Page 14 of Levi

“Oh, so you want to do something...nicefor me?”

“Maybe.”

“Here’s your food,” Lanie said as she placed their plates in front of them.

“Thank you, Lanie,” Kinley replied.

“Thanks, Lanie.”

“You’re both welcome. Let me know if you need anything else,” Lanie said before walking away.

“So, were you born and raised in Clifton?”

“Not exactly in Clifton, but I grew up in Montana.”

“Where?”

“Bozeman. And you?”

“I’ve lived in Clifton my whole life.” Kinley smiled.

“How long is that?” He grinned.

“Thirty-six years. How old are you?”

“I’m definitely on the wrong side of forty.”

“How far on the wrong side?”

“I’m forty-three.”

“Have you ever been married, Levi?”

“No,” he answered sharply.

Kinley sighed. “It’s like pulling teeth trying to get information out of you.”

“I’m tired of repeating myself,” he said with a sigh.

“I just want to get to know you.”

He set his burger down and locked eyes with her. “It’s not something I want to talk about right now.”

She stared back at him, seeing the determination in his gaze, then nodded.

Her stomach churned, wondering why he couldn’t open up to her. She had things she wanted to share too, but it seemed like his secrets were worse, much worse. She nervously nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a serial killer,” he joked with a smile.

“I hope not,” Kinley replied. “I’ll tell you about my divorce when you’re ready to talk.” She glanced out the window at the heavy snowfall. “It’s snowing harder now.”

“Yeah, once we finish here, I’ll take you home.”

After they finished their meals, they walked out to his truck. He opened the door for her, helped her inside, then went around to the driver’s side and got in. He started the engine and drove them to her place.

****

As Levi drove Kinley back to her house, his mind was consumed with thoughts of telling her the truth. Tara had always accepted him without judgment, loving him for who he was rather than his past. That’s why he loved her so much. But even with that love, he couldn’t give her what she wanted most, marriage and children. That’s why things ended with Juliette too. He was resigned to a life of solitude because of his troubled past; he didn’t want to bring anyone else into that chaos.

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