The Game (That Girl, #2)(36)

“Why?’

“He’s just a nosy f*ck.”

“How come it happens every time we come here?”

“He has people watching the house. I guarantee when they report a white Chevy is here, he knows it’s me.”

“So, talk to him. He’s probably worried about your recovery.”

“No. The only things he’d be worried about are if I’m throwing yet and why I’ve been to the house with the same blonde twice.”

“I understand the throwing part, but why would he be concerned about me?”

“You don’t get it, Jazz. You know how you said it drove your old man nuts about going for the bad boys? Well, it would set my dad off. Not tolerated, accepted, or even a thought.”

“You think I’m a bad girl?”

“No, no, no. That came out wrong. Dad doesn’t want any permanent ladies in my life. He’s okay with random f*cks and shit like that, but he doesn’t want a permanent girlfriend because he says it will only put a damper on my career, and I don’t need that stress if I’m going to surpass records.”

“Okay, you’re right, your dad is a dick. Don’t answer.”

We both laugh at my response, but every word of it’s true. I’m blown away that his dad is so hardcore. Lynlee has explained it all, and being around Levi and Lincoln I can see it with my own eyes. It’s a horrible fact that Levi is so talented but felt so unloved by his father, especially when he has dedicated his whole life to him.

As an outsider, I see a similarity between what their mom did to Lynlee and what their father is doing to Levi. After such a traumatic event, you’d think the whole family would step back and love each other for who they are. I guess greed does blind even the best of intentions.

“Want to fish?” I ask.

“Well, if I had a choice, I’d love to f*ck your brains out a couple more times.”

“Such a romantic there, Wilks.”

“But I guess I’ll take fishing until my body can handle you.”

Pushing myself up, I’m taken down in one fell swoop, and am lying back down on him.

“What was that for, Levi?”

“I want to kiss you again.”

His lips are back on mine. He doesn’t let our lips rest on each other this time. Instead he gets right down to business. I love his taste and silently wonder for a moment if I love his taste more than his hands. His kiss sends a whole new wave of want through me, and I can very easily see how this could become a beautiful addiction. Within moments, his kiss turns gentle, and he finally pulls away.

“I could do this to you all day.”

“I could let you do this to me all day.”

“I’m going to miss you, Jazzy.”

Those few simple words are everything I need to hear. It may be the closest Levi will ever come to expressing emotions, and I’ll take it. This time he doesn’t pull me back down to him. I don’t push or pry for more.

Fully dressed, I watch as Levi fishes. I sneak a pack of candy from the cooler. He never saw me put it in there, and I can’t wait to see his reaction when he catches me eating them. Right now, he’s focused on the water and deep in thought. Not thoughts of fishing, but I’m sure the game.

“I’ll probably see my dad when he comes to Lincoln’s first game in a couple of weeks.”

“Okay.”

I’m not quite sure where he is going with this, and speak only to let him know I’m listening.

“I won’t be training at Denver. Lincoln has set me up at a condo with a trainer, PT, and a retired QB coach.”

“But two weeks isn’t long enough to fully recover, right?”

“I’ll come back here once I get moving better. Hell, if the trainers are a perfect fit, I’ll hire them to move here until I’m cleared to play again.”

“You really love the game, don’t you?”

“It’s the only thing I know, Jazzy.”

“I get it,” I lie.

Levi has kept his eyes focused on the still water the whole time he’s talked to me. He’s so guarded, it’s ridiculous.

“I smell chocolate.” Levi’s brow raises in question.

When he looks at me, his eyes light up.

“What the hell are you eating?’

“Chocolate covered spicy little bastards.”

“They make chocolate covered ones?”

“Yeah, and they’re amazing. Even better than sex,” I say with a sly grin.

Levi tosses his pole, sending it straight into the pond, and I squeal because I know exactly what he’s coming for. He has me pinned to the dock before I have a chance to move. He nibbles on the piece of candy sticking out of my mouth.

“Mmmm.”

I watch his face as he tastes the candy for the first time. My legs open up for him to settle in, and settle in he does. He thrusts into me, letting me know his desire is built up again. My tummy does a big flip knowing the man is turned on by me.

“So?” I ask.

“Curious flavor. Let me try another.”

Instead of giving him one, I throw it in my mouth, leaving no part of it sticking out this time. Levi doesn’t wait for permission, he just digs in.

“They’re f*cking amazing,” he says, breathless.