Levi Page 3

  "Why are you telling me this?" she asks annoyed.

  "Because I hate turning you down."

  "So don't."

  "I should go." I step back from her doorway and into the empty hall. "Drink a glass of water and take something for a headache before you go to bed. It will help with that hangover in the morning."

  I head back downstairs to the Uber without glancing back at her. When I get back inside the car I give the driver my address and the cash I promised him. It's the last of the cash I've budgeted myself for the week. We head across town and by the time we get to my apartment it's almost four in the morning.

  So much for leaving work early. Now I won't get a chance to sleep for at least three hours.

  Thanking the driver, I head inside my converted two-bedroom. The apartment is dark so I walk into the small kitchen and turn on the light above the stove. I look over to the living room and Laura is sleeping soundly on the pullout sofa bed. I've told her time and again she should sleep in my bed since I'm not using it at night and it's much more comfortable, but every night I find her on the pullout instead.

  I should wake her and tell her to go home. I can take care of transportation this morning, but I know she'll just fight with me and stay anyway. I might as well let her get in a couple more hours of sleep instead.

  Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge I leave my apartment and make my way down to the basement. Next to the laundry room is a small workout room with a treadmill, bench press, and free weights. It's enough for me to get a decent workout in before I need to head upstairs to make breakfast and finish my morning routine.

  Just a few more hours and I can get some sleep so I'm rested for the afternoon.

  Chapter Three

  Kendall

  Unknown: How are you feeling today?

  I stare down at my phone and re-read the text for the hundredth time, trying to figure out why he's texted me. I haven't responded yet. Mostly because, even though I'm assuming this is Levi, there is a small chance that it's not.

  "Sorry I'm late. I was trying to come up with an excuse to ditch you but I didn't think you'd believe any of them."

  I look up from my phone and Skye is dressed in her gym gear, ready to try this silks class out with me. "No worries. I told you to be here twenty minutes before you actually had to be because I knew you'd be late."

  "You b–"

  "I know. I'm a bitch. I've been wanting to try this class forever and I wasn't going to let you be late and make me miss it."

  "Well, I'm here, so let's get this circus over with. I could take a silks class every day for the rest of my life and I'll still never look as good as Pink does when she's flying through the air."

  "I guess if we can't look as good as Pink we shouldn't do it," I mumble sarcastically as I'm distracted over this text.

  "What crawled up your ass this morning, Ken?"

  Setting the phone down I answer, "Men. Well, I guess it's just one man but I'm fucking annoyed. Levi walked me to my door last night and then flat out said we were never going to happen. Fine. Whatever. I'll move on to someone new." I pull my long hair up in a bun as I try to calm myself down but it's no use so I vent some more. "But then he sends me a text this morning to check on me and, I'm sorry, but I'm fucking confused. If we're not going to happen, and we haven't hung out so we're not friends, why would he send me a text unless it was to completely fuck with my head?"

  "Maybe he's just a nice guy."

  "No, that's not it," I answer confidently and Skye shakes her head in disbelief.

  "Okay, well, then maybe he cares about you but something is keeping him away. With all the obsessing over him have you checked his social media? Are there any signs of a girlfriend?"

  I wish it were that easy.

  "He's not on social media, which is just another sign we're not compatible because I live on social media. Every moment of my day is posted on either Instagram or Snapchat. Speaking of..."

  I pick my phone up, open my Snapchat and start recording a selfie video. "Why are men so confusing? Levi, you missed out, buddy. Instead of working up a sweat while riding you, I'll be taking a silks class instead." I blow a kiss to the camera before I stop recording and then instantly post it to my story.

  "Did you really just call him out on Snapchat?"

  "Relax, it's not like he'll ever see it."

  "I really don't think it has anything to do with you, Ken. Noah said he's never seen Levi out with anyone. Put down your guard and be completely honest with him, but not in an overly sexual way like you normally do. If you open yourself up to him without sexual intimidation you might be surprised at is reaction."

  "Or I can just continue being myself and if he doesn't like it that's his loss. I'm not changing for a guy."

  "Sometimes I really wish I had the confidence you have, Ken. You're ballsy, sexy, self-assured and you're right, you shouldn't change. One day you're going to find a guy who loves those qualities and embraces them instead of being terrified of the confident woman you are."

  "There's my best friend. I love you, Skye. Now let's get this workout in because I'm going to need to eat away my feelings with a huge slice of chocolate layer cake afterward."

  Chapter Four

  Levi

  She still hasn't responded to my text.

  I was able to get a solid six hours of sleep in during the day before heading over to the school, baseball practice, and then back home to cook dinner. The nonstop activities in my afternoon helped keep my mind busy but now, as I'm headed into work, I have time to check my phone and Kendall never responded to my text.

  There's no time in my life to worry about why a chick hasn't responded to my text, yet here I am doing just that.

  I think I hurt her feelings last night, but I had to say something. After being around her open flirting for almost a year, I couldn't keep letting her flirt with me and not tell her a little of the truth. I feel bad that I wasn't able to explain myself better, but my life is crazy. I have every minute of the day scheduled out perfectly and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

  Back when I was in college I would have jumped at the chance to go out with a woman like her. She's gorgeous and has a mouth on her that should be washed out with soap, and I like it. Maybe it's because of all of those years I spent in the dugout, listening to my teammates and coaches say the most obscene things, but I like Kendall's mouth and the honesty she spews out of it.

  When I texted her this morning I genuinely wanted to know how she was feeling. I still do and since she hasn't texted me back I'm now consumed with wondering if she's okay. I know I texted the right number. Kendall was the one who stored it in my phone.

  She's mad. I'll have to find a way to apologize tonight without getting too close to her. She has no idea just how hard it is for me to be around her and not touch her. I can't let on, though. If she knows I want her even more than she wants me, we'll end up fucking before the night is over.

  After getting off at the closest stop I walk the several remaining blocks to work. Once inside I make my way back to the bar to where Noah and the rest of security are standing. We have a mandatory meeting before every shift to go over any special events that might be happening and any security concerns. When I reach the guys a few of them look my way and laugh, while Noah just shakes his head as he tries to muffle his own laughter.

  "What's so funny?"

  "Have you been on Snapchat today?" Brian asks and then Luke nudges him in the shoulder.

  "He doesn't have Snapchat."

  "You don't have Snapchat?"

  "What's Snapchat?" I ask, curious to what the hell these guys are talking about.

  "I swear you live under a rock, dude." Brian hands over his phone. "This is Snapchat and this is what your girl Kendall posted this morning."

  I watch a short video that can't be more than ten seconds long. I guess I have my answer to why she never responded to my text. When the video is over I hand Brian back his phone while the guys stare
at me, waiting to see how I'll respond.

  "I pissed her off last night."

  "She called you out, bro. I can't believe you had a chance to tap that and didn't."

  "Hey," Noah chimes in. "You will not talk about Kendall that way. She's my employee and Skye's best friend."

  "Okay, boss, but you have to admit she's hot. Emilio has been hitting on her for months and she won't even grab a coffee with him."

  "That's because Emilio smells like he sleeps in pig shit," I reply in a sad attempt to defend Kendall.

  "If we're done standing around here gossiping like a bunch of chicks, I have some security concerns to update you all on." Noah grabs his clipboard and continues, "It'll be a typical night until about midnight. We have a bachelorette party for a high-profile celebrity coming in so we want to make sure all the ladies are free to have fun without being hassled by our other patrons."

  Noah continues to update us on how the night will go, but I half listen knowing that at some point I'm going to have to go to the office across the street and walk Kendall out. I want it to go smoothly, but something tells me Kendall's Snapchat video is just the beginning of making me pay for rejecting her last night.

  Chapter Five

  Kendall

  Work is boring as usual. I don't have Skye here to entertain me and this hangover headache won't go away. Weekday nights are always slower so without any company the night drags on.

  In my downtime, I can't help but think about Levi. He called me beautiful, which in any other context would be a good thing but when it's followed with a rejection it sucks. I'd rather him think I was ugly. In my eyes if a man thinks you're beautiful and still won't come into your apartment when you invite him, that means he just doesn't like your personality. If this were any other guy I'd say screw him and move on, but there is something different about Levi. Though I can't put my finger on it, I know there could be something magical if we connect.

  It's annoying that he won't just sleep with me. Doesn't he realize his refusal only makes me want him more?

  I know what I said on Snapchat and I know I haven't responded to his texts, but that doesn't change a thing. I still want him. I'm just waiting to figure out my next move. He hasn't responded agreeably to my subtle hints or my not-so-subtle advances. Every time I've asked him to hang out he always has an excuse. I've tried every technique I've used on other men and Levi is immune. The only thing I haven't done–because it's even too blunt for me–is straight up ask him if he wants to screw.

  But I'm afraid it's the only trick I have left. If he rejects me now, this will be a real dig to my self-confidence.

  Just as I start to close up for the night Levi knocks on the door and waits for me to come out. I drag my fingers through my hair to comb out any kinks, pinch my cheeks to give them a slight flush, smooth out the wrinkles in my skirt with my hands, and take a deep breath before opening the door.

  "Hey, stud. Come on in. I just have a few more things to do and I'll be ready." Okay, that's a lie. I'm desperate and I'm ready to try my last trick. Let's see if he takes the bait.

  After a moment of hesitancy, Levi steps inside the office and shuts the door behind him. The room is dim with the only light coming from the two emergency lights on the ceiling. Standing over my computer I hit a few buttons and rustle a few papers together to make it look like I'm finishing up. Once I'm done I walk back over to him and without missing a beat he asks, "Are you ready to go?"

  He's looking down at me with his soulful eyes. The unexplainable beauty I see beneath his eyes fills me with an unexplained confidence to do what I do next. Stepping into his body I rest a palm on his chest. My eyes meet his as I seductively ask, "Do you want to fuck?"

  For a brief second his eyes light up with excitement and then his brow scrunches and he takes a small step back. "Excuse me?" he asks.

  I don't know how I could be any clearer. "You. Me. A wild night of pleasure with no strings attached. I'm not looking for a commitment if that's what you're worried about."

  "Um..." His mouth opens to respond and then quickly shuts. He clears his throat as his eyes wander around the room. He looks like a caged animal searching for an escape. It's disappointing but I've come this far so I need to see tonight through to the end. If he rejects me again, I'll stop trying. At least I'll try to stop trying.

  "I'm attracted to you, Levi. I've wanted you since the first night I saw you and all of my hints seem to be going nowhere. I know you say this will never happen but I'm not looking for a commitment. I just want you. I want to see if my instincts are right. I want to know if the connection between us is as hot as I think it will be."

  "Kendall, I'm flattered–" he starts his rejection so I speak before he can finish it.

  "Forget it. Never mind. Forget I said anything and just walk me out, please."

  He smiles apologetically while opening the door for me and we head outside. His dismissal would be easier to take if he was an asshole, but his actions prove he's as caring on the inside as he is sexy on the outside.

  Why does he have to be so gorgeous? He's in fitted jeans tonight with his Bar Forbidden shirt and even after being denied I want to ask him to walk in front of me so I can check out his ass.

  "How was work?" he asks me politely as we make our way down the flight of stairs and to the curb. He rests his palm on the small of my back just like he did the night before and it makes me feel delicate.

  "Same as usual. There's never a shortage of men looking for a complete stranger to help them get satisfied."

  He smiles my way and I melt. "I guess guys are predictable that way."

  My eyes connect with his and I refer to what just happened in the office. "Not all guys."

  Before he even lifts his hand to call me a cab one pulls up to the curb and our brief time together is over. I try one last time to change his mind. "Want to share a cab?"

  His courteous refusal is coming and I try my best to prepare for it. "We don't live anywhere near each other, Kendall. Besides, I still have a couple more hours on the clock."

  Trying not to let his words alter my confidence I wink and say, "You can't blame a girl for trying."

  His hand grips the handle of the backdoor of the cab, but instead of opening it he watches me thoughtfully, and then shocks the hell out of me with what he says next.

  "I'm celibate."

  I've never had a guy try so hard to turn me off that he lies about something so stupid. "You're not celibate."

  "I am," he assures me.

  "You work for a company that's main purpose is selling the appeal of sexual gratification. I've seen the way your eyes occasionally follow a peach-shaped ass or a nice pair of tits."

  "I said I'm celibate not blind."

  "Is this some kind of joke? Last I checked you're not really the priest type."

  "No, I'm not. I'm not religious at all. I've just decided not to have sex until I've found the right girl and I'm ready for marriage."

  "So you want to get married?"

  "Yeah. Sure. Someday."

  "So you're not celibate you’re just abstaining from sex."

  "Is there a difference?"

  "Yeah, kind of a big one."

  "Huh, I didn't know that. Then I guess I'm just practicing abstinence."

  The cab driver rolls down the passenger side window and yells out, "Is someone getting in or what? I've got money to make."

  "Jeez, I'll just be a minute," I yell back at him. "The meter is running. It's not like you won't get paid. God already knows you're going to charge me twice as much as an Uber would."

  "I shouldn't have said anything, Kendall. You should get home and I need to get back to work." He opens the back door for me, but I'm not done with this conversation.

  "Let me guess, you've decided this today."

  "Decided what?"

  "That you're practicing abstinence."

  "It was a decision I made a long time ago."

  "How long ago?"

  He sighs out, "Five
years."

  Any doubt I had before is completely washed away. I can hear the honesty in his voice and there's not a doubt in my mind he's telling the truth.

  "You haven't had sex in five years?" My voice is quiet, almost unrecognizable and even though I believe him, my words still come out as a question.

  "Some things are more important than sex."

  "I can't imagine what," I mumble under my breath and then I'm startled as the cab driver beeps the horn.

  "Hey, lady! Either get in or I'm leaving you on the street where you belong."

  I turn to face the irritated man to give him a piece of my mind, but before I get a chance Levi is leaning into the passenger window and taking care of it for me. "Is that any way to speak to a woman? She's getting in now and I expect you to get her to her home safely and show her some respect, or I'll use your cab number to hunt you down and show you what a guy like me does to a man who treats women like trash."

  "Listen, man, I didn't mean no disrespect to your lady."

  "Well, you disrespected her and I expect you to apologize to her and then shut your mouth and get her home safely."

  Levi backs away from the window and then gently guides me into the cab.

  "Text me when you get home so I know you're safe."

  I'm still in shock by the way he just came to my rescue so I nod my head as I look up at him in awe. I don't know how I'll ever get over him now. Yelling at a cabbie makes him a hero in my book. I'm officially hero-worshiping him.

  "I'll get her home safe, sir. You can count on me," the driver says as he tries to get on Levi's good side. Levi doesn't acknowledge him. Instead he gives me a comforting smile and then closes the door and steps back up on the curb.

  We drive away and I spend the entire cab ride home wondering what else I don't know about Levi Bryant.

  Chapter Six

  Levi