by Erica Penrod
Fire like he’d never experienced before burned in his belly. This woman was like no other girl he’d ever met. He couldn’t explain his reaction, other than that she seemed to have been created for him. His desire was so much more than physical, and the feeling unnerved him. Yes, he wanted to kiss her, to hold her in his arms, but he also wanted to fix leaky faucets with her, and that was insane. Levi hated doing anything he wasn’t good at, or at least he had until he’d met Monica. Now he feared he’d attempt anything if she wanted him to.
Levi’s gaze wandered from her eyes, a more concentrated green than he’d ever seen them before, to the slight slope of her nose and at last landed on her full lips. No more thinking right now, he chided himself. He wanted physical proof. If he kissed her, he’d know for certain that he was falling for this girl.
He cupped her face as he leaned in. Her breath shuddered the moment before he softly placed his lips on hers. Levi closed his eyes and saw only her.
Monica put her hands on his waist and answered him with a fervor he hadn’t anticipated. His mouth matched hers in movement, and his heart beat in time to the music they created through the kiss. Lyrics appeared in his mind: mine, love, forever, and always.
Levi sighed as they pulled apart and stared into each other’s eyes. Yes, he was falling for this girl.
Monica hummed to herself as she put the finishing touches on her makeup and tried not to overthink the situation. They were adults who’d kissed and now were going to spend the day together. This morning, after she’d prepared an omelet for them both at Levi’s request, he’d asked if she wanted to take a ride out to Beaver Lake to see the property and homes of Mountain Cove. Of course she did, even though she thought she’d heard Aunt Gwen’s voice in the back of her mind, warning her that she was headed for trouble. She smiled at her reflection and felt like a rebellious teenage girl. For right now, Monica planned to live in the moment and not think about tomorrow or the consequences.
A quick dab of gloss and she headed to the kitchen. There were still things to do to be ready for her guests arriving on Tuesday, but she’d stay up around the clock tomorrow if she needed to. She hadn’t been out of Eureka Springs for weeks and a Sunday drive sounded amazing, but really, another few hours spent with Levi was too much to resist—everything about him was too much to resist.
“Ready.” She rounded the corner and stopped. Monica blinked as the sight of the man sitting at the kitchen table came into view. The morning sun couldn’t compete with the brightness he brought into her heart.
Levi got up, and a wide smile parted his lips. Stubble shadowed his face, and he wore a white T-shirt and jeans. Monica didn’t trust herself to move. Levi was handsome in his dress clothes, but this version, all casual and cool, made her knees weak and her mouth water.
“You look stunning.” Levi moved towards her.
She didn’t know how, but somehow Monica met him in the middle. He leaned in and kissed her. Her head spun at the sweetness of his kiss and the scent of cologne, and she wrapped her arms around him out of desperation, to keep from falling and because she had to be closer to him.
Levi pulled back, but she didn’t release her hold, and he smiled. “You ready to go?”
She swallowed the knot in her throat. How could she feel so much for someone in such a short amount of time? Did he feel like this, or was she just another girl in another town to him? So many questions, but she wasn’t doing that. Not today. He was hers, even if it was just for this little while.
“Yes.” Her hands dropped, and she stepped back. “Let me grab my purse, and I’m ready to go.” The distance between them tore at her like a bandage from a wound, and she knew in that moment that his goodbye might be an injury she couldn’t recover from. Stop it. Don’t think about that. “It’s just in my office.”
A tiny notch dug between his brows as if he saw the questions floating in her mind, but when she smiled, his eyes lit up and the worry disappeared. “Okay. I’ll follow you.”
Monica led them into the hallway, and Levi waited as she went into the office. She reached for the purse hanging from a hook on the wall, when the metal attachment suddenly came out of the sheetrock and dumped her purse and its contents all over the floor.
“You okay?” Levi leaned in and saw the mess.
Monica quickly scooped the items back into her bag. “Yeah, it’s fine.” Her mouth formed a smile, but her mind scolded her busybody aunt. You’ve made your point. Monica stood up and grinned at the hunky man waiting for her. She wasn’t going to let Aunt Gwen ruin the day for her. Moments later, she slipped into the passenger seat of his Stingray and wondered where exactly this was all headed.
Chapter Fourteen
Levi didn’t remember the last time he’d felt so free. The convertible top rolled down, the wind in his hair, and the cute girl riding shotgun was the perfect combination. Monica wore sunglasses to keep the sun out of her eyes and had tied her hair in a knot to keep it from blowing in her face, but her grin was a mile wide and soaking up the hot summer weather.
“I heard about a glass chapel somewhere along here.” Monica reached for her bottle of water. “I think it’s called Thorncrown Chapel.” She twisted the lid. “Maybe we should check it out sometime.”
“Yeah.” A glass chapel sounded cool, but he liked the idea of making future plans with Monica even better. “We should. If we scheduled it now—”
Monica laughed. “I’ll be sure to leave a day open on my calendar.”
He wasn’t sure what was so funny, but he didn’t care. The shape her mouth formed, along with the sweet sound of her laughter, made him wish she’d laugh at him more often. They continued to drive the scenic route through the Ozarks for nearly an hour, although the ride felt more like five minutes to Levi.
They came up to the turnoff. “This is it.” Levi flipped on his signal, and they exited the highway. The asphalt road continued to wind and bend, and without warning, a tree appeared, splitting the road in two. Levi pushed on the brakes. “I wasn’t expecting that.” He kept to the right as they eased around the tree. “I wonder why they didn’t remove the tree when they put the road in.”
Monica leaned over towards him, and Levi stopped so she could get a better look at the tree, but more because he liked having her close to him. “Look.” She pointed up. “There are initials and names all over the trunk.”
Levi followed her finger and saw the dates scratched into the bark. “The tree has to be at least a hundred years old.”
Monica grinned at him. “I guess we know why they didn’t cut it down.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” Levi pressed the gas pedal, and Monica settled back into her seat, still craning her neck to catch a glimpse of the tree. Maybe she was thinking about the names and wondering how the initials LH + MF would look added to the collection, like he was.
They crawled forward until a security gate came into view. Just as Levi stopped, a man appeared from a small office. “Can I help you?” He crossed his arms and studied the two of them.
“Yes, we’re here to take a look at some building lots.” Levi removed his sunglasses and smiled, but the man didn’t return the gesture. “My name is Levi Hernandez. Koven Kent should’ve contacted you about my arrival.”
The man dropped his arms and leaned back on his heels. “Oh yes. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow or the next day.”
“We decided to take a Sunday drive.” Levi glanced at Monica and then to the man. His name tag read “Elton Phillips.” “I was told you’d direct me to some available lots towards the end of the lake.”
“Yes, of course, Mr. Hernandez.” Elton took a brochure from his pocket and pointed to the map. “If you’ll take a left at the fork in the road and drive until you pass the caretaker’s cabin, then keep going until you get to the second security office, lots 29–31 are just across from there. You’ll see the signs.”
“Thank you.” Levi pushed his glasses back down on his nose. He waited as Elton went to the office a
nd the gate opened.
Monica waved to the security officer as they passed. “That guy looks like he could use some happiness in his life.”
Levi laughed. “For a minute, I was worried he didn’t want to let us in.”
“Funny, when he found out your name, how his attitude adjusted.” Monica brushed a rogue strand of hair back from her face. “Although I would’ve thought one look at this car should’ve told him we aren’t here to rob anybody.”
“I guess it’s better to be overcautious when you work in security.” Levi came to the two way in the road and proceeded left. Some homes were visible, almost next to the street, while others were tucked back in the thick foliage. Glimpses of the lake emerged between the trees every now and then.
“This place is amazing.” Her head moved left to right and back again. “And these are second homes?”
“Or maybe third or fourth.”
“I can’t even imagine that.” Monica continued to survey the area. Levi glanced over at her, wishing he could see her eyes, hoping she wasn’t overwhelmed by this lifestyle. He’d been around enough to know that not everyone felt comfortable around this kind of money. “I guess I forget that you’re—” She paused and turned towards him. “—a billionaire.”
Levi saw the caretaker’s place and kept going. “I have money, but I’d like to think there’s a lot more to me than what’s in my family’s bank account.”
“I know that, but it’s just easy to think you’re a regular Joe, because you’re staying in my house and not some fancy resort or in one of these Mountain Cove houses.”
“A regular Joe, huh?” Levi laughed. He couldn’t say he’d ever been described in such a way. “Maybe I am a regular Joe with a lot of money in the bank.”
“Really?” Monica taunted him. “Okay, regular Joe, what exactly are we doing here?”
He came to a stop and pointed. “Look at that place.” He pointed to a framed house with the lot number, 29, posted on a sign just off the street. “I think I’ll buy it.”
“You’ll what?” The incredulous tone in her voice made him smile.
“It’s for sale, and it’s a good investment.” Levi kept the grin on his face, but a nervous worry emerged from the back of his mind. He hoped he wasn’t putting distance between them with this purchase. Money had a tendency to do that if he wasn’t careful.
Monica pushed her glasses back on her head. “You’re just going to buy it like it’s no big deal?”
“It’s not that big of a deal.” He removed his own glasses. “I did a little research before we left.”
Her jaw went slack. “It’s a huge deal—like, mansion huge.”
“The house is big.” He leaned forward, resting his arms on the steering wheel, and studied the A-framed timbers peaking into the skyline and the dozen rectangular open squares along the front where the windows would be. Two different wraparound decks would eventually be added. Levi knew from the architect’s illustration and information that the four-story structure’s lower floor began at the water’s edge, and the first thing he’d do would be arranging for a private dock to be constructed. Then he’d buy a boat. “I can rent it out if I want to.”
“Oh.” Monica exhaled and leaned back in her chair. Levi wasn’t sure why the smile melted from her face.
“I’m sure my parents would like to come stay once in a while.” His father had mentioned he’d like to take up fishing after retirement. This looked like a great place to enjoy the sport.
She nodded, but the air around them felt heavier.
“Come on, let’s go check it out.” Levi parked the car and unbuckled his seat belt. “Monica, I’m still the same guy who’s staying at your house and obviously knows nothing about household repairs.” The tension in his body eased as the corners of her mouth twitched. “Just because I can buy a house doesn’t change that.” He got out of the car, walked around, and opened the door for her.
A few seconds passed as her eyes narrowed like she was zeroing in on a thought. Monica got out, and he closed the door behind her. “It’s not the house.” She bit her lip. “I mean, it is, and it isn’t.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” He arched a brow as he watched her closely.
“It is a little freaky that you can just decide to buy a house like picking up another pair of shoes, but that’s just money.”
“Okay?” Levi narrowed his eyes. “So what’s the problem?”
Monica drew in a deep breath. “The problem is you renting the place.” She glanced up at him, her hazel eyes brewing with emotion, but he was still lost. “You’ll be leaving in a few months, so what are we doing?”
Levi replayed her words in his mind. If he was terrible at home improvement, he was even worse when it came to relationships. He had so little experience and never with anyone like Monica, someone he didn’t want to walk away from. “What are we doing?” He repeated the question, but she had to give him more to go on.
“Yeah, you and me.” Monica leaned against the car and crossed her arms. “If I’m just the Eureka Springs entertainment for a few months, and then comes another town and another girl …” She paused and cleared her throat. “Then I don’t have time for this.”
Man, she was gorgeous, with the sun kissing her skin and her face flushed with emotion. Levi reprimanded himself. Now wasn’t the time to notice how hot she looked in cutoff shorts and a tank top. He refocused and refused to be diverted. “You might not believe me, but there’s never been anyone like you in any other town.” Levi scratched the stubble on his chin and wondered how he could make her understand. “I don’t do this. I’ve dated occasionally, but never anyone I was worried about seeing again.”
She chewed on her lip and looked up at him beneath her hooded brow. “So you are worried about seeing me again?”
Some things were better demonstrated. Levi approached her slowly, waiting for her permission, and when she smiled, he moved in and pulled her to him. His hands held on to her waist as he tilted his head and put his lips on hers. Everything he felt, he tried to convey in the tender kiss they shared. Moments later, he pulled away. “Yes, I want to see you again.” He stared into her eyes. “I don’t know how this will work, but I guess we can take it day by day.” Levi shrugged. “Live in the moment?”
Tiny lines rippled along her brow, but light shone in her eyes. “Mr. Hernandez, you’re telling me you don’t have a schedule for this?”
He chuckled. “Nope.”
“Have you been dipping into the Eureka Springs water?” She cocked her head and winked. “I’ve never heard you talk like that.”
Levi picked her up and spun her in a circle. “I’ve never met anyone like you.” He stopped and let her feet touch the ground but held her tight. “So you don’t have a problem with my money?”
She shook her head and smiled. “No.”
“Cool.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Because you’re going to love dating a billionaire.”
“I am?”
“Yeah.” A million ideas popped up in his mind, and he’d never been so happy to have a limitless bank account. Money would be so much more fun with someone to share it with. “Ah, the things we’re going to do.” Levi gave her a toothy grin. “Do you have a passport?”
Chapter Fifteen
Monday morning, Monica buzzed around the house, grateful she could now call the upstairs renovations complete and turned her attention to the lower half of the house. Today, however, all remodeling would come to a halt as she prepared for her second B&B guests coming tomorrow. Every room in The Red Pearl might not be up to date as she preferred, but unlike her first guest’s arrival, every room would be clean and presentable.
Three hours later, Monica sighed at the gleaming floors and polished wood. The house looked better than she’d hoped, although after spending yesterday with Levi, she might’ve been wearing rose-colored glasses. She smiled, remembering their picturesque drive and the feel of his lips on hers. It was impossible not to feel giddy. Her hear
t hadn’t stopped purring since yesterday afternoon, and she wasn’t sure her feet had touched the ground either. Monica felt like her own good fairy, spritzing around from room to room, none of it feeling like a chore—except for the toilets, because even fairies had their limits.
A quick glance at the clock told her she had just enough time for a shower before she headed out to pick up some groceries. The family coming tomorrow was a young couple with a toddler (thankfully bringing their own portable crib, because she hadn’t thought of that and added the item to the list for future purchases), and she wanted to make sure the pantry was stocked with appropriate snacks for the little one. She’d typed up her menu last week, and the ingredients, except for the fresh produce, already lined the shelves.
Monica took one last look around the place and knew there was only one thing missing—her guests. Luckily, her favorite guest would be home later tonight, and more were arriving in the morning. She looked up towards the heavens with gratitude in her heart. “Aunt Gwen, I hope you’re seeing all this. Thank you.”
Chapter Sixteen
The old red brick hospital was being prepped for surgery, or rather remodeling. Scaffolding, construction cones, and partitions draped in plastic made the place feel like a construction zone instead of a medical facility.
Levi parked his car, grabbed the bag in the passenger seat, and whistled as he walked through front doors. He’d always liked going to work, even with the challenges of an unwelcoming staff, but this was the first time he’d looked forward to going home just as much.
“Good morning, Lily.” He smiled as he stopped at her desk before he went on. They’d cleaned out a small office supply room at the end of the hall for him. The space was tight but private. “Any fires I need to put out this morning?” He thumbed through the stack of papers she collected and left for him.
