Page 38 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I’m hit with the soft scent of vanilla and lavender bringing a smile to my face. My hand slowly trails over her silky smooth tresses onto her back, her body curling into mine, fitting perfectly.
She shifts underneath me and I still, waiting. Slowly, she lifts her head and turns towards me, her eyes fluttering open, her brown orbs focusing on me. Her tongue flicks out, licking her lips and she rasps, “Hi.”
A grin covers my face. “Good morning, beautiful. How are you feeling?”
Planting her palm on my bare chest, she pushes up and looks down at me. My hand covers hers, keeping her there. “Um, I’m okay. I’m sorry for waking you up last night.”
Giving her hand a squeeze, I keep my voice low, but insistent, “You can wake me up anytime you need me. I’m happy I could be there for you last night and I want to be there for you while you go through this. It can’t be an easy road.”
She stares at me as if trying to read me and hopefully sees the truth in my eyes before she finally responds. “Thank you, Levi. I can’t begin to explain how much that means to me.” She sits up fully and I release her hand, following suit. “Last night, I don’t know. I just couldn’t be at home and I started walking. Without thinking, I ended up here.”
“I’m glad you came to me, Layla, but next time call me and I’ll come to pick you up. Yes, Love Canyon is a small town, but you never know what could happen. It’s not safe to be walking alone so late at night.”
She rolls her eyes, teasing, “Yes, sir.”
A salacious grin lights up my face. “Oh, I could definitely get used to hearing that come out of your mouth.”
“Levi,” she scolds, blushing a deep shade of red.
Relishing her reaction, I chuckle. Giving her a reprieve, I glance at the time. “You don’t have to work today, do you? Otherwise, you’re late.”
Shaking her head, she states, “No, I called in last night.”
“So does that mean I have the entire day with you?”
“Umm…”
“Just say, yes. I want to take care of you today.”
“I feel like you’ve already been doing that.”
“Please?” Arching my brows, I give her a crooked grin that I know usually helps me get my way.
Sighing, she relents, “Okay, but let’s say we’re spending the day together. You don’t have to take care of me.”
“I’ll concede if you let me do some things for you.”
“Why is this a negotiation?” She laughs, the sweet sound sending tingles down my spine. “Fine, but I have to go check on my mom later. You don’t have to come with me for that.”
“Would you like me to?”
She opens her mouth, hesitating. “It’s just that I don’t want you to have to do that. She might be fine, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Well, then if it’s okay, I’d like to go with you.”
Her eyes widen and a look stretches across her face, I can’t quite decipher but it elicits a warm rush of waves cresting deep in my gut. Nodding, she whispers, “Yeah, I would like that.”
Leaning towards her, I brush my lips over hers and pull back, looking into her eyes. “Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast?”
Her stomach grumbles in response, both of us chuckling. “That means yes, but you have to let me help you cook this time.”
I press my lips to hers once again and climb out of bed. Holding my hand out for Layla, I wait until she takes it. Scrambling out of bed, she follows me into the kitchen. “What would you like to eat?”
“I make really good French toast and scrambled eggs,” she offers.
“As long as we cook together, itsounds delicious.”
She smiles at me causing my chest to tighten. My fingers itch to reach for her. Turning away before I lift her onto the countertop and devour her, I start grabbing all the pans and food we need.
