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

day. My father died when I was seven. I have a younger brother who is addicted to drugs and comes around when he wants money. He always promises that he is getting better, but he never does. My mom raised us as a single mom after my dad died. As soon as I was old enough to work, I got a job so she wouldn’t have to worry about me as much as she did with my little brother.”

“It sounds rough.”

“Like I said before, I don’t hold my mother responsible for doing what she had to do to keep the roof over our heads and food on the table. But my brother and I both handled our situation differently. Granted he is younger, so it was rough losing my dad and then my mom had to pick up the pieces.”

“I can’t imagine dealing with all that.”

“I’ve had to kind of grow up at a young age because of my situation and I don’t blame my mom for anything. It was the hand we were dealt. I was even planning on being on the varsity football team in high school, but like I said, I ended up getting a job to help out so that cut into my game time. I had potential of going pro, because I was really good. And the coach wasn’t happy when I dropped out of the team. But I knew studying and having my job was more important. I couldn’t do it all.”

“That’s a bummer. But I get it. You had to do what you had to do.”

“My mom argued with me, saying I needed to focus on school and playing in the game. She wanted better for me because I was her only hope of making something of myself. But I couldn’t ask her to pick up extra shifts so I could play a game after school. My brother was already suffering from her working a lot.”

“It sounds rough. But you turned out great. And you’re a hard ass worker.”

“Should we turn around?”

“Yes, let’s head back.”

“Anyway, I like all types of music, but I was raised on country music.”

“I wasn’t even allowed to listen to music. The outside world was the devil’s work,” I told him.

“We both had to grow up at a young age.”

“We did. Maybe that’s why we gravitate to each other.”

He chuckled. “I had to work on you a little bit more, though.”

“Well, you are persistent.”

“I don’t give up on what I want.”

I smiled. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

He stopped, letting the water lap at our feet, and faced me. With one hand cradling my face, he kissed me passionately. And I didn’t think I could ever get bored of his kisses.

When he pulled away, the loss was evident, but we continued walking hand in hand.

“I’m not sure what else I can tell you.”

“Did you have a high school sweetheart? I’m sure you did since you were on the football team.”

“Yeah. We just didn’t work out.”

“Ah. Most don’t, I would imagine. Are you still friends with the guys you grew up with?”

“Yeah. Three of them are my super close friends. Sam already has his own family. He and his wife wanted to start having kids while they were young.”

“Makes sense.”

“And there is Terrence. He travels all over because he is a private investigator. And he’s definitely not tied down to anyone. He loves playing the field. I see him about twice a year. That was another reason I was in Las Vegas. We got to meet up one evening. And my third friend, Kyler, he’s done very well for himself. Built his company from the ground up. He had a new girlfriend the last time we talked, but I haven’t met her.”

“It’s nice catching up with old friends. I mean, I don’t have hardly any friends. I’ve always made friends with my partner’s friends.”

“You have Aubrey.”

I smiled. “You’re right, I do.”

“Yeah. Hence why we are here in the first place.”

“True. True.”

“And then there’s me!” Levi was overly excited about that little tidbit.

I laughed.

“In all seriousness, do you see yourself getting married one day?”

I smiled at the thought. “Well, in all seriousness, I’d like it to happen sooner rather than later. Especially if I’m gonna have kids. I’d love to have two but I’m not sure if that ship sailed or not. You?”

“Definitely. And I want kids as well. But like I have said before, and I continue to say, I don’t have to have kids. You can adopt. Or you can be a fur parent.”

“Yes. Pets are a must for me. I’m surprised I never got one with my ex.”

“We’ll have plenty of fur babies.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” I laughed way too hard because Levi was so confident about us being together in the future. “Come on. I’m starving.”

My stomach grumbled. “Me too, actually.”

Chapter Fourteen

 

 

RYLEE

 

“I’m so full.” I sat back in my chair. We were eating at a local restaurant because neither one of us wanted to cook. It was too hot.

“I’m so glad you eat like a normal person. I get so sick of people picking at their food because they are afraid of what others will think.”

“Oh no. I don’t give a crap what anyone thinks. I eat what I like.”

“Let’s get married,” Levi blurted.

I was taking a drink and almost spit it out. “Come again?”

“Let’s get married.”

Water dripped on my chin. “Um. No.”

“Why? You said you wanted to get married sooner rather than later. We both want that. And I told you everything about me, while you told me everything about you. We like each other a lot. I really don’t see why not.”

“You’re fucking crazy.” This had to be a joke.

“Crazy about you.