Page 28 of Levi

“If you can hold the box up for me, I’ll start from the bottom. I’m going to have to piece it together though, Levi. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, no problem. Thank you both.”

They worked together to wrap the boxes. Leviplaced the smaller box inside the larger one with the dollhouse. When they were finished, he picked up the wrapped present and carried it out to his truck. Cody held open the door for him, and Levi placed it on the seat before turning back to Cody.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Dinner is at three so come early and we can watch some football.”

“Sounds good.” Levi nodded at him, got into his truck, and drove to Kinley’s house.

Chapter Five

Kinley sat snuggled on the sofa, her eyes glued to the TV screen as the movie played. She ran her hand over Tootsie’s soft fur as she got lost in the story, but her ears perked up at the familiar sound of Levi’s truck pulling into the driveway. A smile spread across her face, and she couldn’t wait to see him. Excitement bubbled within her as she thought about all the gifts she had carefully chosen for him, now wrapped neatly under the twinkling lights of her Christmas tree.

Her heart skipped a beat when it sounded like he kicked at the front door. She jolted to her feet, set the cat down as a twinge of worry coursed through her. Hurrying to the door, she peered out the peephole, but all she could see was a large package adorned with festive wrapping paper.

“You want to open the door before some valuable things freeze off?” he called through the door.

With a grin, she swung open the door. “Come on in,” she greeted happily.

Levi stepped inside; his arms full with the massive package. “Sorry for kicking your door, I didn’t have a free hand to ring the doorbell.” He chuckled as he made his way past her.

Kinley caught a whiff of his aftershave mixed with the crisp chill from outside, sending a shiver down her spine in anticipation of spending tonight with him.

“What do you have there?” Kinley asked witha wide grin, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had no idea what Levi could possibly be carrying.

“Just a little something for you. Santa gave it to me to give you,” he replied with a grin as he set the large box on the floor by the Christmas tree. He removed his coat and hat, hanging them up before leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips.

“Alittlesomething? Looks bigger than that,” Kinley commented with a teasing smile.

“Gee, darlin’, thanks.” Levi chuckled, his dimples deepening as he grinned at her playfully.

“I knew the minute I said it, you’d make a comment.” Kinley shook her head in amusement.

He looked at her intently. “I could have just used a big box to throw you off.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to hide her smile. “You’d do that too.”

Levi laughed. “You know me too well, already.”

Kinley couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around his waist. “And I really like what I know.”

He tenderly cupped her cheeks in his hands, lowering his head to press another kiss on her lips. His lips lingered, and he deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer against him. He grinned against her lips when she let out a soft moan.

“I need a cup of coffee. It’s cold out there,” he said as they finally broke apart.

“I’ll get it.” Kinley turned away from him, but he quickly grabbed her wrist, making her face him again.

“I’m more than capable, sweetheart. Sit down and relax. I’ll be right back. Do you want one?”

“I have one, thanks.” She pointed toward the steaming cup on the coffee table.

“Alright.” He kissed her once more before heading toward the kitchen.

Kinley watched him go, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She walked over to the large present, her fingers tracing the delicate wrapping paper as she stared at it in wonder.

“What are you doing?” Levi asked, causing her to jump in surprise when he suddenly appeared in the room. He laughed at her guilty expression.

---