Page 20 of Finding Her Strength

“Anyway, Hope, do you have any weddings coming up?”

“Thankfully, no. They are a huge time commitment for a little shop like mine.”

“I can only imagine. All those centerpieces to make by yourself.”

“Is supper ready yet?” a booming voice asks, coming around the corner. It makes me jump a little in surprise. I’m assuming this is Rob, Levi’s dad, because he looks exactly like Cooper, only with a few gray hairs and laugh lines around his eyes. Levi looks a lot like his dad but has enough of his mom not to be identical.

“Just about, dear,” Alice responds, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“You’re not one of mine.” Rob looks at me with a friendly smile.

“This is Hope. She owns Blooming Beautiful.”

“So, you’re the one who’s been filling my house with beautiful flowers. It’s nice to meet you.” He grins.

“Guilty. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“Hey, guys!” Cooper’s voice matches his dad’s boom as he and Quinn step into the kitchen. I’m glad they’re finally here. Having a few extra people will help take the focus off me. Hugs are given out before Alice asks the boys to set the table. Quinn and I help get drinks together while Alice grabs up the serving dishes.

We all make our way to the dining room; Quinn and Cooper sit on one side of the table, Levi on the other, and Rob and Alice at each end, which leaves only one chair left for me.

Right next to Levi.

If I hadn’t been through worse, this would probably rank up there with one of the most stressful nights I’ve been through.

The smell of him alone is enough to drive me crazy. Having to sit within touching distance is going to test every ounce of self-control I have.

12

LEVI

Hope’s soft laugh spreads through the room, making everyone smile when she does. I don’t think she has any idea of the effect she has on people. It’s been fascinating to watch her slowly grow in confidence as the meal has progressed. It’s as if I’m talking to a totally different person.

Having to sit next to her throughout dinner has been both amazing and agonizing. I’ve wanted to grab her hand or put mine on her thigh the entire evening. Anything to create a connection between us that’s more than just the tension sparking in the air.

I know she felt the same thing I was feeling when she arrived. Standing so close to her in that tiny hallway was a test of my self-control. I was two seconds away from grabbing her and kissing the fuck out of her, so I’m glad she broke the connection when she did.

Ever since then, I’ve had to almost sit on my hands to keep from touching her. I wish I could understand her allure. I’ve never had such a strong need to be close to a woman before. They’ve always been either a distraction or an energy release. No one has ever created a buzz inside me I never want to expel.

“You should come out with us sometime! The girls are a riot,” Quinn says to Hope, and I smile at the invitation. I can only imagine what will happen when Natalie gets her hands on Hope.

“I think I’d like that,” Hope replies.

“I’ll make sure the girls keep things low-key at first.” Quinn winks.

“There’s no way Natalie Carlisle can be low-key.” I laugh.

“Facts.” Cooper points at me in agreement. Our entire group has been friends since we were in kindergarten, and despite being a year younger, they included me in all their plans. I was lucky to have an older brother who actually wanted to hang out with me.

“Megan and I can help keep her reined in, Hope. Promise.”

Hope grins, nodding her head.

“How is Natalie doing?” Mom asks. Natalie got trapped in a house fire set by a lunatic arsonist, and we weren’t sure she was going to make it. It was a scary time for all of us.

“She’s healing up really well. Home now from the hospital and already back to being her spitfire self.” Quinn grins, shaking her head.

“Good. I hope you guys can get together soon,” Mom says, looking at Hope with a great big smile on her face and a gleaming look in her eyes. I suddenly understand exactly why this little dinner was planned. The crazy, scheming lady. She knew Quinn would invite Hope out with the girls if given the opportunity, and her plan is falling into place exactly how she wanted.

---