Page 47 of Needed You

I cock my head and smile back at him. “Just thought it would be a good idea.” I reach for my keys in my pocket and turn to go. “I’ll see ya, Lev.”

When I get to my car and start the engine, he’s still standing there, staring at me. He shakes his head, still smiling, like he just can’t believe I showed up out of nowhere. Grinning back at him, I give a little wave, and then I drive off, back toward home.

Chapter 25

Levon

What the heck was that?!

I’m not complaining in the least, but what the heck? I was in the back office, trying to get some work done, when Uncle John came back to tell me that there was a guy here to see me. I didn’t have any appointments today, so I was completely surprised when I walked out to see Dare standing there with a bag of food in his hand. He looked amazing of course, with his flushed cheeks and nervous smile. His fucking adorable nervous smile.

Uncle John didn’t give me too much shit after Dare left, but he was curious about who Dare was. I reminded him that Dare was Nate’s younger brother and told him that we were just hanging out, getting to know each other again. I know that he didn’t buy that part, but he left it alone.

When we finish our work for the day and start to close up the shop, my uncle says, “So a few of my buddies are going to get some drinks to watch the game tonight. You’re welcome to join if you want to.” My uncle has a group of friends that he’s known since high school. My dad is sometimes a part of it, but not as much as we all think he should be.

“Oh, thanks, man. Maybe next time?” I say. “I have dinner with my parents tonight. But thank you for asking.”

“No worries. Next time.”

With a nod, Uncle John heads out. I lock up the shop, jump in my car, and drive straight to my parents’ house. Dinner is fun and lively, and Lindsey is exceptionally giddy.

After the dishes are done and the leftovers are put away, Lindsey and I settle in the living room.

“So,” I ask. “What’s got you all fired up tonight?”

She feigns ignorance. “What do you mean?”

I push my palm against her face, making her fall back onto the sofa. “Don’t lie,” I say as she squeals and sits herself up again, facing me.

“Okay, okay,” she says. “Wellllllll. You remember hot server Julian from the restaurant the other night?”

I smile at her and nod. “I remember Julian.”

“We have a date!” My sister is beaming from ear to ear, and she claps her hands together and bounces on the sofa. “We’re going out this weekend.”

“That’s awesome, Linds. I hope it goes well.” I smile and wiggle my eyebrows at her. “He is hot.”

She takes the bait immediately and bounces off of it. “And he doesn’t want dick, Lev! Sorry, he’s—off—limits.”

She boops my nose as she finishes the sentence, and I gently grab her finger and twist.

“Ow, jerk!” She laughs and swats me on the back of the head to make me let go of her finger.

“Where are you going for the date?” I ask her.

She shrugs. “Not sure yet, but I texted him a few days after he gave me his number. He came into the diner today.”

I gasp, throwing my palm up to my neck to feign surprise. “He did??”

“Funny,” she replies. “Yes, he did. And he asked me out while he was there. In fact, a certain someone else was also there, picking up food for two.” Her eyes get wide.

“Hmm, that’s interesting.” I play along.

“I’m sorry, Lev. Maybe it was just for his friend or something. Maybe he was taking it to his . . . dad—no, what about Ryan?” She’s fumbling to try to save face so that I won’t get upset if I know that Dare bought lunch to have with someone else.

“It was for me, Lindsey.” I can’t help the stupid smile that breaks out on my face. I just cannot play it cool when it comes to him.

She freezes. “What?! Oh, big brother—come clean!” She sits down again facing me, hands on her chin, waiting for every detail.