by Renea Porter
“Of course. I’ll walk you, since I’m headed that way, too.”
I had to say, Levi was growing on me. There was a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. I was enjoying getting to know him. He was bringing out the playful side of me.
“Why hasn’t a girl snatched you up? Like for real.” I was curious.
“I haven’t been serious with anyone for a few years. I’ve had a few serious relationships. Are you volunteering to snatch me up?”
“Nope.” The word came out fast, and it was hard to conceal my smile. We reached my room. “This is me.”
“How about that sleepover?”
“How about, no. Goodnight, Levi.”
“Goodnight. But you know where my room is if you change your mind.”
“Goodnight.”
Levi was not going to stop pursuing me, until I gave in. It was tempting. However, I didn’t want it to affect my work. What if things didn’t work out? I’d be stuck here for several months avoiding him. For now, we had to remain friends.
Chapter Six
RYLEE
My phone beeped, letting me know a text came through. Still in bed, I reached for my phone and saw a text from Aubrey. It was to me and Levi. Great, now Levi had my number.
Dinner at our place Saturday at seven p.m. Have Levi ride in with you since he knows how to get here and he doesn’t have a car at the moment. -Aubrey
Sounds good. I’ll be there. Can’t wait to see you guys in person. -Rylee
Same. Have a good one, love birds. -Aubrey
We are not love birds. -Rylee
But we could be, -Levi added
Oh my god. Goodbye. -Rylee
Aubrey was not helping this situation. After groaning, I got out of bed to get ready for my day. I had a small project today before I could start on some rooms next week.
While working, I ate a piece of fruit and a granola bar. Of course, Levi appeared with a coffee in hand.
“I’m sure you need this.” Levi said when he handed me a coffee.
“Yes. I can’t seem to muster enough energy. Thankfully I have a small project today.”
“What are doing the rest of the day?”
“I was considering going into Old Town to explore.”
“Great. Mind if I tag along?”
“Don’t you have training today?”
“I do, but it’s a half day today. I’ll be done by two.”
“Alright. Guess I’ll see you then. Come to my room when you’re ready to go.”
“Sounds good.”
There was a seating area overlooking a nice size lake out back. Sheryl and Bud agreed to keep the room clean and simple and let the backdrop do the talking. And it was a perfect gathering spot for wedding guests as well.
With the furniture being all white, I added some green accents to compliment the room. I hung up some scenic photos and called it a day. My clients were very satisfied with the outcome. I loved making my clients happy. Normally a designer had a crew they work with, but I found I worked better by myself, even though it can take longer to do my job.
Once the room was perfected, I headed to my room to get ready. It was one o’ clock. I quickly showered and put my hair in a ponytail while it air dried and I wore another sundress. This one was strapless, longer, and more flowy than the one I wore yesterday. My sandals wrapped all the way up my calves. There was a knock on my door when I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup.
Walking over, I opened the door, and motioned for Levi to come in. “I’m almost ready.”
“No rush.”
Levi was wearing white jeans and a chest hugging baby blue shirt. “That blue is definitely your color.”
“Oh thanks.”
It looked great with his tanned skin. It was hard concentrating on my own task when he looked that good.
“You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you retrieve your car?”
“I had a tow company tow it in. I have to bite the bullet and get the repairs it needs. But it might be better to get a new one.”
“Yeah. Ready?”
“Whenever you are.”
Walking downstairs, we hopped in my car, and off we went. “It’s nice to get away for a few hours.”
“Agreed.”
A welcome sign of Temecula greeted us as we entered Old Town. “Should I just park somewhere and we can walk?”
Levi pointed to a spot. “Pull in there.”
Parking the car, we got out and started at the shop I was parked in front of. It sold Indian Jewelry. “I think I’m gonna need some jewelry.” I smiled, pointing in that direction.
Levi and I looked around the shop. He was eyeing a braided bracelet and I was eyeing some turquoise necklaces. “I really like this dainty one and this big statement one.”
“Get them both,” Levi suggested. “I’m getting this bracelet for myself.”
“That’s really cool. I like that.”
We made our purchases and went on our way to another shop. We stopped in front of a donut shop and all we had to do was look at each other to know we needed to go inside. They were even gluten free and vegan. My mouth watered at the assortment and the sweet smell that flooded the shop.
“What’s it gonna be, Cupcake?”
“Guess.” Why not make a game of it?
“Hmmm. I’m gonna say strawberry.”
“I’ll take a strawberry and a blueberry one,” I told a gentleman behind the counter.
I turned to Levi. “Are you a s’mores kind of guy?”
“Dang. It’s like you know me. I’ll take that and a maple pecan.”
“My treat,” I said, ready to pay.
Once we had our donuts, we found a little table outside to sit. “I’m going to eat one, then save my other one for later,” I explained.
“I’m just gonna eat both.”
“Do it, Levi. I won’t judge.”
I picked out my blueberry donut. “This is literally the best donut I’ve had in my life.”
Once we had our fill, we stopped at Oldtyme photo booth. We dressed in western clothing and took a photo. It was loads of fun dressing up.
“For our memory book,” Levi said once we got the photos back.
“Is that right?”
“Yep. You’ll be glad we got these.”
“You’re so conceited.”
“It’s called facts, Cupcake. One day you’ll give in and be mine.”
My mouth dropped. The guy had been forward but not this forward.
“You seem pretty convinced.”
“Again, I’m stating facts, Cupcake.”
“It’s not even worth arguing about.”
“Because you know it’s true.”
“Stop, while you’re ahead.”
We wandered in to an antique shop and looked around. Then we passed a jail and a few restaurants. I was still carrying my other donut so I wasn’t hungry for a full meal. We found a shop that sold stained glass liquor bottles and, of course, I had to buy one for myself. It was too pretty not to.
Levi stopped in from of a shop listed as Temecula’s Psychic. “Wanna go inside?”
“Definitely not. If you want to, have at it.”
Passing the Psychic Reading sign, Levi stopped again. “We have to go in this one,” Levi said adamantly.
Reading the sign, it said they had chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered bacon, and gourmet caramel apples.
I smiled. “Now you’re talking.”
Levi pulled the door open and we headed inside. “You haven’t lived if you’ve never tried chocolate covered bacon. Oh my god.”
The sweet smell wafted through the whole shop. “Well, I have never had that and I don’t see the appeal.”
Levi quickly purchased some and handed me a piece. “It’s the perfect combo of sweet and salty.”
Taking the piece, I broke a smaller piece off because I was not sure I was gonna like it. Sticking my tongue out I
tried to taste it before putting in my mouth.
“Go ahead, eat it. I wouldn’t steer you wrong,” Levi coaxed.
I did it. Plopped it right in my mouth and “Oh my god,” was all I could say. “That was good.”
“Have another.” I greedily took it. “I can see the appeal now.”
“See.”
We headed back in the direction of where my car was parked, but we stopped to duck inside a wine shop. “Let me grab a few bottles to take to Aubrey and Chance’s tomorrow night.”
“Good idea. I’ll go half with you, so it can be from both of us,” I insisted.
“Sure.”
We were back to where my car was, bottles in hand. There were lots of restaurants but I couldn’t muster enough energy to eat anything else. “Guess we can head back.”
“Here, you drive.” Levi caught my car keys midair.
Sliding in the passenger side, I wanted to relax for a few minutes.
Back at Cotton House Hotel, Levi walked with me and said, “Thanks for today. It was fun.”
“It was really fun. I enjoyed it a lot, and I have my other donut to devour tomorrow morning for breakfast.”
“See you tomorrow then,” Levi said.
I was left dumbfounded he didn’t have a cocky comment.
“See ya.”
Chapter Seven
LEVI
I didn’t like when I didn’t get my way. Girls were usually never this hard to pursue. But Rylee was not giving in. Did she truly not like me in that way? If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have let me tag along today. She wouldn’t accept the coffee I bring her every morning. She wouldn’t find me in the bar and sit next to me. Maybe she wanted to take it slow. I understood she recently got out of a relationship. I would have to be patient and be her friend more than anything.
I pulled out my phone and texted Chance.
Grabbed booze for tomorrow. I know Aubrey likes wine. - Levi
Sounds good. See you tomorrow, mate. – Chance
***
The next morning, I was up and ready. Today was my last day of training and I’d be on my own with little guidance. I was taking this new venture seriously because I wanted to do well with my new job. If a request was extreme or extravagant, I would need guidance.
I stopped and grabbed two coffees, and found Rylee in the employee area. She was reorganizing the room and sprucing it up.
“Good morning.”
“I swear, you’re a godsend.” She kissed me on my cheek. What was that about?
“Why are you looking at me weird?” she asked after taking a sip of the hot liquid.
“I’m not.”
She chuckled. “Yes you are.”
“I’m not. Anyway, see you later? So, we can ride to Aubrey and Chance’s place.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, again.”
“Sure.”
Work passed fairly quickly. I passed our final test of the job and all I needed was my concierge certification. Of course, Raymond was super nice to work with and I liked the one-on-one training. There was two of us training, one for morning and one for evening duty. We agreed to cover for one another if we needed to. Knowing I was already good with people in my previous job, I knew I could handle this and make customers feel important. But rich people were different from the grungy bands I’d dealt with. I knew there was a certain expectation to make the customer happy and to keep their business in the future. I was prepared for a challenge.
After work, I took a shower and dressed in a red tee shirt and dark wash jeans. I pulled on a dress jacket in case I needed it. I wanted to look good for Rylee. Pacing the hall, I waited a little bit before I finally knocked on her door.
She opened her room door, looking stunning. “Wow. You look great.” She wore a floor length white summer dress that was flowy, her hair hanging down in loose waves. And she had gold colored sandals on.
“Thanks. You look good as well.”
“You ready?” Holding the bag of wine, I was ready for a glass or two.
“Let me grab a light sweater in case I need it.”
I took a deep breath and hoped our night would go well. This was kind of a double date, but I knew she would disagree with that.
“All set.” She pulled her door shut, and we walked down to her car.
“How was your day?” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“It was good. I passed the last test and now I’m waiting to get my certification.”
“Levi, that’s great. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you. One day, I want to own my own bed and breakfast. Something small and manageable.”
“That’s a great goal. And you can totally do that, Levi.”
I told her, “Maybe you can even design it.”
Her face lit up. “Absolutely.”
Rylee was extra happy this evening and that made me smile. “How was your day?”
“It was good. The first floor is almost done and I’m actually ahead of schedule because the contractors are working fast and efficient.”
Well, I wasn’t happy about that. I needed time on my side so Rylee and I could form a friendship and hopefully a relationship. We had a connection. Rylee needed to see it.
“That’s great.”
“You might as well drive since you know how to get there.” She handed me her car keys.
We put the bottles in the back of the car. “If there is a flower shop somewhere on the way, I’d like to grab some for Aubrey.”
“Sure. It’s gonna take about an hour and a half to get there so I’m sure there is somewhere to stop.”
“Wow. I didn’t realize how far they lived from Temecula.”
“Probably better to do a short weekend there. They live right on the beach, too.”
“I can’t wait to see it. I should have brought my swimsuit.”
“We can go anytime you want.”
“Okay, great.”
It was exciting planning things where she and I would be spending time together. I couldn’t promise not falling hard for her because I could see myself doing that. She was being stubborn.
“Okay, what’s going on? You’re not being your conceited self and it’s messing with me.”
I smirked. “I was trying to be serious so you could see I’m mature enough to know what I want. You seem to be against the notion of there ever being an us. And I can guarantee there will be an us. You’ll fall in love with me eventually.”
“There he is. And you think so?”
“You will. I know it.”
“What if I don’t?”
“You wouldn’t be spending time with me. You wouldn’t be making an effort to get to know me. You like my company.”
“I do like your company. I find you amusing. But you don’t have to put on a front with me. Be yourself. If I’m being honest, I do like you. But….”
I cut her off. “I know you have a broken heart. I want you to see I would never do that to you. Never. Callie was stupid to let you go. It’s her loss and my gain. You deserve better than how you were treated.”
“Thank you, Levi.”
“Just being honest, Cupcake.”
Chapter Eight
RYLEE
I had a problem. I could see myself with Levi and I could picture the life we could have. I barely knew him but I felt this connection like we’d known each other a long time. It was so weird. But what if he wanted kids? Aren’t I too old for kids by now? It was a problem to think about another time because we arrived at Aubrey and Chance’s beach house.
They immediately opened the door. Aubrey greeted me with open arms, while the men shook hands. I hugged Chance tight.
“I’m so glad to see you.” I was so excited. Where’s your kids?” Aubrey and Chance had three kids and knowing them, they were probably working on a fourth.
“With their aunt for the night.”
“Lucky Aunt Adele. What about Pixy?” As soon as I said her name, I heard the goat make a sound from another ro
om.
“Pixy is napping in the back room.”
I didn’t know anyone who had a goat for a pet. But somehow it didn’t surprise me with Aubrey and Chance. It seemed like Chance and Aubrey had that perfect life. Perfect relationship, perfect beach house, perfect family, and the perfect pet. Here I was, almost thirty-eight years old and I was starting all over because Callie didn’t want a future with me.
“How have you guys been?” I followed Aubrey to her kitchen while Levi followed Chance to another room. “Wine?” she asked digging in the bag that Levi handed her.
“Of course. Levi and I both went in on that. And these are for you.” I handed her the flowers.
“I love wild flowers. Thank you. I’ll put them in a vase quick. It can be a centerpiece on the table.”
“Perfect. What can I do to help?” The woman had her hands full.
“Grab those mitts and take the chicken out of the oven. Go ahead and put it on the table.”
Thankfully, she was letting me help.
“It smells so good.”
“Chicken parm is a family favorite and you can make a lot for cheap.”
She handed me a glass of wine and dished out the spaghetti noodles and the sauce.
“I’ll be right back.” Levi pointed to his phone as he passed the doorway. “I have to take this.”
“What’s that about?” Aubrey asked.
I shrugged because it really wasn’t my business if he didn’t want me to know.
A few minutes later, Levi came back in. “Sorry about that.”
“Dinner is ready. Want to grab my husband for me?” Aubrey asked Levi.
“Sure thing.”
“You guys want wine?” I asked when they entered the room.
Everyone responded that they did so I poured us each a glass and passed them around as we sat down at the table.
“This looks great, Aubrey,” Levi told her as he sat across from me.
“It’s my favorite meal she makes,” Chance added.
Taking a bite, I revealed that, “I need this recipe.”
“Give me your phone and I’ll type it in for you.” I passed my phone to her. “You might have to cut some measurements down unless you like a lot of leftovers.”