“They’re moving?”
The words put a kink in her breathing. She hoped not. “Traveling. They want to follow a band they love in their RV like a couple of groupies.”
Levi’s laugh chased away the melancholy the thought of them leaving brought.
“I can’t imagine my parents doing that. I don’t know how my dad is going to manage the summer of taking it easy.”
He shifted his grocery bags to his right hand then put his leftone on her lower back as they stepped off the curb and crossed over to the next street. Little licks of heat traveled up over her back from each of the spots where his fingertips rested. Jillian shivered.
Tilting his chin, he looked down at her with a sweet smile, so much of the old him mixed with the mature, too-hot-for-her-own-good him. “Cold?”
She swallowed, shook her head. It wasn’t good to feel this much. She’d done that once before and ended up a divorced single mom with a low-key distrust of men.
“No.”
Levi turned so they were facing each other, looked at her like he was waiting for her to say more. Nope. She wasn’t putting her foot in her mouth. Not this time. Though, the last time she’d seen him, before he left, it was her mouth she’d tried to put onhisthat left her swimming in a pool of mortification.
“I’m glad I ran into you, Jilly.”
She could be honest. She was a grown woman. He was a friend of her brothers’. Afamilyfriend. “Me, too. I’m glad you’re home.”
He shuffled closer, reached out, and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She had to stop herself from leaning into his touch.You’re just remembering the boy you once loved.Yet, the man looking back at her was every bit as intriguing.
“I feel like it’s where I’m meant to be.”
Because her chest felt too tight, she stepped back. “I should get these to Ollie.”
“I won’t be helping my dad out forever. My end game is to cook.” He started to say more but stopped, pressed his lips together, and then started again, making her wonder what hedidn’tsay. “Maybe I could make you dinner?” His words came out quick and loud. “I mean, you could also help me with some ideas for what kind ofcuisine is missing in Smile and ways to reintegrate myself into the community.”
“You know who you should talk to? Presley.”
He smiled, the lines by his eyes crinkling adorably. Could something be sexy and adorable at once? Yes.Levi Bright.
Focus. “She’s a marketing and media expert. She’s running Smile’s tourism and recently founded a Smile Vacation Concierge service. She puts together packages, gets shop owners to offer coupons and deals, and helps people make the most of their time here.”
Levi took another step closer, and even though there were cupcakes and bags between them, it was like he’d sucked a little of the air right out of her lungs.
“I can’t wait to meet her. So? Dinner? Maybe next week?” His gaze was strong and intense, like he could read her mind if he stared long enough.
Her heart vibrated like a nest of bees, creating a slow, subtle, but powerful hum along her skin.
Jilly’s mouth went dry. Was he asking her on a date? Were her teenage dreams coming true? Did she want them to? She knew people had talked behind their hands, in whispered voices and low murmurs, when she’d returned to Smile.Poor Jillian. Did you hear about her ex-husband? It’s good she’s home with her family.It made her want to hide away.
Dating anyone—but definitely dating Levi—would be something different, but people would still talk. Gossip was fine as long as it wasn’t about her. She couldn’t shield Ollie from stories the way she had when they’d returned home. Levi continued to stare. Why couldn’t she force words out of her mouth?Because you’ve wanted Levi to ask you out since you were fifteen years old.
He grinned, making her stomach jump in a way she felt all theway through her body. “You can’t say no. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
Jillian laughed, a needy, usually silent little voice in her head telling her to say yes.
Before she could, he put a hand in his pocket and said, “I’ll ask Gray, Becks and his girl, my parents and yours. It’ll be like old times.”
Everything lurched to a stop. Just like old times.When you were his friends’ little sister.Of course he wasn’t asking her out on a date.Go home, fifteen-year-old Jilly. You’re all grown up now.
“I have Ollie.”
“Bring her.”
What was the opposite of a date?This. This is so not a date.“Sure. Yeah. That sounds great.”
