Page 4 of Farmer's Elegant Bride

“That sounds delicious,” I say with a smile.

“How do you like your steak? Rare, medium, well done?”

I swallow hard, wondering if he will judge me based on my preference. I know Mom always did. “Um, whichever you prefer is fine with me,” I reply, my voice slightly shaky despite my best efforts to sound confident.

There is a pause, the air thick with tension as Levi’s gaze remains fixed on mine. Without breaking eye contact, he reaches out and pulls me to my feet, the sudden closeness leaving us mere inches apart. My heart races in my chest, and the proximity sends a rush of heat through my veins.

Levi’s voice breaks the silence, low and husky. “For this to work,” he says, his breath warm against my skin, “you’ll have to tell me exactly what you like. Remember, we’re trying to get to know each other better.”

I nod, swallowing hard, feeling a flutter of nerves in the pit of my stomach. His closeness is intoxicating, his presence looming large and overwhelming.

“So we’re going to try this again. How do you like your steak?” Levi asks again, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

I meet his gaze, willing myself to speak despite the butterflies in my stomach. “Um, well done,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Levi’s lips twitch into a small smile, his fingers tightening ever so slightly around mine. “Well done it is,” he murmurs, his breath ghosting over my lips.

For a moment, I wish he would kiss me as the silent plea echoes in my mind. Please, just one kiss. But unfortunately, he can’t hear the voice in my head.

Before releasing me, Levi’s voice softens with concern. “You must be tired,” he murmurs, his eyes flickering with genuine care. “How about I draw you a bath?”

I manage a nod, my voice caught in my throat as I long for his touch. With a gentle smile, he turns away, leaving me yearning for more. As he turns to go, a small part of me wishes he would linger, that he would lean in and press his lips against mine in a tender kiss.

But he doesn’t, and as he disappears, I’m left standing there, my heart pounding with anticipation and longing.

Chapter Four

Levi

I almost kissed her!

I pull my fingers through my hair, a harsh breath escaping my lips. I’m standing in the middle of my kitchen, staring into space, unable to start dinner because I can’t stop thinking about how I almost kissed Aurora.

Her lips, soft and inviting, tempt me with the promise of sweet kisses. Her gentle curves, accentuated by the way her clothes cling to her body, leave me yearning to explore every inch of her, to be worshipped with reverence and devotion.

This woman is incredible. I sensed something special about her when we first started chatting on the app. But now, seeing her in person, experiencing her warmth and presence firsthand, I’m utterly captivated.

She surpasses every expectation I had, her intelligence, kindness, and strength shining through in every interaction. There’s a depth to her that I find myself drawn to, a complexity that intrigues and excites me.

Taking a deep breath, I shake out of my reverie and force myself to focus on making dinner. I’m prepping the steak when her voice calls out my name. Quickly wiping my hands on a kitchen towel, I rush upstairs to her bedroom.

Standing outside the bathroom door, I hesitate for a moment, unsure of what to expect. “Aurora?” I call out. “Is everything all right?”

“Uh… yeah.” She’s a little hesitant. “Sorry to disturb you, but could you please help me with something?”

Relief floods through me as I realize she’s all right. “Of course, what do you need?”

“I left my loofah on the bed. Could you bring it to me?”

“Of course.” I turn to the bed and find a pink loofah lying next to a dress she plans to wear after bathing. Pushing open the door, I step into the bathroom, my gaze immediately drawn to her as she sits in the bathtub, surrounded by steam and bubbles.

For a moment, I’m held spellbound by the sight before me. Her long hair cascades behind her like a waterfall of silk, trailing in dark waves that shimmer in the soft glow of the bathroom light. The water glistens on her skin.

Her eyes meet mine, and I’m struck by the intensity of the connection between us. Her gaze has a vulnerability, a rawness that draws me in and leaves me breathless.

“Thank you,” she says, her voice soft and melodic, breaking the spell that enveloped me.

I nod, unable to tear my eyes away as I approach her, handing her the loofah. “Here you go,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I offer her a small smile.

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