Not So Suddenly Soulmates, page 10
“If we’re going to do this, I want to start out slow.”
“Then let’s skip the relationship and just do friends with benefits.” She laughed.
“Nope. I don’t just want to jump into bed with you.”
“We’re in bed now.”
“You know what I mean.”
“What are you thinking? Fancy dates?”
“Remember when we were talking about them making a romantic comedy about our lives? The same things we normally do. Just with kissing and the possibility of it leading to sex?”
Rhi scowled. “Damn it. I hate it when you’re right.”
“You up for pizza, beer, and hours of home improvement shows on TV?”
“We’re on a private island with the ocean just a few feet away and you want to do the same thing we do every day?”
“Okay, food is out because I’m stuffed from dinner but how about beer and a walk on the beach.”
“That’s more like it.” She gave him a wide smile. “Are we really doing this?”
“We are.”
“I guess you should get the beer then.” She pushed him gently and sat up.
“Wait. Aren’t you supposed to bring me my beer after a hard day of work while I relax?” He smiled as he got to his feet.
“If we’re enforcing gender stereotypes, I guess you’re paying for everything now and I can stay home and raise the kids.”
“If by kids you mean cats, I’m cool with that. If you’re talking about miniature versions of you and me, no.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Well, I guess I can’t get your beer.”
“Keep doing that. It pushes up your boobs.” He laughed and bolted out of her room.
Rhi rolled her eyes and walked to the double doors that led out to the patio. The moon was bright and shimmered off the pool.
RHI:
Put your swim trunks on and meet me outside.
She went into the bathroom and quickly changed into her teal and white bikini with the tie front, stopping at her suitcase to grab her black lace kimono coverup. She breezed through the living area and out onto the terrace.
Soft lighting came on the moment she stepped outside. Oversized wicker furniture was spread out over the terrace, covered in comfortable linen cushions. The marble tile continued from the house to the terrace and on to the path that led to the pool. She sat on one of the wicker chairs to wait for Levi. She didn’t have to wait long.
He handed Rhi a bottle and set his on the table next to her chair.
She jumped when his cold hands landed on her shoulders, working out the knots that appeared on the plane.
“You’re not as tense as you were the last time I did this.”
“I wasn’t in paradise with the man of my dreams after he admitted he wanted to date me.” She glanced up at him then took a swig of her beer.
“Well, damn. I guess I need to step out of the way then.” He walked around the chair and offered her his hand. “I’d hate to get in the way of the man of your dreams.”
Rhi laughed as she let him pull her to her feet. “What if you’re the man of my dreams?”
Levi pulled her close. “I’ll have to get used to it then.”
She rested her head against his bare chest. A flush of warmth rushed through her entire body. She was blissfully aware of their nearness. His embrace was different than before. The lines of the muscles of his chest. His strong arms. He toyed with her hair and traced a line down her back, leaving flames in his wake.
“Levi?” She tilted her head to look into his eyes.
He drew his fingers from her wrists up to her shoulders and cupped her neck, lowering his lips to hers. The kiss was slow at first as if he were memorizing the feel of them. Her lips parted and his tongue toyed with hers in a dance.
The thin fabric between them did little to hide his growing arousal.
She moaned. “I want you.” Her voice was raspy.
Levi kissed her one more time before pulling away. “Being good is going to be harder than I thought.”
She clutched his arms, not sure her knees would hold her. “Then why fight it? We’ve never been ones for conventional relationships, so why do it with us?”
Levi cupped her cheek. “Because you’re special. Because I want this to be real and not some crazy five-month friends with benefits thing that ends with us hating each other. I want you to know how serious about this I am.”
Rhi hugged him. “You puddled me.”
“I what?”
“My heart melted to the floor and the rest of me followed. You have a puddle of Rhi at your feet.”
Levi laughed. “That’s gross and hilarious all at the same time.” He took a step away and grasped her hand. “Walk on the beach or dip in the pool?”
“Cold shower alone would be smarter.” Rhi gave him a sly smile.
“The outdoor shower looks like a lot of fun.”
“That would lead us somewhere you don’t want to go.”
“Walk on the beach then?”
Rhi squeezed his hand then they strolled toward the white sands. “Perfect.”
“Yes, you are.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
LEVI
June 9th
Levi stood in the shower, hoping the cold water would cool the flames that raged through him every time he was with Rhi. He wanted this to work but didn’t want to rush.
He turned off the water and toweled dry before putting his shorts on and heading into his bedroom.
Rhi sat on his bed, dressed in her bikini and sheer coverup.
Damn. So much for the cold shower.
She smiled. “Mom says they’re cooking in the main house if you’re interested in eating with the fam.”
“I was thinking of a date instead.” Levi plopped down beside her. “We’ve spent the whole day with the family. I want some alone time with you.”
“Are we going to tell them about us dating? Or are we going to let them figure it out?”
“I have an idea. You go over to the main house. Tell them you have a date for dinner then I’ll show up.” Levi laughed. “Your parents would enjoy the joke.”
“Probably.” Rhi bumped his arm with hers. “Where are we going?”
“I made reservations at the Boathouse. Figured it was close enough and still fancy enough.”
“Sounds perfect. Let me go change.”
“Meet you at the main house in about an hour?” He pressed a soft kiss on her lips then moved over to his suitcase.
“Hey, I forgot to tell you about the call I got from Delilah before we left.”
“Oh yeah?” He turned around, holding a pair of khaki shorts.
“We’ve been so busy. I haven’t had time to tell you.” She wrung her hands together.
“Hey.” Levi sat down and put his arms around her. “What happened? Something bad?”
”Apparently she put together this big ninety-day marketing plan and expects me to be in the office first thing Monday to start setting it up. She didn’t even run it by me…just did it by herself. Said she’s the marketing expert and I just do the social media posting. She tried to demand I work on vacation too.”
“Quit. You don’t need that kind of crap. You didn’t spend four years of college learning about marketing to only post on social media.” He kissed her cheek.
“I can’t quit. Especially not if we’re moving. Too many expenses. What happens if I can’t find a job in Bryton? I’m not gonna ask you to take care of me.”
Levi put his hands on her shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “You have a large trust fund. You could live off the interest and never have to work again. I understand you want to work but not having a job should not be your biggest worry. We’ll be fine. And it’s not like your parents wouldn’t help if we did get into a jam.”
She sighed. “They didn’t raise me that way though. I need to be able to do this on my own. I don’t want to rely on other people.”
“Isn’t that one of the best parts of a relationship? Being able to rely on the other person?” His hands slid down her arms and squeezed her hands. “I’m gonna support you no matter what. If you want to quit, quit. We’ll make it work. If you want to stay working for her, that’s fine too but don’t let yourself be beaten down by a boss who doesn’t respect you.”
Rhi gave him a half smile and a quick kiss. “We should have done this dating thing a long time ago.”
“I know.” Levi grinned. “Now go get dressed, so we can go mess with your parents.”
She laughed, stood up, and gave him a slight wave before she scurried out of the room.
Levi picked up his khaki shorts, a light blue button up shirt with his brown leather sandals. He combed his hair back and went back into his room. He glanced at the clock. Great…still have fifty-five minutes to kill. He texted Rhi.
LEVI:
Let me know when you’re over there.
He turned on the television and searched for something to watch.
Ten minutes later, he still hadn’t found anything worth staying on for long. He checked his phone. Nothing from Rhi either.
LEVI:
Everything okay?
RHI:
At the main house getting ready. You gave me an hour. I’m using all of it. 😉
LEVI:
All right. I’ll try to be patient.
He groaned and flipped through the channels again before turning the TV off and heading outside. Maybe a walk on the beach will help.
Edge walked down the path that led to the beach.
Levi jogged over to him. “Care if I join you?”
“Not at all. My wife is helping your girlfriend pick an outfit.”
“Wait, she told you?”
“Yes, and she stopped by the house a few days ago while you two were avoiding each other.” Edge chuckled.
“I guess that makes sense. I didn’t think she’d go to your mom.”
“I’m sure she would have if I didn’t give her the answer she wanted.”
Levi looked at Edge. “You’re not upset that your dad is offering me his part of the company, are you?”
“Hell no. Dad tried to teach me software development when I was in high school. I tried to like it but I finally had to tell him I had no interest in it. Plus, we really like it in Minnesota, so taking over a company in Bryton is kinda out.”
“How’s the house sale going?”
“I don’t know. Part of me wants to keep it but we’re not in town enough to warrant that.” He sighed then glanced over at Levi. “You interested in a house rather than an apartment?”
“Your place is pretty big. Rhi and I are thinking our kids are going to be feline, so I can’t even imagine what we’d do with all that room.”
“Home offices, host parties. That’s what we did. There’s even a guest suite with a separate entrance if you want a friend to live with you for a while.” Edge shrugged.
“I’ll have to talk it over with Rhi.”
“Yeah I’d hope so. I wasn’t suggesting you make that decision on your own. I just know you two are looking at places when we get back to Bryton.”
Levi looked out over the beach. Do I really want the responsibility of a house? Am I ready for that? “When do you need an answer?”
“We’re sticking around another two or three weeks before we head back to Harper’s Crossing, so that’s when it will officially go up for sale. I took two months off in case something caused a delay.”
“That’s a helluva job if you can do that.”
“I’m good at what I do. When they call, I answer any questions they need, and I have access to a lab in Bryton if they need me to do anything. This is the only week I’m on full vacation.”
“I’ll think about it and see what Rhi says.”
“Tell her I’ll give it to you two if she wants it. That way she doesn’t have to bug Mom about using the trust fund.” Edge bumped his shoulder.
“You’re really sweetening the deal there.” He laughed.
“If you’re not interested, I won’t push. I just thought I’d offer.”
Levi nodded as they turned to head back toward the house. His mind raced. His life had changed drastically over the past months. I’m actually dating for the first time, ever, my best friend at that. I have a helluva job opportunity and I’m moving, possibly into a house. None of those were even thoughts in my head two months ago.
Chapter Twenty-Three
RHI
June 9th
“You have to help me.” Rhi dropped a bunch of dresses on Sara’s bed.
Sara shook her head as she sorted through the pile. “How many dates are you going on?”
“Just one but it has to be perfect.”
“Why? It’s Levi. He’s seen you when you first wake up. You don’t have to be perfect around him.”
“But it’s our first date and I want it to be special.” Rhi picked up one of the dresses. Short, blue, lace. Too formal.
“Hon, you’re on a private island in the Caribbean. You’re going to the fanciest restaurant on said island, and you’re with a date who also happens to be your best friend. How could that get any more special?” Sara put her hands on Rhi’s shoulders. “Do you think he’s going to care what you wear?”
Rhi laughed. “Probably not.” She scanned the pile of dresses again.
Sara grabbed a turquoise off the shoulder maxi dress with a floral pattern on it. “Here. Not too fancy. Perfect for over a bathing suit but still good enough for the Boathouse.”
Rhi took the dress and held it up then hugged her sister-in-law and hurried into the bathroom to change. She brushed her hair and twisted it into an updo. A touch of makeup finished the look then she stepped back out to show Sara.
“You look wonderful. Now, what shoes are you wearing?”
Rhi picked up a pair of gold sandals. “If he decides to walk on the beach later, I’ll carry them.”
Sara laughed. “Love it.”
A knock sounded on the door. “You two coming out for dinner?” Jen called.
Sara opened the door and smiled at Jen. “Rhi’s got a date.”
“That was quick.” Jen turned toward Rhi. “I didn’t think you’d have time to find one with all the time you and Levi have spent together. You look amazing.”
“Thank you. He’s meeting me here in a few minutes.” Rhi pulled out her phone to text Levi.
RHI:
Ready when you are.
“I don’t think I’ve met one of your dates since you were in high school.”
“Yeah well, when you kept giving the same safe sex lecture to everyone who walked through the door it got a little old.”
Jen grinned. “Ooo, can I do it again. For old times’ sake?”
Rhi laughed. “Sure, Mom. But make it short.”
The doorbell rang and Jen breezed over to open the door. She opened it and gestured for the person to come in. “False alarm, it’s just Levi.” She smacked his arm. “And since when do you ring the doorbell?”
“Since I’m your daughter’s date?” His gaze went to Rhi and he gaped. “Damn. You look amazing.”
Rhi blushed and glanced back at Sara. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
Jen stared at Levi, her mouth hanging open. “You two…are finally more than just friends?”
Rhi smiled at her mother. “Yeah, this is our first real date.”
“It’s about damn time.” Leon smiled from the archway that led to the dining area. “Guess you don’t want to talk contracts tonight.”
“How about tomorrow?” He looped Rhi’s arm through his. “Tonight, we have plenty of plans.”
Rhi’s face flushed. “We can keep some of them private.”
Jen waggled her finger at him. “Now, you two don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Levi chuckled. “From what I’ve heard, that list is pretty short.”
Jen snorted. “True. Just remember her pleasure too and you two should be great. Oh, and there’s a place between—”
Levi blushed and held his free hand up. “Nope. Don’t want to hear it. Rhi, it’s time to go.”
“Night all.” Rhi waved to her family as Levi led her out of the house.
He walked over to the golf cart in front of the villa. “It’s kinda weird driving my date around in a golf cart.”
“Better than walking…and they’re the only vehicles on the island. I’d say we’re pretty limited in options.”
Levi laughed. “Well then get in before your mother comes out to try and scar me more.”
“We’d both be on the receiving end of that.” Rhi sat down in the passenger’s seat. “What are these other plans we have?”
“I don’t know. We could go for a walk on the beach like we did last night. Or take a dip in the pool?”
“Skinny dipping?”
“Why? We have suits.”
Rhi blew out a breath. “You know I’m not shy though, especially when it comes to sleeping with someone. I’ve had half as many one-night stands as you have.”
“And that’s why we’re not going there yet. I don’t want you to think this is another one-night stand.”
“But I know it’s not going to be that way. Not with you.”
“And if we decide after this date there’s nothing more here than friendship? Where do we go from there?” Levi drove the cart down the long driveway and out to the road.
“I guess we go back to being friends.” Rhi turned to look at him. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“I don’t know. No. Not really.”
“We’ve never kept things from each other before. Let’s not start now.”
Levi glanced over at her and smiled then turned his attention back to the road. “Let’s talk over dinner. I like to be able to look at you when we’re talking.”
Rhi smiled back. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach. What if he’s having second thoughts? I don’t want to go back to being friends. Not when I’m on the brink of knowing what it would be like to be more than friends with him. The memory of their kiss shot heat through her body. She wanted to feel more. To feel the touch of his skin against hers and more.
