Page 81 of Sidelined Love

“I should go,” I say as I stretch my arms in front of me, mentally preparing for the drive back to my place.

“You don't have to,” he counters softly, almost too quietly for me to hear.

I pause, slightly confused. “Wait, what?”

Levi puts the fork down and turns to me. He runs the back of his hand along my jaw, and I shiver against his touch almost immediately. “Please stay.”

Our eyes lock, his intense gaze cutting straight through me. It's a stark contrast to the nervous energy he gave off when we first met and the dominant nature he'd showcase in the bedroom. Every fiber of my being tells me to push him away, to uphold the carefully crafted walls I've built. But when I have Levi staring at me as if I'm his lifeline in a chaotic world, I can't say no.

“Okay,” I concede. “I'll stay.”

31

HAILEY

The next morning, I wake up slowly and peacefully. There isn't a blaring alarm from my phone or someone banging on the front door. It's just me naturally waking up after a full night's rest.

It's strange, yet I love it.

I open my eyes and I notice I'm not alone. Given where I am, it doesn't make sense that I would be.

I turn my head until my eyes land on Levi, who is still sleeping beside me. His chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, and it seems as if the demons he's fighting when he's awake allow him to rest when he's asleep. My fingers are itching to play with his messy hair, but I refrain, not wanting to disturb him.

I watch him silently, taking in the strong lines of his jaw and the faint stubble. Deciding that I can't spend my time just staring at him while I wait for him to wake up, I slip out of his bed and manage to not wake him up.

I make my way into his kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. I can't help but look through what he has in the way of coffee, and I'm mildly impressed. He has a selection that would make most coffee shops envious, beans from all over the world neatly linedup in mason jars with handwritten labels. I must have missed this last night when I was distracted by his drunken state. I pick out a blend that promises notes of caramel and chocolate because I know it's going to be good.

When did he get this? Not that it matters.

I settle onto a barstool at his kitchen island, the mug warming my hands. I've barely taken my first sip when I hear footsteps against the hardwood floor. Levi comes into view, and I can't help but stare at him. He's definitely still half asleep but looks much better than he did last night.

“Morning,” he says, the huskiness in his voice sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. “Not going to lie, I'm surprised you're still here.”

“Good morning, and there was no way I was leaving you before I confirmed how you were doing this morning,” I reply with a small smile. “I hope you don't mind, I made myself some coffee. I didn't know you had this fancy set up.”

He smirks and pulls a mug down from a cabinet. “I didn't until recently.”

“Oh really?”

Levi's smirk grows into a full-fledged grin as he pushes the hair from his forehead. “Wanted to impress a certain coffee barista I know as well as make her feel more comfortable at my apartment. Figured coffee might be the way to her heart,” he admits, pouring himself a cup and taking a seat next to me.

I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. “Well, you were right,” I admit, taking another sip of my coffee. “This does make me feel more at home.”

There's a comfortable silence between us as we both enjoy the peacefulness of the morning. I'm struck by how cozy this all feels, and although I want to tell him this, I fight the urge to break the silence.

“So,” he starts, breaking the silence as he turns to me, “about last night…”

I put down my mug, preparing to listen to whatever he is willing to say. “What about it?”

“I just wanted to say thanks. Not only for coming to Asher's but for sticking around afterward. You didn't have to, and I know that.” He runs a hand through his hair, pausing as if he's searching for the right words. “Having you there, it meant a lot to me. After having to deal with my father putting me down again, it felt good to have someone there that I felt was there for me and only me.”

“Your father is what led to you spiraling last night?”

Levi nods. “I had a bad game, and he was determined to make my evening worse, so I decided to get drunk enough that I didn’t have to think.”

I stare at him, hoping that he’s telling a joke that isn't funny. He’s going to say that he’s just kidding right?

Wrong. He doesn’t say anything to take it back.

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