When they were outside, she stopped on the porch steps and looked at Levi, who stood one stair below her, bringing them close to eye level.
“Thank you. For the flowers. They’re so simple and pretty.”
He smiled, his hand cupping her cheek. “So are you.” He squeezed his eyes closed for a second then opened them. “Pretty. Not simple.”
She laughed, some of her own nerves lessening. “Thank you. You look really nice.”
He grinned at her, took her hand. “It’s been a while since I dressed for a date.” She could probably beat him on the length of that while, but he cleaned up more than nice. He wore a dark gray polo shirt, dark jeans, and his hair had been styled but still looked like it wanted to do its own thing, little strands here and there. She loved it.
When they reached his car, he opened the passenger door for her, helped her in. He was so easy to be around. “This is already fun.”
He leaned in, gave her a soft kiss. “I hope you didn’t doubt that it would be.”
She didn’t, but she hadn’t expected to feel at ease so quickly. Like she was doing exactly as she should; with the right person.
When Levi got into the vehicle, which she was pretty sure he’d borrowed from his mom, he reached over and squeezed her hand. She hadn’t thought about how much she missed the little thingsin a relationship. A look, a gentle kiss, holding hands. That reminder that someone wanted to be near you every bit as much as you wanted to be near them.
She was grateful he looked away before he caught the sappy gaze she knew would be in her eyes. Because even though she knew it was too much too fast, she was falling hard and didn’t know how to stop. The very least she could do was not advertise it in every look she gave him. They chatted about the lodge, their days, and he gave her the rundown on the three food trucks he was considering as they drove the short distance to the pub.
When he helped her out of the car at Brothers’ Pub her body brushed against his as she stood. With his hand on her hip, he stared down at her in a way that made her breath hitch, her stomach tighten, and her pulse scramble.
“You look gorgeous, Jilly. I like this dress.”
Her breath whooshed out of her lungs. “I like you.” She didn’t mean for it to come out all breathy, but Levi was good at stealing her breath. Then and now.
Levi didn’t mind, if the kiss he gave her was any indication.
The vibe inside Brothers’ Pub was light and fun. On both sides. It was such a strange situation; Jillian couldn’t imagine not speaking to her brothers, or not doing sowhileworking with them.
“If you two aren’t looking to be this week’s gossip, I’d let go of her hand, Levi Bright,” Liam said, walking toward them from the bar.
His hair was longer than usual, which only meant it wasn’t shaved close to the scalp. He was stocky and tall, a former all-star football player who’d gone to university on a scholarship before coming home to open the bar with his twin brother.
He grinned, shook Levi’s hand, gave him one of the standard bro-hugs, then kissed Jilly’s cheek.
He clutched his chest with both hands when he pulled back. “I’ve been asking you out for years, Jilly. And you choosethisguy?”
She laughed, looked at Levi, who was frowning adorably. She leaned into him. “Can’t explain chemistry, I guess.”
The wrinkles in Levi’s forehead smoothed and his gaze caught hers, setting off little sparklers in her chest.
Liam groaned. “Just what we need; another Keller in love. Something’s in the water at Get Lost. I’m going to have to make sure Gray doesn’t drink it.”
Levi chuckled, squeezed Jilly’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Liam. The bar business looks like it’s treating you well.” He gazed at the wall that separated the two halves. He gestured toward Leo’s half. “This is new.”
Liam’s gaze shuttered. “You do what you have to do. If you ever get the chance to go into business with family, run away. Don’t walk. Run.” Looking at Jilly, he winced. “Unless you’re the Kellers. They make it look easy.”
“They do,” Levi said, clearly confused but letting it go.
Liam smiled at Jilly, but she caught the way his gaze wandered to the partition that separated his half from Leo’s. Music from that side sounded like a low bass beat, just enough to feel but not make out the words.
Meeting Levi’s gaze again, his friend gestured to his half. “Things are great. Come on, grab a seat. I’ll send someone over to take your order.”
They walked through the space, which was more crowded than it should be due to each of the brothers squishing tables together to take their own sides. A few people waved; a couple of people Jill recognized by face but not name simply stared. Others ignored them entirely.
Near the back, past the bar, they found an empty two-top tabletucked in the corner, giving the illusion of being secluded. Levi helped her with her coat, tucked it over her chair before pulling it out for her to sit.
“Thank you. You’re very good at this. Flowers, kisses, taking my coat. Would seventeen-year-old Levi have been this good on a date?”