Game Winner (The Penalty Kill Trilogy #3)

by Lindsay Paige

  “I’m not leaving you,” I explain.

  “Yes, you are. Plus, it feels like I don’t even belong in your life anymore.”

  “What?” I exclaimed. “If anyone belongs in my life, it’s you. You’re my brother, my twin, and my best friend.”

  “Am I?” His sad tone turns angry. “We hardly talk anymore. Do you want to know something?” He stops for a moment. “When we were separated, I thought I was going to die without you. Every night, after practice or school, I looked forward to our conversation. I called you every night because I missed my sister. I missed my best friend. Then when we came here, we were just as close as before, and now there’s Levi, and,” he stops again, trying to regain his composure, “we aren’t close anymore.”

  “Oh Trev,” I quickly wrap him in a hug, “no one will ever take your place. Not Levi, or Marley, no one. You’re my brother. You’re my best friend, and you’ve always been my protector. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  “Then why does it feel like I’m losing you again.” He squeezes me tighter.

  I pull back from him, and a single tear slide down his cheek. It’s almost too much to take. “You’re not losing me. Out of everyone in my life, you will never lose me. I’m connected to you forever. I’m sorry I’ve been distant the past few months, but it had nothing to do with you. I love you, Trevor, always will.” I feel a hot tear escape my eye.

  He hugs me again, and I look over his shoulder to see Levi coming over. I quickly put my hand to stop him and he does. I wave him away. He nods and turns on his heel back to the bar. I don’t want him to interrupt this time with Trevor.

  “I think I’m hanging out with Marley too much. I’m turning into a girl,” he finally says, breaking our hug.

  I burst out laughing. “Oh, Trev, I know the truth. You’ve always been sensitive.”

  “If you tell anyone that, I’ll cut up your Sidney Crosby jersey,” he says sternly.

  “No, you won’t, because my twin brother would beat you up.”

  It’s his turn to laugh. “You’re right, Pres.” He pauses for a moment and his face turns serious again. “Hey, will you promise me one thing?”

  “Name it.”

  “Please, always be there for me. You’re the one person that keeps me grounded. Not that I don’t love Marley or anything, but you can keep me in line like no one else can.” My twin looks me right in the eyes, and the seriousness in his tone is clear.

  “I swear to you, I’ll always be here for you no matter what.” I hug him tightly and we stay like that for a moment.

  “Come on.” He turns, throwing his arm around my shoulder. “We need to celebrate you becoming a lawyer.”

  I smile at him as we walk back into the bar.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Levi

  I’m leaning against the bar as Marley, Presley’s parents, and Trevor engage in another game of pool while Pops is sitting next to me on a barstool. Presley returns from the restroom, and I pull her so her back is to my chest, so we can watch the game.

  “Everything okay with McCarthy?” I lean down by her ear and say in a low voice. I noticed that he didn’t look particularly thrilled with Presley’s news, and then they disappeared outside.

  “Yeah, we’re fine. Thanks for tonight.”

  “Welcome. Are you sure everything’s good?”

  Presley turns to face me with a laugh. “Yes, I’m sure. He’s my brother, my twin, and we needed to talk.”

  “Pres,” Trevor calls, gaining her attention. “Come play. Marley is making us lose.”

  She hands me her beer as Marley playfully hits Trevor before coming over to join us. Pops starts a conversation to learn more about her. Presley is laughing at something her mother said and they look like a happy family. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so relaxed around one another.

  “So, Levi,” Marley starts, catching my attention. “How’s your head?”

  “I’m recovering, thanks for asking. Hope to be back in action soon.”

  “Good because you were a jerk before.”

  Pops laughs and says, “Yes, he was. And let me assure you, Marley, we didn’t raise him that way. That was all him.”

  Marley snickers, but I just shake my head at them both. “Well, I’m back to being sweet and loveable, so-”

  “Sweet and loveable? What are you talking about? You’ve never been either of those things,” Trevor jokes as they make their way back over to us.

  “Maybe not to you,” I tell him, grabbing Presley’s fingers to pull her to me as a show of who I am that way with. “Tonight could even serve as evidence, isn’t that right, Smarty?”

  “Eh.” She shrugs as everyone laughs. “I’m hungry. I didn’t ever eat dinner.”

  “Well, it’s getting late, dear. We should probably head home. Levi, get some food in her,” her mother instructs.

  I nod and then Pops makes a similar statement. They start hugging Presley, congratulating her once more, and then the parents leave us. I already ate, but I could eat again.

  “Do you two want to come with us to get something to eat?” I ask. “We could go to the diner. Haven’t been there in a while. Or to wherever Pres wants to go.”

  Marley and Trevor exchange glances as if they are silently deciding whether or not they want to come with us. But then Trevor turns to his sister with a smile, agreeing to join us. Presley rather go to some place closer, so we head to a restaurant a couple blocks away. Once we sit down, I find myself leaning back and listening to the conversation instead of participating. I’m thrilled about Presley moving closer and that she’s going to be able to start law school early. She gets to jumpstart her dream, to go after something she’s striving for, and I know she’ll succeed. I’m excited to watch that happen too.

  Observing Presley with her brother and her friend, laughing and smiling, she’s happy. I don’t know why the thought strikes me like it does, but it’s demanding that I pay attention to this moment. I want her to be happy. All the time. For the first time, for a split second, I wonder if she’s going to be happy in Pittsburgh away from this, her family. She’ll be closer to me, but she’ll basically be by herself. I know this has always been what she wanted, so maybe I’m worrying over nothing.

  And while I’m watching, I also realize that I want her to be with me. Happy and with me. It’s not a new revelation, of course. There’s just something about this moment that seals the deal for certain on what I see in my future.

  “Levi?” Presley says, bringing me back to the present. “Are you listening?”

  “Of course,” I lie.

  She smiles. “Then what were we talking about?”

  I glance at Trevor and Marley, both who are smirking. “You were talking about hockey,” I guess. Presley shakes her head. “School?”

  “Nope. We decided that you should pay for dinner. Since you didn’t object because you were obviously listening, I’m going to say that you’re cool with that?”

  “Of course I am.”

  So I get roped into paying for dinner, and then I’m taking Presley back to her apartment. Her hand is trailing a dangerous path up and down my inner thigh. From the corner of my eye, I see her shift in her seat to look at me.

  “Are we finally going to celebrate when we get home?” She asks.

  I fake a yawn. “I’m tired now. You kept me out longer than I thought we would be, so it’s going to have to wait until tomorrow, I’m afraid.”

  We pull into the parking lot and I turn off the car, looking over at Presley. She’s watching me carefully, so I yawn again as if to prove my point.

  “You’re tired?” I nod and she laughs. “I don’t believe you.” Presley shrugs. Just as I think she’s about to get out of the car, she climbs over into my lap.

  “What are you doing?” I ask as she reaches down, lifting the lever on my seat to scoot us backwards and then another to lay the seat down.

  “I’m finding out if you’re really tired or if you’re trying to teas
e me.”

  Presley runs her hands over my chest, down to my stomach, and runs a lone finger right above my jeans. I swallow hard. She glances up at me with a small smile on her lips. Next, she comes forward to kiss me while she unbuttons my pants, the sound of the zipper loud in my car.

  “Tired?” Presley mumbles against my lips.

  “Mhm,” I lie. I bring my hands up to grasp her neck, closing the little space between us. She moans when I bite her lower lip. When I reach down to her jeans, I mumble, “Why the fuck did you wear jeans, Smarty?”

  “Thought you were tired,” she laughs.

  “Just get out of these jeans.” As an afterthought, I add, “And get in the backseat.”

  “Yes, sir, Captain Carr.” She grins before leaving my lap for the backseat. I put my seat back into position and once she’s shimmied out of her jeans, I get out of the car and move to the back with her. “Why did you get to do that and I had to crawl back here?” Presley questions.

  “Seriously? I’m 6’4”. Way too big.”

  Smirking, she says, “I’ll be the judge of that. Now, where were we?”

  Presley tugs at my jeans again. Lifting my hips, she pulls them just below my knees before straddling my lap. She kisses me hard, desperate, and I reach between her legs. She’s slick and wet already. I need to be inside her right now. Presley wraps her fingers around my cock, stroking me, causing me to groan.

  “Now, Smarty,” I growl, pulling her hips closer to me.

  “In a rush?” She teases.

  Before I can respond, she leads my tip to her entrance before lowering herself on me. My head falls backwards as she starts to move, kissing my neck. My fingers reach for her shirt, a need to feel more. To touch her skin and caress her breasts. I lift it up and over her head, which then falls back as I pull down her bra and my mouth descending on her nipple to suck. When I graze my teeth over the sensitive skin, Presley bucks against me.

  With my other hand firmly against her lower back, urging her to keep moving, I move my lips upwards. I sharply nip pinches of her skin.

  “Oh God, Levi,” she breathes. Her movements slow just a bit, so I grip her hips to keep her on pace.

  Skimming my teeth over her shoulder slowly, back and forth, I mutter, “Do you want me to bite, Presley?” Every few seconds, I press my teeth down with little pressure.

  “Mhm,” she hums.

  “Prove it.”

  Her hands grab the back of the seat for leverage, and she begins to ride me with renewed energy. With one hand, I tease the nipple on one of her breasts while the other slips between her legs, finding that sweet spot to rub. Presley squeezes around me, and I know she’s getting closer. Bringing my mouth back to her shoulder, I kiss and nibble. She groans my name, just as I part my lips wider to bite down on that spot I love so much.

  Smarty’s entire body shudders as we come, her hips still moving, but at a much slower pace. Her lips lift in a smile when I pull away to look at her.

  “We’ve, uh, never had sex without a condom.”

  Oh, yeah. We haven’t, but we just did. “I know, but you’re on birth control, so we’ll be fine.”

  She nods in confirmation before grinning at me. “Now, I think I’m the tired one. You should carry me inside, Levi.”

  Kissing her softly, I chuckle, “Get dressed and I most certainly will do that for you.”

  Presley leaves my lap and starts getting dressed while I pull my jeans back up. Once she is fully clothed, I open my back door and get out. When she follows, I reach in the front to get my keys, shut and lock the doors, and then I pick her up, fireman style, without much warning. She squeals, grasping onto me quickly, causing me to chuckle.

  “You didn’t think I was joking, did you?”

  “Maybe a little,” Smarty says honestly.

  “Shame on you.”

  She laughs as I carry her all the way to her apartment, not even putting her down for her to unlock the door. I set her down once I’ve walked inside.

  “Thank you,” she tells me as she locks the door back.

  “Welcome. It’s been quite the day.” Exhaustion suddenly weighs heavily on my body. “Let’s go to bed, Smarty.”

  ~

  Around four or so, I wake up feeling too warm, discovering that I still have a more than decent amount of covers. The thought is odd and I roll over to look at Presley, only to find her awake.

  “Pres?” She turns her head to face me. “Why are you up?” In fact, she doesn’t even looked as if she’s been to sleep yet. Her eyes are tired, wide awake though. “Have you slept?”

  “No,” she says simply.

  I reach out to tug her against me. Presley snuggles closer to me. “Why? What’s the matter? It’s unlike you not to sleep like a dead weight.”

  She doesn’t even chuckle, quickly making me worried. “Just been thinking,” she mumbles into my chest.

  “About what?”

  “Nothing we can’t talk about tomorrow. Let’s get some sleep, Levi.”

  “It is tomorrow, so tell me,” I push.

  Smarty sighs, but relents. “I’ve been a terrible sister and a bad friend lately, that’s all.”

  “What? Does this have to do with your conversation with Trevor tonight?” I’ll kick his ass if he’s upset her, especially when we were supposed to be celebrating.

  “Yeah, but it’s fine, Levi,” she says as if she knows what I’m thinking. “He was right and we talked it out. A lot has changed over the year, you know? That’s really what’s been keeping me awake.”

  Well, now I’m confused. “And all those changes have been bad?” I voice what it seems like she’s saying.

  Presley leans back to look at me. “What? No! That’s not what I meant at all. I’m still adjusting to some of them and needing to do a better job as apparent by Trevor. Levi, I’ve only been thinking, reflecting on it all.”

  “But you’re happy?” I don’t know why I feel the need to ask except because I was thinking about her happiness earlier and now, I really want to hear her say it.

  “Yes, of course, I’m happy. Things are good with my parents, for the most part. I have Trevor, Marley, and Victor. I’m going to law school in a couple of months. Last, but certainly not least, I’m with you, the love of my life. I’m very happy, Levi.”

  I kiss her forehead. “Good. Now, quit talking so damn much,” I tease. “We need sleep.”

  ~

  As the week flies by, I begin to get restless. I go and see Pops, catch up with Nichols and Harper, and spend time with Presley, of course. The need to be back on the ice or working out is quickly becoming overwhelming. No symptoms have presented itself since my last evaluation, so I should be back soon. My next one is tomorrow and they just called to tell me what time they want me there.

  Presley hasn’t come home yet, but she isn’t going to be happy when she does. I go ahead and pack my things, setting them by the door once I’m finished. About an hour later, I’ve just grabbed a drink from the fridge when Smarty walks in.

  “Packed already, Levi?” she laughs, coming into the kitchen as well. She gives me a quick kiss before putting her things on the table.

  “Yeah, they called. I have to be there at eight in the morning, which means I should leave soon.” Her lips do that ridiculous pout and I feel bad about leaving. “C’mere,” I tell her, holding out my hand. She stands as I put my drink down on the counter so I can pull her against me. “I’m planning on everything going well, which means I probably won’t be back for a bit. That is a good thing because I’ll be working to get back on the ice and you’ll be here, hanging out with your brother and best friend before you move for school. You’re going to be busy with that, schoolwork, and going to Pittsburgh with Marley and your mother. Everything is going as it should. So quit pouting.”

  Smarty rolls her eyes and jokes, “I feel like I was just lectured.” I chuckle and she adds, “I thought I was getting one more night with you, though, but now, I’m not. When do you have to leave
exactly?”

  The sooner the better considering the drive, but instead, I say, “After dinner most likely.” That gives us about four more hours until I need to go. Presley nods, happy with my answer. “Did you have a good day?”

  “Yes, I did. You?”

  “Yeah, I guess.” I shrug.

  Softly, Presley says, “You’re ready to get back, aren’t you?”

  There’s something about the way she says it as if I’m running from her, to get away from her, and not towards my dreams. I ignore that feeling because I know that’s not how she feels. “Yes, of course, I am. If I ever hope to get into the NHL, I need to play. Hell, Smarty, I need hockey in general. I haven’t even been working out. How am I supposed to keep this God-like body you love so much otherwise?” I smirk and Presley laughs, rolling her eyes at me.

  “If it wasn’t true, I would tell you that you’re so full of yourself. If you get cleared-”

  “When,” I interrupt, refusing to believe anything different.

  “Right. When you get cleared, how are you going to celebrate?”

  “By skating. I miss the ice. But enough about that. What do you want to do until I leave?” I grin.

  Presley rests her forehead against my chest, squeezing her arms tighter around my waist. “I hate that I’m saying this, but it’s a long drive, Levi. If you wait until after we eat, you won’t get there until late.” She lifts her head to look at me. “Give me a kiss I’ll never forget and head back. Call me when you get there and after your evaluation.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t care if I get there late, Smarty.”

  “I’m sure. You don’t need to show up tired. Kiss me, then go.”

  Holding her hips against me, I lean down, brushing my lips against hers. She parts her mouth, and I kiss her with everything I am. With all my passion, all my need for her, but mostly, I kiss her with all my love. Presley relaxes into me as I pull away, letting her lip pop back in place from between my teeth.

  “Was that kiss up to your standards?” I smirk.

  “One more,” she mumbles.

  I laugh before kissing her again. She offers to walk me out, but I tell her there’s no need. It’s easier to leave her in her apartment than to have to drive away with her in my rearview mirror.