Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

“What is it, Smarty?” He kisses the top of my head.

I take a deep breath. I’m not sure if I should even ask it, but I want to know. “Do you think about marriage and us?”

“I think about a lot of things with us, including the future.” I can hear the honesty in his voice.

“I’m still scared a little, Levi.” I sit up, running my hands through my hair. “Moving, law school, and us. I guess I wanted Angry Levi to take my mind off of it.”

“What’s there to be scared of, besides the fact that it’s something new? Presley, why are you worried about us? Have I missed something?” Levi sits up next to me and rubs my back.

“I’m not really worried, per se. I just,” I shake my head, “shit, Levi, I don’t know.” I throw my hands up. “I guess, it’s because I’ve never truly done anything on my own. When Trevor left, Marley was there, and then I ended up going to the same college with my brother. On top of that, my dad pays for everything, and my mom is constantly worried about me.” I turn my body to look at him. “Then you and I moved in

together, and now,” I look down at my hands, “now, I’m alone.”

“You are not alone, Presley.” He places his fingers under my chin, forcing our eyes to connect. “Okay, technically, you’ll be here by yourself, but I’m only a few hours away and everyone else is a phone call away. If you don’t want your dad to pay for everything, then maybe get a part time job. You’ll make some new friends here too, you know. But no matter what, you are not alone.”

“Oh, Levi, I know this going to make me sound like a spoiled brat, but I love my new apartment, and I couldn’t afford it without my dad.” I smile sadly at him. I couldn’t make it without his money, and I know that makes me look bad. “And you’re right about everything else. I guess I’m just nervous. I know that you’ll be nearby, you know, when you’re not traveling all over the US and Canada, playing hockey with the greats. So, I have one more question.”

“And what would that be?”

“Why didn’t you bite me? Since the very first time we had sex, we’ve always done that. Why not tonight?” I begged him to do it, and he still wouldn’t.

“Just wanted to see what it would be like with you without the biting.” He shrugs. “What’s your verdict?”

“The next time, I suggest you bite.” I point my finger right in his face.

“God Levi isn’t the same without it, huh?” He smiles.

I throw my head back and laugh. “Exactly.”

Chapter Sixteen

Levi

Presley settles in next to me as I sit with my back leaning against the headboard with her head resting on my shoulder. I semi-avoided her question about marriage, but it was for good reason. I wanted to know where her mind was first. McCarthy buying an engagement ring definitely has both of us thinking about our future. I didn’t want to talk about our future yet because we wouldn’t have gotten to what was really bothering her. Maybe, now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time for us to discuss our future. There’s been a lot going on, especially lately, and I don’t want Presley to think that we’re not ever going to go anywhere.

“Smarty?”

“Yeah?” She questions without looking.

“Tell me what you want in life. What do you see for yourself, for us? I’m here and now seems like a good time to talk.”

Presley scoots to sit up like I am, turning her body to face me. “I want to graduate law school, become a lawyer, and be with you.”

I chuckle. “That’s it, huh? You only want three things?”

“Well, if I get those, then everything thing else will fall into place. At least, I hope so.” She gives me a small smile. “What about you?”

“My dreams have always been obvious, haven’t they?”

Smarty narrows her eyes. “Are you avoiding the question?”

I quickly kiss her. “No, I’m not. I want to play in the NHL, eventually finish my degree, and be with you,” I repeat her final words. “But-” Pausing, I realize what my main fear is.

“What is it, Levi?” Presley presses when I take too long to continue.

“I know we want to stay together, but I’m trying to go after what I’ve always wanted. It’s been hard on us both and we don’t know if I’ll ever make it in the NHL. Even then, I would be on the road a lot. Presley, I love you, okay? I was going to ask if you’re sure you want that part of my life in yours.”

Her lips lift a little in a smile. “‘I’d do anything, give everything, and lose it all if it meant having you in my life.’ That’s what you told me, remember?” I nod. “That’s how I feel about you too. I’m not going to give up on us.”