“Levi,” Presley says, bringing me out of my trance. “You never told me you met the Penguins.”
I leave my pot and stand behind her, resting my hands on her shoulders. Her finger was sitting just below one picture in particular. Mom and I were standing on either side of the Penguins’ one and only, Sidney Crosby. My heart aches at her cheeky grin, the happiness radiating even through the photo.
“Oh, yeah. We went to a meet and greet once.”
“Don’t tell me you brought home a Pittsburgh fan, son?” my dad says in mock horror.
“Sure did, Pops.” I smile and kiss the top of Presley’s head before returning to the stove.
“Sorry, but you won’t be able to convert me to a Flyers fan either, Mr. Carr,” Pres laughs.
I lean against the counter and cross my arms, smirking at my girl’s comment and my dad shaking his head.
“Please, call me Victor. And that’s the worst thing for us, you know. Being surrounded by a bunch of Pens fans. Absolutely horrible. Amanda made it tolerable, though,” he seems lost in memories, probably of their little spats. “I still can’t believe she got Levi hooked on them too. I thought once he grew up and got some sense in him, he would realize it was the wrong team,” he snickers. “Although, I’m glad he likes them. It made my wife very happy.” I turn away and stir when he adds to me, “She would be proud of you, son. I hope you know that.”
“I know,” I mumble, even though it’s a lie. She might be proud as far as hockey is concerned, but as far as the man I’ve become, proud wouldn’t even make the list. “It’s almost ready.”
“What are we having?” Presley asks me.
It’s my dad who answers her though. “Chili. His mom taught him; it was her favorite.”
When we start to eat ten minutes later, Dad wants Presley to tell him more about herself. I listen while she starts with the basics. Smarty informs him of her parents occupations, her twin and his accomplishments.
“Presley, it’s great to hear those things about your family, but I asked aboutyou,” he comments.
“Oh.” She glances at me quickly, and I know she’s caught off guard. Her own father doesn’t ask to hear about these things and mine has. “Well, I’m pre-law and looking for the right law school for me. I’m a big hockey fan, as you know,” she smiles. “That’s pretty much it,” she ends with a shrug.
“Don’t let her fool you, Pops. Presley is at the top of her class. She has a bright future ahead of her. Don’t ya, Smarty?” I smirk at her, but she only shrugs with a smile playing on her lips. Everyone has finished, and I stand to take their dishes and load the dishwasher.
“You don’t have to do that, Levi. You cooked,” my father objects.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
“I wasn’t going to stop you,” he laughs. “Just pointed out that you didn’t have to do it.”
“We should probably head back,” I start, but he’s already shaking his head as his chair scrapes the floor when he stands.
“Can’t you stay and watch the game?”
An NHL game between the Pens and Flyers will be coming on in fifteen minutes. “I don’t know. We still have to drive back to campus.”
“You act like there’s not another bedroom here.”
I look over at Presley and she takes that as an opening. “I’m okay with staying, if you want to, Levi.”
“Alright. We’ll stay.”
Presley and Dad smile at one another as if they just won the lottery.
Chapter Fourteen
Presley
The Penguins-Flyers game is in the second period and it is tied 1-1. I’m on the edge of the couch mesmerized by the players on the ice.
“Presley, may I ask why you enjoy the Penguins so much?” Victor asks me. I look over at him sitting in his recliner and can’t help but see an older version of Levi. Victor has treated me better in the last hours than my own father has my whole life.
“Well, my father and brother are Rangers fans and I didn’t like them. But, I always loved Mario Lemieux.”
Victor laughs. “You would have loved my wife then. She was the biggest Lemieux fan ever, wasn’t she, Levi?”
I turn to see Levi looking at the TV screen. I can tell there is sadness in his eyes. Talking about his mom is still hard on him, and I wish there was something I could do to help him. “Yep, she was.”
“Excuse me guys.” I get up and head to the bathroom. I just can’t look into Levi’s sad eyes. It breaks my heart.
I stand in the bathroom for a moment trying to compose my thoughts. I can’t imagine the loss that Levi felt, especially being so close to his parents. I don’t even want to think about what it would be like if I lost one of my parents. We might not have the greatest relationship, but they’re my parents. I finally walk out of the bathroom and look at the pictures lining the hallway as I walk back into the living room. Levi and his parents look so happy in every picture.
“Dad, don’t.” I hear Levi say.
“I’m just saying, son. You have never brought a girl home.” Victor chuckles.
“I’m aware of that, Pops.”
“So, why now?” Levi doesn’t say anything, and I’m not able to see him. “You know, son, your mom would love her and I think you do too.” I have to cover my mouth, so I won’t gasp out loud.
“Pops-”
“I see it. You light up every time she talks. I don’t think I have seen you this happy. Well, unless you are playing.”
“It’s complicated.”Complicated? I don’t understand what Levi is saying. I mean our relationship is different, but I don’t think it’s complicated.
“Levi, what are you talking about?” Levi doesn’t answer right away.
“Her brother is Trevor McCarthy. I hate him and I...well, it's just complicated.” Oh, here we go again about my brother. I wish Levi would understand that Trevor is always going to be in my life.
“I know how much trouble he gave you in high school, but Levi, you’re in college. A captain of a college hockey team with a bright future in front of you. Let the past go, Son. Your mother and I only wished for you to be happy in your life and that girl makes you happy.” I’m wondering what Trevor did to Levi in high school because Trevor would always tell me it was the other way around.
Levi never answers his dad and they are sitting in silence when I turn the corner to go back into the living room. “Did we score?” I smile brightly, as if I didn’t hear their conversation.
“No the Flyers haven’t scored yet.” Victor smirks at me. I sit back down next to Levi and look at him. He just gives me one of his crooked grins and turns back to the TV.
We continue to watch the game with the conversation being around plays, players, and bad calls by the refs. It’s the third period, a couple of minutes left, and it is still tied. All three of us are on the edge of our seats and waiting for that winning goal. That winning goal comes from the Flyers. Victor is cheering as Levi and I face defeat, but I have to laugh to hear Levi and his dad make jabs at each other about the win.
“Well, kids, it’s time for this old man to go to bed. I’ve had a lot of excitement for tonight.” Victor stands up and hugs Levi and me before heading up the stairs to go to bed. I curl up to Levi and we sit there in silence. I feel so happy, but I can’t get the comment of Levi’s out of my head.
“Hey, let’s go to bed and get some rest.” Levi kisses my temple as I nod. He takes my hand, and I follow him up the stairs to his room. Just like at his apartment, his room is clean and simply decorated. There are a couple pictures on the nightstand. I see that it’s pictures of his parents and him. I sit on the bed as Levi goes to a dresser and looks for clothes. It is then I notice on the far side wall, that it is covered with hockey sticks and awards. I get up from the bed and stare at all of Levi’s accomplishments. Levi told me he started when he was young and I can tell from the amount of awards that are there. Ribbons, trophies, and everything in between are on that wall.
Levi stand
s behind me and looks at the wall too. “Mom did this,” he says sadly.
I turn around and see that his eyes are watery. It almost breaks my heart to see this side of Levi. “I think it's great,” I say brightly, trying to break the tension in the room.
“Here.” He hands me a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I thank him and step over to the bed and remove my boots. I can feel Levi staring at me.
“Levi?” I thought maybe I had done something wrong. He comes to me and kneels in front of me. Surprisingly, we are the same height. “Levi?” I ask again. I touch his cheek and look into his eyes. He is studying my face, and I can feel myself blushing.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispers and kisses me.
“You aren’t too bad yourself,” I say breathlessly. He gets up and walks out of the room, without saying anything. I change into the clothes he gave me and crawl into his bed. Levi comes back in, and I stop breathing. He is wearing a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and no shirt. No matter how many times I have seen him naked, I can’t stop staring at him.
He crawls into bed next to me and clicks off the light. He still hasn’t said anything to me. I curl up next to him and ask if he is okay.
“Yea, Smarty, I am.” He sounds sad.
“I really had a great day. Sorry, we couldn’t go skating.” I’m trying to cheer him up a little bit. “And thank you for the chili. It was really good. So,” I look up at him and kiss him cheek, “is there anything else that I don’t know about you?” In the faint light of the room, I see Levi smile.
“Oh, I might have a couple things.” He touches my chin and kisses my lips. “You know,” he starts, “you are the first girl I have brought home.” I remember hearing his dad saying that.
“Well, I’m honored by that.” I really am. “I’m also surprised you were not sneaking girls up here all along.”
Levi lightly chuckles. “No, it's true. You’re also the first girl in my bed, too.”
“Wow, now I’m really honored. Never thought I would be a first of yours at all.” I giggle at him.
“Oh, you have been a lot of firsts for me.” He says it so quietly that I almost miss it.
“And what are those, Mr. Carr?” Levi doesn’t say anything; he just rubs my arm.
“I’ll just keep that to myself for now.” His voice is serious. I can’t help myself. I know that it is wrong with his dad just down the hall, but I want to be his first of one more thing.
I sit up and straddle him. “Smarty, what...what are you doing?” He puts his hands on my thighs.
“Well, you never had a girl in your room before, so you’ve never made out with a girl in your bed.” I lean down and give him a kiss. “So, I want to be your first.”
“You know my dad is down the hall and you aren’t really quiet.”
I laugh at him. I run my hands up his chest and whisper in his ear. “I think if my mouth will be busy, I can be quiet.” Levi’s breath catches and he squeezes my thighs.
“Don’t tease me like that, Smarty.” His voice is filled with desire.
“I’m not.” I sit up and run my hands down his chest and to the top of his waistband. I scoot down until I’m sitting on his thighs. I pull his pajama pants down. I begin to stroke him as I move further down his legs.
I should be more nervous about this because I’ve only done this a couple of times, but there is something about being with Levi that makes me more sexual than ever before.
“Presley,” Levi breathes out my name as I take him in my mouth. Levi says my name again as I take him fully into my mouth.
Levi grips my hair as I’m going up and down on him. His moans become louder as I work my tongue on him. He guides me to go faster and I relax my jaw. I swirl my tongue along his tip. I slide back down working his shaft in my mouth. I can feel myself getting more turned on then I thought I would, but that is what Levi does to me all the time.
I feel him tightening up, and I know that he is close. He’s saying my name over and over again. He hasn’t done that before, and I can hear the pleasure in his voice. He’s almost there when he grabs my shoulders and pushes me away. I keep stroking him as I feel him come all over my hand. My jaw is aching from having him in my mouth so long, but it felt so good.
I can faintly see his hands are covering his face, and I’m not sure what Levi is thinking.
“Levi?” My voice is shaky.
“Smarty.” He drops his hands. “I need to clean up and get you a rag.” I roll off of his legs. He turns on the lamp and heads to the bathroom. I’m not sure if I have done something wrong or not. He doesn’t seem happy.
Levi comes back in and hands me the rag. I clean up and throw it in the laundry basket in the corner. Levi is sitting on the side of the bed, with his head in his hands.
“Levi,” I sit down next to him. “Did I do something wrong?”
“What?” He looks like he is deep in thought as he looks at me
“Um, did I do something wrong? I just thought it would be fun-” Levi places his hand in mind and squeezes gently.
“Smarty, you did something very right.” He pecks my lips.
“Then why are you acting like I didn’t?”
“I’m sorry. I’m a little shocked, that’s all.” Levi gives me a faint smile. “I wasn’t expecting your mouth and tongue to do such things to me.” I actually blush and bite my lip.
“Just to let you know, you’re loud too.” I kiss his cheek and roll onto my back in the bed. He laughs and lays on his side, staring at me.
“Oh, Smarty, I think you’re still louder than I am.” He smirks at me, and I can feel the butterflies. “And there is nothing wrong. I enjoyed having you here today. It means a lot to me.”
“Levi, I’ve had a great day. Thank you.” Today could not have been better. “Although, I’m surprised that you can cook.”
“Mom taught me a little, said it would come in handy. I don’t think she was ever wrong about anything.” He gives a small smile. “But thankyou for coming with me. You,” he slightly hesitates, but then finishes, “are amazing and my dad thinks so too.”
“I really like your dad. I can see how proud he is of you.”
Levi’s eyes search mine and his lips part as if he’s about to say something before closing. “Presley,” my name floats from his mouth carefully like it’s precious to him and if spoken wrong, things would fall apart. His large, warm hand cups my cheek. “I,” he starts, but stops again. Nerves flutter inside at how he’s watching me attentively, and I see that he’s nervous. Levi leans towards me, closes his eyes and rests his forehead against mine. “You mean the world to me.” His eyes flash open to gauge my reaction, but he pushes forward without waiting. “I want to let you know that no matter what, I care about you.”
His thumb grazes my lips, but his eyes never leave mine. I don’t think I can hold my breath long enough to listen to the rest, but Levi still doesn’t give me the chance to breathe. “Presley, I want you,” he pauses, “with me for as long as you’ll stay. Forever would be too short to love you, because I do. I love you.”
What? Did that just happen? Did Levi Carr just tell me heloves me? My heart is pounding inside my chest, and I’m sure it’s echoing throughout the room. I can’t believe how sweet his words are. I trust Levi. I care for Levi and yes, I love him too.
“Levi, I’ll be with you as long as you want me. I love you, too.” I lay my forehead against his. “Levi, nothing feels right, unless I’m with you. It’s the only time I feel so wanted and loved. You make me feel so special. I didn’t think I could ever feel this way.” I don’t think I have ever been in love with anyone before, but with Levi it’s right. I feel complete.
We kiss each other. It’s a kiss that speaks a thousand words and emotions. We love each other and there is nowhere I would rather be, but in Levi’s arms.
~ ~ ~
I wake up to the sunlight streaming into Levi’s room. I roll over to see I’m in his bed alone. Looking around, I realize Levi isn’t in the room a
t all. I get up and grab my purse before heading into the bathroom. I clean up and head down the stairs. Levi and his dad are sitting at the table.
“Hello, Smarty. Sleep well?” Levi asks with his knowing smile.
“Well, it was ok.” I shrug like it’s not big deal. Levi’s smile widens as he pulls my chair out.
“I’ll grab you some food.” Levi gets up and fixes me plate of food and something to drink. We all sit there, eat, and carry on small conversation. It is the greatest breakfast I had in a long time and it just wasn’t the food.
Soon it’s time for Levi and me to leave. I’m sad because his father is such a great person. He gives me a great big hug and tells me to come back soon. I promise him that I will soon. Our ride back to my apartment is quiet. Levi holds my hand the whole time, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.
When we pull into my parking lot, I’m sad. I had the greatest weekend with Levi, and I don’t want it to end. We walk up my stairs, and I think he’s going to come in with me.
“Hey, Nichols texted me and wants to work out and I have a ton of homework. How about we grab some dinner together tomorrow after practice.”
“Sounds perfect. I have homework too.” I stand on my tip-toes to kiss him.
“I love you, Smarty.”
“I love you too.”
Chapter Fifteen
Levi
For the second time, Presley has stunned me. I didn’t intend on telling her how I felt, and I damn sure didn’t expect her to say she loves me. I wanted to tell her though. I had to tell her. I thought if I did that, told her a truth, things would be easier. There’s a pit in my stomach that because I admitted how I feel and because Presley feels the same, it’s going to be so much worse when she finds out.
But what if she doesn’t? I can just forget that detail and Presley never has to know. Right? Because I can’t hurt her like that. Yeah, if I don’t tell her, then she won’t find out. Nothing to worry about.
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