The Game (That Girl, #2)(14)



It usually takes several dark days or one long night of visions of my dad’s body and my baby’s bloody blanket. It just takes one of those nights before I go straight back on the meds. And last night was one of those nights.

Walking to the bathroom, I open the medicine cabinet and spot the orange bottle half full of pills. Mentally noting, there are about two and half weeks’ worth of pills resting in it. I haven’t visited a doctor since moving here because it meant I’d have to face my past and retell my story to someone. I haven’t even told Lynlee everything that happened after she left, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to. When I moved here, I was on one of those natural highs. Looking back, I know it wasn’t natural at all. It was just the numbing agent of the meds hushing all emotions.

My fingers gingerly open the bottle. I know these sixteen or so pills will be my only saving grace for the next couple of weeks. It’s not magic and doesn’t happen spontaneously. It takes time for the meds to build up. I decide on popping two to ensure the speedy need for numbness and some sort of happiness.

“Coffee, you deserve coffee, Jazzy.” Leaning closer into the mirror, I finish my pep talk. “One day at a time. Just one day. Don’t worry about the future, just worry about today, and fight off your ghosts, but first drink coffee.”

Mentally preparing myself for the day, I know I’ll need to draw on every ounce of inner strength when I see Levi. I wonder if I can avoid him. Yesterday was a complete f*ck-up. Embarrassed by my actions and confused by the reaction to the man, hell, I don’t even know where to start.

“Holy shit,” I yelp and jump back.

My eyes have to be playing tricks on me, because that can’t be Levi sitting on my kitchen counter.

“Sorry, I didn’t know how to get in without scaring you. I wrote this, but wasn’t sure where to leave it.”

Yep, it’s Levi, sitting on my kitchen counter holding up a piece of paper.

“What is it?”

“An invitation.”

“To?”

“Well, it’s more of a reminder, you know, for fishing.” Levi’s legs dangle over the edge of the counter.

“Fishing?” I tilt my head and feel my hair cascade over my shoulder.

“Our bet, promise, or truce, whatever you want to call it.”

The word bet reminds me of every aspect of hell from yesterday. The hat, the wager, Jake, the group of girls, our lips touching, his scent, and I feel all of it hit me like a freight train.

Before I can refuse his invite, he speaks up again.

“It’s also an apology note. I’m real sorry for my reaction yesterday, and especially what I called you. It was wrong of me.”

“It’s fine.” My eyes focus down on the bright white, cold tile beneath my feet.

“It’s not okay. I shouldn’t have done that. I am really sorry, Jazzy.”

“I’m sorry, too. The hat was just a gift, and the whole Jake thing was not expected. I’m not looking to date or be in a relationship.”

“Friends then?”

I respond, “Friends.”

“Coffee?”

“Yes, please.” I smile at the kind gesture.

“How about you go get some clothes on, and I’ll fix you a cup.”

With his suggestion, I remember I’m standing in a short white tank, braless, in my favorite thong. I’ve stood like this in front of him for the last few minutes, not even realizing it.

“Holy shit,” I squeal and cover my mouth.

“You have no f*cking idea how hard it was to stay seated here on this counter. It’s taking every ounce of self-control I have.”

I watch, hypnotized, as Levi adjusts his bulge. His hands have to be the sexiest part of his entire body. They’re tan, big, and very skilled. Silently, I beg him to jump off that counter and carry my half naked ass to bed. I want those champion hands roaming all over me, making me squirm and scream. With those few simple thoughts I’m instantly wet and trying my damnedest not grind my thighs together to relieve myself.

“What if I want my coffee out here?” I ask, surprised at my own words. The need and drive pumping through my body is too much right now, and I want Levi.

“I’d say come on over here.”

Levi still hasn’t moved a muscle, but my feet follow his command, walking straight to him. I watch as he slides off the counter, brushing up against my body as he glides down. The friction between our clothes causes me to moan and throw back my hips. I’ve never in my life been so full of desire for a man. Especially a man with whom I’ve fought more than held a conversation.

Levi runs his hands up my arms. I bask in the glory of finally having the most skilled and beautiful hands on me. They don’t stop at my shoulders, but keep combing over my body until he has two fistfuls of my hair, tugging on it possessively. My head easily falls to one side as I gasp. I concentrate on the trail of want his fingers leave behind as he traces the line of my jaw, then I feel his lips trail up and down my neck.

Mumbling against my skin, I can barely make out his words. “Nothing, and I do mean nothing, will be able to stop me once I let go.”

“I want you, Levi Wilks.”

“I’m going to f*ck you, Jazzy, and it’s not going to be pretty. I do dirty, quick, and hard. I don’t do love or feelings. I only know raw emotions, and I want you.”

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