Page 40 of Anything (Mayberry University #1)

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Levi parallel parks in front of one of the historic brick homes that have been turned into businesses. The Thanksgiving-themed wreath sways on the door as he opens it for me. A bell dings, and a waft of lavender and sugar greets us.

An elderly woman with a gray bun makes a dainty beeline for us with a joy that radiates from her face. She’s even shorter than me. “Levi!” she calls, with a Texan lilt. “And is this?—”

He winces and she stops.

I almost laugh at his expression.

“So nice to see you again, Miss Evelyn. This is my friend Kit.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, dear.” She pats my hand and leads us to a display case full of mouthwatering treats.

“Do you make all of these?” I ask, marveling.

“Sure do, for almost fifty years.”

“I think I’ve tried some of them already. Safe to say you have a gift. ”

She and Levi chuckle knowingly.

“Miss Evelyn is inspiring. She wants to use what God’s given her to bless the kids in the south-side elementary schools.

” He points that direction. “You contribute dozens of sweets to their bake sales, right? And you offer them free baking classes in the summer. Sometimes you bring cookies to the baseball field on Saturdays just because.”

Evelyn shakes her hand at him. “Now, Levi, stop making me blush. I just do what I can. It will never be near as much as the Lord has done for me.”

I grin.

She loves you.

“Pick something out?” Levi tilts his head toward the case.

I bite my lip and assess. The shop is old and snug, but the delicacies themselves are lovely and sophisticated.

It’s no wonder Levi considers them suitable.

I choose a giant white chocolate peanut butter cup, giddy and spoiled.

After paying, he holds his hand toward the door and guides me out of the shop.

I wave goodbye.

“As always, an honor, Ms. Evelyn,” he says.

As he opens the door for me, she covers his other hand with hers. I continue through the doorway and pretend not to hear her whisper.

“She’s beautiful, Levi. And you were right—she really is a delight.”

Levi murmurs something to her before catching up to open the car door for me to climb in.

A sudden wind whips his white button down around his chest as he controls the door to a gentle close.

I clutch the bag in my lap, kicking off my shoes to pull my feet up.

He gracefully sits to drive, fingers combing that enticingly wavy hair back into place.

“I wish I could talk to people like that,” I say.

He glances at me in question as he pulls out of his parking spot on the street.

“You learned so much about Miss Evelyn in a few visits. And you’ve talked to her about her faith. I would never know what to say or how to start.”

“I’ve just had a lot of practice. I can’t tell you how many stuffy parties I’ve had to attend.”

I shake my head at him. He’s being humble.

This time it’s Levi who looks over like he might get away with something. “Can I … take you somewhere? Like a real date?”

I adore how he waits for my yes, even for this.

He works so hard to respect my boundaries, to make me feel safe.

I’ll never find another guy as perfect for me as Levi, even if I’m “all better” someday.

This is my chance. A chance for a relationship like my parents—the like with the love, the crazy attraction with the trust. The Noah to my Allie.

I have to be brave, to see what happens. Maybe I can be free.

“Yes …” Yes? Yes.

Yes?

His smile gleams, thrill back in full force. A fire ignites in my chest knowing that I can put that kind of happiness on his face with one word. That’s what he does for me.

“I know just the place,” he says.

I close the gap between us, stretching my seat belt, to whisper in his ear. No consequences last time.

“Thank you for waiting,” I say against his ear. It’s even better this time. My lips tingle like they’ve found new purpose. They like the feel of him so much they’ll get carried away if I let them. I shift back a few inches, but they’re about to try a kiss on his jaw. So tempting.

Light shines in his eyes. His mouth moves but doesn’t form words. The blinker clicks. Is he pulling over?

Rain falls sudden and intense.

I jerk back in my seat. No. A gaping pit forms in my stomach. I can’t breathe. I have to warn him. “Levi?”

He snaps over quickly, but I don’t get to finish.

At a burst of thunder, I snap. Black fear rushes in, consumes me. I clench my hands over my face and try not to remember .

Aiden shouting. His hand slamming the wheel. Rain pounding. Wipers manic. A vicious grip on my arm. I need out, but all I see is my terrified reflection. He grabs my neck ? —

I rub my eyes like it will erase the images. The hurricane of fear is slow to fade away. I’m still drowning. I try to breathe, to be present, to fight it. I sob into my knees. My chin, my stomach, my whole body shakes.

Help me. Please, make it stop.

I’m always here.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

“Kit? What can I do? Are you alright?” The softest voice, the lightest touch on my knee.

I flinch so hard that I jump in my seat and sob even harder. I can’t face him. I cover my face and hide behind my hair.

Why? I hate this. I hate that I’m like this. That I can’t be with Levi. Why won’t you take it away?

He could. But he won’t. And once again, I’ve let Levi down. I clench my fists until my nails dig into my skin. I can feel Levi’s care, almost tangible, but I curl up tighter, avoiding him like one glance would turn me to salt.

When we’re parked, he rips off his seat belt and bends toward me. “Kit, I want to help.” His voice is soft but filled with urgency. “Please just tell me what’s going on.”

I’m still barefoot. I can’t bear another second in here. Don’t look at him. Just get it out. “This was a bad idea. I’m sorry. I know”—my voice breaks with emotion—“I know better.”

Seat belt off. Grab my shoes. Door open.

I run all the way to my room, lungs burning, tears mixing with the rain. Rocks prick my feet. Water sloshes. Like an extension of my flashback.

I’m okay.

I’m okay.