The Game (That Girl, #2)(56)

“What, Jazzy?”

“I was going to say I’m sorry, but I’m not really sorry. You need to know how I feel.”

Levi sits up in bed, and I can’t quite make out the expression on his face. He pats the bed, so I tiptoe over to it.

“Lay with me please?” he asks.

I don’t even ask. I just put the movie in and climb in next to him. I’m not sure where we stand, so I stay to my side of the bed, placing the candy in between us.

“Where’s the normal ones?”

“Um, Killer ate all of them.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Without warning Levi throws me to my back and goes in for a long kiss. I don’t fight it or kiss back, but lie there and enjoy every single second and tongue flick.

“I don’t think Killer ate them,” he says rolling off of me.

He drags me over to his chest, so I settle in to watch the movie with him.

***

“This is so exciting,” Lynlee squeals as she checks on the turkey.

Lincoln came home for Thanksgiving five days early. His team plays on Turkey Day, so all the Denver players are celebrating today with their families. The day has come and gone when I thought Levi was going to leave. He never apologized for freaking out on me the other night, so I didn’t push the issue. I simply went back to acting as if nothing was wrong, and we were happily playing house together.

Lincoln arrived last night, and the two have been doing nothing but arguing about football. They run plays in the back yard and talk strategy, but of course giving nothing away about their own team. They’re both perched in recliners watching college ball while we cook. Lynlee is living up the American dream by baking every possible dish to serve for dinner.

I’ve been put on chopping duty. I keep chopping, and she keeps putting shit in front of me to chop. The line is never ending of fresh veggies she needs to put in casseroles. We baked pie after pie yesterday while Levi was conditioning, and then when Lincoln got home, we all went out to eat with Jenni since she won’t make it today. She never outright said why she wouldn’t make it, but I have a sneaking suspicion it has to do with this Maxton character. I meant to ask Levi more about him, but figure I have enough of my own issues to worry about.

Tiny and Jewels are in Tennessee. Jewels called the other day, and she’s awfully homesick. She said the other wives are snobby bitches, and Ruger is too big of a handful to handle all day by herself. She was trying to talk Tiny out of going to a buffet for their Thanksgiving feast, and we all wished her good luck because there’s no way in hell that’s ever happening.

“I’m tired, Lynlee. I’m going to go take a nap and get ready.”

Lynlee nods to me as she reads a recipe. I don’t disturb Levi, as he and Lincoln are arguing over a call. My body is exhausted from constantly worrying about the future and whether or not Levi will ever express his feelings to me. Yesterday, I wrote him a letter and snuck it in his gym bag. It explains everything from what I feel for him, to how I’ll never regret loving him.

I lie down on my bed, digging deep under the blankets, and am immediately joined by Killer. My loyal snuggle buddy, friend, and cat. I can’t believe how much I’ve grown to love him. Sleep easily takes over when I finally let my mind relax.

***

“That was the best dinner ever, Lynlee,” Lincoln praises his wife.

I’ll admit it too. There are so many leftovers peppering the table it’s ridiculous. Levi has been extremely quiet all night and constantly on his phone. The phone part isn’t all that shocking since he’s either talking or texting his coach or checking stats of certain teams. I’ve even seen him watch game film on it.

I’ve never despised him being on his phone or studying football because he always included me. But now I feel like he’s pushing me away, and Lynlee is convinced I’m being sensitive about the topic and trying to pick at all the wrong.

“Ready for dessert, anyone?”

“No, I’m stuffed, sister.”

I get up from my seat to help Lynlee clear the table and notice my movement doesn’t even catch Levi’s attention as he continues to study his phone, but I fake my cheerfulness to perfection.

“Thank goodness we did dishes along the way or we’d be here until we’re gray.”

“True dat, Lynlee. You really did an amazing job.”

We walk back out to the dining room and find Lincoln is back on the couch watching football again, and Levi is in the same spot. I grab a bottle of water from the counter and follow Lynlee to the living room. I’m wide awake now from my nap earlier. Sleep is the last thing on my mind.

Levi grabs my hand as I walk by and pulls me down onto his lap.

“Can we leave?” he whispers.

His fingers trail a path down my collarbone and back up to my ear. The sensation instantly sets me on fire for him.

“Please? I need you, baby.”

I nod, refusing to talk to him. I follow as he tells Lynlee and Lincoln goodnight. I give both of them a hug, then grab Levi’s hand. No sooner do I shut the door than Levi is on me, tearing my clothes off. I hear several rips as he ravishes my mouth with his.

“I need you, Jazzy. I want you right now. Please give yourself to me.”

His words confuse me as he continues to attack my lips while grabbing at my clothes. Within seconds, I stand naked in the entryway and watch him pull his erection from his pants. In one movement he’s lifted and entered me. Two steps and he has my back pinned against the wall as he slams into me, full of force and need.