Page 9

“Yes, Scarlett, I’m sorry. Things may not have worked between us, but that doesn’t mean I would wish you a world of pain, either,” he said, shoving his hands back into his pockets. “I’m not some asshole, you know.”

“I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”

He studied me. “No, I didn’t.”

He turned away from me and walked over to the patio door, glancing outside to see where I’d left my breakfast and coffee. Then he turned back to me. “So, did the date go well?”

Was he seriously asking me how it went last night?

“He’s not my type,” I muttered, moving to the couch and sitting down.

“I see. Well, maybe you should get yourself settled in the city before you jump into the dating scene,” he said, leaning up against one of my armchairs.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. One can’t be too careful, new city and all.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Perhaps it might be better if you didn’t date anyone at all,” he added.

I frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Put your focus elsewhere.”

“On what?”

Levi shrugged. “I don’t know, a new hobby, crossing ten more items off of that bucket list you used to carry around, or me?”

A flood of shock washed over me as I looked at him.

Where the hell was this coming from? I stood up and began pacing back and forth.

Was he really suggesting what I thought he was suggesting?

That we see one another again? He couldn’t be, I thought.

I glanced over to see him standing there, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Levi, that is not a good idea,” I said, my voice shaking.

“What isn’t? The bucket list?” He asked, smirking in my direction.

“I was referring to the last part of your suggestion.”

“Why am I not a good idea?” he asked.

“What do you mean, why not? Have you completely lost your mind?”

“No, I meant exactly what I said I’m single, you’re apparently single and wanting to date. I know what the guys are like in this town…and I at least know if you’re dating me, you aren’t out with some jackass.”

“You do?”

“Yes, so the way I look at it, problems are solved.”

“Your focus shouldn’t be on me, Levi. You have Mia to worry about and look after.”

“Ah, yes, once again, Mia, your favorite excuse. Newsflash, but Mia and I are fine, and I can look after you both. There is enough of me to go around.”

“I don’t need to be looked after,” I said, feeling defensive.

I had no clue what Levi was up to with this. I knew how he’d reacted after the announcement of our engagement had gone out. How he’d told my brother never to breathe my name to him again. Those words had hurt. I was probably never supposed to hear them, but still I had.

“I never said you needed looking after. I said, if you want to date someone, why not date me?”

I met his eyes, and in those few seconds that we stood there looking at one another, not a single reason came to my mind why I shouldn’t date him.

I should have had a thousand reasons, but I never even had a good reason for leaving him the first time.

It wasn’t because he’d just had a baby dropped in his lap from some woman in one of his earlier relationships.

It wasn’t because he’d had a one-night stand with her while he’d promised me a future with him.

I knew our arrangement. He’d always been clear on his wants and promises.

My reason wasn’t because of anything other than being afraid to help him with Mia, because the thought of stepping up and being a mother at such a young age absolutely terrified me.

I did not know how to take care of myself, never mind someone else.

So, I chose myself and I walked away from something that could have been great because I’d been too unsure of myself.

“Well? What is your reason?” he said, taking a step closer to me from which I stepped away.

He stood there, waiting for me to come up with something, but I had nothing, and the more I looked into his eyes, the further from nothing I got.

“You don’t have a reason, do you?” he questioned, a tiny smirk coming to his lips.

“Don’t you have errands to run?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“Answer my question first, Scarlett. Errands can wait. I have a few hours.”

“What about practice?” I muttered.

“Day off,” he said, his stare growing more intense.

I stood there, staring into his eyes, growing more frustrated with myself by the second.

“Alright then, no reasons” he said, clapping his hands together. “I guess that means you should prepare yourself.”

“For what?”

“Our date this coming Saturday night.”

I was pretty sure there was shock written all over my face as he moved closer to me.

“Saturday?” I murmured, swallowing hard.

“Yes, Saturday, say seven. I’ll pick you up here and we’ll head out for the evening. We won’t be super late, but make sure you at least bring something warm to wear. It’s supposed to be a little on the cooler side that evening.

“What…. What about Mia?” I muttered, praying that he’d come to his senses and realize he still had a little girl at home.

“What about her? She has a nanny, and I already know she is available that night because I made sure of it before I came down here.”

“You what?” I asked.

“Scarlett, you should know me better than this. I always have a plan when I’m going to make a play, on the ice and off.”

“Levi, if you think I’m just going to drop everything and start seeing you only—”

He smirked.

“What’s there to smirk about?” I questioned.

“I didn’t think you were just going to roll over and go out with me, Scarlett. Oh, and I said nothing about being exclusive.”

“You just said that you always make a plan before making a play. How was I supposed to take it?” I questioned.

He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. “Take it how you want. I’m just trying to make up for my behavior from last night, and I figured treating you to a night out was a good way to do it.”

“Is that so?

“Yep, plus, sometimes I get a challenge of having to work for something.” He winked.

“Work for what?” I asked as he walked over and pressed a kiss to my cheek, the scent of his cologne invading my nose.

“I hope you have a good day, and just a reminder, you probably shouldn’t leave that yogurt too much longer in the sun. I would hate to see you get sick from eating it.”

He pulled me against him, smiled as he let me go, and made his way back toward the door. I stood there, not knowing what to do or say. Part of me wanted to stop him, ask him if he was feeling alright.

“Oh, Scarlett, you should probably keep an eye out for some surprises this week. Never know when I might be in the mood to add a few gifts to make you forgive me a little quicker.”

I was about to respond when I heard the door shut.

I stood there, looking at the closed door, completely shocked. What the hell just happened?