Page 86 of Stroke of Fate

I shrug. What else is there to say to that? Yes, I shouldn’t need to look for any signs, but shitty people still exist.

Winston walks over and plops down on the blanket between us as if sensing that I need his comforting presence.

Levi squeezes my hand. “Thank you for telling me. I always wondered if there was more to the story,” he admits, his tone softer now. “But I didn’t want to push you.”

Figuring I may as well stick with the whole honesty thing, I tell him something that’s been on my mind lately. “I thought I made a mistake moving here. That I took the easy way out.”

“And now?” He stares at me, a storm of emotions whirling in his eyes.

“I think I ended up right where I was meant to be,” I admit.

“Bear,” Levi closes his eyes, his voice raw with emotion. “I don’t want to sleep with you again.”

“What?” My mouth goes dry, and I can hear the blood rushing in my ears at his confession.

Oh God, this is the part where he’s so overcome with guilt from my story that he’s either going to tell me about a secret girlfriend or that I have too much baggage.

He’s a guy. Of course, he doesn’t do the whole emotional word vomit. The hand still holding mine tightens when I try to pull away.

“Fuck, no, it was—shit. I’m messing this up.” He takes a deep breath before continuing. “What I’m trying to say is you deserve so much more than just being someone I sleep with.”

“I still don’t understand what you’re saying.” To my ears, my voice sounds far away. I thought the sex was good, but maybe it was only me.

“You’ve been honest with me, and I want to be honest with you.” He looks serious, not a trace of humor on his face. “I want so much more with you and don’t want to keep pretending I don’t.”

Is he implying what I think he is?

“Like a relationship?” I swallow thickly, knowing how much trust that would require of me.

Until now, everything felt safe and easy. If we walked away today, no one would get hurt. Although, I don't know how true that still is.

It was always one day at a time with him. Now, we’re talking about a future together.

“Yes, and I know you may not be ready after what you told me. Hell, I might be fucking up with the timing of even saying this right now.” Nervous laughter trickles out of him. “But I want to prove to you that not everyone is like him.”

“I’m scared,” I admit softly, looking down at our intertwined hands.

And not because I can’t see myself with Levi. I can see it so clearly that the thought of messing it up terrifies me.

“I know you are. But, I promise, you’re safe with me. This,” he says, placing a hand over my heart, “is safe with me, Teddy Bear.”

My heart is pounding, and I know he can feel it beneath his palm. The answer is obvious when I focus on what the beating organ wants, but it’s when my head gets involved that I want to run in the other direction.

We’ve reached a metaphorical fork in the road, and my choice will lead us down one of two paths. Either I play it safe, or I take a risk.

I don’t know if my heart can survive another beating, but I can’t keep living in a world of made-up fear. Of what-ifs, that might never happen.

And I won’t let other people’s actions dictate my life choices.

No more pushing good people away because of one bad one. Yes, I’m scared. But I’d rather be loved and scared than lonely and afraid. With my decision made, I push to my feet, pulling Levi up with me.

“Bear, you’re killing me over here.” He groans when I still haven’t said anything.

I take his face in my hands. “I want to give us a chance.” Clear. Certain. A hint of nervousness, but confident words nonetheless.

I’m willing to put my reservations and fears aside to see where this goes with him.Hemakes me want to try.

Levi’s shoulders relax, and he exhales a shaky breath.

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