Chapter 21: The Bolt

Leah's POV

I stood with my palm on the door and my back to him.

I could hear him breathing behind me, slow and careful.

"Leah," Levi said. "What are you doing?"

"Locking you in."

"I've noticed."

"Turn around, Levi."

I turned first.

He stood a foot away with his keys still in his fist and his other hand jammed in his back pocket.

"Take your hand out," I said.

He took it out.

It hung at his side, scarred and open.

"I've watched you keep it in there for two weeks," I said. "I want it somewhere else."

"Tell me where."

His voice had dropped.

It was not Derek's warm voice, the one that made everything sound like an apology.

It was plain and low, and it asked a question and waited.

"My waist," I said.

He put it there.

His palm was rough through my shirt, and it was hot, and I felt it all the way down my back.

"Now what?"

"Now you kiss me," I said. "Properly this time. With no sister at the door."

He dropped his keys on the floor.

He kissed me against the door, one hand at my waist and the other in my hair.

He took his time about it.

I made a sound I'd never made in five years of marriage.

His mouth moved to my jaw, and then to the soft place under my ear, and my knees gave out a little.

He caught me with an arm around my back.

"Careful," he said against my skin.

"I'm not breakable."

"I know you're not."

"Then stop being careful."

He laughed, low, and the laugh went through me.