Page 79 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“Yes, you are adorable,” Beck adds, his arm falling around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze.
Levi holds up his glass of water, prompting, “A toast?”
We all reach for our glasses and raise them. “To good friends,” I say.
“And great loves,” Levi adds.
“I’ll drink to that,” Beck agrees, smiling at Chloe.
The four glasses meet in the middle with a delicate chime. “Cheers,” our voices collide and we take a sip.
“Maybe we should get out of here and give them the table,” Levi suggests, nodding towards the staff hovering nearby.
I laugh. “I’m pretty sure they’re standing there because they recognize you.”
Chuckling, he admits, “It’s been a while since anyone has said anything. I started to think I was unrecognizable.”
Beck scoffs, understanding Levi’s frustration. “That never happens, but I wish it did. Although, sometimes when you’re in a small town like Love Canyon, they give you the respectyou deserve and let you enjoy your personal time. Knowing who to steer clear of helps too.”
“I bet.”
Levi and Beck, both lay down some cash and we slide out of the booth, waving towards the staff before we walk outside, heading towards our cars.
“Tonight was fun,” I say, a lump forming in my throat once again.
Levi’s arm goes protectively around my shoulders. “Why don’t we do it again next week,” he suggests, glancing at me, while a smile in approval lights up my face. It’s like he’s reading my mind.
“Yes,” Chloe agrees, glancing at Beck.
“See you soon,” I say, feeling like things really will be okay as I slide into Levi’s car. Even when we’re not together, the little things he’s doing are letting me know that he will be there for me to support me, love me and protect me, even when we can’t be together.
The little things like the hand on my back or on me knee, the sweet kiss, or words of support are all telling me that I can trust him. Hopefully, he knows I want to do the same for him.
Isn’t that what we all want?
Chapter 41
Levi
The next month flew by. I’ve spent as much time with Layla as possible, relishing every moment, but today is the day that we both have to leave for preseason in separate states and I fucking hate it.
She clings to me and I hold her tight, neither of us wanting to let go. “I’m going to miss you, so much, Levi.”
“I’m going to miss you too, Layla, but I promise, we’ll talk every day, even if it’s just to say goodnight and good morning, but I don’t want to go a day without hearing your voice. No matter how chaotic training is or what’s going on, we’ll find time to talk. Okay?”
She nods against my chest. “Please, let’s try to find that time, Levi. I know I’ll be busy learning everything about the facilities, the team, the players, the staff…” she trails off and whimpers.
“And you’re going to be amazing. They’re damn lucky to have you,” I insist, pressing another kiss to her lips.
“All right you two, sorry to break it up, but we gotta go,” Gabe says, stepping out of Layla’s house, the sold sign still sticking in the front yard. “The house is clear.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m fucking glad we moved mom out to her new place first. That would’ve been way too much at once,” Gabe complains, smirking at Layla’s back when she doesn’t move or respond. “Are you ready to go, Sis?”
“No,” she mumbles into my chest, her tears dampening my shirt. “I’m going to stay for a while.”
Gabe shakes his head, chuckling.
