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“Of course. I don’t want to stop you from doing anything you want to do. Make your own choices, Mer.”
“As long as I make the right ones?” I lift one brow, not exactly trapping him, but leading him exactly where I want this talk to go.
“As long as they’re yours, they are the right ones.” He gives a little head shake and pulls in a breath. “Do every single thing on that list. Raise John Lennon from the dead—all because you want to see the man in concert.”
I breathe out a chuckle. “You believe that? That as long as they’re mine, they’re right.”
“If it’s what you want, then yes, it’s right.”
“I want you, Levi.” The words are out before I’ve given them permission. So, I go with it. “I choose you. Even if you’re a little grumpy. Even if you’re smitten with a seven-year-old. Even if you purposely spill drinks down unsuspecting, innocent men’s backs.”
“But I’m—”
“You aren’t old, Levi. You are a measly six years older than me. You call yourself old again and I’ll sick your mother on you—who also isn’t that old, by the way. You talk about a six-year gap again and I’ll sick Bob on you who was nine years older than his wife and who spent thirty happy years married to the woman.”
“Okay, but that doesn’t change the fact—”
“That you’re a bit of a grump? I know. But just when you’re worried. Just when someone you love has the chance to get hurt.” I blink, watching the worry wrinkles form across his forehead. “Come on, give me another. I’m ready.”
“Man,” he says, his voice a whisper, his fingers tracing the skin at my cheek and ear. He scoops a lock of my hair behind one ear, then trails down my cheek and chin sending sparks over the places he touches. “I’ve missed you.”
“Isn’t it silly,” I say, my hand trailing up, cupping his neck and jaw, “worrying so much about what might be wrong that we miss out on everything right?”
“Siren,” he mutters, his face inching closer to mine.
I chuckle. I’m not a siren. We both know it.
“Am I allowed to protect you if there is a wild animal involved?” he asks, eyes narrowed on me.
“Absolutely.”
“How about some type of out-of-control vehicle?”
I nod. “Sure thing.”
He edges closer with every word, his minty breath a tickle on my cheek. “What about an intruder?”
“That depends, have I taken self-defense?”
“Meredith,” he grumbles—though he must hear how silly he sounds.
“Yes, an intruder too,” I say. “So, what do you think?” My heart patters as if attempting to escape my chest. I am on the edge of rejection and elation. But to reach where I want to go, I have to cross this bridge.
“I think you’re wiser than your years.” His nose grazes my cheek. “Wiser than your experiences.”
He moves ever closer, but I’m done waiting. I’m taking that compliment as his submission. I wrap my fingers around the back of his neck.
“I am pretty wise. Remember that,” I say, the heat of my breath colliding with his.
Levi diminishes the gap between us, igniting a fire through every one of my nerve endings. I hold his face to mine—though Levi makes no sign of leaving.
Every inch of me aches to move closer.Closer.Closer.
This bliss. This exhilaration is worth all the adversity.
Levi’s arms tangle around my waist with a desperate need for his own closeness. He pulls me across him and I am cushioned in his arms.
I am his.
