125 More Than a Little Attraction 125 More Than a Little Attraction And that kiss … my body was still humming from it . The comment was forward but didn't feel presumptuous . It felt … nice . " Your usual , Mr. Carter , " he said , placing the drinks down before disappearing . " Definitely pleasure . " He stood and held out his hand . " Dance with me ? " When he finally drove me home , it was almost three in the morning . The city was quiet , streets empty except for the occasional taxi . " Boss is here ! " called a bartender when we entered . Several staff members waved or nodded respectfully . Maybe this was what moving on felt like - not forgetting , but finding joy elsewhere . Finding someone who made it clear they wanted me , without complications or hesitation . I pretended to consider . " Hmm , maybe an eight ? " " I like things to run smoothly ." His eyes held mine over the rim of his glass . " In business and in pleasure . " Levi listened intently as I shared stories about Leo , asking questions that showed genuine interest . " So , " Levi had asked as we drove through downtown Haven Harbor , " on a scale of one to ten , how attracted are you to me right now ? " I smiled against his shoulder . " Maybe a seven ." " Well ," I teased , " the night's still young . " The evening had started with Levi picking me up from my apartment . The moment he saw me in my navy blue dress , his eyes had darkened appreciatively . My pulse quickened at his words . " And which is this ? Business or pleasure ? " Now , as we walked into the / comedy club , his hand rested lightly on the small of my back , guiding me through the crowd . The place was packed , with dim lighting and 11:28 115 < 125 More Than a Little Attraction small , intimate tables . When we finally broke apart , we were both breathing hard . His lips brushed mine once more , gentle this time . " Goodnight , Hazel . " He whispered against my lips . I smiled , typing back : I'm safe . And feeling the same way . Levi : Just checking to make sure you made it inside safely . And to tell you I'm already looking forward to seeing you again . As I drifted off to sleep , I wondered what tomorrow would bring . And for the first time in a long time , I wasn't afraid to find out . His eyes darkened , and he spun me slowly before pulling me back against him , closer than before . " I had an amazing time , " I said as we stood outside my apartment building . " Lead the way ." " He sounds like a great kid ," he said when I finished . " I'd like to meet him someday . " " Would've been a ten , but I'm saving that for when you really knock me off my feet ." " Impressive ," I said , taking a sip . The wine was exquisite . " You run a tight ship ." " So ," he murmured near my ear , " about that attraction scale … you never answered . " I entered my empty apartment , kicked off my heels , and collapsed onto the couch . My phone chimed with a text . We danced for what felt like hours , talking and laughing between songs . With every minute that passed , I felt lighter . The weight of my complicated feelings for Liam seemed to lift , if only temporarily . " Good enough to do it again ? " Levi stepped closer , his hands finding my wais His smile was slow and confident . " And where are we on that attraction scale now ? " As I got ready for bed , I caught sight of my flushed cheeks and bright eyes in the bathroom mirror . I looked … alive . Happy . " Your eyes ." He reached across the table , his finger lightly tracing the skin beneath my 11-24 215 125 More Than a Little Attraction eye . " They give you away ." Levi led me through the crowd to a reserved booth in the corner . " Perks of ownership -always have the best seat in the house . " The dance floor wasn't crowded , just a few couples swaying to a slow jazz number . Levi pulled me close , one hand on my waist , the other holding mine . Our bodies fit perfectly together as we moved to the music . " You look stunning , " he'd said simply , taking my hand and pressing a light kiss to my knuckles . Levi's bar , Afterhours , was sleek but welcoming . Even on a weeknight , it was busy with well - dressed patrons enjoying cocktails and low music . " Leo is everything to me ," I said simply . " He's smart , funny , and has this way of seeing the world that just amazes me ." " Tell me about your son ," Levi said as we sat back down for another drink . He pulled back to look at me , his expression mock - wounded . " Only a seven ? I'm slipping ." The show started before I could respond , and for the next two hours , I laughed harder than I had in months . The comedians were brilliant , and Levi's own laughter - deep and uninhibited - was infectious . " That was amazing , " I said as we stepped back onto the street . " I needed that more than I realized . " " How about now ? " he asked , his voice rough . When the headliner finished his set , my cheeks hurt from smiling . mouth i kiss that Before I could respond , he pulled me against him and captured my stole my breath . This wasn't the polite kiss from earlier in the evening . This was hungry , demanding , full of promise . His hands tangled in my hair , angling my head to deepen the kiss . My body responded instantly , pressing against his as heat pooled low in my belly . As the night wore on , we fell into easy conversation about our lives . I found myself telling him things I rarely shared - about my dreams before becoming a mother , about the move to Haven Harbor for a fresh start . 3/5 125 More Than a Little Attraction " Challenge accepted . " I'd laughed , surprised by his directness . " That's pretty forward . " A server immediately appeared with two glasses of wine . " Only an eight ? " He raised an eyebrow . " Guess I need to try harder . " As I watched him walk back to his car , I touched my tingling lips and tried to process what had happened . For the first time in weeks , I hadn't thought about Liam for hours . Instead , I'd laughed , danced , and felt genuinely happy . " I thought you might need to laugh , " he said as we were seated near the stage . " You seemed like you've had a rough week ." The simple observation touched me . " How could you tell ? " " I've been wanting to do that all night , " he murmured , his voice husky . Hazel's POV I checked my watch . It was only ten . Chloe had Leo for the night , and I wasn't ready for this date to end . He laughed softly , pressing his forehead against mine . " I'll take it . For now ." The drive to our destination had been charged with tension - the good kind . We talked easily , our conversation drifting from work to music to travel dreams . For months , my heart had been tied to Liam , trapped in a cycle of hope and disappointment . Tonight felt like the first step toward breaking free . When he finally pulled away , his hazel eyes were dark with desire . His response was immediate : Sleep well , beautiful . Dream of me . I tried to catch my breath . " I thought we were going to a comedy club ? " " Definitely . " The question surprised me . Most men tried to avoid the topic of my child on first dates . " I like being direct . Saves time ." His eyes had flickered to me briefly before returning to the road . " Plus , I'm already at a solid nine for you , so I'm curious ." 11:29 < 125 More Than a Little Attraction Heat had rushed to my face . " A nine , huh ? " My back pressed against the cold metal of Levi's car . His lips were on mine , hot and demanding , sending electricity through my entire body . This kiss was nothing like our first one - this was pure fire . His hands gripped my waist tightly , pulling me against him as if he couldn't bear any space between us . I could barely think straight . " Nine … definitely a nine . " Levi's smile was warm . " Night's not over yet . Want to see my bar ? I promise no work- just a drink and maybe a dance ? " He grinned , taking a step back . " We are . Just couldn't wait any longer ."