Page 27 of Sangria

Of course, my mind wanders to places it shouldn’t with Levi. Does his maid live here? Have they been intimate? All the while I’m mentally kicking my ass for even thinking these things when I shouldn’t be. I should be focused on healing, setting my mind free from the damage that Van has caused, and finding myself again. I am here to learn how to be Zara without Van. How to survive in a world that worships the ground he walks on. My time away from Los Angeles is meant to be peaceful. Not a time filled with self-induced drama over whether my friend, a man I barely know, is boning his housekeeper.

By the time I’m done with my musings, she’s returned with a tray that she sets down on the small table between two Adirondack chairs, and also sets down a blanket. I’m chilled, but not cold as the sun is doing its job to try and warm everything up.

“Thank you,” I tell her as I move closer. The aroma of the coffee has my taste buds begging for a sip.

“You’re welcome. I’m June, and I’ll be in the house if you need anything else. Just give me a holler.” She’s gone in a flash, not willing to hang out and see if I do, in fact, need anything else. I suppose, since I only asked for coffee and toast, it isn’t that hard to mess up, and she probably figures I’ll be fine for now.

As soon as I sit down, I regret it. While the chair is hard, it’s not uncomfortable, but my view of Levi is now limited due to the slats on his deck. I can only see glimpses of him, and while I shouldn’t be focused on him while he works, I am. For whatever reason, I can’t seem to get him off my mind.

After I finish eating, I cover my legs with the afghan and wish that I had a book to read, something to take my mind off Van, our divorce, and Levi being shirtless. I lean back and let the mid-morning sun warm my face. Even the sun feels differently than it does in California. Brighter and dare I say more cheerful. There isn’t an abundance of noise, buildings, or smog blocking out the rays. No wonder Levi prefers it here rather than Hollywood. I haven’t been here a day yet, and I can already see why. It’s not long until sleep finds me before it takes me away from my viewing pleasure and turns my sights into dreams.

My name is being called, and I can’t tell if it’s part of my dream or if someone is trying to wake me up. I stretch and yawn, only to hear a small bit of laughter. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust. Standing before me, shielding part of the sun is a still shirtless Levi.

“How long have I been asleep?” I ask as I sit up.

“At least a couple of hours. June came out to get me for lunch, and this is how I found you.”

Instinctively I cover my face with my hands and groan. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep outside, but between the sun and being exhausted, I couldn’t help it. “I’m sorry,” I tell Levi.

“For what?” He sits down in the chair next to me, but instead of sitting back, he positions himself, so he’s facing me. “You’re on vacation. Sleep all you want. No one will judge you here.”

“Speaking of. . . how many people do you have working here?”

Levi takes his hat off and runs his fingers through his damp hair before replacing his cap. “June manages the house, but it’s mostly when I’m gone. Since I’m the only one who lives here, I’m really not that messy, so she only comes in once a week or so. With you here, she’ll be on hand to make sure you’re comfortable, and I have one guy who manages the land. He often brings others in to help, but it’s at his discretion.”

“But you were working today?”

“I like to. It keeps me in shape.”

I want to tell him that it’s noticeable, but I don’t. He doesn’t need to know that I was checking him out. Leading him on is the last thing I want to do.

Lunch is served, and for the most part, I feel like an invalid sitting on this chair with my legs wrapped in the afghan, but it’s chilly, and the idea of being in the house right now makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. Every day that I’m not working, I’m holed up in my house, confined to the walls that keep me safe.

I shiver, and I swear it’s from the wind and not the look that Levi is giving me. When he smiles, it’s the perfect type with his head bent slightly, and his eyes focused on me. My breathing hitches and my heart skips a beat or two causing me to shyly look away. He hands me my plate, and when his fingers brush against my flesh, they cause the same reaction as his smile.

I shouldn’t feel anything for him, and frankly, I don’t understand why my body is having this type of reaction. But it has been since the day I met him at the video shoot. There is something about Levi that I can’t put my finger on, nor do I want to even try. I am in no way ready to pursue anything with anyone. The emotional heartache that Van has put me through is enough to last me a lifetime. What I want, though, is a chance to enjoy the serenity he’s offering me with his home until I’m left with no choice but to return to my life.

“If you don’t like what June made, I can have her make you something else.” Levi points at the plate of food I have yet to touch. I’ve been far too lost in my own head to realize that he’s eaten lunch while I’ve sat here contemplating my reactions to him.

“No, this is perfect,” I tell him as I quickly take a bite. He watches me for a second before he sits back in the chair and closes his eyes. The growling in my stomach keeps me from staring at him for too long, though.

But once I’ve set my plate back onto the table, the sliding glass door opens and June appears, causing Levi to wake up. She is either watching us or has an amazing ability to predict when she’s needed.

“Thank you, June.”

“Yes, thank you,” I add. She smiles softly as she gathers the dishes and returns inside. “Does she know who I am?” I ask Levi once the door is closed.

“Unfortunately, she does, but she’s been a stellar employee for years and has signed a non-disclosure agreement. June met with Barbara this morning to go over it again.

“Barbara. . . I like her.” I spent most of the flight talking to her about Nashville and the music industry here. She’s vastly different from Laura, whereas she only cares about publicity and Barbara cares about the quality of life. It was her son who met us at the airport with Levi’s truck. She told me to call her anytime I wanted to escape the monotony of the ranch. As I look around, I can see what she meant. I’m surrounded by the same view in every direction that I look. I imagine that after a while, it’ll become rather boring.

“Barb’s amazing'. She’s family. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

“I was surprised she went to California with you?”

Levi nods. “She goes everywhere with me, except on tour. Although she’s been known to show up a few times.”

“My publicist is nothing like her. In fact, mine slept with my ex.”

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