Page 6 of Into the Fire
Levi took it, his fingers brushing hers for a brief second, rough and warm, like he didn’t know how to be gentle but was trying anyway. “Thanks for not walking off when I tried to get rid of you without even meetingyou.”
She smiled. “Thanks for not being as big of an ass as I thought you were.”
He nodded. “Yet.”
She turned, heading down the porch steps, her sandals tapping softly against the worn wood.
As she reached her car and opened the door, something made her glance back.
Levi was still sitting there on the porch, glass in hand, watching her. As if he wasn’t quite sure what to make of her yet, but he wasn’t done trying to figure it out.
Emery slid into the driver’s seat, closed the door, and let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Damn. He was good-looking. That whole rugged, work-worn, strong-silent-type thing? Yeah. It worked for him.
Too bad she didn’t need anything complicated. Or broody. Or men who looked at her like that.
Still… she didn’t hate the way looking at him made her stomach flip. Besides, looking didn't have to be complicated, right?
3
Emery raised her hand to knock on the door, an unexpected flutter of nerves dancing in her stomach. Before she could tap, the door swung open.
Levi stood there, kicking aside a pile of little pink shoes with an almost forced half-smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Uh. Come on in,” he said, stepping aside.
Inside, the house looked lived in. Not tidy, but clean. A stack of books was piled sloppily on the end table, and a basket of laundry overflowed ontothe couch. Not a Pinterest-perfect place by any means, but comfortable. It felt like a home that held love and stories and memories.
“Daddy! Daddy! Who’s here?” June’s voice rang out from around the corner with a burst of energy, excited and curious.
She skidded to a stop when she spotted Emery, giving her a quick once-over, eyes wide.
Levi cleared his throat, suddenly unsure how to introduce Emery. “This is… uh…”
June interrupted. “Why are you here? My dad says he doesn’t even know why you’re here.”
Levi shifted awkwardly, cheeks flushing. Emery jumped in smoothly, “My name is Emery, I’m just here to help with some extra chores, so your dad doesn’t have to do so much and can spend more time playing with you.”
June’s face lit up, satisfied with that answer.
“Wanna come see my room? I’ve got the coolest toys,” she said, grabbing Emery’s hand.
Levi hung back, making a mental note that his daughter wasn’t exactly helping him look like less of an ass. He began to second-guess their trial agreement,but before he could think any more about it, a loud dump of the toy bucket echoed from down the hallway.
Levi started up the stairs, walking toward the sound, stopping just inside June's bedroom doorway.
“We should clean up the toys we’re playing with before moving on, okay?” Emery said gently.
June’s face scrunched into a pout, the first flicker of protest flashing in her eyes.
Before Levi could step in, Emery smiled and negotiated quietly, offering to help so they could get it done quicker. Slowly, June’s pout softened, and then she nodded.
Levi crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe, impressed by how smoothly Emery handled the situation, no meltdown, no tears, just calm and clear boundaries.
He pushed off the frame and folded his arms. “Emery, why don’t you stay for dinner? I’ll go get started.”
Emery glanced at June, who was happily moving to help put away toys. “Dinner sounds great.”
Juneexcitedly showed Emery her expansive stuffed animal collection that was taking up most of her small bed, telling her each one's name as she went. After she was finished, Emery stood, telling June, “Why don't you wash your hands up for dinner. I'm going to see if your dad wants any help, and I'll meet you at the table for dinner.”
