Page 28 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Layla
Knowing I don’t have enough time to dry my hair, I brush it up into a high ponytail and take a quick look in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed underneath my neutral makeup, keeping it simple. Rushing to my closet, I stand in my matching red lace bra and panty set, the sexy lingerie increasing my confidence. I need something to give it a boost when Levi is around, even if I’m the only one who sees it. He leaves me on edge and burning with desire, salivating like I’m the modern day kissing bandit ready to pounce and chase him around the bases.
I’m stronger than that. I can have dinner with a gorgeous man at his place without trying to jump him. I do it all the time. Well, that’s not true, but I could and it wouldn’t be a big deal. So why does Levi feel different? Brushing the question away, I search through my clothes, wanting to be cute and comfortable without looking like I’m trying.
Ugh. What the hell am I supposed to wear? Trying not to think too hard, I grab a pale pink, short-sleeve, cotton dress, with a collar and two of the three buttons open. The fabric skims my thigh as Islip it on. A knock at the door, grabs my attention while I slip on silver sandals. Glancing in the mirror one more time on the way out of my room, I stride for the door.
Yanking it open, I smile at Levi. “Hi.”
His eyes flare as they swiftly roam my body before meeting my gaze. He gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “Hi,” he says, his voice cracking. Pausing, he clears his throat. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yup.” I step outside and tug my door shut, locking it behind me.
Spinning towards the sidewalk, his hand falls to the small of my back, his light touch like an electric charge causing my hair to stand on end. When I lift my gaze, my steps falter. “Um, where’s your car?”
He gives me a crooked grin making my heart stutter. “It’s only two blocks. I thought we could walk.”
My face heats. “Oh, sure. It’s the perfect evening for it, but you should’ve let me walk over. I forgot you were so close.”
“It’s time I get to spend with you.”
A giggle slips out before I can stop it making me blush. “Sorry but I couldn’t help it. That sounds like another line.”
He chuckles. “Is it working?”
My heart stutters but I try to ignore it. Instead of answering, I attempt to redirect the conversation. “So, what are you making for dinner? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?”
His eyes spark with amusement. “I do love PB and J.” We both laugh. “Believe it or not, I can cook.”
“Well, I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”
We walk through a gate on the side of the house, the soft glow of lanterns lighting the path. The calming sound of small waterfalls spilling into a pool below brings a smile to my face. “Wow, this outdoor space is incredible.”
“Yeah, I think so too. They did all this after my cousins moved out.” He gestures to a door on the right. “This is where I’m staying while I’m here.”
He opens it and I step inside, the apartment modern, yet warm. With the lack of personal pictures on the walls, I’m surprised by how cozy it feels. Maybe it’s the salty and masculine scent of Levi permeating my senses or seeing a baseball bag and shoes stacked on a bench near the front door. Or it could be the small, oval, oak table between the living room and kitchen set with navy blue cloth placemats, white napkins, candles and a small bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas bringing a smile to my face.
“This is a fantastic space.”
“It is, but it’s definitely designed for guests. Although, my Aunt Miranda put a picture of my cousins and me in the hallway.”
“Is the table design for guests too?” I smirk.
“That might be my doing.”
“Might be?”
He gives me a crooked smile making my breath catch. “Do you want something to drink while I finish up dinner?”
He walks backwards towards the kitchen, keeping his eyes on me. “What do you have?” I follow him, pausing in the doorway.
“Water, beer, red wine, white wine, rosé…” he trails off, hesitating. “If I didn’t know you were coming there’d likely be a few less choices.”
Giggling, I answer, “I would love a glass of chardonnay if you have it.” He nods, my eyes remaining on him, watching as he reaches for two clear glasses and swiftly pops the cork. He pours a glass for each of us and hands me one, his fingers brushing mine, eliciting goosebumps.
