by Kelsie Rae
“No, no. You already dished me up,” my mom orders. “I insist.”
Sensing my mom’s need to talk privately with me, Charlie relaxes back into the cushion. “Okay. But if you change your mind, just holler.”
“I will, Charlie. We both know I don’t mind putting you to work if I need to.”
They both laugh as I follow my mom into the kitchen. Setting the dishes in the sink, I squirt a few drops of dish soap on top of them then turn on the water and grab a fresh sponge from under the cabinet.
“So,” my mom starts, placing her hands on her hips.
“So,” I mimic with a teasing grin.
“Charlie told me you bailed on her this morning.”
Quirking my brow, I reply, “I had a meeting that I’d forgotten about.”
“She told me about the meeting. What I want to know is why she also happened to run into Conner.”
“Mom—”
“I like Conner. Don’t get me wrong. But I also know Conner. And I know that he wouldn’t be at that dog place unless he had a reason to be.”
“Mom—”
“Nope. You listen to me, mister. Charlie said he asked for her number.”
“Mom—”
“Shh. I’m serious.” She purses her lips, and I can tell she’s serious right now. “This is the first time Charlie has ever brought up a boy to me that wasn’t you.”
Not me.
Her words hit their target, doing weird things to my chest. Jaw tight, I turn to the dishes and scrub the sponge against the porcelain surface with more force than necessary.
“Levi?”
“Yeah?” I grit out.
“I love Charlie.”
Tension melting, I chuckle softly. “I love Charlie, too, Mom.”
“Then why haven’t you ever asked her out?”
“Seriously?” My hands hover over the suds, the dishes completely forgotten as I turn back to my mom.
“Yes. Seriously,” she mimics. “I want to know why.”
Groaning, I say, “Mom. We’re just friends. We’ve always been just friends.”
“And when you were kids, that was acceptable. And even the past few years, I was patient enough to let you figure out how much you were missing out by not pursuing her. But now? Now you have competition, young man.” She emphasizes her point by stabbing her index finger in the flesh beneath my collarbone.
Competition?
A spark of jealousy threatens to turn into a blaze, but I shove it aside. Again.
“It’s not a competition if I’m not wanting to compete in the first place,” I mutter, the lie leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
“And why the hell would you not want to compete? I could see it in her eyes, Levi. She was thinking about it. She was considering giving him her number. She was weighing her options. And do you want to know why?”
My shoulders hunch. “Why?”
“Because I think she’s sick of waiting for you to get your head out of your rear and see her as more than a sideline girl.”
“Sideline girl?”
She waves her hand. “You know what I mean. Someone you always run back to when you’re needing a break from the field, knowing they’ll always be there. Until one day…they’re not. And you realize how much you’ve been missing out. You sidelined Charlie before she even had a chance to play, and she’s been waiting around ever since. I gotta give her credit, though. I’d assumed she would’ve gotten tired of your crap way before now—”
“This has nothing to do with me. It’s between her and Conner.”
“Bull crap. It has everything to do with you.”
Anxious, I scrub the leftover sauce from a plate before rinsing it and setting it on the drying rack.
Does my mom know that I agreed to this insane plan? That I’m practically pimping out my best friend for my career? My stomach churns, the pasta from earlier threatening to make a second appearance.
“Levi,” she continues. Her voice is softer now. “I love you. And I’m pretty sure that girl in there loves you. But if you can’t see it, then one day you’ll wake up, and it’ll be too late.”
Exasperated, I try to explain. “We’re just—”
“Friends. I know,” she cuts me off. “But if you were the boy I raised, you’d be able to see that you could be so much more than that. If only you gave her a chance.”
Laying the final cleaned dish onto the drying rack, I turn off the water and dry my hands on a floral-printed dish towel.
“I’m doing what’s best for all of us. For you. Me. And Charlie. Because she doesn’t want a guy like me. And even if she did, it isn’t fair for her to wait until I get my head out of my ass, like you so eloquently stated. She deserves to have fun. To date around. To learn what it’s like to have a one-night stand. All of it. Maybe I don’t want her to be my sideline girl. Maybe I want her to play the field, instead.”
“And once you get your wish, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” The ominous tone makes my hackles rise, but instead of lashing out, I wrap my arm around my mom’s neck and pull her into a hug.
“I love you, Mom.”
“And I love you. Which is why I want you to be happy.”
“I know.”
“And Charlie makes you happy.”
With a laugh, I release my hold. “She does. And you were right.”
“About what?”
“You really are the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.”
Grinning up at me, she digs her elbow into my ribs then makes her way back to the family room.
“And don’t you forget it,” she calls over her shoulder.
Chapter Fifteen
Charlie
After a delicious meal and sweet goodbyes from my adopted mom, Levi and I head to my apartment to chill and watch Netflix.
And no. Not Netflix and chill, which is the fun kind of hanging out that I’ve Googled. Just chill and watch Netflix, which is the boring kind where we lounge around and eat popcorn while arguing over what show to watch like an old married couple.
I sigh.
Yeah. Even the boring kind is pretty fun when I’m with Levi.
Remote in hand, I plop onto the couch and search for a show to watch while Levi takes off his shoes and gets comfortable beside me.
“What do you want to watch?” I ask.
“How ‘bout a chick flick?” he teases, his eyes glowing with mirth.
Rolling my eyes, I reach for the remote, but he raises his arm to keep it out of my reach.
“Har-har,” I mutter.
“You know, this is why you’re perfect,” he notes. “Most girls would kill to watch some sappy movie about romance and shit. But you prefer movies that give you nightmares or ones that blow shit up.”
“And proud of it, my friend. Thanks for never making me sit through something like The Notebook.” I scrunch up my face in disgust.
With a wink that I refuse to admit is sexy, he replies, “Anytime.”
Finally, he hands over the remote, and I start flipping through a few more options, comfortable in the silence that encompasses my little family room.
“So…Conner told me he asked you out today, and you said no.” Levi’s comment practically gives me whiplash as I turn to look at him.
“So?”
“So, I wanna know why,” he pushes, resting his hands behind his head.
Prickling, I mutter, “I’m not sure that’s any of your business, Levi.”
“It isn’t,” he concedes with a casual shrug. “But I care about you. Since our conversation last night, I’ve tried to comb over your past to come up with one guy that you’ve dated, and I came up empty. Obviously, relationships don’t interest you, but why don’t you date? Why would you say no to Conner? ’Cause he said you guys were having a good time until he mentioned taking you out.”
I’ve been asking myself the same question all day. Conner’s cute. And polite. And good with dogs. And a pretty good runner. He marks off every box on my li
st, yet I was still spooked. Dropping my gaze to my lap, I let go of the remote and start to fiddle with the hem of my T-shirt.
With a sigh, I admit, “I don’t do well one-on-one with guys.”
“That’s bullshit. We’re one-on-one all the time.”
“Well, yeah but…we’re friends.”
“So?”
“So, it’s different,” I reiterate. “You don’t look at me like you want anything more from me.” I let out a dry laugh because I’ve spent more time daydreaming that he’d look at me like he wanted something more from me than I’ve spent running. And that’s a hell of a lot of time.
Scrunching up my face, I continue. “When other guys do look at me like they might be interested, I freeze up.”
“Why do you freeze?”
“I don’t know!” I shout, growing frustrated. “You don’t know what it’s like. Girls fall at your feet, Levi.”
Silence follows my comment before his deep voice murmurs, “Do you want girls to fall at your feet too?”
Piecing together what he’s implying, my jaw drops. “Did you just ask if I’m gay?”
“Well, not that there’s anything wrong with that—”
“Levi!” I shove him. Harder than I intended, though I don’t regret it in the least. Feeling claustrophobic, I push myself up from the couch and start to pace the family room like a caged beast. “I’m not gay! I’m just not super comfortable around the opposite sex when it comes to romantic shit. Hell, I’ve never even been kissed, okay?”
“Seriously?” His eyes practically pop out of his head. “I mean, I know we joked about it last night, but you’ve seriously never been kissed?”
“I feel like we’ve already had this conversation,” I grit out. “And way to not make it a big deal, I might add.” I’m pretty sure sarcasm is oozing from my pores as I pace my little family room.
Clearing his throat, he leans forward and chooses his next words carefully. “I’m just surprised.”
“Yeah. I know. I’m as undesirable as they come.”
“Bullshit. You’re as innocent as they come, and trust me. That, combined with your looks and personality, makes for a lethal concoction. How have you not been kissed?”
Because you’ve never tried, I want to scream at him, but I bite my tongue and search for another sensible answer.
Collapsing onto the couch beside Levi, my adrenaline evaporating into thin air, I close my eyes. “I freeze when they look at me. How do you think I react when they even consider going in for a kiss?”
“You didn’t freeze last night when I was massaging your legs,” Levi offers.
Glancing over at him, I see the concern in his eyes, and I’m surprised he isn’t making fun of me for being such a dweeb.
“That’s because it’s you.”
And I’d kill for you to touch me.
“And how am I any different from other guys?” he asks.
Because I want you.
My eyes drop to his mouth for a split second before I scoot a few inches to the opposite side of the couch. “You’re my best friend. You’ll always be different.”
Silence follows my comment, making my discomfort skyrocket. My pulse races. I’m terrified I might have just outed myself to him as he stares a hole through the side of my head.
Does he know? Am I that obvious?
After a few seconds, he gives a casual shrug then offers, “What do you say we practice?”
“Practice?” Crossing my arms, I rotate toward him.
“Yeah. Like…cuddle and shit.”
I laugh. “We’ve cuddled before.”
Platonically, of course.
And yes. It’s a thing.
“Okay. Maybe take it a little further then. So you know what to expect.”
The offer is presented with such nonchalance, I’m positive I’ve heard him wrong.
“I’m sorry, what?”
“You’re right. It’s a terrible idea.” Levi chuckles awkwardly before reaching for the remote that I’d set aside to search for a show to watch and to end this conversation. My foot darts out of its own accord and kicks the remote off the coffee table.
“What were you saying?” I press, my voice cracking.
Another awkward laugh slips out of him before he scratches his jaw. “I was just thinking that if we can make the situation more comfortable for your first time, then maybe it’ll go more smoothly when it’s for real.”
“Like a trial run.”
“Exactly.”
Positive I’ll regret this tomorrow but unable to help myself, I nod. “Okay.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I mean, if you think it’ll help.”
“Okay. So….” He runs his hand along the top of my knee, his skin scalding me with his heated touch.
Sitting there frozen, I stare at his hand as it rests against my bare skin. His thumb gently rubs back and forth, and I find myself mesmerized by the movement.
“How are you feeling?” his husky voice breaks the silence.
“Good.”
Sliding his hand up an inch, he presses, “How ’bout now?”
“Yup.” I swallow thickly. “Still good.”
With slow movements, he changes tactics, brushing his hand up my bare arm. “Now?”
Goosebumps appear along my bare skin, and I catch myself holding my breath.
“Charlie?”
“Good. I’m good.” I glance up at him to see his mouth tilted up in amusement.
“Good,” he murmurs before cupping my jaw. The tips of his fingers tangle in my hair, causing a tiny spark of pain along my scalp that sends tingles racing down my spine.
Breath fanning across my face, he whispers, “And now?”
I close my eyes and lick my lips. “Yup. Just dandy.”
His deep chuckle is mingled with an almost silent, “Good girl,” before his lips are on mine.
The heat from his mouth is like a warm drink of hot chocolate on a cold day, and I open my lips to see if he’ll taste just as good as my favorite beverage. His tongue runs along the seam, barely grazing the entrance of my mouth before retreating back. I catch myself mirroring his movements with my own. Squirming on the couch, I press myself closer to him. My fingers dig into his thick bicep, but I won’t acknowledge it’s because I don’t want him to pull away. Not now that I’ve had a taste. A soft moan escapes my lips when his tongue brushes against mine.
Shit, you taste good.
His fingers tighten, tilting my head back as he takes control of the kiss and practically swallows me whole. I’m so lost in his touch that I don’t notice we’re moving until my back hits the couch behind me, and I’m surrounded by his scent. His muscles. His taste. Everything.
I’m being consumed by Levi McCoy, and I can’t think of a better way to go.
With his groin pressed against mine and his arms on either side of my head, he cages me in. Seconds later, a soft vibration in said groin area makes me buck my hips toward him.
“What the hell is that?” I practically screech, pulling away from his delectable lips.
“Shit,” he mumbles, dropping his forehead to mine.
The vibration pulses a second time, and I bite my lips to keep from moaning at the contact.
Oh my—
Sitting up, Levi digs into his pocket to retrieve his phone, and I drop my head back to laugh at the absurdity of the situation while my face burns up with embarrassment.
“Hey, Mom,” Levi greets after sliding his thumb across the screen, his eyes darting toward me. “Yeah. Sure. I’ll let her know.”
Her muffled voice echoes through the speaker, though I can’t make out what she’s saying.
“Yup. Talk to you later. Love you too.”
Then he disconnects the call.
“You left your phone at my mom’s house. She said she’ll leave it on the kitchen counter, and you can go grab it tomorrow.”
“Oh. Thanks.” Sitting up, I run my fingers through my mussed hair, positive
I look like I just woke up from a nap by the way I was squirming beneath him.
Did I really just make out with my best friend before getting up close and personal with his groin slash vibrating phone?
Kill me now.
“So…uh…,” Levi pauses. “I should probably get going.”
“Yup. Big day tomorrow. Going and getting my phone and all. Probably need an extra few hours to make sure I’m up to the task,” I ramble.
With a grin, he stands and offers his hand to pull me up from the couch too. When I take it, my body trembles.
“You did good, by the way. No freezing so—”
“Yup. That’s ‘cause I have a great teacher,” I quip, my cheeks the color of cherries.
His cocky grin greets me. “Happy to help.”
Walking to the door, Levi slips on his shoes then grabs the handle to make his escape from the awkwardness in my little apartment after…whatever the hell that was.
Pausing, his gold-flecked eyes pin me in place before his jaw tightens, and he looks away. “Conner wanted me to ask if I could give him your number.”
I flinch. “Oh.” Digging my teeth into my upper lip until I’m sure there’ll be blood, I nod. “Sure. I mean, if you think I’m ready and won’t make a complete fool of myself if he tries to kiss me.”
Asshole.
His knuckles turn white as he grips the door handle before gritting out, “You’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow or something.”
The door swings open, almost hitting the wall behind it before slamming shut as soon as Levi makes his escape.
Then the tears threaten to fall. With a sniff, I flip the lock on the front door then walk to my couch and collapse into a ball of emotions.
What am I doing? Why did I let him kiss me? If I thought my feelings were a mess before, then there isn’t a word to describe how terrible I feel now. My lips are still tingling, my mouth is still watering, and my heart is still racing. Every single inch of my body agrees that it was probably the best moment of my life.
Until my stupid brain decides to pipe in with its two cents.
He only kissed me to get me to go out with his roommate.
Life sucks.
Chapter Sixteen