Page 19 of Playing the Neutral Zone

“I was referring to the last part of your suggestion.”

“Why am I not a good idea?”he asked.

“What do you mean, why not?Have you completely lost your mind?”

“No, I meant exactly what I said I’m single, you’re apparently single and wanting to date.I know what the guys are like in this town…and I at least know if you’re dating me, you aren’t out with some jackass.”

“You do?”

“Yes, so the way I look at it, problems are solved.”

“Your focus shouldn’t be on me, Levi.You have Mia to worry about and look after.”

“Ah, yes, once again, Mia, your favorite excuse.Newsflash, but Mia and I are fine, and I can look after you both.There is enough of me to go around.”

“I don’t need to be looked after,” I said, feeling defensive.

I had no clue what Levi was up to with this.I knew how he’d reacted after the announcement of our engagement had gone out.How he’d told my brother never to breathe my name to him again.Those words had hurt.I was probably never supposed to hear them, but still I had.

“I never said you needed looking after.I said, if you want to date someone, why not date me?”

I met his eyes, and in those few seconds that we stood there looking at one another, not a single reason came to my mind why I shouldn’t date him.I should have had a thousand reasons, but I never even had a good reason for leaving him the first time.It wasn’t because he’d just had a baby dropped in his lap from some woman in one of his earlier relationships.It wasn’t because he’d had a one-night stand with her while he’d promised me a future with him.I knew our arrangement.He’d always been clear on his wants and promises.My reason wasn’t because of anything other than being afraid to help him with Mia, because the thought of stepping up and being a mother at such a young age absolutely terrified me.I did not know how to take care of myself, never mind someone else.So, I chose myself and I walked away from something that could have been great because I’d been too unsure of myself.

“Well?What is your reason?”he said, taking a step closer to me from which I stepped away.

He stood there, waiting for me to come up with something, but I had nothing, and the more I looked into his eyes, the further from nothing I got.

“You don’t have a reason, do you?”he questioned, a tiny smirk coming to his lips.

“Don’t you have errands to run?”I asked, trying to change the subject.

“Answer my question first, Scarlett.Errands can wait.I have a few hours.”

“What about practice?”I muttered.

“Day off,” he said, his stare growing more intense.

I stood there, staring into his eyes, growing more frustrated with myself by the second.

“Alright then, no reasons” he said, clapping his hands together.“I guess that means you should prepare yourself.”

“For what?”

“Our date this coming Saturday night.”

I was pretty sure there was shock written all over my face as he moved closer to me.

“Saturday?”I murmured, swallowing hard.

“Yes, Saturday, say seven.I’ll pick you up here and we’ll head out for the evening.We won’t be super late, but make sure you at least bring something warm to wear.It’s supposed to be a little on the cooler side that evening.

“What….What about Mia?”I muttered, praying that he’d come to his senses and realize he still had a little girl at home.

“What about her?She has a nanny, and I already know she is available that night because I made sure of it before I came down here.”

“You what?”I asked.

“Scarlett, you should know me better than this.I always have a plan when I’m going to make a play, on the ice and off.”

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