Page 43 of How Sweet It Is

I take the lead. I lightly pull back some of Amelia’s hair, letting it slide over my fingers as I brush it. It’s silky soft, and touching it makes my pulse race. I don’t know why. I’ve never done a woman’s hair before. It’s a little sexy and incredibly intimate somehow.

Amelia is silent as I brush her hair, combing it back. It’s long—it goes halfway down her back—and has soft waves. I can see why she likes to keep it up, but it’s beautiful down.

“Braid her hair, Uncle Levi,” Skyler commands.

Skyler made me braid her Barbie’s hair once, so I know how to do it. I pull back all her hair and separate it into three sections.

I can’t stop thinking about how close we were to kissing in the tent. I don’t want to take things there if she’s still saying she won’t date me, though, so I’m going to have to find a subtle way to discover how she feels about me.

Or maybe I’ll just come right out and ask.

CHAPTER 21

CLAIRE MATTHEWS — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Isit on the pile of pillows and cushions as Levi does my hair. I haven’t had my hair braided since I was probably six or seven years old. It’s bringing back sweet memories of when I was little.

But Levi braiding my hair feels very different from my mother braiding it, and it’s doing funny things to my breathing. His hands are strong yet gentle. Each time the pads of his fingers touch my scalp, it tingles. I can’t concentrate. All I can think about is Levi and how I was pretty sure he was about to kiss me in the fort.

And I almost let him.

I can’t, though. Rafe told me I’m not supposed to date while in witness protection. Actually, that’s not exactly true. He said, “It’s complicated, and any dating has to be pre-approved by the US Marshals, so just don’t get involved with anyone because it’s a sticky situation.”

But since Rafe said the word “approval,” that must mean that sometimes, it is allowed. Otherwise, he would have just said it’s not allowed. Right?

And if I don’t divulge who I am, what harm would it do to go out a little with Levi? The reason I’m not supposed to date is because I’m not supposed to tell anyone who I really am. That defeats the purpose of hiding here. But they didn’t say anything about getting involved as long as I don’t tell the truth. Rafe’s not even here right now. How would he even know?

Levi gets done with my hair, and Skyler claps. “Turn around, Amelia. I want to see how you look like a princess.”

I do as she says, turning to face her and Levi.

Skyler jumps up and down. “You’re so pretty.”

I make the mistake of looking at Levi. His gaze captures mine, and he stares at me, an intensity I haven’t seen before in his blue eyes.

“You are,” he says quietly.

My cheeks flush, and I turn to Skyler. “Let’s do your hair now.”

“Okay!”

I take out her pigtails and braid her hair. She squeals with delight when I get a mirror and show her how our hair is similar.

“We’re princesses now,” she proclaims.

“I guess we are. What should we do now that we’re princesses?”

“Let’s have a dance party.” Skyler stands and begins to gather up the blankets, piling them on the couch.

I help her clear the floor.

“Turn on some music,” she says.

I grab my phone and open a music app, searching for something kid-friendly. I end up with a Disney playlist.

As “Cruella De Vil” plays, Skyler jumps around, flinging her arms up. “Dance, Uncle Levi!” she commands.

Levi takes my hand and pulls me close, much closer than when we danced the waltz. His hand is splayed across my lower back, and I’m pressed against his chest.

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