Off the Ice (The Penalty Kill Trilogy) (Volume 2) Page 13

The twins’ birthday is this upcoming Thursday, the 27th, and also the last full day we are here. I worried about how I would make her birthday just as good as Valentine’s Day. I don’t want to repeat that so I have to think of something new. But back to what Trevor said, I’m not thrilled about spending time around more JWU players. “Okay, cool. Does she know about the party?”

  “Not yet. Just found out about it today. I’ll tell her tomorrow. She shouldn’t throw a fit about going either. A party every now and then doesn’t bother her. It’s just the constant partying she doesn’t like. Plus, she had fun at last year’s birthday party they threw for us.”

  “Levi!” Presley’s excited voice comes from my right, and I turn to watch her walk up to me. My eyebrows rise at the bags she’s carrying and then higher when she sits sideways in my lap. “Guess what I just realized?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m older than you,” she grins.

  “A few months hardly counts as older. Are you finally done shopping?”

  “It counts for me and I think that I should have some sort of leverage because of it.”

  Laughing, I say, “What kind of leverage?”

  “Let’s just get back to the hotel before we hear something we don’t want to,” Marley interrupts.

  Presley’s cheeks flush slightly and Trevor adds, “Doesn’t that make you a cougar, Pres? Older woman with a younger man?”

  I bust out laughing and briefly the thought of the scratches on my back flashes in my mind. “Does this mean you’re going to teach me a thing or two?”

  Presley’s cheeks burn, causing me to laugh harder, and she hits my arms, stands, and then hits Trevor’s arm. “You two are worst than Marley. Let’s go before we change our mind and start shopping again.”

  Trevor and I waste no time taking some of their things and heading to the car. But my mind is stuck on getting Presley alone. Unfortunately, for me, I’m pretty sure they want to go to the beach for a few hours before supper. Back at the hotel, I put all of Smarty’s bags in the corner while she changes. My eyes are more focused on one of the mirrors, which is reflecting her as she changes because she left the bathroom door open. She is such a tease without even knowing it. I try my best to ignore her as I change. I hear my phone buzzing with a text alert, and I see that it’s Trevor.

  “Smarty, I’m going to run to the bar to have a drink with Trevor. I’ll meet you at the beach in fifteen minutes, okay?” This will help me from not throwing her on the bed and never leaving the hotel room.

  “Okay,” she says from the bathroom.

  I was going to put on a tank top, but what’s the point? Everyone can still see the scratches. I jog down the stairs to the hotel’s outside bar and see Trevor talking to a couple of guys. I walk up to him, and he hands me a beer that was waiting for me. The guys he is talking to are from Minnesota and Trevor had met them at a hockey camp several years ago. We all start talking about hockey and school, and before I know it, thirty minutes have passed.

  “Hey, we need to go find the girls.” I motion to Trevor and tell the guys we would see them later.

  “So, Carr, I see you were attacked by a cat?” Trevor has a gross look on his face, and I realize that he is talking about my back.

  “Yeah, something like that.”

  Trevor groans, and I can’t help but laugh. We walk down the sidewalk to the beach when I see my girl’s red hair on top of her head in a messy ponytail. I stop dead in my tracks and notice that there is a guy kneeling next to her blanket.

  “Well, shit,” Trevor huffs. “Looks like we need to kill a couple of guys.” I look over at him, and he points and it’s then I notice a guy talking to Marley. “I told Marley that bikini was too small.”

  “I told Smarty to get a one piece.”

  “I see they decided not to take our advice.”

  I’m trying my best not to go over there and pound the guy in the ground. “I say we grab them and throw them in the ocean.” I look over at him and smirk. “That’s a perfect idea, right?”

  “If you throw Presley in the water, she’ll kill you, Carr. I’m not joking.”

  “Can she swim?”

  “Yeah, we’ve swam in our parents’ pool, but she doesn’t like ocean water.”

  It is then I hear Presley giggle, and I have had enough. I motion for Trevor to follow me, and I head towards the girls. I have half a notion just to punch the guy and knock him out, but I remain calm.

  “What’s going on here?” Trevor asks.

  “One of these boys’ football almost hit us and they were just saying sorry,” Marley explains.

  “Interesting.” I stare the guy down. I am much bigger than him, and I know there would be no problems here.

  “Yeah, sorry about that again.” The guy motions for his friend and they both leave. I feel my heart rate go back to normal until I look down and see that Presley is in the skimpiest bikini ever created.

  “Are you kidding me?” I grumble.

  “Don’t start, Levi, and don’t act like some barbarian, either.” Presley stands up with her hands on her hips.

  “Smarty, you’re not even covering anything up. Every guy on this beach can see everything.”

  “Shut up, Levi. I’m wearing more than some of these girls.”

  “Yeah, Levi,” Marley pipes in.

  “Hey, you’re not wearing much either,” Trevor tells her.

  “Levi.” Presley crosses her arms. “Stop it. Whatever is going through your jealous mind, stop it right now before I throw you in the ocean.”

  “Smarty, you’re going to throw me in the ocean?” I can’t help but laugh at her.

  “I could if I wanted to.” Her voice wavers at the end.

  “No, you couldn’t,” Marley says. “But maybe if you got like a crane, then you could.”

  It is Trevor’s turn to bark out a laugh. I can see the Presley’s face becoming redder, and I know it isn’t helping that I am smirking at her. I look over at Trevor and silently send him a message. In a split instant, Trevor pulls Marley up and throws her over his shoulder as I grab Smarty and do the same. Smarty is yelling for me to put her down and trying to wiggle her way down.

  “Levi Carr, put me down this instant.”

  “Nope.” I’m about waist deep in the ocean, as is Trevor. Marley is cussing at him every step he takes.

  “Levi, if you throw me in this ocean, I will never forgive you.”

  I flip her down and hold her fireman style. Her face is red with anger. “I think you will forgive me.”

  “We’ll never have sex again,” she hisses.

  “Now, Smarty, you can’t live with God Levi. You know that.”

  “Ew.” Trevor scrunches his face up.

  “Levi, please.”

  I know that it’s wrong, but I can’t help it. I look ahead to make sure no one is around and toss her about five feet in front of me. Trevor does the same with Marley. Both girls scream as Trevor and I hustle back to the beach before the girls come up from the water.

  “They’re going to kill us,” Trevor says as we sit on their towels back on the beach.

  “Yep, but it was worth it to see her expression.”

  “You haven’t seen Presley mad, have you? Red hair equals bad temper.”

  I watch as Presley and Marley both come back up out of the water and head towards us.

  “I want my towel.” Presley’s lips are tight and anger is rolling off of her in powerful waves. I stand and hand her the towel.

  “Now, Smarty-”

  “Levi James Carr, don’t.” She puts her hand up to stop me. I know I shouldn’t be laughing because I know I will pay for it later, but it’s funny to see her so upset.

  “Levi, let’s do a couple laps.” Trevor motions to the water.

  I nod because I know that she needs some time to cool off. After racing Trevor and him losing several times, we head back to the girls on the beach.

  “Hey, we went to the bar and got us all drinks.” Marley hol
ds the beer’s up for us.

  “Still mad, Smarty?” I kiss her temple.

  She shrugs. “Nah.” She gingerly sips her drink.

  Trevor and I both go to chug our beers and immediately spit them out. My mouth is on fire.

  “Oh no, is something wrong?” Smarty mocks concern on her face.

  “What the hell?” I cough, trying to catch my breath.

  Marley laughs. “Oh, do you guys not like hot sauce in your beer?”

  Presley’s laughing as she pulls out two bottles of water from her bag and hands them to us. I chug it down in a couple gulps. “Don’t throw me in the ocean again.” She smiles at her small victory and lays back down on her towel.

  “Told ya she’ll would kill ya,” Trevor says. I can’t help but laugh at my girlfriend.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Presley

  I wasn’t really mad at Levi for tossing me in the ocean, but I wasn’t happy either. Salt water, yuck! That night, Levi was extra nice to me, and I’m sure the whole beach heard my scream of God Levi. Levi joked that he would have to wear a tank top the rest of the time at the beach. I may need to file my nails down a bit.

  The next day, all four of us hang out. It’s a great time as we explore the beach and the highlights of the city. I do call Victor for Levi, and he is fine. I even call my parents, just to say hi and let them know that we are okay.

  Each day after that, leading to Thursday, is pure bliss. We lay on the beach and relax or go up to our room, just me and Levi. I couldn’t ask for a better week. I am naked in bed with the sun streaming in, when I feel Levi crawl back into bed with me.

  “Where did you go?” I whine and cuddle closer to him.

  “Had to confirm our plans for this evening.” He kisses the top of my head.

  “I figured we could just lay here all day and have sex.” I look up into his blue eyes and hope that he agrees to my plan.

  “Smarty, that sounds like fun, but don’t you want to go out?”

  “I just want you.” I gently peck his lips as my phone begins to ring. I groan as I roll over and pick it up.

  “Happy birthday, Pres.” It’s Zack. I was hoping he wouldn’t call while I’m with Levi.

  “Um, thanks.” I know that I have been lying to Levi about seeing Zack around campus, but only because I don’t want them two fighting all the time.

  “Everything okay at the beach?”

  “Yes, it’s great. How about we get together when I get back to campus?”

  “Great. Can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you a lot.”

  “Okay, thanks.” I’m not sure what to think by his last comment as I hang up the phone.

  “Who’s that, Smarty?”

  “Oh, just a friend from school, wishing me a happy birthday.” I think he is going to say something but then there is a knock at the door. I let out a silent sigh of relief. Levi tells me to go to the bathroom because I am still naked.

  I hear Marley’s voice before I hear Trevor’s. I quickly change to a pair of jean shorts, a tank top, and toss my hair into a messy ponytail.

  “Happy birthday, Twin.” Trevor wraps me into a hug, and I smile. There is something about having a twin that I don’t think other siblings, or people in general, understand.

  “How does it feel to be the oldest person in the room now?” Marley giggles.

  “Hey, I’m only older than him by one minute,” I correct her.

  “Let’s grab some breakfast,” Levi says.

  We all agree and we head down to a small family restaurant down the street. I walk with Levi, hand-in-hand, and I couldn’t be happier. There’s nothing else that I want, but to be with him. We have a great breakfast, and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. I’m so glad that Trevor and Levi get along now, and I can tell they have gotten closer these past few weeks.

  “So, what are the plans for our last night here?” Marley asks as I groan. I’m not ready to head back yet.

  “Well, I have plans tonight for Smarty and me. What about you two?”

  “I have plans for Trevor. So Presley, why don’t we get mani and pedis? Maybe we can hit up a few more shops. That way the guys can workout. God Levi needs to stay in shape to keep up with you.” Marley is trying not to laugh, as I drop my head in my hands from embarrassment. Levi just rubs my back and laughs.

  “I think that sounds like a great plan,” Levi affirms.

  Trevor pays for our breakfast and us girls head down the street to a nail salon. I enjoy my time with Marley. She and I talk about what we are going to do this summer. I still haven’t heard back from the law firm about an internship, but I’m hopeful that they will contact me soon. We shop at all the stores that we can find between the salon and downtown. I realize that it’s late in the afternoon, and I know that Levi wants to spend time with me.

  We head back to the hotel, and the breeze from the ocean feels amazing. I can’t believe that this week is already over. I go back to our hotel room, and Levi isn’t there. He must still be with Trevor. I take a shower and dress in a nice, short, green maxi cotton dress. I put my hair in a ponytail, just how Levi likes it and curl the ends. I don’t put on a lot of makeup, just some mascara and lip gloss. I don’t want to overdo it, and I know that Levi likes it when I don’t have a lot on. I slip on my gold gladiator sandals when my phone alerts me of a text message.

  Levi: Ready?

  Me: For what?

  Levi: For God Levi

  I have to laugh. He’s never going to let that go.

  Me: I suppose.

  Levi: LOL, come to the outside bar

  I grab my purse and head down. Levi is standing by the bar with a beer in his hand. He has on khaki shorts that are hanging dangerously low and a white polo shirt that shows every rip in his muscles. I’m sure my tongue is hanging out of my mouth. He looks over at the door and smiles when he sees me.

  “My, my, Smarty, you look good enough to eat,” he whispers in my ear.

  “I hope that holds true for later.” I wink at him. Levi orders me a fruity cocktail and asks me about my day with Marley. I tell him all about the shopping and our time at the salon.

  “You filed your nails down.” He picks up my hand and inspects them.

  “Not all the way, but I’m sure you have scars on your back that will never heal, and I didn’t want to add to that.”

  “Let me worry about my back.” He perks one eyebrow up at me. “Ready for dinner?”

  I nod, and he pays for our drinks. We walk down several blocks in the setting sunlight to a small restaurant huddled behind several large chain restaurants. It is dark and cozy when we walk in. We sit down and order drinks and food.

  Levi talks about an email he received about his physical for the NHL. He’s going to have to have it done as soon as we get back.

  “Any other teams talking to you?”

  “Nope, still just the Pens.” He shrugs.

  “You okay?” I reach over a rub his hand.

  “Just hoping that I’m not putting all my pucks into one net.”

  “Levi, you’ve never been this concerned before. Why now?”

  Levi has other plans for his future and his chemistry degree. But for the first time, he looks uneasy about his future with the NHL.

  He sighs heavily, and runs his hands through his hair. “If I get in the NHL, I will be able to make sure he is taken care of.”

  “Levi-”

  “No, I’m serious, Smarty. I don’t want anything to happen to my dad.” Levi has a very serious look on his face, and I know not to push the issue. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to ruin tonight, okay?”

  “It’s fine. I understand.” I smile at him.

  Our food comes, and we enjoy our night together. He makes me feel so loved and special. It’s only with Levi that I feel this way. He has always made me feel this way, and I want it to last forever. When we are finished, Levi pays for our meal and we head out.

  “Let’s walk the beach.” Levi pulls me towards th
e beach.

  “Don’t throw me in,” I warn him.

  He laughs. “I promise I won’t throw you into the ocean.”

  We take our shoes off and walk as the surf hits our feet. We don’t say anything. We just walk, holding hands in the moonlight.

  “You know if someone told me a year ago that I would be on the beach with McCarthy’s twin sister and be in love with her, I would have called them crazy.” Levi looks down at me and smiles.

  “I have to agree. So much has happened since we’ve met.”

  “You regret anything?” His voice is low and almost scared.

  “Well, I wish you wouldn’t have lied to me the way you did in the beginning. But,” I step closer to him. “I don’t regret anything.” I step up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips.

  “Me either, Smarty. Hey, let’s sit down.” We go up towards the middle of the beach and sit. I’m in between Levi’s legs, my back to his chest, my own legs stretched out in front of me. We watch the waves, and Levi rubs my arms.

  “Do you remember that night that we had sex on the hood of my car?” I hear the laughter in his voice.

  “Yes, I do.” I’m a little suspicious on where this conversation is going. “Where are you going with this, Levi?”

  “Nowhere, just walking down memory lane and thinking,” he chuckles.

  “About what?”

  “How I had sex on the hood of the car with you, and in the shower, and in my bedroom at home, but haven’t had sex on a beach with you.”

  “Levi, this is a public beach.” I point out some of the people that are walking the beach. Sure, there is only a few, because it is getting late, but still. There are people around.

  “Aw, Smarty, are you scared?” He whispers in my ear and chills run down my spine.

  “No, but there are laws against it. I don’t really want to go to jail.”

  “So you don’t want to go to jail on your birthday for having sex on the beach with your boyfriend? I think some girls would like that idea,” he chuckles.

  “Yeah, well, some girls wouldn’t have to call my dad for bail money either. That’s a conversation I don’t want to have.” It’s then that I realize Levi is playing with the straps of my dress. “Levi,” I warn.