Chapter 24
Levi
Standing in the crisp November air, Levi watched Evie light up with joy as she rubbed the poodle's ears, her voice soft with baby talk. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her blue eyes sparkled as she listened intently to the owner, all while her hands continued to scratch the dog, who seemed to be in heaven.
A sense of calm washed over Levi. This was Evieâthe real Evie. Dark blonde hair tumbling out of her ponytail, cheeks rosy, eyes wide and alive. This was the girl who lived in his heart, not the polished "English Rose" on Harry's arm. He could've watched her like this for hours.
But eventually, Evie stood up, a reluctant smile on her lips as she said goodbye to the poodle, lingering a moment to watch them walk away, a small frown creasing her face.
"I'm surprised you don't have a dog yet," Levi said, falling into step beside her. "With how much you love them."
Evie sighed. "Mom never really liked them."
"That was before," Levi said casually as they continued their morning walk.
"No," Evie shook her head. "Harry's deathly allergic to dogs."
Levi snorted. "What a marshmallow."
"Hey!" Evie scowled, but the hint of a smile lingered.
Levi smirked at Evie's scowl, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I mean, come on. Allergic to dogs? That's like being allergic to happiness."
Evie shook her head, but her lips twitched. "He can't help it, Levi. It's not like he chose to be allergic."
"Still a marshmallow," Levi muttered under his breath, though his tone was playful. "I just can't imagine you without a dog."
Evie glanced at him, her smile fading slightly. "Well, things change, right? You don't always get to choose everything you want." There was a hint of something wistful in her voice, a trace of that spark dimming as she spoke.
Levi studied her for a moment, his smirk fading too. "You ever think about getting one anyway? You know, for yourself?"
Evie tucked her hands into her coat pockets, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I used to. But... I don't know. It's just not practical right now. Too many other things going on."
"Like Harry?" Levi asked, trying to sound neutral but unable to keep the edge out of his voice.
She shot him a sharp glance, but sighed. "It's not just Harry. It's... life. Everything's complicated now."
Levi fell silent for a moment, then nudged her gently with his elbow. "Doesn't have to be."
Evie gave him a side glance, raising an eyebrow. "Says the guy who complicates everything without even trying."
Levi grinned. "Fair point. But I still think you'd be happier with a dog."
Evie couldn't help but laugh softly. "Maybe. Someday."
Levi watched her laugh, her cheeks flushed and glowing from the cold, and something inside him stirred. The way her face lit up, framed by strands of dark blonde hair slipping from her ponytail, made him want to reach out, to feel the warmth of her skin under his fingertips. An impulsive idea flickered in his mind, and before he could second-guess it, the words tumbled out.
"Hey, hold still for a sec," he said, leaning closer, his tone suddenly casual but hiding something beneath it.
Evie blinked, looking confused. "What?"
"You've got something on your face," Levi said smoothly, though there was no trace of anything on her skin. He pointed vaguely at her cheek, fighting to keep his expression neutral.
Evie immediately raised her hand to swipe at her face, but Levi caught her wrist gently, shaking his head. "No, wait, let me get it."
Without waiting for her response, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her rosy cheek. The softness of her skin sent a jolt through him, the coldness of her face contrasting with the warmth of his touch. He lingered for just a second longer than necessary, his thumb barely grazing her cheek as if wiping something away.
"There," he murmured, his voice soft as his eyes locked onto hers.
Evie stared at him, clearly skeptical but not pulling away. "You're such a liar," she said, though there was no bite in her voiceâjust an amused, knowing look.
Levi smirked, dropping his hand but feeling the warmth of her skin still lingering in his palm. "Maybe," he shrugged. "But you look better now."
Evie rolled her eyes but smiled, her gaze softening as she gave him a playful nudge with her elbow.
"Idiot," she muttered, though her cheeks seemed to flush just a little bit deeper.
They fell into a comfortable silence as they walked, the soft crunch of their footsteps on the frosty path the only sound between them. The November chill nipped at their faces, but neither seemed to mind. Evie walked with her hands tucked in her coat pockets, her breath forming delicate clouds in the air. Levi stole glances at her from the corner of his eye, feeling the quiet peace settle between them, just like old times.
For a few minutes, they walked side by side, the wind rustling through the bare branches above them. There was something familiar about the way they moved together, the easy rhythm of two people who had known each other for years. Levi's mind drifted back to their childhood, to the days when things were simplerâwhen they would run, laugh, and race each other without a care in the world.
A grin slowly spread across Levi's face, "Do you remember when we would race down the hill on our bikes?"
Evie turned her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Of course I remember. You always cheated by starting before I was ready."
Levi chuckled, his breath fogging in the cold air. "I did not cheat. You were just slow."
Evie shot him a playful glare. "Please, you were just afraid I'd leave you in the dust."
They walked in silence for a moment, the nostalgia hanging between them. Evie glanced at Levi from the corner of her eye, her mind drifting back to those carefree days when their only worry was who would reach the finish line first. The chilly air nipped at her cheeks, but it wasn't enough to cool the sudden burst of excitement that lit up inside her. A mischievous idea sparked in her mind.
"You know," she began, stopping abruptly and turning to face Levi with a challenge glinting in her eyes, "I bet I could still beat you. Even now."
Levi raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "What?"
Evie stepped back, her stance shifting as if preparing to take off. "You heard me. I'm challenging you to a race."
Levi stared at her, half amused and half surprised. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Evie replied, a grin spreading across her face. "First one to that tree wins." She pointed down the path ahead, her competitive spirit flaring. "Come on. Unless you're scared I'll beat you."
Levi's eyes lit up with that familiar fire, the one that always ignited whenever she challenged him. "You're on."
And before he could react, Evie launched herself forward, laughing as she sprinted ahead. "Loser has to buy breakfast!" she called out over her shoulder, her feet pounding against the ground.
Levi blinked in surprise, then shook his head with a grin before taking off after her. His legs pumped hard as he chased after Evie, the sound of her laughter carrying on the cold air. She was fastâfaster than he rememberedâbut Levi had always had the edge. His competitive streak flared as he narrowed the distance between them, his breath steady and his heart racing.
"Better pick out something good for breakfast!" he called out, grinning as he gained on her.
Evie glanced over her shoulder, her cheeks flushed and blue eyes wide with playful determination.
"You shit head!" she yelled back, but her foot caught on a stray root sticking out of the path. She stumbled, arms flailing as she tried to catch herself.
In an instant, Levi surged forward and reached out, his hands grabbing her just as she started to fall. The momentum was too quick, though, and they both went down, tumbling onto a pile of fallen leaves with a soft thud.
Levi landed on his back with Evie collapsing right on top of him, her breath coming out in startled gasps. For a moment, neither of them moved, tangled in each other and surrounded by the crisp rustle of the leaves. Levi's arms were still wrapped around her, holding her steady, and he could feel her heart pounding against his chest.
Evie's face was inches from his, her breath warm and shallow. Her wide eyes met his, surprise flickering in them before it softened into something elseâsomething that made Levi's own heartbeat quicken. The world seemed to slow down around them, the race forgotten.
"You okay?" Levi asked, his voice low, the playful tone replaced by an warm tenderness. He raised his hand and pushed back her hair.
Evie blinked, then let out a breathy laugh, her cheeks still flushed. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Levi smiled, though he didn't let go just yet. "I always win, Evelyn," he teased, though his voice was softer than usual, his eyes locked on hers.
Evie rolled her eyes, still catching her breath. "Okay, fine, you win."
As Evie shifted, trying to push herself up, Levi's arms instinctively tightened around her, holding her in place. She blinked in surprise, her breath catching as she looked down at him.
"Levi..." Evie whispered, her voice barely audible.
Levi's smile softened. "I'm not letting you go," Levi murmured, his voice low, almost as if he were afraid to break the fragile moment between them. His hands rested lightly on her waist, steady but gentle. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Evie's heart pounding in her chest. She searched his face, unsure of what to say.
"You lost," Levi reminded her. "Therefore, you must declare yourself as the......."
Evie's eyes widened with recollection, "I am not saying that. We're not nine years old anymore."
She tried to get up once again, but Levi rolled them over and pinned her to the ground. He hovered over her, locking his gaze with her.
"Say it," he smiled.
Evie's breath hitched as Levi hovered over her, his grin playful but with a spark of challenge in his eyes. She squirmed beneath him, laughing despite herself. "Levi, this is ridiculous!"
Levi arched a brow, his hands firmly planted on either side of her head, holding down her wrists to keep her pinned beneath him .
"Rules are rules," he said with a mock-serious tone. "You lost the race, and that means you have to say it."
Evie shook her head, her cheeks flushed from both the cold and their playful struggle. "I'm not saying that. We're not kids anymore."
Levi's grin widened as he leaned in slightly closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Sore loser?"
Evie groaned,"You're impossible."
"Say it," he pressed, his tone full of mischief.
"No."
"Say it," Levi laughed.
"No!"
"Say it or I'll tell Mason you were the one who broke his vintage camera in middle school."
"Levi!"
"Say it."
"Fine!" Evie surrendered. "Fine. I'll say it!"
"Go on," Levi leaned in closer.
"I sir," Evie said reluctantly. "Am a..... "
Evie sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as Levi waited, his smirk growing with every second of her hesitation. "I sir," she started again, drawing out each word with exaggerated reluctance, "am a wiggly worm..."
Levi's grin widened, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Go on," he encouraged, leaning in closer as if hanging on her every word.
Evie shot him a withering look, though she couldn't quite hide her own smile. "A wiggly worm of the wiggliest... lowest form...an insignificant, spineless creature unworthy of even the smallest crumbs of victory."
Levi's grin stretched from ear to ear as he leaned in closer, eyes alight with amusement. "Keep going," he urged, clearly loving every second of her discomfort.
Evie groaned but continued, her tone now comically regal. "I slither through the dirt, defeated and humbled by the almighty champion standing before me. I am but a speck in the shadow of your greatness, doomed to wriggle in the depths of my failure."
Levi threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the chilly air. "Oh, that was even better than I remembered!"
Evie groaned, covering her face in embarrassment. "I can't believe you made me say that."
"You said it beautifully," Levi teased, leaning in closer, his voice soft and playful. "Now, don't you feel better?"
Evie peeked at him from between her fingers, her cheeks flushed. "Not even a little."
"This was priceless!"
Evie rolled her eyes, "Satisfied now, your highness?"
"Beyond satisfied. That was... perfection."
Evie rolled her eyes again but couldn't help the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember this next time you lose."
"Oh, I don't lose," Levi shot back, his grin full of playful confidence. "Not when I have a wiggly worm as competition."
"You're the worst!" Evie pushed him off and rolled away.
_______________________
Theo
"I'm sorry," Daphne apologized, wrinkling her nose as she stood before Logan.
Logan, although disappointed, shruged casually, "It's fine."
"Theo surprised us," Molly said from the back where she stood with Bill and Theo, awkwardly waiting as Daphne canceled her plans to go out for drinks with the boy.
"No worries," Logan took a small step back, laughing to ease the situation. "I understand."
"Next time?" Daphne asked. "Tomorrow-"
"We're flying back tomorrow," Theo cleared his throat.
"We are?" Daphne turned to look at him. "I don't remember making that plan."
Theo held her gaze, his tone firm. "Plans change."
"It's fine, really," Logan said.
Daphne turned back to look at him, "I'm sorry."
Theo's jaw tightened as he watched her apologize. The easygoing smile on the other guy's face only fueling his annoyance. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, and he barely resisted the urge to step in and cut the conversation short. The sight of Logan standing so close to her set something off in him, and he didn't like it one bit.
Logan shrugged nonchalantly, though Theo noticed the lingering disappointment in his eyes.
"It's totally fine," Logan said with a small smile. "This gives me an excuse to go see Grandma."
Bill chimed in with a nod. "Yeah, that's a good plan."
Logan's gaze briefly shifted to Daphne, lingering for a beat too long. "Hope you all enjoy your evening. Bye, Daphne."
"Bye," Daphne replied with an apologetic smile, her guilt gnawing at her as she watched him go. She could practically feel Theo's intense stare on the back of her head as she walked Logan out. Her parents trailed behind, but Theo's tall, brooding figure followed like a dark shadow, his presence unmissable.
As Logan reached the driveway, his eyes landed on Theo's sleek, black Porsche. He let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Nice car, by the way. She's a beauty."
Theo's face remained impassive, though his tone carried an edge of casual indifference. "Thank you."
The exchange felt polite on the surface, but there was an unspoken tension crackling in the air. Daphne shifted her weight as she felt Theo come to stand behind her, his hand landing on her waist.
With a final nod, Logan stepped back. "See you around, Daphne."
Daphne waved, offering one last smile, before turning back toward Theo, whose expression had barely shifted but whose mood was impossible to mistake.
"I guess we will be driving separately," Bill announced, looking at Theo's two seater car.
"You can drive with Theo," Daphne said to her father while her eyes remained on Theo.
"No need for that," Bill chuckled, looking at Molly with fondness. "I have my sweetheart right here."
"See, honey," Theo smiled, though his eyes held a challenge for Daphne. "That's romantic."
Daphne rolled her eyes as her mother gushed over the pair behind them. Stubbornly, she turned on her heels as Theo walked her to his car and held the door open.
"Thank you," she muttered as she climbed in.
Theo didn't say a word as he rounded the car and got into the driver's seat, his jaw tight, knuckles gripping the steering wheel a bit harder than usual. Daphne glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly.
"You're quiet," she remarked as they pulled out of the driveway and headed down the dark street. "Say something."
Theo kept his eyes on the road, his voice smooth but clipped. "Just focused."
"I've seen you fly a plane with less attention," Daphne tilted her head, studying him. "You're acting off."
Theo's lips twitched, but he didn't look at her. "I'm not 'acting off.' Just wasn't expecting you to make plans with someone else."
"Plans I canceled," Daphne reminded him, her tone light but probing.
There was a beat of silence before Theo scoffed softly. "Doesn't matter."
"Right," Daphne said, a teasing smile forming. "You're not jealous or anything, are you?"
Theo finally glanced at her, eyes narrowing slightly. "Of Logan? No."
Daphne raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure about that?"
Theo shifted in his seat, his hands gripping the wheel tighter. "I'm sure. He's... harmless."
Daphne laughed under her breath, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat. "You sound pretty worked up for someone who isn't jealous."
Theo's jaw clenched, but he still maintained that cool tone. "I'm not jealous."
"You're literally gripping the wheel like you want to strangle it," Daphne pointed out with a smirk.
Theo exhaled sharply through his nose, his eyes focused straight ahead. "I'm fine."
"Uh-huh," Daphne mused, her smile growing. She leaned closer, her voice soft and teasing. "You know, it's okay if you're a little jealous."
Theo turned to her, finally cracking a smirk. "I'm not."
Daphne chuckled, her eyes glinting mischievously. "If you say so."
Theo shook his head, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. "Logan's just some guy."
"And you're just... not jealous." Daphne's grin was impossible to miss.
Theo gave her a sidelong glance, his lips curving slightly despite himself. "Exactly."
But Daphne could see the way his fingers were still clenched around the steering wheel, and it was clear that Logan had gotten under his skin more than he'd ever admit.
"He's an old friend," Daphne said slowly. "And we used to date.....a long time ago."
Theo's jaw tightened even more at Daphne's words, though he kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. The muscles in his neck tensed visibly, and for a moment, the silence between them was thick with unspoken tension.
"How long ago?" Theo Asked, his tone measured but strained.
Daphne stared, "Years ago. Back when we were in college. It wasn't serious." She watched him closely, trying to read his expression, but his face was as controlled as ever.
Theo's fingers flexed on the wheel again, the leather creaking slightly under the pressure. "And now he just shows up, and you're making plans with him."
Daphne sighed softly, "Yeah. He's just a friend now. We ran into each other recently, and I felt like catching up with an old buddy."
Theo finally turned his head, his gaze sharp and piercing as it met hers. "Is he why you came back home?"
"....No," Daphne felt a slight shiver run down her spine under the intensity of his stare.
Theo's jaw clenched again, "I don't like the idea of you having drinks with him."
Daphne raised an eyebrow, leaning forward a little, her voice soft but firm. "You really are jealous."
Theo's eyes darkened, and his voice dropped lower, "You can't just go out for drinks with old boyfriends."
"And why not?" Daphne sat back, her eyes swimming with amusement.
"Ava is already suspicious of us after she met with Devon," Theo said. "Then you disappeared. What if someone saw you and Logan out on your little date?"
"It wasn't a date!"
Theo kept his eyes on the road, but Daphne could see the tightness in his jaw, the way his grip on the steering wheel hadn't relaxed even after she clarified.
"Doesn't matter what you call it," he muttered, his tone clipped. "People talk. They see things. And right now, we don't need any more complications."
Daphne narrowed her eyes, the amusement in her expression growing. "You're deflecting. This isn't about Ava or Devon, is it? You're jealous."
Theo shot her a quick glance, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I'm not jealous. I just don't want anyone seeing you with him and then spreading rumors that we 'broke up' or that you're seeing someone else."
Daphne let out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with teasing delight.
"Sure, Theo. Not jealous at all," she said, drawing out the words as if savoring the irony. "It's just a coincidence that you suddenly don't want me seeing him after finding out we used to date."
"He's your ex," Theo said, rubbing his jaw. "What do you expect me to think?"
"I expect you to believe me when I say there's nothing between us," she replied, leaning in slightly as if challenging him. "And you know what else? I think this whole 'people might see' excuse is just thatâan excuse. You don't like him around me because it bothers you."
Theo's jaw clenched harder, but he remained silent, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response.
"You're impossible, you know that?" Daphne sighed and crossed her arms, leaning back in the seat. "Just admit you're jealous and-"
"What do I have to be jealous of?" Theo's temper flared.
"I don't know," Daphne shrugged. "Maybe you're jealous because I actually want to hang out with him but you have to pay me to hang out with you."
Theo's eyes flashed with a sudden intensity, his hands tightening on the wheel as he pulled the car off to the side of the road, the tires crunching against gravel. Daphne blinked, startled by the abrupt stop, her teasing smile faltering as she turned to look at him. His gaze was locked on her, dark and unwavering, a mix of frustration and something deeper burning beneath the surface.
"You think I have to buy your time, your attention?" Theo's voice was low, and controlled, but there was a sharp edge to it, a possessiveness she hadn't expected. He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he held her gaze.
Daphne's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by his sudden shift in tone. "I-"
He cut her off, his voice firm but softer now, laced with something almost vulnerable.
"If I wanted you, Daphne, really wanted you, I wouldn't need to pay for anything." His hand lifted from the wheel, his fingers brushing against her cheek, surprisingly gentle despite the tension in his voice. "Because I know you'd be mine without me having to ask."
Her breath hitched at his words, her teasing demeanor crumbling as she felt the weight of his gaze, the truth in his words sinking in. His possessiveness wasn't just about jealousyâit was something more.
Theo's thumb traced the edge of her jaw, his voice softening even more. "Logan doesn't matter. No one else does. You're here, with me. Not him."
Daphne's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching as she stared into his eyes. She wanted to say something, anything, but the intensity of the moment left her speechless. Theo's hand remained on her cheek, his touch warm and grounding, and she realized for the first time that this wasn't just about jealousy. It was about him wanting herânot just as part of their arrangement, but something real.
"I'm not paying you to be with me," Theo continued, his voice a low murmur. "You're here because you want to be. And don't pretend that's not true."
Daphne swallowed hard, her pulse racing. She didn't know how to respond, how to process the sudden shift in their dynamic. All she knew was that Theo's words had hit something deep inside her, something she hadn't realized was there until now.
Theo's hand lingered on Daphne's cheek for a moment longer, his touch sending warmth through her that she hadn't anticipated. But then, just as suddenly as the intensity had flared between them, he withdrew. He leaned back, his fingers sliding away from her skin as he straightened in his seat. Without another word, Theo shifted the car into gear, his expression controlled once again, though the air between them still crackled with the unspoken tension.
The car pulled back onto the road, the hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Daphne sat quietly, her arms still crossed but now more as a way to steady herself than out of defiance. Her mind raced, replaying the moment over and overâthe way his voice had dropped, the fierce way he had spoken, the possessiveness in his eyes that had sent a strange thrill through her.
She hadn't expected Theo to care that much. Sure, they had an arrangement, a deal that kept them pretending for the sake of appearances, but his words... they had felt real. Raw, even. And for the first time, Daphne realized that it wasn't just about the act. Somewhere along the line, Theo had become more than just the intimidating businessman she was playing along with. She glanced at him from the corner of her eyeâhis jaw still tight, his hands gripping the steering wheel with that same control he always maintained, but there was something deeper there, a vulnerability he rarely let slip.
Her thoughts spiraled, and she struggled to make sense of the swirl of emotions building in her chest. She had always told herself that this was just an arrangement, nothing more. But sitting here, next to him, the truth hit her with startling clarity.
She was falling for Theo.
Daphne's heart pounded, the weight of that realization settling heavily in her chest. She didn't know when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, between the playful banter, the heated arguments, and the moments like thisâwhen Theo's touch felt like it meant something more than just part of their dealâshe had started to care. Really care.
She stared out the window, her hands dropping into her lap as she tried to steady her breathing, her mind whirling.
How had she let this happen? Theo wasn't someone she was supposed to fall for. He was guarded, complicated, and infuriatingly stubborn. But he was also something elseâprotective, passionate, and in moments like the one they'd just shared, undeniably sincere.
Daphne bit her lip, her chest tightening with the weight of this new understanding. This was going to change thingsâwhether she liked it or not.
"Damn it," Daphne whispered.
Do you think Daphne and Theo will drop the games?
<3 Hope you liked it