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on the mantle above the fireplace, and with casual ease, he started unbuttoning his waistcoat. Looks like this storm was a blessing in disguise, Reece thought, as she settled comfortably into the pillows. She was greatly appreciating the rain, the storm, and him having been out in it. Levi must have noticed her watching him, as he glanced over at her and grinned while he removed his waistcoat and hung it over the top of the iron poker next to the fire to dry.
    Reece’s chin dropped down and her eyes widened as Levi started removing his muslin shirt. After he casually draped his damp shirt in front of the fire, he turned and walked over to where she was. Reece remained quiet, fully appreciating the strong man in front of her. The tight-fitting, white undershirt he wore left nothing to her imagination. She saw the ridges of the hard muscles of his chest, and the tightness of his abdomen. It was obvious that Levi was well-built, but Reece was absolutely amazed witnessing such perfection with her own eyes.
    When her eyes met Levi’s, smiled sympathetically. “I hope you won’t be too upset about having to dine with a poorly dressed man,” he said, as he smoothed his wet hair back and sat next to her.
    Reece arched her eyebrow at him. “Poorly dressed? Not the phrase I would use.” She ran her hands along his back. “This shirt’s a little damp…” Levi glanced at her, and she used this opportunity to tease him with her eyes. “Are you sure you don’t need to take it off, too?”
    Levi smirked in response. “I don’t want to make you too uncomfortable, love.”
    “Believe me, I’d be far from uncomfortable,” she said playfully.
    Levi laughed softly as he reached over to the basket, pulled out a plate, and placed muffins, along with different pieces of fruit on it. Once he finished arranging the food, he reclined back, and casually leaned against Reece.
    He picked up a piece of fruit, which resembled the size and shape of a strawberry, and brought it to her lips. “You’ll like these.”
    She accepted gladly, eager to try one of Pemdas’ native fruits. Levi watched her as she began to chew it. It may have appeared to be a strawberry, but the taste was far from that. It was the lushest piece of fruit she had ever eaten. Flavors of vanilla, sweet cream, and a tiny zest of citrus erupted in her mouth. She swallowed and licked her lips, as she indulged herself in its sweetness.
    “What is that?” she asked in amazement. “That was delicious!”
    Levi offered her another. “It’s a special fruit that comes from a plant that grows underwater; they’re only ripe for one month out of each year. They came into season a few days ago, and the villagers delivered them to the palace this morning.”
    “You know, I could probably get sick from eating these,” she said, as she reached for another.
    Levi nodded in agreement as he swallowed. “I agree. When we return to the palace, you will have to try the juice that Pasidian’s staff makes from them.”
    As Reece sampled the variety of fruit that Levi offered her, she nestled in closer to his side and fully immersed herself in the cozy atmosphere of this indoor picnic. The darkened room, which was slowly being warmed by the fire Levi had built, was extremely relaxing. With the skies constantly flickering from the lightening flashing throughout them, the rain pouring down, and the comfort of being next to Levi, she was perfectly content. She instinctively brought one arm around his back, and used her other hand to caress the well-defined bicep of his seamlessly chiseled arm.
    Levi glanced over at her in amusement, and she smiled brightly in response. “You’re absolutely gorgeous, you know that?” she stated confidently, as she gazed proudly into his eyes.
    Levi kissed her nose. “I believe it’s a matter of perspective, but I am indeed grateful that you feel that way,” he said with a wink.
    Reece began tracing along his arm. “This is really nice, being here