Test Drive - Samantha Chase Page 0,85

sidewalk was the biggest blessing of my life.”

“Levi…”

And then he did touch her. Reaching up, he caressed her cheek. “Meeting you was one of the greatest moments of my life, Willow. I don’t regret it for a minute.”

“Hmm…”

That was it? That was all she had to say?

Swallowing hard, he tried not to take it personally and immediately pulled his hand back. “So, uh…what do you think of the lights? Is this how you imagined it would look?”

She looked around again and nodded enthusiastically. “Definitely. And I know the sun’s still out so I can’t really tell, but I bet when it’s darker out and you really need these, they’ll offer much better views of the place.” Then she met his gaze. “I may even come back later and see for myself.” Then she hopped off the stool.

“Oh, uh…you’re leaving?”

Shrugging, she said, “Well, I came to see what I needed to see, and it all looks amazing.” She grinned. “Like I knew it would.”

When she went to walk past him, Levi placed his hand on her arm to stop her. “Don’t go.”

She froze and slowly turned her head to look at him. “Why should I stay?” But there was no heat behind her words, just a softly spoken question.

“Because I miss you so damn much that I can barely stand myself, Willow.” She turned fully to face him and he knew he had this one chance to say what he had to say–to make things right.

And it scared the shit out of him.

“At first, when we first met, it didn’t seem like there was ever a reason to mention that I owned the place,” he began gruffly. “It never really came up. And then once we started getting to know each other, you always sounded so insecure about what you were doing for a living and putting yourself down for not doing something more, and I didn’t want to be someone who made you feel bad about yourself.” He paused. “But in the end, that’s exactly what I did and I hate myself for it, Willow. It kills me to think that I hurt you.”

Her expression turned sad as her eyes welled with tears. “You should have told me sooner. I shouldn’t have had to learn about this major part of your life from Anthony and my father.”

“Your father?” Okay, that was new information.

She told him about the phone conversation she’d had with her father right before coming to the pub that fateful day and it made him hurt for her all over again.

Slowly, cautiously, he pulled her into his arms and held her. “I swore I wasn’t going to tell anyone else before I told you; you have to believe me. But,” he let out a long breath. “That man just pushed all of my buttons and it was out before I could stop it.”

“I’d like to say I’m mad about it, but…I know it was necessary at the time and it really did help to put him in his place.” She pulled back and looked up at him. “But I’m not like him, Levi. I don’t judge a person by what they do for a living. It doesn’t matter to me. And I would have fallen for you whether you were a bartender, the boss, or the guy who washes the dishes.”

“I know that,” he admitted, caressing her cheek again. “You’ve got a good heart and you’re an amazing woman, and I’ve missed you so damn much.” He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. “Tell me I didn’t ruin this. Tell me you’ll give me another chance. Tell me we can start over. Tell me…”

She silenced him by pressing her lips to his and then kissing him senseless.

Levi’s arms banded around her, and for the first time in almost two weeks, he felt like he could breathe again.

“Geez, get a room, you two,” Maxi said as she breezed by.

“Yeah,” Anthony said, walking by on their other side. “Take the night off, for crying out loud. This is a family place.”

Lifting his head, Levi smiled down at Willow. “What do you say? Can I take you out on a proper date tonight and finish groveling?”

“Hmm…define…proper.” And with a sassy wink, she stepped from his arms, taking one of his hands in hers. “Because I had other plans for us.”

This girl…

Grinning at his employees, Levi gave them a quick wave. “It looks like I’m taking the night off.”

“Please, don’t show your face in here until Monday,” Anthony called out. “Do