Page 63 of Levi

“That’s it,” he said as his phone clattered to the floor. “You’re getting it now!”

He turned in his chair, tugging her into his lap. Hannah laughed as she fell toward him, kissing him as she tried not to end up across his legs.

“Hmm, I like this dress,” he muttered, running his hands over the soft fabric. “Maybe I’d like it even more if it was ripped to shreds.”

Hannah tried to protest, but he tugged on her hands again, forcing her to straddle his legs and sink into his lap. She kissed him, hard and deep, loving the feel of his hands squeezing her through the fine fabric.

“As tempting as that is, my love,” she whispered. “We have to move, or we’ll be late.”

“I’m not sure I care.”

“This whole thing was your idea!”

“You’re right; you’re right,” he muttered. “Get off me, woman. Can’t you see we have no time for this?”

Hannah laughed, giving him a playful slap on the shoulder. She went to get his jacket while Levi slipped on his shoes.

They went downstairs holding hands, getting into Levi’s car as it was brought up by the valet. Hannah could already feel the excitement in the air like a melody just out of reach. She picked up the incredible smells of fried batter and spun sugar the second they hit the main road.

“Whoa,” she muttered as they approached the event. “I knew you said it would be big, but I wasn’t expecting this!”

“This is the Summer Barbecue,” Levi said, grinning. “Organized and hosted by the Hot Sauce King himself!”

Hannah smiled, loving the pride in Levi’s voice. Over the past year, they had both come so far. The chaotic events that had brought them together made them stronger as people and as a couple.

She’d met Levi’s family, but this was the first time she had seen one of the Hot Sauce King’s special events … and it was also the first time Levi had attended one of these events in a very long time.

“How old were you at your last event?” she asked as they drove slowly through the fairground toward the VIP parking.

“I was eight,” he said softly. Hannah noticed his eyes sweeping across the stalls and rides, his eyes lingering on the kids playing games. “I just found it so … childish.”

“And now?” she asked softly.

He grinned. “Let’s just say I’m discovering my inner child again.” He laughed. Hannah reached over and squeezed his hand. Nothing in this world made her happier than seeing Levi smile.

Well. Maybe one thing. But that will make him smile too. I just know it.

Levi parked the car, taking their time to cross the fairground as they headed to the main stage. They shared a stick of cotton candy and a few fried funnel cakes, stopping under a big shady tree to finish their food.

“Oh, you have something here,” Hannah said, leaning in to examine Levi’s face very seriously. Then she giggled as she smeared pink cotton candy across his bottom lip.

“That’s not funny,” he said, frowning. “Lick it off, right now!” She could see the mischief lurking in his eyes as she leaned in and slowly flicked the tip of her tongue against his bottom lip.

“Hmm, it’s still there,” he muttered. “Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

She laughed, grabbing his hand. “Come on. We can play with cotton candy later. We don’t want to keep your dad waiting.”

“No, we don’t,” Levi said, and Hannah knew he meant it. He couldn’t wait to see his father.

She took his hand and headed to the main stage. People were gathering in the front, calling for “The King” to come out and announce the festivities. As they approached backstage, Hannah saw Levi’s mom and waved enthusiastically, dragging Levi through the crowd.

“You made it!” Levi’s mother practically mowed them down as she grabbed them both in a massive bear hug.

Hannah hugged her back, feeling emotions swelling inside her that she couldn’t even name. She had spent so long without any family that it was still strange to think that now she had a bigger one than most people.

The crowd began to hoot and cheer, and Levi’s dad strutted out onto the stage with a great flourish. Levi’s mom gave her a wink and an elbow jab.

“Just in time. He’s gonna do his ‘thang,’ and it’s a sight to see!”

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