Amia
Warmth. I was surrounded by it. It was burning actually. I wriggled as I tried to get free, but couldn’t. My eyes flew open and the first thing I saw was fire. Warmth plus fire as soon as I woke up had me thinking I was on fire. I was screaming, trying to get free, but I couldn’t. The restrictions loosened and then someone was soothing me. I turned toward the source and found warmth, warm brown eyes staring down at me.
Levi.
All at once, everything came flooding in. The cafe, the ride home, the walk up the stairs, and whatever had happened in his bathroom. He was showering and I was waiting for him. I must have fallen asleep, but that didn’t explain how I got here. I looked down and found myself seated on his lap, his arms wrapped around my waist, surrounded by a pile of blankets.
No wonder I was so hot.
“What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” Levi asked. His voice was laced with worry.
I wish I had a nightmare. That’s not what happened. I slept. I slept peacefully. Probably the most peaceful sleep I’ve had in my entire life. I didn’t want to tell him that. I wouldn’t admit that.
“No. I was burning to death. Goddess, you’re hot!” I said. I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth.
“I have been told that yes,” Levi said smugly.
“You are so frustrating!” I groaned and laughed at the same time.
“I’ve never heard that one,” Levi said innocently.
“Mm-hmm. How long have I been out?” I asked.
“Honestly? Not that long. Maybe two hours,” Levi said.
“Only two hours?” I asked.
“Yep. I make all the ladies relaxed,” Levi said cockily.
“Okay, I’m done,” I laughed.
I pushed his arms off of me and stepped out from his embrace. The warmth was gone and I was cold. For a second, I wanted to turn around and crawl back into his arms. I froze at the thought.
Yeah, that’s not happening.
“Where’s your TV? I can’t find it,” I said.
“What makes you think I have one?” Levi asked.
“Come on now. This is you we’re talking about. Movies were your favorite thing. I’m sure there’s a stash of sweets hidden in this room,” I said.
“You remember that?” Levi asked with a smile on his face.
“Of course, I do,” I said.
Levi lifted the pile of blankets and searched for something. He grabbed the remote and leaned back. He pressed a button and the wall above the fireplace opened up. I stared in shock as a black screen became visible and pushed forward.
“Why am I surprised that you have a secret TV hidden in your walls?” I asked.
“I have no idea,” Levi shrugged. “You should know better.”
“Oh thanks,” I laughed. I remained standing as Levi turned it on. Without looking at me, he jerked his head towards his bed.
“Go change into the clothes on the bed,” Levi said.
“Thanks,” I said.
I walked over, scooped them up, and headed for the bathroom. Levi didn’t look at me again, nor did he look over his shoulder. I stared at him as I closed the bathroom door. There was a towel folded neatly on the counter top. I turned the shower on and put my hands underneath the steady stream of water. It was instantly hot. I was used to having to wait a few minutes for it to get hot. Apparently, I didn’t have to do that here.
I pulled my clothes off, folded them, and placed them on the lid of the toilet bowl. I didn’t want to leave those here. The last thing I wanted was for Levi to wash them and need to return them to me at school.
I stepped into the shower and sighed as the water hit me. The last shower I had taken, I had to sit on the floor and cry. I didn’t have that urge here. I felt safe and warm. I felt really warm. I reached for the shampoo, pumped some into my hand, and massaged it into my scalp. I groaned at the smell of tropical flowers and a whiff of coconut.
When I was all washed up, I stepped out of the shower, and dried off. I picked up the clothes that Levi had put aside for me. A long white t-shirt. I pulled it over my head and pushed my hands through. The shirt fell right below my knees. Goddess, he was tall. There was a pair of briefs that would be way too big. That was all that he had given me. I cannot spend the night with him without underwear. I’d have to ask him for shorts, basketball shorts preferably.
I put the towel around my shoulders and let my hair rest on it to prevent from getting the shirt wet. I bit my lower lip nervously and grabbed the briefs as I headed for the door. I pushed it open and walked out. Levi had chosen a movie and there was a table full of snacks. I couldn’t help but smile. He turned toward me and froze. His eyes darkened as he stared at me. His eyes trailed down the length of the shirt. I folded my hands in front of my chest as his eyes lowered to my legs. I walked towards him and stopped behind the sectional. I handed him the briefs and his eyes lowered to them. I didn’t think it was possible but his brown eyes got even darker. When he lifted his eyes to mine my skin warmed.
“These don’t fit. They keep falling down. Do you have.. any basketball shorts?” I asked.
“I don’t,” Levi answered quickly.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
He nodded his head, but I wasn’t sure I believed him.
Two could play at that game.
“Mm. Well… guess I’m going commando then,” I said nonchalantly.
“Gods,” Levi groaned.