119 Chapter 119–Cuban Escape and Now Possibilities
119 Chapter 119 – Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
“I trust your judgment completely.”
I stared at him in shock, my lips still tingling from his touch. The kiss had affected me more than I’d expected – butterflies danced in my stomach, and part of me wanted to pull him back for more. Maybe Levi really could help me move past Liam.
“A chance to win your heart.” His eyes met mine with startling intensity. “I want to date you, Hazel. Really date you.”
He lifted my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss, then kept hold of it as we walked back to the car. The valets had it waiting by the time we reached the front entrance.
Hazel’s POV
My stomach fluttered at his confidence. “That’s quite a promise. Now I’m intrigued.”
I shook my head. “I don’t mind at all. And yes, Liam and I are completely over. I won’t come between him and his son, and that psychotic woman will never stop making my life hell if I stay in the picture.”
He shifted in his chair, adjusting his position as he cleared his throat roughly. “Keep testing me like that, and I won’t be responsible for what happens next. And something tells me you wouldn’t complain.”
“It’s absolutely magical, Levi. I feel like I’ve been transported somewhere completely different.” I looked around, taking in every detail. “I never want this feeling to end.”
“Papa Doble – white rum, maraschino liqueur, fresh lime, grapefruit juice, served ice cold. Here’s to the most beautiful woman in Fresh Foster finally giving me a chance.” “Hazel, I need to ask you something.” His voice was quieter now, more serious. “Are you and Sterling really finished?”
Chapter 119 – Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
“Perfect. Let me order us drinks first – something to complement the experience while we decide on food.”
Heat crept up my neck at his boldness. “You’re being ridiculous, Levi.”
119 Chapter 110. Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
Levi stepped closer, never breaking eye contact. He cupped my face gently with one hand, his thumb tracing my cheekbone before his lips found mine. The kiss was soft and questioning at first, giving me every opportunity to pull away. When I didn’t resist, his arms circled my waist, drawing me closer as his tongue gently parted my lips.
For the next hour, he regaled me with stories from his travels throughout Cuba and Latin America. His passion for the cultures he’d encountered was infectious, and I found myself hanging on every word as he described hidden beaches, mountain villages, and the warmth of the people he’d met.
My heart began beating faster as I realized where this conversation was heading. “Sorry, Hazel,” he said with a wicked grin, “but kissing you is absolutely irresistible.” “Don’t make those sounds, Hazel.” Levi’s voice had dropped to a husky whisper, his green eyes darkening as they fixed on my mouth. “I’m already fighting every instinct I have not to kiss you senseless, and hearing you moan like that is making it damn near impossible to behave like a gentleman.”
“Did Scarlett tell you what happened between us?”
As we ate, Levi told me about starting his bar with Vera, how it had become his favorite among all his business ventures. His humor was infectious – he told jokes and funny stories, making exaggerated expressions that had me laughing until my sides hurt. Being with him felt effortless in a way I hadn’t expected.
The restaurant took my breath away the moment we pulled up. Massive iron gates stood open, with “Havana” spelled out in elegant wrought iron above the entrance. Lush gardens surrounded the building, complete with a central fountain and scattered was pure classical elegance – soaring ceilings, a wraparound veranda supported by graceful arches and columns. Heavy wooden double doors dominated the orange facade, while white trim highlighted every architectural detail. Inside, the space opened into a grand hall with floor–to–ceiling windows and generously spaced tables draped in linens that complemented the warm wall colors. The scents wafting through the air made my mouth water instantly.
benches creating intimate seating areas. The architecture
The drink was revelation – crisp and refreshing with barely any sweetness, the grapefruit’s tartness perfectly balanced by the maraschino’s subtle nuttiness. It was exactly what the warm afternoon called for,
119 Chapter 119–Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
He leaned down to kiss my check, his cologne making my pulse quicken despite. myself. With practiced charm, he opened the passenger door and offered his hand. I slid into the leather seat, watching through the windshield as he walked around the front of the car with confident strides. When he settled beside me, that devastating
smile was back.
Before I could respond, he leaned close enough that his breath tickled my ear, pressing a soft kiss just behind it. Every nerve ending came alive at the contact.
Levi’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he signaled the waiter to place our food order. The first bite made my eyes widen in amazement. The complex spices and textures created a symphony in my mouth that was unlike anything I’d ever tasted.
“Music to my ears.” He kissed the corner of my mouth, the brief contact sending another wave of heat through me. “Until next time, beautiful Hazel.”
“That was hands down the best lunch of my entire life,” he said, his eyes bright with satisfaction. “Can I see you again soon?”
When we arrived at the Collective Sterling building, Levi came around to open my door like the perfect gentleman.
His smile turned boyish with pleasure. “Have you ever had Cuban food?”
“Picadillo a la criolla with congri rice,” he announced as our plates arrived. “Ground beef and pork hash with olives, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. The rice is cooked with red beans – simple ingredients, but the flavors are extraordinary.”
We chose a table on the veranda where the afternoon sun painted everything golden against the brilliant blue sky.
“She did. I hope you don’t mind that she shared it with me.”
“Come on, beautiful. Much as I hate to end this, I need to get you back to work.”
His confident smile told me he knew exactly what effect he’d had on me. “Ready for something completely different? I’m taking you somewhere that’ll blow your mind, and I guarantee you’ve never experienced anything like it.”
The kiss was a revelation –/tender and sensual, completely different from Liam’s passionate intensity. Levi kissed me like he was savoring something precious, his
119 Chapter 119 Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
tongue moving against mine with patient exploration that sent shivers through my entire body. When he finally pulled back, he sucked gently on my lower lip before soothing the spot with his tongue.
“Never.”
“I understand completely.” He took a deep breath, gathering courage. “Hazel, I’ve been attracted to you from the moment we met. I respected your relationship with Sterling, but I told him from the beginning that if things ended between you two, I’d be first in
line.”
Dessert arrived in the form of Cuban capuchinos – delicate cone–shaped pastries soaked in sweet syrup that literally melted on my tongue. I couldn’t suppress the involuntary moan of pleasure.
Levi stood waiting by his sleek black car, dressed in perfectly tailored charcoal gray dress pants and a matching vest. The white dress shirt underneath had its sleeves rolled up casually, the top three buttons left undone without a tie. The expensive fabric clung to his muscular frame, revealing the powerful build beneath. Dark sunglasses shielded his eyes while his copper hair was styled to perfection. His beard was trimmed close, giving him that effortlessly rugged look of a man who hadn’t shaved in days. Unlike Scarlett’s freckled complexion, his skin was flawless. He was devastatingly handsome.
“Though I have a feeling you wouldn’t mind at all,” he whispered with a knowing smile. “What exactly are you asking for, Levi?”
“Matthew Emmanuel, Hazel!” Levi pulled off his sunglasses as I approached, his green eyes widening. “How do you manage to look more stunning every single time I see you?”
“This is incredible!” I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm. “You definitely know what you’re doing.”
I felt a smile tugging at my lips. “I’d like that. But I need you to understand something –
company, but I’m still you’re incredibly handsome and charming and wonderful healing from what happened with Liam. What I can offer you right now is friendship and the possibility of something more developing over time.”
“That’s more than I dared hope for.” His entire face lit up with genuine joy.
119 Chapter 119–Cuban Escape and New Possibilities
We finished with rich Cuban coffee that was strong enough to wake the dead. Levi suggested we explore the gardens, which were even more beautiful than I’d imagined. A small artificial lake stretched across the back of the property, with a romantic gazebo positioned in the center, accessible by a charming wooden bridge.
My cheeks flushed at the raw desire in his voice. “Sorry, but I can’t help it when something tastes this amazing.”
“Latin culture fascinates me, Hazel.” Levi’s eyes lit up as he spoke. “This place captures everything I love about it – the passion, the flavor, the pure joy of living.”
“And here I am,” he continued, looking almost vulnerable. “I know you’re still in love with him, but I’m hoping you’ll give me a real chance. Let me take you to dinner, dancing, shows, or just spend quiet evenings together. I want to know everything about you.”
We walked to the gazebo in comfortable silence. Levi leaned against one of the support posts, hands in his pockets, suddenly looking uncertain in a way that was completely at odds with his usual confidence.
“Absolutely. I’m already looking forward to whatever adventure you plan next.”
The waiter brought our drinks along with menus. Levi raised his glass with ceremonial flair.
I watched him drive away, my hand unconsciously touching my lips where I could still feel the ghost of his kiss.
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