Page 56 of Code of Heart

He could already imagine mornings with her on that porch. Diving off the dock. Cooking together as they laughed andlived. He hadn’t even stepped through the threshold, and he wanted all of it.

Aurelia gestured from her car window, directing him where to park. She slid into the garage bay closest to the house, while he pulled into the drive near the second bay, currently functioning as a workshop. Grabbing his overnight bag from the passenger seat, Levi followed her to the front entrance.

In a rare burst of spontaneity, Levi dropped his bag and, without a second thought, swept Aurelia into his arms like the treasure she was, fully intent on carrying her across the threshold. The surprised little squeak she made lit him up from the inside…and sent the heat rushing south in a way that was both inconvenient and completely worth it.

He didn’t know what had possessed him to do it, but he had zero regrets. The moment passed, and after retrieving his bag from outside the entryway, his attention was now on her home.

Inside, the cottage unfolded around him like a living memory he didn’t know existed. It was warm and inviting, a lived-in personal space. His gaze roamed in wonder as he dropped his overnight bag on the cushioned bench in the small foyer and stepped into the main room.

The living space unfolded into an open concept kitchen and family room anchored by a plush cream sectional, a natural stone fireplace, and two soaring built-in bookshelves. The entire back wall of the house was glass, framed with sheer whitecurtains, revealing the dock, porch, and dark shimmer of the water beyond.

Turquoise accents peeked out in the cabinetry, throws, dishware, like the stone in her wedding ring. He beamed, knowing that he had gotten that part exactly right.

The kitchen wasn’t huge, but it didn’t need to be. Everything had a purpose. Distressed gold hardware, warm wood finishes, and a four-seat island gave it a modern charm, elevated by soft lighting and thoughtful detail. It was stylish, but uniquelyhers.

And hopefully now,his.

Aurelia stood quietly between the island and the sink, her fingers nervously twisting together. Levi turned to her, lifting a brow. “Could I entice the lady of the house to give her husband a proper tour?”

She rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away. He offered his elbow again. She kicked off her shoes and linked her arm through his.

The hallway revealed more of the home’s thoughtful layout, which included a half-bath tucked beneath the stairs, a compact laundry closet, and finally, her bedroom.

Her intoxicating scent hit him the second he stepped through the doorway.

The room was larger than he expected, wrapped in soft colors and natural light. Like the living area, floor-to-ceiling windows highlighted the lagoon. Another set of sliding doors led to the back porch. A king-sized bed with creamy linens, vibrant throw pillows, and a soft rug beckoned.

There were books on the nightstand, a forgotten cardigan draped over a chair, and a faint mark on the floor from a moved piece of furniture.

Aurelia had made this place her own, and he wanted to be part of it.

But god, he couldn’t stop the image that suddenly assaulted him of her sprawled out on that bed, tangled in the sheets,tangled with him.

Desperately needing a distraction and space between them, he peeked into the adjacent bathroom and found a dreamy, iridescent escape. Turquoise fish-scale tiles shimmered in the light. Gold fixtures adorned a shower built for two. The vanity matched the kitchen’s natural aesthetic, with a built-in makeup station and tiny green plants softening the edges.

Every room was a reflection of her; undeniable proof thatsomeone lived here.

His house, by comparison, was a showroom.

He turned back, finding her watching him in silence with those large brown eyes, her expression unreadable.

Levi slowly approached, gently hooked his finger under her chin, and tilted her face up toward him. Her expression melted into something dangerously alluring.

“I completely understand now,” he said softly, eyes never leaving hers, “why my house sucked.”

He smiled. “I love your home.”

Aurelia

Aurelia was momentarily transfixed as Levi’s fingers tilted her chin, drawing her gaze up to meet his. His green eyes burned into hers, as if peeling away every carefully constructed defense she had.

Maybe it was the way moonlight shimmered across the lagoon, its reflection dancing on the glass.

Or maybe it was the heady scent clinging to his skin—sun-warmed cedarwood and a hint of smoky vetiver, grounded by the subtle spice of black pepper. It was both comforting and strong, and undeniablyhim.

Whatever the reason, Aurelia stopped thinking.

She had learned to wield her body like a weapon, to chase the rush of being desired.At that moment, she needed to fulfill that desire. Nothing else mattered.