Page 44 of Into the Fire
“I’m… just scared, Levi. That’s all.”
He scooted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and holding her tight.
“Scared’s okay. But don’t shut me out. Not like this. I'm not changing my mind.”
She wanted to believe him. She knew she had to tell him everything.
“Emery, look at me.”
She met his eyes. Damn, he was gorgeous. The way his eyes seemed to deepen in serious moments like this, the way she couldn't help glancing at his lips, and he had probably the most perfect teeth she’d ever seen.
“I’m not just in this because it’s convenient or easy. I want you—all of you. The parts you’re proud of, and the parts you’re scared to show.”
He reached up, brushing another loose strand of hair behind her ear, his thumb lingering on her cheek.
With that, Levi leaned in again, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her lips. The kiss deepened, filled with the kind of tenderness and need that left no room for doubt, only the beginning of something much bigger.
And in that quiet moment, Emery knew she was ready to take the leap with him by her side. She would tell him everything tonight once June was asleep.
15
Levi knelt to June’s level in the kitchen, wiping a stray crumb off her cheek with a grin. “Hey, Junebug, I want to talk to you for a minute.”
June looked up, her expression curious. “What is it?”
He smiled. “Emery’s going to be staying at our house from now on. Figure it’ll be easier having her around to help take care of you—and me, too.”
June’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Really? Like, all the time?”
“Yep. No more running back and forth,” Levisaid, ruffling her hair gently. Then, with a sly smile, he added, “And between you and me? I kinda want to be around Emery more… she’s got this way of making the place feel a little more like home.”
June giggled, “Is that why you want her here? ‘Cause she makes you all mushy?”
Levi laughed softly. “Maybe, but don’t tell her I said that, I’ve gotta keep some mystery.”
June giggled again. “Your secret’s safe with me,” she nodded, like it was no big deal. “Okay. Can I go play now?”
Levi chuckled. “Sure, go on. But be good.”
As June scampered off, Levi caught Emery watching from nearby. “Come here, sunshine,” he pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist, his voice low and teasing. “Guess you’re officially stuck now. Hope you’re ready for nonstop chaos.”
Emery smiled, warmth climbing in her chest. “I think I’m ready… you’ll keep me on my toes.”
Levi’s fingers traced small, idle circles along her side, sending a flutter through her that had nothingto do with the afternoon’s weather. He leaned in, just enough to brush his lips against her temple. “Oh, I plan to.” His hand slid down from her waist to rest on her hip, pulling her even closer. Their bodies pressed together, heat radiating between them as his lips found hers in a slow, deep kiss.
His hands tangled in her hair, tilting her head, deepening the connection as June’s laughter echoed in the background.
???
The sun had dipped low, casting warm golden light across the kitchen counters. Emery sat at the small table, her fingers worrying the edges of the envelope she had read too many times. The tension filled the air, but with June in bed, she knew that now was as good a time as ever to get this conversation over with.
“I need to tell you something,” she started, voice low.
Levi’s brows lowered slightly from where hestood in the kitchen. “That doesn't sound good.”
Emery swallowed. “It’s about Denny, my old boss. He sent me a letter. It came a few days ago.”
Levi didn’t say anything at first, just blinked slowly, as though bracing himself. “You didn’t think to tell me?”
