Page 19 of Well Played

“Isn’t it a little late to be drinking?”

He looked up before lifting the bottle. “Or is it early? Practically morning, right? Anyway, you judging me or something?”

His gaze landed on my chest, and it hit me that I was dressed no more appropriately than he was. The silk camisole I wore left little to the imagination.

“I was actually going to make myself some warm milk. That sometimes helps me get to sleep.”

“Warm milk?” His voice was low. “I’ve got something better to knock you out.”

My nipples hardened as I freaked out for a millisecond.

Levi walked over to the cabinet and took out two shot glasses. I felt like an idiot for wondering if that comment had been suggestive.

I held up my hand. “I can’t drink that at this hour.”

“Sure, you can. It’s easy. I pour it in the little glass here, and you chug it down. I guarantee it’ll help you sleep better than anything else.” He pointed to the seat across from his. “Sit.”

His demanding tone gave me chills, and for a moment I wanted nothing more than to hear him give me command after command.I have issues.

“I guess it can’t hurt to try,” I said, sliding a chair out.

As he threw his shot back, I took a moment to admire his body, the ripples of muscle lining his abs.

He slammed his glass down and said, “Your turn.”

I took the glass in my hand and gulped the contents. I wasn’t a hard-liquor drinker and couldn’t even identify what I’d just consumed. But nevertheless, it was down the chute.

The alcohol burned my throat, and I let out a single cough. Then I nearly choked when Levi blurted out a question.

“Have you been with anyone since Tanner?”

I swallowed carefully. “That’s…sort of a random question. What made you ask that?”

“Sorry if I’m being intrusive.” He crossed his arms. “You’re a really involved mom, obviously. And you certainly love biting off way more than you can chew. Doesn’t seem like that leaves much room for…anything else.”

“I’ve gone out on a few dates here and there over the years, but nothing serious.”

“No sex?”

Whoa.“Don’t hold back with your questions. Do I ask you about your sex life, Levi Miller?”

He smiled. “You don’t have to tell me shit. I was just curious since you and Tanner haven’t been together in so long.”

I’d been trying to skirt giving him a direct answer, but screw it. Why not be honest? No better time to talk about sex with your ex’s brother than when he’s sitting across from you half-naked in the middle of the night after you’ve just had a shot of something, right?Ugh.

“I’ve slept with one man since Tanner. He was a nice guy. Luke. Sort of a friend with benefits—not someone I saw myself with long term.” I shrugged. “It’s not easy to find someone you’re compatible with, want to have sex with,andwho’d make a good role model for Alex. It’s nearly impossible to find all three, actually. I certainly haven’t brought anyone I’ve dated around my son, though. I wouldn’t do that unless it was serious.”

“Yeah. That’s smart.”

I lifted my chin. “What about you? I’m sure you have no problem finding women to pass the time with. You probably have the opposite problem I do. I mean, how do you choose when you can have anyone you want?”

My face felt hot as it hit me that I was bracing for his answer. This jealousy was eye-opening—and uncomfortable.

“It’s not that simple,” he answered.

“Yeah, I would imagine it’s hard to pick.” I chuckled through gritted teeth.

“That’s not what I meant, Presley.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “Do you have any idea how sucky it is to never know if someone wants to be with you because of who you are as a person, or just the fact that you’re a famous athlete? Some women just want to say they fucked the Broncos’ quarterback. I mean, sure, I’m not gonna complaintoomuch. I don’t have any problem finding someone attractive to have sex with whenever I need it, but that gets old real fast. When it’stooeasy, it’s just not…invigorating, you know?”

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