Page 18 of The History in Us

Standing slowly, I realized Levi didn’t live anywhere near here, andherewasn’t anywhere near the zoo. My eyebrows pinched as I looked up at him, still waiting for him to address the apology note.

“We were taking a run first,” he offered, lowering his head to swipe at imaginary dust on AJ’s stroller. I noted Levi’s appearance. He was dressed for a workout in track pants and T-shirt soaked at the neck with sweat. He looked delicious.

“Oh, well, don’t let me keep you.” Stepping aside, I willed my heart not to fall at my feet until after he walked past me. The wreckage would look like a crime-scene, bits of my vital organ shattered everywhere on the cool city pavement.At least spare me the horror until he walks away, I prayed.

He took a step, bringing his body level to mine. His dark eyes roamed my face and my cheeks flushed.

“And what does a struggling college student do on a Saturday?”

Typically, I volunteered, but I didn’t wish to explain that to him for some reason. Today, actually, wasn’t my day on the schedule, and I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about his letter long enough to give thought to the free day. Too much time slipped between us before I answered, and Levi coughed to fill the space.

“Anyway…” he said, at the same time I said, “I don’t have plans…”

His jaw twitched before his mouth curved. He scratched at his neck, a nervous habit I was learning.

“Want to go to the zoo?” The question surprised both of us. His eyes widened while mine fell away.

“I don’t want to impose.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want you.” The statement startled us both, but he didn’t correct himself. His expression softened and melted chocolate warmed me like the coffee I’d hastily drank. The words were strong, but his tone was sweet.

“I haven’t been to the zoo in years.” I looked down at AJ, struggling to contain my excitement at the invitation from his father. I addressed AJ instead. “I’d love to visit the zoo with two…men.” The wordbeautifulalmost slipped out of my mouth. Almost. But I reigned it in because I’d had lots of practice holding in my voice.