Page 19 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“JJ.”
Levi writes the boy’s name, followed by, “Dream Big” and scribbles his signature on the brim before handing it back. My heart skips a beat as JJ’s face radiates his excitement. “Thank you, so much!”
Levi gives JJ a disarming smile, one causing every woman in his vicinity to melt. His good arm goes protectively around me and he guides me towards the parking lot. “Aren’t we getting the stuff you just paid for?” I question, confused.
Without answering, he stops a guy wearing a shirt with the business name stitched into it,Granny’s Family Farm. He slips him a few bills and requests, “Would you mind bringing our things out to my car?”
“No problem, Sir.”
Levi grins and tilts his head down, holding me close. “If you don’t want to be on camera, keep your head down and facing towards me.”
My stomach flips. I didn’t even notice the cell phones taking pictures until he mentioned it. The stark reminders of the similarities of Levi’s life to my father’s surfaces, but I do as he says. We reach his car and he opens the door for me, surprising me as his lips press against the top of my head before I slip into the passenger seat and buckle my seatbelt.
In moments, everything is packed safely in the trunk and Levi backs out of the parking lot. Giving me a sidelong glance, he slides his hand onto my knee and gently squeezes. “Sorry about that.” He sneaks another look in my direction when I remain silent. “Are you okay?”
Gulping down the lump in my throat, I claim, “Yeah. I just don’t understand people.”
“Aren’t you used to it some with your brother?”
“More so because of my dad, but yeah, Gabe too,” I answer honestly, surprising myself. I never talk about my father.
“Your dad?”
“Yeah. Gino Romano. He played for the–”
Levi gasps. “Your dad was Gino Romano?” Reflexively, I flinch. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it. I’ve seen his name connected to your brother a few times, but it’s rare since your brother plays first base and your dad was a pitcher.”
Heaving a sigh, I stare out the window, watching the dirt and palm trees fly by. “Gabe doesn’t love being compared to him.” That’s an understatement, but it has more to do with not wanting anything to do with the man than it does with the sport or the athlete.
“He was incredible,” he states, making me wince. My heart sinks as I tune out his chatter about my dad, but I don’t stop him from talking either. I can’t listen to anyone idolize my father. He doesn’t deserve it. My dad is the ultimate reason this thing with Levi is a bad idea. No matter what this is.
“Layla,” Levi calls as if he’s been trying to get my attention.
Turning my head towards him as he puts his car in park, my eyes widen in question. “Yeah?”
Levi’s eyebrows draw together in concern, his gaze searching mine. Reaching up, he brushes a loose lock of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. His fingers gently trail along my jaw, tilting my chin up to look at him. “I lost you there for a few minutes. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I answer, monotone, not able to fake it.
He stares into my eyes as if he can see into my soul. “You don’t get along with your dad,” he states, not questions, his voice soft, tender.
My insides prickle with awareness. Maybe he can see inside me. I shake my head, breaking our gaze. “My dad is an asshole.”
Gulping hard,he nods. “I’m sorry.”
I huff a humorless laugh. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”
“I’m sorry I brought him up at all. I don’t want to be the cause of the light disappearing from your eyes. Not ever.”
A resigned sigh escapes, my gaze returning to look out the window. “Maybe you should just take me home.”
“I’d rather not. I’m enjoying my time with you, Layla, and I think we can turn this date back around. We should have more privacy here for our picnic,” he says sounding hopeful.
He’s right. I’m not going to let my father ruin another day. So many things trigger thoughts of him, but that doesn’t mean the rest of today can’t be fun. Taking a deep breath, I look back at Levi, forcing a smile. “Okay. Let’s go eat some apple pie.”
He laughs, his relief palpable. My chest tightens and subsequently feels lighter at the deep sound. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 9
