Sparks Fly Part 2

Portia's P.O.V:

As soon as I reached his spot, my heartbeat quickened, and my cheeks began to burn—I was sure I must be tinted red by now."I thought the flowers were going to eat me alive. You took so long," he said in that familiar, dull tone of his."I-I'm sorry for always keeping you waiting," I murmured, looking into his beautiful eyes.

"It's alright. I'm willing to wait," Levi said, taking my hands and kissing them both. The gesture made me blush even harder."Shall we dance?" he asked, offering his hand."Yes, of course... but what's with this sudden dance?" I replied as music from the party where we first met began to play softly in the background. He led the steps, and I followed—just like that evening when he stole my first kiss.

"I just want to remember the night I first craved you," Levi whispered, sending a flush through my whole body. My cheeks burned like ripe tomatoes. I looked up at him and closed my eyes, letting the breeze brush my lips—then his kiss landed, soft as feathers."Can we stay like this?" he asked after a few quiet moments.I nodded. "Of course. You can dance with me anytime you want, Levi."

"Stay... when everyone else wants to leave," he said, resting his head on my shoulder."I will. For sure," I replied, trying to find the right words."Levi?" I called his name gently. "Will you be the one to stop me... when all I've ever known is how to run away?" I whispered into his ear.He cupped my face, our noses touching."I'll run away with you—until we run out of everything—if that's the only way to make you stay," he said, looking into my eyes like he was imprinting my soul.

"Then I'll be the one to stay, when everyone else takes their leave," I replied, gathering every ounce of courage to kiss him. I was braver than before—bold enough to kiss the man in front of me with everything I had. I belonged to him, just as he belonged to me.We parted, breathless."Ehh? We're being dramatic," he said, turning his gaze away from the gazebo.I grabbed his necktie to make him look back at me.

"Hey, Levi... it's okay to be out of character, even just for a minute. Let your guard down—it's me," I said, giggling as I kissed him again.He grabbed my waist and deepened the kiss, then smiled as we pulled apart."I was supposed to tell you that I want you," he said quietly, "but the words kept messing with my head.""It's okay. Honestly, I was so nervous coming here, thinking about what you might want to say to me," I admitted, biting my lip. He had actually scared me a little.

"Eh? Why are you so cute?" he asked, confused, his brows furrowing—making him even more attractive."Stop that! You're making me blush," I said, playfully hitting his shoulder. His left eyebrow twitched, and I couldn't help but smile.

Am I falling in love with this man?

"Let's stop this nonsense and head to our next destination," he said, changing the subject. He took my hand, intertwining our fingers."Let's go to the greenhouse behind the lake," he added."Okay," I agreed. We walked out of the gazebo, hand in hand. His warm hand felt just right in mine."I'll share something with you when we get there," he said, escorting me to the boat I had arrived in."Take us to the greenhouse," he ordered the helmsman."Yes, Captain," the helmsman responded.

We arrived at the greenhouse—a vast, elegant space with a magical air. When we reached the deck, Levi helped me off the boat. We walked for five minutes before arriving at the front door. The greenhouse was made entirely of glass; you could see everything from the outside. The porch steps were cobblestone, framed with grass. Fairy lights hung everywhere, casting a soft glow.

Lanterns dangled from tree branches, and a floral vine swing hung from one of them. Levi opened the door, and the inside took my breath away. Exotic, rare flowers were everywhere.

"Like it?" he asked.I nodded. "To be honest, I don't just like this place... it makes me fall in love. It's drop-dead gorgeous, Levi."He smirked and looked down, almost as if silently proud of his decision to bring me here.

"There's a treehouse inside. Let's rest there," he said, pulling me gently as we walked toward the center, where a tall tree stood proudly with a small, aesthetic wooden house nestled in its branches. He helped me climb the rope ladder, and the childlike excitement made my heart flutter. It had been my dream to have a treehouse.

At the top, he opened the door for me. "Sit on the sofa first," he said."Sure," I answered, sitting near the door.

The interior looked like something straight out of a fairytale—honeycombed jars with wooden honey wands, drink barrels, wooden furniture, and soft fabric. A rocking chair creaked near the window, and the bed looked like it belonged in a fairy's cottage, complete with a see-through curtain and plush mattress.

"Sorry I couldn't prepare an elegant lunch," he said from the kitchen. "Just soup and bread—something quick.""I'm fine with anything. Thank you for preparing a meal for me," I replied warmly."Can I look outside?" I asked."Are you going down? I'll lower the stairs," he offered."No, just the patio," I said, and he nodded.

"Okay, let's eat outside then," he said.

I stepped out and stared at the breathtaking scenery. I could live like this forever, I thought. Then, a butterfly landed on my nose before flitting away. I watched it fly, captivated—until I felt arms wrap around me and a kiss land on the top of my head.

"Let's eat? You looked lost," he whispered."They're beautiful," I said, pointing at the butterflies."Indeed. But you look more stunning," he whispered back."Now, let's eat," he said, guiding me to a chair.

The food was ready and smelled delicious."Let's eat, and then we'll rest before exploring more," he suggested.I smiled and nodded. "I'd love that."