“Um, no, Smarty. It’s against the rules. I can only be on the ice if I’m under contract or at a prospect event.”
“Oh.” I can’t hide that I’m a little disappointed. “Well, at least I can see them practice.”
“Hey, I need to study and you do too. Call me before you go to bed. I love you.”
“I will and I love you too.”
Chapter Eighteen
Levi
I feel high on life. Things are working out nicely, and in my favor, left and right. This is a busy semester too. Between Presley, classes, spring break, the trip to Pittsburgh, and hockey, I’m surprised I have time to think. I’ve just left campus and I’m headed to Mom’s grave before going to workout with Trevor.
When I arrive, I take my usual seat and run a hand through my blonde hair. Today is one of those days where the sadness rises and overwhelms me. I miss her like crazy. I thought that coming here would have the usual effect and make me feel better, but not today. Sighing, I touch the corner of the stone before leaving for the gym.
We’re working out in RU’s gym today, and Trevor is already here. We don’t say much as we get started. A couple guys walk by and say hey, but then Sunny walks up to me while I’m on the bench press. I put the bar back in its place and sit up. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Trevor slow down and watch us.
“Hey, Sunny. How’s it going?”
“Eh.” She shrugs. She stands extremely close to me, running a finger along my shoulder. “How have you been?”
“Great. Everything work out with your parents?”
“Yeah, everything’s good.” Sunny pauses, then smiles. “I’ve missed you.”
“No, you don’t, Sunny.”
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes. She leans down and whispers in my ear, “I just miss the sex.” Sunny pulls my ear between her teeth and sucks gently.
“Sunny,” I warn. She needs to get her mouth away from me. Not that I would cheat on Presley, but I don’t need this. Not today. Trevor appears to have stopped, clearly watching us now. “Aren’t you sleeping with Jere or someone now?”
Finally, she sighs and stands upright again. “Yeah, but you’re one of the best, Levi. Maybe the redhead would be okay with me and you? Or even all three of us?”
Is she fucking kidding me? First off, I wouldn’t want to share Presley with anyone, even a girl. No way in hell. She’s just stepped onto the first level of crazy. “Sunny, you’re out of your mind. I wouldn’t be okay with that. Go jump whoever you’re sleeping with now. I’m a little busy at the moment.”
Sunny frowns. “You’re no fun when you’re tied down, Levi. But whatever.”
Thankfully, she walks away and I take the chance to look to McCarthy.
“I don’t even know,” he says with the shake of his head. I can’t help but laugh because I realize everything he heard. “At least now I know that you wouldn’t cheat on her. Well, not with that girl.”
“Not with any girl, McCarthy. I think I’ve hurt Presley enough,” I snap. Without waiting for a response, I go to the other side of the gym to finish my workout. Even though his comment was somewhat make jokingly, it pissed me off. Yeah, I’m an ass and a jerk, but I’m not a cheater. I drop the weight to the floor with a thunk. Fuck this. I’m still feeling restless from going to my mother’s grave and combine that with what just happened I’m ill and aggravated. I go to the locker room, grab my things, and get in my SUV.
Minutes later, I’m at the rink. Hopefully, this will relax me. I sit on the bench with my head in my hands, focusing on simply breathing. My phone rings and I groan.
“What?” I growl.
“Everything okay?” Presley asks. “Trev said -”
“Of course he did. I’m fine. We’re fine. Everybody is fine,” I interrupt because I really don’t want to talk to anyone right now or hear that Trev told on me like we’re five.
“Don’t talk to me like that, Levi.” Maybe my mood is contagious based on her snippy tone. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Well, I am. Later.” I hang up without waiting for a reply and turn my phone off. A few minutes is all I need. Just a few minutes to clear my head, so I can think clearly. Closing my eyes, I bury my face in my hands once more. Silently, I begin listing all the good things in my life.
I am fine. Things are going good for me. I’m making good grades. My future in hockey is taking shape. Dad’s doing well and is healthy. We’re going to a game soon and Presley is going to go crazy over that. Spring break is coming up. Presley is doing well in school, and she’s her usual amazing self. She loves my dad as much as I do. She’s finally starting to have the relationship that she’s always wanted with her parents. We’re both healthy and happy. I’m sitting in one of my favorite places, and I’m finally starting to relax.
“Levi James Carr!”