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

  “Don’t you worry about it. I’ll talk to you then. Not a minute before, you hear me? Don’t you have schoolwork or something to take up your time?”

  Chuckling, I tell him, “Yeah, I do. I’ll see you then, Pops. I love you.”

  “Love you too, son.”

  Cranking the ignition, I decide to go visit my mom. My head still feels cloudy. I don’t even want to hear the radio in the background, so I turn that off. Soon enough, I’m sitting on that cold bench, the winter air suffocating me with its bitterness.

  “Hey Momma,” I whisper, my eyes glued to her name engraved on the stone. My throat feels like it’s cutting off my air it’s so tight, so I just think about what I want to say to her.

  I miss you. A lot. Really wish you were here so you could meet Presley. She’s not having a great time with her parents. She could have come and talked to you if you were still here. I sure as hell, I mean heck, don’t know what to do to help her.

  I really wish I could hug you. Miss you so much. Dad seems to be doing better, but now I’m worried all the time. Like I’m going to lose him like I lost you. I was terrified being at the hospital, waiting to see if he was going to be okay. I still wonder if he’ll be okay, even though he’s doing fine. Isn’t there some way you can promise that I won’t lose him too? I won’t be able to handle it, Momma.

  My mom’s name becomes blurry to me, and I squeeze my eyes closed for a second before focusing again.

  Should probably head home. Love you, Momma. Watch over him, please.

  I hope my silent beg reaches her, and that it works. Sighing with exhaustion, I go home.

  Chapter Nine

  Presley

  “Smarty, we’re going for a weekend, not a month,” Levi says as he loads another bag of mine into the SUV.

  “Carr, don’t start.” I climb into the passenger seat as he shuts the back hatch. We are spending the weekend with his dad, and I couldn’t be happier to get away for a little bit. I haven’t heard from either of my parents since the night of my breakdown. Since then, Trevor has been smothering me to make sure that I’m okay, which is becoming very annoying. So I’ve immersed myself in studying. Levi and I haven’t even seen each other all week because of our schedules, and I can’t wait to see his dad.

  We head off, and I begin telling Levi about this huge project for my Constitution class and how stressful it’s been. Then Levi dives in telling me about his Organic Chemistry class project. Needless to say, it’s going to be a long semester.

  “There’s my girl.” I leap out of the SUV, and Victor wraps his arms around me in a big hug.

  “No, Pops, I’m fine,” Levi yells as he goes to the back of the SUV.

  “Hush, Levi. I hug you all the time. It’s not every day I hug a beautiful girl.”

  “Aw, Victor. You’re the sweetest man ever.”

  “Hey, what am I?”

  I turn to see Levi, loaded down with my bags. “Meh.” I try not to crack a smile at him, but Victor busts out laughing.

  We all get inside and settle down. I help Levi get the bags upstairs, and just as I’m about to walk out of the room, he grabs me.

  “I’ve missed you, Smarty.” He crashes into my lips, and my body relaxes against his.

  “Missed you too.” I’m breathless when I pull away from him.

  “I can’t wait for tonight.”

  “And why is that, Captain Carr?”

  Levi leans down and whispers in my ear, “Because I need to be inside you so badly.” His words almost make my legs give way.

  “Levi, Presley, come on down. Dinner’s ready.”

  Levi groans as he releases me, and we head down the stairs.

  “Wow, Victor.” I look at all the food he cooked.

  “Pops, when did you do all this?” We sit at the table. It almost looks like a Thanksgiving spread.

  “Today.” Victor sets glasses of water in front of us.

  “You should have been resting,” Levi mumbles. I reach for his hand and squeeze it. I know that Levi is concerned for his dad, but he needs to give him some space too.

  “Levi, I’m fine. I cooked dinner. It wasn’t like I was building a house. Now eat.” Victor sits down, and we begin filling our plates. We chat about school, hunting, and hockey throughout dinner.

  “So, Victor,” I sing out when we’re about to start dessert. “Levi says you have a surprise.”

  “Oh, Presley, don’t tell me you don’t like surprises?” Victor smiles. It’s the same smile that Levi gives me.

  “I love surprises and I’m dying to know.” I almost bounce out of my seat as Levi and Victor both laugh at me.

  “Okay, I guess you both have waited long enough.” Victor gets up and reaches for an envelope that is on the other side of the table. “It’s for all three of us. So you both should read it at the same time.”

  I jump up and sit on Levi’s knees as Victor hands me the envelope. I rip it open, and I’m almost shaking to read what it is.

  “It’s hotel confirmation? In Pittsburgh? Why are we going to Pittsburgh? Are you okay, Pops? Is there a doctor you need to see there?” Levi and I both stand up and look at Victor. There could be no other reason, but Victor’s health. My heart begins to pound.

  “Oh, come on you two. Look at the date.” Victor points at the paper. It’s at the beginning of March. “What is going on in March?” Victor hints.

  “Midterms?” Levi guesses.

  “My birthday is near the end of March. But this is for the beginning. Victor, are you sick?”

  “My birthday isn’t till June. Pops, what’s wrong?”

  “You two take all the fun out of everything. Here.” He hands us both our own separate envelopes.

  Levi and I look at each other before opening them. Then I scream, actually scream, out loud. Inside, there is a ticket to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers game and a meet and greet pass for the Pittsburgh team.

  “We’re going to meet the team?” Tears spring to my eyes. No one has ever given me anything so special.

  “Yep, you’re going to meet the team,” Victor confirms as I leap into his arms. “I’m sorry it’s not closer to your birthday, but happy birthday.”

  I pull away from his arms. “I don’t care. Thank you so much.” Tears run down my cheeks.

  “I figured a family trip is needed for all three of us and I’m using your birthday as that excuse,” he says as he wipes the tears away from my face.

  I laugh and look over at Levi. He doesn’t look happy. He almost looks sad. “Levi?”

  “What? Oh, yeah, these are great. Thanks, Pops. We just haven’t been to a meet and greet since Mom’s last one.” I can see the sadness in Levi’s eyes, and I know this will be hard.

  “Hey, you went last summer to the hockey camp, and did just fine, right?” Victor points out.

  Levi smiles. “You’re right. Time to make new memories, right?”

  I squeal again and this time, I hug Levi. We continue our night of eating and then cleaning up, and it’s filled with laughter. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of a family. Especially with Levi and Victor.

  “So, Levi, have the Penguins said anymore about you getting drafted this year?” Victor asks as we settle down in the living room.

  “No, I’m afraid my chances are slim. There are a lot of great players out there right now.” He shrugs like it isn’t a big deal, but I know he is just trying to play it off.

  “Maybe they’ll invite you to camp again this year?” I try to sound helpful.

  “Invitations will be going out the next couple of weeks, so maybe.” He shrugs.

  I excuse myself to the ladies’ room to give Levi some time with his dad. Coming out of the bathroom, I am able to hear their conversation. I know that it’s wrong to listen, but I can’t help it.

  “Levi, stop worrying about my expenses. I have plenty of money.”

  “Pops, those tickets are a lot of money and you got three of them. Plus, all of your hospital bills.”r />
  “Levi James, enough.” I hear Victor raise his voice. I heard him do that one other time, during Christmas. “Now, I have health insurance, so most of my hospital bills are taken care of. I have plenty of money to survive on. Now, if you want to go to the camp, then you will go. But don’t make it about money.”

  “The camp last year cost you a lot of money.”

  “Son, if it means you being happy and securing your future, I will sell my soul for you. Do you understand?”

  “Pops,-”

  “Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Don’t act like I’m not able to take care of you Levi. You still have money in your trust. I still can take care of you, no matter what. This conversation is over, Levi. If Pittsburgh invites you to that camp, you’re going.”

  I hold my breath. I don’t want Levi to put his life on hold because of money issues. Maybe there is something I could do. But I know Levi too well. He would rather starve than ask for money. I come around the corner and act like I didn’t hear anything.

  “Boys, I’m tired and I know that we have stuff planned this weekend. So I’m heading to bed.” I hug Victor first.

  “Are you going to sleep with your meet and greet pass around your neck?” Victor laughs at me.

  “Oh no, I’m going to lay it on Levi’s pillow and make him sleep on the couch.”

  “Hey!” Levi yells and Victor laughs harder.

  I don’t answer Levi as I head up the stairs. I race to change before Levi comes in. I packed some lingerie just for Levi’s eyes. It’s a light green baby doll nightie with matching underwear. I change, grab a book, and sit on his corner chair pretending to read. I turn off all the lights but the one on the nightstand and wait for him. Levi and I haven’t had sex in over a week, and I know he wants it as much as I do.

  I also know that he won’t be downstairs much longer. I’m right when I hear him coming up the stairs, not more than two minutes later. I look down at my book, but the words mean nothing to me as I’m just thinking about Levi. I hear the door open.

  “Smarty, are you reading? In that outfit?” Levi shuts the door behind him.

  “What?” I ask pretending to be nonchalant.

  Levi walks over and pulls me up, grabbing the book and tossing it back in the chair. “You suck at lying, Smarty.” He kisses me and our tongues dance around each other. “Are you going to be able to be quiet?” Levi whispers into my ear.

  “Do you want me to be?” I tease back.

  “No, but you have to be. I think you might be a little bit embarrassed if my dad hears you.” He runs his hands down my side and grasps my hips, pulling me closer to him.

  “Want to see if I can be?” I swipe my lips against his.

  “Fuck, yeah.” He picks me up, and I wrap my legs around him. Our lips crash into each other as he carries me to the bed. He lays me down and covers me with his body. I can’t help my body as it rocks against his hardness.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper as he kisses down my neck.

  “You’ve no idea how much I missed you too.” He pulls up my nightie and kisses down my stomach. He pulls my underwear off and bites my hip. There is just no better feeling when he enters his fingers in me and rubs my clit. I moan and do my best to be quiet. This might be harder than I thought.

  Levi puts another finger in me and begins to lick me. My insides become like jello as he keeps licking and fingering me. Just when I’m on the brink of exploding, he stops. I’m breathing heavy and trying my best to be as quiet as possible.

  Levi pulls his clothes off and grips my wrists pulling me into a standing position. Levi nips my collarbone. I feel Levi smile as I moan loudly.

  “You need to be quiet, Smarty.” He pulls the nightie over my head, and I run my hand down his abs. His incredible, rock hard body makes me drool. I reach up around his neck and pull his lips to mine. This time, I guide him to turn around and push him onto the bed.

  He smirks as he scoots back towards the headboard. I reach into the nightstand, and I grab a condom. I roll it on him, and he moans as I stroke him.

  “You need to be quiet, Levi,” I whisper to him. I straddle him and guide my body to meet his. The connection makes us both moan. Okay, I can’t be quiet, but I don’t want to scream either. I bite my lip as I bounce my hips up and down on Levi. I dig my fingers into his chest as his fingers dig into my hips. I can feel myself building up again when Levi breaks my rhythm and sits up. He flips us around, and I’m on my back. My legs wrap around him to pull him closer to me. His teeth sink into my shoulder, and I’m about to scream when Levi looks up from my shoulder and covers my mouth. I’m never more thankful because I was about to yell out his name. Levi keeps slamming into me, and I raise my hips as my body releases with Levi’s.

  We both are sweaty and out of breath, but I never felt more relaxed. Levi lays on top of me kissing my cheeks and lips as we regain normal breathing again.

  “I love you so much,” Levi whispers, looking deep into my eyes.

  “I love you more than anything, Levi.”

  Chapter Ten

  Levi

  Every year, there is an annual winter festival and that is how we are spending our day. Pops looks healthy and happy being out and about with us. Maybe this family trip he planned for us will be really good for him. Although, he really shouldn’t have spent all that money. There’s no use in worrying about it because my father will not hear any of it.

  So far, we’ve been walking around, just looking at everything. Pops’ nose is red as can be, and I hope he doesn’t get sick.

  “I’m going to sit down for a minute, son. You two go ahead and I’ll catch up to y’all later.”

  “Are you alright, Pops? We can sit here with you,” I say.

  My dad glares at me as Presley squeezes my hand. Seriously? I can’t worry about my old man anymore?

  “I’m fine, Levi. Just going to rest and maybe grab something to eat.”

  “Yeah, but -” I start.

  “We’ll swing back around soon,” Presley interrupts.

  “Have fun.” He smiles as Smarty drags me away.

  “You’re smothering him again, Levi,” she says after we walk a little ways.

  “Will you stop saying that? Can’t-”

  “Levi Carr?” a familiar female voice says to the left of me. I look and see the face of an ex-girlfriend from high school.

  “Allie? Hey, how are you?” I ask, returning the hug she gives me. Allie is a couple inches taller than Presley with legs that always seemed to be miles long in combination with long, curly brown hair and brown eyes to match.

  “Good! How are you? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. You’re at Roxboro, right?” Her hand is still on my arm as she talks to me.

  “Doing great. Yeah, I’m at Roxboro.” Presley’s grip in my hand turns into a death grip. “Forgive me, Allie. This is my girlfriend, Presley. Pres, this is Allie, a friend from high school.”

  Allie sticks her hand out to Smarty and chuckles, “Yeah, Levi and I were just friends.”

  Really, Allie? I watch Presley to see her reaction.

  “So nice to meet a high school friend of Levi’s.” Her smile is fake.

  Allie turns to me and asks, “How is Mr. Carr? Mom said he was in the hospital not too long ago. I wanted to stop by and see him, but you know, didn’t know if I should.”

  “Pops is doing better, thanks for asking.”

  “Yeah, Victor is doing a lot better. We are spending the whole weekend with him.”

  Allie looks a little shocked, but I don’t know if it’s from Smarty calling Dad by his first name or the fact that she’s staying with me at Dad’s. Both are privileges that Allie didn’t get. And quite frankly, I’m a little surprised by Presley, who is now leaning into me a little with our arms around each other’s waist.

  “Well, we’re just on our way to see the rest of the festival. Nice to meet you.” Smarty has the fake smile still on her face.
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  “Yeah, nice to see you again, Allie.”

  “Nice to see you too, Levi. Maybe we can have lunch or something next time you’re in town?”

  “Oh, I -” I can’t even finish my sentence before Presley speaks up.

  “Oh, we can’t. We will be busy. Sorry.” Smarty starts walking away, dragging me with her.

  I finally let out a laugh. “Who’s jealous now, hm?”

  “I’m not jealous, Levi.”

  “I beg to differ, Smarty. That was definitely the behavior of a jealous girlfriend. A little jealousy is good, remember? Isn’t that what you told me?”

  “Well, I might have been little taken aback. So, how long did you date her?”

  I shrug, wondering if I should pretend not to remember.

  “Levi, I know you remember. Come on, how long?”

  “Freshman and sophomore year of high school,” I say, giving in to her.

  “Wow, that long.” She pauses. “Was she your first?”

  I groan. “Smarty.”

  “What? It’s an honest question that I’m asking.”

  “Fine.” She probably won’t let it go if I avoid it. She’s too damn stubborn. “Yep. Are we done talking about what’s her face?”

  “Allie. Her name is Allie and she was your first.” Yep, she’s mad.

  “I know all the details, Smarty. Do you want to tell me who your first was since we’re on this topic?” Maybe that will make this end. My past with other girls doesn’t matter because Presley is my future.

  “My first was Zack.”

  I stop dead in my tracks. “Zack? As in the Zack I met?” She has got to be kidding me.

  She shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “Yeah, the same Zack. We’re just friends now, though.”

  I can’t believe this shit. “So you fucked him, your first, and now you are just good friends?”

  She puts her hands on her hips, and anger is in her eyes. “First, I did date him. Remember, I’m not one of your bunnies. I just don’t go around sleeping with random people. I bet my number is way less than yours, buddy. Second, we’re just friends. That’s all. Just. Friends.”

  I don’t know what I’m more pissed about, but my mouth decides to talk anyway. “No wonder that ass doesn’t seem bothered by me. He probably thinks he staked his claim on you long ago! Like he has an advantage or something. And my numbers? The list isn’t as long as you probably think. Okay, maybe a little longer, but that’s not the point! How are you still just friends with him? How is he just friends with you? This is such bullshit.”