56

Levi Carson was the worst person to go on a lunch date with. And by worst, I mean the most annoyingly handsome, charming human being alive.

The café was cozy, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The kind of place with mismatched chairs, vintage posters, and a handwritten menu on a chalkboard. The smell of coffee and freshly baked bread filled the air, but I was too distracted by Levi's obnoxiously perfect grin to enjoy it.

He was already leaning across the table, his chin resting on his hand, watching me like I was the most fascinating thing in the room.

"Are you going to keep staring at me, or are you actually going to look at the menu?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

Levi smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Why would I need the menu when I've already decided you're the main course?"

I choked on my water, coughing and glaring at him as he burst into laughter. "You're impossible," I muttered, shaking my head.

"And yet, you're still here," he pointed out, his voice laced with amusement.

"I'm only here for the food," I shot back, lifting the menu to shield my face. "Not for your terrible attempts at flirting."

He reached across the table, tugging the menu down just enough to meet my eyes. "Terrible? Abel, we kiss every moment we get. I must be doing something right."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I shoved the menu back up, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered. "That doesn't mean you get a free pass to be cheesy."

"You love it," he teased, his tone infuriatingly confident.

"Debatable," I muttered, though I couldn't stop the small smile tugging at my lips.

The waiter arrived before I could retort, and Levi ordered for both of us—because of course he did. When the waiter left, he leaned back in his chair, looking far too pleased with himself.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," he said, though his smirk said otherwise. "I'm just wondering how long it'll take before you admit you're having fun."

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my seat. "I'm not giving you the satisfaction."

"You just did," he replied, his gaze flicking to my lips.

The air between us shifted, and I felt my heart skip a beat. He had a way of making everything feel intense, even in a crowded café with people bustling around us.

"Stop looking at me like that," I said, my voice softer now.

"Like what?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"Like you're about to—" I didn't get to finish my sentence because he leaned across the table and kissed me.

It was quick, a soft brush of his lips against mine, but it left me breathless. He pulled back, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

"Levi!" I hissed, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed.

"What?" he asked, laughing at my wide-eyed expression. "You said I was looking at you like I was about to kiss you. I didn't want to disappoint."

I covered my face with my hands, unable to stop the laughter bubbling up. "You're unbelievable."

"And you're adorable when you're flustered," he said, his tone smug.

The waiter returned with our food—a sandwich and a salad for me, and some kind of fancy burger for him. I pointed my fork at him as I spoke. "If you embarrass me again, I'm stealing all your fries."

"Deal," he said, popping a fry into his mouth. "But only if you promise to let me kiss you again after."

I rolled my eyes, but the grin on my face gave me away. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love it," he replied, stealing a piece of lettuce from my plate.

I smacked his hand, laughing despite myself. "If you keep stealing my food, this is going to be the shortest relationship ever."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You'd never leave me, Abel. Who else would put up with your sass?"

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at his audacity. "You're lucky I like you."

"I know," he said, his tone suddenly softer. He reached across the table, brushing his fingers against mine. "And I'm not going to let you forget it."

The rest of the meal was a blur of laughter, stolen fries.

As we stepped out of the café, the cool breeze brushed against my skin, but it was the warmth of Levi's hand in mine that had my heart picking up pace. He looked at me with that trademark smirk, his eyes full of mischief. "How about we make the day a little more interesting?"

I tilted my head, pretending to be nonchalant, even though I could feel the anticipation building. "Interesting how?"

Levi's fingers traced soft circles over my palm, sending a rush of heat through me. "My place," he said casually, but the way his voice dropped just made it sound more dangerous. "We could open a bottle of wine, put on something mindless, and I could show you how much more fun I am when I'm not busy annoying you."

I shot him a skeptical look, trying to hide the grin threatening to break free. "You think you can keep up with me?"

He leaned closer, his smirk never leaving his face. "Oh, I don't think I'll have any problem keeping you entertained." His voice was laced with something far more tempting than the usual teasing. "Besides, I'm sure we can find some other way to pass the time."

I swallowed, my breath catching as the words hit a little differently this time. "I suppose I could give you a chance," I said, trying to sound casual, but the heat in my chest gave me away.

Levi's eyes darkened just a fraction, his lips curling into a grin. "Good. I think you'll find my company more than worth your while, sweetheart."

One more chapter to go! More Than Words is coming to an end.

— sky