Newcomer: Dads of Stillwater by Ashley Ana

Author:Ashley, Ana [Ashley, Ana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ana Ashley
Published: 2023-02-06T18:30:00+00:00

14

ARLO

No one has the right to be much of a temptation as Levi. I should get an award for not jumping his bones at the first opportunity, but since he asked to kiss me, I can’t find it in myself to initiate it.

I’ve never been shy when it comes to flirting with men or taking the first step. Case in point, I was the one who kissed Levi first.

Maybe it’s my sense of self-preservation that’s stopping me from asking for more. I have a feeling that I could fall for him all too easily, so I need him to take the next step. If he’s as good at failing to stay away as I seem to be, then we may have a chance.

I’m also aware that he comes with an extra side of super cuteness. I couldn’t bear to see Ava get hurt if we start something and it doesn’t work out. Besides, there’s a huge cloud of unknown around Levi.

His past follows him all over town, and I’m the only one who doesn’t seem to be in the know. Although I don’t know if I want to know. I respect Levi whether he wants to move on or if he wants to tell me about it. He doesn’t owe me his history, whether or not I shared mine.

Levi whistles along with the music, occasionally breaking into song whenever there’s a catchy chorus, which is often because nineties pop music is just that good.

I try to focus on the task at hand, especially the box cutter I’m using to break the boxes open because the last thing I need is a trip to the hospital. That would surely kill the mood.

“Did you always want to be an artist?” he asks.

True to his word, the room seems to be cleared of any trash very quickly, and we have a neat pile of bags to take outside when we’re done.

“Definitely not,” I say with a chuckle, remembering my mother’s face when I opened my grandad’s gift with the painting kit.

“What did you want to be? I can’t imagine you doing anything else but something creative.”

“Before I held a paintbrush, I never wanted anything. Painting was the first thing in my life that I really wanted. Before that…it was just the things I knew would happen or were expected.”

He comes over and starts unpacking the paint tubs onto the acrylic boxes on the shelf.

“How did you feel when that happened?”

“Scared and free. I didn’t think my parents would let me paint. In their minds, all artists are thespian lushes who don’t do any real work.”

“That’s quite judgmental,” he says. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, you’re right. My parents were very judgmental. That is until they found the snobby side of the arts.”

“You said you also felt free.”

I smile. “How did you feel when you picked up a camera for the first time?”

“Scared I’d break it because it was a family heirloom and my parents didn’t know I was playing with it.” He laughs.

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