Chapter Three - Trying to get him to relax
1315 Words
Quinn
Levi and I were sitting in the restaurant, waiting for our food to come. It isn’t easy trying to get a conversation out of him. He seems more nervous now than he did back at the house.
“Are you always so quiet?” I ask, looking up at him.
He rubs the back of his neck, “I have never been one for small talk, especially around beautiful women.”
Fear takes over his face when he realises he said the last part out loud.
“You think I am beautiful?”
I try my best not to smirk because if I do, it might cause him to become more embarrassed. Levi breaks eye contact, looking anywhere that isn’t at me.
“Yes. Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I shouldn’t have said it out loud.” He rambles.
I’ve never met a guy as shy as he seems to be.
“Levi, please look at me. It is okay, and thank you for the compliment.”
I use my sweetest tone and hope it will help him relax. He draws in a breath and finally glances up. His cheeks are red.
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair, “You must think I am some weird guy, and I wouldn’t blame you.”
I reach over the table and place my hand over his. He jumps, not expecting it.
“No, I don’t think you are weird. I find it cute how shy and awkward you are.” I reply honestly and smile brightly at him.
A surprised look takes over his face, “Really? First time for everything, I guess.”
I find it sad how he doesn’t seem to have any confidence or doesn’t get much attention from women.
I squeeze his hand, “Yes, really.”
He gives me a small smile before he pulls his hand away from under mine. He lifts his glass of water and takes a large gulp. I am sure he will calm down around me once he spends time with me. Maybe.
He sets his glass back down and takes a few deep breaths. It seems to relax him.
“So, where did you travel?” he asks.
I find it sweet that he is trying to converse with me, even if it isn’t easy for him.
“Spain, Italy, Bali, Paris, Greece, Scotland, just to name a few. Have you done much travelling?”
“Oh wow, that is incredible. Not really. I have only ever been to London. Where was your favourite place?”
I thought for a moment before answering.
“Probably Bali or Scotland.” I smile.
They were both so beautiful. I loved Scotland. The people were great and made you feel at home.
“I would love to visit those places one day, but work takes over most of my life.” He sighs.
“What do you do?”
I am curious to know.
“I am a software developer.”
“Oh wow, that is amazing. You must have some brain to do that. Do you enjoy it?”
He must be smart to do a job like that. I sort of got that vibe from him.
“Yes, I do, but it can be time-consuming. I enjoy the hard work, but some days I just want to run away from it.” he laughs.
He has such a beautiful, dorky laugh. I can’t help but laugh with him.
“As long as you enjoy it, that is the main thing. I wish I could find something to love like that.”
I have always been impulsive, which is a good and bad trait. It is good because it makes me enjoy my life. It is bad because I struggle to stick to one thing. As a result, I get bored too easily.
“I am sure you will find something when you least expect it. I sometimes regret going to college straight after high school and then into a job. I wish I took a gap year and saw more of the world.” He shrugs, seeming slightly disappointed.
“Hopefully. You can still take time for yourself and see some of the world.”
I am sure he makes enough money from his job to be able to take a little time off.
“I won’t, though. I don’t like breaking routine; it stresses me out.”
He seems the opposite of me. Doing the same thing over and over stresses me out.
“Maybe we can help each other out. I can help you have fun, and you can help me to work out what I want.” I suggest.
Levi seems to have a good head on him. And, well, I don’t.
“I can help you for sure. Though, it won’t be so easy for you. Your brother has tried to get me out of my comfort zone.” He chuckles.
I raise my brow at him, “I am not my brother. I can be rather convincing.”
Levi lets out a small chuckle, “Oh, I believe that, but you will get bored of me quickly; most people do.”
“You are underestimating me, Levi. I will have you letting loose in no time.” I say confidently and wink at him.
The conversation ended there because our meals arrived. Thank God, I am so damn hungry.
I waggle my finger at him, “This conversation isn’t over yet, Mr.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He teases.
I stick my tongue out at him, causing him to laugh loudly. We turn our attention to our food. I like hanging out with him.
***
Levi and I head out of the restaurant. The food was delicious. I will visit again for sure. I link my arm with his again.
I reach in and kiss his cheek, “Thank you for lunch. You didn’t have to do.”
He paid for lunch. I insisted I would pay, or we could pay half each, but he was having none of it. I am not used to guys paying for things for me.
He smiles brightly, “You are welcome. Do you need to go anywhere?”
“It was sweet of you. No. I think I need a nap, to be honest, but I want to see Jared first.”
I am eager to see him. I hope he is home when I arrive.
“If he isn’t home yet, you could take a nap, and I will wake you when he arrives.” He suggests.
That could work.
“Yes, nice idea.” I agree.
It didn’t take us long to get back to the house. There is no sign of my brother, much to my dismay. He better hurry back.
“Sorry, he isn’t home. He shouldn’t be too much longer.” Levi says sadly.
“It is okay. It means I can take a nap. Promise you will wake me the second he comes back? And don’t tell him I am here.”
“Promise. And your secret is safe with me. Do you need anything before your nap?” he asks.
I shake my head.
“Thank you for keeping me company today, Levi. I enjoyed hanging out with you.”
I hug him, and he seems a little taken aback at first, but he does hug me back.
“I enjoyed spending time with you too.” He whispers.
We part after a moment. I kiss his cheek again before disappearing down the hall to the spare bedroom. I can feel him watching after me. I smirk to myself. I glance over my shoulder at him and flash my best smile in his direction before entering the room.
I believe my time here will be more interesting than I imagined.
- Writer
