Not So Suddenly Soulmates, page 2
“Proper cooking techniques should be a requirement for becoming a parent.” Rhi groaned. “Speaking of parents. Mom wants to know when you’re coming for dinner next.”
“For your mom’s cooking? I love her cooking. When does she want us?” Levi licked his lips.
“Well, there’s always Sunday dinner.”
“Hell yeah, let’s go. Maybe I can convince her to make lasagna.” He rubbed his hands together.
“If you want that, we can go to the Italian place downtown.” Rhi downed half of her mimosa and sat back in her chair.
“Not as good as your mom’s. And why do I get the feeling something’s wrong?” Levi reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“I’m fine. Just half asleep and hungry. It was a long night, and I was so rudely awakened too early.” Rhi pulled her hand away and picked at her napkin.
“What happened last night? You left kinda early, so I figured you met someone.” Levi slid his chair closer to her.
“I went down the bar and grill two doors down. It wasn’t as crowded. Ran into a couple of ex-boyfriends…decided it wasn’t the night to try and find anyone new.” Rhi polished off the rest of her first mimosa and reached for the second. “I’m thinking my whole lifestyle needs to change if I ever want to find someone.”
“Maybe you should get some food in you before you start that one.” Levi took the full glass and set it out of her reach.
“Levi, why did you—”
Max appeared with their order and placed it in front of them. He tsked at Levi. “I thought you were the designated driver, mister.”
“I am. Can you bring her a regular orange juice?”
Max laughed. “On it.” He disappeared and returned with the juice almost as quickly as he’d left. “If you need anything else, just holler.”
Rhi sliced into her steak and dipped it in her runny egg yolks. “Cooked to perfection as usual.”
“What were you going to ask me?”
She shook her head, swallowed, and wiped her mouth on her napkin. “Nothing.”
“Come on. I want to know what it was.”
She focused on her food then took a drink of her juice. “Why did you have to kick the girl out so early this morning?”
Levi rubbed the back of his neck. “I know that wasn’t it. I told you. She mentioned the ‘L-word’ right after sex. Right after. I had to get her out of there.” He leaned forward and stared into her eyes. “Now, tell me what you wanted to ask me.”
Rhi held up her hands. “Freeze.”
Damn.
Freeze was their way of stopping a conversation they didn’t want to have. If one of them said it, the other immediately halted and changed the subject to something else.
Levi cleared his throat and sat back in his chair. “Which ex-jerks did you run into last night?”
“Kyle and Bryan. Bryan said that I should stop sleeping around because real men don’t like girls that do that.”
“But it’s okay for him to sleep with half the county? Talk about a double standard. I never liked him.”
“We dated for two years and you never said a word.”
“You two seemed happy. I wasn’t going to risk ruining your relationship—or our friendship—to tell you I didn’t like the guy. I didn’t hang out with you two enough to know he was a true tool until after you broke up.”
“Next time I date someone you don’t like, tell me. Maybe it’ll help me realize he’s a tool before the two year mark.” She stared at his plate. “Are you going to eat?”
“Right.” Levi grabbed his fork and knife and dug into his breakfast.
Ten quiet minutes later, Rhi groaned when she finished her food. “That meal should come with a ‘wear loose-fitting clothes’ warning.”
He slid her full mimosa across the table. “Well, when you wake up from your nap, we can go to the gym to make up for it.”
“Who says I’m going to take a nap?” She took a sip of the drink.
“It’s eight-thirty on a Saturday morning, you’ve been awake for two hours, sounds like you had a rough night, and you’re working on your second mimosa.” Levi tapped the glass. “Not to mention the food baby you’re digesting.”
Rhi laughed. “I guess you’re right.” She drained the rest of the mimosa. “Flag Max down and let’s get out of here.”
Chapter Three
LEVI
May 9th
Levi polished off the last of his beer and watched the brunette woman beside him stand and grab her phone. “Hey, it’s still early. I’ll buy you another drink.”
“I have to work tomorrow and have way too much on my mind to drink anything else.”
Levi flashed her a smile and then turned to the bartender. “Get me another and one of whatever she’s drinking.”
The woman gave him a perplexed look. “I’m good, thanks.” She shook her head but sat down again.
“Tell me what’s weighing so heavy on a pretty girl like you.”
She studied him for a moment then picked up the fresh Cosmo in front of her and drained it. “I broke up with my boyfriend of nine years because I found out he was cheating on me.”
He gave a low whistle and held out his hand. “I’m Levi. Let me get you a refill.”
“Trista.” She shook his hand and smiled. “Yeah, no. Two’s my hard limit.”
“You’re turning over a new leaf. You just dumped a prick. Why not live on the wild side for once?” Levi motioned to the bartender for another. “You downed that. You can’t tell me you don’t need another.” He scooted his stool closer to her, slipping his knee between hers.
“You’re too attractive for the old ‘get a girl drunk, take her home, and have your way with her’ routine.”
Levi eased back. “Whoa. No. I’m having a party at my place in about an hour. I was going to try and talk you into coming. Then if you decide to have sex with me later, I’m all for that, but consensual only and after you’ve sobered up a bit. I don’t take advantage of people.”
The bartender set another Cosmo in front of Trista.
“Put that on my tab but I don’t think she’s drinking it.” Levi’s phone chimed and he glanced over at it.
RHI:
Strike one. lol
He surveyed the room but didn’t see her anywhere.
LEVI:
You’re not even here. What are you talking about?
She picked up the glass and took a sip. “What, I call you out and now you’re ignoring me?”
“Calling me out would imply that I did that. Which I don’t.”
RHI:
I have my sources. Striking out with the pretty girl next to you.
LEVI:
Considering she’s still talking to me, I don’t think that counts as a strike. And aren’t you on a date?
“I guess you’re not interested in me going back with you and a night of wild sex.” She ran her hand over his leg.
Levi put his phone down and turned around. “I’m very much interested in that.”
“Who ya texting? Ex-girlfriend you screw when you can’t find anyone else?” She raised her eyebrows.
Damn, this woman can flip a mood faster than a chef flips pancakes. “Um—my best friend. She seems to have spies here and thinks I’m striking out with you.”
The woman leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I guess we should prove her wrong, shouldn’t we?”
“Oh, most definitely.” He laughed. “Just give me one minute.” He ordered an Uber then sent Rhi a quick text.
LEVI:
Bottom of the ninth, one strike, bases loaded. Home run.
The woman clutched his hand. “Come on, take me to this party.”
“You got it.” Levi dropped some money on the bar, snaked his arm around her waist, and moved toward the door. He stopped when they stepped into the other room and he caught a glimpse of Rhi sitting with the guy from the gym—Chad or something. So, she is here.
Rhi rubbed her temples.
He frowned.
“You okay?” The woman leaned into him.
“Yeah. I’ll be right back. I think I see someone I know.” He removed his arm and stormed over to Rhi’s table.
Chad narrowed his gaze and pointed a finger at Rhi. “Oh no. I’ll pay for dinner because you’ll owe me something then.”
Fucking jerk. Levi growled as he made his way across the room.
“Fuck that.” Rhi rose and motioned for the nearby waitress.
“Can I help you, miss?”
“Can I get my food at the bar? This date is over.”
“No way.” Chad gripped her wrist with one hand and yanked on her hair with the other one. “We’re not done yet.”
Levi clutched the back of Chad’s neck and squeezed. “I suggest you let her go before I throw you out myself.”
“Fuck. Let me go!” Chad whined and released his grip.
The waitress put her arm around Rhi and pulled her away.
Levi withdrew his hand and ran it through his hair as he shot a quick glance at Rhi.
Chad spun toward Levi, glowered, and puffed out his chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
“Whoever the fuck I need to be to get you to leave her alone. Or maybe I should take you outside to teach you how to treat women.”
“Fuck off.” Chad shoved Levi, who didn’t budge.
Levi jabbed his finger into Chad’s chest. “First things first. Just because you buy a woman dinner doesn’t mean she owes you shit. Second, grabbing any woman like that is assault. Everyone has boundaries and you need to learn not to cross them.”
“Who knew the slut had standards? From what I hear, you’re not that great anyway.” He barged past Levi, growled, and stormed out the door.
“I’ll see if I can get the manager to take his meal off your bill.”
“I’ll cover it. Don’t worry about it.” Levi pulled out his wallet, handed the waitress his card, and then glanced over at the table. “Pack hers to-go.” He looked over to where he’d left his date and saw her walking out the door with another guy. “Looks like she found someone else.”
Rhi threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you. And I’m sorry about your date. Go after her if you want.”
“Nah, I’m heading back to the apartment. I’m hosting that party in an hour, remember?”
“Oh, yeah.” She turned to the waitress. “Hey, I’m gonna eat at the bar. Don’t worry about making it to go.”
“Are you sure? I have an Uber on the way. You can ride with me. It’s not like you’re not welcome there. It is your place too.” Levi smiled. Come home with me, so I can make sure you’re safe and Chad doesn’t show up to do something stupid.
“I’ll be fine.” Rhi pushed up on her toes and pecked his cheek. “I need to calm down and reset a bit before I can handle that many people in the apartment.”
Levi pulled out his phone. “I’ll text Robby and have him move it to his pla—”
“No.” Rhi put her hand on her arm. “I just need a little time alone, okay? I’ll call you if I need you.”
He nodded and kissed her forehead. “Be safe, and I don’t care what time it is… call me.”
“I promise.” She squeezed his hand and made her way toward the bar.
He dropped some cash on the table as a tip.
The waitress sauntered over to him and handed him his card back. “You’re a good guy.” She motioned to Rhi. “Did you two date?”
“She’s my best friend.” Levi’s gaze wandered over to where Rhi was sitting. But she was so much more than that. She was his confidant, the one he went to when he had a problem. And she did the same thing to him. She was the first person he thought of in the morning and the one he wanted to make happy.
“Best friend with benefits, right?” The waitress bumped his arm.
Levi laughed. “Nope.” What would it be like to kiss Rhi? He shook the thought from his head.
She flipped over his receipt and scrawled her number on it. “I’m done here around midnight if you’re still looking for a date.”
He tucked the piece of paper in his pocket. “Just remember...I’m a bachelor and one-night stand kinda guy.”
“You never know when you might meet the one.” She giggled and strolled across the room toward the bar.
Levi glanced at Rhi one more time.
She turned and waved to him.
He tipped his head, shoved his hands in his pockets, and trudged to the door to find his Uber out front. He climbed into the backseat and smiled at the driver.
“Waiting for someone?”
“Nah. She checked out.”
The driver nodded and pulled out onto the street. “Seems early for a guy your age to be calling it a night.”
“I’m going to a party.”
“Nice. Meeting a girl there?”
Levi shrugged and chuckled. “You know, for the first time in a long time, I’m not interested in taking anyone home.”
Chapter Four
RHI
May 9th
Rhi stopped outside their apartment door. Bass bumped through the walls telling her the party was in full swing.
The door flew open, and Robby put the brakes on before barreling into her. “Whoa, Rhi! You’re here. I thought you were going out.”
“I did. It ended early. I’m going to grab clothes and go to my parents’ house.”
“No way. You’ll be the coolest girl here. Stay so the rest of us have someone to talk to who’s not fawning over Levi.” Robby snorted. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
Rhi tapped her foot and held her purse in front of her. She didn’t want to deal with people tonight. Fuck it. She opened the door and wove through the crowd to her bedroom. She padded inside her room, closed the door, and locked it behind her. “Thank God for locks.”
It would be easy to block out the party sounds with headphones and go to sleep. She changed into a grey t-shirt that used to be Levi’s and a pair of white shorts with pandas on them then fell onto her bed and pulled a pillow over her head.
“Hey, Rhi? Where’d you go?” Robby’s voice carried over the loud music.
So much for not being noticed. She felt around for her phone and then moved the pillow a smidge.
RHI:
Way to call me out. I’m in my room vegging for a bit. Let me have some time, okay?
ROBBY:
K
Rhi turned her phone to silent, put it on the nightstand, and completely covered her head again.
“Hey.” Levi tapped on her door. “Everything all right?”
Damn it. Why does he have to notice these things? “I’m fine. Enjoy your party.”
“Are you sure?” He jiggled the door handle.
“Yes.” The bass from the party was too loud to sleep. She grabbed her phone and wireless headphones, opened her music app, and laid down. Four songs later, the mattress sunk behind her.
Levi pulled out one of her earbuds and tucked her under his arm.
“Sometimes, I hate that you have a key. Leave me alone.”
“Not a chance. Did something happen after I left the restaurant?”
“Your waitress let me know she gave you her number.” Not to mention drilled me on your favorite things and how she could make you be more than a one-night stand guy. She inched away and rolled over. “This is why neither of us will ever find anything serious. How many girlfriends and boyfriends are going to be okay with you climbing into my bed?”
“Confirmed bachelor.” He smiled and brushed a stray hair out of her face. “And if they want to be with you, they’re gonna have to deal with me.”
Rhi laughed and buried her head against his chest. Her stomach rumbled. “I didn’t have lunch and only ate half my dinner.”
He lifted her chin and scowled. “I’m gonna have to beat him senseless the next time I see him at the gym. You know that, right?”
She groaned. “Hopefully, he’ll never be there at the same time I am again.”
“We always go together. You don’t have to worry about being alone with him.”
“Why do guys have to be creepy—even when the woman plans to sleep with them?” Rhi cocked her head to the side. “What happened to the party?”
“They all went to Robby’s. We mysteriously ran out of alcohol.”
She sat up and scooted away from him. “Why do you do this to me?”
“Do what?”
“Make me feel like an ass for ending your party early? Not to mention your date ditching you. Hell, you could be calling the waitress right now if it weren’t for me.”
“It’s not like I can’t go over there too. I moved them one apartment down so you could get some rest.” He sat up next to her.
“All right, go. I’m fine. The extra sleep will be good for me.”
“That would work and all...but I ordered takeout, and I’d hate to make you eat it all yourself.” Levi shrugged.
Rhi met his gaze. He’s smiling, the jerk. I want to wipe that smile off his face. A kiss would do it. Her face heated, and she covered her mouth with her hand. What the hell am I thinking? “Wow, I must have had too much to drink at dinner.”
“What? Did you even drink anything?” He quirked his brow.
“No…but that’s the only reason I’d ever think about kissing you.” She rose and paced the room.
Levi grinned and sat at the end of her bed. “I mean, I am a good kisser.”
Rhi smacked him in the arm. “Now I do need some wine. Where did you hide it?”
“I didn’t hide anything. Just told them we were all out.” He stood and traipsed into the kitchen.
She followed him, jumping when the doorbell rang. She stepped over to answer the door and smiled when she saw the delivery driver.
“Uh, Levi Morris?”
“I’m his roommate.”
“All paid for. Enjoy your evening.” He nodded once and turned down the hall.
“For your mom’s cooking? I love her cooking. When does she want us?” Levi licked his lips.
“Well, there’s always Sunday dinner.”
“Hell yeah, let’s go. Maybe I can convince her to make lasagna.” He rubbed his hands together.
“If you want that, we can go to the Italian place downtown.” Rhi downed half of her mimosa and sat back in her chair.
“Not as good as your mom’s. And why do I get the feeling something’s wrong?” Levi reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“I’m fine. Just half asleep and hungry. It was a long night, and I was so rudely awakened too early.” Rhi pulled her hand away and picked at her napkin.
“What happened last night? You left kinda early, so I figured you met someone.” Levi slid his chair closer to her.
“I went down the bar and grill two doors down. It wasn’t as crowded. Ran into a couple of ex-boyfriends…decided it wasn’t the night to try and find anyone new.” Rhi polished off the rest of her first mimosa and reached for the second. “I’m thinking my whole lifestyle needs to change if I ever want to find someone.”
“Maybe you should get some food in you before you start that one.” Levi took the full glass and set it out of her reach.
“Levi, why did you—”
Max appeared with their order and placed it in front of them. He tsked at Levi. “I thought you were the designated driver, mister.”
“I am. Can you bring her a regular orange juice?”
Max laughed. “On it.” He disappeared and returned with the juice almost as quickly as he’d left. “If you need anything else, just holler.”
Rhi sliced into her steak and dipped it in her runny egg yolks. “Cooked to perfection as usual.”
“What were you going to ask me?”
She shook her head, swallowed, and wiped her mouth on her napkin. “Nothing.”
“Come on. I want to know what it was.”
She focused on her food then took a drink of her juice. “Why did you have to kick the girl out so early this morning?”
Levi rubbed the back of his neck. “I know that wasn’t it. I told you. She mentioned the ‘L-word’ right after sex. Right after. I had to get her out of there.” He leaned forward and stared into her eyes. “Now, tell me what you wanted to ask me.”
Rhi held up her hands. “Freeze.”
Damn.
Freeze was their way of stopping a conversation they didn’t want to have. If one of them said it, the other immediately halted and changed the subject to something else.
Levi cleared his throat and sat back in his chair. “Which ex-jerks did you run into last night?”
“Kyle and Bryan. Bryan said that I should stop sleeping around because real men don’t like girls that do that.”
“But it’s okay for him to sleep with half the county? Talk about a double standard. I never liked him.”
“We dated for two years and you never said a word.”
“You two seemed happy. I wasn’t going to risk ruining your relationship—or our friendship—to tell you I didn’t like the guy. I didn’t hang out with you two enough to know he was a true tool until after you broke up.”
“Next time I date someone you don’t like, tell me. Maybe it’ll help me realize he’s a tool before the two year mark.” She stared at his plate. “Are you going to eat?”
“Right.” Levi grabbed his fork and knife and dug into his breakfast.
Ten quiet minutes later, Rhi groaned when she finished her food. “That meal should come with a ‘wear loose-fitting clothes’ warning.”
He slid her full mimosa across the table. “Well, when you wake up from your nap, we can go to the gym to make up for it.”
“Who says I’m going to take a nap?” She took a sip of the drink.
“It’s eight-thirty on a Saturday morning, you’ve been awake for two hours, sounds like you had a rough night, and you’re working on your second mimosa.” Levi tapped the glass. “Not to mention the food baby you’re digesting.”
Rhi laughed. “I guess you’re right.” She drained the rest of the mimosa. “Flag Max down and let’s get out of here.”
Chapter Three
LEVI
May 9th
Levi polished off the last of his beer and watched the brunette woman beside him stand and grab her phone. “Hey, it’s still early. I’ll buy you another drink.”
“I have to work tomorrow and have way too much on my mind to drink anything else.”
Levi flashed her a smile and then turned to the bartender. “Get me another and one of whatever she’s drinking.”
The woman gave him a perplexed look. “I’m good, thanks.” She shook her head but sat down again.
“Tell me what’s weighing so heavy on a pretty girl like you.”
She studied him for a moment then picked up the fresh Cosmo in front of her and drained it. “I broke up with my boyfriend of nine years because I found out he was cheating on me.”
He gave a low whistle and held out his hand. “I’m Levi. Let me get you a refill.”
“Trista.” She shook his hand and smiled. “Yeah, no. Two’s my hard limit.”
“You’re turning over a new leaf. You just dumped a prick. Why not live on the wild side for once?” Levi motioned to the bartender for another. “You downed that. You can’t tell me you don’t need another.” He scooted his stool closer to her, slipping his knee between hers.
“You’re too attractive for the old ‘get a girl drunk, take her home, and have your way with her’ routine.”
Levi eased back. “Whoa. No. I’m having a party at my place in about an hour. I was going to try and talk you into coming. Then if you decide to have sex with me later, I’m all for that, but consensual only and after you’ve sobered up a bit. I don’t take advantage of people.”
The bartender set another Cosmo in front of Trista.
“Put that on my tab but I don’t think she’s drinking it.” Levi’s phone chimed and he glanced over at it.
RHI:
Strike one. lol
He surveyed the room but didn’t see her anywhere.
LEVI:
You’re not even here. What are you talking about?
She picked up the glass and took a sip. “What, I call you out and now you’re ignoring me?”
“Calling me out would imply that I did that. Which I don’t.”
RHI:
I have my sources. Striking out with the pretty girl next to you.
LEVI:
Considering she’s still talking to me, I don’t think that counts as a strike. And aren’t you on a date?
“I guess you’re not interested in me going back with you and a night of wild sex.” She ran her hand over his leg.
Levi put his phone down and turned around. “I’m very much interested in that.”
“Who ya texting? Ex-girlfriend you screw when you can’t find anyone else?” She raised her eyebrows.
Damn, this woman can flip a mood faster than a chef flips pancakes. “Um—my best friend. She seems to have spies here and thinks I’m striking out with you.”
The woman leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I guess we should prove her wrong, shouldn’t we?”
“Oh, most definitely.” He laughed. “Just give me one minute.” He ordered an Uber then sent Rhi a quick text.
LEVI:
Bottom of the ninth, one strike, bases loaded. Home run.
The woman clutched his hand. “Come on, take me to this party.”
“You got it.” Levi dropped some money on the bar, snaked his arm around her waist, and moved toward the door. He stopped when they stepped into the other room and he caught a glimpse of Rhi sitting with the guy from the gym—Chad or something. So, she is here.
Rhi rubbed her temples.
He frowned.
“You okay?” The woman leaned into him.
“Yeah. I’ll be right back. I think I see someone I know.” He removed his arm and stormed over to Rhi’s table.
Chad narrowed his gaze and pointed a finger at Rhi. “Oh no. I’ll pay for dinner because you’ll owe me something then.”
Fucking jerk. Levi growled as he made his way across the room.
“Fuck that.” Rhi rose and motioned for the nearby waitress.
“Can I help you, miss?”
“Can I get my food at the bar? This date is over.”
“No way.” Chad gripped her wrist with one hand and yanked on her hair with the other one. “We’re not done yet.”
Levi clutched the back of Chad’s neck and squeezed. “I suggest you let her go before I throw you out myself.”
“Fuck. Let me go!” Chad whined and released his grip.
The waitress put her arm around Rhi and pulled her away.
Levi withdrew his hand and ran it through his hair as he shot a quick glance at Rhi.
Chad spun toward Levi, glowered, and puffed out his chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
“Whoever the fuck I need to be to get you to leave her alone. Or maybe I should take you outside to teach you how to treat women.”
“Fuck off.” Chad shoved Levi, who didn’t budge.
Levi jabbed his finger into Chad’s chest. “First things first. Just because you buy a woman dinner doesn’t mean she owes you shit. Second, grabbing any woman like that is assault. Everyone has boundaries and you need to learn not to cross them.”
“Who knew the slut had standards? From what I hear, you’re not that great anyway.” He barged past Levi, growled, and stormed out the door.
“I’ll see if I can get the manager to take his meal off your bill.”
“I’ll cover it. Don’t worry about it.” Levi pulled out his wallet, handed the waitress his card, and then glanced over at the table. “Pack hers to-go.” He looked over to where he’d left his date and saw her walking out the door with another guy. “Looks like she found someone else.”
Rhi threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you. And I’m sorry about your date. Go after her if you want.”
“Nah, I’m heading back to the apartment. I’m hosting that party in an hour, remember?”
“Oh, yeah.” She turned to the waitress. “Hey, I’m gonna eat at the bar. Don’t worry about making it to go.”
“Are you sure? I have an Uber on the way. You can ride with me. It’s not like you’re not welcome there. It is your place too.” Levi smiled. Come home with me, so I can make sure you’re safe and Chad doesn’t show up to do something stupid.
“I’ll be fine.” Rhi pushed up on her toes and pecked his cheek. “I need to calm down and reset a bit before I can handle that many people in the apartment.”
Levi pulled out his phone. “I’ll text Robby and have him move it to his pla—”
“No.” Rhi put her hand on her arm. “I just need a little time alone, okay? I’ll call you if I need you.”
He nodded and kissed her forehead. “Be safe, and I don’t care what time it is… call me.”
“I promise.” She squeezed his hand and made her way toward the bar.
He dropped some cash on the table as a tip.
The waitress sauntered over to him and handed him his card back. “You’re a good guy.” She motioned to Rhi. “Did you two date?”
“She’s my best friend.” Levi’s gaze wandered over to where Rhi was sitting. But she was so much more than that. She was his confidant, the one he went to when he had a problem. And she did the same thing to him. She was the first person he thought of in the morning and the one he wanted to make happy.
“Best friend with benefits, right?” The waitress bumped his arm.
Levi laughed. “Nope.” What would it be like to kiss Rhi? He shook the thought from his head.
She flipped over his receipt and scrawled her number on it. “I’m done here around midnight if you’re still looking for a date.”
He tucked the piece of paper in his pocket. “Just remember...I’m a bachelor and one-night stand kinda guy.”
“You never know when you might meet the one.” She giggled and strolled across the room toward the bar.
Levi glanced at Rhi one more time.
She turned and waved to him.
He tipped his head, shoved his hands in his pockets, and trudged to the door to find his Uber out front. He climbed into the backseat and smiled at the driver.
“Waiting for someone?”
“Nah. She checked out.”
The driver nodded and pulled out onto the street. “Seems early for a guy your age to be calling it a night.”
“I’m going to a party.”
“Nice. Meeting a girl there?”
Levi shrugged and chuckled. “You know, for the first time in a long time, I’m not interested in taking anyone home.”
Chapter Four
RHI
May 9th
Rhi stopped outside their apartment door. Bass bumped through the walls telling her the party was in full swing.
The door flew open, and Robby put the brakes on before barreling into her. “Whoa, Rhi! You’re here. I thought you were going out.”
“I did. It ended early. I’m going to grab clothes and go to my parents’ house.”
“No way. You’ll be the coolest girl here. Stay so the rest of us have someone to talk to who’s not fawning over Levi.” Robby snorted. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
Rhi tapped her foot and held her purse in front of her. She didn’t want to deal with people tonight. Fuck it. She opened the door and wove through the crowd to her bedroom. She padded inside her room, closed the door, and locked it behind her. “Thank God for locks.”
It would be easy to block out the party sounds with headphones and go to sleep. She changed into a grey t-shirt that used to be Levi’s and a pair of white shorts with pandas on them then fell onto her bed and pulled a pillow over her head.
“Hey, Rhi? Where’d you go?” Robby’s voice carried over the loud music.
So much for not being noticed. She felt around for her phone and then moved the pillow a smidge.
RHI:
Way to call me out. I’m in my room vegging for a bit. Let me have some time, okay?
ROBBY:
K
Rhi turned her phone to silent, put it on the nightstand, and completely covered her head again.
“Hey.” Levi tapped on her door. “Everything all right?”
Damn it. Why does he have to notice these things? “I’m fine. Enjoy your party.”
“Are you sure?” He jiggled the door handle.
“Yes.” The bass from the party was too loud to sleep. She grabbed her phone and wireless headphones, opened her music app, and laid down. Four songs later, the mattress sunk behind her.
Levi pulled out one of her earbuds and tucked her under his arm.
“Sometimes, I hate that you have a key. Leave me alone.”
“Not a chance. Did something happen after I left the restaurant?”
“Your waitress let me know she gave you her number.” Not to mention drilled me on your favorite things and how she could make you be more than a one-night stand guy. She inched away and rolled over. “This is why neither of us will ever find anything serious. How many girlfriends and boyfriends are going to be okay with you climbing into my bed?”
“Confirmed bachelor.” He smiled and brushed a stray hair out of her face. “And if they want to be with you, they’re gonna have to deal with me.”
Rhi laughed and buried her head against his chest. Her stomach rumbled. “I didn’t have lunch and only ate half my dinner.”
He lifted her chin and scowled. “I’m gonna have to beat him senseless the next time I see him at the gym. You know that, right?”
She groaned. “Hopefully, he’ll never be there at the same time I am again.”
“We always go together. You don’t have to worry about being alone with him.”
“Why do guys have to be creepy—even when the woman plans to sleep with them?” Rhi cocked her head to the side. “What happened to the party?”
“They all went to Robby’s. We mysteriously ran out of alcohol.”
She sat up and scooted away from him. “Why do you do this to me?”
“Do what?”
“Make me feel like an ass for ending your party early? Not to mention your date ditching you. Hell, you could be calling the waitress right now if it weren’t for me.”
“It’s not like I can’t go over there too. I moved them one apartment down so you could get some rest.” He sat up next to her.
“All right, go. I’m fine. The extra sleep will be good for me.”
“That would work and all...but I ordered takeout, and I’d hate to make you eat it all yourself.” Levi shrugged.
Rhi met his gaze. He’s smiling, the jerk. I want to wipe that smile off his face. A kiss would do it. Her face heated, and she covered her mouth with her hand. What the hell am I thinking? “Wow, I must have had too much to drink at dinner.”
“What? Did you even drink anything?” He quirked his brow.
“No…but that’s the only reason I’d ever think about kissing you.” She rose and paced the room.
Levi grinned and sat at the end of her bed. “I mean, I am a good kisser.”
Rhi smacked him in the arm. “Now I do need some wine. Where did you hide it?”
“I didn’t hide anything. Just told them we were all out.” He stood and traipsed into the kitchen.
She followed him, jumping when the doorbell rang. She stepped over to answer the door and smiled when she saw the delivery driver.
“Uh, Levi Morris?”
“I’m his roommate.”
“All paid for. Enjoy your evening.” He nodded once and turned down the hall.
