Chapter 125 - Dangerous Attraction and Midnight Dancing
Hazel's POV
My phone buzzed with Levi's text saying he was downstairs waiting. I grabbed my clutch, kissed Tommy goodnight, and said goodbye to Miranda and Chl before heading down.
The moment I stepped outside, I saw Levi lounging against his sleek black car, that devastating smile already spreading across his face. Dear God, why did this man have to be so ridiculously attractive? I was completely torn up about Liam, heartbroken over losing him, but Levi was dangerous in an entirely different way. He radiated this raw magnetism that made my pulse race. Everything about him screamed temptation - the way his cologne wrapped around me, how his clothes fit his lean frame perfectly, that confident swagger that could make any woman forget her own name.
"Hello there, gorgeous Hazel," he said, closing the distance between us and placing a soft kiss at the corner of my lips that sent sparks shooting through my entire body. "You look even more stunning than usual tonight."
"I... uh... well..." I stammered, clearing my throat as heat crept up my neck. "Good evening, Levi."
His eyes danced with amusement as his grin widened. He placed his warm hand against the small of my back, guiding me toward the passenger side. After opening the door, he leaned in close to help with my seatbelt, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered.
"Enjoying the view, Hazel?"
My eyes went wide and I opened my mouth to protest, but nothing came out.
"Because you're definitely undressing me with those beautiful eyes of yours," he murmured, gently biting my earlobe before standing up and closing the door. He slid into the driver's seat with that same mischievous expression. "Tonight is going to be absolutely incredible."
I sat there completely speechless, my mouth hanging open like a fish. He had caught me red-handed checking him out and was thoroughly enjoying my embarrassment.
"So Hazel, I know you're still head over heels for Liam - and I emphasize still because that's going to change. But I can tell I'm getting under your skin. Am I wrong about that?"
"Levi, I..." My cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"Come on, we're both adults here. You're an incredibly beautiful woman and I'm being completely transparent about wanting you. Just be honest with me - do you feel even the slightest bit of chemistry between us?" He held up his fingers with barely any space between them.
"You're obviously very attractive, Levi. Every woman in the city probably fantasizes about you," I admitted.
"Maybe so, but there's only one woman I'm thinking about," he said, catching my eyes as we stopped at a red light. "And she's sitting right here beside me. You still haven't given me a real answer though."
"Fine, yes Levi. You're incredibly good-looking and I do feel attracted to you," I said, meeting those mesmerizing green eyes.
"Attracted? Come on Hazel, don't be so proper," he laughed. "Loosen up a little."
"What do you mean, loosen up?" I found myself relaxing despite everything, drawn in by his playful energy.
At the next red light, he turned toward me, his gaze slowly traveling down my body before locking onto my eyes again.
"Like this - I'm completely turned on by you right now. You're absolutely gorgeous and you've got me completely under your spell."
"Okay, I think I understand," I said as the light changed green and he focused back on driving. Two could play this game. I leaned over and whispered against his ear, "You want honesty? You're sinfully sexy, devastatingly handsome, and every time you touch me, my skin catches fire. So yes Levi, you definitely affect me, and it's way more than just a little attraction." I traced my tongue along his earlobe before settling back in my seat, watching goosebumps rise along his arms.
"Damn it Hazel, the second I park this car, I'm going to kiss you senseless," he said, his voice rough with desire and making my stomach flip with anticipation.
Minutes later, we pulled into a parking garage. Levi took my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles before getting out and opening my door. The moment I stepped out, he backed me against the car, his hands finding my waist. He moved closer slowly, never breaking eye contact, brushing his nose against mine tenderly before finally bringing his mouth to mine. The kiss started gentle and sweet, but quickly deepened as I wound my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He caught my bottom lip between his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue. He pulled back just slightly, our bodies still pressed together, eyes still closed.
"God Hazel, you're going to be the death of me," he breathed against my lips before kissing me again quickly. When he looked at me, his smile was brilliant. "I brought you here to make you happy, but apparently all I have to do is kiss you to see that beautiful smile."
"You're incredibly arrogant," I laughed, placing my palms flat against his chest. His eyes heated at my touch.
"Come on, I want to see you laughing all night," he said, taking my hand and leading me toward the building entrance.
A bright neon sign read "The Comedian" across the front of the building. Levi explained it was a comedy club featuring an amazing stand-up show tonight. Inside, we were seated at a perfect table in the center of the room with an unobstructed view of the stage, which was bathed in spotlight while the rest of the space remained dimly lit.
"You're going to love this, I promise. And if you don't, I'll just have to kiss you again until you smile," he said with that cocky grin that made me shake my head in disbelief.
"I'll have a caipirinha," I said, scanning the drink menu.
Levi ordered our drinks and some food, and we talked easily until the show started. He was absolutely right - I had an amazing time. The venue was fantastic, featuring not only the main act but several up-and-coming comedians as well. By the time we left after midnight, my sides ached from laughing so hard.
Back in the car before leaving the parking garage, Levi turned to me.
"So Hazel, did you have a good time?"
"Absolutely incredible, Levi. My face and stomach hurt from laughing so much. I loved every minute of it. I really needed this tonight. Thank you," I said, beaming at him as he made an exaggerated disappointed face.
"Damn, I was really hoping to kiss you again," he said flirtatiously, making me burst into laughter again.
While I was still giggling, Levi captured my lips in another kiss, this one hot and consuming.
"I couldn't help myself," he said when we broke apart, his thumb tracing along my bottom lip. "I need to make a quick stop at the bar. Want to come with me? We could dance a little."
"I'd love that," I replied, genuinely enjoying his company and this incredible night he was giving me.
At the bar, Levi led me upstairs to a secluded table tucked away in a quiet corner. We ordered drinks and appetizers that arrived quickly. Vera appeared and slid into our booth with us.
"Hazel, why didn't you bring my gorgeous friend with you tonight?" Vera pouted dramatically.
"Because she's with her boyfriend tonight, Vera," I replied, amused by his theatrics.
"Oh really? I think I'll text her then," Vera said with that troublemaker gleam in his eyes.
After actually sending the message, Vera discussed some business matters with Levi. Soon after, Levi turned his attention back to me.
"I want to dance with you, but up here where we can have some privacy instead of that crowded dance floor. Is that alright with you?" he whispered in my ear.
"Absolutely," I said, loving the idea of dancing with him away from all the chaos downstairs.
When Levi finally brought me home, dawn was already breaking. The entire night had been wonderful and relaxing. Levi had been a complete gentleman throughout everything. He opened my car door and walked me all the way to the building entrance.
"So, did you enjoy yourself tonight?" he asked before we said goodbye.
"It was perfect. Thank you so much, Levi. You always know exactly the right places to take me."
"I'm thrilled you had such a great time. And just so I know," he leaned down and whispered against my ear, "how much has that little attraction grown tonight?"
"Well, maybe it's gotten a bit stronger," I said teasingly.
Levi pulled me against him by my waist and kissed me with raw hunger and urgency, making my knees buckle and leaving us both breathless. Before ending the kiss, he caught my bottom lip between his teeth and ran his tongue along the same spot in that incredibly sexy way he had before.
"Sweet dreams, beautiful Hazel. I'll see you very soon," he whispered against my ear before stepping back. He waited until I was safely inside before returning to his car.
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