He laughed and kissed the top of her head. "If you knew why didn't you say something to me back then?"
She looked up at him. "Because, I was stupidly shy and you were, like, the most popular boy in school. What was I going to do? Call you a liar? You?" She shook her head against his chest. "I was so scared that day you came to me and asked for my notes."
"Now that part was true. I had missed class and there was a quiz coming up and if I failed I wouldn't be able to play ball. But, I was right behind you in scores, I checked."
"You did not. I was totally geeky and shy. I hardly had any friends."
"You were beautiful. And brilliant, I'd heard from some other friends of mine who were in your English and social classes. I had to meet you. I was so cocky, I knew I had to have you."
"I used to daydream that you'd come and talk to me. I spent a lot of time in boring classes and spares thinking about you. I'd go to hockey or basketball games just to watch you."
"Do you watch my games now?"
"I always check the stats. Sometimes I watch. Sometimes it was too hard."
They fell quiet again for a while. Kip shifted under her. "I have to go soon. I have practice tomorrow. Games, travel. I'm always so busy."
"I know. I'll watch. We'll watch now," she said. "You have Colton interested. And his new best friend Mark is a big fan. Oilers."
Kip laughed. "He's a good kid. It will be strange being out there, knowing you are watching. If you see me wave, that's for you."
Mandy smiled. "Will you call?"
"Make you a deal. I'll send you my phone number. It's always ten times the cost to call from a hotel. I'll pay for your phone bill when I get home k?"
She looked up at him. "Sure. I will call when you are on the road."
"I can't anymore. I have to kiss you." He bent his head, giving her a chance to deny him. She didn't, she arched up for him. There was a moment of utter sweetness when their lips touched. But it turned to undeniable passion.
Mouths opened, accepting. Tongues swirled. Again she was turned to liquid heat in his arms. Again she wanted to beg for more. She twisted her body into his lap, pressing to be closer. Her hands ran through his hair, over his shoulders, down his chest. God he was all muscle. She had to touch him. She let her fingers in under the bottom of his shirt to touch his warm skin, stretched over his muscles.