Warren stands, walking to open the door and call Levi in before coming to sit back down.
I feel Levi enter, his eyes burning into the back of my head, though I don’t turn to meet his gaze.
“Take a seat, Carter.” Warren says as he closes his laptop, placing it to the side.
Levi’s long strides eat up the distance before he takes a seat in the chair beside me. Sitting down, he leans back in the chair, legs widening slightly. The bare skin of his knee brushes against mine, goosebumps immediately breaking out on my skin. I squeeze my legs together, moving so they are facing away from him.
Peaking a quick glance at Levi, I notice a small smirk pulling at his lips. Almost like he knows the effect that touch had on me.
“Now,” Warren starts, looking straight at Levi, “It’s been brought to my attention that things haven’t quite been working out with this arrangement.”
Levi’s head snaps toward me, “What did you say to him?”
I flick my eyes over before Warren speaks up, “Settle, Levi. You didn’t show up. This is on you.”
Levi rolled his eyes, turning his head back to Warren, “So this torture is over then, is it?”
Warren studies us both for a quick second before speaking, “Actually, we’ve come up with a solution. I think it would be perfect for you both to…” he trails off, almost contemplating, “Let’s just say, get away from the city.”
Levi glances toward me. I keep my eyes ahead, refusing to give him any kind of attention right now. He looks back to Warren. “Okay, and what exactly does that mean, Coach?”
“It has been decided that you both are to go on a retreat. Get away from the real world and focus on connecting. I think you both need to bond with one another.”
Levi immediately stands to his feet to argue with Warren, “There’s absolutely no way.” He shakes his head, “No, you can’t make us do this.”
Warren clenches his jaw slightly, “I absolutely can,” he starts, “If you want back on the ice next season, Levi, you are to go on this retreat.” He looks over to me, “Miss Quinn has already agreed to the terms. This is what it’s going to take if you want back on the ice next season, Carter.”
Levi’s eyes widen, his mouth making an ‘O’ shape. “But Coach…”
Warren cuts him off, “There’s a beautiful place in Lake Chelan that I have rented for the two of you, and there will be a room set up with the equipment you need to continue your rehabilitation. You will be leaving Monday morning.” He looks over to Levi, “You need to rest your shoulder, so Scarlett will be driving the both of you.”
That’s only three days away.
I sigh. Five hours alone in the car with Levi Carter. I look over to contemplate him for a second. Lord, give me patience.
…
LEVI
I’m glaring at Coach. There’s no way he can just send us away like this. I need to stay in Seattle. I have too many people relying on me here.Gigi is here.
“Alright,” Coach sighs, “You both are dismissed. Call or email me if you have anything further that you’d like to discuss. I’ll see you both when you’re back.”
Scarlett stands. “Thank you so much, Warren. I’ll see you around.”
I stay seated, waiting until Scarlett leaves, closing the door behind her.
“Coach, please. Please don’t make me go,” I practically beg.
It’s bad enough that I had to do Pilates sessions with Scarlett in Seattle, but now we’re going to be stuck together?Livingtogether?
Coach gives me a knowing look. “Levi, trust me. This is what is best for you. Should anything happen that requires you to come home, you know I would never deny you that. But I do expect you to give this a real shot. She will be good for you.”
Mentally, I can feel myself being pulled in two directions. Part of me understands this is necessary to get back to full strength and be good for the coming season, but the other part of me really stresses at the idea of having to leave. Seattle is comfortable for me. And I like being comfortable.
Coach notices my distress and speaks up, “Carter, I promise you, I am here to support you through whatever you need. The teamneedsyou back on the ice. You’re doing this for them."
I feel myself starting to give in.
