Chapter 20: 17

More Than Words ✓Words: 7574

The late afternoon sun bathed the city in a golden light, casting long shadows and creating a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. After finishing up a few errands, I decided to take a leisurely walk through the park, hoping to clear my mind and enjoy the peaceful setting.

The park was a familiar sanctuary, with its well-tended flowerbeds, neatly paved pathways, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. I found a spot on a park bench under a large oak tree, its branches providing a dappled shade. The tranquility of the park was a welcome contrast to the busyness of the day.

As I settled in, I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, earthy scent of the outdoors. I pulled out my phone to check the time and noticed a text from Levi, asking if I was free to meet up for a casual stroll. I smiled, feeling a pleasant surprise at the thought of spending more time with him.

I quickly replied, agreeing to meet him at the park. A few minutes later, Levi appeared, strolling down the path with an easygoing smile. He was casually dressed in a light jacket and jeans, looking effortlessly charming as usual.

"Hey, Cora," he greeted, his voice warm. "Mind if I join you for a walk?"

"Not at all," I replied, standing up from the bench. "I'd love the company."

We began walking along the paved path, chatting about our day and catching up on the little things. The conversation flowed naturally, with laughter and shared anecdotes making the time pass quickly.

As we walked, we passed by families having picnics, children playing, and joggers enjoying their exercise. The park's vibrant energy was soothing, and the pleasant weather added to the overall charm of the day.

At one point, Levi pointed out a group of ducks swimming in a nearby pond. "Look at them," he said with a chuckle. "They seem to be having a good time."

I glanced over at the ducks, their graceful movements adding a touch of serenity to the scene.

"They do look happy," I agreed. "It's nice to see something so simple and peaceful."

We continued walking, enjoying the easy rhythm of our conversation. At one point, we stopped at a small gazebo, where we sat down to rest and enjoy the view. The setting sun cast a warm, amber glow over everything, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Levi took a deep breath and looked over at me with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Cora, I've really enjoyed these little moments. Sometimes, it's the simple things that end up being the most special."

I felt a flutter of warmth at his words. "I agree. It's nice to just be here and enjoy each other's company without any pressure."

Levi's gaze met mine, and he smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, I have to say, today has been pretty great. But I'm curious... what do you have planned for the rest of the evening?"

Before I could answer, he leaned in slightly and gave me a playful wink. The gesture was lighthearted yet full of charm, leaving me with a sense of excitement and curiosity about what the evening might hold.

"I'm not sure yet," I replied, feeling a spark of anticipation. "But I'm open to ideas."

Levi's wink and the warm, playful energy between us made me feel like the evening was full of potential. As we stood up and continued our walk, the park's tranquility seemed to carry a promise of more delightful moments ahead.

With the sun setting and the gentle breeze accompanying us, I couldn't help but feel that the evening, while simple, was shaping up to be something special. And with Levi by my side, the ordinary stroll through the park felt anything but mundane.

As we left the park, the city lights began to flicker on, casting a warm, inviting glow across the streets. The evening air was crisp and refreshing, and I found myself feeling both content and curious about the rest of the night.

Levi suggested we stop by a nearby café that he had recently discovered, known for its delicious desserts and cozy atmosphere. I agreed eagerly; the thought of a sweet treat and more time together seemed like the perfect way to end the evening.

The café was a charming little place, with a quaint, vintage feel. The walls were adorned with retro artwork, and the soft jazz music playing in the background added to the café's cozy ambiance. We stepped inside, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods.

Levi led me to a corner table with a view of the bustling street outside. We settled in and looked over the menu, which featured a tempting array of pastries, cakes, and specialty coffees. I couldn't resist the allure of a rich chocolate lava cake, while Levi opted for a classic slice of New York cheesecake.

As we waited for our desserts, the conversation continued to flow effortlessly. We talked about everything from favorite childhood memories to our latest hobbies, and the ease of our interaction made the time fly by.

When our desserts arrived, they looked even more decadent than I had imagined. The chocolate lava cake was warm and gooey, with molten chocolate oozing from the center, while Levi's cheesecake was topped with a fresh berry compote that looked simply divine.

We dug in, savoring every bite and occasionally feeding each other small spoonfuls of our treats.

Levi's eyes sparkled with delight as he enjoyed his cheesecake, and I couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated expressions of pleasure.

"This is amazing," Levi said between bites, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "You really have to try this cheesecake. It's the best I've had in ages."

I took a bite of the cheesecake, and he was right—it was delicious. "Wow, that's incredible. You definitely have good taste when it comes to desserts."

As we finished our desserts, Levi's gaze softened, and he leaned back in his chair with a contented sigh. "It's nights like this that remind me of the little things that make life so enjoyable."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a warm sense of connection. "I couldn't agree more. Tonight has been really special."

Levi's eyes met mine, and he gave me a gentle, reassuring smile. "I'm glad you think so. I've really enjoyed spending this time with you."

Just then, the café's door opened, and a few more patrons walked in, their laughter and conversation adding to the cozy ambiance. Levi glanced at his watch and then back at me, his expression playful.

"I've had a wonderful time tonight," he said, reaching across the table to lightly touch my hand.

"But before we part ways, there's something I've been meaning to ask."

I looked at him with curiosity, feeling a flutter of excitement. "What is it?"

Levi hesitated for a moment, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "How would you feel about making this a regular thing? Maybe a weekly or monthly tradition?"

His proposal was unexpected.

Before I could respond, Levi leaned in slightly and gave me a charming smile. "Just something to think about."

The simple gesture, left me feeling both excited and flattered. I smiled back, feeling a thrill of anticipation at the prospect of more shared moments.

"Sounds like a wonderful idea," I replied, feeling a sense of excitement about the possibility of making this a regular part of our lives.

As we left the café and walked back out into the cool evening air, the city lights twinkled around us, adding to the sense of magic and possibility. The night felt full of promise, and with Levi's playful wink and the idea of future outings on the horizon, I couldn't wait to see where our new tradition might lead.

Levi is making me swoon, that's the only thing I am going to say.

How are you all? Are you doing okay?

- sky