Page 144 of Wicked Dares
Levi’s already up. I can hear him shuffling around downstairs.
When I get down there and he sees I’m dressed, he smiles with relief.
“Where are we going, Butterfly?” he asks. It’s like he knows.
“To Bloom and Brand.” That’s the first time I’ve called my business by name like that.
Levi nods. “Alright, let’s go. Can I take you to breakfast on the way?”
“Yes.” I give him a weak smile. “That sounds great.”
He extends his hand to me, and I take it.
We head out and drive to this little café we went to a few weeks ago. We spend some time there eating and talking, and although I’m cautious of being outside, I feel safe with Levi.
When we get to my building, it’s a different story. I experience that paranoia and icky feeling of having someone invade your space.
But I remember the pep talk I gave myself and shake off the ick.
It helps. I go back the next day and the day after with the same mindset. Levi accompanies me.
The contractors don’t work on weekends, so Levi enlisted Locke and Dorian’s help on Sunday afternoon when I wanted to get the shelves and file cabinets into my office.
The contractors had finished painting and fitting the new windows, so I thought it would be a nice touch, as I’m only here for the rest of this week.
Aunt Bess and the family are coming Wednesday. It would be good for them to see something close to what my office will look like when it’s fully functional.
Levi and his brothers get down to business and work.
Being around them lightens the mood because they’re always joking around. Levi and Locke gang up on Dorian, then he starts complaining that Knox got off easy because he’s in England.
“Can I make you guys some sweet tea?” I offer when the shelves are all done and they sit for a break.
“I’ll never say no to tea,” Locke mutters tiredly.
“Babe, how about I get it?” Levi offers, standing.
“No, you’ve been busy all day. It’s the least I can do for you.” I smile.
“What about me? Do I get tea, too?” a rough voice cuts through the room. A voice I wished to never hear again.
Every muscle in my body locks instantly.
No.
No, no, no.
I turn slowly toward the front doorway, and the second I see him, all the air leaves my lungs and my heart stops.
Reece.
Oh my God.
He’s really here.
He stands casually in the open doorway looking the same way he did three years ago.
Short dark hair, bright green eyes, and the same bad attitude.
