Page 78 of Fallen Stars

Fuck, I love him. So damn much.

Snorts and laughter erupt around us and it’s enough to steal my attention. Reluctantly, I break the kiss and peek over Levi’s shoulder to see several sets of eyes on us.

“What?” I ask with a hint of mock irritation.

The corner of Skylar’s mouth tugs up in a gentle half smile. “Am I not allowed to be happy for you?”

I playfully roll my eyes. “I suppose so.”

Taking the stool next to Levi, I order food and a drink.

Light chatter sparks to life around the table while music from the jukebox plays from overhead speakers. Delilah asks when our next show is since we just played two days in a row. Hailey tells everyone we have a couple weeks off, her enthusiasm evident.

“It’s not that I don’t love being on stage”—Hailey drinks half her glass of water—“but it takes a lot out of you.” She loops herarm with Trip’s and rests her head on his shoulder. “I’m happy for the downtime.”

Plus, all three of us have jobs not involving the band.

I lay a hand on Levi’s thigh beneath the table as I smile at Hailey and Trip. “Same. I’m thinking of locking this one away”—I nudge Levi’s arm with mine—“all weekend.”

“Won’t hear me complain,” Levi says loud enough for the entire table to hear.

The table falls silent for two breaths. Then it’s as though everyone wakes back up. Some laugh while others cover their mouths to hide smiles. Beside me, Levi sits a little taller, uncaring of how his comment is taken.

I love this new brazen Levi.

Levi has always had this addictive air about him. An unwavering self-assurance I gravitate toward. A magnetism that lures me in and holds me captive. I doubt I’m the only one affected by his charms. The difference between Levi and most people is he doesn’t use his charisma as a weapon. Nor does he act as though he is more important than anyone else.

When it comes to his intelligence and what or who he holds close, Levi is unshakable. Some of his truths may take longer to find their voice, but they always find their way to the surface. And if anyone is brave enough to question his stance or intellect, he will argue his side on the matter until the other person sees reason.

Levi’s confidence and intelligence are his sexiest traits. Doesn’t hurt that he is fucking beautiful.

“We should pack up,” Trip says as Hailey yawns.

I glance at the time on my phone—just after eleven—and nod.

Levi nudges my leg with his. “Want help?”

Leaning into him, I press a chaste kiss to his lips. “Sure.”

As we rise from our stools, Kirsten grabs my arm and pulls me into her. “We’re heading out.”

“Us too,” Skylar and Delilah say in unison, then laugh.

Hugs, back slaps and good nights are exchanged. Law mentions covering our tab. Levi takes money from his wallet and presses it to Law’s chest until he accepts it. Amused by the whole situation, I linger in the background with a shit-eating grin on my face and a loose fist pressed to my mouth.

“Relentless,” Levi mutters as we walk toward the stage.

“Indeed.” I chuckle. “So are you.”

He scoffs as we start breaking down my drum kit. “Am not.”

I pin him with a glare.

“Okay, fine,” he huffs out. “Maybe a little.” He lifts his hand and pinches his thumb and finger together. “But you love it.”

I soften at his words and shrug. “I loveyou.”

He leans in and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “Love you, too.”

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