Page 18 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Bright mums are scattered off to the side with decorative fall wreaths, scarecrows, and hay bales. A children’s play area sits in the back with a corn cob slide, a pumpkin jungle gym. a vampire merry-go-round and bat swings. “That’s adorable,” I say, pointing towards the back.
He grins sheepishly. “They have things for big kids too,” he informs me, gesturing behind the play area. “Rumor has it they have a fantastic, haunted hayride here at night.” My eyes widen and he takes a step closer. “Do you like scary things, Layla?”
“I can handle it,” I retort a little too defensively making him chuckle.
“We’ll have to come back one night.” Reaching for my hand, he entwines our fingers, startling me. I look down at where we touch, the feeling almost foreign, but at the same time warm and soothing. Clasping his hand a little tighter, I tilt my head up and smile at him. “I thought we could pick out some pumpkins to carve later and maybe grab some snacks and wine for a picnic?”
My stomach flips. I’m surprised but delighted. “I think that’s a great idea. It’s been a long time since I carved pumpkins. Did you have somewhere in mind for the picnic?”
“I know a spot,” he taunts, not giving me anything else.
My eyes narrow. “So do I.”
He laughs and tugs me towards the meticulously displayed fields. “Come on. Let’s see what we can find.”
We walk side by side perusing the selection of pumpkins, while I try to ignore the tingling in my fingertips, the warmth of his palm, and the electricity shooting up my arm causing my heart to palpitate. It shouldn’t feel this good, this easy, this right. “Oh, I like the big, fat ones,” I say, my words echoing back in my head causing me to turn a deep shade of red, my thoughts instantly turning dirty. “Umm, I mean…”
He chuckles, but thankfully doesn’t comment. “Pick any one you want and I’ll carry it for you.”
“No, thanks.” I shake my head. “I can hold my own. Besides, carrying too much can’t be good for your shoulder.” My eyes veer to his arm as he rolls it in its socket, and back up to his face.
“I’ll be fine, but thanks.”
I find a perfectly round pumpkin and bounce on my toes in excitement. Releasing his hand, I squat down to pick it up, whileLevi grabs a taller one next to mine. We set the pumpkins near the register and browse the farm fresh food and baked goods. He grabs a loaf of bread, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, along with a bottle of sweet vinegar, while I grab a homemade apple pie believing there will be nothing better during apple season.
We return to the checkout with our arms full and smiles on our faces when the shameless whispers start and my stomach begins churning. Levi’s face hardens in an instant.
“Isn’t that Levi Brennan?”
“The baseball player?”
“What’s he doing here?”
“More like what’s he doing with her?”
“Do you think he would give me an autograph?”
“There’s no way they’re together. I heard he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“I bet I could get him to change his mind.”
Levi spins on his heel, opening his mouth before I can even think to stop him. “I’d appreciate it if you would stop talking about my woman.” I hold back my gasp at his choice of words, but I remain silent. “Hasn’t anyone ever taught you basic manners? We can hear everything you’re saying.”
“I…I’m sorry,” a blonde woman stammers. She appears to be about the same age as me wearing jeans and a white tank, but she’s not someone I recognize from Love Canyon. Her gaze swings between the two of us, aghast.
The woman behind her steps forward. “Excuse me. Could I have your autograph?”
Levi scoffs, dropping cash onto the counter to pay for our items, but his eyes catch sight of a boy clinging to the woman’s hand. He’s maybe seven or eight and wearing a Las Vegas Lions baseball hat, his brown hair sticking out in disarray. The boy’s mouth falls open and he freezes, giving his full attention to Levi.
Crouching in front of the boy, Levi asks, “Do you like baseball?”
The boy nods vehemently.
“Would you like me to sign your hat?” he asks, holding out his hand.
His eyes light up and he nearly rips it off in his excitement, handing it to Levi. “Yes, please.”
Grinning, Levi pulls out a pen from what seems like nowhere. “What’s your name?”
