Page 95 of Sunset Catchers

We chuckle in sync. Then, I reluctantly push against his chest because, really, there is no reason to keep cuddling, and he slips his arm away from my body to let me sit up and scoot back over to my side of the bed.

I miss Levi’s warmth instantly.

I watch him as he stretches to his full length.

“Good morning, Win,” he finally says with sleepy eyes.

“Good morning, Levi.”

Our gazes are glued together, matching leniency on our faces. We’re not even debating how we woke up on top of each other. Somehow, waking up cuddling each other isn’t awkward at all. Just as kissing was. Things are all so natural between us.

“So, we should probably get ready. Busy day ahead.”

Levi seems almost disappointed that I’m not commenting on our unconscious snuggling. Then, when he just agrees with a nod, I’m the one feeling disappointed that he doesn’t press me about the whole thing.

I understand, though. I’m the one constantly pulling up guard rails, and Levi is just being a good guy by staying put on the other side. I’m sure he’s a stellar museum guest.

I wouldn’t mind some trespassing, I think.

If I want our relationship to go further, to turn into something more, to upgrade his status in my life again, I need to be the one to do it.

If I want to kiss Levi again, which I really do, I’m the one who needs to make it happen.

Hours later, we are sitting at a local eatery, side by side at the bar. For most of the day, I got to be a real-life Ariel and looked for human-made objects to collect for my secret trove by spending hours sifting through rows upon rows of tables filled with gems waiting for another chance at life, while Levi played the role of chief haggler (because my social anxiety could never) to perfection, his eyes sparkling under the May sun.

Now, as the last bits of daylight are bidding farewell, I make a decision; tonight, I’m not going to overthink it. I’m just going to feel the vibes and see where they lead me, hoping Levi is ready to come with me, in every sense of that word.

The restaurant is bathed in a soft glow from the vintage schoolhouse lights and their milk glass globes hanging from the ceiling, making everything and everyone look better. Especially Levi, who is cosplaying a 90’s heartthrob with his perfectly faded blue jeans and oversize vintage leather jacket.

A curated, playlist of slow tempo music accompanies the conversations all around us. I am wearing my favorite going-out outfit: a cropped, tight t-shirt and a short skirt. My favorite oversize jean jacket is draped on the back of my stool.

It is the perfect setting to flirt a little. Or a lot.

My head wants to tilt, and tonight, I let it.

Gosh, it feels fucking fantastic.

I shift on my barstool, angling my body toward Levi.

Knees against thigh.

His gaze dips down toward my bare legs, making my satin skirt feel as thin as paper. He clears his throat.

“Do you know what you’re getting?”

“I think I’ll go with the Pretty in pink cocktail,” I tell him.

“Did you only choose it because it has the word pink in it?”

I blink, once.

He blinks back, once.

“What about you?” He browses the drink menu again, scratching at the scruff covering his jaw.

“I think I’ll try their house red wine. What about food?”

“I’m thinking we could share the cheese board? Then, I think I’ll go with the green spaghetti.”