Page 60 of Stroke of Fate

Since I’m not expecting anyone, I swing it open without thinking, only to find Levi standing on the other side.

Despite being dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, my stomach clenches in a way that has nothing to do with cramps.

Is it the hallway lighting, or does he look extra good tonight?

“Levi, hey.” I rake my fingers through my hair, suddenly aware that I just rolled out of bed without checking my appearance. “If this is about the project—.”

“It’s not.” He interrupts, and my brows dip together.

“It’s not? Then why are you here?”

He opens his mouth to respond, but his eyes drop to my chest before his jaw snaps shut. Following his line of sight, horror fills me at the sight of my nipples straining against the thin cotton material. Not only didn’t I bother fixing my hair, butI’m still wearing the cropped tank top I put on before climbing into bed.

Levi’s gaze locks onto mine, and the fiery intensity in those amber eyes sends a wave of heat through my skin.

Clearing my throat, I cross my arms in a weak attempt to cover my attraction to him. His full lips tilt up, and I dig my short nails into my biceps to feel something other than complete mortification.

“What are in those?” I nod to the bags in his hand.

Redirection. Distraction. Die of embarrassment later.

He glances down, like he’s just remembered they exist. “Oh, right, I bought you some stuff. Mind if I come in?”

“Uh, sure.” I step back and gesture for him to enter.

He slips past me, and the faint scent of his cologne tickles my nose. No matter how often I catch a whiff of it, each time is as delicious as the last.

Levi heads toward the kitchen, and I follow closely behind. I'm a bundle of nerves by the time I slide onto one of the barstools. I don’t know why he’s here, but I’m curious enough not to send him away. I prop my chin on my hand, letting the other rest freely on the counter, watching as he fiddles with the bags on the counter.

“Mack and I had dinner at Static tonight,” Levi starts to explain. “I asked Macy where you were, and she mentioned you called out sick because of cramps.”

He says the last word so casually, but my ears burn at the thought of him knowing I’m on my period. I know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, but still.

Hunter avoided the topic like the plague. It became one of those things we didn’t discuss in our relationship. Plus, we always used protection, and I have an IUD, so missed periods were never something we had to discuss either.

Finding my voice, I say, “It’s not always this bad, but occasionally...” I shrug, not sure how much he wants to hear.

Levi leans over the counter, curling his hand over mine. The gentle touch is unexpected but comforting. Our eyes lock, and my skin tingles beneath his touch.

When a cramp hits me, I wince slightly, but it’s enough for Levi to pull his hand back, taking its warmth with him.

Straightening, he grabs the bags again. “I shouldn’t have made you come to the kitchen. Let’s go to the couch where it’s more comfortable. Or do you want to lie down? I don’t mind sitting on the floor if you want the bed to yourself.”

“Levi.” I bite back a smile and place a hand on one of the bags to stop him from taking off with it. It’s sweet that he’s being considerate, but it’s completely unnecessary. “I’ll be fine. I took a pain med a few hours ago, and it’s probably wearing off now.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind the couch.”

“Yes, I’m sure. This isn’t my first rodeo.” I interject some tease into my voice, but his expression doesn’t waiver. “Show me what you brought,please.”

Reluctantly, he nods and loosens his grip on the bags. He then takes out the items individually, explaining each as he sets them down. With each one, my stomach flutters faster.

“I grabbed some Ibuprofen since I wasn’t sure you had any. Electrolyte drinks to keep you hydrated.” He pulls out three bottles. “Different flavors, in case you have a preference. Some of these heating pad thingies you can stick on your stomach. It’s supposed to help with the pain. And I found these shower steamers meant to relax and soothe you. Or at least, that’s what the packaging claims.”

Levi slides the items over to me, and moisture pools in my eyes—stupidhormones.I bite my lip to stop them from spilling over and focus on the items until I’m confident I won’t turn into a blubbering mess.

“Wow. This is one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me.” I risk a peek up at him.

“I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.” He grins, reaching for the second bag.

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