Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

with me.”

We talk a little more about that, hockey, and Presley’s schoolwork. But all too soon, it’s time for me to leave. I hug Pops, tell him I’ll call him later, and then Presley follows me outside. I lean against my SUV and she leans into me.

“Let me know when you get home safely, okay?”

“I will,” I reassure her. She looks sad, so I try to joke, but my voice comes out more gruff than I intended. “Are you going to wear something sexy when we video chat later?”

Presley laughs and rolls her eyes. “I’ll think about it. I’ll miss you, and I love you.”

Bending down a little, I stop once my lips are a breath away from hers. “I’ll miss you too. And I love you so much. Forever yours, remember?”

She smiles, which makes me feel so much better about leaving. I hate leaving a sad Presley. Honestly, that seems like the worse part of it all. I can deal with living in another state, seeing Presley and Pops only so often, and even the fact that I have to leave her in the first place. But what I hate the most is leaving her when she’s upset. I try not to be sad over leaving her because I know it isn’t permanent, and it’s what we have to do right now. I don’t want her to frown over it either.

“Kiss me already.” Her voice is breathy, and I can’t resist giving her what she wants. I press my lips to hers, trace my tongue along the outline before finally tasting her. Right when I’m about to pull away, I suck her lower lip into my mouth, graze my teeth and then let her lip pop back out. With a teasing smile, she says, “Too bad you have to leave.” I groan when she presses her hips against mine.

“I’ll talk to you later, Presley.”

Chapter Seven

Presley

I didn’t cry until I got home. My unmade bed reminds me that a few short hours ago Levi was in it. God, I’m like a sappy girl on a Lifetime movie. I know that he has to be with his team and travel, and I know he loves me. I end up going to bed, dreaming of Levi’s warmth next to me.

~

The week drags by, and I hate it more than anything. Normally, I love being in school, but now it’s a burden. I couldn’t wait for tonight. Levi’s in New York. Victor and I will be at the game. Even though I want to spend every moment with Levi, I’m not able to. He needs to practice and has several media events that he needs to do. However, we get dinner before he leaves for the next road game.

Victor picks me up from school, where I wore my Levi jersey all day. I jump into the car, bouncing with excitement. Levi had texted me several times and is ready for us to come up. Victor laughs as we pull away to head to the city.

We make it to the small diner that Levi likes, and I race to him. Levi’s standing outside and easily catches me in his arms.

“Missed you too, Smarty,” he whispers in my ear.

“I hate I don’t get to see you long, but I’m so happy that you’re here right now,” I tell him.

He sits me back on my feet as Victor comes up and hugs him. We all go in, out of the cold, and enjoy an amazing meal together. I love the laughs we have and the feeling of being part of a real family. Even though my parents and I are still rebuilding our relationship, we’re not there yet.

The time with Levi is too fast, and I won’t be able to see him after the game because he has to leave. He gives Victor a big hug, and he pulls me away from his dad for a moment.

“I’m sorry we don’t have a lot of time together, but I love you.” Levi looks deep into my eyes.

“I love you too.” I kiss him hard, showing him how much I do. “Now, I want two goals from you tonight.” I wink, trying not to cry.

“I’ll do my best, Smarty.” Levi gives me his sexy grin, and I almost melt right there on the street.

We head in opposite directions as he goes back to the hotel to be with the team, and I head to Victor to go to the arena.

The place is packed, and I can’t wait to see Levi on the ice. The game is hard and very physical, but Levi doesn’t give in. Every shift on the ice, he plays as if it’s a playoff game. He’s all over the ice, and he’s amazing to watch. Even though I didn’t get the two goals, I did get one goal and an assist.

As the game ends, he quickly comes over to the glass where we are and waves to us, winking at me. It never fails, my love for him overruns every time I see him.

~

Once I get out of bed the next morning, more like the afternoon, I still feel sad that I didn’t get to spend time with Levi like I wanted. I’m not sure why I do it, but I call my mom.

“Presley, so good to hear from you.” In the last few months, she has sounded happier than I ever remember.

“Are you in town?” I quickly ask her.