Breakaway (4 page)

I slip on a pair of gym shorts and fall into bed. Maybe I will cancel the practices for tomorrow because I surely don’t feel like going and possibly dealing with a smartass Nichols. I get comfortable by rolling onto my stomach after setting my alarm and deciding that I should follow through with my word. Surprisingly, within minutes, I fall asleep.

~ ~ ~

We’re running through simple drills. Simple drills, okay? Nichols was loud as fuck when he got home last nigh
t
an
d
he had a girl with him. That was strike one. He earned another strike when during a drill, he, for no good reason, knocked me into the glass barrier causing me to lose my balance because he effectively kicked a foot under me.

I’m standing off to the side as they run through a play and Nichols keeps missing the passes, allowing the other team I divided us into to steal it away. Not once or twice or even three times. He turns the puck over five times.

“Nichols,” I yell. “What the hell are you doing?”

“It’s 5:30 in the morning, Levi. Cool it,” he snickers, looking to his left at one of the guys.

There he goes again. Challenging me with his little comments. “Jere,” I call over my shoulders to the few guys that aren’t currently playing. “Take over for Nichols, will ya?”

“Sure thing, Captain,” he says, skating onto the ice.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Carr?” Andrew asks, skating towards me. “He can’t take my place,” he points at Jere with his stick.

“Last I checked, this i
s
m
y
team, Nichols. You can have a seat on the bench until you get your shit straight because you aren’t playing o
n
m
y
team. Have a problem with it? Quit.” I’m fed up with him. Yes, we have been friends since we started here at Roxboro, but that doesn’t mean he gets any leniency when we’re on the ice. Here, I’m in charge and I will have respect. I look around at the guys, lingering on the one who was going to laugh with Andrew before I finish my sweep. “If any of you have a problem with my decisions on this team, feel free to join him on the bench. Otherwise, get back to work.”

It takes everything within me not to smirk when they quickly get back to the play at hand. At the end of practice, I do call off the other two scheduled for today. I’m sure they got the point after this morning. Nichols stays scarce for the rest of the day and Harper comments.

“Don’t worry too much about it, Levi,” he says as we chow down on a couple of subs. “He’s still pissed about Jere’s playing the other night.”

“It was his fault Jere played to start with,” I start.

“I know, but you know how he is. He gets pissed and goes with it.”

“Yeah, but he’s pushing the buttons of the wrong person.”

Gavin shrugs and asks how my adventure with Presley went.

“Don’t get me started, Harper. That plan has sailed and sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic. She’s so much worse than McCarthy.” I shake my head at the thought of her.

Gavin chuckles and sips his drink, causing that annoying sound to rise from the bottom of the cup alerting that it’s empty. We gather our trash and return to the apartment. Gavin has to study for a test tomorrow and so do I. The last thing I want right now is to fail a test, and I have four between Monday and Tuesday. I won’t have much studying time after today.

Nichols comes home late and makes a ruckus again. I hear Harper yelling at him to be quiet and decide that he can handle Andrew. Monday and Tuesday drags between schoolwork, tests, and hockey. It’s no wonder that I’m ready to get away for a bit. It’s almost six, and I call my favorite Bunny. Sunny and I have an understanding of sorts. Any time I need someone on my arm for an event, or if I just wanted to take someone out, I call her. I take her out for a good time, and thank her back at her place. She’s fun, has no expectations about us, and we always enjoy ourselves when we’re together, in and out of the bedroom.

“It’s about time you called, Levi. I was beginning to think you forgot about me,” she answers.

“Oh, c’mon now, Sunny. You know you’re my favorite.”

“I know,” she giggles and I can’t help but roll my eyes. “When do you need me to be ready? Where we going?”

“I figured we’d catch a movie. I can be there in an hour.”

“See ya then, Levi,” she drawls.

I shake my head at her and head into the bathroom to shower. By the time I finish getting ready, I’ve got thirty minutes to spare and that’s plenty of time for me to drive over to Sunny’s. She’s always ready early so I have no problem heading over to her place. As expected, she’s locking her door when I pull up. Sunny is yet another blonde in my life of Bunnies with her hourglass figure. She has a bright personality and always seems to be wearing a tad too much make-up, giving a fake vibe. Overall, though, she’s pretty.

She hoists herself into my SUV, leans over my console to place a peck on my cheek. “Long time, no see, Levi. Better treat me extra special tonight,” she laughs.

Chuckling with her, I reply, “Don’t worry, Sunny. We’ll have a good time.”

“What movie are we going to see?”

“Whatever you want. I don’t really know what’s playing.”

Her pretty little head bobs to the music playing in the background and the rest of the ride is quiet. There’s a cinema downtown and that’s where we go. A crowd is already outside and we’re standing a couple feet behind the group of people, looking at the showings. My arm is hanging loosely around Sunny’s waist while she looks over the movies, trying to decide. Meanwhile, my eyes are bouncing from head to head of the people in front of us when I look around and land on a pair of familiar faces.

Presley and Marley are laughing as they walk over, only a couple of feet away. It seems they both notice me at the same time. Sunny picks a movie, bringing my attention back to her. No surprise that it’s a romance. I urge her forward with a little push on her lower back so I can buy our tickets.

Presley

I can still see the anger in Levi’s eyes when he stormed away from me at the party. I’m so angry with Levi for just showing up at the party and with Trevor for acting like a barbarian. I can’t believe they were still acting like a bunch of high school boys. I can remember the long talks between Trevor and me that involved Levi Carr. My brother felt bad for Levi losing his captain status, but Trevor was, and still is, an amazing hockey player.

“You have been sitting in this apartment moping since the party. Now, stop it and let’s go out.” Marley grabs my hand and drags me out my door. I really don’t want to go to the movies with her.

“You need to tell me what is going on in that big head of yours?” she asks as we head towards the movie theater.

I take a deep breath. “I feel bad for yelling at Levi. I was mad at Trevor for acting like a big jerk that I let all my anger out on Levi. Then when he stormed off, I felt like a big jerk.”

“Do you like Levi?”

“Well, he isn’t too hard on the eyes, that’s for sure.” Marley and I giggle. “But I know what hell Trevor went through with him in high school and I wouldn’t betray my brother. Besides, you saw what happened at the party, could you imagine if I told Trev that I like Levi?”

“Actually, I can imagine that, but I’m sure your brother wants you to be happy.”

“Sure, he does. However, it will have to be with someone he approves of, and I guarantee that Levi is not on that list. Anyway, I don’t have time for all of this melodrama. I am too busy with classes and trying to find the perfect law school for me.”

“You do need to have some fun, though. I think you have gone to five parties since I have known you and have you ever had a real boyfriend?”

“You know I have dated before and I’m not big on parties. You know that, Mar.” I’m trying to remember the last time I was out on a date. It’s been a while, but I have other priorities.

“Wait.” Marley grabs my arm to stop me from walking. She gets a look on her face like she is doing a serious math problem. “When was the last time you had sex?”

I can’t help but groan. I really don’t want to talk about my sex life and the lack of one that I am having right now. “Let’s just say it’s been awhile.”

We arrive at the theater just as Marley says, “Well, I hope your vibrator works properly.” I whip my head at her to tell her off, but I can’t. We just bust out laughing. It is then that I see him. Levi is holding onto some blonde Puck Bunny. Instantly, I can feel my pulse increase, and I’m  growing with jealousy. Wait, am I really jealous of some Bunny like that? I look at Levi again, and he looks so good.

“Are you okay? Do you want to go somewhere else?” Marley asks me quietly.

I shake my head. I can’t run away if I see Levi with someone else. It isn’t like we were a couple, or anything. Marley and I wait for our turn to get our tickets. I’m in no mood for a romantic movie, but I know that Marley wants to see it.

When we walk into the movie theater, I notice that it’s packed. I’m not even sure there is a place to sit. Marley points to her left, and I see two spots that are open. We squeeze into the row, only to see that Levi and Puck Bunny are in front of us. I roll my eyes and look at Marley. Her eyes go wide realizing where we’re sitting. We both look around to change seats, but there is nowhere else. Great, I think. This is going to be a long movie. Levi turns in his seat to say something to Bunny when he sees me. I immediately put my head down, trying to hide from him. I know that I can’t hide from him, but I don’t know what else to do.

“Marley, how are you doing?” Levi smirks at her.

“Oh, I’m good. Just good, Levi, how are you?” 

“I’m outstanding.” He turns back around. I see the Puck Bunny look Marley and me up and down in disgust. The room begins to grow dark, and I’m so thankful for it.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to be rude,” Marley whispers into my ear. I nod because Marley isn’t rude to anyone, she’s a sweet person.

The previews start and I should be watching the screen, instead my attention is on the girl whose head is on Levi’s shoulder. I just want to snatch her out of her seat by her bottle blonde hair. I shake my head and focus back on the screen. Though I can’t because my eyes keep wandering down to Levi. I see the Bunny lift her head up, and Levi leans down to kiss her. It is then that I jump out of my seat and rush down the row. I’m pretty sure I step on everyone’s shoes trying to get away from the image now burnt in my memory. I race up the aisle and out to the lobby. It’s almost empty except a few workers. I take a deep, cleansing breath and try to collect myself. I’m not going to let Levi Carr get to me. I’m not going to let it happen. I count to ten while still trying to calm my nerves.

“My, my Miss Smarty Pants, fancy meeting you here.” I whip around to see Levi towering over me. His blue eyes staring back almost make me weak in the knees.

“Don’t you have a date to get back to, Levi,” I hiss at him. 

“Actually, I do. A very nice lady, who isn’t rude to me like others I have been in contact with lately.”

I sigh in defeat. “Levi, that night at the party, I was upset with-”

“Don’t,” he cuts me off. “I don’t need some Hallmark card apology from you.”

I cross my arms in defiance from his comment. “Then why did you come out here to talk to me?”

“I didn’t. I need to go to the bathroom.” He points over my shoulder, and I realize I’m standing in front of the men’s room.

“Oh.” I step to my right so he can pass me.

“See ya later, Smarty.” He enters the bathroom and now I’m the only person in the whole lobby. I push my hand through my hair in frustration. I should just go home and enjoy a carton of ice cream and a book, but I won’t do that to Marley. I guess I can handle being uncomfortable for a couple of hours for her because I know that she would do it for me.

I’m getting ready to walk back into the theater when Levi grabs my wrist.

“You know, if you weren’t such a Miss Smarty you could be in there with me.” His voice is low and sounds like pure seduction to me.

“Who said I want to be in there with you?” My mouth is going dry with him so close to me.

“Oh, I think we both know the answer to that, but if you want to play games, I think I can handle that.” He’s so close to my lips that I can almost taste them. I did want to, but I can’t.

“Isn’t your Puck Bunny going to come looking for you soon?” I quip at him.

“If you’re done playing your little ‘hard-to-get’ game, I will see you at Lou’s Diner, midnight, tonight.” He steps back, beaming at me, and walks back to the movie theater.

I didn’t realize I’m holding my breath, until Levi walks back into the theater. I know I couldn’t stand here in the lobby, so I go back in. I’m more graceful this time and sit back down. Marley looks at me, and I know that she’s worried for me. I just pat her hand, and she nods knowing that I’m fine.

I sit staring at the back of Levi’s head. The Bunny next to him whispers something in his ear, but he waves her away. I see her look behind at me, but I’m pretending to look at the screen. I’m still not sure what Levi’s game is, but I will play along, just for a little bit.

The movie is finally over, and everyone begins to file out. Levi and the girl are in front of us as we walk into the lobby. I notice that she’s trying to gain his attention, but he is acting very nonchalant to her.

“Ok, spill it. I know something happened.” As Marley and I head back to my place, I tell her everything that happened between Levi and me in the lobby.

“Are you going to go?” Marley’s eyes widen waiting for my answer.

“If Trevor found-”

“For once, do something for you and don’t worry about Trevor.” I understand what she is saying, but it’s hard not to think about my twin brother. “If nothing else, think about that sex you’re not having and the sex you could be having with Levi.”

“What? Are you kidding me with all this sex talk?”

“Hey.” Marley throws her hands up in surrender. “I am just trying to point out the obvious. You need some stress relief and that hot hockey player can be an amazing relief.” I can’t help, but bark out a laugh at her. I love my best friend because she knows what to say to make me feel better.

She bumps my shoulder as we get back to the parking lot by my apartment. “So, are you going?” She opens her car door and looks at me.

I look down at the ground and shrug my shoulders.

“Well, call me either way. Love ya.” She hops in her car and drives away.

I stand in the parking lot for a minute, thinking about Levi and Trevor. No matter what I do someone will be angry. My main problem is I know Levi has something up his sleeve, and I don’t like it, but I want to know what it is. Maybe I can just go tonight and then tell him that I’m not interested in whatever game he’s playing. Yes, that’s going to be my plan.

I look down at my clothes and I know I need to change. I race up my stairs to my apartment because midnight is going to be here soon.

I’m wearing a pair of jeans that make my ass look fabulous, a v-cut light green sweater, and my favorite black knee-high boots. Now, I’m standing outside of Lou’s, and I can see Levi sitting there picking at a plate of fries all alone.

I stick my chin out, square my shoulders, and walk right into the diner towards Levi. He looks me up and down right before I sit across from him in the booth.

“Well, I’m very surprised that you came tonight.” He’s leaning back in the booth in a very relaxed pose.

“I’m here. Where is the Bunny? Did she have a curfew or were you just that quick?”

“Wow, slamming my manhood already, Pres.” He comes in closer to me. “Would you like to know how long I can last?” His seductive voice drives me crazy, but I’m focusing on my task.

“I guess I have three minutes to spare.” I shrug like it isn’t a big deal to me. Levi laughs at my remark.

“Oh, Smarty, it will be much longer than three minutes when you’re in my bed.” My heart rate rises and my breath quickens. I have to get away from this sex talk and fast.

“What is your angle, Levi? Just tell me,” I firmly say.

“Angle? You think that I’m trying to trick you?” he questions me like I’m making this up.

“Yes because I don’t understand why you’re trying so hard to get with me.”

“Would you like to know my answer?” He is getting closer to me as I nod. He clears his throat. “I’m attracted to you, that’s a given. I know you’re attracted to me and don’t try to deny it. Would I like you in my bed? Hell, yes. However, I figure you’re not the type just to fall into bed with any guy. So, why don’t we go on one date? Just one date and then go from there.”

“One date?” I’m a little taken aback. That is his big plan? He doesn’t want anything else.

“One.” He holds his finger up.

I take the bait, and I know that Trevor will kill me when he finds out. “When?” Levi’s breathtaking smile appears.

“Right now.” He reaches into his pocket and throws money on the table. He slides out of the booth and holds out his hand to me. I look at it and gingerly put my hand in his.

We walk out into the night air and the chill brings a shiver down my spine as Levi takes me to his SUV.

“Will my car be okay?” I ask hoping that I’m not parked in a tow-away zone.

“It’ll be fine.” He opens the door for me, and I climb in.

“Where are we going?” I’m more nervous now than before I walked into Lou’s.

“Oh, that’s a surprise. I’m going to give you the best tour of Roxboro University.”

“Oh god, you’re taking me to a frat party, aren’t you?” I have to roll my eyes. I am in no mood for a frat party.

“Nope, it’s not a frat party. The place we’re going to is more private for us.” He drives the SUV through the streets with ease, and I’m trying to figure out where we are going to go. I know a little about RU’s campus, but I’m nervous about Levi’s plan for tonight. When Levi makes a left, I instantly know where I am at.

“You’re taking me to the rink?” I question him.

Levi laughs. “Well, the practice one, anyway.” Levi gets out and comes around to open my door. I have to say that I’m a little surprised by how much of a gentleman he is.

“I guess your mother raised you right,” I say as I take his hand, and we head to the door. I swear I see sadness on his face from my comment, but it must have been the lighting from the lamp post. “You know I don’t have skates,” I point out to him.

“Did I say anything about skating?” We walk inside, and he turns on a few lights. The ice rink lights up and the beautiful white ice gleams. I take a deep breath to inhale the greatest scent ever. I always thought that ice rinks smell so clean with a hint of sweat.

“So, I guess you’re planning on having sex with me on the ice,” I joke back at him.

Levi smiles as I follow him to the players’ bench.

“I think that would be uncomfortable.” He sits down, and I join him on the bench.

“Ok, I give up. What are we doing here?”

“Nothing. I come here to think and relax. I figure we could talk here, have no distractions, and no worries about you
r
twi
n
finding you.”