Test Drive - Samantha Chase Page 0,58

have to pretend anything anymore. Sadly, it was time to get back to the way things were before they left New York a week ago.

And she hated even the thought of it.

Not the part about going home–she actually couldn’t wait to see Josh and all the dogs–but about things going back to the way things were between her and Levi. The thought of only seeing him on Friday nights and talking while he was working his shift filled her with such an overwhelming sense of sadness that she hadn’t expected.

Although, to be honest, she hadn’t allowed herself to think this far ahead. In all her planning for the week, Willow’s main focus was on keeping her family off her back. Never in her wildest dreams did she allow herself to think about developing real feelings for Levi that had absolutely zero to do with friendship.

Oh, God…he’s seen me naked! None of my friends have seen me naked! I always hide when I get changed!

Releasing his hand, she straightened herself in her seat again and sighed.

“You okay?”

“What? Oh…um…yeah. I just needed to get comfortable.”

With the idea of us not being boyfriend and girlfriend anymore.

They drove in silence for several miles before Levi called out, “Hey, look! Florida oranges in one mile! Want to stop?” He looked at her with the biggest smile. How could she possibly do anything but smile back?

“Absolutely!”

Something was definitely up.

For the life of him, Levi had no idea what it was, but something was bothering Willow. He just hated that he didn’t know her well enough to just know, and he wasn’t sure if it was smart to push her to talk about it.

They had stopped for oranges.

A ten-pound bag of them.

Willow bragged about loving all citrus fruits and how she couldn’t wait to get home and make herself freshly squeezed orange juice every morning.

He didn’t have the heart to tell her it might take all of those oranges to make a decent glass of juice.

Now they were in Georgia and had just stopped for peanuts and peaches.

Luckily, not ten pounds of either.

“So…peaches not as big of a deal?” he asked as they loaded their latest purchases in the car.

“Yeah, not a huge fan of them. Like I’ll eat one or two and be good to go. But I know Jen loves them, so I’ll give the rest to her.”

“And the peanuts?”

She shrugged. “I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

Unable to help himself, he laughed. They were back in the car and he was about to back out of the parking spot, but he couldn’t. “You wanted to see what all the fuss was about…peanuts?”

“Well, yeah. I can walk into any grocery store and buy peanuts like it’s no big deal. And yet once you start driving through Georgia, there are these giant signs everywhere that make it seem like these are the greatest peanuts in the world. So I need to taste for myself and see what I think.”

“Should I have kept them up front with us?”

“Nah, not in the mood.”

For a moment, he could only stare. “So you’re curious, but not curious enough to try them right now. Do I have that right?”

“Yup.”

If anyone asked him for one thing he learned about Willow this week, it was that she was utterly unpredictable.

And in a good way.

“Would you mind if I tried some?”

“Now?”

He nodded.

“Sure. Be my guest.”

And there it was again. Some of her spark and light was gone.

So instead of reaching into the back seat and grabbing the peanuts, he turned toward her and stared until she returned his gaze.

It took almost a solid minute.

“What? What’s the matter?” she asked.

“That was going to be my line.”

Brows furrowed, she didn’t respond.

“Willow, clearly something’s bothering you. Is it me? Did I do something wrong?”

She looked like she was about to say something but changed her mind.

“I have no problem waiting you out,” he explained. “I’m very patient.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Levi. There’s nothing wrong. I guess I’m just a little tired and not looking forward to the long drive home. For some reason, it always seems to take longer.” Then she shook her head. “And I know we’re doing it in less time, but it already feels like it’s going to take forever.”

It made sense. Sort of.

“You’re already missing your grandmother, aren’t you?” It wasn’t a question. Over the few days they were there, Levi could tell Willow and her grandmother were very close. It was very sweet to see, and he knew they both