Levi stood outside James's apartment building for several seconds before pressing the buzzer. He shifted uncomfortably, one hand in his pocket, the other clenched at his side. He feared that if Lyse knew it was him she would not buzz him up, and in that case he would find a way to get into the building.
Fortunately, a perky looking young woman with a blonde ponytail opened the door and Levi was able to get in, hed ignore the admiring and curious look she threw at him.
The lobby smelled faintly of old varnish and lilies, and the soft hum of the elevator behind him didn't soothe his nerves.
He rode up to James's apartment and knocked on the door nervously. When the door opened, Lyse stood there barefoot, dressed in a navy t-shirt and soft cotton shorts, her hair pinned up messily. She looked tired—guarded and so beautiful that it made his heart ache. He had to resist the urge to reach out and touch her sof skin.
"Levi?" she asked, surprised.
He nodded once. "Hey."
