Page 190 of So This Is War
Penny:She’s on her way.
Levi:Thanks. Did she like your idea?
Penny:Loved it. She looks really happy, Posey, and I think a lot of that has to do with you.
Levi:Wow, are you actually saying something nice to me?
Penny:Stop it, you know I like you—even when you’re being Posey.
Levi:Well, thanks. I feel happy. She makes me happy.
Penny:I’m glad. When are you going to tell the boys?
Levi:Not yet. Once we figure out how to handle her dad, then I’ll tell the boys. They’re just too loud and obnoxious. I can’t let them in on anything just yet.
Penny:Better tell them soon. There’s only so much we can keep from our men.
Levi:I know. And I owe you queens big time.
Penny:Glad you see it that way. Have fun tonight.
Levi:Thanks, Penny.
I set my phone down and look around the living room one more time. I set up a few blankets in front of the lit fireplace that casts a nice glow through the room. And to add a touch more light, I set up candles throughout the living room—electric candles because I don’t need to burn down my apartment. I chose to wear nothing but a pair of joggers because I know she likes it best when I’m shirtless. And I packed a delicious dinner into a picnic basket that I set on the blankets.
During our short stint away, I kept thinking about what I could do next for her. How I could woo her and show her that I deserve to be with her. I can’t take her out in public right now, not until we tell Coach Wood, so I figured a date in the apartment would have to do. With of course, a surprise at the end. And by surprise, I don’t mean my penis.
Shocking, I know.
But I planned this night to hopefully tell her how I’ve been feeling and see what she thinks about it all.
Am I a little nervous? Yes.
Terrified, actually. I’ve never dated much so this is all new to me. I’m shuffling through this with the education built off romance I’ve gathered from observing my parents and their long-lasting marriage and anything I’ve picked up from movies or TV shows. As well as the positive things my friends have done for their girls. I’ve seen the little gestures, the way they talk to them, hold them, pay close attention to everything in their lives. They’ve been good examples, even if they were slightly out of touch with solidifying the relationship—hence why they needed me. But looking around, I feel like I have a good handle on everything, at least I hope I do.
I pace the living room, waiting for her to come home, which I know won’t take very long, given where she’s coming from. She doesn’t know that I’m home. She thinks I’m still at the arena. Itold her I had to stay for a few team meetings, so this will be a total surprise.
After a few long, torturous moments of waiting, I finally hear the front door being unlocked and the door opens, revealing my girl in a pretty long-sleeved blue dress and heels.
When she spots me, she stutters for a second, shock on her face before her expression morphs into surprise and affection.
“Oh my God, you’re home,” she says as she sets her stuff down and comes up to me. Her hands go right to my pecs, just where I like them.
“Hey, baby,” I say before kissing her and sliding my arm around her waist. “Fuck, you smell good.”
She rubs my left pec as she says, “I’m so happy you’re back. Are you here for the night?”
“I am,” I say. “I’m all yours.”
She glances around, taking in the candles and the instrumentalsAlexais playing in the background. When her eyes focus on the fireplace and the picnic basket, she says, “Aw, did you set up a date for us?”
“I did.” I force her to look at me as I say, “I know I can’t take you out in public out of fear that your dad would find out, but I wanted to do something nice for you, so we’re having a picnic inside the apartment. Hopefully, that’s not too lame.”
She shakes her head. “Not at all, but could I possibly change real quick? I’m slightly overdressed.”
“I think you look amazing,” I say as I smooth my hands over her sides. “But if you want help getting changed, I can assist with that.”
She smiles up at me and takes my hand. “You know I always want help.” She guides me back to her old room where her clothes still are.
