leading up to the next floor.

Every door I try is either locked or an empty bathroom. The second-to-last door doesn’t budge either. A faint giggle comes from the other side, followed by a male voice shouting,“Go away, we’re busy.” Muffled whispers give way to low moans, and I step back quickly.

Yeah, no, that’s definitely not what I’m looking for.

The only other door left has yellow caution tape across the front, no doubt to keep people out. Ignoring the warning, I push it open and let out a breath of relief when I see a set of carpeted stairs. Ducking beneath the tape, I close the door behind me and make my way up.

The stairs open to a spacious room that can only be described as a man cave. A large TV is mounted on the wall with a game console set up beneath it. An air hockey and ping-pong table take up most of the space. And sitting on an oversized sofa that’s seen better days is Levi.

My heart does the stupid little flippy-floppy thing that’s becoming a worrisome habit whenever I see him.

He hasn’t noticed me yet, so I take the opportunity to study him as he fiddles with a controller. I don’t know what’s better— his side or front profile. Both are spectacular.

“Planning on staring at me all night?” He says without looking up.

Great. Awesome.

So much for going unnoticed.

13 | BEAR

Shaking off any lingering embarrassment at being caught staring, I take a few purposeful steps in Levi’s direction. Stopping short of the couch.

“Why did you want to meet here?”

Levi pats the space next to him, but I shake my head. I’ve learned that being too close to him doesn’t always bode well for my common sense. A knowing smile tugs at his full lips.

“Just wanted somewhere less crowded,” he says.

“So you can have your way with me without prying eyes?” My eyes widen in horror the second the words leave my mouth.

Images of exactly how he could have his way with me flash through my mind. All of them wildly inappropriate.

Levi stares at me with an intensity that threatens to burn a hole through me. Either it’s my imagination or the remnants of alcohol still floating through my system, but I swear he’s imagining the same thing.

He abruptly stands, tossing the controller haphazardly onto the couch. I watch it bounce once, then twice, before settling into place. I force my gaze back up to him, swallowing down the desire those images stirred.

When he moves toward me, it’s like watching a predator stalk its prey. His eyes turn a shade darker. His movements slow and deliberate.

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