First & Forever (The Crescent Chronicles Book 4) by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

heard.” Hailey walked into the kitchen.
    “Too much for your innocent ears?” Jared smirked.
    “Do you even remember her name?”
    He laughed dryly. “It’s Jess. Give me some credit.”
    “And do you know anything about her?” Hailey was really pushing her luck.
    “Why do you care?” Jared hopped off the counter.
    “Because you’re better than that.”
    “Because I’m better than that?” He pointed to his chest. “What about her?”
    “She can do whatever she wants. I’m worried about you. You’re going to be heading for a lonely life if you don’t stop this.”
    “Glad you’re worried about me, but I’d be more worried about Levi here. I think he’s lost his touch.”
    “Shut up,” I snapped at him. I was frustrated enough already, although not about the lack of sex. Strangely, that didn’t bother me. But she didn’t stay. I refused to believe she wasn’t interested, but she was definitely making it hard.
    “I’m proud of you,” Hailey patted me on the shoulder.
    “Great. Just what I always wanted.”
    “And I’m rooting for you. I like Allie and want her to stick around.”
    I poured myself a cup of black coffee. “She will be. Don’t worry about that.”
    “What’s your plan, Casanova?” Owen reached around me to get a mug down from the cabinet.
    “I’m taking her out for lunch.”
    “Funny. I didn’t hear you guys making plans.” Owen took a seat on a stool.
    “We’re going out to lunch.” I made my exit. I was in no mood to listen to any more crap from my friends.

Chapter Seven
    I wasn’t positive what her job was at the hotel, but I knew someone who would undoubtedly know. I walked into the lobby and headed right over to the desk. Luck was with me, and the manager was standing behind one of the computers.
    “Good afternoon, Natalie.”
    The blonde woman glanced up and her posture changed immediately. She stood up straight and plastered on a smile. “Good afternoon, Levi. What a pleasant surprise.”
    I smiled back. “I’m actually here to see Allie. We have lunch plans.”
    “Oh.” A look of surprise crossed her face. “I didn’t know you two were friendly.”
    I put a hand down on the counter between us. “We’re more than friendly.” I don’t know why I added that part. I didn’t have to. Natalie was going to tell me where Allie was no matter how well I knew her.
    Natalie looked torn for a second. “She’s in the back.”
    “Thanks for the assistance.” I nodded before heading back around behind the desk.
    Natalie nodded. “Of course.”
    I walked down the narrow corridor, peeking into each cubicle and office until I saw her. She was standing by the copy machine, sorting through a pile of papers.
    I quietly made my way over to her. “Ready for lunch?”
    Allie’s mouth fell open. “What are you doing back here, Levi?”
    “Oh, Natalie told me I could come back.”
    “Oh, did she?” Her face scrunched up the way it seemed to always do when she was getting heated.
    “Yeah. You ready?”
    “I’m not having lunch with you.” She lowered her voice.
    I wasn’t going to do the same. I raised mine. “Well, you left without letting me make you breakfast this morning, so I thought I could at least take you to lunch.”
    The stares of everyone around us did the trick. She took hold of my arm, and we walked down the hall.
    She stopped when we were out of view and earshot of everyone else. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I’m not having it.”
    “What game? It’s just lunch.” I stood right next to her, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms.
    “So, you just like humiliating me in front of the people I work with?”
    “That humiliated you?” I’d been going for humor not embarrassment. And, well, I also wanted to make sure any male in the vicinity knew she was completely off limits.
    “Of course it did!” she hissed. “Now they think I slept with you.”
    “And that’s a problem because…” I let a small