Page 42 of My Only

“What’s up?” I asked.

Levi inhaled deeply, then exhaled. “Look, I gotta say something.”

I frowned, my grip tightening on my coffee cup.

“About what happened earlier in your office with Harper?”

I swallowed hard. Tensed up immediately. “What about it?”

Levi pressed a hand to his chest. “I know it’s none of my business but… be careful with her.”

I placed my paper cup on the counter, my stomach twisting.

For the longest time, I thought Harper’s flirting was just harmless fun.

The kind of attention that meant nothing.

But if I was being honest?

I never told Ayla about any of it.

Not when Harper started standing a little too close after meetings.

Not when she made those slick comments about my smile or my eyes.

Not when she first started calling me “Hass” like we had history.

I never mentioned it.

Because I knew—deep down—it wasn’t as innocent as I pretended it was.

Levi straightened his back, his eyes scanning the room before refocusing on me.

“I don’t know if you know this,” he started, “but she tried the same thing she’s trying with you, with me.”

I arched a brow.

“Pushed up on me at an after-work function last year.” He shook his head. “I had to remind her I was married.”

He held up his left hand, the diamond wedding band glinting under the bright lounge lights. “I mean, hello.”

I snorted a laugh.

“Can’t miss or forget this shit.” Levi chuckled. “My wife saw to it no one could miss it.”

“So, you reminding Harper that you’re married…” I started. “That didn’t stop her?”

“Not even a little,” Levi replied, his expression darkening. “I had to start talking about my wife every time I saw her. Anytime she paid me too much attention, I’d bring up Calese—constantly. And honestly? I was doing it more for Harper’s safety than mine.”

I chuckled.

“Y’all pay me well, and I love what we’re doing—building this community in a major way.”

I nodded, understanding.

“I’ve done the whole getting-involved-with-a-woman-I-shouldn’t-be-involved-with thing at work before, and I’m never doing that again.” He blew out a breath. “That shit almost ruined my life and career—had me freelancing just to survive. Believe me, I learned my lesson.”

I set my paper cup down.

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