Off the Ice (The Penalty Kill Trilogy) (Volume 2) Read online

  “I need you too.” He jumps up and grabs a condom on the nightstand and rolls it on. He climbs back over me, and I wrap my legs around him as he enters me.

  “Fuck, Smarty.” His rhythm picks up as he buries his head in the crook of my neck. I say his name over and over. I need more of him in me. I squeeze him tighter, and he bites into me.

  My body shakes for him as he pounds me into oblivion. I yell his name with each thrust. I can feel my body building up, wanting more of him.

  “Levi,” I yell out breathlessly. He continues, and I love every sensation that is happening to me. I love him. I love the way he makes me feel on the inside and out.

  As I release myself on him, he moans out my name and releases inside of me. We lay there trying to catch our breath. The candles dance around the room, and Levi gets up and into goes the bathroom to clean up

  “It was supposed to be sweet lovin’,” Levi says as he climbs back into bed when he is finished.

  “It was for me.” I curl up against him.

  “I love you, Smarty.”

  I look up at him. “I love you. Thank you so much for today. It’s the best day of my life.”

  ~

  “Oh, come on. Are you kidding me?” Marley is almost shouting in the mall when I tell her everything that Levi did on Valentine’s Day.

  “Nope.”

  “Well, you’re a lucky girl.”

  “So, what did you and Trevor do? Please leave out the sex parts.”

  “Well then, I guess there is nothing to talk about.” She perks an eyebrow at me.

  “First, eeewww. And second, I’m glad that you two are happy.” I hug her shoulders. Marley and Trevor really do make a great couple, but I don’t want to hear about my twin in the bedroom, at all.

  We walk towards the center of the mall, where we are meeting my mother. I’m still unsure why, but she called me last night and asked me to bring Marley along. Levi and I have spent every moment of the weekend thus far in my bed. It wasn’t just the sex we had. It’s the talks. I’m still nervous about the draft and him leaving to go to Pittsburgh. I know in my head that it’s the right thing for him, but my heart is nervous with us being so far apart. Levi told me to trust him, and that it will be fine. I do trust him, and I know that he wouldn’t lie to me.

  We see my mother sitting at a coffee bar, drinking an espresso. She’s wearing a pair of dark jeans, a simple blouse and high heels. She looks so young and carefree. That’s something that I haven’t seen from her in a long time. If it wasn’t for her hair and eyes, I’d think it was someone else. She looks up and waves us over. As soon as I’m close to her, she jumps up and hugs me tightly, and then hugs Marley. We both are taken aback.

  “Wow. When was the last time we had a girl’s day, huh?” Mom asks brightly.

  “Um. Never,” Marley answers and I give her a stern look. “What?” She asks me.

  “Okay, so I’m trying to make it sound like I’m not a bad parent.”

  “You’re not a bad parent, Mom.” I have the urge to roll my eyes at her. “But really, what are we doing here?” Mom points to where she was sitting and we follow her to sit down.

  “Okay, so I’ve recently had a revelation about my life and my love ones.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “Your dad and I are better than ever and I couldn’t be happier.” Her face is beaming with pride. “Then the whole Levi and Valentine’s Day situation brought it all together. I miss my daughter and I want to start anew.”

  Tears glass over my eyes as I stare at mother. Words can’t express how much I want this too.

  “That’s great,” Marley interrupts. “But what am I doing here?”

  Mom rolls her eyes, which is very uncharacteristic. “Really, Marley? You’ve been coming to our house since before you were putting on makeup. You’re my second daughter. I just didn’t gain 45 pounds with you. Now you’re dating my son, so you’re stuck.”

  All three of us laugh. It’s a great feeling of relaxation and comfort.

  “Okay, Mom, why are we here, for real?”

  “Well, you girls are going on spring break and the weather is becoming warmer. I think it’s time for all three of us to get new wardrobes.”

  Marley and I just stare at her.

  “Um, Ms. McCarthy that seems like a nice idea, but I can’t afford that.”

  “Mom, I can’t be spending money like that either.”

  She laughs at us both. “You aren’t paying for it. I am. I am paying for all three of us. We are going on a shopping spree.”

  “Count me in then,” Marley quickly says.

  “Mom-”

  She puts up her hand to stop me. “Presley, please. I want to do this. I want all three of us to do this. Please.” My mother is begging me. I can’t believe my ears. I finally give in and nod.

  We begin our shopping spree. We hit every single store in the mall. I get an amazing new bikini for spring break and a several new outfits. Marley does the same.

  We need a break, so we settle for lunch at the food court. We grab food, drinks, and find a table.

  “I’m starved. Didn’t realize spending other people’s money would tire me out,” Marley jokes as she bites into her chicken sandwich. I just shake my head as I dive into my salad.

  Mom clears her throat before she says the one thing that makes my stomach turn. “How long have you and Levi been having sex?”

  Marley begins choking and I stop mid-bite.

  “Mother.” I quickly swallow my food before it comes back up. “I don’t want to talk to you about this.”

  “I’m just curious. I figured you were still a virgin.”

  Marley snorts at my mom’s comment.

  “Hey,” I poke her. “I’m not a slut.”

  “Oh, no. I didn’t mean that. I was just a shocked that was all. I mean, I know Trevor is a bit wild, but now he only has eyes for Marley. I’m just curious.” Mom is still staring me down.

  “Talk about their sex life, not mine.” I point at Marley hoping that takes the heat off me.

  “I’ll gladly share anything you want.” Marley sits up straighter ready to answer anything about her sex life. I wish she wasn’t so eager to talk about her sex life.

  “Please, can we change the topic?” I beg with my head in my hands.

  “Fine, but are you both being careful? I’m still too young to be a grandmother.”

  I moan in protest and say a silent prayer that a hole will open up and swallow me.

  “I know we are. Presley?” Marley turns to me with a small smile on her face. She’s taking a lot of enjoyment at my misery.

  “If I answer this, may we please change the subject?”

  Mom nods.

  “Yes, we’re being very safe.”

  “Good. Good.” Mom goes back to eating her salad. After a few moments of silence, we discuss school and our futures. Mom is pleased that I have a lot of my life already planned out.

  We continue shopping until our feet hurt. After we pack up my car full of the goodies, I drive Marley back to her apartment. I help her unload and then head to my place. I finally make it upstairs with all my bags and into the apartment. I’m actually out of breath when I drop everything in on the middle of the floor in my living room.

  I text Levi, but he doesn’t respond right away. Trevor and he have been working out a lot lately, and I will just let him enjoy ‘guy’ time. After I finally put all my clothes away, I decide that I need to get some studying done. We will be leaving for Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks, and I want to be sure that I’m caught up. Because a couple of weeks after that, will be spring break and I don’t want to think about anything, except Levi and the beach.

  I’m deep in thought when I realize my phone is ringing. I see the display and Levi’s smiling face staring at me.

  “Were you sleeping?” He asks when I answer.

  “No, just studying.” I sigh.

  “How was your day?”

  I begin to tell him all about my day with Mom and
Marley. I leave out the sex talk, because I’m embarrassed enough. “Are you coming over, Levi?”

  “Oh, Smarty, not tonight. I’m sorry. I have a big lab project due and I need to get back on the workout schedule.”

  “I thought I was your workout schedule?” I pout.

  Levi laughs. “Well, it does help. But I do need to get back at it. Oh hey, I did find something out today.”

  “What?”

  “The scout from the Penguins contacted me. I told them I would be there with my family and they invited all three of us to their practice.”

  “What?” I shout loudly in the phone.

  “Calm down. It’s just practice.”

  “Will you be with them?”

  “Um, no, Smarty. It’s against the rules. I can only be on the ice if I’m under contract or at a prospect event.”

  “Oh.” I can’t hide that I’m a little disappointed. “Well, at least I can see them practice.”

  “Hey, I need to study and you do too. Call me before you go to bed. I love you.”

  “I will and I love you too.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Levi

  I feel high on life. Things are working out nicely, and in my favor, left and right. This is a busy semester too. Between Presley, classes, spring break, the trip to Pittsburgh, and hockey, I’m surprised I have time to think. I’ve just left campus and I’m headed to Mom’s grave before going to workout with Trevor.

  When I arrive, I take my usual seat and run a hand through my blonde hair. Today is one of those days where the sadness rises and overwhelms me. I miss her like crazy. I thought that coming here would have the usual effect and make me feel better, but not today. Sighing, I touch the corner of the stone before leaving for the gym.

  We’re working out in RU’s gym today, and Trevor is already here. We don’t say much as we get started. A couple guys walk by and say hey, but then Sunny walks up to me while I’m on the bench press. I put the bar back in its place and sit up. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Trevor slow down and watch us.

  “Hey, Sunny. How’s it going?”

  “Eh.” She shrugs. She stands extremely close to me, running a finger along my shoulder. “How have you been?”

  “Great. Everything work out with your parents?”

  “Yeah, everything’s good.” Sunny pauses, then smiles. “I’ve missed you.”

  “No, you don’t, Sunny.”

  “Fine.” She rolls her eyes. She leans down and whispers in my ear, “I just miss the sex.” Sunny pulls my ear between her teeth and sucks gently.

  “Sunny,” I warn. She needs to get her mouth away from me. Not that I would cheat on Presley, but I don’t need this. Not today. Trevor appears to have stopped, clearly watching us now. “Aren’t you sleeping with Jere or someone now?”

  Finally, she sighs and stands upright again. “Yeah, but you’re one of the best, Levi. Maybe the redhead would be okay with me and you? Or even all three of us?”

  Is she fucking kidding me? First off, I wouldn’t want to share Presley with anyone, even a girl. No way in hell. She’s just stepped onto the first level of crazy. “Sunny, you’re out of your mind. I wouldn’t be okay with that. Go jump whoever you’re sleeping with now. I’m a little busy at the moment.”

  Sunny frowns. “You’re no fun when you’re tied down, Levi. But whatever.”

  Thankfully, she walks away and I take the chance to look to McCarthy.

  “I don’t even know,” he says with the shake of his head. I can’t help but laugh because I realize everything he heard. “At least now I know that you wouldn’t cheat on her. Well, not with that girl.”

  “Not with any girl, McCarthy. I think I’ve hurt Presley enough,” I snap. Without waiting for a response, I go to the other side of the gym to finish my workout. Even though his comment was somewhat make jokingly, it pissed me off. Yeah, I’m an ass and a jerk, but I’m not a cheater. I drop the weight to the floor with a thunk. Fuck this. I’m still feeling restless from going to my mother’s grave and combine that with what just happened I’m ill and aggravated. I go to the locker room, grab my things, and get in my SUV.

  Minutes later, I’m at the rink. Hopefully, this will relax me. I sit on the bench with my head in my hands, focusing on simply breathing. My phone rings and I groan.

  “What?” I growl.

  “Everything okay?” Presley asks. “Trev said -”

  “Of course he did. I’m fine. We’re fine. Everybody is fine,” I interrupt because I really don’t want to talk to anyone right now or hear that Trev told on me like we’re five.

  “Don’t talk to me like that, Levi.” Maybe my mood is contagious based on her snippy tone. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “Well, I am. Later.” I hang up without waiting for a reply and turn my phone off. A few minutes is all I need. Just a few minutes to clear my head, so I can think clearly. Closing my eyes, I bury my face in my hands once more. Silently, I begin listing all the good things in my life.

  I am fine. Things are going good for me. I’m making good grades. My future in hockey is taking shape. Dad’s doing well and is healthy. We’re going to a game soon and Presley is going to go crazy over that. Spring break is coming up. Presley is doing well in school, and she’s her usual amazing self. She loves my dad as much as I do. She’s finally starting to have the relationship that she’s always wanted with her parents. We’re both healthy and happy. I’m sitting in one of my favorite places, and I’m finally starting to relax.

  “Levi James Carr!”

  I look up at the sound of a pissed off Presley. “Hey, Smarty.” I smile, which pisses her off more.

  “Don’t you smile now. What happened to the annoyed with everyone, including me, Levi that hung up on me and then turned off his phone?” Presley pokes my chest when she comes to a stop in front of me. “I was just going to let it go because I figured you were just in a mood, but then I got pissed.” I take her wrists while she rants, and pull her into my lap, so she straddles me. “Yeah, sometimes, you probably need some time to yourself, but that is no reason for you to hang up on me, talk to me like that, or turn off your phone!” I try not to, but I can’t help but smirk at how worked up she is. “Don’t smirk at me, Levi! If you want to be alone, that’s fine, but don’t you dare hang up on me.”

  I nod at her and shift in my seat slightly. Her eyes widen for a moment, but then she squares her shoulders. “You are not getting turned on right now! I’m still pissed at you. I didn’t do anything to you and I didn’t deserve to be treated like that. And why are you smiling?” She finally takes a breather, and I realize that she actually wants me to answer.

  “You’re so cute when you’re mad.” Smarty groans and rolls her eyes. “Are you done?” She nods. “I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night. My classes threw even more work on me. I’ve been thinking about my mom all day. Then that shit at the gym and I just needed a little break. You called right when I was trying to begin to relax. I’m sorry for snapping at you and hanging up on you. All better?”

  “What happened at the gym? Trev just said he thought he made you mad.”

  I sigh and rest my forehead against hers. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just got in a good mood, Smarty.”

  “Okay. I probably shouldn’t have come looking for you if you were in a bad mood and wanted to be by yourself, but I was so mad that you would hang up on me.”

  “Well, next time, I’ll tell you and then you won’t have to come after me like a crazy woman.”

  Her lips form that tiny pout. “I am not crazy.”

  “Just then, you were. Just a little bit,” I chuckle, running my hands up her back and into her hair.

  Presley rolls her eyes. “Are you coming over tonight?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve got a paper to write and-”

  “Write it at my place. It’s quiet over there and you’ll be able to concentrate better,” she tries.

  I raise an eyebro
w at her. “You aren’t going to tease me, are you?”

  “What? No. I have work to do too, you know.”

  “Okay. You grab some food and I’ll meet you there after I run by my place.”

  ~

  How am I supposed to write a paper like this? Presley’s wearing shorts and a tank top, sitting at the table with her knees brought up against her chest. She’s focused on her paper by the downcast of her eyes, but she’s humming a little. She’ll type a couple sentences on her loud keyboard, pull her hands on top of her kneecaps, read over it while tapping her fingers against her knee, and then resume typing.

  Her hair is up in a high ponytail, which is showcasing that lovely neck and those shoulders. We’ve been sitting here for thirty minutes, and I’ve written all of three sentences.

  “Smarty.” Presley glances up from her laptop. “You’re not supposed to tease me.”

  “I’m not doing anything,” she says, bringing her eyebrows together.

  “Neither am I. I can’t focus.”

  “Well, get your head together, Levi. Surely if you can focus in a hockey game, you can focus enough to write a paper.”

  I bite back my response and ignore Presley completely so I can get this done. I don’t know how I do it, but eventually I finish my paper. Smarty is done as well, so I stand and close both of our laptops. I take her hand and lead her to bed because it’s late, and I’m tired.

  While we’re brushing our teeth, I say around my toothbrush, “What do you think about threesomes?”

  Presley nearly chokes on the toothpaste and quickly spits. “What in the hell are you suggesting, Levi?”

  I spit and rinse before answering her. “Calm down, Smarty. I just realized I didn’t know your thoughts on it.”

  “How do you happen to realize something like that?” She’s completely skeptical as she finishes up and goes into the bedroom, crawling into bed.

  “I saw Sunny today at the gym,” I start, climbing in beside her. “Long story short, she suggested that either I ask your approval to sleep with her or that we have a threesome because apparently, you’re not the only one who thinks I’m a God.”

  “First off, eeewww. Secondly, something is wrong with her if she thinks it would be okay with me for you to sleep with her while dating me. Thirdly, I’m ignoring the God comment.” Presley snuggles up to me, resting her head on my chest. “Is that what you were talking about earlier? About what happened at the gym?”