Page 44 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“You’re going to have to talk to him and tell him how you’re feeling. Avoidance is not an option.”
I quirk a brow. “Evading was something the FMC in this week’s book did well. Why can’t that be me?”
“And how did that work out for her?” she questions, sarcasm thick on her tongue.
“You’d know if you read the book.”
She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I didn’t have any time this week. Beck and I had plans.”
I nod, sighing. “Well, she made out damn well if you ask me. She even got the man in the end. That was after a lot of chaos, but it still worked out.”
“Sounds like a raving endorsement.” She laughs. “And what do you want Layla? Do you want the man?”
My face heats and my insides twist, a storm brewing. Hell, yes, is exactly what I want to say, but how can that be right? Having him inch into my life feels like a lot. Technically, I didn’t only let him in, but I led the way, so I realize I’m not being fair. Unfortunately, my irrational panic doesn’t give a damn.
“I want to be happy.” She gives me a look as we step inside the bookstore. “Ugh, fine. Yes, I want him. How can I not? But I don’t want to worry that he’ll get bored with me, that I won’t be enough, or that I’ll give him my heart just for him to obliterate it and walk away.”
Her eyes soften, her arm going protectively around my shoulders, guiding me towards the space at the back of the store. “That wouldn’t happen, but if it did, he was not the right man for you in the first place.”
Nodding, I gulp down the lump in my throat. “I’m scared to let go, Chloe, and if I do, there’s no guarantee he won’t be just like my father.”
“Is that what’s holding you back?” The sound of Levi’s voice reverberates in my ears, my face heating, and my heart thumping.
Spinning on my heel, I come face to face with Levi, dressed in dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt, his simple threads making my heart race with the way they hang from his hard form. “What are you doing here?” I ask, breathlessly, barely able to hear my own voice over the blood pumping through my veins.
“I came here to see you,” he confesses without preamble. “You’re not exactly ghosting me, but it’s still a brush off and I don’t want that with you.”
“Levi,” I begin, but trail off, unsure of what I want to say. He’s right.
“I should let you two talk,” Chloe begins, her arm falling from my shoulders as she takes a step back.
“No!” I retort, grabbing her wrist as if my life depended on keeping her by my side. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t move.
“I’m sorry, Layla,” Levi blurts out, taking another step towards me.
My eyebrows draw down in confusion. “Why are youapologizing?”
“Because I’m the one who didn’t want to talk the other night after you opened up. You were vulnerable with me, but I couldn’t reciprocate. It had nothing to do with you. I promise.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I shake my head, attempting to dismiss him.
“Yes, it does. I’m used to closing myself off with other people when it comes to my father. He’s not someone I talk about to anyone, ever,” he emphasizes.
“It’s fine, Levi. You don’t have to tell me anything about him. It’s not like you owe me.”
“Telling you anything about me is not me returning a favor. What I share with you is because I care about you and I want you to know.”
“I’m gonna go say hi to Scotty,” Chloe mumbles, carefully yanking her hand away from me.
My eyes flash. “Wait. I’m sorry. Let me introduce you. Chloe, this is Levi. Levi, this is my best friend, Chloe.”
He grins wide, shaking her hand as I reluctantly let her go. “It’s nice finally meeting you, Chloe.”
“You too, hot shot.” She releases his hand and looks at me, arching her brow.
“Hot shot?” he questions, smirking.
“Book club is about to start, we should get our wine,” I interrupt, striding for the bar without looking back, his answering chuckle giving me goosebumps.
