“I’ve known you a long time,” Mateo said. “I know when something’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
Mateo shook his head. “Calling bullshit, man. Is it Jane? She falling for you?”
“You know she’s just doing me a favor.” Which, for the record, he hated. He never should have started this ridiculous farce. Instead, he should’ve found a way to do this for real.
Mateo studied him for a beat. “It’s you. You’re falling for her.”
Levi closed his eyes.
“You’re serious about her.”
“Yeah,” he admitted. “I’m serious about her. Which means I’m screwed.”
Mateo shrugged. “You could just tell her.”
“She’s leaving soon. Already has another contract lined up in Haiti, had it before she even stepped foot into Sunrise Cove. She’ll be there at least three months.”
“So? Do your feelings have an expiration date just shy of three months or something?”
Levi sighed. “It’s not that easy.”
“Have you tried?”
“Haven’t wanted to scare her off.”
Mateo looked at him for a beat. “You know what I think?”
“No, and don’t tell me.”
“I think you’re complicating this on purpose so it doesn’t happen. I think you’re scared.”
Levi sighed and pushed his plate away.
“And now you don’t want to let another woman down. Or worse, hurt her.”
“Don’t.”
“You won’t hurt her, Levi.”
He met Mateo’s gaze. “How do you know?”
The guy took his time answering, crunching on a piece of bacon. Levi’s, by the way. “When we were kids,” he finally said, “you worked hard at making the people around you happy. Your family. Amy. You wanted your people happy, often to the sacrifice of your own happiness. But in the years since, on your own in San Francisco, you seemed to figure some things out. You’ve settled into who you are. You’re good in your own skin now, and know what you want, what makes you happy. There’s nothing wrong with that, man.”
Levi took that in. Realized Mateo was right. He did know what he wanted. “I’m still not convinced it’s that easy.”
“Why not?” Mateo shrugged. “All that’s left for you to do is to make your move.”
“Now who’s the old soul? Why don’t you follow your own advice? Make your move on Charlotte.”
“Because I’m like you—I’m in love, and every bit as terrified as you to admit it.”
Chapter 21
Levi thought about Mateo’s parting words for the rest of the day. He worked, then went for a long run, showered, and a few minutes before Jane was due to arrive, headed downstairs, feeling . . . nervous.
Wondering what the hell that was about, he walked into the living room and went to the big picture window to look out.
Jane’s car wasn’t there.
He turned to face the room and found his entire family standing there staring at him.
His mom clasped her hands together. “Levi.”
“Mom.”
“I’ve got everything prepped for dinner and the house cleaned. Does it look okay?”