Chapter Two

As Levi pulled into the parking area, he glanced around and shook his head.

“This place sure packs them in.”

“It does. I was hoping by getting my tree early, I’d beat the rush,” Kinley said.

“It looks like everyone had the same idea.”

“Do you know Nick?”

“Yes. Do you?”

“Yes, I’ve known Nick and his brother, Wilder, for years. They’re both great.”

“Yeah, they are. I suppose you meet a lot of people from working in the pharmacy,” Levi commented.

“I do for sure.”

“Are you a pharmacist like Addison?”

“I’m a pharmacy technician. I basically assist Addison. I can fill prescriptions, but Addison is responsible for ensuring patients receive the correct medications , and she talks with them about how to take the meds.”

“I see. Do you like your job?”

“I love it. Do you like yours?”

“Very much,” he said.

After finding a place to park, Kinley opened the door, stepped out, and met Levi at the front of the vehicle. He motioned for her to lead the way, and they walked toward the large white tent when he spotted Nick walking toward them.

Kinley turned and grinned.

“Nick, how are you?” she asked as he hugged her .

“Great. You? Levi, how are you doing?” Nick shook his hand.

“I’m doing well, Nick. You?”

“I can’t complain. There’s hot chocolate and coffee in the tent. Do you need to go up to the trees or getting one already cut?”

“We’d like to go up to the trees. How’s Paige and those kids of yours?”

Nick grinned. “Just perfect. She’s in the tent. Just let me or one of the guys know when you want to go to the trees.” Nick smiled, then walked off to talk with someone else.

“He’s so great,” Kinley murmured as she watched Nick walk off.

“Nick’s a nice guy. Come on, let’s get something to warm us up.”

They entered the tent and he saw Paige coming toward them.

“Kinley. Levi,” she said with a smile.

“Paige, it’s so nice to see you again.” Kinley hugged her.

Levi hugged her too. “It’s good to see you, Paige.”

“You too. Do you guys want hot chocolate or coffee?”

“I definitely want hot chocolate,” Kinley said.

“I’ll have the same,” Levi said.

“We’ll see you later, Paige. Have a great day.” Kinley smiled.

“You both have fun picking out trees.”

After they finished their drinks, Levi went in search of someone to drive them to the trees.

Levi returned to Kinley. “We have a ride.”

“Okay. The smell here is amazing.”

When the truck pulled up beside them, Levi opened the back door for her, holding her hand as he did, then he motioned for her to slide over and climbed inside her. She smiled as the truck made its way through the snow tracks, then gasped when she saw the endless rows of trees.

“Oh, my. How am I supposed to choose?” Kinley asked as she hopped out of the truck.

“Don’t you get one here every year?” Levi took her hand as they walked toward the trees.

“I usually buy one already cut from Chuck Sampson. He sells Nick’s trees, but when Addison started talking about getting a fresh-cut tree, I knew I had to do it.”

“Without having a way to haul it,” he said, shaking his head, making her laugh.

“It smells amazing just standing here.”

“This row is Balsam. They always smell great.”

“I don’t know which is which.”

“Those are Douglas firs. See the signs? The trees are in sections. Douglas firs, Balsams, White pine, Frasier fir, and blue spruce. I’m sure he has others but those are the ones I can see.”

“What size do you think I can get? I’d like one close to the ceiling. I usually get a six foot but even in the stand and tree topper, it didn’t touch the ceiling.”

“You could get a seven foot. The stand, plus the topper, will make it almost touch the ceiling.”

“Do you have a spot picked out in your place?”

“No. I don’t put one up.”

“Why not?”

Levi shrugged. “I live alone—”

“So do I.”

“True. But I don’t want one. Let’s find you a tree.” He started down a row, then turned to look at her. “Where do you usually put your tree?”

“I put it in the corner, close to the fireplace.”

A while later, Levi sighed. He was sure Kinley had looked at every tree in this section and his balls were about to get frost bit.

She finally stopped in front of a tall Balsam and nodded at the man following them, carrying a saw.

“This one.” She pointed at it.

“Yes, ma’am.” He glanced at Levi, then back at Kinley. “You’re sure this is the one? I just want to make sure before I start cutting.”

“Definitely.” She nodded, looked at Levi. “Do you like this one?”

“Yes. I think it was just planted when we got here, but since it took you so long to find it, it’s already seven feet tall.”

Kinley gasped and slapped her hand at him. “Smartass.”

Levi chuckled. “Are you sure this is the one?”

Kinley nodded, then after it was cut, they waited for the tree to be wrapped. Once that was done, the worker who cut it carried it to the truck, placed it in the bed, then they all climbed into the truck and were taken back to the tent.

After paying for her tree, the worker placed the tree in the bed of Levi’s truck, then they got into his truck, and he drove to Kinley’s townhouse, and backed into the driveway.

“Will you help me decorate it?” Kinley asked.

“Uh, I suppose I could.”

“You don’t have to,” she said and he could hear the disappointment in her voice.

“Sure, I’ll help.” It was the last fucking thing he wanted to do, but he’d do it for her. “Let me carry it in for you.”

After he carried the tree inside, Kinley removed her coat and beanie, hung them up, then placed the stand in the corner beside the fireplace, and Levi set the tree in it, then lay on the floor to tighten the screws around the trunk. Kinley filled a pitcher with water, handed it to him, and he poured the water into the stand. He stood, walked to where Kinley stood, and looked at the tree.

“It looks good there.” She smiled.

“Yeah.” He removed his coat and hat, then hung them up on the hall tree.

“Could you light a fire? I’ll get us each a cup of coffee, then we can start on it.”

Levi watched her walk into the kitchen as he crouched to light the fire. He was way more attracted to her than he’d first thought. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Her black hair touched her shoulders and it, along with her bangs, framed her face. Her eyes were a deep rich brown surrounded by long lashes. She was without a doubt, a beautiful woman whom he wanted to know better, but he knew trouble lay ahead.

****

Kinley waited in the kitchen of her home, anticipating the coffee brewing in the machine. She leaned over the counter to get a glimpse of Levi as he turned the gas on then struck a match to light it. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the subtle sounds of the fireplace. The fake wood made crackling sounds of a wood fire.

“So, what do you do now that you’ve got him here?” she murmured to herself, nervously fidgeting with her hands as she turned back to the coffee maker.

“Talking to yourself?” Levi’s deep voice startled her as he appeared in the doorway of the kitchen, arms folded across his chest as he leaned against the doorframe. Kinley’s heart fluttered at the sight of him, taking in every detail from his dark hair to his handsome face and piercing gray eyes. She couldn’t help but let her gaze wander lower, briefly lingering on his strong jawline before forcing herself to look away.

“Do I make you uncomfortable, Kinley?” Levi asked, concern evident in his tone.

“Not at all,” she quickly reassured him. “I told you that already. I just haven’t been out with a man in a while. It feels like a first date. You know, will he kiss me? Does he want to kiss me? Will he be a good kisser?” She looked at him with a shy smile. “The usual things that go through a woman’s mind.”

“Well, you have an advantage over me there.” Levi chuckled.

Kinley laughed along with him, feeling her nerves start to melt away. But they returned with full force as he pushed off from the doorframe and made his way to her with deliberate steps. Her heart raced as he stopped in front of her and tilted his head down to meet her gaze.

“We can find out the answers to those questions now,” he murmured huskily.

“What questions?” Kinley played coy, although she knew exactly what he was referring to .

“First, will he kiss me.” Levi leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against hers, causing her to inhale sharply in surprise. He pulled back slightly; his eyes dark with desire. “Second, does he want to kiss me.” He smirked. “I think I just answered that one. And third, will he be a good kisser.” He let out a low sigh. “Now that one, I can’t answer. I like to think so. I’ve never had any complaints, but that’s for you to decide.” His breath tickled her ear as he leaned closer again, his voice dropping to a whisper. “So, what’s the verdict?”

Kinley couldn’t resist any longer. With a smile, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought their lips together in a passionate kiss, feeling all doubts and worries fade away in the heat of the moment. After they pulled apart, she looked up at him with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“You’ll have to kiss me again,” she teased. “And then I’ll tell you.”

“No problem at all,” he whispered as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply once more.

His hands moved down to her hips and pulled her even tighter against him. Kinley moaned as his lips moved over hers, then he slowly lifted them until they were looking into each other’s eyes before moving his lips across her cheek to her ear.

“Well?” he whispered as he nipped at her earlobe with his teeth, sending shivers down her spine.

“What was the question again?” She couldn’t help but laugh when he chuckled. “I have to say, Levi Thomas, you are a fantastic kisser. ”

An incoming call interrupted their moment and Kinley had to excuse herself to answer it.

Levi left the kitchen and she leaned her hip against the counter. She smiled when she saw Addison’s number.

“Hey, Addison.”

“What are you up to?”

“About to decorate my Christmas tree,” she replied.

“I can hear the smile in your voice. Is he still there with you?”

“Yes, we’re going to have coffee first and then get started. What are you and Cody doing today?”

“Not much. Just having a lazy day. I just wanted to check on you.”

Kinley turned away from the living room. “He kissed me,” she whispered.

“Oh! Good?”

“Amazing. My toes were curling. I have to go now. See you Monday.”

“Okay, have fun.”

“I’ll try. Bye.” Kinley hung up and poured a cup of coffee for Levi. “Levi? Your coffee is ready.”

He entered the kitchen and she wanted to continue where they left off, but didn’t want to seem too eager. They had only met once before and had barely spoken since.

Taking the cup, he sipped it. “That hits the spot. It’s freezing outside today.”

“But it was still fun. I think I’ll make it a tradition every year.”

“Maybe you should consider getting an SUV or truck.” Levi grinned.

“I love my Mini though.”

“Who says you can’t have both? You almost need four-wheel drive around here in the winter.”

“That’s true. I never really thought about it because as much as I love snow, I hate driving in it.”

“Most people do. I’m more concerned about other drivers than myself.” He turned to go back to the living room. “Come on, Kinley, that tree won’t decorate itself.”

“Right.” She followed him to the living room and they began decorating the tree together.

As Levi worked on the top, she placed decorations around the room. When she looked over her shoulder at him, he had his back turned. Not that she minded. He certainly filled out those Wranglers.

When he turned around and caught her looking, he raised an eyebrow. She shook her head and quickly turned away, but she could hear him chuckle. Men. Why did she like them so much?

After finishing the tree, Kinley’s stomach growled.

“Do you want to order a pizza? They deliver,” she suggested, hoping he would agree.

“Sure.”

“What toppings do you like?”

“Pepperoni, sausage, onion, mushrooms, and black olives.”

“No peppers?” She laughed when he shuddered. “Fine, I’ll get half with peppers.”

“Or we could go to the diner,” he offered.

Kinley smiled. “I’d love that. A burger sounds really good right now.”

“We can have pizza next time.”

A smile spread across her face as she thought about the possibility of a next time. Levi helped Kinley put on her coat and she pulled her mittens from the pockets. She thanked him for his chivalrous behavior, commenting that not many men do that nowadays. He nodded in response, but remained silent as they walked outside. He took her key from her and locked the door before giving it back to her. As he led her to the passenger side of his truck, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had said something wrong. When they were both inside the truck and he was pulling out of the driveway, she finally spoke up.

“Did I say something to upset you?”

Levi stopped the truck and turned to look at her before letting out a sigh.

“No.”

“Are you sure? You went quiet when I mentioned how well-mannered you are.”

“That’s because I had a rough childhood.”

“How rough?”

“Very.”

“I see...”

“I don’t think you do, but we can talk about it later when we know each other better.” He gazed at her intently.

“Okay.” She nodded in understanding.

Levi drove them to the diner in town where they sat in a booth and ordered their usual meals. Kinley apologized if her comment brought up any bad memories.

“Don’t worry about it,” Levi reassured her.

She nervously nibbled on her lip, unsure of how to make things better. She was simply admiring his manners.

“Levi— ”

“It’s fine, Kinley. I have some unpleasant things in my past, but I’ll tell you more once we figure out where this is going.”

“Okay. To be fair, my life story isn’t very eventful. I got married, then divorced. The end.” She tried to lighten the mood with a smile.

He chuckled. “I highly doubt that’s all there was to it, but I’ll be patient.”

As they waited for their orders, they chatted about the upcoming holidays.

“So, are you spending Thanksgiving with Addison and Cody?” Kinley asked.

“They invited me over for dinner. You?”

“Same.” She laughed.

“You don’t have any family to visit?”

“My... family isn’t much of one. I can barely remember the last time I spoke to my mother and who knows where my father is.” She shrugged.

“I know exactly where mine is. Right where he deserves to be,” he muttered.

“Where is that?” Kinley pressed, leaning closer to the table.

Levi shook his head. “I keep telling you, once we see if this thing between us is going anywhere.”

Kinley sat back and folded her arms, determined to get an answer. “You can’t just say that your father is where he belongs and leave it at that.”

Levi leaned back in his seat and stared at her. “Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m not ready to discuss him, or anything about my past with you yet.”

“Fine,” Kinley huffed, causing Levi to laugh. “What’s so funny? ”

“You. Women in general. It’s never fine when a woman says it is.”

“Whatever.” she playfully rolled her eyes as he chuckled again.

“Why don’t Cody and Addison spend the holidays with Vivian and Grayson?” Levi asked, mentioning Cody’s sister and her husband.

“Because they go to Gray’s parents’ house with the rest of his brothers.”

“I see. So, have you finished all your Christmas shopping?”

“Yes, I only buy for Addison, Celine, and the other two women at the pharmacy.” She tilted her head. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll have to get something for you.”

“I don’t want anything.”

“Why do men always say that? It’s not about wanting something, it’s about someone wanting to do something nice for them.” She shrugged.

“Oh, so you want to do something... nice for me?”

“Maybe.”

“Here’s your food,” Lanie said as she placed their plates in front of them.

“Thank you, Lanie,” Kinley replied.

“Thanks, Lanie.”

“You’re both welcome. Let me know if you need anything else,” Lanie said before walking away.

“So, were you born and raised in Clifton?”

“Not exactly in Clifton, but I grew up in Montana.”

“Where?”

“Bozeman. And you?”

“I’ve lived in Clifton my whole life.” Kinley smiled .

“How long is that?” He grinned.

“Thirty-six years. How old are you?”

“I’m definitely on the wrong side of forty.”

“How far on the wrong side?”

“I’m forty-three.”

“Have you ever been married, Levi?”

“No,” he answered sharply.

Kinley sighed. “It’s like pulling teeth trying to get information out of you.”

“I’m tired of repeating myself,” he said with a sigh.

“I just want to get to know you.”

He set his burger down and locked eyes with her. “It’s not something I want to talk about right now.”

She stared back at him, seeing the determination in his gaze, then nodded.

Her stomach churned, wondering why he couldn’t open up to her. She had things she wanted to share too, but it seemed like his secrets were worse, much worse. She nervously nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a serial killer,” he joked with a smile.

“I hope not,” Kinley replied. “I’ll tell you about my divorce when you’re ready to talk.” She glanced out the window at the heavy snowfall. “It’s snowing harder now.”

“Yeah, once we finish here, I’ll take you home.”

After they finished their meals, they walked out to his truck. He opened the door for her, helped her inside, then went around to the driver’s side and got in. He started the engine and drove them to her place.

*** *

As Levi drove Kinley back to her house, his mind was consumed with thoughts of telling her the truth. Tara had always accepted him without judgment, loving him for who he was rather than his past. That’s why he loved her so much. But even with that love, he couldn’t give her what she wanted most, marriage and children. That’s why things ended with Juliette too. He was resigned to a life of solitude because of his troubled past; he didn’t want to bring anyone else into that chaos.

As they pulled into Kinley’s driveway, Levi parked the truck and turned to face her. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

“Do you want to come inside?” she asked.

“I should probably head home before the snow gets any worse,” he replied.

“Okay,” Kinley said with a hint of disappointment.

Levi opened the truck door and walked around to help her out, but she had already reached the front of the truck. Gesturing for her to lead the way, they walked toward her porch together. As she unlocked the door, he couldn’t ignore his strong desire for her but also worried if getting involved with her would be a mistake.

“Will I see you again?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, at Thanksgiving,” he answered with a grin, laughing when she narrowed her eyes. “Of course, if you want to.”

“Do you want to?” she pressed.

He hesitated before nodding. “I do like you Kinley, and I think we need more time together to figure out if there’s something real between us. But I’m not ready to share my whole story with you just yet.” He shook his head. “It’s not something I want just anyone to know, but when the time is right and we know each other better, I promise I’ll tell you everything.”

“When you know if you can trust me?” she asked softly.

“Something like that,” he replied. “We don’t know each other well enough yet, but I’m looking forward to changing that. And if we do, I’ll be ready to open up completely and see where our relationship goes from there.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “Can I at least have a goodbye kiss?”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, kissing her deeply. Then he pulled back and looked into her eyes.

“Until we meet again,” he said with a smirk.

Kinley laughed. “Before Thanksgiving.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gestured toward the door. “Go inside.”

After she unlocked her door and went inside, she turned to look at him again.

“I better hear from you, Levi Thomas,” she said before closing the door.

Levi grinned as he made his way back to his truck, drove home, and thought about Kinley the entire way.