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He poured another shot and then Levi’s big warm hand rubbed circles against my back as the tears streamed down my cheeks, and small sobs shook me. “If it makes you feel better, I don’t think his behavior has much to do with you.”
I sat back and stared at him. “How could it not? It’s me he’s deemed incompetent to run the paper. He thinks I’ll screw it all up and ruin his legacy.”
“Hardly. Has GG always behaved this way towards you?”
I thought about it and I was forced to admit that he used to be supportive and kind, almost professional. “No, just the last few years.”
“Because he’s not ready to give up being GG the Newspaper Man, so he’s looking for reasons to stay relevant, to make sure he’s still needed.”
There was some logic to Levi’s words, but I wasn’t in the mood to hear it or to have any sympathy for Daddy. “All at the expense of my confidence? Sorry Levi, I don’t care.”
“I’m not asking you to care, I’m just telling you that you’re a good editor and you’re doing a great job running CCDJ. Don’t let an old man’s inability to let go make you doubt that.”
I smiled at him. “You’re really sweet, you know that?” He was a good man with great insight and for now, he was here with me.
“Sweet? That’s a first for me, but I’ll take your word for it.”
“It’s true. You have a way with people, and I can see why your career is so incredible. You see people and you understand them, it’s your superpower.”
His smile was seductive. “And here I was thinking something else was my superpower.”
“Well, that’s definitely a superpower, without a doubt, but I don’t think that’s something the whole world needs to know about.”
He flashed another smile that was pure mischief, and I knew in that moment that I was falling for this man. It wasn’t just the earth shattering sex or that he was a great listener, it was everything about him, from his love of wool socks and checkered shirts to his playful smile and dancing eyes. “That, is just for you Lacey.”
“Good to know.” I smiled up at him like a giddy girl, and that’s exactly how I felt. Giddy and warm with affection. “I’ve already bought a domain and hired a designer for my new venture, Carson Creek Online. I’ll be ready with the first stories in about two weeks.”
“Really? That’s great Lacey.” His smile was genuine. “I knew you were up to something, but I didn’t know what.”
“I wasn’t sure if I could even do it, and honestly I’m still not sure, but it’s now or never, right?” At least I hoped so. “And if you have any stories you want published that aren’t right for CCDJ, you know where to find me to convince me.”
“Well, now you’re just making sure I write something that I have to convince you is worth publishing.” He was playful and flirty, and I loved this side of him as much as the serious side.
“If you think that’s what you have to do, go for it.” I laughed, and for the first time since my blow up with Daddy, I felt good, as if I could actually do this and succeed. As if maybe this might be my calling instead of running a local newspaper.
“I would start on the convincing now, but Mickey is a light sleeper and you’re not exactly quiet.”
I felt heat suffuse my cheeks at his words and I sat up taller, chin high in the air. “Technically that’s your fault, not mine.”
Levi’s smile faded and his hand fell to my thigh and squeezed. “That sounds like a challenge. First one to make a sound loses?” His gaze was mischievous, his lips teasing a smile. “What do you say Lacey?”
I smiled at him and put my hand on top of his. “I say give it your best shot Levi. I don’t like to lose.”
He grinned and leaned forward until his lips brushed against mine. “In that case I’ll just say this up front, I’m sorry for your loss.” Laughter bubbled out of me at the same time his lips captured mine and he kissed me until I was breathless and dizzy, and begging for more.
Needless to say, I accepted his apology with grace.
And a very satisfied smile.
Chapter 18
Levi
“You want me to go down to Venezuela? With a newbie? With a civil war on the horizon?” One of my oldest friends, Carlton Linelli, laughed down the line at my apparently absurd question. “Seriously Levi, what’s going on? Has small town living rotted your brain?”
I rolled my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Thinking more clearly than I have in twenty years. Can you do this for me? I’d consider it a favor to be repaid at a later date.”
