She laughs, unclasps it, and hands it to me. “Put it on for me?”
I do, and she faces me again, her fingers sliding over the chain. “I’ll thank you properly after we both get a little sleep.”
I kiss the tip of her nose. “And I’ll hold you to that.”
19
Laiyla
I haven’t been this relaxed or happy in years. I love sitting beside Levi on the bench seat in his truck like we did when we were kids. I love the feel of his arm around my shoulders. And I love knowing it will stay this way.
I can’t think too much about the how of that. Telling my parents that I won’t be coming back to LA—ever—is not going to be an easy conversation, and I have no idea when I’ll be ready to have it.
We turn onto the drive toward the lake, and I’m resistant to end our magical time together. Reality is so very often a bitch. I remind myself that this isn’t the end of us. It’s just the beginning.
Levi parks at the end of the dock, and we start toward the Roxie Blue together. KT and Chloe’s rental is gone, and the marina is quiet.
“KT must be in town picking up parts,” I say. “Chloe’s probably meditating.”
“My guys will be here in a bit.”
I love how loose and easy his stride is. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re swaggering, Mr. Asher.”
He gives my butt a playful slap. “This swagger is all you, Ms. Saxon.”
I know Chloe moved to the Cecelia Rose the day before, so when I step onto the Roxie Blue, it’s silent.
“Just need a minute to change and do something with my hair.” We’re going to Home Depot to choose finishes, and I’m excited to spend time with Levi in his element. I press my hand to his chest and push up on my toes to kiss him.
“Take your time.” He wanders through the cabin and eases to a seat on the futon sofa that’s way too small for him. “I’ll just lounge in luxury here.”
I laugh as I pull on fresh clothes, then step into the bathroom to brush my hair. I spot a red mark on the left side of my neck. If I inspected my body, I’d bet it wasn’t the only mark Levi left. Thoughts of last night make lust surge through my body.
Instead of pulling my hair into a ponytail, I braid it and pull it forward over my shoulder to hide the mark.
“Someone coming by today?” Levi asks.
I step into the living room and find him looking toward the parking lot.
“Just your guys,” I tell him.
“None of my guys drive a Mercedes.”
“Mr. Artega does.”
“His is brown,” Levi says. “This one is silver.”
It takes me a minute to place the car, and when I do, ice water surges through my veins. “Shit.”
My parents stand from the car, and all the strides I’ve made over the last few weeks vanish. I’m not ready for this.
“Who is—?” Levi says, watching them start down the dock. “Is that your parents?”
I press a hand to my forehead. “Jesus Christ.”
“It’s okay,” he says, pushing to his feet. “May as well meet them while they’re here.”
“No.” I close my eyes, trying to work this out on the fly. “No, no, no.”