High Hopes|✔

Chapter 30

O P H E L I A ' S  P O V

I knocked quietly on the door and expected for a maid to answer, but was surprised when Levi himself opened the door with a smile on his face and an apron around his waist.

Gerald was the driver who was assigned to drive me to Levi's house. It was really nice to speak and see him after these few days that I hadn't.

"You're here," He said and stepped aside for me to come in. The mansion looked the same way it did as I left it. My clothes were still upstairs in my old room and it felt slightly weird to be standing here after two weeks.

I entered and bit my lip as I looked around and waited for him to instruct me on where to go. He frowned my way, "You know where the kitchen is," He mumbled.

I laughed nervously, "Right." I cleared my throat, forgetting momentarily that I, in fact, used to live here.

"S-So, where's Sam?" I questioned as I took a seat in front of the island, watching as Levi navigated his way through the kitchen.

"I let him get a day off," He said casually as he turned on the faucet.

My eyes widened slightly, "Then who's cooking?"

He spun around to face me with a teasing glare on his face as he gestured to the big apron around his waist which had World's Greatest Chef imprinted on it.

A blush coated my cheeks, "O-Oh. I just thought..." I rubbed my arm embarrassingly.

He chuckled and waved me off, "Nah, it's fine. People react that way when I tell them that I can cook. Although not many people know," He said.

I nodded my head, "If you don't mind me asking," I said softly as I traced the marble design on the counter. Why have a cook if you can do it yourself?" I asked.

He swung a kitchen towel over his shoulder and laughed lightly, almost as if expecting that question. "Like me, not all people have workers because they're incapable of doing it themselves or because they want to flaunt their money," He started. "I just don't have the time to do it. Don't have time to make breakfast for myself, or to keep the house clean, or to cook..." He shrugged. "Although I do find time to do all of these things by myself sometimes." He finished.

I nodded my head in understanding, "So, what's on the menu?" I asked, lightening the mood.

"Some good ole spaghetti and meatballs," He smiled gorgeously.

I smiled in response.

"Sounds good," I shrugged.

"Yeah, just sit there and look beautiful. Shouldn't be hard to do being you and all," He chastised as he looked away.

I felt a fire set on my cheeks as an unintentional smile made its way onto my lips.

For the next few minutes, I waited as he made the dish. Every slice of the knife with his hand or movement with his arms left his muscles flexing under the long-sleeved shirt that he wore and I found myself biting my lip gently as I looked down on the counter again, tracing a pattern with my fingers.

Why did it seem that Levi looked undeniably hotter than usual? Was he working out more? Working less that there weren't any bags present beneath his eyes?

"Hmm," He nodded in approval. "Probably the best sauce I've ever made. Come taste it," He ordered as he waved me over.

I stood up from my seat slowly as I made my way to him. As I arrived, he carefully held the pot spoon to my lips, "Careful, it's hot." He said softly as his gaze travelled to my lips, his hand positioned under the spoon in case anything dripped.