by Erica Penrod
“How about Saturday night?” Hope danced in his eyes and she didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.
“I guess that would work. I have to get the bedroom and bathroom cleaned before we go.” Her schedule for the week played out in her mind. She planned to get one of the other guest bedrooms painted during the week, while the Littles were out exploring Eureka Springs and Levi was at work. “But I should have plenty of time for that.”
“Then it’s a date.” He raised a brow as if there was still a question.
Monica pressed her forehead to his as her belly bubbled with excitement. “It’s a date.” She could hardly wait.
“When you fill in your calendar, make sure you write my name in permanent ink.” Levi grinned. “I wouldn’t want Aunt Gwen to make any changes.”
“Me neither,” she agreed, then kissed him softly on the lips. Monica wondered if he understood his name was already permanently etched across her heart.
* * *
The Mountain Top restaurant nestled in the Ozark hills was breathtaking, but it paled in comparison with one of God’s true wonders: the pretty girl walking beside him. Monica wore a sage-colored summer dress, complementing her bronzed skin. Her unbound hair hung in loose waves cascading down her back, and her makeup, a little more than usual, highlighted her natural features. Levi’s breath caught for the tenth time since she’d met him in the entryway of the B&B. This was a new side to her, one he’d never seen before. His mind reeled, eager to discover anything and everything about the girl who’d spun his world the other way. He thought about his job, the reinventing and remodeling involved, and understood his heart had been caught in the same process. Monica had swept in and changed everything.
They strolled hand in hand over the bridge, where a stream of water trickled beneath, towards the restaurant. The building was a hodgepodge of wood, metal, rock, glass, and cement. The unique architectural design was modern with sleek, hard lines but softened by window boxes of gorgeous blooms spilling down the side. Levi and Monica followed the brick pavers to the ten-foot-tall set of double doors.
The doors whisked open, and a man in a tuxedo gestured to them. “Welcome to Mountain Top restaurant, Mr. Hernandez and Miss Fallentine.”
Levi led Monica into the restaurant. The place was empty.
“Right this way.” The man pointed across the room.
Monica tugged on his arm. “Where is everybody? Are we their first customers for the night?” There was a hint of worry in her voice as she surveyed the neatly placed chairs and tables.
“We are their only guests tonight.” Levi placed his hand on hers. Her wide eyes looked up at him, and he smiled. “I reserved the restaurant for us.”
“You what?” Leeriness gave way to excitement. “You reserved the entire place? Just for us?”
They followed the host through another set of doors and out onto a back deck. “I wanted you all to myself. What can I say?” Levi squeezed her fingers and stared at the oasis awaiting them. A small intimate table next to the deck railing was dressed in a white tablecloth with a chair on either side. The crystal vase of red roses was like the crowning jewel set between two candelabras, whose firelight flickered in the dusky sky. The moon rose in the distance and would make a full appearance by the end of the first course. Music played softly in the background, and everything was just as Levi imagined, except for Monica. His imagination could never do her justice.
“Here we are.” The man stopped and pulled the chair out for Monica. “My name is John, and I will be your host.”
Levi helped himself into his own chair as soon as Monica was seated.
“Shaun will be your server and will be out momentarily.” John poured water into the glasses and bowed before he turned around and left them alone.
“Did you handpick the stars too?” Monica teased before she lifted up her glass and took a sip.
“Hmmm.” Levi scratched his chin. “I’m not sure even I have enough money for that.” He chuckled as he glanced up at the sky, where dots of starlight were beginning to glow. “Although I don’t think I could have done better than this.”
She gazed up. “No, I don’t think you could have.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I selected several courses from the menu when I made the reservations.” Levi took his napkin from the table and put it across his lap. “I hope you’ll like what I chose.”
“I’m sure I will.” Monica took her napkin. Seconds later, their waiter, Shaun, appeared and placed two salads in front of them, accompanied with the house salad dressing. “Thanks for this. It’s amazing.”
Levi picked up his fork. “You don’t need to thank me yet. The night’s just beginning.”
“If it doesn’t get any better than this, it would still be perfect.” Monica popped a cherry tomato in her mouth.
“I would have to agree.” Levi loaded his fork with lettuce and vegetables.
“Can I ask you something?” Monica stared at him, and he nodded. “Earlier, when I’d asked you about why you work so hard, you mentioned something about proving yourself.” She added some pepper to her salad. “Who are you trying to prove yourself to? Yourself, your family?”
Levi’s chest tightened, but he managed to breathe through the discomfort. He didn’t like talking about his insecurities, but this was what he wanted from her, and he would give her the same in return. “I have an older brother, Jarrett, who was groomed his entire life to take over the company for my father. Only my brother met Cynthia, now his wife, and didn’t want to travel all the time—and as it turned out, he didn’t want to be part of Prometheus Rise.”
He’d respected his brother’s choice, but since Levi was passionate about the family business, it was difficult for him to understand. However, now that he’d met Monica, he was becoming more sympathetic with each passing day.
“My dad’s hinted at giving me the chance to take my brother’s place, and I want people to know I’m capable on my own merits, and just because I was born into the opportunity doesn’t mean I don’t deserve it.”
Monica took a sip of water and went back to her salad. “Are you close to your family?”
“For the most part. I talk to my mom every week and my dad when work requires me to.” He smiled. “He’s not big on talking on the phone, but when I’m home, we usually play a round of golf.”
“And your brother?”
“We talk every now and then, but he’s pretty busy. Cynthia’s family owns a law firm, and Jarrett just graduated from law school a year ago and is learning the ropes.”
“I bet that’s hard for your dad.” Monica put her fork on the edge of the plate and dabbed at her mouth.
“Yeah, I think he just assumed his sons would love Prometheus Rise as much as he does, but Jarrett found something he loved more—well, besides Cynthia.”
“Not only that, but because he’s working for her family and not yours, I think it would be even more difficult for your father to reconcile with.”
Levi furrowed his brow as the thought planted itself in his mind. “I guess I never thought about it like that.”
“Us women tend to do that. Dig a little deeper and uproot those hidden emotions.” She laughed. “Just what you wanted, right?”
A lump formed in his throat as he fought to hold back the unanticipated emotion evoked by her words. Since he’d met her, he’d remembered the person he used to be before work was the only thing that mattered. He’d discovered someone he wanted to confide in and wanted to share the happenings of the day with. “Yes.” He cleared his throat and gazed into her eyes. “You’re just what I wanted.” Levi swallowed as Monica drew in a breath. Just what I needed.
* * *
Monica toyed with the ends of Levi’s hair as they danced cheek to cheek beneath the stars. The roasted salmon and linguini were some of the best she’d ever tasted, and she’d be dreaming about the chocolate raspberry cheesecake in her sleep, but the highlight of the night was right here, right now, in the arms of
this unexpected man in her life.
She would never look at life the same, no matter what the future held for her and Levi. Once upon a time, she’d believed it took months and months to feel something like what she carried in her heart for him, but not now.
Levi’s ink-black eyes bored through her, as if he were inscribing words upon her soul and she wanted to memorize every syllable. Fear tried to force its way into her mind, but she refused to allow anything to take away from this moment, because she was wise enough to know there were no guarantees she’d ever get it again.
Chapter Eighteen
Sunday night, Levi lay in his bed with the phone pressed to his ear. “Yes, Mom, I’m sure I can get away sometime next month. The hospital is still in the beginning stages, and I don’t feel comfortable enough yet to leave for the weekend.”
Disappointment echoed in her voice. “All right. It’s a good thing I’ve got Dudley here, since you and your brother don’t seem worried about visiting your mother.”
“Great, I’ve been replaced by a dog.” Levi imagined the dog nestled in his mother’s lap. “I’m not sure how that makes me feel.”
“I just miss you.” The melancholy tone continued. “But I know you’re working hard, and I am proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Levi contemplated an earlier decision. “And Mom, I’ll probably be bringing someone with me when I come.” A lot could happen between now and when he’d get the chance to go home again, and he’d have to talk Monica into coming with him. He didn’t think she’d mind going, but getting her to leave The Red Pearl was another issue.
“You’ve met someone?” Sadness turned into exclamation, like the flip of a switch. “Tell me all about her—” A moment’s pause. “Did you meet her in Eureka Springs? You’ve only been there a few weeks, and you’re talking about bringing her here to meet your father and me. She must be special.”
It was too late to take anything back now, even if he did live to regret telling his mother about Monica prematurely. He could’ve waited, but after their date last night and brunch this morning, he thought he might burst if he didn’t tell someone about her. “Her name is Monica, and she owns the B&B I’m staying in.”
“I trust you’re being a perfect gentleman, living under the same roof.” Once a mother, always a mother.
“Of course.” His face heated, which surprised him, since he’d heard this lecture since he was 16 years old. “And also, I bought some property with a house that’s under construction. It’s just southwest of Eureka Springs. It’s sits on the edge of a lake. I think you and Dad will love it.”
“You sound happy. Happier than I’ve heard you in a long time.”
Levi stared up at the crisp white ceiling, thinking about the pretty girl who’d painted it. “You know what Mom? I am happy.” They said their goodbyes and he hung up, but not before he promised to call back soon. He sat up, turned on the lamp next to his bed, and reached for his laptop. There was work to do, but for the first time in his life, he might not get it all done, and he was okay with that.
* * *
The latest guests at The Red Pearl were Sam and Heather Biggs, and they lived up to their last name. Sam was over six feet tall, with a handlebar mustache and blond hair past his shoulders. Heather and Sam had matching leather vest and chaps to go with the pair of Harley Davidsons parked out front. The shade of Heather’s long hair reminded Monica of a late summer sunset.
“Be sure to stop for lunch at Sunny Side Café, and be sure to tell Mabel I sent you.” Monica walked them to the front door. The Biggs planned a day of touring the historic Eureka Springs main street. “And then grab a funnel cake for dessert. Franz’s stand is just south of The Basin Hotel.”
“We will, thank you.” Sam smiled, revealing a gold crown on a bottom tooth. “And we’ll be back for dinner tonight. Girl, you are an artist in the kitchen.”
The compliment warmed Monica from head to toe. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She wished them a good day and closed the door behind them.
She’d put a beef roast in the crock pot early this morning on low, and she would boil and mash the potatoes right before serving. Fresh green beans were washed and in the fridge, waiting to be cooked. Homemade rolls, which she’d kneaded just for Sam after he’d mentioned his love of all things bread, were rising on the countertop. That gave her several hours to paint.
Monica almost made it down the hall when someone knocked on the door. She spun around, thinking Sam and Heather must’ve forgotten something, although she’d told them to come in and out as they pleased.
Monica opened the door to find Alex, but he wasn’t alone. A big box loaded on a dolly waited behind him. “What are you doing, and what is that?”
“It’s your new dishwasher.” Alex grinned. “You’re going to love it.”
Her brows rose. “I’m sure I would too, if I’d ordered one.” There must’ve been some mistake.
“Levi picked it out and had it shipped to my place.”
“He what?” Monica didn’t know what she felt. “Why would he do that?” She was planning on new appliances, but that was a little ways down the road.
Alex lifted his shoulders. “Some men buy flowers. I guess billionaires buy dishwashers.” He laughed. “Levi asked if I would install it for you.”
She backed up out of the way as Alex carefully maneuvered the box through the doorway. “I’m not sure if I’m angry or elated. Maybe a little of both. I can buy my own dishwasher.” The last thing she wanted was for Levi to think she wanted him to buy her things.
“Let me tell you what I know.” Alex stopped. “When we were kids and Levi bought me a gift for my birthday, it was always extravagant, and when I tried to refuse, it hurt his feelings. He likes to give gifts to the people he cares about. It’s how he shows his feelings.”
“You mean his love language?” Monica had read that book a couple years ago.
“I guess. Just remember, money means something different to him than it does to you or me. He has plenty of means, and it’s not about the price tag; it’s the thought behind the gift. Everything he’s ever given me was something he knew I would really like or could use.” Alex grinned. “And I know you can really use this.”
There was no arguing with that. “Okay.” She followed him into the kitchen. “At least it’s not a car.”
“When did you say your birthday was?” Alex called over his shoulder, and he laughed.
“He wouldn’t dare.” Monica shook her head and smiled.
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” They reached the kitchen, and Alex let the box rest on the floor. “And by the way, your new fridge, microwave, and double oven will be here on Saturday. Levi wants to help me put those in, but between you and me, I’m not sure I want his help.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She put her hands on her hips. “What am I going to do with him?”
Alex walked over to where the old dishwasher stood and inspected the edges. “I think you just say ‘thank you.’”
She rubbed her temples. “I don’t have time to think about that now. I’ve got to paint. Do you need any help?”
“Nope, I’m good, but if something comes up, I know where to find you.”
Monica nodded and headed down the hallway. Despite her reservations, excitement brewed within her at the thought of a working dishwasher. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she took it out as “Unchained Melody,” a song from her playlist, began to croon. The song had been Aunt Gwen’s favorite. Monica giggled, thinking maybe Levi had scored a point with Aunt Gwen too. She had to give the man credit: he knew how to tug on her heartstrings. Monica would take clean dishes over a bouquet of flowers any day.
* * *
The potatoes boiled over. Water scorched and sizzled on the stovetop, making a mess. “Great.” Monica stole a glance at the simmering green beans on the back burner as she turned down the temperature on the potatoes, but there was no sign of an eruption there. She snagged the dish towel and blotted up as
much water as she could. Beads of sweat dotted her brow as the timer went off for the rolls. Monica opened the oven door and peered in. “Oh crap.” The dark brown tops looked nothing like the golden delicacies she’d baked a hundred times.
She wrapped her hand in the damp dishcloth and took the overbaked rolls from the oven. In all her life, she’d never had as many goof-ups in the kitchen since she’d opened the B&B. Monica couldn’t blame everything on Aunt Gwen—or maybe she could. There wasn’t time to think about that now. Sam and Heather had returned fifteen minutes ago and were cleaning up for dinner.
Monica heard the handle on the front door turn. She brushed her hands on her apron, forgetting about the charred rolls, and smiled to herself. Her mind rehearsed the lecture she was going to give Levi about not buying her expensive gifts, followed by a big “thank you,” and then punctuate the sermon with a kiss.
The door opened when she was halfway down the hall and she saw Levi. “You are in big trouble, boy.” Her grin faded as she noticed the nervous tension his eyes. Trepidation fell over her. “Are you okay?” His pallid complexion led her to believe his appearance had to do with more than a bad day at the hospital.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?” She reached out to touch him. “You don’t look so good—”
“Monica, I’m fine,” Levi cut her off.
She dropped her hand as he came into the entryway and a man followed him. Her gaze jumped from Levi to the familiar stranger in the doorway. Who was this man, and what kind of hold did he have on Levi? Something had to be amiss for Levi to look like he was twelve hours into a twenty-four-hour flu.