Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“All the hotels we looked into were a little too expensive, so we figured we’d save a few bucks and stay with you,” Dad says, and I press my lips together. My parents are not broke—no, they’re not rich, either—but they can definitely afford to stay at a hotel. This isn’t about them saving a few dollars. I know this is about my stupid sisters opening their big dumb mouths about Levi. Levi, who two nights ago insisted on giving me a ride to my sisters’ place after he kissed me stupid in the hall. Levi, who laughed his ass off when they asked him about the building we both reside in being fumigated. I didn’t think it was as funny as he did, and my sisters had no clue why he thought it was hilarious, but they did find it very entertaining when he kissed me in front of them before leaving.
“All I have is the couch,” I mutter as Muffin finally pulls herself off said couch to come over and greet everyone.
“We figured we’d take your bed and you could have the pullout, unless there is somewhere else you wanted to stay—you know, somewhere close by?” Mom smiles knowingly, and I feel my eye twitch.
Oh.
My.
God.
I’m going to kill them. I’m going to be on the eleven o’clock news tonight, because I’m going to murder both of my sisters.
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” I grit out, trying to make it look like I’m smiling at the idea.
“Well, good, that’s all settled.” Dad grins, picking up both suitcases and taking them to my room.
“Are you ready to go?” Mom asks, and I pull my eyes off my dad’s retreating back to look at her petting Muffin.
“Yep, all ready,” I grumble, walking across the room to grab the black wool coat I laid on the edge of the couch earlier. Putting it on, I do up the four toggle buttons, then slip on my deep-red hat, scarf, and mittens set. Once I’m done, I pat Muffin’s head, mumbling, “Be good, girl,” as I head past my mom for the door.
The last time Levi sent me a text message, he said he would be working most of the weekend, but I still want to check to make sure the coast is clear. All I need is for my parents to run into him, and god help me if that happens.
“Honey, if we’re going to leave, you’re going to have to open the door,” Mom says from behind me, laughing, and I groan inwardly.
“I know.” I open the door and step out into the hall with them following me. As soon as we are all out of my apartment, I watch my dad turn to check the knob to make sure it’s locked before we all head toward the stairs.
“So did you get a new neighbor?” Mom asks, sounding far too innocent, as we pass Levi’s door.
“Yep.” Maybe if I keep my answers short and sweet they will give up.
“Oh, that’s nice. What are they like?”
“You know, just a person.” Just a person—seriously, like, what could he be, an alien? I’m never going to make it through this weekend at this rate.
“What kind of person?” Dad asks, and my shoulders sag.
Damn with that. I know they are not going to give up until I give them something. “Fine,” I sigh. “Let’s get this over with.” I spin around to face them on the stairs, and they both stop two steps above me. “His name is Levi, he’s a detective. Yes, he kissed me, and yes, I may like him, but it’s too early to tell if I do or not. So right now he’s just a nice guy that I kissed . . . that’s all.” I pause, then add, “Well, that and he’s my neighbor. So, please, can we not talk about him while you guys are here?” I ask, and their eyes are wide, but neither of them is looking at me. No, they are both looking past my shoulder. “There’s someone behind me, isn’t there?” I whisper, and they both nod. Lowering my head, I shake it from side to side, then turn around hoping it’s not who I think it is—but of course it is.
“Please tell me you didn’t hear any of that,” I plead to Levi, who’s standing at the bottom of the stairs near the front door with a smile on his face.
“Baby.” He chuckles, and I hear my mom whisper baby behind me.
“Great.” My eyes slide closed as my cheeks heat. One more thing to add to the ever-growing list of embarrassing things I have done in front of him.
“I’m Levi, Fawn’s new neighbor.” His heavy boots sound on the wood of the stairs, then his warm hand comes to rest against my lower back. Opening my eyes back up, I find him standing next to me with his free hand held out toward my parents.