Page 45 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Grabbing a glass of Moscato, I close my eyes, taking a large gulp. Opening my eyes, I finally realize Chloe and Levi are still chatting and I turn back to them.
“Come on, let’s go sit down,” I urge, tugging on Chloe’s arm as she reaches for her own glass of wine.
The moment we sit, Levi takes the seat right next to me. Looking at him, I repeat my earlier question, “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to spend time with you, so I thought I’d join your book club and I have to admit, this looks like a lot more fun than I expected.”
“Levi–“ I begin, but I’m immediately interrupted.
“Okay, everyone ready to dive into this week’s book boyfriend?” Clara questions, attempting to get everyone’s attention.
Laughter erupts around the room, thoughts already turning dirty. My face heats instantly, feeling Levi’s eyes on me. Even with my olive skin, I’m pretty sure everyone in this room can tell I’m as red as a cherry tomato.
“Definitely a lot more fun,” he whispers in my ear, making my hair stand on end and desire shoot straight through me making me squirm.
“Damn you, Levi Brennan,” I mumble under my breath, his low, sexy chuckle his only response.
I’m so screwed.
Chapter 23
Levi
Walking out of book club with Layla, and Chloe, I can’t wipe the smile from my face. It’s obvious I’m getting to her in the best possible way and I’m enjoying every minute of seeing her squirm, pretending she doesn’t feel anything when it comes to me.
“Why don’t we go on a double date?” Chloe suggests. My grin grows as Layla narrows her eyes at her best friend. Maybe I’m not completely alone in this. “We could go ax throwing. I’ve heard that place is a lot of fun and Beck and I haven’t been there yet.”
My grin falls. Then again, maybe I’m already alone on the deserted island. “I think we should keep Layla away from ax throwing until I’m sure she’s really willing to forgive me.”
Layla snorts, her hand covering her mouth as her face heats. I’m truly growing to love that sound. It’s carefree, beautiful. “Might be waiting a while,” she mutters, playful, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye.
“I’ll wait as long as you need,” I whisper close to her ear, relishing in the goosebumps popping up on her skin.
“Fine. What about dinner?” Chloe urges.
“We’re in,” I agree, hoping she won’t argue.
“I didn’t–” she starts.
“Okay, great,” Chloe interrupts, giving Layla a quick hug. “I’ll see you later and we will hash out the details. I have to head home.” Glancing at me she adds, “It was nice meeting you.” Spinning on her heel, she waves without looking back.
“I like her,” I declare.
“You would.” Layla glares at me. “She has an opening for best friend if you want it.”
Chuckling, I murmur, “Maybe she has good intuition and you could give me a chance.”
“That’s what I’m doing.”
“Then, why have you been avoiding me?”
“You’re the one who doesn’t truly want to know me. If you did, you would also give me a piece of you.” My brows scrunch together, puzzled, but she continues, “I’ve been giving you nearly the whole puzzle, even the things about my life that are hard. Yet, I still don’t know any of the real stuff about you.”
“Playing baseball isn’t real?”
Tilting her head her eyes narrow, unimpressed by my sarcasm. “You know what I mean. Everyone knows you’re a baseball player. I’m talking about things that make you Levi that the world doesn’t know. Not necessarily secrets. Just things that are genuinely you.”
“I told you I wanted to talk to you, Layla, and I meant it. I just needed a little time.”
