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“Is that a new friend?” he asks, a smirk making the crinkles in his eyes deepen.

I smile. I’m not really sure how to answer that, and I tell him so. “He’s a little more than a friend? Not sure. He’s . . . something?”

Uncle John laughs. “He looks like he’s something, alright.”

I’m smiling like a goof and can’t stop. “It’s really, really new,” I tell him, not quite ready to say anything more than that out loud.

“Well, not that it’s my business, but you lit up when you saw him.”

I laugh. “Okay, old man,” I retort.

He rolls his eyes. “Have fun, Lev. Just have some fun.”

I nod again, and then, stealing my courage, I take the plunge. “Thank you. I like him. And . . . I think he may feel something like that too?”

John just gives me a smile and nod, and we settle into a quiet rest of the afternoon, working on the bikes, helping each other when needed, and letting our hands do the work that we both love.

Chapter 38

Darian

Ileave Lev’s shop and feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. He wants me to be at his apartment when he gets home. He told me that he wants me in his place, in his space when he gets home. In his bed, if I’m not mistaken.

That I can absolutely make happen.

When I leave his shop, I drive right to his apartment and let myself in with the key he gave me. It’s warm inside, but not too warm, and it smells like him. Fresh laundry, sandalwood, and just . . . clean. I put the key under the mat and lock the door.

I walk farther into the apartment, grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. Then I take a minute and look around, trying to get more of a feel for him and what he’s into. Yes, I’ve been here before, but it was always under different circumstances, and I haven’t had time to really look around. It feels like I’m in Lev’s presence. His scent and the warmth of the place reminds me of being wrapped up in his arms not more than a half hour ago. It’s like he’s here, even though he’s not. I wonder if I can get him to be this comfortable at my house in the future.

I look around for a few more minutes, noting the large TV hanging on the wall in the living room, across from his comfy-looking couch. He’s also got a bookshelf filled mostly with magazines about mechanic stuff and a few classic novels. One of the shelves has about fifteen little model motorcycles, all varying types and sizes, and then there’s a picture of his family that was taken at graduation, Lindsey in her cap and gown. Everything is so tidy and clean, which makes me chuckle because it’s so inherently Lev.

Finally, I make my way into Lev’s bedroom. I’ve been here enough that it’s a more familiar space, comfortable in a way that has my nervous system starting to settle down. With a few deep breaths, I do just as Lev asked and take a nice, hot shower, paying extra attention to certain areas of my body. When I’m done, I don’t bother putting clothes back on because, well, I know what I want to happen tonight, and being naked in his bed when he gets home will send the message loud and clear. I dry my hair with the towel and then drape it over the hamper before heading back into the bedroom and crawling under the covers.

Lev’s bed smells so good, and it’s so comfortable. I think if I just rest my eyes for a few minutes, I can be up and awake when he gets home.

Jingling and rustling noises wake me sometime later. I roll over, blinking my eyes and trying to orient myself. I hear the noise again, dishes clanking and ice falling into glasses. I try to take in my surroundings and remember that I’m in Lev’s room, in Lev’s bed. Rolling over, I reach for the lamp on the bedside table and turn it on. It casts a soft glow into the room. Then I sit and prop myself up on a few pillows. I hear more sounds from the kitchen, so I yell out, “Heeyy.” My voice is groggy and thick from my nap.

Lev comes to the doorway, filling it and looking like a snack. The man is absolutely gorgeous. He leans his shoulder against the doorframe.

“Hey yourself. Did you sleep?” He comes into the room and leans down, giving me a soft, sweet kiss. I nod. He smiles, and his dimple deepens in his cheek. He’s so hot. “Good.” He kisses me softly again and stands up.

“What time is it?” I ask, running my hand through my hair.

He takes his shoes off and pulls his T-shirt over his head, revealing that broad, tattooed chest. Just a small smattering of chest hair covers him, and right under his belly button is that delicious line of hair that disappears under his jeans. He knows exactly what he’s doing right now, and it’s working.

“About five thirty,” he says as he turns around and grabs a pair of sweatpants out of his drawer. “I got dinner if you’re hungry.” He turns his head back to look at me over his shoulder and wiggles his brows. I can’t help but laugh. “I’m going to shower quickly, and then we can eat. Or cuddle. Or . . . whatever.” He disappears into the bathroom, and I hear the water in the shower turn on.

Aaaannddd my dick is hard.

A few minutes later, Lev comes out of the steamy bathroom, sweats on and the towel draped around his neck and shoulders. He’s still a little dewy from the shower and hot steam, and he looks like a dream. I lick my lips and swallow hard.

“Sooooo, dinner?” he asks, heading out toward the kitchen. He has no idea that I’m naked in his bed. My heart rate picks up as I picture his reaction to what I’m about to do.

Boldly, I throw the covers off and pad out to the kitchen. Lev has his back turned to me, and he’s opening up a pizza box that’s sitting on the counter. He reaches up to get two plates from the cabinet and turns to me as he sets them on the counter.

“I hope tha—” His eyes go wide, and he faces me fully. “You’re naked,” he says, his voice sultry and his sexy Adam’s apple moving up and down as he swallows hard.

He stalks over to me, and my body lights the fuck up. Goose bumps erupt from head to toe as he reaches me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me in for a deep, hot kiss. His hands roam down my back and grab both of my butt cheeks, squeezing and pulling my midsection into his.