Level Me Up (Gamer Boy #1)

by Lauren Helms

  With my bag in tow, I start to head down to Morgan's room. I look over my shoulder to say good night, but the look on Gia’s face makes me come to a halt.

  Her lips are pursed, and her brows are furrowed. She is staring at me, but not really at me. She opens her mouth to say something but snaps it shut.

  “Everything alright?” I ask.

  With a shake of her head, she glances up, finally making eye contact, “Yeah. I’m fine. I’m glad you came over tonight.” She walks over to the couch and plops down where I suspect she will be for at least another two hours.

  Well, that was odd. I mutter a good night and head down the hall.

  Morgan’s door is left slightly open. I quietly push it wider and step inside. The room is pitch-black, except for the soft red glow of her phone charger next to the bed. I place my bag near the door and strip out of my clothes, which leaves me in only my socks and boxers. Morgan makes fun of me, but I've slept in my socks since I was a little kid. I lived in those footie pajamas until it was no longer cool if others found out.

  She is hunkered down under her covers, right in the middle of the bed. I’m a little surprised she isn’t still awake and reading. I lift the covers and slide in next to her. There's just something about being so close to her. She's warm and soft, and as I spoon behind her, she starts to stir.

  "Shhh. It's just me," I whisper and squeeze her tight.

  She makes a small sleepy noise that my body mistakes for a sexy little moan instead. I don't know if it's possible for my body to not be turned on by this woman. She must be more awake now because she turns over and faces me. Her sweet, sleepy smile I adore is missing from her lips as she says, "I wasn’t sleeping. What are you doing here?" Her voice is low and hoarse.

  "I couldn't wait until tomorrow. I wanted to surprise you. I missed you," I say because I did, a lot more than I expected to.

  She jerks her face away from me, “Really? I had no idea,” she says a tad sardonically.

  “What? Of course, I did.” I reply. I’m confused.

  I study her face, and I can tell she’s trying to figure out how she wants to proceed.

  “Morgan?” Dang, these women are acting strange tonight.

  She gives a little shake of her head and looks at me sheepishly, “Nothing, I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

  She hugs me with all the strength she has and nuzzles her face into my neck. I'm a little surprised by the embrace, but even more surprised when I feel wetness on my skin. Is she crying?

  "Hey, hey, babe, what's wrong?" I soothe. She shakes her head into my neck. I want to push her back a bit so I can see her face and find out what's wrong, but she’s holding on to me for dear life. What I suspect are tears seem to stop as quickly as they started. When she leans back, her eyes are glossy, but there are no signs of tears.

  "Talk to me, Morgan," I urge in a calm and gentle tone, even though I'm starting to freak out.

  "I missed you," she whispers.

  "I missed you, too, but what else is going on?"

  She contemplates my question, then lets out a shaky breath.

  "It was just hard with you being gone and not being able to see you. I thought it would be alright because we would text and you’d call me when you had a chance. But you didn’t, you barely contacted me at all. You never called when you said you would, and I was lucky if I got a text hours later.”

  Whoa, whoa, I texted her and called her. I open my mouth to defend myself; then I snap my mouth shut when I realize that the only time I talked to her on the phone was right after we landed Thursday night.

  “Hell, I had to find out from Ruby that you guys won! And then in a desperate plea for your attention, I sent you a sexy selfie.” Her voice is starting to rise, “I actually thought phone sex would be the key. But no, you just sent me a stupid reply thirty minutes later and then nothing. NOTHING!” she spits. She sucks in a breath, seemingly trying to regain her composer. “See if I ever try to have phone sex with you again, Dex Roberts.”

  I blink. All I can do is stare at her. The seconds drag on while I try to make sense of everything she just said.

  “Phone sex?” is what tumbles out of my mouth.

  “Don’t be dense,” she huffs. She pushes herself up into a sitting position.

  My mind is on complete overdrive right now. I’m trying to focus on the most important thing she said to address first, but my mind is stuck on the phone sex part. I push it away and see she’s now leaning against the wall hugging her knees to her chest.

  “Babe, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to forget about texting and calling you, I was just in the zone and focused on the tournament. I’m not used to having to check in with someone.”

  Her lip quivers. That didn’t come out right.

  “Shit,” I mutter. I sit up and move toward her so we are knees-to-knees. “I said that wrong. I just get in the zone, and all I think about is the game. I normally don’t have anyone counting on me outside of the team, and so I wasn’t thinking about how that would affect you. I’m truly, so, so sorry Morgan.”

  She just looks at me, biting her bottom lip, contemplating my fate.

  “I promise I’ll be better next time. I’ll text more and make sure I call you when I say I’m going to,” I plea.

  I can tell that she going to forgive me when tension falls from her shoulders and she lets me pull her into a hug and back down into the bed.

  She clears her throat and with a stronger, more stable voice she says, "So I guess, a congratulation is in order."

  I chuckle and pull her closer. “Thanks, but I don’t care about that. I want to talk about this phone sex you wanted to have.”

  She huffs, “I don’t know what I was thinking, but it’s never happening again.”

  Well, that fucking sucks.

  “Baby, please, please don’t say that. I have no idea why I didn’t catch on when you sent me that picture, other than the fact that I’m an idiot. But it would be a crime, a crime against humanity, if you never sent me another sexy selfie or had phone sex with me,” I plea.

  She stifles a laugh and replies, “Dramatic much? I’ll make no promises on the never sending you a picture again; it was a nerve-racking experience.”

  “I thought it was sexy as hell. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop.”

  She leans in and kisses my nose. With a sly little smile, she says, “You could just send me a dick pic instead. I’ll understand what it means.” I tickle her, and she giggles until I cover her sexy mouth with mine.

  We lay there in bed, my arms around her, her head on my shoulder and she asks me all about the trip and the tournament. She still seems a little sad, but maybe it's just because she is sleepy.

  An hour later, her breathing evens out in sleep, and I kiss her forehead. I’ve messed up this weekend. I have to work harder when we travel from now on. I hated seeing her so sad and upset, especially when I was the cause of her sadness.

  This girl is special, and I don't want to lose her. Maybe I’m already in love with her.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Morgan

  Dex and I have been dating several weeks now and while it has been a whirlwind of fun and excitement, the feelings I’m starting to have for Dex are kind of scaring me. We spend as much time together as we can, but he’s busy a lot. The team actually does practice ten or more hours a day, but fortunately, he hasn’t had to travel again. I’m not looking forward to his next tournament, which is coming up in a week. I honestly believe him when he says he’s going to text and call me more. The last thing I want it is to be a clingy girlfriend, but dammit, him crawling in my bed unannounced to see me completely melted my resolve. I had wanted to just get over it in time; however, maybe it was a good thing that we talked about it.

  With that being said, I told myself that I needed to rein in my own emotions when he traveled. I can’t get all sad and mopey when he is away. I hate how much I miss him when we aren’t together, and that can’t be a good sign. Isn’t th
is something that happens months and months, maybe even a year after dating someone? The last thing I need is to become dependent on another guy, but every time I have that thought, it always circles back to the fact that maybe Dex isn't just another guy. Then, that thought in itself freaks me out. There is no way I could be falling in love with him already.

  It’s just too soon. Maybe I need to create some space between us. Ever since we started having sex, things between us have been pretty hot and heavy. It’s like we can’t get enough of each other. When we are together, we’re always touching. When we are alone, we never seem to do much talking.

  So for a rare Friday night, since we started dating, I’m not seeing Dex tonight. I’m having a girls’ night. Ruby, Gia, and Bernie were all happy to oblige my invitation. The plan is food, Netflix, and girl talk. I was just heading back into the living room when a knock comes at the door. I open it up to find Bernie with a large pizza box and breadsticks.

  “Oh my God, you brought us Mike’s?” I say, and I have to admit, I bounced a little from excitement.

  “Yes, I wouldn’t bring anything else, plus, I haven’t met my pizza quota for the week,” she replies as she walks in and heads for the dining room table.

  “Oh, is this the famous Mike’s pizza Morgan can’t stop talking about?” asks Gia.

  “Sure is,” Bernie replies as she opens up the box. The pizza is more New York style than original hand tossed, so it’s huge, and the melted cheese glistens under a thin layer of grease and pepperoni. I’m usually put off by cheesy pizza grease, but this pizza does the opposite, and I feel myself start to salivate.

  “I can’t even wait for a plate.” I reach down and grab the first piece. “Oh, my God,” I manage to say through a mouthful of amazingness.

  Gia brings in plates, and they all get themselves a piece while I stand there shoveling pizza in my mouth like I haven't had pizza in years. I can tell by the looks on Gia’s and Ruby’s faces as they each take a bite, they won’t be able to wait for a plate next time this pizza is in their presence either. Good. Now they can stop looking at me like I’m a madwoman.

  I finish my piece and grab my plate and pile on more, then retreat to the couch with the others.

  “Yeah, I’m never eating any other pizza ever again. I only ever want this for the rest of my life,” Gia manages. “Why did we wait so long to try this pizza?”

  “You know what they say; Pizza is like sex. When it’s good, it’s amazing, and when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. And this pizza…it’s like mind-blowing,” Ruby says. We all crack up laughing.

  “Yeah, ok, Link,” I retort. I’ve heard that phrase come out of Link’s mouth before.

  Her cheeks redden for a split second before she recovers, rolls her eyes, and mutters, “Whatever.”

  “So, Morgan, is there a particular reason why we are having a girls’ night tonight?” Bernie asks through bites of pizza.

  “Honestly, I just wanted to hang out with you girls tonight,” I shrug.

  “Yeah, uh huh,” Ruby says.

  “And, I need some advice,” I add through a bite of pizza.

  “Ok, I’ll accept this. I was wondering why you suddenly wanted to be Dex-less tonight,” Gia says with a knowing look in her eyes. She’s got to know I’m having a relationship freak-out.

  “You make it sound like I’ve deserted my girls now that I’ve got a boyfriend! And that’s so not true. We hang out as a group almost more than Dex and I go out just the two of us.” I sass back.

  She shakes her head with a smile, swallows and adds “I’m just giving you a hard time, Mo.”

  “Actually, I’m wondering why you two don’t lock yourself up more often. You’re both so touchy feely with each other, it’s kinda gross sometimes,” Bernie laughs.

  “I second that!” adds Ruby.

  “Wow, you guys, tell me how you really feel,” I mutter. They chuckle at that, and we sit in comfortable silence for a long moment.

  “Ok, so spill it, Morgan. You’ve been, like, head over heels for Dex for weeks. What’s going on?” Ruby adds.

  “I’d just like to add the fact that Dex was just as surprised when you told him you couldn’t hang out tonight,” Bernie says with certainty.

  Well, let’s just jump right into the girl talk, boy troubles portion of the night, why don’t we. I really wanted to talk to them about this anyways. Gia knows me the best so she will know where my head is. Ruby is always pretty insightful when it comes to guys, and Bernie is like a sister to Dex so she will be able to provide some solid advice on that front.

  With a sigh, I place my plate on the end table. “That’s the problem. I’m head over heels for him, and it's too soon for that. I mean, he just asked me today if I wanted to come with him to his parents' house on Sunday. Isn't it way too soon to be meeting his parents?”

  “Ok, so you are freaking out then? It’s not because you want to break up with him?” asks Ruby.

  “NO!’ I say frantically because I don’t want to break up with him. “No, I just don’t want to be so into him like I am, yet. And I can’t help it, it all just seems to be moving so fast. So yeah, I’m freaking out.”

  "Well that makes sense, and I can tell you that he was worried about asking you to meet his family. Mrs. Roberts has actually been asking him since Link mentioned you right after Comic-Con, to bring you home,” shares Bernie. “She’s been dying to meet you.”

  “Do you talk to Dex’s parents on a regular basis?” ask Ruby.

  “No, but I’ve known them for a few years. They are very supportive of Dex. They flew out to our last tournament. His mom asked me about you,” she says through a smile. “I told her she’d love you, and it’s the truth.”

  “Well, great. Now that you’ve talked me up...” I say as I slump back into the couch.

  “I don’t know why you’re worried, there is no doubt in my mind that she will love you, and you know it,” scoffs Gia.

  “I’m just saying that Dex’s family wants to meet you, but Dex was afraid that he’s going to scare you off. Apparently, he was right, but his family is important to him, and you are important to him. His mom sees that, and she wants to meet you.”

  “Why is his mom so excited to meet her, though? Does Dex not bring a lot of girls around?” asks Ruby.

  “Well, not really. Mrs. Roberts is dying for one of her boys to get serious about…uh…you know, settling down. Please don’t let that freak you out, Morgan. I don’t think you need to worry about Dex wanting to move fast, it’s just that…you’re special. We all know it. The team, his family, and he knows it.”

  I gulp.

  “What about his brother?” asks Ruby. Bernie’s face flushes slightly at the question.

  “Wade, he’s older and not tied down and far from it.”

  “Ahh,” Ruby replies with understanding. I understood, too. Mrs. Roberts really wants at least one of her sons to settle down.

  “Ok. Listen up, Mo,” demands Gia, “here’s the deal. I get it. You really like Dex, more than you expected to, so soon into your relationship. Things are moving fast, but you’re an adult. Adult relationships move faster than they did in college, and high school relationships don’t count. So, you need to get over that.” She takes a breath. “As for meeting the parents, if you don’t feel comfortable meeting them yet, then tell Dex. I’m sure he will understand.”

  Bernie and Ruby are nodding in agreement “But, I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” she adds.

  I know she’s right. I know I’m being stupid. I get inside my own head sometimes, and as she says all this, it makes sense. I feel better than I did at the start of the night, but there is still a hint of panic buried deep in my gut. Sometimes, I don’t remember what it’s like to have a real family. From what I can tell, Dex’s family is amazing. What happens if I adore his family and then this thing with Dex doesn’t work out?

  “Ok, ok. You’re all right,” I sigh and force a smile.

  “Good. Now te
xt him and tell him you’ll go Sunday,” Ruby says, picking up my phone from the end table and shoving it in my hand.

  Morgan: I’ll go with you Sunday.

  Dex: That’s good news.

  Dex: Is this too soon? I don’t want you to feel like you have to meet them if you aren’t ready.

  Morgan: No, I want to meet them. Promise.

  Dex: Are you enjoying your girls’ night?

  Morgan: Why? Do you miss me?

  Dex: Yes.

  Morgan: I miss you too. XOXO

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Morgan

  It’s Sunday morning, and Dex said he’d be here around 10:00 a.m. I’m getting pretty antsy, as I’ve been up since seven and ready since eight, and it’s only nine-thirty. Gia emerges out of her bedroom looking like crap.

  “Bad date last night?” I ask. She wasn’t particularly excited about last night’s date, but she has been in some sort of dating funk for the last few weeks, so she agreed to go out anyway. She normally has a date two times a week. I think she’s only gone on maybe three in the last month.

  “Argh,” she grumbles.

  “Here.” I hand her a bowl of cereal, her favorite, Fruity Pebbles. “Let me get the milk.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I take it, Zach, that was his name, correct? He kept you out late last night? I didn’t hear you come home until like two a.m.”

  “Zach…was fine. Nothing to write home about, but we went out to that new club I was telling you about, and I drank too much. I have a killer hangover.” She lifts her head from the table to dip her spoon into her bowl.

  “So, I should get you some Advil?” I ask, quieting my voice as to not make things harder on her head.

  “That would be amazing.”

  I busy myself getting her something for the headache and fill a glass with orange juice. Sitting it on the table next to her, I say, “Dex will be here anytime. You might want to get dressed if you don’t want him to see you in your Mickey Mouse shorts.”