Page 21 of Code Red Chemistry

Kristina’s eyes go wide as Alex’s fork clatters against his plate.

“We ran into each other in SoHo a couple of weeks ago and,” I continue before I lose my nerve, “we’ve actually been out together a few times now.”

“Wait, you and Levi?” Alex’s tone is incredulous. “Levi, Levi?”

“Yes.”

“But you always said he was such a player. Hell, he is a player. How could—”

“He’s not like that anymore,” I say, words tumbling from my mouth. “Levi’s thoughtful and sincere and genuine, and I know you may not be thrilled with the idea of us dating, especially not so soon, but I think I’m falling for him and…”

The door buzzes, cutting me off. My heart leaps into my throat. Because he’s here. Surely, that’s Levi, and, based on my brother’s expression, the shit is about to hit the fan. Kristina, with a hesitant glance at her husband, shoots me areally, Levi?look, her nose wrinkling, before she jumps up to answer the door. Alex stares at me as if I’ve lost my mind and pushes back his chair, rising.

I follow suit, my heart nearly stopping when Levi appears in the doorway, Kristina hot on his heels. His dark hair is still damp from what must have been a hasty shower, and he’s wearing a black, long-sleeve shirt that makes his eyes look like meltedchocolate. But it’s the determination etched across his face that steals my breath.

“Alex,” he says without preamble, facing my brother. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Then, his gaze swings back to mine across the table, and electricity crackles through the air. “I’m in love with your sister.”

The silence that follows is deafening.

Until Levi continues. “I love how brilliant she is. I love her fierce drive, the way she never gives up on her dreams. I love how she calls me on my bullshit and pushes me to be better.” His voice cracks. “To be honest, I’ve loved her since your wedding, but I was too scared to admit it. And, hell, I wasn’t good enough back then. But now? I’m still not, but the only thing worse than risking our friendship is the thought of losing her again.”

My eyes burn with unshed tears as Alex rakes a hand through his hair, glancing from Levi to me and back again as if still processing the news. I would speak, but my throat is so tight I couldn’t force out a single word if I tried.

“This makes no sense. You’re—” Alex starts, his voice a mix of disbelief and accusation. “You’re the kind of guy who’d rather run into a burning building than face a second date. The one who—” He stops, studying Levi’s face with the careful assessment I’ve seen him use on injured players.

“I was that guy,” Levi acknowledges, not breaking eye contact. “But for the first time in my life, I want all the seconds. Hell, I want all the firsts, too. I want everything with Zoe.”

My heart hammers against my ribs as a muscle in Alex’s jaw ticks.

“Alex,” I manage, finding my voice. “Remember when you met Kristina and went from single to inseparable within days?”

“I remember,” Levi interjects.

Kristina’s fingers tighten on her husband’s arm. Alex glances at his wife then back at Levi, who hasn’t moved from his spot just inside the doorway.

“You really love her?” Alex asks, his tone softening just enough to kindle hope in my chest.

“More than I’ve ever loved anyone,” Levi answers without hesitation. “And, to be clear, I don’t need your permission to date Zoe. But I’d like it. Because your sister?” His eyes find mine again, and the intensity in their depths sends a shiver through me. “She makes me want to be the kind of man who deserves her.”

Alex lets out a long breath, shoulders dropping. “You know if you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” Levi says, the ghost of a smile touching his lips.

“And you,” Alex turns to me. “You’re sure about this?”

I cross the room to stand beside Levi, feeling the familiar spark when I thread my fingers through his. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

“Well,” Kristina interjects, a grin spreading across her face. “I guess we need more wine. And all the details of what happened at our wedding because I sense a story there.”

Alex groans, but there’s affection beneath it. “Just…maybe, notallthe details.”

And with that, Levi turns to me with a gleam in his eye. He tugs me against his chest, one hand cupping my face as he kisses me softly.

“Oh, God,” Alex groans. “I’m already regretting this.”

But I can hear the resignation in his voice, and Kristina’s squeal of glee, when Levi smiles against my lips and wraps his arms tight around me.

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