Off the Ice (The Penalty Kill Trilogy) (Volume 2) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith Page A

your dedication to everything you do.
    I love your sense of humor.
    I love your smile.
     
    Remember when you told me that you thought I was planning to have sex with you on the ice? (We definitely need to make that happen, by the way.)
     
    Go get your next card, Smarty.
     
    Forever yours,
    Levi
     
    I jump up, hug my brother, and race to my car. I know he’s talking about the ice rink. It’s his favorite place.  Luckily, I don’t have that far to go. As I park, I search for Levi’s SUV, but sadly, I don’t see it.
    Carefully, I open the door. I’ve never been here by myself, and it’s a little scary. My boots echo through the building. I know that Levi is always on the bench, so I head there first. That is when I see a large box and race towards it.
    I open it up and stop. I can’t breathe as tears fill my eyes, and I stare down at a black and gold Penguins jersey. On it is the whole team’s autographs. I marvel at the letters written in black sharpie over the large number of 87 staring back me. I’m almost scared to touch it. It’s like the Holy Grail in my eyes, but I lift it up and a card drops out.
    I open it and through my tears I read Levi’s words:
                               
    Hope you like your gift, Smarty.
     
    I love your passion and your love for hockey. You know your stuff, Smarty.
    I love how excited you get over the game.
    I love how you defend what you love.
    I love that you don't take shit from anyone.
     
    Your next card is at my other thinking place. No worries. You don't have to go near the edge. Look for the pink zinnia in the greenhouse.
     
    Forever yours,
    Levi
     
    The rooftop? Levi wants me to go to the rooftop? Oh no, I don’t think I can do that. But the card said it isn’t near the edge, and I'm hoping that’s the truth.
    I run out of the rink, clutching my beautiful jersey, go back to my car, and I head across campus.
    I open the door to the building and climb the stairs. Even with the greenhouse there, it is still cold on the rooftop. As I open the greenhouse door, I see the pink zinnias and my card. I pick it up and it reads:
                                             
    This flower means so much to me because it was my mother's favorite kind. I can't see it without thinking of my mother and the night we came here. I told you that we all have to face our fears sometime.
     
    I love that you aren't afraid of challenges.
    I love how you drive me crazy.
    I love that you own up to your actions and you make me do the same.
    I love that you've trusted me in this adventure so far.
     
    Don't hate me, but you need to go to the Royal and meet your parents. Don't lose faith in me, Smarty.
     
    Forever yours,
    Levi
     
    I groan. It was going so good and then he wrote “my parents”.
    “Well, fuck,” I say aloud to no one, but the flowers. Well, I’m not changing my clothes, that’s for sure. I’m going in jeans and a hoodie. I stick my chin up and head out the door.
     
    I valet my car at the Royal and the hostess just stares at me when I ask where my parents are sitting. I’m sure her snobby ass is not happy with my outfit of choice. I see my parents sitting in the private room. They probably figure it’s best, in case I lose my mind again.
    “ I’m here.” I sit down in my seat, as my parents look back at me.
    “ Levi went through a lot of trouble for this to work out today,” Mom points outs.
    “ May I just take my card and go?”
    “ No,” Dad’s voice is stern.
    I huff as the waiter comes. I just order something to drink since I already ate with Trevor.
    “Levi came and talked to us, explained this big plan and we thought it was really sweet. It shows that he cares a lot about you.” Mom’s voice chokes up a bit.
    “ He’s an amazing guy,” I say, smiling when I think of everything that has happened today, and how much I love Levi.
    “ Your mother and I have been talking a lot since that night