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“It really is.” He puts his blinker on and then kicks his truck into four-wheel drive as we turn onto his road. The cabin sits at the top of the hill, and I take in how cozy it looks surrounded by snow-cover evergreens.
Before we get out of the truck, Levi shifts and meets my eyes.
“I’m really sorry for pushing all this holiday shit on you, Fallon.”
“Oh God, no. Don’t be. I should be thanking you for putting up with my attitude and letting me stay here. Christmas still isn’t my favorite holiday, but it’s actually growing on me thanks to you.”
“That’s good enough for me. Ya know, since my entire personality depends on it.” He shoots me a wink, nearly repeating the words I said to him when I first arrived.
I chuckle. “I’ll never be able to change the fact that you’re a real life Santa. It’s just who Levi White, the Christmas tree farmer is.”
“Not the first time I’ve been told that, and I’m sure it won’t be the last either,” he says.
We make our way inside and take off our coats. Levi feeds Dasher, and I kick off my boots.
“I’m gonna go take a shower,” I tell him.
“Okay. I’ll get dinner started. What are you in the mood for?”
My eyes trail up and down his body, and I drink him in.Are you on the menuI want to ask but instead say, “Surprise me.”
“Will do.”
I go upstairs, strip off my clothes, and get under the hot water. As I wash my hair, I relax under the stream and replay my day with Levi.
His kindness and hospitality is something I don’t deserve but am so damn appreciative for it.
After I’ve finished, I get dressed and make my way downstairs.
Hearty aromas waft through the air and my stomach growls. I enter the kitchen and he looks at me over his shoulder. Dasher is lying on the floor at his feet.
“What did you decide?” I ask.
“I had some salmon in the freezer that my dad caught in Alaska. Serving it with black beans and roasted Brussels sprouts. One hundred percent gluten-free.”
“The beans I’m on board with, but the Brussels sprouts I’ll save for you.” I give him a weary look.
“Have you tried them before?” he asks.
“No. I don’t like the way they look or smell.”
He bursts into laughter. “Sometimes, I have no idea what’s gonna come out of your mouth.”
“They look like little alien veggies when they’re cooked.”
“You’re trying them tonight,” he orders. “But I do have to warn you…your farts might stink.”
Now, I’m laughing. “And you say I’m the unpredictable one! Also, ladies don’t do that.”
He glares at me. “Sure, right, right. If you hate them, I won’t force you to eat them all.”
“I’ll try anything just once.” The words linger in the air, and that’s my rule inandout of the bedroom.
Levi flips the fish.
“Do you enjoy cooking?” I ask.
Levi laughs. “For you I do. But when it comes to myself, I could eat a bowl of cereal and be satisfied.”
