Page 39 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“Levi?”
Halting, I spin around and look at her, staring at me, nibbling on her lower lip making my dick twitch. Arching a brow, I struggle to keep my voice steady as I prod, “Yes?”
Releasing her lip, she ambles towards me, tipping her head back to look up at me the closer she gets. Stopping right in front of me, she places her palm on my chest eliciting goosebumps and takes a deep breath as if for courage. “Thank you.” My eyes widen and my stomach twists. This woman. “Thank you for being there for me and for being exactly what I needed when even I didn’t know what that would look like.”
Her words feel like she just reached inside my chest and claimed my heart, squeezing it in the palm of her hand, in tune with every heartbeat.
Sliding my hands up her sides, I cradle her face in my hands, staring into her eyes. “It’s exactly where I want to be.” Closing the distance between us, I press my lips to hers. Our mouths move together, slow and tender, tingles spreading throughout my body as it ignites the spark between us. Tilting my head, I deepen our kiss. Her mouth opens on a soft moan, spurring my desire and inviting me in. My fingers thread into her hair, holding her close. I groan as my tongue juts out, tasting, licking, exploring, getting lost in our kiss, in her.
“Levi?” Aunt Miranda calls from the living room, breaking our moment. Layla swiftly tears our mouths apart.
“Shit. I didn’t even hear her come in,” I mutter under my breath. Layla giggles and I back away, responding to my aunt. “In the kitchen Aunt Miranda.”
I hear the sound of her footsteps approaching as I set a pan on the stove. Her eyes widen, and a smile lights up her face themoment she spots Layla opening the bread. “Layla! I didn’t realize you were here. I’m sorry to intrude.”
Layla’s cheeks are red, but she schools her expression. “Hi, Mrs. Brennan. Levi and I are just making breakfast. Are you hungry?”
She laughs. “Oh, no, dear. I was just stopping in to see if my nephew had eaten yet, but it looks like the two of you have everything covered. I’m headed into town to get some groceries. Do you need anything?”
“No, thank you,” I reply. “You really spoil me, Aunt Miranda.”
She presses her lips together and waves off my comment. “I’ll see you later. You two have fun.”
“Bye,” we both call as she leaves.
Layla sags against the counter and both of us burst out laughing. “It almost feels like being a teenager again,” I joke.
She makes a face. “Not for me, but I get it.”
“What do you mean, not for you? You never made out with anyone on your living room couch afraid you would be caught?”
Frowning, she shakes her head. “Nope. No boyfriend until college, remember?”
“And you grew up here? The boys at your school were idiots.”
“Not going to argue with you there,” she mutters, “but probably not for the same reasons.” She shakes her head. “Let’s not talk about them. I’d much rather focus on the man in this kitchen.”
“I’ll go along with that,” I say, giving her a chaste kiss. I could get used to having her in my kitchen.
“I’m sure you will.” She laughs, the sound light again, bringing a smile to my face. “After breakfast settles, we should do your PT.”
“You’re right. Then, we’ll have the rest of the day to do as we please.” Stepping up to her, I move our bodies flush, my front to her back and press a kiss behind her ear.
A low hum falls from her mouth. “Mmm…” She stands a little straighter and suggests, “How about I make the French toast and you make the eggs?”
“Sounds like a plan.” I grab the eggs out of the refrigerator and steal another glance at Layla as she takes a hairband off her wrist and rakes her fingers through her hair, tying it up in a high ponytail before she moves any further. The simple action draws my attention back to her delectable neck and I force myself to look away or we’ll never eat.
Chapter 20
Layla
Ifidget in the passenger seat of Levi’s car on the short drive to my mom’s. Levi is meeting my mom. I repeat the words in my head, not quite believing it. If someone asked me how this happened I wouldn’t be able to answer. Are we even dating? It doesn’t matter. He’s here and I’m nervous as hell. This isn’t about Levi meeting my mom. It’s about having no idea what we’re walking into. I only hope today is one of her good days.
“Are you okay?” Levi asks glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. “Layla?” he prods when I remain silent. Reaching across the seat, he gives my knee a gentle squeeze in support.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m okay.”
He sighs, parking his car in front of the small white ranch I grew up in. “Are you sure you want me to come inside?”
