CHAPTER FOUR
LEVI
I wake up before my alarm. I just lay still, not wanting to break this moment of peace before having to face the reality of my life. The apartment is silent, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
It’s my last day of peace until I start my rehab. Pilates. Pilates. I scoff internally at the thought. I flex my fingers, shortly regretting it once my shoulder starts to throb in the way that’s become all too familiar, deep, and heavy, creating immense discomfort.
The past couple of weeks have been hell.
Another night of pretending it doesn’t hurt.
Another morning of proof that it does – that this isn’t a dream I’m going to wake up from.
Battling with my mind over this injury and trying to keep myself from drowning in my thoughts.
I want to wish it all away, but I already know it doesn’t work like that. That it would never be that easy.
Shifting onto my good side, I exhale. I’m in a constant state of having to think about what I can and can’t do now.
Simple movements have become extremely painful and are a constant reminder.
My arm feels tight and swollen, it’s practically useless.
A reminder of what’s at stake now. Everything relies on my recovery.
My mind shifts to Scarlett. I don’t know her well yet, but Steele seemed to be excited she was assigned to my case, whatever that means. The brief introduction from the meeting gave me the feeling she’s a professional, no-nonsense instructor. So, in other words, boring.
Deciding I’d better get ready for the day, I swing my legs out of bed before sitting up. I rub my eyes, rolling my shoulders back to try and loosen the tension before my eyes snag on my sling sitting on the bedside table, a dull reminder of what my life’s become.
As I look around my room, the pale grey walls contrast against the white of my comforter. My gaze stops on the framed photos across from my bed - my first ever Stanley Cup win five years ago. A reminder of what I need to recover for, and of what I might lose if I don’t.
Sighing, I grab my keys and pull on a hoodie, gritting my teeth through the sharp pain – even though it’s summer in Seattle, the morning air is still rather brisk.
Picking up my sling I strap it on. The movement sends a twinge through my shoulder, a sharp stabbing pain.
I press a hand to the joint, trying to softly massage it out, feeling the muscle spasm underneath.
You’re fine, Levi. It’s all good.
The elevator down to the parking garage is quiet. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I immediately take note of the dark circles under my eyes – from the restless nights, being unable to sleep, the same thoughts replaying in my mind over and over.
I climb into my Porsche 911, ready to set off for the grocery store. Anything to get out of the house at this point, honestly. Better than being home alone with my thoughts.
Starting the engine, the radio comes on automatically – a sports recap. Of course. Just my luck.
“–Carter’s right shoulder took the brunt–“
I jolt forward, turning it off, cloaking the car in silence. I just can’t seem to escape what’s possibly the worst moment of my life.
For fuck’s sake.
I drive through the pale morning streets, a quiet start – quite unusual for this part of Seattle. I hate to admit it, but driving is bad for my shoulder. Even though I’m driving an automatic, any strain or movement of my shoulder at this point is not okay. I hate this lack of independence.
I feel the ache beginning to build in my shoulder again, it just won’t quit. I’m over it.
Turning the car off, I sit for a moment to ground myself before getting out and taking a deep breath. “Just got to move, man. That’s all.” I mutter to myself, under my breath.
Slamming the car door closed, I move toward the entrance of the store.
Walking inside, I’m immediately enveloped in cool air. Glancing around, there are maybe three other people in the entire store. Perfect. Helps me stay on the down low, since I don’t have the energy at the moment to cope with fans at all.
I grab a basket, starting toward the fruit section.
My peace lasted all of twenty seconds.
Because she is here.
Scarlett Quinn, or better known as the thorn in my side, standing a few feet away, brown hair pulled up into the sexiest messy bun I’ve possibly ever seen and a skin-tight baby pink exercise set. Fuck.
Of course she’s here. The universe just wanted to fuck me over, once again.
My eyes dart around. I should duck into another aisle; I really don’t want to have to deal with her outside work. My eyes move back to her, and at the exact same time, she looks up and our eyes meet.
Yep. That tracks.
I guess I just have to deal with this. “Hey there, little Quinn. How are you on this fine Sunday morning?”
Her eyebrows lift, looking rather unimpressed. “Well, isn’t this a coincidence? You stalking me, Carter?”
Okay, so I definitely didn’t imagine that accent. I scoff, adjusting the basket with my good arm. “I could ask you the same thing.”
She crosses her arms, pushing up her breasts. Hm. Honestly, I could get used to that view. She glances at my shoulder, before meeting my eyes again. “You sure you’re cleared for grocery shopping? You look like you shouldn’t be lifting anything heavier than a plastic spoon.”
“I’m fine,” I lie. Obviously, I’m not, but I’m not going to admit that to Scarlett, of all people. “I’m just grabbing a few things.”
“You could’ve sent someone. You know, to avoid making it worse,” she drawls.
“I don’t trust anyone else to get what I need.”
She looks unamused, but a flicker crosses her face. Something straddling the line between exasperation and interest, though it disappears too quickly for me to figure it out.
I reach for an apple with my bad arm, the shift making my shoulder pull, a flash of pain shooting up my arm. Quick, but enough that my breath hitches.
Scarlett grabs my shoulder softly before saying, “Levi, please get some help. Surely you have people in your life that will help you.”
I roll my eyes. I don’t want her to see she’s getting in my head. “We really gonna do this here?”
“Better now than when you cause further damage from grabbing groceries, Levi. Come on, no one wants to be that guy.”
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head despite myself. “You’re relentless.”
“Only when I have to be.” Her perfectly shaped eyebrows lift again, which I’m sure is a tell that she’s challenging me.
Her tone is calm and steady. Her green eyes piercing, and… I don’t like that. In fact, I hate feeling like someone is seeing through this guard I’ve created perfectly – at least I’d felt like it was perfect.
Clearing my throat, I change the subject. “So, why are you shopping this early?”
Scarlett shrugs, “I enjoy the quiet.”
Nodding, I’m not too sure what to say next.
After about twenty seconds of awkward silence, I gesture toward my basket before saying, “I guess I had better get going then.”
“Did you want me to help you, Levi?”
“Oh, no, really I’m fine.”
Her eyes narrow, head tilting slightly as she crosses her arms tighter, once again highlighting her chest. Those perfect fucking tits. Honestly, so perfect they are sinful.
“I’d better not catch you out alone in the foreseeable future, Levi.”
I open my mouth to respond, but she doesn’t let me get a word in, “Now, go get a trolley instead.”
What the fuck? A trolley?
“Now, Levi.”
Wordlessly, I walk over to put the basket back and pull out a cart before moving back toward Scarlett. She pats my hand as she brushes past me, “Such a good boy.” She purrs in my ear before moving to the checkout lanes.
I stand next to the apple stand speechless.
What the fuck just happened?