Breakaway (Penalty Kill 1)

“Hello, Smarty. Sleep well?” Levi asks with his knowing smile.

“Well, it was ok.” I shrug like it’s not big deal. Levi’s smile widens as he pulls my chair out.

“I’ll grab you some food.” Levi gets up and fixes me plate of food and something to drink. We all sit there, eat, and carry on small conversation. It is the greatest breakfast I had in a long time and it just wasn’t the food.

Soon it’s time for Levi and me to leave. I’m sad because his father is such a great person. He gives me a great big hug and tells me to come back soon. I promise him that I will soon. Our ride back to my apartment is quiet. Levi holds my hand the whole time, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.

When we pull into my parking lot, I’m sad. I had the greatest weekend with Levi, and I don’t want it to end. We walk up my stairs, and I think he’s going to come in with me.

“Hey, Nichols texted me and wants to work out and I have a ton of homework. How about we grab some dinner together tomorrow after practice.”

“Sounds perfect. I have homework too.” I stand on my tip-toes to kiss him.

“I love you, Smarty.”

“I love you too.”

Chapter Fifteen

Levi

For the second time, Presley has stunned me. I didn’t intend on telling her how I felt, and I damn sure didn’t expect her to say she loves me. I wanted to tell her though. I had to tell her. I thought if I did that, told her a truth, things would be easier. There’s a pit in my stomach that because I admitted how I feel and because Presley feels the same, it’s going to be so much worse when she finds out.

But what if she doesn’t? I can just forget that detail and Presley never has to know. Right? Because I can’t hurt her like that. Yeah, if I don’t tell her, then she won’t find out. Nothing to worry about.

“Carr,” Nichols grits. He’s struggling with his bench press, and I was lost in lala land.

“Sorry,” I guide the bar up and back into its place. Nichols sits up and glares at me.

“Where’s your head at anyway? We’ve got big games this week. I hope you’re focusing on that and not on that girl.”

“Don’t worry about me, Andrew. This is probably my best season. Can you say the same?” I cross my arms over my chest and wait for his smartass response.

“Shut the hell up, Levi. I am playing against JWU, right?”

“As far as I know.” I’m pretty sure that Coach is going to see how he does in the first game this week then decide if he’ll play against JWU Friday. Coach really wants to win and if Andrew isn’t at his best, Jere will play instead. Nichols has been inconsistent lately and Coach doesn’t want to risk it. Jere has been doing very well, and we both know that he could take over without any problems.

~ ~ ~

I text Presley to let her know I’m leaving practice, and I’ll be there shortly. I throw my bag into my passenger seat and climb into my car. The ride over doesn’t take me long, and I’m standing before her door, knocking repeatedly.

“What?” she screams opening the door.

Okay. Was not looking for that response.

“Sorry, Levi. It’s been a stressful day.”

“Everything okay?” I ask, mostly because she hasn’t invited me in yet.

“Yeah, but I won’t be able to make dinner tonight.” She glances over her shoulder and then lowers her voice. “Marley and Jere broke up, and I told her I would hang out with her tonight. I totally forgot about us. I’m sorry.”

“Who’s at the door?” I hear Marley yell. “Better not be that jerk!”

“No worries. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” When she nods, I lean forward and kiss her forehead. “Love ya, Smarty.”

“Love you, too.”

Presley disappears into her apartment, and I can hear her telling Marley it wasn’t the jerk. Well, there goes my plans for tonight. I grab some food and head back to my apartment. Harper is at the table, doing schoolwork and I assume Nichols is in his room. Taking a seat at the table, Harper glances at me.