Conceited Concierge: A Hero Club Novel by Renea Porter (little readers txt) 📕

It was really hard telling Levi my story. But I figured he wouldn’t judge me. Actually, I knew he wouldn’t. That was the kind of person Levi was, even though he was conceited.

“Thank you for listening. I didn’t want to lie to you. I was born and raised in Utah where that is common. Our community had its own church. I went to the same school for every grade, until I left. And it was super scary when I left. Anything could have happened to me; thank god I got to my brothers in one piece. But times were different back then.”

Levi leaned back against the booth. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I wanted you to know where I come from.”

“Everything makes sense now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you don’t trust people easily. And you take your time getting into relationships.”

“I’m cautious.”

He nodded. “Are you ready to head back?” he asked as we finished our meal and the check was dropped off at the table.

“Yes.”

Levi dropped some cash on the table. We stopped outside the restaurant to take our flip flops off, and Levi reached for my hand.

“I’m really glad you told me.”

“I’m glad, too. I knew you wouldn’t judge me.”

“Of course I wouldn’t.”

Levi squeezed my hand. And I immediately felt comforted. I was happy he understood why I held off on telling him how I grew up. It was a lot to take in for anyone.

“Do you know if your other siblings are getting out or staying?”

“I have two younger sisters, and as far as I know, they are still there. We talk every once in a while. They weren’t born until way after I left. I was the only girl among brothers then my sisters were born later. I think they are too scared to leave. Too scared to leave our parents. But it’s scary. They are around the age of fourteen and fifteen right now, and that’s the age they get married off.”

“Maybe you can get them to leave and come here to California.”

“Maybe. I never met them in person but being that I kept in contact with my other siblings, I get to talk to my sisters, too.”

“I never met anyone born in that type of community before.”

“They are super secretive about it and they never let outsiders in.”

“I can see that.”

We made it to the house, and I dropped my flip flops at the door. “Well, I’m super tired. And thanks for getting dinner tonight.”

“You’re welcome. Look, I’m going to take the living room couch that pulls out to a bed, and you can take the spare room.”

“Levi…” My voice trailed off because I felt bad he was taking the couch bed and he was giving me the master bed. It didn’t seem right. But I also didn’t want to share a bed with him because I wasn’t sure I could control myself. “Nonsense. I’m sure we can sleep in the same bed and behave.” I was not sure why I said that out loud.

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t.” I tugged on his arm. “Come on.”

“Well, I have to take a bathroom break so I can behave tonight.”

I rolled my eyes. “Really?” I shook my head.

“I don’t want to feel the pain of a stiff dick all night.”

“Oh my god.”

While Levi took care of business in the other bathroom, I took the master bath and changed out of my clothes. Normally, I liked to sleep naked but there was no way that was happening tonight. I put on a cute pair of pajama shorts and a matching top. Afterward, I plugged in my hearing aid charger and settled into bed with a book in hand.

Once Levi appeared, he was wearing a pair of gym shorts and a white muscle shirt. I swallowed hard. Why did he have to look so damn hot?

“Just so you know, I won’t hear a damn thing once I take my hearing aids out. So, if you say something, I won’t hear you. You’ll have to shake me if you need me.”

“Is that the charger?”

“Yeah.” I stood to take out my hearing aids so he could see how it works.

“That’s pretty neat.”

We settled back in bed and I turned the light off. “Goodnight.” I turned my body toward his because I knew I could hear better in this position.

“Goodnight.” Levi reached over and squeezed my hand before letting it go.

Even in the dark, I could feel Levi looking at me.

***

The smell of food woke me up. Looking over, I realized I was in bed alone and Levi must have been up cooking breakfast. I stretched my body and headed out to the kitchen.

“Smells good.”

“Good morning, Cupcake.”

“Morning, Conceited.”

“How did you sleep? I hope you dreamt of me.”

“I slept really good. You?”

“Like a baby.”

“I know what you mean. That bed is sooooo comfortable. I think I’m going to have to invest in that same type if and when I get my own place.”

“Are you thinking about staying then?” He sounded hopeful.

“I don’t know yet. I was thinking about getting an efficiency apartment in town. I would like to have my own space away from the hotel.”

“Yeah, I get it. And you wouldn’t be far from the hotel if you did do that.”

“I need a place to decompress and get my thoughts in order.” And maybe Levi and I would have our own alone time away from the hotel, but I didn’t say that out loud.

“It’s a good idea. That way you aren’t at the hotel twenty-four-seven. But I’d miss seeing your face any time I wanted to.”

His comment made me smile.

“Breakfast is ready.”

I quickly poured us some