Levi moved around the kitchen with an ease that did not befit a young master of a rich household. I giggled when I realized he hadn’t put anything on when we left the room. He was both hot and cute. He seasoned the meat, chopped and diced vegetables, and whisked eggs all in his briefs. My eyes drank in every flex, every exhale, and whiff as he worked. It was only breakfast, but here he was pulling out all the stops. I hadn’t expected something so grand, nor did I think I would be watching him do all the work. I thought we’d have eggs and toast. I would have been content, happy even. It didn’t take much for me to be happy. A warm meal was usually all it took, but that wasn’t all I got today. I’d get the added bonuses of a real smile and great company.
We didn’t have meals together at home, thankfully. I think my life would be a tad bit worse if we did. I grabbed what I could from the kitchen when Greg was sleeping, but other than that I ate at school most of the time. Levi placed the thick slice of meat onto hot oil and I moaned as the smell of meat cooking filled the air. He moved from one side to the other, humming ‘Sway with me’ by Dean Martin. An oldie but goody. He looked like a pro when he adjusted the heat and threw the vegetables into another pan with a cut of butter.
I was being spoiled by him and I watched him with wonder. There weren’t many men in the world like Levi, but I was lucky to know one of them. He looked at me and I wagged my eyebrows at him. He chuckled and continued cooking. My smile lowered when he looked away. I was lucky to have him as a friend. I wonder what would have happened if we hadn’t grown distant. Would we have been more? I was certain about one thing. I didn’t deserve him. I was going to break up with Dylan tomorrow and then what? I couldn’t jump into another relationship. I mean.. I could but I wasn’t ready to throw myself under another man again. I was trying to be better, smarter and that meant not tying myself down. I sighed. This is exactly why I didn’t deserve him. I was distracted from my thoughts as Levi flipped vegetables in the air and flipped the meat over. He glanced my way and that devilish smile I knew so well pulled at one corner of his lip.
“You are way too quiet, baby girl. What are you thinking about?” Levi asked.
“I am not. I’m just… thinking about the meal you’re making me,” I said.
“I smell bull shit,” Levi teased.
“Mm…” I hummed.
“Well? How does it look?” He asked.
“It look amazing. Breakfast and a show,” I teased as my eyes dropped down his body.
“Why do the gods tempt me so?” He groaned.
“Levi,” I giggled.
“It’s not every day I make you food. I wanted everything to… look tasty,” Levi said with a wink. “And look.” He mentioned to the food in front of him. He made a gesture where he pulled his finger tips together, put it to his mouth, and pulled his hand away from his body. “Chefs kiss.”
“Now who’s the little tease?” I joked.
“Guilty,” Levi said.
He shrugged his shoulders, turned from my and picked up a pan. I watched him hungrily as he shook the pan and sauteed vegetables fell onto a plate. He put the pan down and poured the bowl of eggs he’d whisked earlier into it. I watched as he grabbed a pile of chopped spinach and threw it in. Next, he flipped the meat.
“How did you learn how to cook?” I asked.
“Here in this kitchen. After I was forced to live here, I taught myself… It won’t be long now,” he said.
When he was done cooking and the food was ready, he walked over to me and gripped my hips. He leaned in close enough that I could feel his warmth. Levi lifted me and I grabbed his shoulders as he lowered me to the ground.
“I like having you here,” he murmured.
“I like being here,” I whispered.
“Good,” he said.
“Good,” I repeated with a smile.
Turning from him, I felt him at my back as I grabbed the wine glass filled with juice. He moved when I turned around and grabbed the plates. We left the kitchen a mess, but my mind was on the food as I followed him into the dining room. Levi set the plates down and pulled out the chair at the head of the table. He looked at me and motioned for me to sit. I looked at him and back down at the seat. Without another word, I sat and waited for him.
“Thank you… for cooking the food and letting me stay here,” I said as he took a seat.
“I didn’t let you do anything. I basically kidnapped you yesterday,” Levi chuckled. I. cleared my throat.
“What I meant to say is that I’m thankful for the work you put into preparing breakfast,” I said honestly.
“It’s more like brunch and you don’t have to thank me for it. I wanted to feed you. Now, go on, dig in,” he said.
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I licked my lips as I stared down at my food. He’d cut up the steak and my stomach growled as steam came up from my plate. I stabbed a piece of meat and moaned as I bit into it. The eggs were the fluffiest I’d ever had and the sauteed vegetables were sweet. When I glanced up, He was leaning back watching me.
“What?” I asked.
“I like knowing I’m taking care of you,” he said. I almost choked.