I hear the shower running and am tempted to take a peek, but decide against it. As much as I want to join him, I'm leaving in two days and don't need to add heartbreak to the list of things I take back to Seattle with me.
When Levi is done in the bathroom, I go inside and quickly step under the stream, washing off the sweat. Once I'm dressed and put on fresh makeup, I find Levi waiting in the living room.
"Wow." His eyes brighten. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."
"Well, that wasalmosta compliment," he mocks.
I roll my eyes, then stand in front of him and tug on his collar. His hair is finger-combed and he smells like the beach. "You look very handsome. It's giving memountain man meets surfervibes."
"So damn mouthy." The corner of his lips curl up in amusement, but he's staring at my lips as if he wants to devour me.
"You'd be bored if I wasn't."
"I have no doubt about that."
Levi leads me to the elevator and down to the restaurant. It's decked out in Christmas decorations, and I count three trees on the way to our table. The lights are dimmed with flickering candles at each table as the fireplace roars. Garland and mini Santa Clauses line the massive mantel.
Even though I could do without the décor, the cozy romantic vibes are a nice surprise.
"You look nauseous," Levi says once we settle at our table.
"Just thinking about how this place makes your decorations look like child’s play. I didn’t think that was possible."
He looks around and smiles. "Honestly, I hardly notice it anymore. I'm used to everything looking like Santa's workshop during this time of year."
"I can see why the tourists would enjoy it, though. Especially kids. It’s kinda magical."
"My parents took Lucy and I here every year when we were little. Even in the middle of our crazy season, they'd always make time to let us ski and enjoy the holidays without work."
"That's sweet."
"I guess add it to my long list of traditions. Going to Bennett's during the fall and Halloween season, cutting down a Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, and then a weekend away skiing. I think most locals do those things each year too. Well between lots of shopping in the downtown square and going to the winter festival. In the spring and summer there are a lot of family-friendly activities."
"I wish my boss would've assigned me to visit in the summer. There’s something nice about being outside and soaking in the sunshine."
He laughs. "We have tons of outdoor concerts. We’ll take blankets for the lawn and drink mojitos all day while listening to awesome music. I like to go strawberry picking, but the farmers’ markets are really popular, too. Oh and our Fourth of July parade and firework display is incredible. It’s something I look forward to each year.”
“Wow, it sounds like something is always going on,” I say, not realizing how active they are year-round.
“Maybe you could ask to come back? Experience Vermont all over again. It’s completely different, then.”
His hopeful tone makes me frown.
"Yeah, maybe. Though I'm hoping this article will get me promoted to senior editor, which means less traveling."
"You don't like the jet-setter lifestyle?"
"I do, but I'd rather l visit places for pleasure, ya know? When it's always for work, it kind of sucks the fun and spontaneity out of it."
"You,spontaneous?"
I playfully kick him under the table. "I'm only work-focused when I have to be."
A server interrupts our conversation to discuss the specials and hands over the wine menu. To my surprise, Levi orders a bottle.
"We're celebrating," he says.