Coming Home

Twenty-Four

The instant we arrive at the house, Kelli rushes out to assist with getting Grandpa inside, ushering him in quickly in spite of his protests. "Let's get you to your bedroom to rest and warm up," she insists, helping him from his wheelchair and maneuvering him up the front steps. Levi and I attempt to help her, but she simply shoos us away with a wave of her hand, a small smile curving her lips; I can't help but think that she believes there's something intimate going on right now, and she doesn't want to intrude upon that. My cheeks redden at the thought.

"I had been hoping to sit out here and watch the show," the elderly man pouts, his words falling on the nurse's deaf ears. "There's romance a-brewing between these two youngsters, and I had secured myself a front-row seat, you know."

"I think I can already hear your pillows calling your name, Mr. Jones," Kelli practically sings, blatantly ignoring Grandpa's child-like complaints as she simultaneously sends me a knowing smile. Regardless of his whining, Grandpa follows after her, peeking at Levi and me over his shoulder every few steps to make sure he doesn't miss anything exciting happening between us.

I can feel my cheeks reddening, the heat from my embarrassment easily combating the chill of the winter air against my skin. Is this even my life? When did I become such a spectacle in my own residence?

The rumbling of Levi's laugh vibrates through his chest and into my back as he steps closer to me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. My body wants to melt into his touch, but I hold myself back from doing so entirely; whatever is blossoming between us is still new. Hell, I haven't even seen this man in over five years--I can't possibly allow myself to fall hopelessly for him so soon after reuniting. Can I?

"He's quite the character, isn't he?" Levi asks as soon as we're left alone together on my front walk. Lowering his voice, he whispers against my ear, "I missed you."

The flood of warmth that washes over me at his words is almost immediately replaced by a wave of guilt; I still haven't officially ended things with Theo. "I missed you, too," I reply quietly. Hesitantly, I place my hands over Levi's, wrapping my fingers around his and gently prying them from my torso as I take a step forward. As I turn to look at him, I instantly notice the look of disappointment on his face at the sudden distance between us, and I can feel my heart practically crumbling; this is going to be more challenging than I had anticipated. "Levi, we need to talk," I say, my voice lower than usual and my throat suddenly feeling thick.

He looks me over for a second before nodding slowly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Levi lowers his gaze and wordlessly stares at the ground for several moments before looking at me expectantly. I take a deep breath before speaking, attempting to somehow collect my thoughts and feelings and put them all together in a way that not only makes sense but doesn't cause much damage to the man before me. Before I can utter a single word, however, Levi interrupts me.

"I'm so sorry, Lexi," he blurts out, his unexpected apology causing my breath to hitch and my face to momentarily scrunch in confusion. He rubs a palm over his face, letting out a sigh before continuing, "I'm sorry; I shouldn't be rushing you. I know you have a lot going on right now, and... Shit. I really should have asked you if you even wanted... this. I just--"

Taking the opportunity to interrupt him before he can further misconstrue the situation, I shake my head and call his name. The instant Levi's name slips past my lips, he immediately snaps his mouth shut, his eyes focusing intently on my face as he awaits whatever I'm about to say. "As much as I want... this," I begin, gesturing a hand between the two of us. Suddenly, I'm overwhelmed with emotions, and I can't hold anything back any longer, words pouring out of me in a rushed jumble before my mind can even process what I'm saying. "I, unfortunately, have a boyfriend. I recently caught him cheating on me, and I fully intend to break things off with him as soon as possible; however, I'm not a cheater. Well, I guess I technically am now, but... I don't want to be. Theo's an ass, but he's still human, you know? Everything is happening so fast, and I honestly can't say I saw it coming, but as much as I want to explore whatever this could be between us, I have to end things with Theo before I can do that. I--"

"Lexi," Levi says, holding up one hand to cut me off. I stop talking, take a deep breath, and look at him with embarrassment clearly written across my face. "It's okay," he assures me, slightly alleviating the tension that had been building in my shoulders, and I'm finally able to breathe easier. "We can start as friends and go from there, kind of get to know each other before rushing into anything. I know you're going through a lot, and I should have realized that before making any moves on you. So, just... take your time, and we'll move at your pace; I'll be here when you're ready."

Affection blooms in my chest, my eyes raking over Levi's face as he smiles softly at me. I'm not entirely sure what I had been expecting his reaction upon hearing the news of my failed relationship and the postponement of whatever could someday be between us to be, but I don't think this was it. Regardless, I find myself feeling incredibly appreciative of the man before me.

"Thank you," I whisper, a strange and surprising wetness filling my eyes. Clearing my throat lightly, I add, "For walking us home and for just being you."

Levi beams brightly at me, his genuine grin doing things to my body that I can't really explain. "Anytime, Lex," he responds cheekily, and I can't help but roll my eyes at him.

Levi Hutchins may just be the death of me.