Could the power of love work miracles? Levi didn’t know. But when a woman as amazing as Piper gifted you with her heart, he was ready to believe.
Levi yawned. At last, his eyes grew heavy. He slid deeper into the bed, pulling Piper close and tucking the covers around her shoulders. Tomorrow, he would meet with Coach McClain and the rest of the staff to begin their postseason strategy sessions.
Monday would be all about watching tape and breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of their next opponent. Because the Knights were a wild card team, they had to play all their games on the road. And unlike the division winners who were rewarded with a first-week bye, a trip to the Super Bowl meant winning three games instead of the preferred two.
“I won’t have time for much of anything but football,” Levi warned Piper. “Until we lo—”
Piper covered his mouth with hers, using the best method Levi could imagine, stopping him from uttering any negative thoughts. She didn’t want to hear him think about losing let alone say the word out loud. Positive thoughts only, she insisted.
Levi cupped the back of Piper’s head, deepening the kiss. His pragmatic woman had turned into a raging Pollyanna—at least where he and football were concerned. She believed the Knights were destined to win the Super Bowl. He was done arguing.
“Sleep,” Piper insisted when Levi’s hand cupped her breast. “Your head may tell you sex is a good idea, but your body is wiped out. Even Superman needs to recharge his engine now and then.”
Levi nodded. As usual, Piper was right. His spirit might be willing, but his flesh? Toast. Rather than embarrass himself, he moved his hand to her waist and closed his eyes.
Seconds later, Piper’s whispered words were the last thing Levi heard as he sank into a deep slumber.
“Levi?” Her breath fanned out across his chest.
“Hm,” he asked, barely conscious.
“I told you so.”
With his last bit of flagging energy, Levi grinned.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
THE SEATTLE KNIGHTS’ miracle season continues to amaze and astound. After a 2-6 start that left everyone but the most die-hard fan giving up and dreaming of next year, the team turned things around, winning seven of their last eight games.
Seated on her living room sofa, Piper watched the television screen with rapt attention. Taking a bite of pizza, she chewed without really tasting her dinner.
The NFL Network had become Piper’s favorite station. She turned it on first thing in the morning and fell asleep as she listened to the anchors recycle information that she’d heard dozens of times.
Piper wasn’t proud of her addiction and once the Knights’ season ended, she promised to quit—cold turkey. She didn’t anticipate any withdrawal symptoms. The main reason she watched was to hear the broadcasters eat their words about Levi.
All over the country, the doubts, naysayers, and haters had changed their tunes. Levi’s harshest critics now called him a revelation. With the Knights victory last night in the league championship game, anyone who hadn’t been on the Levi Reynolds bandwagon decided to hitch a ride—right to the Super Bowl.
“Oh, my.” Piper’s heart fluttered as Levi’s face filled the screen. “Too bad your helmet covers your face during a game. With that handsome face, you, my love, were born to be on camera.”
Piper smiled as an ex-football player turned sportscaster spent the next five minutes waxing poetic about Levi.
I had my doubts about Reynolds. Anyone who says they didn’t is lying. How many quarterbacks make their starting debut at the age of thirty-two?
“Only takes one,” Piper said to the screen. “If he’s as special as Levi.”
Taking a drink of water, she continued to listen.
I don’t buy into the theory that Levi Reynolds discovered the fountain of youth. Chronologically, he might be in his thirties, but in football years, he has the body of a man just out of college.
Because Reynolds spent so much time on the sidelines instead of in a game, unlike other quarterbacks his age, he wasn’t subjected to a decade’s worth of hits. His legs, especially his knees, are showroom pristine.
I met with Levi recently. I could practically see the new car smell coming from his pores.
“New car smell?” Piper scoffed. She wasn’t a fan of the flowery analogies. “Just state the facts. Levi is the best.”
“Talking to the television again?” Levi asked as he exited the bedroom.
Busted, Piper scrambled for the remote control. When the TV screen went black, she shrugged, decided to pretend he hadn’t caught her red-handed.
“Shouldn’t you be in bed getting some much-needed sleep,” she asked with an innocent, butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth, smile.
Levi sniffed the air, his gaze falling on the large pepperoni and black olive pizza. Shaking his head, he opened the refrigerator, contemplated his choices, and finally settled on the leftover buckwheat pasta with black bean sauce. Moving to the microwave, he set the timer.
“My body knows when it’s time to get up.” With his dinner in hand, he joined Piper on the sofa. “Want a bite?
Making a face, Piper shuddered at the thought.
“No thanks,” she said. “Healthy food gives me hives.”
“You’re weird,” Levi stated.
“You’re weirder.” Piper frowned. “More weird? Which is correct?”
“Weirder.” Levi scoffed over a mouthful of pasta. “And you claim to be a college graduate. Did you skip basic grammar?”
“What’s the square root of a hundred and thirty-six, divided by four, then multiplied by twenty-one?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Levi laughed.
“61.2249,” Piper declared.
“What’s your point, math geek,” he asked.
“Math rules, grammar sucks.” Piper stuck out her tongue. “Plus, equations are sexy.”
“Can’t argue,” Levi said with a nod. “But only when they come out of your mouth. Kiss me.”
“Nope.” Piper batted away his hands. “Wouldn’t want to contaminate your pristine circulatory system with my pizza breath.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
Piper played hard to get for another few seconds before she gave in and melted into Levi’s arms. He wasn’t her weakness. He was her strength. With each passing day, she wanted him more.
The possibility that her need for him might peak, was mathematically impossible. She’d done the math a dozen different ways and the answer was always the same. What she felt—what they felt for each other—equaled infinity. And beyond.
Much later, Piper cleared away their dishes. As she put her leftover pizza into the refrigerator, she glanced at Levi. Amazed at how normal he looked—if a six-foot-plus sandy-haired Adonis could be called normal—considering everything he’d dealt with in the past few months. Not to mention what was about to come.
“Are you nervous?” she asked, surprised she hadn’t considered the possibility until now. “Playing in the Super Bowl must be every football player's dream come true.”
“You’re right,” Levi said with a nod.
“I won’t tell anyone if you want to freak out here in the privacy of your home.” Piper crossed her heart. “What happens in Levi’s house, stays in Levi’s house.”
“Considering all the intimate things we’ve done in these rooms, I hope to heaven that you won’t share what goes on with anyone.” He winked.
“You might be embarrassed,” Piper said. “I’m not.”
“Embarrassment isn’t the same as discretion.” Levi froze. “Who did you tell?”
“No one,” Piper assured him. When his probing gaze didn’t falter, she shrugged. “I may have discussed a few details with Darcy. Seemed only fair. She talks about Mac.”
“I know Darcy is your best friend, but—” Levi’s eyebrows rose. “Mac? Really?”
�
��Are you curious to know what kind of kinky shenanigans your head coach is into?” Piper asked with a knowing laugh.
For a second, she thought Levi might say yes. Then at the last second, he shook his head.
“I don’t want to know,” he said. “Some images are better left unpainted.”
“Such a good quarterback. Mac would be proud.” Piper closed the dishwasher. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I’m not nervous.” Levi's expression turned thoughtful. “Antsy would be a better description. I want to enjoy the two weeks leading up to the big game, but there’s a part of me that wants the days to fly by.”
“Super Bowl Sunday will get here soon enough.” Piper walked into Levi’s waiting arms. “Savor every moment. You’ve earned the right.”
“Knowing you’ll be there, cheering me on, is a blessing.”
Just once, Piper promised herself, she would give in and use the L-word.
“Win or lose, I’ll be there for you.” Done with the mush, she poked his bicep. “But your golden arm better lead the Knights to a victory. Understood?”
“I hear you loud and clear.” Levi's lips hovered over hers. “Now, can we fool around?”
“If we must.”
Taking Levi’s hand, Piper led him toward the bedroom. She shut the door, jumped onto the bed, and held out her arms.
“The sacrifices I make for the team are too numerous to count,” she said with an exaggerated sigh.
Over the next hour, Piper made another sacrifice. And another. When she fell asleep, Levi at her side, she couldn’t stop smiling.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
“NOW, I’M NERVOUS,” Levi confessed as he and Piper rode the elevator toward the twenty-fifth floor.
“Didn’t Gaige say a few nerves were a good thing,” Piper asked.
“Right now, I’d settle for a few.” Levi rubbed his chest. “I think my heart is about to explode.”
“Tomorrow, once the game begins, you’ll be fine.” Piper squeezed his hand. “Go to bed. Morning will come soon enough.”
“I won’t sleep a wink.” Levi placed his arm around Piper’s shoulders as they walked down the hall to his room. He gave her a hopeful look. “If you were in bed with me, I might catch a wink or two.”
“My mission is to walk you to the door,” Piper reminded him. Besides, your roommate might object if I stayed. And I know your head coach would have a fit.”
“I suppose,” Levi sighed.
“I’m sure Dylan will croon you a lullaby if you ask nicely,” she said.
Levi rolled his eyes.
“The man has the singing voice of a dying bullfrog.” He stopped at the hotel room door. “At least give me a kiss goodnight.”
“That, I can do.”
Taking Piper in his arms, Levi pushed a lock of hair from her face.
“Give me something to dream about,” he said and covered her lips with his.
“Aw. Aren’t they cute?” A slurred voice snickered. “The old man and his old lady. Perfect.”
Raising his head, Levi frowned when he saw Monte Oliver. The casts were gone from his arm and leg. Other than a slight limp, he looked none the worse for wear.
Except for the fact that he was stinking drunk. Even from ten feet away, Levi could smell the fumes of alcohol wafting from Monte’s body.
“Watch your step,” Levi warned when Monte swayed to one side.
“I’m fine,” Monte said. He swayed, hitting the wall with his shoulder, he barely remained on his feet.
Monte wasn’t alone. Next to him, equally as inebriated, stood a man of average height and build. His hair was dark and disheveled. He blinked several times as though trying clear his vision. Levi didn’t recognize him.
“What are you doing here, Teddy,” Piper asked.
When Piper would have stepped toward the man, Levi took her hand and placed her firmly behind him.
“Is he your brother?”
“I am.” Teddy snorted. “Don’t like her much.”
“Feelings mutual,” Piper muttered before raising her voice. “Again, Teddy. Why are you here?”
“Came to help my friend.” Teddy slapped Monte’s arm, stumbled, and almost took them both down. “He’s been wronged.”
“Damn right.” Monte puffed out his chest. “You stole my job, Reynolds. Can’t go anywhere without hearing your fucking name.”
“Find a bed and sleep it off,” Levi said, disgusted.
Levi turned, but before he could do more than take the keycard from his pocket, Monte rushed him, slamming him into the door.
“Are you out of your mind?” Levi demanded, pushing Monte away.
“Planned to take you out,” Monte said, weaving right, then left. “Smash your arm. Crush your knee.”
“Football’s Tonya Harding,” Teddy cackled. “Hilarious.”
“Get in the room,” Levi told Piper as he pointed to where the keycard landed. Before she could move, Monte placed his foot on the card and grinned.
“Stay behind me.” When Piper nodded, Levi took out his phone and hit speed dial. “Dylan? Come to the hotel room. Now! Bring every one of the Knights you can get your hands on. The bigger the better.”
“Calling for reinforcements?” Monte taunted. “Afraid to go one on one, old man?”
“Terrified,” Levi said, but not for himself. Monte and Teddy were intoxicated and unpredictable. He wasn’t taking any chances with Piper’s safety.
Levi calculated the distance to the elevator. Outrunning a pair of drunks wouldn’t be a problem. But again, he couldn’t be certain that one of the men might get lucky and grab Piper. She was his only concern.
The elevator doors opened. Dylan rushed out followed by six big, angry-looking football players. Levi heaved a sigh of relief.
“Looks like I missed my chance,” Monte said with a sad shake of his head. He glanced at his ex-teammates, then at Levi, and grinned. “Oh, what hell. You only live once.”
Reaching behind his back, Monte pulled a metal rod from the waistband of his jeans. Cursing himself for letting down his guard, Levi jumped back. He was fast, but not fast enough to completely avoid getting hit.
The blow landed on Levi’s ribs. He winced.
“Shit,” he hissed.
Monte didn’t get a chance for a second swing. Instead, he found himself flat on the floor. One linebacker sat on his back, another on his legs. He screamed for help, but no one was in the mood to listen.
In the confusion, Teddy tried to scamper away. Dylan knocked him cold with one punch.
“Fucking glass jaw,” the tight end said. Without a backward glance, he rushed to Levi. “How bad is it?”
Levi waved off his friend’s concern. Looking into Piper’s worried eyes, he smiled.
“I’m fine.”
“Call the police,” Piper told Dylan. “I’ll take Levi to the hospital.”
“No!” Levi grabbed her arm. He measured the volume of his voice so only Piper and Dylan could hear. “No doctors. Promise me.”
“You need to have someone check you out,” Dylan whispered. “What if you have a broken rib? Or two?”
“I know what a break feels like,” Levi said. “At most, the rib is cracked. Some tape and a few aspirins and I’ll be fine by game time.”
“Are you crazy?” Piper hissed. “I won’t let you play with your health.”
“Please.” Levi took a breath and grimaced. “Trust me.”
“At least let me call Erin,” Piper said. “She flew in for the game and has a room here in the hotel.”
“Isn’t she a gynecologist?” Dylan asked.
“She’s a doctor.” Piper met Levi’s gaze. “It’s her, or I tell Mac what happened. One call and your head coach will know everything.”
Levi didn’t need to think twice. He nodded.
“Get Erin.”
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
“THE RIB IS cracked,” Erin Ashmore said as she finished taping Levi’s ribs.
“Not broken.” Levi nodded, sending Piper a reassuring smile. “I knew it.”
“You should get an x-ray, just to be certain.” Erin sighed. “But since I know my advice will fall on deaf ears, I’ll do my best to make you as comfortable as possible.”
“Thank you,” Piper said.
“Yes.” Levi winced as the Erin stood back to survey her handiwork. “I know I’m asking a lot. Especially after Piper woke you up to help.”
“You don’t want anyone to know you aren’t one hundred percent for the game.” Erin sighed. “I understand. If management finds out, Mac will be obligated to report your injury. The less everyone not in this room knows, the better. My lips are sealed.”
“You’re angry,” Levi said to Piper when they were alone.
“I’m worried,” she said, correcting his assumption. “I also love you. I know how much tomorrow means to you.”
“Not just me,” Levi told her. “My teammates are counting on me. I can’t let them down.”
Dylan let himself into the room.
“Monte and Teddy were arrested. Mac and Darcy are on top of the media announcement.” Dylan sighed. “A minor shitstorm of questions is inevitable. Thankfully, access to the players is limited before the game.”
“Mac already called,” Levi said. “I assured him I was okay.”
Dylan looked at Levi, his gaze narrowed.
“I’d follow you to hell and back,” he said. “But I need to know. Can you play tomorrow?”
“I can do better than that.” Levi gripped Piper’s hand. “I can win.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
“YOU LOOK A little green around the gills.” Frowning, Dylan handed Levi a towel. “The last hit you took had me worried.”
“Nothing serious,” Levi said, tugging his dirt-stained blue and gold jersey into place.
Dylan didn’t know that Levi heard a definite crack when the other team’s defensive end’s helmet rammed into his midsection. Thank God for television timeouts.
The Backup Plan: A Friends to Lovers Sports Romance (One Pass Away: A New Season Book 2) Page 18
