Page 55 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
Levi dropped his fork.Marriage was the furthest thing from his mind.But when his gran said that word, his one-night stand with an old friend was not the person he envisioned.
Wesley started to laugh and nudged his shoulder.“You look like you saw a ghost and found out your dog died at the same time.”
“I am not getting married, Gran.”
“I know.Haven’t you been listening to me?”
Then she stood, taking her cup of tea with her.“I’m going to sleep in tomorrow.You boys clean this mess up please.”
“Goodnight, Gran,” Wesley and Levi said in unison.
“I better get going too.Just remember the second you step into town, people will be asking you about this.”
“Thanks,” Levi said, standing to take their dishes to the sink.Wesley let himself out and then Levi was alone.Without even thinking about it he found himself in Missy’s art studio again.She and all her work were like a magnet for him.The light was dim from the hallway, but as he turned to look at the gallery wall, his eyes were drawn to the new work she’d been absorbed with all morning.And it was like a punch to the gut.
There were three pieces, one large and two smaller, and they weren’t framed yet, making them look more raw.The colors were moody browns, tans, and gray for shadowing.There were no faces but he knew it had to be them.A defined forearm and hand, a darker hued waistline, the hint of the underside of her breasts.His mouth was dry, and a deep pulsing need for Missy raged back to life.He wanted to go upstairs and crawl into bed next to her, feel her skin pressed against his, and find out just how well they fit together.But that wasn’t going to happen.There would be no keeping this latest gossip from her and then she’d want nothing to do with him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Missy
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
The next morning,standing in her art studio, Missy managed to shift her easel, with one good hand, to face the morning light that came in through the windows on the east side of the room.Not only did this mean no one could see what she was working on, but she could also see if someone was approaching the studio.Not that it usually mattered, but with her current trend in work she would at least be prepared.
She’d slept later than normal and forgot she’d texted Declan to see if he would pick up her canvas order.He’d dropped them off on his way to take the boys to school, and it was the first morning her hand didn’t throb.Memories of the night before flooded her mind and she needed to paint.
There was a note in the kitchen that said Gran was sleeping in but nothing about where Levi had gone.So the house was quiet, which meant all she could do was work.Today she was using blues and grays, as if this couple depicted on her canvas were blissfully happy.Their bodies melded together, and it was clear they were lovers.
By noon she had two more large pieces and decided to post them on her site right away and see if they moved as fast as the first three.She didn’t even have to wait more than five minutes, and they were both purchased by the same art gallery as before.This time there was also a direct message requesting a meeting.She stood in the bright sunroom surrounded by her work and felt an overwhelming sense of peace.She was living her dream life, painting in this studio while living in Hart House on the beach.He wasn’t at all hers, but kissing Levi and feeling adored the night before had definitely eased some ache she’d ignored.
Her phone dinged with a news update that flashed on the screen.
The Bad Boy and the Baby
Her stomach sank.The story blurb lingered another second, and she debated if she should click on it.Did she want to know?But she couldn’t resist.And as soon as she read the first sentence her heart felt like it broke into a million tiny pieces.
America’s favorite rivalry has something new to fight over, rumors of Sara Baxter’s pregnancy and who the baby’s father could be have pegged Levi Hart as the most likely daddy.And now we have even more reasons to hope this Bad Boy returns to Atlanta.
“Good morning.”Levi’s deep voice sounded from the entryway to the studio.
She’d been so absorbed in the news story she hadn’t heard him come in.He wasn’t wearing a shirt and had clearly been out for a run.Sweat ran down his forehead and he held a glass of water in his hand, his chest rising and falling in fast succession as he caught his breath.
“Um ya, good morning,” she replied, unsure if she should say anything.
“Your work from yesterday is breathtaking.”
She looked over at the gallery wall, not really seeing her art.All she could see were Levi’s bright blue eyes on a baby with a deep tan and curly hair.But that was ridiculous.
“Um thanks, I’m trying to catch up on the days I missed and produce a bunch of new pieces,” she said pocketing her phone and picking up her brush.
She had no claim on him so she had no business commenting on the fact that he might be a father in a few more months.
“Right, I won’t keep you.”He started to turn away but then stepped farther into the studio.
“About yesterday.”
“It was obviously a mistake and so unprofessional of me.I’m sorry.It won’t happen again.”
