Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Finally, Lick calls it quits and lies on the grass, panting so hard, her tongue is hanging out the side of her mouth.
I look at Levi again, and when I see the relaxed smile on his face, I’m hit with an intense wave of attraction.
No, Kelcie. Stop it. You’re too broken. Don’t go getting a crush on him.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “I’m not sure what the time is, but would you like some tea or coffee?”
“I’d love coffee.”
We gather our dishes and walk back to the house. While I get everything ready for our beverages, Levi clears our plates and places them in the dishwasher.
My phone rings, and I suppress a sigh as I walk to the couch where I left the device.
When I see Colby’s name, the sigh escapes before I answer, “Hi.”
“Is that man still there?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t like this one bit, Kelcie. He looks like trouble. I’m coming over.”
“No, you’re not.” I move a little farther away from Levi. “I’m actually having a nice evening.”
“You couldn’t have a nice evening with me?”
Instantly, I feel tired, as if the meager energy I’ve managed to scrape together just ups and vanishes.
When I remain quiet, Colby says, “I’m sorry. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I just wish it were with me and not some stranger who only moved to town two months ago.”
“I have to go.” I glance over my shoulder and see that Levi is busy pouring water into my teacup and his mug. “We’ll talk another time.”
“Be careful and call if you need me.”
“Good night.”
I end the call and notice there are many missed calls. Checking them, it shows they’re all from Colby, and I shake my head.
I really appreciate his friendship, but I know he’s only hanging around in the hopes of having a romantic relationship with me.
“Everything okay?” Levi asks.
I force a smile to my face as I turn around. “Yes.” Setting the phone down on the couch again, I notice the time showing on the screen.
Crap. It’s already ten p.m.
My gaze darts to Levi. “I didn’t realize how late it is.”
He picks up the mug and takes a sip of the coffee before he asks, “Do you want me to go?”
“No.” My honest answer catches me completely by surprise, and I feel my cheeks flush with heat.
He gestures at my tea. “I didn’t know if you wanted sugar or milk.”
“Neither.” I pick up the cup and take a sip. “It’s perfect.”
We stand in silence for a few seconds, then I glance at the sparsely decorated living room. “Do you want to sit inside or outside?”
“Outside.”
I follow him back out into the yard and place my cup on the table as I take a seat.
I tug my bottom lip between my teeth, then say, “You’re probably wondering why people dropped off food here today.”
He shakes his head. “I know what happened to you and your family. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”
I look down at my hands and twist my fingers together. “That’s the bad thing about living in a small town. Everyone knows your business.”
We’re quiet for a little while, then I lift my head and force a smile to my face. “What do you do for a living that allows you to stay at home all day?”
His features grow tense. “I’m a writer.”
The memory of Mom lost in a book flashes through my mind, and it sends a crippling wave of pain through me.
I inhale deeply before letting the air out slowly, taking a moment so the grief will lessen.
Wanting to keep the topic on him, I say, “I’ve never met an author before. What kind of books do you write?”
“Fiction. Mostly action and thrillers.”
There’s a pause in the conversation before I ask, “Do you love it?”
Levi lets out a heavy breath, his eyebrows drawing together. “I used to.”
I tilt my head. “Why past tense?”
His gaze lifts to mine, and I feel a zap through my stomach and abdomen from the intense look in his eyes.
“I had a book that got picked up for film. It was a huge success, and when the movie aired, all my books featured in the top hundred of all the bestseller lists.”
“Oh wow. So you’re famous?” As soon as the words leave me, I feel awkward for saying them.
“Only by name.” Levi shakes his head and glances over the dark backyard. “Few people know what I look like.” His thumb brushes along the handle of the empty mug in his hands. “Since the instant success, I don’t know what to do with myself, and I have writer’s block.”
“Can’t you take a break?”
His eyes find mine again. “I signed a contract with a publisher, and they already gave me an extension. I’ll just have to power through.”
“I’d offer my help, but I know nothing about writing a book.”