Off the Ice (Penalty Kill 2)

“There’s my girl.” I leap out of the SUV, and Victor wraps his arms around me in a big hug.

“No, Pops, I’m fine,” Levi yells as he goes to the back of the SUV.

“Hush, Levi. I hug you all the time. It’s not every day I hug a beautiful girl.”

“Aw, Victor. You’re the sweetest man ever.”

“Hey, what am I?”

I turn to see Levi, loaded down with my bags. “Meh.” I try not to crack a smile at him, but Victor busts out laughing.

We all get inside and settle down. I help Levi get the bags upstairs, and just as I’m about to walk out of the room, he grabs me.

“I’ve missed you, Smarty.” He crashes into my lips, and my body relaxes against his.

“Missed you too.” I’m breathless when I pull away from him.

“I can’t wait for tonight.”

“And why is that, Captain Carr?”

Levi leans down and whispers in my ear, “Because I need to be inside you so badly.” His words almost make my legs give way.

“Levi, Presley, come on down. Dinner’s ready.”

Levi groans as he releases me, and we head down the stairs.

“Wow, Victor.” I look at all the food he cooked.

“Pops, when did you do all this?” We sit at the table. It almost looks like a Thanksgiving spread.

“Today.” Victor sets glasses of water in front of us.

“You should have been resting,” Levi mumbles. I reach for his hand and squeeze it. I know that Levi is concerned for his dad, but he needs to give him some space too.

“Levi, I’m fine. I cooked dinner. It wasn’t like I was building a house. Now eat.” Victor sits down, and we begin filling our plates. We chat about school, hunting, and hockey throughout dinner.

“So, Victor,” I sing out when we’re about to start dessert. “Levi says you have a surprise.”

“Oh, Presley, don’t tell me you don’t like surprises?” Victor smiles. It’s the same smile that Levi gives me.

“I love surprises and I’m dying to know.” I almost bounce out of my seat as Levi and Victor both laugh at me.

“Okay, I guess you both have waited long enough.” Victor gets up and reaches for an envelope that is on the other side of the table. “It’s for all three of us. So you both should read it at the same time.”

I jump up and sit on Levi’s knees as Victor hands me the envelope. I rip it open, and I’m almost shaking to read what it is.

“It’s hotel confirmation? In Pittsburgh? Why are we going to Pittsburgh? Are you okay, Pops? Is there a doctor you need to see there?” Levi and I both stand up and look at Victor. There could be no other reason, but Victor’s health. My heart begins to pound.

“Oh, come on you two. Look at the date.” Victor points at the paper. It’s at the beginning of March. “What is going on in March?” Victor hints.

“Midterms?” Levi guesses.

“My birthday is near the end of March. But this is for the beginning. Victor, are you sick?”

“My birthday isn’t till June. Pops, what’s wrong?”

“You two take all the fun out of everything. Here.” He hands us both our own separate envelopes.