Page 9 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“I appreciate the offer, but no, thanks.” I’m positive she has plans with Beck tonight and I’m not about to ruin that for her. Just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean she needs to.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m going to grab a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dinner and read. At least the book boyfriend on the pages is one I can get behind.”
She laughs. “Okay, but I’m still coming over tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Thanks Chloe. Tell Beck I said, hi.” I disconnect the call and turn the key, veering away from the curb.
Maybe I didn’t want to be set up, but after finally giving in, this was definitely not the way I thought tonight would end.
Chapter 4
Levi
After finally breaking away from the group of gray-haired women at the diner, I rush back to my aunt and uncle’s house and change into something dry and comfortable, black shorts and a white graphic t-shirt. Tonight didn’t go well. When I walked in and saw her fidgeting, looking prim and proper in her blouse and pencil skirt, my dick wanted to stand at attention. She was a vision, like every man’s wet dream, making me wonder if she would let down her walls in the bedroom.
Discovering she was my date gave me hope of at least a good night, but I needed to feel her out first to find her true intentions. I’m not about to let someone take advantage of me while I’m here with my family, even a beautiful woman.
I can’t believe she walked out on me. Sure, I was being an ass, but she obviously wanted to use me like everyone else. Why should I have to put up with that shit?
Maybe coming to Love Canyon was a mistake. I thought being here would give me a reprieve, but that’s obviously not the case if I’m basing my decision on tonight.
The moment I flop down on the gray couch in the living room, I hear my aunt and uncle outside the door. “Just open it,” she insists, her voice muffled.
“What if he’s naked?” he argues.
“It’s open,” I call to halt their dispute.
The door flies open, hitting the backstop and bounces back. My aunt stalks over to me and without a word, smacks me on the back of the head. I flinch, rubbing the back of my head. “Hey! What was that for?”
“What is wrong with you, Levi? You were raised better than that,” Aunt Miranda accuses, glaring at me.
“I didn’t do anything.” That’s not exactly true, but she deserved it.
“You didn’t push sweet Layla so she left before she ate and threw water on you?” she probes, planting her hands on her hips.
“Sweet Layla?” I dare, but she only stands taller, attempting to intimidate me. Heaving a sigh, I throw my hands up in frustration. “She only wanted something from me like everyone else.”
Uncle Steve scoffs, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Layla Romano? If you think that’s true, you clearly weren’t listening to her.”
“You’re on her side too? What has she done to get everyone to have unwavering faith in her while my own family throws me to the wolves?”
“Layla is a nice girl,” he declares, his jaw tight. I smirk, already knowing how much she hates that word, if her reaction when I use it is anything to go by.
“And you’ve turned into a complete fool,” Aunt Miranda mutters under her breath. “To think I spoke so highly of you.”
“I went on a date like you asked and this is what I get? She was trying to manipulate the situation,” I insist, running my fingers through my hair once again.
“And how was she doing that? She didn’t even know who she was being set up with.” Aunt Miranda reminds me, her incredulity clear.
“She wanted me to get her a job. She was talking about how she loves working with athletes, but working at the high school wasn’t ideal–”
My uncle laughs and drops down onto the recliner, leaning back like he’s watching a show, while my aunt shakes her head in disappointment. “I’d think a little harder about that conversation. My guess is you’re not sharing some important details.”
“What more is there to know?” I challenge, not understanding why they’re so adamant. “I’ve had people attempt to manipulate and influence me for their benefit for one reason or another most of my life. I’m pretty sure I know what that looks like.”
“This time you couldn’t be more wrong, Levi.” Pausing, she sinks down onto the couch at the opposite end and looks at me with empathy, causing me to question myself, albeit briefly. “I think you’ve been spending too much time with the wrong kind of people. Apparently, listening to them has inflated your ego to an extreme even when it comes to your family, your common sense, and basic manners.”
