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

bit before I finally knocked on her door.

She opened her room door, looking stunning. “Wow. You look great.” She wore a floor length white summer dress that was flowy, her hair hanging down in loose waves. And she had gold colored sandals on.

“Thanks. You look good as well.”

“You ready?” Holding the bag of wine, I was ready for a glass or two.

“Let me grab a light sweater in case I need it.”

I took a deep breath and hoped our night would go well. This was kind of a double date, but I knew she would disagree with that.

“All set.” She pulled her door shut, and we walked down to her car.

“How was your day?” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“It was good. I passed the last test and now I’m waiting to get my certification.”

“Levi, that’s great. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you. One day, I want to own my own bed and breakfast. Something small and manageable.”

“That’s a great goal. And you can totally do that, Levi.”

I told her, “Maybe you can even design it.”

Her face lit up. “Absolutely.”

Rylee was extra happy this evening and that made me smile. “How was your day?”

“It was good. The first floor is almost done and I’m actually ahead of schedule because the contractors are working fast and efficient.”

Well, I wasn’t happy about that. I needed time on my side so Rylee and I could form a friendship and hopefully a relationship. We had a connection. Rylee needed to see it.

“That’s great.”

“You might as well drive since you know how to get there.” She handed me her car keys.

We put the bottles in the back of the car. “If there is a flower shop somewhere on the way, I’d like to grab some for Aubrey.”

“Sure. It’s gonna take about an hour and a half to get there so I’m sure there is somewhere to stop.”

“Wow. I didn’t realize how far they lived from Temecula.”

“Probably better to do a short weekend there. They live right on the beach, too.”

“I can’t wait to see it. I should have brought my swimsuit.”

“We can go anytime you want.”

“Okay, great.”

It was exciting planning things where she and I would be spending time together. I couldn’t promise not falling hard for her because I could see myself doing that. She was being stubborn.

“Okay, what’s going on? You’re not being your conceited self and it’s messing with me.”

I smirked. “I was trying to be serious so you could see I’m mature enough to know what I want. You seem to be against the notion of there ever being an us. And I can guarantee there will be an us. You’ll fall in love with me eventually.”

“There he is. And you think so?”

“You will. I know it.”

 “What if I don’t?”

“You wouldn’t be spending time with me. You wouldn’t be making an effort to get to know me. You like my company.”

“I do like your company. I find you amusing. But you don’t have to put on a front with me. Be yourself. If I’m being honest, I do like you. But….”

I cut her off. “I know you have a broken heart. I want you to see I would never do that to you. Never. Callie was stupid to let you go. It’s her loss and my gain. You deserve better than how you were treated.”

“Thank you, Levi.”

“Just being honest, Cupcake.”

Chapter Eight

 

 

RYLEE

 

I had a problem. I could see myself with Levi and I could picture the life we could have. I barely knew him but I felt this connection like we’d known each other a long time. It was so weird. But what if he wanted kids? Aren’t I too old for kids by now? It was a problem to think about another time because we arrived at Aubrey and Chance’s beach house.

They immediately opened the door. Aubrey greeted me with open arms, while the men shook hands. I hugged Chance tight.

“I’m so glad to see you.” I was so excited. Where’s your kids?” Aubrey and Chance had three kids and knowing them, they were probably working on a fourth.

“With their aunt for the night.”

“Lucky Aunt Adele. What about Pixy?” As soon as I said her name, I heard the goat make a sound from another room.

“Pixy is napping in the back room.”

I didn’t know anyone who had a goat for a pet. But somehow it didn’t surprise me with Aubrey and Chance. It seemed like Chance and Aubrey had that perfect life. Perfect relationship, perfect beach house, perfect family, and the perfect pet. Here I was, almost thirty-eight years old and I was starting all over because Callie didn’t want a future with me.

“How have you guys been?” I followed Aubrey to her kitchen while Levi followed Chance to another room. “Wine?” she asked digging in the bag that Levi handed her.

“Of course. Levi and I both went in on that. And these are for you.” I handed her the flowers.

“I love wild flowers. Thank you. I’ll put them in a vase quick. It can be a centerpiece on the table.”

“Perfect. What can I do to help?” The woman had her hands full.

“Grab those mitts and take the chicken out of the oven. Go ahead and put it on the table.”

Thankfully, she was letting me help.

“It smells so good.”

“Chicken parm is a family favorite and you can make a lot for cheap.”

She handed me a glass of wine and dished out the spaghetti noodles and the sauce.

“I’ll be right back.” Levi pointed to his phone as he passed the doorway. “I have to take this.”

“What’s that about?” Aubrey asked.

I shrugged because it really wasn’t my business if he