Page 104 of Aching for His Discretion

Brushing my hair in the mirror, I looked over to see the time was still a bit early, most likely because I hadn’t been able to sleep all night. I only got around three hours, which was normal when I was in medical school, but these days, I at least wanted to get six, maybe seven hours of sleep.

But it wasn’t studying that kept me up… no, it was Levi’s visit and his confession or, rather, revelation. Regardless, I felt lightheaded the entire night but found myself unable to fall asleep.

After finishing my neat ponytail, I fluffed my wavy curls slightly before smoothing out my scrubs and exiting the bathroom. Going into the kitchen, I started some coffee before I heard a knock at the door.

At five forty-five AM, I could only imagine who was outside of my door.

Going over, I unlocked it and opened it to see Levi once again. He looked… exhausted, as if he didn’t have the best night either. His hair was slightly disheveled, and he was dressed in a black hoodie and sneakers with grey joggers.

“You knocked…” I said softly as I recalled the few times he would simply end up inside my apartment, though I’d never questioned it.

“Told you I wanted to change. Knocking at the door would be a start…” he replied, and I stared at him for a moment before reluctantly walking away from the door, allowing him to walk in.

As he closed it behind him, I grabbed a mug from my cabinet and paused for a moment as I gazed at a specific one reminding me of a few years ago.

He sat on the couch, and I handed him a mug of tea. He looked at the mug curiously, and I laughed internally since it had an adorable panda design he was fixated on and studying.

Grabbing the panda one slowly, I grabbed my favorite pink mug as well before starting my Keurig. Looking over to the living room, I noticed Grayson had miraculously woken up and sauntered over to lay in Levi’s lap…Traitor.

Once the coffee was finished, I poured it into both mugs before adding a bit of syrup and creamer to mine. Going over to the living room, I placed his mug on the coffee table, and I held back a small smile as he looked at it with as much curiosity as he did when I gave it to him a few years ago. He took a sip nonetheless, and I sat on the other edge of the couch to put a bit of distance between us.

It felt weird… seeing him after all this time, and I didn’t know how to process it. Come to think of it, I haven’t been able to truly process him being here at all.

“You’re leaving for the hospital soon?” he asked, and I nodded.

“I am.”

“Could I… give you a ride?” he asked sheepishly, and I bit my lip as I looked down at my mug.

“I don’t think… that would be the best thing right now.”

“Understandable. Too soon, I guess,” he muttered.

“A little, yeah…”

We were silent once again, then he spoke.

“Can we talk about last night?” he asked, and I sighed, placing my mug down as I stood.

“Now is probably not the best time, Levi.”

“That’s fine… We can talk whenever you think is right. I don’t want to push you too far.”

You already have.

I pulled on my long, knit cardigan and grabbed my belongings as well. He stood for a moment, and I sighed as I rubbed my temples.

I was going to regret my next decision.I will hate myself for what I am about to say. I will blame myself for my progress being totally disregarded—but I decided to say it anyway.

“I’ll be home around seven. I’ll cook dinner and… we can talk then,” I muttered.

His eyes finally looked to have a bit of relief, but he composed himself. I could even tell he wanted to help me with my many bags, but he didn’t… and that was fine, because I wouldn’t have allowed him to help me anyway.

Grabbing my keys, I walked over to the door, and he followed slowly. Opening it, I bit my lip as he walked past me and stepped out. His familiar scent and cologne caused me to feel a bit overwhelmed, but I ignored it as I locked the door behind me.

Turning around, I gave a tight-lipped smile. “I’ll see you tonight.”

He simply stared into my eyes, and I gulped softly as he towered over me slightly and leaned in. A blush rose to my face, and he replied,

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