Page 49 of One Life to Loathe

“Don’t be angry,” Daisy said in a low voice as I watched Jax and Leo hit up the bartender. “I just thought it might be good for him. He’s been a bit of a…” She trailed off without finishing it out.

“Donkey,” I supplied.

She smirked. “He’s a total donkey. The thing is, I don’t believe he does it on purpose. He just does it because…”

“Because he doesn’t know what else to do,” I finished.

She nodded. “He’s just an idiot. A lot of men are.”

“I heard that.” Levi appeared behind Daisy. His face was flushed with whatever he’d been drinking, and he looked to be having the time of his life. “What guy is an idiot now?” he asked. “Is it Jax? He’s kind of due to pull a boner.”

“Jax pulls a boner every night,” Daisy replied on a mischievous giggle. “We’re not talking about him, though.”

“Ah. That means you’re talking about Leo.” Levi bobbed his head as if he’d been expecting the news. “What idiotic thing has he done today?”

“He’s not an idiot,” I supplied automatically. Why I felt the need to stand up for him was beyond me. “He’s just a pain.”

“He’s both,” Levi said. “He’s an idiot for not recognizing why he’s tied in knots. He’s a pain because he deals with being tied in knots by being a douche canoe.”

“Do you know why he’s tied in knots?” I asked, curious despite myself.

“Seriously?” Levi broke out in a wide grin and darted a look toward Daisy. “Does she really not know?”

Daisy shook her head when I sent her a questioning look. “She’s clueless,” Daisy replied.

“Aw, that’s kind of cute.” Levi reached over and gave my cheek a squeeze. “I love a clueless woman.”

“I’m not clueless.” Unless I was. “Why would you say that?”

“Because it’s obvious that Leo is in such a bad mood because he’s got the hots for you.”

That was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard. “That is just complete and total crap.”

Levi’s eyebrows hiked toward his hairline as he sipped his cocktail and shared a speculative look with Daisy.

“She doesn’t see it,” Daisy said. “She’s oblivious to her own adorableness.”

“Oh, listen to you guys,” I muttered. “I am not adorable.”

“Honey, if I wasn’t allergic to vaginas—and vaguely scared of them—I would be all over you because you’re just so adorable,” Levi countered.

The words pleased me. “Really?”

“What about me?” Daisy demanded.

“You and I couldn’t live together,” Levi replied. “We’ve already come to that conclusion. We’re better off as friends. If we shared the same roof there would be bloodshed.”

“Well, that’s true,” Daisy agreed.

“On top of that, you were always destined to be with Jax,” he continued. “Isn’t that what you told me?”

“When I was drunk and feeling philosophical,” Daisy replied. “I also didn’t tell you that so you could use it against me.”

“I’m just saying … you’re right where you’re supposed to be.” Levi’s gaze was heavy when it landed on me. “Now we just need to figure out where Sam and Leo are supposed to be.”

“I’m supposed to be here,” I replied. “This show is going to be a big hit. So big, I might even be able to buy a house here. I absolutely love this town.”

“And Leo?” Daisy asked.

---