Page 53 of Levi

Kinley laughed. “It will later. Get dressed,” she said as she removed her makeup case and headed for the other bathroom.

After applying her makeup, she walked to the living room to wait for Levi, but he was already there.

“You shaved awfully fast. You didn’t nickyourself, did you?” she asked with a smile.

“I didn’t shave fast, you just took a long time to put your makeup on, which you do not need.” He walked toward her, then kissed her lips. “I’ll kiss that lipstick off later,” he murmured against her lips.

“Fine by me, cowboy. We should probably get going.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They walked to the kitchen where Levi removed her coat from the hook and held it for her, then he put his on, and removed his hat from the peg. He opened the door for her and inclined his head for her to go out. He stepped onto the porch, pulled the door closed, then placed his hat on his head, tugging it low and she almost sighed. God, she loved him so much.

Levi brought his truck to a halt beside the porch, the engine purring as he turned it off. Opening his door, he stepped out and began making his way around the front of the vehicle. But before he could reach her door, she was already out, her hand extended toward him.

As they ascended the stairs, the door swung open and Addison’s smiling face greeted them.

“Come in. It’s freezing out there,” she exclaimed.

Kinley chuckled. “Make your man keep you warm.”

“He’ll be doing that later.” Addison laughed.

“Who will be doing what later?” Cody asked from behind them when he entered the kitchen.

“I mentioned how cold it was outside, and Kinley suggested having my man warm me up.” She shrugged. “I told her you’d be doing thatlater.”

Cody grinned. “We could ring in the new year with a bang,” he joked before grunting as Addison elbowed him playfully, causing everyone to laugh.

After removing their coats, Kinley took a look around the kitchen and spotted trays upon trays of food, causing her stomach to growl in anticipation.

“We’ll eat in a little while. I’ve made pulled pork, spinach and artichoke dip, nacho cheese dip, and stuffed mushrooms.”

“I didn’t think I was hungry until you listed all of that,” Levi chimed in.

“We can eat whenever. The pork is cooking in the crockpot, so help yourselves.” Addison grinned.

“What can I offer you to drink? We have cola, root beer, ginger ale, and of course, water,” Cody offered politely.

Kinley noticed Levi quickly glance away before answering. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.

“No problem at all. What would you like?”

“Ginger ale would be perfect.”

“And for you, Kinley?”

“I’ll have the same, thank you Cody.” She replied with gratitude. She knew he was doing it for Levi’s sake.

“Well then, let’s settle in and watch some movies as we wait for the ball to drop.” Addison beamed as she led the way toward the living room.

Kinley stole a quick kiss from Levi before following her. She couldn’t have asked for a better way to ring in the new year than with thepeople she loved most.

****

Levi took the two glasses of ginger ale from Cody’s outstretched hand.

“I appreciate you doing this,” Levi said, with a grateful smile.

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