More Than a Game

“Grades matter, they matter a lot. I worked harder than anyone else to get here, and I have the report cards to prove it. The lowest grade I had was an ‘A-‘, and that was because the teacher hated me. It’s a black spot on an otherwise spotless record. I don’t want another black spot. It would make all the effort I put into getting into this college moot.”

“What was your name, again?”

“You know me, Coach, I’m Christine. I’m in your athletics course on Monday, and Wednesday at 9 am. I noticed that my grades had dipped into the ‘B’ level and wanted to know what I could do to improve my grade. I need to get an ‘A’ in this course, or I may not be able to transfer to a graduate degree program.”

The coach rolled his eyes at me; I’d seen it happen before and was quite use to it at this point. His old leather chair was a bit worse for the wear, more duct tape than chair it would seem, and his hand grasped at what I could only assume was a playbook.

“Are you telling me to change your grade to an ‘A’ because you asked me to?”

“No, I want to know if there’s anything I can do to improve it. I have looked through your syllabus and have recorded my performance.”

I produced a notebook that I had kept through the entire course. I recorded my athletic improvements including my jogging speed, blood pressure, and several other factors that I felt would prove my point.

He took the book and flipped through the pages.

“Are you serious?”

I pushed my glasses from the tip of my nose.

“I assure you, I’m quite serious. I believe I’m showing major cardiovascular improvement in the class, but if my own improvement isn’t enough to sway your grading scale then I would like to know what may?”

He threw the notebook back on the desk; I felt he may be impressed by my research. He rolled his chair to a filing cabinet behind him and thumbed through the files for a minute.

“What’s your last name again?”

“Reynolds. Christine Reynolds.”

He pulled a folder from the cabinet and pulled a few papers from it.

“Have a look for yourself; it shouldn’t be hard to figure out why you have a ‘B.'”

I took the papers from him and started to read. All the categories had numbers and checks except for one; participation.

“Is this saying that I don’t participate in class?”

“That’s to say that you never engage your peers. It’s a class. I may be your teacher, but you’re actively choosing to play by yourself. You seem to go out of your way to avoid the other students.”

I scoffed. “I participate in the class activities. Isn’t that enough?”

He stood himself up and came over and leaned on the desk in front of me, snatching the papers out of my hands.

“School is about more than accomplishing the task at hand. I like to think that my class also teaches students how to handle situations in life that may be overwhelming. You have to know when to ask for help and know how to help others. It’s part of being human. Self-reliance is a great asset, but being a team player is what most sports and athletics are about.”

I sighed and stood up.

“So you’re saying all I have to do is engage with the other students, and I’ll get an ‘A’?”

“Yep, that’s all I’m saying.”

I gathered my things, including my athletic journal.

“Then that’s what I’ll do,” I said as I made my way toward the door.

He smiled and nodded.

As I grasped the handle, the door tore open, pulling me along with it and causing me to collide with the person on the other side.

My face was jarred so hard that my glasses flew from my face and fell to the floor. The world became blurry as I did my best to focus my eyes to make sense of what I was seeing and possibly find my glasses.

“Excuse me,” I said.

I could feel my glasses being thrust into my hand, which I gladly took and replaced. In my panic to find my glasses I hadn’t realized the person whom I had struck; it was Hollis.

“Hollis?” I questioned, meekly.

He didn’t even say anything, just pushed past me into the room and shook the coach’s hand.

“How’s the arm?” said the coach.

“It’s doing well. I iced it for a while, and it hasn’t swelled much.”

“Good, good. We got a career making game coming up, and I want you ready for it.”

Hollis looked pleased.

“Alright, I’ll just be going now,” I said.

Neither of them acknowledged me, but I couldn’t help but take a quick look at our local football star now that he was so close.

I felt so tiny by comparison; he was more than a foot taller than I was, and I was almost 5’7”, which according to statistics is above average for a woman. Strong, sinewy muscle ran up and down his arms and back, pushing through his shirt in all the right places. I admit it, I was swooning.

I felt a bit feverish as my pulse quickened a bit. I could feel my heart beating in my chest, and I had a feeling that I should lie down. I left the room, closing the door quietly behind me as the two bonded and talked about the upcoming game.

My thoughts were hard to sway from the thought of Hollis’ physique, but the anxiety over my grade was helping. If he wanted a girl who would participate in class, then that’s exactly what I would do.

2.

The morning was chilly before class; so I thought it best to bundle up. I had always liked running; it was the easiest way to settle my mind before starting my day. Even so, I hated having to wear contacts to enjoy a calming run. But, some things are necessary evils, so I pushed the horrendous things to my eyes.

It showed that I liked to run, and I received compliments all the time about my skinny arms and toned legs. It’s nice to feel like you’re doing something right, and compliments are a great measure. It was like getting an ‘A’ in personal health.

I popped my headphones in my ear and grabbed my room keys. It was nice living alone, fewer people to deal with, less drama to get involved in, and more time for me to get work done.

I lived near the track, which was actually a premeditated measure on my part as I knew I would be jogging almost daily. As I stepped out onto the street, the cool air struck me hard. It stung my nostrils and burned my lungs as I breathed.

A light fog had accrued over the night, instilling a silence on the block. Statistically speaking I had less a chance of being attacked in the morning during daylight, but that did little to dissuade me from looking over my shoulder every few steps.

Across the street, the track was mostly empty, save for a few people that I didn’t recognize throwing footballs around. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen them in the morning. Dedicated players practiced anytime they could.

The music in my ears picked up a bit, and I started to hit my stride. I had been in track in high school, and I was actually quite decent in distant running, I had the medals to prove it.

As I rounded the corner of the track, I saw him again. Hollis had decided to practice early today. I tried my best to suppress a blush, but most of my energy was being used for running. So, I just smiled and waved.

He smiled but kept walking.

The guys had joined into a circle near the edge of the track, and it looked like they were discussing something important, so I lowered the volume on my music so I might listen in. Their words rang out as little pricks of sound in an otherwise empty space, and I could hear just about everything.

“Coach says I gotta get my grade up, or I might be benched,” Hollis said.

“Dude, you need to play. If you’re not there, then we’re goin’ to get killed. The second string doesn’t have the same arm you have.”

“Yeah man, I’m working on it. I was up late last night trying to finish up this math for extra credit. But, it was hard since Sandy was over. I maybe work on it for ten minutes before she was all over me.”

“You with Sandy now? What is that, three girls this weekend?”

“I don’t know if I’d count the other two. Beth was amazing, we had this hot moment when I had to hide her under the desk. I was trying to talk to Gus, and she started going down on me while I was talking. After that, she had to split. I wouldn’t count Angie either; she kept asking me if I liked what she was doing and it was just weird. Sandy was crazy, and kept me up all night.”

I started running a little quicker; I felt a little angry and more than a little jealous. I was much more upset at myself for feeling jealous of a couple cheerleaders. They spend all day around football players; I think they get become cheerleaders just so they can flirt. I couldn’t picture myself as that kind of girl.

They continued to talk.

“Anyway, Coach said that my academic advisor has been watching my grades close, and I’m about to fall under the minimum GPA I need to keep playing.”

“That’s what you get for spending more time with girls than studying. You should really get a tutor, or maybe find someone that’ll just get your work done for you. It’ll give you more free time.”

I rolled my eyes thinking about being a tutor. It’s a good thing they didn’t think I could hear them.

“Man, if I could find a smart chick that would do my homework in exchange for sexual favors then I’d be set for life.”

They all laughed; it bothered me to think that they would even consider something like that. I slowed to a stop nearby.

“Are you kidding me? You want to have sex with a girl who will do all your homework? No wonder I’ve been avoiding men my age.”

They turned to me with shocked faces. Hollis looked at me with a slight smirk.

“Are you sure you’d say ‘no’ to that?” He paused. “ You’re the girl from the office the other day, right?”

I nodded.

“You know, you’re pretty cute without your glasses on. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to take me up on that deal? Seems like you need to get laid.”

I couldn’t even comprehend words at that moment. All my work in debate club, and now I couldn’t think of anything more than expletives to shout back. But, I was, at least, cool tempered enough not to yell.

“I wouldn’t even dream of dating you. I could think of many better ways to disappoint myself.”

He laughed, but my frustration was still boiling over.

“Aren’t we in the same class?” he asked.

“We are, as a matter of fact, Chemistry on Tuesday and Thursday,” I proudly stated, “I sit in a seat that allows me to actually listen to the teacher while you enjoy staring at your phone in the back, if memory serves.”

“Ah that’s right. You’re the Firecracker in the front row. Aren’t you the top of the class right now? You should come tutor me at the party this Friday?”

Now I couldn’t help but laugh. His friends were already giggling in the back. “You’re hopeless,” I said. I started to run again, but I could hear him yelling out from behind me.

“You don’t have to answer now; I can wait for your response!”

It bothered me to think that I was a bit attracted to him the other day; and at that moment, I wish I had taken up boxing at a young age.

3.

“Alright Class, this week we’re going to be working on chemical bonds and their different types. Now, this is going to be a very experiment heavy week. You’ve already worked on molar equations, and we’re going to step it up and put those equations into practice. I have assigned pairs for this lab, and the two of you need to find an example of each chemical bond.

“Most of this can easily be found in chapter eight of your chemistry book, so you don’t have to overthink it. And, before you say anything Christine, no, you may not work alone on this topic; this is a partnered exercise, and you must work in tandem with your partner to complete it.”

I rolled my eyes and lowered my hand. Of course, I would have to work with one of the other useless appendages in my class to finish a simple exercise. I wish I could’ve tested out of this course; I had already practiced chemistry in High School, but unfortunately, they made me retake the course for credit. I wanted to smash my head into a wall repeatedly.

“Looks like we’re working together,” I heard a familiar voice say.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I replied in disgust.

Hollis had moved to the front row and was sitting next to me, his almost never opened tex book sat in front of him as a trophy to his laziness. I shot from my chair and approached the teacher.

“Mr. Takahashi, I really don’t think I can work with this –ahem- peer.”

The face of my teacher read like a book; he didn’t make any attempt to hide his contempt with my attitude.

“Ms. Reynolds, you’re the best student in my class. Hollis is, unfortunately, my worst student and he’s near failing. I paired the two of you up in hopes that your brilliant scientific mind might rub off on him a little.”

I looked back to my desk; he sat there waving. I turned back to the teacher who was now sporting a cheesy smile.

“Will that be all, Ms. Reynolds?”

I did my best to hide my disgust and gritted my teeth, returning to my seat.

Hollis was staring at his phone at some social media website probably.

“Okay, listen to me now and listen well,” I started.

He continued to click away on his phone.

“I am a hard worker, and you are not. If we work diligently, then we can finish this quick and I won’t have to look at you for another second.”

He continued to tap away at the screen on his phone.

“I’m sorry, is this not important enough for Mr. Popular?”

He still didn’t say anything. I tried to peek at what he was writing, but when I leaned in, he would turn just enough to keep the screen from my view.

“What are you writing, is it about me?” I asked innocently.

The lack of communication was bothering me, but this time, he held a finger up that appeared to plead for another moment.

I waited, and after waiting, he clicked the screen of his phone off and set it on the table.

“I was trying to organize a party; it’s hard to concentrate on two things at once.”

“You must be joking. You’re organizing a party while in class? Do you even want to pass at all?”

He shrugged and laughed. “I want to get a grade that keeps me from failing. This one is currently pulling my GPA down just enough that I might not be able to play in the next football game. If you can help me get this grade up a little bit, then you’ll be a hero to me and my friends.”

He flashed me a smile with his perfect teeth.

I collapsed to the table, hoping that he would understand the gesture. He must not have.

“Hey, are you alright?”

I pushed myself from the desk, pulling his science book to the middle of the lab table and started rifling through the pages.

“Listen, this stuff is easy. I know I can handle it, pay attention if you want, but I think I can manage on my own. Just make sure to put your name on the final draft and I can guarantee you’ll get an ‘A’ grade.”

He seemed to like the sound of that. But, it was short-lived.

“Hollis, Christine, I know you two are probably making a deal where Christine does all the work, and Hollis just sits back and soaks up the credit. I, fortunately, am not that gullible.” The professor paused. “You two have a special extra assignment. Hollis has to perform an experiment in front of the class and knowingly explain the processes involved in the chemical reaction.”

I sat there open mouthed as he continued.

“Christine, your grade in this class depends on him handling this assignment. I will even have a few questions for him to answer, just to make sure he was paying attention and not just memorizing a script.”

I was doomed. My perfect record was about to be shattered, and I could do nothing about it at all.

“Whoa, that’s rough,” was all that he could manage to say before going back to his phone and tapping away.

My anger got the best of me as I yanked the phone from his hand and threw it out the window. He watched it fly out several feet and fall the four stories to the campus courtyard.

With that done I packed up my things, wrote my phone number on a slip of paper, and handed it to Hollis.

“If you find your phone, you can reach me at this number. Hopefully, the next time we have work to do you’ll be more interested in working.”

With that said, I walked out of the class. I was overwhelmed and decided it would be best to go to my favorite spot to unwind for a bit.

4.

I don’t know how many other people knew about it, but I really like this spot. It was quiet and secluded, and I had never seen anyone come up here before.

I was on top of the tallest school building, and it overlooked the courtyard from just enough of a distance that I could make out Hollis poking around and looking desperately for his phone.

It took me a while to regain my composure after he bumped into another classmate and knocking her paperwork all over the grounds.

Granted, I think he ended up getting her number written on his arm before she gathered up her things and walked away. He really was the worst kind of man, but he was still a man.

I did feel a little bit of pride when I realized that I’d get the chance to be his partner and nobody else would. Thinking about it made my heart sink, as I knew there was no way he’d pass this assignment.

I still felt myself sigh a little thinking about all the other women he had been with. I started to think less about the girls on his list and started to think more about the girls that weren’t. Thankfully I was securely in the ‘not’ list, but a part of me wished that I could meet an attractive man, like Hollis, that also had the brain to match.

Hollis found his phone under a bush nearby. I did feel a little bad about throwing the thing out the window. I have been known to have some anger issues in the past.

Then my phone started ringing.

“Hello,” I said.

“So this really is your phone number; I had a feeling that you were just playing a prank on me.”

It was Hollis calling me.

“I see you finally found your phone.”

“I did.”

“So, back to planning your party,” I asked.

“Actually, I had something better in mind. How about the two of us call a truce?”

“A truce? I didn’t know we were at war,” I said.

“I have a feeling this isn’t a war I’ll win; so I’m hoping that we can reach an understanding before it gets any worse.”

I couldn’t help but feel prideful, and a sense of power washed over me.

“Alright, I won’t bother you anymore outside of class, and you will actually try to study?”

“You’d kill me if you got a bad grade; I have no choice.”

I laughed. “You got that right.”

“So, you’ll come by, and we can study at my frat house tonight?”

I almost blurted out a laugh. No studying ever got done at a frat house.

“Why don’t we go to the library? It’s quieter, and we can get more done.”

I saw him pacing around the field as he talked. He looked a bit nervous even from this distance.

“The truth is, Christine, that I really don’t feel comfortable studying anywhere outside my room.”

I continued to push.

“Yeah, studying female anatomy.”

“Okay, that’s a fair hit. But, I still would prefer to study at home.”

I sighed. He seemed unrelenting in his efforts to get me to come over.

“Fine,” I said, “but, if you try to make a pass at me then I’m going to be very upset, and you can study on your own.”

“Deal,” he said.

I nearly hung up my phone, but it looked like he wasn’t done yet.

“One more thing,” he added, “I think some people are coming over for a party tonight. They might be loud, but it shouldn’t be too much a distraction.”

“Fine,” I sighed, “I will just bring earplugs.”

I hung up my phone. I had no interest in going to a party tonight, but if it meant that I could get some studying done with this horrid situation looming over my head, then I might as well try.

I was surprised when he urged me to come over. For an outgoing man, he really didn’t seem that interested in trying new things. I’m sure he had his reasons for avoiding the library, but I made no point to pry.

I was stuck going to a party by proxy, and I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. I hadn’t been to a college party yet, but I had walked by a few. They were always drunken affairs, broken up by campus police before they got too far out of hand.

Perhaps this party wouldn’t be so uproarious; then again perhaps I’m kidding myself. Even so, I thought it might be nice to look the part.

I stayed on the rooftop, waiting for the sun to set over the buildings. Today was far from over.

5.

The frat house was an old brick building with roman letters pinned to the balcony of the second story. The building sat close to the roadside, leaving little room for a yard. Even so, a couple guys were throwing a ball back and forth. Despite the chill night air, they were still shirtless.

As I strode towards the door they both stopped.

“Hey there, cutie. Where are you headed?”

I swiveled.

“I have business inside.”

The two looked at each other and laughed.

“Business? I think you’re at the wrong house.”

Hollis opened the door.

“Don’t worry about it guys, she’s here to help me study.”

They looked at Hollis and me and continued to laugh.

“Enjoy your business Hollis,” they scoffed.

Hollis beckoned me close and held the door for me as I entered, whispering in my ear along the way.

“Don’t mind them. They’re just jealous they can never get a date.”

I looked at him with disdain.

“Not that this is a date,” he added.

I nodded and stood in the entryway. For a frat house was surprisingly well kept. That is to say, there wasn’t any garbage lying around, which I was thankful for.

He started up the staircase and waved for me to follow.

“You guys keep this place pretty clean.”

“Not every guy wants to live in garbage. My parents were pretty strict with me growing up; now I’m just used to everything being clean. Keeping the rest of the guys in check is hard, but I think they’re finally getting it.”

I didn’t know he was the one in charge.

“So, you’re like the mother of the group,” I asked.

“I wouldn’t say mother, I would more say incredibly strict father.”

He gestured towards his room, with the door still open. I entered and took in my surroundings.

He had a rather large bed in the corner, already made up for the evening. In the corner sat a pair of desks lined against the wall, both covered in homework. A couple of books were already open; making it appear that he began studying before I arrived. The floor was spotless, save for the carpets covering the hard wood.

“Make yourself cozy; I thought it best that we work by the desk.”

I moved over and lowered myself to the chair, and we started to study. He was surprisingly apt for what he was, picking up a rather advanced topic easier than I would have thought possible of him.

A couple hours passed and he had absorbed everything that I really knew.

“Why do you do so poorly in class if you’re capable of learning this quickly?”

“What do you mean,” he asked.

I had to know what was going on, was he faking being dumb to be popular, or was he just not interested. The thought was nagging at me, and I was consumed with curiosity.

“You seemed capable of picking this up really easily, are you trying to make me look like a fool?”

He stood up and stepped back from the chair. He thought for a long moment before he finally replied to my question.

“I don’t know if this is something you’d really care to hear.”

I shook my head.

“Really, I need to know why.”

“Alright, I’ll tell you,” he said, “I used to work really hard and get good grades, but then I started growing. Before long I was a head taller than anyone else in my grade. I got popular and started spending more time with friends. When I got to High School, it was just more fun to go out and enjoy life rather than spend time staring at books. Getting a full ride scholarship to this college was great, but nobody is expecting me to do well in classes.”

I nodded; it really was what I expected.

“I practice more than any other player on that field. Every second I’m not practicing, I’m out enjoying life. You’re only twenty once in your lifetime.”

I laughed but tried my best to stifle it. “So you’d rather waste your education on sex and partying?”

He looked serious, but I could tell he was a little embarrassed. “We all have our reasons,” he quipped.

The door swung open wide, as three of his roommates burst in laughing loudly. One tackled Hollis to the bed before he realized and I found myself laughing along.

“The libations have arrived!” they shouted.

“Then why is my drinking hand empty,” Hollis replied.

I rolled my eyes and began packing up the study materials. I had a feeling my night was over, and it was nearing time for me to get some sleep anyway. That was until a drink was shoved into my hand.

“Drink!” they chanted, staring at me as I examined the can.

“I’m not drinking this; It’s a school night,” I replied to the group.

Hollis stared down at me. “I’ll study harder tomorrow if you’ll try having fun with me tonight.”

It was hard to pass up. My brain was alight with possibility; I had the chance to try something different and even though I feared it, I could do little to stop myself from trying.

I snapped the top of the beer can, frothing out golden liquid from inside. I had tried beer in the past and hadn’t liked it. But, I was very young.

I sipped at the top as the guys watched until Hollis came over and tilted the can into my mouth. A rush shot down my throat, and I gasped for air.

“You dick,” I managed to spout out after catching my breath.

They all hooted and hollered, and I couldn’t help but feel a tad ingratiated into the group of revelers.

Before I could even finish the first can, a second can was being shoved into my hand. I let myself go.

The party continued, and a few other girls showed up, and they looked prepared for tonight. I wished that I could wear the same thing as they did. Their short-cut skirts left almost nothing to the imagination. They may as well have shown up wearing just their underwear, as it was easy enough to see.

The boys all panted as if a bone were being held in front of their eyes. Hollis looked but showed little interest in the matter. He drank slowly from a mug and chatted with the guys that would walk near him. I saw a bit of responsibility in him as he continued to pick up trash and replace snacks when empty.

I was beginning to feel the drink hit me hard. Things started to spin a bit, but despite my inability to taste anything I continued to go back for more beer.

After a while, I was using the rail on the staircase to prop myself up while one of Hollis’ roommates kept talking to me about how many times he could lift a particular weight.

Then I was being picked up from behind. I tried to fight it, but there were two of them, and both of them were football players. They flipped me upside down and held me upside down in front of a keg.

“First keg stand!” they shouted.

I was too drunk to say no, and they thrust the nozzle in my mouth. I didn’t know how much I drank before they dropped me, but by the end of it I had to throw up.

Hollis noticed me behind the bush.

“Looks like you partied a little harder than you wanted.”

He walked over and put a hand over my back, pulling my hair away from my face.

“Am I a hottie?” I asked, slurring almost every word.

He laughed; which seemed like an annoying way to say ‘no.’

“Where is this coming from, Christine,” he asked.

“You called me a firecracker while I was running yesterday,” I replied.

“All red heads are firecrackers, Christine.”

“Yeah, but it seemed like a term of endearment. You think I’m hot,” I said as I poked him in the chest. More alcohol decided it didn’t want to stay in my stomach.

“I think you’re drunk,” he replied.

I sat down in the cool grass, trying my best to avoid anything I may have just left on the ground. He sat down next to me and held me upright.

“I can see why you do this,” I said, “being drunk makes a lot of the voices in your head stop talking.”

He pulled me in close, giving me something to lean on. It was nice being close to his body heat; he smelled amazing. I wished that he’d pull me in closer like he does with all this other girls.

I leaned in and kissed him on the neck. He turned to me and rubbed the kiss with his hand.

“What was that for,” he asked.

“Does a girl really need an excuse for kissing the hottest guy on campus?”

He smiled. “So I’m the hottest guy on campus, now? I thought I was a moron this morning.”

“You’re starting to grow on me,” I replied.

“Okay, you’re too drunk. No more alcohol for you,” he said as he stood back up.

“Come back down here,” I said, trying in vain to pull him back to the ground. He did the opposite and lifted me from my resting place without any real effort.

I tried to kiss him on the cheek, but he backed away.

“Christine, you’re drunk. You need to lie down for a while and sober up.”

He picked me up from the ground; I did little to resist. I hadn’t been carried since I was six years old and I hoped he wouldn’t set me back down.

He carried me up the stairs and into his room; laid me on his bed and pulled the covers over.

“Sleep, I’ll take the couch.”

“You could stay here with me,” I said.

“Sorry, Christine, I can’t,” he replied.

I sighed; I had never felt so turned on in my life. I couldn’t resist my hormones any longer.

“You’ll regret saying ‘no’,” I said.

“And I’ll regret saying ‘yes’,” he replied.

He walked to his door and clicked off the lights.

As soon as my head touched the pillow, everything went dark.

6.

I woke up to a rather wonderful smell from downstairs. My hair was matted to my face, and my glasses were sitting nearby on the bedside table. My clothes were still intact but quite dirty, and my head beat like a jackhammer. I wrapped myself in the comforter from the bed and shuffled my way downstairs.

The house was empty. I assumed that everyone had left for early morning classes. Then I saw a clock nearby chime noon; I had missed all my classes for the day.

Hollis was cooking in the kitchen and whatever he was making smelled divine.

“I see you’re finally awake,” he said while plating some eggs, “I made breakfast. Have a seat, and I’ll bring it over.”

I pulled myself up to a bar stool and laid my head down on it in a futile attempt to end the jarring in my skull.

“First hangover, eh?”

“Why do you drink if you know it’ll end up like this,” I asked.

“I don’t really think about it,” He replied, “I don’t drink enough to get that hung over.”

He dropped a plate of food in front of me: eggs, bacon, and some toast. I dug in as a thirsty man would water. He stood on the other side of the bar, eating slowly and enjoying the sight.

“I missed class for the first time in quite a while,” I said, “why didn’t you wake me sooner?”

He sat his plate down and started pouring some coffee. “You’re a cute sleeper,” he replied through a wide smile.

“Please, did I say anything stupid last night?”

He laughed and replaced the pot of coffee. “I don’t know, am I hot?”

I remembered it all, now. I came on pretty strong last night. “That wasn’t me talking, that was the alcohol,” I pleaded.

He wasn’t really paying attention to my pleading, but I could see that behind his eyes he didn’t mean to be rude.

I smiled back. “Well, am I hot,” I asked.

“I don’t think you need me to tell you that,” he replied.

“You have me curious now.”

He sighed and took a sip of coffee. “Yes, I think you’re hot. I’ve always had a thing for redheads.”

I unconsciously started twisting my hair around my finger as I had whenever I was nervous. It took me a moment to realize. “Can I show you something,” I asked.

“Will you keep your pants on,” he asked in return.

“Only if you want me to,” I said with a coy smile.

“Alright, what is it?”

“It’s on campus. I think you’ll like it.”

He looked intrigued. “Alright, we can go after breakfast.”

I nodded and continued to eat. I made quick work of the food and drank more than my fair share of coffee in order to wake up. He didn’t seem to mind, even going so far as to ask if I wanted seconds.

I decided to make a quick stop back at my room before we went to campus so that I could change. He didn’t seem to mind waiting outside for me for a few minutes. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I felt like at least trying to be a little more attractive.

He liked the change as I walked out to the front.

“You have the finest legs I have ever seen,” he noted.

I felt flattered; I did like to show them off when I could manage to do so.

I lead him along the walkways, and we continued to talk, and he revealed a few things that I was surprised to hear.

His dad was a military man, and he was incredibly strict at all time. His mother was young and ended up running out on him at a young age; he barely knew her. Even so, he instilled as many of his values as he could into Hollis; including being a gentleman to a lady when the need arose.

He was more anxious than I thought, as well. There was always a lot riding on him, and he was worried about his future. He wanted to go professional, but he also just wanted to be a teacher.

The walk ended too soon, as we had arrived at the ground floor of my favorite spot on campus.

I pulled out a small key that only few people had, and opened the back stairwell as I had a thousand times before. Hollis looked a little confused but curious.

At the top of the stairs, he looked out at the campus, as though he were its king. It was a satisfying feeling that I had, letting him see something so personal to me.

“Were you watching me look for my phone the other day,” he asked.

I nodded and giggled. He just smiled back and pulled me closer.

“It’s great at sunset; you can see the sun peak over the science building, and it silhouettes the ground. I brought my camera up a few times and took some photographs, but they are just sitting in an album at home.”

“I know you want to get good grades to get into a graduate school, but what do you want to do with your life after school,” he asked.

I thought about it for the first time in a while. In reality, I didn’t know where I wanted to work or what I really wanted to do. I just knew that I wanted to have a solid education so I could do anything.

“Maybe I’ll be a lawyer,” I said.

“I don’t think you’d enjoy being a lawyer,” he replied.

“How do you know? Maybe I have a hidden talent for objections and law.”

He leaned over and kissed me on the lips. It was a jarring moment, like every synapse in my brain firing at once. It felt like passion.

I pulled him in closer as our tongues begged for each other. I jokingly pushed him away for a brief moment. “I object,” I said.

He laughed and pulled in close again for another kiss.

I could feel his hands starting to wrap around my back, and I welcomed the touch. With every second he seemed to want more of me, and I wanted more of him.

I stroked my hand along his side and felt his muscle ripple beneath his shirt. I hooked my hands under his shirt and pulled it over his head, revealing his bare chest.

I traced my finger along his pecs and down through his abs. He did the same with my leg. I pulled him down on top of me.

He tugged off my shirt and kissed me on the neck. His breath sent goosebumps down my spine, and each kiss turned me on more. I unclasped my bra and slid it over my arms.

He paused for a second to take in the view. I didn’t have large breasts, but he didn’t seem to mind at all. He kissed down my chest and nibbled on my nipple. Both nipples stood erect to the autumn wind.

I unzipped his pants and worked his member from his jeans. He was sizeable and much bigger than I imagined. It almost made me worry.

I stroked along his shaft before wrapping my mouth around it. He let out moans of pleasure as I did; I was barely able to fit it in my mouth, but even so I wanted more of it.

His hand caressed my inner thigh and worked its way under my skirt. He pulled my panties aside and started to stroke along my clit. I could feel my muscles pulsing from his touch. He knew just where to rub, and I could feel waves of sensation jolt through me; starting to build up to something amazing.

I paused and ripped his pants off. He seemed to like that, as he did the same to my skirt. My thin black panties were soaked through, and I think he could tell. But, he left them on as he positioned himself over the top of me.

He stroked himself along my opening, wetting his throbbing manhood with my juices. Then I could feel it begin to slide in. He was gentle as he did so, inching himself inside slowly.

I let out a moan but held my hand over my mouth. There were students still in the campus square downstairs that might hear us.

He felt amazing as he filled me up, and held himself inside. I clenched my muscles, wanting him to stay inside for as long as possible.

He then started to gyrate his hips, stirring me up, before slowly moving in and out. It was becoming too much for me to bear, and I could feel that sensation building up again.

He continued to kiss my neck with his hand massaging my nipple. I dug my hands into the muscles in his back, begging and hungry for more.

He started speeding up his stride, pumping into me over and over. I stopped being able to think as he continued, then the building suddenly stopped, and I felt tingles all over my skin.

He kept pumping, and I could felt a release that hit every nerve in my body. Like a firework going off inside me. I did my best to cover my mouth, but I couldn’t even exhale or inhale; the sensation was so strong.

I still covered my mouth. Then I felt a hot, warm sensation inside me, and I could tell he had gotten off, too.

I was still in the pangs of ecstasy as he drew himself out of me. I felt so empty after he did so, and I wanted him back inside, but I couldn’t muster the energy to say anything.

We just lay there, breathless and drenched in sweat. After a moment, I reached down and pulled off my useless panties and tossed them aside.

“Objection overruled,” he said.

7.

He followed me back to my room, later that day. I invited him inside, but he said he had practice. I didn’t want him to miss out, but I also didn’t want him to leave.

It was probably for the best, though. I had to work on my homework for my other classes that I had missed.

The night dragged on, and I couldn’t take my mind off the early afternoon. I couldn’t believe that I had slept with Hollis, and in a place that I had kept so private up to this point, too. Still, it felt like a thousand thoughts going through my mind all at once. I wondered if we were dating, now, or if this was just a one-time thing to alleviate stress.

I ended up closing all my books and going for a walk instead. Signs and banners were hung around the block, cheering on the football team. A few oversized images of Hollis’ face were plastered, along with his player number.

Eventually, I returned home to sleep, and I slept more soundly than I had ever slept in my life.

Waking up the next day almost felt like I was going to war. Today was the day that Hollis would be presenting in front of the class. I was nervous for him more than I was for myself.

My heart continued to flutter until I saw Hollis in class. He nodded at me, then walked over and took his usual seat in the back. I felt a little rejection as he didn’t even come over and say hello.

I was feeling anxious; this was probably a one night stand to relieve some stress, and I thought it might have been something more. I felt so stupid, now.

Mr. Takahashi took his usual place in the front and began to speak.

“We have a special presentation at the beginning of class today; Hollis will be exciting us with an experiment of his and his partners design using hydrogen.”

Hollis walked to the front of the class quickly and gave his presentation. I was impressed at his ability to state the facts in a concise manner, and he showed how much he knew.

“Ms. Reynolds seems to be a better teacher than I,” said Mr. Takahashi.

I blushed and hid inside my book.

“She really is,” Hollis added.

I got a couple pats on the back from classmates nearby and was surprised by the attention.

After class had finally ended, I was hoping I could get a moment alone with Hollis, but he marched out quickly and avoided my gaze altogether.

I sighed deeply as I gathered my books.

“You did a great job with him, Christine. How did you get through to that meathead?” asked the teacher.

I pondered what I really did, and couldn’t really think of anything.

“He’s smarter than he lets on,” I replied.

He laughed and continued erasing the whiteboard.

My phone vibrated, and I got a text message from Hollis’ number.

“Come to the pep rally tonight,” was all it said. I responded and asked why, but never got a reply.

I wanted nothing more than to just go for a run and forget everything that had happened the last couple days, but I was still extremely curious and needed to know.

The campus stirred with activity as I followed the crowd towards the local stadium, it seemed everyone was wearing team colors, and I felt out of place.

Hollis sidled up next to me as I walked, and he grabbed my arm, leading me down a side road where we could talk.

“What’s going on, why haven’t you talked to me since yesterday?” I asked.

“I get incredibly nervous, I don’t like to let anyone know, but I just seize up and can’t think of anything else.”

I could understand where he was coming from. I’ve had to give presentations plenty of times and always ended up a ball of nerves before starting.

“So Mister super star does get nervous,” I said.

He let out a nervous laugh. “Christine, listen. I don’t know what’s going to happen between us. But, it’s the only thing I can think about.”

I felt a little less nervous after he said so.

“I really like you, and I’ve never wanted to be with anyone so much. I know that you’re much smarter than I am, and if you really just want to go back to being peers then I won’t try to force anything. But, after yesterday, I don’t think I can.”

I reached out, grabbed his shoulders and pulled myself up for a kiss. “I’ve thought about the same thing, and I don’t want this to end,” I replied.

His eyes started beaming with pride as he thought about it. He sighed and looked much less tense after hearing that, as did I.

“Hollis, they’re looking for you,” shouted a voice from down the street, it was his coach from down the street.

“Oh, it’s you, Ms. Reynolds,” he added.

I nodded.

“Come on, Hollis. We’re about to start.”

Hollis turned back to me and leaned in for a kiss which I welcomed.

“You know, I’m going to need people in my cheering section. I know it isn’t your thing, but-“

“You didn’t have to ask,” I interjected, “I’ll always be in your cheering section.”

He smiled and ran down the street towards the coach.

I got a ‘B’ in athletics that year, and it didn’t bother me at all.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance – The Coach’s Game

''Hi, coach,'' the girls said as they passed him on their way to cheerleader practice.

''Ladies,'' Sam said touching the peak of his cap.

''Coach, I'm free this evening,'' Cora said. Cora was one of the most beautiful cheerleaders at Westchester College, and she'd been trying to get Coach Warren to take her out for months. He was beginning to get fed up with it. At thirty-nine, he was almost twenty years older than her. For him it was clear. She was a student at college and he a sports coach, and it was unethical for him to take her out. Not that he didn't sometimes sit in his apartment and dream about the girls that cheered his football team on. But as far as he was concerned that's all it would ever be, a dream.

He'd divorced five years earlier. He and his wife had decided it wasn't working and gone their separate ways. It had all been very amicable, but it had left him afraid of commitment. He'd had a couple of flings with female lecturers, but as soon as they'd begun talk of a future together, he'd cut them out of his life. He kept telling himself that he didn't need a wife because he was already married to football.

''Come on guys, what time do you call this?'' Sam said as his team began to idle onto the pitch for Friday evening practice. ''Three times around the pitch,'' he shouted. He hated tardiness, and they were going to pay for it.

''Do we have to, coach,'' William Mayes asked. He was the alpha male of the team He was the one that got all the women and all the attention.

''Mayes, if you don't get on with it, I'll bust your ass. Clear?''

''Yes coach,'' he said as he started to jog.

When William got to the far side of the pitch, Sam heard Cora shouting at him. ''Hi William, fancy coming to my place after practice?''

Sam's players respected him. He was hard but fair, and after the serious business was done, he enjoyed a joke as much as anyone. But lately something was eating at him, and it made him ill-tempered.

Eventually, the team completed three laps, and Sam met them in the middle of the pitch. He split defense and offense and asked them to carry out various drills. He stood aside and watched ash they carried out what he'd asked them to.

''Lizzie you are useless. Honestly, you couldn't dance your way out of a paper bag,'' Cora said.

Sam looked across at the cheerleaders and wondered why Cora had it in for Lizzie. Okay, Lizzie sometimes found it difficult to co-ordinate with the others but aesthetically Lizzie was by far the best of the bunch. She had the shapeliest legs and the cutest ass and the biggest breasts. All in all, she was very pleasing to the eye. Lizzie also wasn't stupid; she'd finished high school Cum Laude and was doing very well in her law studies.

After practice, Sam kept his players in the dressing room while he lectured them on the merits of being on time. He went through the team for the forthcoming game on Sunday and gave a rousing motivational speech about the history of the college team and how they shouldn't let that be tarnished in any way.

The cheerleaders were getting impatient outside. They'd gathered around the changing room door waiting for the boys to come out. Some of them had serious boyfriends in the team; others were just waiting around on the off chance they may get laid.

''Lizzie, how come you never have a boyfriend?'' Cora asked. ''You aren't a Lizzie Lezzie are you?''

''Shut up Cora,'' Lizzie said. ''Just because I don't sleep with every man in town, like you.''

''Lizzie Lezzie, yes, that has a ring to it. That's what we're going to call you from now on. Do you like dancing with girls Lizzie Lezzie?'' Cora said.

''Leave me alone,'' Lizzie said. She left the group and headed back to her student lodgings alone.

''What a nerd,'' Cora said. ''She can't dance, and she can't get man.''

''Are you talking about Lizzie?'' William asked.

''Yes. From now on she's called Lizzie Lezzie.''

''Why?

''Because she never has a boyfriend,'' Cora said.

William slung his bag over his shoulder and laughed. ''That's a great name for her. She's a real nerd.''

Roger, the tallest man on the team, came out of the changing room. ''Who's a nerd?''

''Lizzie, you know, the weird cheerleader,'' William said. ''Cora reckons she's a lesbian. Lizzie Lezzie she's called her.''

''No way is she a lezzie,'' Roger said. ''I bet I can get her into bed.''

William, Cora, and the others looked at Roger as if he was from another planet. ''No way on this earth,'' William said.

''Wanna bet?'' Roger replied.

''Sure, what's the bet?''

''That I can screw her before the end of this semester,'' Roger said.

William shook Roger's hand, and the bet was placed. ''We'll invite her to BJ's after the game on Sunday. We'll get her drunk, and you can have your way with her,'' William added.

The group walked across the football pitch to the campus, leaving Sam shaking his head. He'd heard their ridiculous bet and felt sorry for Lizzie.

*****

''I've never seen such a shower of shit in all my life,'' Sam bellowed at the top of his voice. ''Call yourselves football players. You're all nancy boys; that's what you are. I'd have done better sending out a group of eleven-year-olds.''

Sam didn't often lose his temper, but he had never seen a team under his management play so terribly.

''Roger and William. You were pathetic today. You'd better play better in the next game, or you'll be off the team. Now all of you get out of my sight.''

The players drifted out of the dressing room, leaving Sam to contemplate what a rotten day it had been. When he'd tidied up, he locked up and walked across the pitch to his car. This had to be the worst team he'd ever managed, he thought. If they didn't start playing better soon, his job would be on the line.

He put his bag in the car and started to drive home. But faced with the prospect of an empty apartment after such a heavy defeat, he decided to stop by BJ's.

When he pulled up outside, his mind flashed back to all the glorious hours he'd spent at BJ's celebrating season after season of great footballing success. Those days seemed a long way off now. That was back in the days when kids were fit, before computers and ridiculous games like Play Station. Kids played out in the street, rode their bikes and were fit. Sometimes he despaired when he saw the freshmen turning up to their first practice. What it all meant for the future of the USA, he didn't know, but he didn't think it was positive.

''Hey Sam, great to see you. You haven't been in here for ages,'' Jodie said.

''There's been no reason to celebrate. That shower of shit over there couldn't play, even if their lives depended on it,'' he said nodding in the direction of William, Roger, Cora and the gang who were sitting around a huge pine at the rear of the bar.

''No, I've heard they are pretty hopeless,'' Jodie replied.

''That's an understatement.''

''So who you lovin, these days?'' she asked.

''I'm single. I haven't got anyone special.''

''Too bad, a lovely guy like you all alone. If I weren't happily married, I'd ask you on a date.'' Jodie was quite pretty but not Sam's type. She was a bit plump and had pink hair, the result of a magazine article she read that said pink hair was hip.

''Hi coach,'' Cora said as she came up to the bar to order another round of drinks. ''What brings you here?''

''This is the place we used to celebrate our victories, although you wouldn't know much about that. All we seem to do these days is lose.''

''Well, it's not all about winning is it?''

Sam looked at Cora, and if he hadn't been such a gentleman, he would have slapped her. ''It is, actually, all about the winning. Why else would you bother?''

''To have some fun. To meet people.''

''Jesus Christ. What an attitude. We are talking about college football. It's serious. If you want to meet people and have fun, why don't you go to the beach.''

''Er....okay coach. Whatever you say,'' Cora said keen to stop his rant.

''And don't talk to me in that tone. You are very good at winding me up Cora. Your attitude is all wrong, and you prance around as if you own the joint. You need a darn good hiding.''

Cora quickly paid for her drinks and went back to the others at the table.

''What an ass-hole,'' she said.

''Who? William asked.

''Coach. He's a misogynist. He just spoke to me in the moist terrible way. Nobody has ever spoken to me like that.''

''Come on Cora, have a bit of sympathy for him. He's a small time football coach, he's got nothing else in his pathetic life,'' Roger joked.

''His life's pathetic and so is he,'' Cora added.

''I quite like him,'' Lizzie said.

''You would. You don't seem capable of getting any other man,'' Cora said.

''Cora, that's unfair,'' Roger said. ''Have another drink, Lizzie. Ignore her; she's just being a bitch.''

Lizzie smiled and took a glass of beer and a shot from the tray Jodie had just placed in front of them.

BJ's was a place students and lecturers went after a hard day or at the weekend to get inebriated. It was full of neon signs and pictures of sports stars. Sam was most proud of his corner of honor. Joshua Clarkson, the owner of BJ's, was a big football fan, and when Sam's team had won the collegiate championship three years running, he'd allocated a corner to Sam's team. He bought a glass cabinet and filled it with photos of the team and the trophies they'd won.

''Good old days,'' Jodie said when she saw Sam was looking to his corner.

''Great days. Really great.''

''Don't be too hard on this generation Sam. They've got it far too easy, so how can they appreciate anything.''

''I suppose so. There are good kids in the team, but most of them are lazy. If they weren't, they could really go places.''

Sam spent an interesting evening talking to Jodie and drinking more bourbon than was good for him.

'You'd better leave your car here tonight,'' Jodie said when Sam had paid.

''Yes. The walk will do me good,'' he replied.

As he was getting up to leave, Cora and her group were also preparing to leave.

''Oops, steady Lizzie, you stick close to me,'' Roger said as he put his arm around her.

''I think I'm a bit drunk,'' Lizzie said.

''Don't worry. I'll get you home in one piece,' Roger offered.

When they reached the door, Sam pulled Roger back and pushed him against the wall. Roger towered over him, but Sam was muscle bound and too strong for the twenty-one-year-old

''Leave her alone,'' Sam said.

''Take your hands off me,'' Roger protested.

''Yes, leave him alone,'' Cora and William said in unison.

''Keep out of this,'' Sam said. ''If you don't leave now, you're both off the team.''

William and Cora scowled and walked through the door. Lizzie stood still dazed by what was happening.

''Go home Roger and leave her alone. I know what your deal is, and it isn't in Lizzie's interest.''

''What the hell are you talking about?'' Roger asked as Sam squeezed his throat a little harder.

''The bet Roger. The bet you struck with William. Go home now or you'll never play football for me again.''

''You just assaulted me. I'm going to report you,' Roger said.

''Go ahead and I'll make sure Lizzie files sexual assault charges. Got it?'' Roger nodded, straightened his collar and left.

''What was all that about,'' Lizzie slurred.

''I just saved you from something you would have regretted,'' Sam replied.

''Er....what?''

''Lizzie, let's go. Come on.'' Sam said putting his arm around her to support her.

*****

''Oh my God, where am I?'' Lizzie asked as she looked around the bedroom.

''My place,' Sam replied.

''Did we, you know, have sex?''

Sam laughed. No, but you almost did. ''You were so drunk I brought you back here. Don't worry; I slept on the couch.''

''I've got a terrible headache,'' she complained.

''Coffee, bacon, eggs and bread will sort that out.''

''Just the coffee thanks.''

''Okay. The bathroom's next door and you can look in my wardrobe for a fresh shirt to get you home in. You dribbled down yours.''

''Oh Jesus. Did you undress me?'' Lizzie pulled the sheets up and was relieved to see she was still wearing her panties.

''I only took off your top layer. You were a real mess, Lizzie. Sorry, but I had to.''

''Okay. Well, thanks for helping me. I have no idea what I was doing drinking so much; I don't usually.''

Sam rubbed his wet hair a couple of times with the towel he was wearing. ''You were set up. Roger was trying to get you drunk.''

''What? Why?''

''Do you want the honest answer?''

''Yes, I do,'' she said.

''He bet William that he could get you into bed.''

Lizzie's mouth dropped open. ''Really? Of all the low life things to have done.''

''I knew about it and stopped it.''

Lizzie slumped back against the headboard. ''Thanks, coach. What a lousy trick.''

''Come down when you are ready,'' he said. ''I'll put the kettle on.''

Lizzie was pleasantly surprised how nice Sam's apartment was. He was a single guy and very much into sport, and she'd assumed he wasn't that domesticated. But his kitchen was spotless and full of the latest gadgets.

'' Nice place coach,'' she said, sitting down at the breakfast bar.

Sam smiled at her. ''Call me Sam. Coach is for the sports field.'' She looked fresh and very attractive. Her hair was still wet, and she smelled wonderful.''How's the head?''

''The shower helped. Thanks for looking out for me. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. I don't know why I hang around with Cora and the others. I guess I'm short of self-confidence and let them trample all over me.'' She took a sip of coffee and made a satisfied noise as it worked it's way down her throat.

''You're way too good for them. You are more intelligent and way more beautiful than any of the cheerleaders. You're not the cheerleader type.''

''And what is the cheerleader type?''

''Well, they are normally outgoing women who like being the center of attention. A lot of them sleep around and drink too much. You're not like that at all.'' Sam reached into a cupboard and took out a packet of cornflakes. Lizzie shook her head when he offered her some.

''How do you see me?'' she asked

''Wow that's a hard question. Let me see. You're very beautiful and highly intelligent.''

''Good start,'' Lizzie joked.

''You are sensitive, and you have a lot of inhibitions and for some reason, you don't choose to be friends with people of your own intelligence. You hang around with people who don't understand you.'' He turned on the gas and put the frying pan on the flame. ''For example, they bully you because you don't screw around. What kind of so-called friends are those?''

Lizzie looked at him. ''How old are you Sam? If you don't mind me asking.''

''Thirty-nine.''

''And why aren't you married. You are far too handsome to be alone.''

''You're trying to divert attention away from what I was telling you,'' Sam said waving a spatula around.

''Okay. So I'm, insecure and don't choose my friends well. I heard you.''

''I don't like people bullying you. In fact, I hate it. You are worth a hundred times what that slut Cora is worth.''

''Wow. That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Sam. That's made me feel so good.''

''You should tell yourself that a few times before you decided to hang around with her and those other pricks.''

''I've changed my mind, the bacon smells so good, do you mind if I have some?''

''Sure. There's plenty.'' Sam put three extra rashers in the frying pan and pushed them around with the spatula.

Lizzie looked at him. He was about six feet tall and had the faintest signs of gray in his dark hair. He obviously still worked out because his upper body looked strong and there was no evidence of any of the fat that can creep up on people in middle age.

''What about you Sam? Aren't you lonely without a partner?''

''Sometimes. I've had a few girlfriends, but after my divorce, I'm a bit frightened to commit again. It's so easy to get it wrong.''

''I guess. I'm only twenty-one, so I haven't had the chance to get divorced yet.''

''It's an exercise you can do without, I can tell you.''

''Did it hurt you?''

''We're getting into very personal stuff now,' he said taking a drink of orange juice.

''Sorry.''

''No it's okay. Yes, it was painful. We just came to the conclusion that we weren't suited. We didn't fall out; we just made a sensible decision.''

''What about kids?''

''Didn't have any. I wanted to, but she didn't. I should have asked her that before we got married, but I was young. She was also so hot; I guess I just followed my dick.''

''It's never too late for a man.''

''Physiologically no. But if I had a kid now, by the time he was at college I'd be sixty.'' Sam slid the bacon from the pan onto a plate and added a piece of bread. ''Here, eat.''

''Thanks. Well, I think you'd make a great dad.''

Sam watched her eat. ''So what are you going to do about your friends now we've had this conversation?''

''I'm quitting being a cheerleader for a start. Maybe I'll join a legal studies group or something.''

After she'd finished eating, Sam cleaned up and packed his bag for the day ahead. ''I can't offer you a ride, we walked home last evening,'' he said.

''No problem. Let's walk to campus together.''

They left Sam's apartment and headed towards the tower that was Westchester's main building.

''You live so close to work, it's great,'' Lizzie said.

''I hate sitting in traffic, so being so close is really an advantage.''

''Sam I've really enjoyed talking to you,'' she said as they stood at a place where they would go their own ways. '' Can we do it again?''

''What?''

''Meet up and talk.''

''I'd like nothing more, but I don't think it's a good idea. You're a student, and I'm staff. It wouldn't look good.''

Lizzie scowled. ''I suppose so. Well, coach, it was a pleasure.''

''For me too.''

*****

Three weeks later Sam was sitting at home wondering whether he should quit as coach. He was on the worst run he'd ever been. They'd lost the last four games, and he was beginning to doubt his abilities. Maybe he was getting too old to relate to these young college kids, he thought. They didn't seem to respect him like the other teams had. They certainly weren't prepared to walk through fire for him. As soon as things got tough most of them feigned injuries or avoided heavy tackles.

Then there was something else that had been bothering him. Something he'd tried to put to the back of his mind but couldn't. It wasn't right, but he couldn't help it.

''Lizzie, it's Sam,’' he said. ''I got your number from Cora, I hope you don't mind me calling.''

''Sam, hi. Er....no, it's great you called.''

''How are you?'' he asked.

''Okay. I'm not missing being a cheerleader; that's for sure. I've joined a reading club. We meet on Wednesdays; I love it.''

''Great. I wondered if you wanted to get something to eat? Talk?''

Lizzie didn't have to think twice. She'd often thought about the evening he'd saved her from having sex with Roger, and the morning after when they'd talked so openly. ''Yes I'd love to.''

''Friday?''

''Fine,'' she said.

When Friday arrived, Sam was surprised how nervous he felt. He had to admit to himself he felt like a schoolboy about to go on his first date. He was thirty-nine and Lizzie twenty-one, why was he nervous? The only conclusion he came to, and it was one he didn't really want to admit, was that he liked her more than he knew. He wasn't given to dreaming, but every time he closed his eyes, her pretty face was there.

''Wow you look different,'' he said when Lizzie walked into the Mexican restaurant.

''Is that a compliment?''

''Yes. I meant to say; you look lovely.'' Lizzie was wearing a black dress that showed off her bosom well and a pair of four-inch heels which made her almost as tall as Sam. Her blonde hair was tied in a ponytail giving her the kind of innocent look most men like.

''You've made an effort as well,'' she said looking at his suit.

They looked at the menu and ordered Taco's and a bottle of red wine. The restaurant was busy, but Lizzie and Sam had managed to find a table for two in an intimate corner where their conversation would go unheard.

''Why did you call me,'' Lizzie asked quizzically.

''Because I enjoyed your company for a couple of hours three weeks ago, and I wanted to see you again.''

Lizzie turned her wine glass around between thumb and forefinger. ''Last time we spoke you told me it was not right for us to meet, remember?''

Sam had thought how he would respond to her when she asked this question. ''I know. But I've been doing some thinking. Life's too short. If we get on, why not?''

''How's the team performing?'' she asked.

''Terrible. It's the worst run I've ever had. It's not a team it's a group of individuals.''

''Ah,'' Lizzie gasped as a huge plate of tacos arrived. ''If I eat all those, I'll never fit into this dress again.

''Nonsense you've got a perfect figure, a pig out now and then won't harm you, as long as you do regular exercise.''

''So what are you going to do with the team? How can you make it better.''

''Honestly, I have no idea. What's more, I don't care.''

'' That's not like you. Normally you can think of nothing but success.''

''I don't care because I'm with you tonight, and that's all that matters.'

''That's a nice thing to say.''

Sam looked at her face. Three weeks ago she'd looked pale, but she looked much healthier now. He liked the fullness of her lips and the soft gaze of her green, brown eyes. When she spoke her drop earrings swung from side to side, catching the light of the candle on their table.

''Can I be honest with you?'' Sam asked.

''I don't want you not to be.''

''I would like to do this more often. I like you.''

She slid her hand over the table and touched him on the arm. ''I like you too. A lot. When you rang, I was happy, elated even. I'd love it if we saw each other more often.''

''Doesn't the age gap worry you?'' he asked.

''Well, going out with an old man can have its advantages,'' she said.

''If you're going to be cheeky I'll have to deal with you like I do my players.''

''And how is that?''

''Hard.''

''I'd like that,'' Lizzie said. There was a silence, and they looked into each other's eyes. The gaze seemed to go on for a long time until Sam leaned over to her, and kissed her gently on the lips.

''Uhm, that tastes good,'' she said.

''Better than the food,'' he replied.

''So, how do you want to play this? Fast or slow?'' Lizzie asked.

''Er...what do you mean?''

''Do you want me in your bed tonight or do you want to court me some more first?''

Sam waved his fork around as if conducting an orchestra. ''You have a habit of asking difficult questions. What do you think?''

''That's unfair. You can't answer a question with a question.''

''I just did. What's you answer?'' he said.

''Okay. Let me see. On the one hand, it would be wonderful to sleep with you now. On the other hand, it would be wonderful to let the tension build. What do you think?''

Sam laughed. ''That's a great answer, that told me absolutely nothing at all. Okay, here's what I think.'' He looked around the restaurant as though checking to see no one was listening. ''I'd like to wait. Maybe it sounds old-fashioned, but I like the build up. Let's date a bit first.''

''I like that idea as well. Let's rack the tension up until we can't bear it anymore.''

''Is kissing allowed now?''

''Of course. That's part of the tension increasing process.''

*****

''Thanks for coming Sam,'' Dean Lehman said.

Sam looked at the grave looking people sitting behind the table in front of him. The hall they were in was huge. Sam remembered it dated back to eighteen thirty and was the first room ever used at the university. It was more like the banquet hall in an English castle than a room for academics. There were many coats of arms on the walls, and flags hung down from the beamed ceiling.

''Sam you know most of the people here. Collectively we are the people who make up the Ethics Committee here at Westchester,'' Dean Lehman said. He was a thin man of around sixty-five. His eyes appeared to be sunken inside his skull because his nose protruded so much. He also looked as if he needed a good meal.

''Yes, I know everyone here.''

''Good. Then I'll get straight to the point. Sam it has come to our attention that you have a relationship with a student. What do you have to say?''

''Are you referring to Lizzie Samson?''

''Yes.''

''I have been seeing her regularly for around three months.''

''Is your relationship intimate?'' the Dean asked.

''Is that any business of yours?'' Sam replied.

''The policy of the university towards staff, student relationships, is quite clear Sam. If a member of staff enters into an intimate relationship with a student, he or she should declare it.''

''Alright. We are dating but out relationship isn't intimate yet.''

''If you are dating that means it's intimate. I'm not only talking about the bedroom.'' the Dean said. ''In that case, Sam, you should have told us.''

''Alright. I'm telling you now.''

''There is also a question of abuse of power. Let me give you an example. If a male member of staff who teaches, say mathematics, begins a relationship with a female student who studies, say English literature, there is little conflict of interest. That member of staff has no professional responsibility for the student and isn't able to influence the outcome of her studies.'' The Dean paused for breath and looked around the room. ''In your case, however, it's different. Lizzie was part of the sports scene here and you the head coach.''

''She was a cheerleader. That's got nothing to do with me as a football coach,'' Sam said abruptly.

''You are the head coach here, you are responsible for everyone who has anything to do with football and that includes the cheerleaders. You were in a position of trust, and you abused it.''

''But now she's no longer a cheerleader, she hasn't been to the football field for weeks.''

''That isn't the issue. At the time you began your relationship, she was in your charge.''

''No she'd already given up being a cheerleader.'' What the hell was the Dean trying to get at, Sam thought? Lizzie wasn't a cheerleader when he'd asked her out.

''Sam, we've spoken about the matter, and we've decided to suspend you on full pay for eight weeks. After that time, you will resume your role as head coach.''

Sam sat in stunned silence. ''Do you know what I have done for this college? All the trophies I've won for you. We have one of the greatest names in college football, and all you can do is suspend me on a technicality. Well, fuck you. Fuck you all. Do what you have to do. See if I care. I resign.''

''Sam, there's no need to......''

''No, Dean, stick your job where the sun doesn't shine.''

*****

''Sam, where are you? Please pick up,'' Lizzie said desperately. ''Why are you avoiding me?''

Sam sat on the sofa and listened to Lizzie as she spoke into his answering machine. She'd rung countless times during the course of the afternoon. He looked at the empty whiskey bottle and groaned. How the hell had it come to his, he asked himself? A few weeks ago his team had been winning, and he was a happy go lucky single and well respected. Now he'd been accused of professional misconduct, and he was probably out of a job.

''Hi sis, it's me.''

''Hey Sam what's up. You sound drunk.''

''That's because I am drunk. Listen, can I come and stay with you for a few days?''

''Sure. But what about work?''

''What work. I'm out of a job.''

''Jesus Sam, are you okay. Can I do anything?''

''I'll be with you tomorrow. Okay?''

The following morning Sam ignored all the calls Lizzie had made to him during the evening and night and packed his bag. It was six am, and he wanted to leave before Lizzie had a chance to come round. He locked the door, threw his bag into the trunk of his car and set off for the five hundred mile journey to Flushing Creek, his childhood home.

The journey passed uneventfully. He stopped a couple of times to refuel and eat, both times he ignored Lizzie's frantic texts.

''Hey Davy,'' Sam shouted as he pulled into the driveway at his sister's home and saw his seven-year-old nephew sitting on the yard wall.

''Uncle Sam,'' Davey exclaimed jumping from the wall and running to Sam's car. ''How long are you staying?''

''A few days,'' Sam said as he got out of the car. ''Here, I brought something for you.'' Sam reached onto the rear seat and handed Davey a new football with the name Westchester College in it.

''Wow, thanks,'' he said and ran off to test its aerodynamic potential in the yard.

''My older brother,'' Alison exclaimed as she put her arms around Sam.

''That's quite some bump you've got there.'' Sam put his hand on her swollen belly.

''Another six weeks and she'll be with us,'' Alison said proudly.

''That's great. How's George?''

''He's fine, working too hard as usual. But his firm is doing really well.''

Sam looked at the house his sister lived in, and could see how well her husband's business was doing. It was a large detached house with a pool and a tennis court.

''Come in and eat,'' Alison said.

After Sam had eaten, he rested for a while and talked to George when he arrived back from work. George was an accountant and a man Sam had nothing in common with at all. They managed to hold a conversation for thirty minutes before they resorted to the weather and intermittent silence.

''I'm going to the Lion to see what's going on,''Sam said at around eight.

The Lion was a music cafe in town which Sam used to frequent when he was young man.

''You're a bit too old for that aren't you?'' Alison joked.

''Thanks, sis,'' Sam shouted as he closed the door behind him.

The town looked just the same as it had twenty years ago. It was a sleepy place with around three thousand inhabitants. The Lion was on the corner of the main square, and as Sam approached it, he heard the familiar sound of jazz emanating from the door. A few people were gathered outside smoking. Sam pushed passed them and went inside. The Lion also hadn't changed much. Many of the same pictures were hanging on the walls as twenty years ago. Most of them were pictures of musicians from BB King to Jimi Hendrix.

A jazz band was playing on the stage by the rear wall. The bar was to the left and ran the length of the room. There were a few characters who Sam recognized standing at the bar. A couple of them he'd been to school with. He walked to the bar and ordered a beer. The young lady with pink and blue hair put a beer mat down in front of him and poured his drink.

''Sam?'' a woman's voice said.

''Jesus, Elvina,'' Sam said as he looked at the attractive woman standing next to him. She was about five six and had long black hair. ''You look great.''

''You don't look so bad yourself. What brings you home to Flushing Creek?''

''Needed a break.''

''Are you still a football coach?''

''Sort of.''

''It's so nice to see you. Can I get you a drink?''

''No allow me.'' He ordered a beer for Elvina, and they clinked glasses. ''How long is it since we've seen each other?'' he asked.

''Fifteen years. Something like that,''she said.

He'd forgotten quite how attractive she was. She was wearing tight jeans which clung to her shapely figure. ''Wow it's so great to see you. Are you married?''

''No, divorced. I've got a couple of kids. Two lovely girls.''

''What brings you here?''

''I live close by, and when I'm at a loose end, I come for a drink and listen to the music. How about you? You got married didn't you?''

''Yes and divorced like you. But I haven't got any children, unfortunately.''

''You sound sad about it,'' she said pushing her hair from her face.

Sam looked at her. He liked women wearing lips gloss, and she was wearing plenty. In fact, she was very well made up. ''It's something I regret.''

''You talk as if your eighty,'' she said.

''Forty next birthday.''

''It only seems like yesterday when used to hang around together. We even made love once, do you remember?''

Sam cringed. ''I do. And I remember I wasn't very good.''

''You had a premature ejaculation,'' she said without consideration to his feelings.

''Yes. How embarrassing. I was only seventeen, and you were so hot. I remember I couldn't help myself.''

''It didn't matter, though. I got you to satisfy me in another way I remember.'' She sipped her beer and narrowed her gaze.

''Yes. You taught me a lot,'' he said.

''How about you come and sit down with me? Let's talk about old times. It's been so long.''

''Okay. Let's do it.''

Three hours and several beers later Elvina was leaning on her elbow and staring deep into Sam's eyes. ''Do you want to recreate a bit of the old times. With me, tonight?'' she asked. ''Come back to my house with me.''

''Do you think I'd last any longer than last time?''

''I'm sure you would. A hell of a lot longer.''

Sam leaned across to her and whispered in her ear. ''Then let's go.'' As he stood up, he felt his phone vibrate. It was Lizzie again. He turned it off before putting it into his pocket.

When they got outside the air was cool and fresh. ''I'm a bit drunk,'' she said.

''Me too, but what the hell does it matter. Let's go and have some fun.''

He pulled her to him and kissed her. She put her tongue in his mouth and matched the movement of his lips. ''You haven't forgotten how to do that,'' she said. ''You always were a good kisser.''

She put her arm in his as they walked towards her house. When they arrived at the front gate, they kissed again. Sam put his hands on her buttocks and pulled her to him.

''Be patient. Very soon,'' she said as she felt his erection pawing at the inside of his pants.

He followed her up to her bedroom and sat on the bed as she undressed. When she was naked, she stood in front oh him and looked at his face.

''You don't want to do this, do you?'' she said.

''I'm sorry. I would love to, but it's.......''

''Go,'' she said as she reached for a gown.

''We had a lovely evening. Go. Maybe we'll meet again in another fifteen years.''

''Thanks, Elvina. I didn't mean to......'' She put her finger to his lips.

''It's okay, really.''

Outside Sam slumped against an oak tree that hung it's leaves over the pavement. He turned his phone on and waited. Ten text messages, all from Lizzie and three missed calls.

''Lizzie?''

''Sam, thank God. What the fuck are you playing at? I've been worried sick about you. Where are you?''

''In Flushing Creek.''

''Where the hell's that?''

''Five hundred miles from you. It's the town I grew up in.''

''Do you want to explain to me what you are doing there and why you sound so drunk?''

''Lizzie, I'm sorry. Can I explain everything tomorrow?''

''No Sam. You've been ignoring me. I want to know why and I want to know why, now.''

''Er.....do you know I was asked to appear before the Ethics Committee?''

''Yes. I heard. That's why I was trying to get in touch with you.''

''Well, things got a bit out of hand, and I told the Dean to fuck off.''

''Yes, I know that as well.''

''How?''

''His secretary called me. They are worried about you, and so am I.''

''They don't give a shit about me. All they want is to see me ruined.''

Lizzie tutted. ''Stop feeling sorry for yourself and be a man. What's the matter with you? They hold you in very high regard.''

''Then why did they suspend me?''

'Because they made a mistake Sam. I've been looking at the Ethics Charter, and they shouldn't have suspended you. We didn't have a relationship until weeks after I stopped being a cheerleader. The Dean is wrong, and we can appeal it. But not if you keep running from me.''

''You know I always do this when I get close to someone?''

''Yes. You told me you have an issue with commitment. Well, it doesn't matter Sam. I don't want you now. You can go to hell. Anyone who ignores me like you have is an ass-hole and doesn't deserve me. All I want to do is help you get your job back.''

*****

Sam wasn't sure whether he was still under the influence when he began the drive back to Westchester. It was five am and he'd finished drinking about one am. But he didn't care, all he wanted to do was get to Lizzie's apartment as quickly as possible.

When he finally got there is was four pm, and he was exhausted. He wearily climbed the steps to her apartment and knocked on the door.

When Lizzie opened, she was wearing red lingerie and a pair of black hold up stockings.

''What took you so long?'' she asked.

''What?''

''I thought you would have been here earlier.''

''You told me you didn't want me. If I remember correctly, you told me to go to hell. Now you greet me in sexy clothes and ask where I've been. I'm confused.''

''Did you think I was being serious?''

''Of course.''

''No, I didn't mean a word of it. But it got you back to me didn't it.''

''You cunning.......''

Lizzie squealed as he lifted her from her feet and carried her to the bedroom. ''I'm going to really teach you a lesson for that,'' he said.

''Okay, but don't ever run away from me again. Either commit to me here and now or go forever,'' she said.

''I love you. I want you. Now stop talking while I undress you.''

Lizzie stood patiently as Sam unhooked her bra. He stood back to look at her breasts, his gaze making her shy. ''Stop glaring and do something,'' she said.

''You are so beautiful. How can I not glare at you?'' He put his hands on her soft mounds and felt how heavy they were. ''My God I've wanted this moment for a long time.''

As he spoke, he felt her nipples stiffen, and her breathing become faster. ''So have I,'' she said. She started to take off his shirt. Underneath she saw how well defined his muscles were.

''I need a shower,'' he said. ''It's been a long journey.''

''Take my things off and I'll come with you.''

''With pleasure,'' he said.

He knelt in front of her and put his fingers inside the waistband of her panties. His touch was warm on her skin as he slowly slid the thin material down past her shapely thighs and let it drop to her ankles. His eyes were drawn to the perfectly manicured landing strip in the V between her thighs.

''Now you,'' she said. She unfastened his belt and pulled the top button on his jeans open, and slid his zipper down. She put her hand into his pants and felt for his penis. She felt it jump when she touched it. ''Wow. You're not going to disappoint me are you?'' she said referring to his size.

He slid his pants and shorts down and stood up so she could look at him. ''No, I hope not.''

When he stepped out of the tangled mess of his pants and shorts, she took hold of his hard shaft and led him into the bathroom. When she'd rolled her stockings off, she turned on the water and pushed him into the shower.

As the water cascaded over them, she pushed him down onto his knees and thrust her groin toward his mouth. She cried out when his tongue touched her wetness. She pulled his head onto her and lifted a leg so he could have easier access to her.

As his tongue made long strokes over her, the tiny hairs on his chin tickled her. ''That's so nice,” she gasped.''Don't stop. Right there yes.''

He continued until her legs were shaking so violently she could no longer stand. She hadn't reached orgasm when they left the shower. They fell onto a towel on the bathroom floor. He pushed her legs apart and put his mouth to her once more. Soon she began to feel her pleasure welling up, causing her belly to stiffen and her hands to paw at the skin on the back of his neck.

''You smell wonderful,'' he said raising his head for a second. ''So young and fresh. Come for me.''

When he resumed, he took her over the edge. She thrust her hips from the floor and ground herself on his face until she became too sensitive and pulled away. ''My God,'' she gasped as she rolled onto her side. ''That was great.''

''There's plenty more where that came from,'' he said. She loved the shape of his legs and the fine dark hair that covered them. His chest was strong and his biceps bulged when he moved his arms. His penis pointed to the ceiling, and his balls were taught against his shaft. They looked so inviting she couldn't help herself.

''Stand up,'' she commanded.

He stood above her as she began to kiss and lick his balls. They were coarse, and the skin rippled. Her tongue played delicately in the folds, teasing him, making his shaft painfully hard.

''Nice?'' she asked.

''Yes, very.'' He was enthralled by the sight of her red fingernails on his scrotum as they tweaked his skin teasingly. When she slipped a finger between his legs and began to massage him there, it drove him wild. He rolled her onto her back, pushed her legs as wide as they would go and thrust into her. Lizzie screamed as he parted her, his penis rubbing over the most sensitive places her body possessed.

She loved the sight of the muscles in his arms straining as he held himself above her. His thrusts were long and firm, and she had to hold onto him to prevent herself from sliding away from him.

''Fuck me harder,'' she pleaded. ''Make me come again.'' She saw him grit his teeth and felt his thrusts increase in intensity as he pounded her. Soon her body stiffened, and her face became motionless as a huge rack of pleasure surged from her womanhood. He stopped deep inside her until her orgasm released her from the spams it had held her in for many seconds. She gasped for breath and smiled at him.

'’You are so pretty,'' he said. ''I love the sight of you when you come.''

''Take me to bed,' she said. In the heat of their passion she'd ignored the hardness of the tile floor but now she wanted softness.

He put her down on her belly and mounted her from behind. ''If you want to know, this is my favorite position, he said. ''I can see all of you from here. Your beautiful ass, your back, your shoulders. You're so hot; I don't know how long I can last.''

''Just screw me and shut up,'' she said, eager to feel him moving in and out of her. He gripped her soft hips and pulled her onto him. She gasped and cried out as he began to slap himself against her buttocks. The feel of his penis, as it slid in and out of her, and the feel of the vibrations his hips were causing as they slammed against her, made her scream and come once more. She buried her head in the pillow and groaned. He was insatiable and quickly exhausting her.

''Give me your sperm,'' she said. ''I want it inside me.''

He grunted, shoved into her a few more times, and remained stock still as he gave her every last drop of what she so craved.

''That was great,' she said as she rolled onto her back. ''Are you okay?'' she asked when she looked at him. He was bathed in sweat and breathing hard.

''Fine, I didn't know I was so out of condition,'' he gasped.

''Maybe you ought to join your players on a run or two,'' she said.

''So that's what having a young wife is going to be like. Daily runs and serious screwing in the evening. I'll soon be back in shape.''

''Wife?'' she said.

''Er....no I meant,''

Before he could finish, she put a finger over his mouth. ''I like wife better than whatever you were going to say.''

''Me too,'' he said.

''Are you sure? You won't go running away again?''

''No. I won't. You are the one for me. Of that, I have no doubt. We will be a rock solid couple.

*****

Lizzie found out six weeks later that she was pregnant. Sam was so thrilled he paid for the team to have free drinks all evening in BJ's. He even told Cora she wasn't that bad after all.

Fatherhood brought a gentler, more understanding side to him which helped no end in training his players. Suddenly there was a bond and results started to come again. By the time his son was three, Sam was being hailed as the best collegiate football coach in the county.

A year later, he'd been poached by the NFL, where he earned so much money the financial security of his family was guaranteed forever.

Lizzie finished her studies but chose to be a full-time mom. She had four kids whom she idolized. She and Sam never divorced. They were happy together for the rest of their days.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance - Not With the Coach

I tried, in earnest, to look a little relaxed. I inhaled deeply and slowly breathed out, hoping that my nerves would go with it. It didn’t seem to help in the slightest.

Jennie didn’t seem fazed; she was a natural at appearing- well- natural. I always felt, at least, some measure of envy towards her when we spent time together.

The most attractive men I’d ever seen paraded by us, giving large smiles at Jennie and avoiding my gaze as much as possible, it seemed. I was used to it by now. Yet, I still held a shred of hope that someone 'd notice me.

“Yeah! Go Brad!” Jennie shouted while waving at the stand where the players congregated.

I applauded and did my best to look the part as a fan of the team. The pep rally was full of fans, and the cheering onlookers were having the desired effect on the team.

It hadn’t been my first rally that year, and for some reason, I felt my nervous at every one. I couldn’t tell what was causing it in the slightest. I wasn’t speaking in public, or expecting to be approached by a player, however, nice that would have been. I wondered if maybe they were jitters of excitement, and I was just hoping our team would crush the opposition.

“We have to watch them practice tomorrow, Sandy,” Jennie said, as I clapped with the crowd.

I nodded and smiled at her.

I was always her tag along, as a handbag that fit her outfit perfectly. I didn’t mind, though, I just enjoyed being wanted.

The crowd began to disperse a while later, and Jennie bade me stay so she wouldn’t be alone while she waited for Brad.

“Hey, girl,” I heard Brad say from behind.

We both spun and after taking her first look at him, ran to him and jumped up to straddle his waist. I might as not have existed; they paid me no mind and began to wander off. I checked the time on my phone; it was too late for any of the buses, and with no money for a cab, I figured that walking would be best.

I palmed the can of mace I kept in my purse; an old habit and probably a good one to have. The street was still littered with people going in every direction.

“So Jennie ditched you again, eh?” I heard an older voice from behind. It was Coach Reynolds.

“Evening Mr. Reynolds,” I said curtly, “and, yes,” I added. He seemed amused, filling the evening air with laughter.

“That girl is trouble, and I think Brad will find out soon enough,” he said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“She doesn’t know who her real friends are, yet. I think she’s a bit too boy crazy, which is fine. But, if she keeps that up she won’t have anyone to rely on.”

I nodded, not really understanding what he meant.

“Do you need a ride home,” he asked.

I knew what I wanted to say, but I wasn’t able to say it.

“I think I’m okay. I’ll just walk,” I replied.

“Oh nonsense, I couldn’t let someone walk home in the dark alone like this. It’s only right. Just come with me,” he said.

While it was a little demanding, I was glad that he insisted. I already felt a little safer now that he was nearby.

We had walked another block before we got to his car; an old muscle car from the 60’s. The paint was a little rough from wear, and the interior was slightly cracked along some of the seams, but it looked like he prided himself on it. A great amount of care was put into maintaining this old thing. I felt a bit out of place sliding into the passenger seat.

“So, where are we off to?” he asked, rumbling the engine to a start.

I gave him the directions to the room I was renting. I liked being out of the dormitories and enjoyed the responsibility of living alone and free.

The car vibrated and hummed as he pulled into the street, as though there was a purring kitten sitting on my lap.

We pulled to a light, and not a single person was around. I felt a little nervous again, and I think he could tell.

“Wanna have some fun?” he said.

I inched away from him slightly, assuming something nefarious.

“Not that kind of fun,” he inferred while revving the engine.

I sighed with relief and giggled at my own misunderstanding; I had a feeling we were about to be very irresponsible.

He stared at the hanging light, with his hand firmly grasping the shift lever. I wrapped my arm around the handle on the door, feeling my heart starting to race.

The light turned green. His hammered the gas hard and the tires began to screech and howl. Grey dust filled the air, and we shot down the road like a bullet from a gun.

He sped past more green lights, building up more speed until we reached my turn.

“Here!” I shouted and pointed to the right.

He smiled, revved the engine and shifted down, making the cars tail spin into the turn, causing the car to go sideways.

An odd thing occurred during my brief glimpse of death; I found that I wasn’t so nervous anymore. I even loosened my grip on the door and started enjoying the feeling of swaying with the motion of the car. The engine thumped, and I could feel each and every patter strike me in ways I hadn’t felt before. It felt like liberation.

“Woo!” I shouted.

He laughed as he continued to drive like a maniac. And, before I wanted it to, our ride had come to an end. He slowed down as we approached the house in which I stayed.

I sat for a moment in the passenger seat, shaking with excitement. I couldn’t stop myself from giggling with giddiness.

“Okay, you better hop out,” he said, “I don’t want people to start talking.”

I slid from the car seat, my legs still feeling a little rubbery from the excitement. With the door shut, I leaned over the open window and blew him a kiss. I immediately regretted it; feeling a little embarrassed as he drove off.

My heart still raced, and my skin was still flush. I felt more alive now than any other time I could remember. I danced to my room, barely feeling the ground as I went along.

I wonder how often he gives people rides.

2.

“Isn’t Brad just gorgeous,” Jennie said as we sat in the stands watching them practice.

I rolled my eyes like I usually would; I doubt she ever saw me do it. She was always so absorbed by her boyfriend playing to ever really pay attention, anyway.

I adjusted my glasses, putting them to rest on the bridge of my nose. They were just slightly too big, but there was nothing I could do, new glasses weren’t in the budget.

“You know, I think Brad said that Mike was making eyes at you, I bet I could introduce you two, and you’d hit it off right away,” she said, rubbing my shoulder and shaking my glasses back down to the tip of my nose.

I furiously tucked them back to their usual spot.

“Mike is pretty cute,” I managed to squeak out.

“Perfect! Come with me to the party tonight and you can meet him. I think you guys would make a cute couple,” she said.

I hadn’t much interest, but I knew that Jennie would find another excuse to bring me to the party. Might as well just accept the first and move on.

I set aside my books; they weren’t holding my interest. I dwelled on the ride from last night and still felt the pangs of excitement shoot through my head.

I closed my eyes and relaxed my muscles. I somehow wasn’t feeling very anxious or nervous today as I usually did. It was as though a switch had clicked on in my head last night.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the coach, watching from the sidelines and barking out orders. His clean and pressed button down belayed his more mischievous demeanor. He was quite attractive. Tall and sinewy, but still very muscular; his broad shoulders tapered down in a V-shape towards his waistline. His close-cropped hair framed his face while his sharp brown eyes gave him a stern but lighthearted gaze.

I found myself watching him as he waved his clipboard through the air, and blew his whistle. My heart skipped a beat; the only other time it had done that was when I met my old high school boyfriend.

“Alright guys, get in here,” he shouted.

The crew of players did as told, huddling around the coach. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they listened intently to his words. Then they all broke off and headed towards the showers. Mr. Reynolds grabbed his bag and shoved the clipboard inside.

“Okay, Sandy. I’m going to go wait for Brad outside the locker room door, coming?”

“I think I’m going to stay here a while, you go on ahead,” I said.

She nodded and happily skipped off.

I tucked my schoolbooks away and trotted down the stairs. I barely made it halfway down when I saw the girls cheer team cease their practicing for the day.

They looked like models, every one of them. Their long legs barely covered by a tiny skirt, and blonde hair tied back to a ponytail. I was envious of her good looks and chipper attitude. I could just barely make out their conversation.

“Hey, Mr. Reynolds, what are you doing this weekend,” asked the prettiest of the bunch, “the girls and I were planning on having a little cheer camp and would love to have you there to coach us.”

“Doesn’t the cheer team already have a coach?” he asked.

They all giggled.

“Well, we do, but we could always use a little more coaching,” she said through a bright smile.

The squad captain did a flirty bounce where she stood. It was easy to see that she had taken a liking to Mr. Reynolds; I felt a little envious.

“I think I’ll leave your training to your coach; I’m much better at teaching players.”

The girls let out a collective ‘aww’ as he spurred their advances. He turned to grab his things as the girls wandered off to the field. I slowly continued to descend the stairs, and he flashed me a smile as I did.

“Good practice?” I asked, making polite small talk.

“Are you really here to talk about practice,” he asked, “where did Jennie go?”

I pointed toward the locker room, and he nodded in understanding.

“The players kept talking about a party tonight; they even invited me for some odd reason,” he said.

“Jennie asked me to go; she wants me to hook up with one of the players. Mike, I think.”

“Mike is a good kid, but a little daft in the head. You really have to grind things into that skull.”

I sighed, realizing how long tonight was probably going to be.

“If you go, I’ll buy you a drink,” I quipped, expecting to be brushed off.

“I might have to hold you to that,” he replied.

I coughed, nervously.

“Why do you let Jennie boss you around,” he asked. He looked at me quizzically, and I realized I had no real response.

I had never really thought about why I let her do it; she just did it, and I went along. It’s just the way our friendship has been since forever.

“Because she’s my friend,” I replied.

He set his things down and sat on a bleacher, patting the seat to beckon me to join him.

I did as I was asked; taking a seat right next to him. I was closer now than I was last night, but I trusted him a little better today.

“You should be friends with someone because they want to spend time with you; not just because they want you around, so they’re not alone,” he said.

I nodded.

“You’re a smart girl; you probably get good grades, and study in your spare time. But, you have to spend time with people that are good for you.”

“Jennie is good to me,” I started, “she’s been my friend since grade school and is part of the reason I’m going to this college.”

“But, did you want to go to this college?”

I hadn’t thought of that. I was really hoping to get into something more upscale. For a long time, I had hopes of getting into an ivy-league school, and I had the grades to make it happen. Jennie didn’t, but she probably wouldn’t have gone to college if I weren’t here to support her the entire way.

“I suppose I didn’t,” I replied honestly, “I just wanted to be there for my friend.”

He nodded.

“I bet you haven’t had very many boyfriends,” he said.

I leaned back in shock that he would ask something like that. Though, he wasn’t wrong about that either. I shook my head no.

“It’s confidence that you’re lacking. You accept what other people want you to accept.”

I nodded.

“See, you’re doing it right now.”

I laughed when he pointed it out but really didn’t know what to say.

“I’m only playing. I grew up in much the same way. I got good grades; I spent a lot of time to myself, and I went along to football tryouts even though I really didn’t have much interest.

“I was a little stick figure of a kid, and I got teased a lot for it. Still, when I ran on the field, there wasn’t one person who could catch me.

“Playing in this sport did something to me, I gained a measure of confidence I hadn’t had before. Then, I started working out, eating right and now I turn down people that wouldn’t have given me a second glance when I was in school.”

I nodded along.

“So you’re saying I should workout and eat right,” I asked.

“I’m saying that you need to find what works for you,” he said, “try a new sport or travel, take a class you never thought you could take; Or even something simple like a makeover; just one small change can have a large impact on your life. But, I wouldn’t change a single thing about you.”

His words stirred in my breast, and I wanted to make a change. I had thought about what I would do if I could; his words were inspiring me to act. Still, I wondered what he meant about not changing a thing.

“I think I have an idea,” I said.

He laughed.

“Good! Now get out there and make it happen,” he said. He sighed and stood to leave, but he lingered for a thoughtful moment after picking up his bag.

“Coach,” I asked.

“Yes?”

“You seem to have something on your mind, is there something you wanted to add,” I asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” he replied, “just a thought.”

He grabbed his bag from the stand and started walking away, but turned before getting out of earshot.

“Just make sure you don’t change too much because some people like you the way you are.”

I nodded, confused, and wondered what he meant by that. I felt my heart race after what he said. It became a longing to spend some time with the coach, just him and I. Part of me wanted to surprise him, show him just what I could be.

I’d considered doing a makeover for a while, and even Jennie had suggested it on more than one occasion. I wanted to be better and more attractive. Maybe, if I’m more attractive, someone like the coach would fall for me.

Or, maybe even the coach would fall for me, I wondered. I know he’s attractive and not even that much older than me. He always has a way with people; a way that influences people to improve. I wondered if he would ever fall for someone like me as I was now, but he wouldn’t want someone that was so unsure.

I needed help, and I knew who might just be able.

3.

Jennie and Brad were already making out on Brad’s car. I didn’t know whether to be assertive or disgusted. I chose the former.

“Ahem…” I coughed.

Neither of them paid any mind. I tried again but this time much louder.

“Jennie,” I said, “I need your help.”

Jennie leaned off her boyfriend and turned toward me. I felt a little nervous talking to her like this, but I pushed past my feelings.

“Sandy, why don’t you go home and get ready for tonight. I’m going to stay out with Brad,” she started turning back, but I had to interject.

“Jennie, I go to a lot of trouble to keep you happy, the least you could do is help me out for once.”

She leaned back and straightened her back.

“You follow me because you want to, Sandy. I don’t force you to keep me happy,” she said.

“If you still want me to go tonight, then you’ll help. At least, I thought friends help each other out.”

She sighed, and threw her head back in an exaggerated motion.

“Fine, Sandy, I’ll help. Brad, I’ll catch you tonight,” she said.

Brad happily entered his car, kissed Jennie goodbye, and sped off. We were finally alone.

“What do you need,” she asked.

I didn’t really know what I needed, but I knew what I wanted.

“I want you to make me look good. I’ve gone too long with this look; I need a makeover.”

Sandy smiled wickedly and tugged me by the arm.

“You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you to say that,” she said.

She started talking really fast, and I could barely keep up, even with the experience I’d had with her motor mouth in the past.

“Slow down, Jennie, what are we doing first,” I asked.

“You need clothes first; we’re going to the mall!”

I was always nervous when I rode with Jennie; she wasn’t exactly the safest driver I’d ever known. It usually took about twenty minutes to get to the mall from school; she did it in ten.

She pulled me inside the mall, holding my arm the entire way. I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. I wasn’t one for buying new clothes, generally preferring to shop when necessary, not for fun. Jennie was the opposite.

“Considering how tiny you are, I think we should get something that shows off the curves you do have,” she said while throwing piles of clothes at me.

I looked at a couple of price-tags and knew this wouldn’t be a cheap trip. With my mound of clothing in tow, I was shoved inside a dressing room. Jennie joined along and eagerly helped me strip off my usually jeans and t-shirt I had made a habit of wearing.

“Okay, we need to get you some new underwear, this just doesn’t work for me,” she added.

I didn’t know what was wrong with it; it served its purpose of keeping me covered and together. I started rolling my eyes but Jennie caught me and grabbed me by the chin.

“If you roll your eyes one more time today, I am going to leave you to figure this out yourself. You think I don’t see you when you do it, but I see it all the time,” she said.

I felt like a deer in the headlights as she spoke. I guess I’d struck a nerve with her that I didn’t know existed.

“Sorry, Jennie,” I said.

“It’s okay; you’re my best friend and friends have to stick together,” She smiled and released me as though it never happened.

She exited the room, leaving me to try on everything she left. She was right, I thought, I didn’t have much of a figure at all. I was always a little taller than most girls and fairly waifish. It caused a lot of teasing through early middle school and all of high school. Probably part of the reason I wore baggier clothing and sweaters to cover myself up.

I slid on the first pair of pants, and they wore really tight. It was only then that I really realized how long and spindly my legs were, and how well the garment accentuated my tiny butt. I felt a little sexier in them already.

The next thing I tried was a tight fitting halter top; I had owned them in the past but rarely wore them. This one fit me like a glove and made my chest look twice as big as I remember. I did a couple of poses in the mirror, as I had seen models do in magazines, and I saw a side of myself I had never seen before. I could finally see a more confident me, Mr. Reynolds was right.

I heard a knock on my door, and before I could cover myself up, Jennie came barging in. She looked me up and down.

“Okay, I’m going to consider this outfit a good jumping off point,” she said.

She poured me into more outfits over the course of the next hour. Every one of them was more revealing than the last. I didn’t mind in the least, as I found more confidence in myself with each change.

“Okay, I think we got it, now let’s get you something to wear underneath,” she said with a smile.

I spent more money in the first store than I should have, but change is never cheap.

We entered an expensive lingerie store, and I felt very out of place. Bras were hung prominently from the walls, as did the lacy underwear.

We paraded through an assortment of tops where Jennie plucked out a few things that I would never have purchased alone. Then, just as before, she crammed us into a fitting room.

“I think I can change by myself, Jennie,” I said.

“Oh don’t be so lame, it’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before,” she said.

I giggled.

“That was 8th grade, Jennie,”

“Do you really think you’ve changed much since then,” she asked.

I shrugged, I couldn’t see any difference. I breathed deep, letting go of whatever embarrassment I might feel soon as I slid out of all my undergarments.

Jennie began laughing, hard.

“Okay, what now,” I said with a sigh.

“You need to shave, Hun,” she said.

“I’ll do that later, just give me those panties,” I slid on the laciest pair she found. They were more comfortable than I thought. They rid up my backside a bit, but it wasn’t so bad.

For another hour, I tried on half the store. Jennie continued to make jokes about my unshaven womanhood, so much so that she called up and made an appointment for a Brazilian wax, which I’d heard of but had no idea. I just went along with it.

“You’re in for a treat,” she said in a somewhat ironic tone.

The day lingered on, purchasing new makeup, new shoes, and things I didn’t know I needed. Jennie had it all planned out, as though she’d been thinking about this for a while. Her madness continued until we stood in front of a boutique, my heart was beating hard, and I felt like I should run away; I probably should have.

I’m going to spare the details, in fact, I really don’t want to think about it in the slightest, or go back for another wax. It was torture for a first timer and had a feeling Jennie was laughing the whole time in the waiting room. I wondered, in jest, what the coach would think if he saw me in the lacy underwear, and my clean shaven privates. It made me giggle as I thought about it.

She drove me home, and I was grateful for the ride. I had too many things to take on the bus and was still a bit embarrassed after my first Brazilian.

“I’ll pick you up in a few hours for tonight,” she said before she sped off.

I wondered what Mr. Reynolds was up to.

4.

“Girl, Mike is going to love you,” was all Jennie said to me as I tucked myself into the front seat of her car. Brad was already waiting for her at the party with his friend Mike. I couldn’t get Mr. Reynolds out of my head.

I was feeling nervous again but pushed it to the back of my mind. I had prepared and was ready for this, and I had never felt sexier.

“Do I have to spend the whole night with Mike? If I’m not having fun, I might sneak back home before he notices,” I said.

“You can do whatever you want, but give it a shot and see if you like the new you,” she said.

I felt anxious, both wanting to see what people thought of my change in appearance and wanting to curl up under my blanket at home. I didn’t say anything else in the car until we arrived at the party.

There were already people standing outside, drinking casually and talking. Some were even spilling into the lawns of the neighboring houses. The house behind them was large and old, made of red brick with ivy crawling up the sides; columns supported a balcony on the second floor with some old Greek letters displayed prominently on the railing.

I could feel their eyes as I stepped from the small car, and a measure of silence fell over the crowd. I felt immeasurably embarrassed being the center of attention. My heart raced as though it would shoot from my chest any moment.

“Come on, Sandy,” Jennie said, grabbing my arm to lead me inside.

The talking started again as I strolled past, and I could make out my name being uttered by several of the partygoers; my name was now followed by the word ‘sexy.'

Brad took up a place in the backyard over a large stainless steel grill, being crowded by a group of football players looking for conversation and food.

Jennie waved at Brad, who smiled at her briefly before his mouth dropped slightly at the sight of her new friend.

“Who is that,” Brad asked in an astonished tone.

“Brad, it’s me, Sandy,” I said proudly.

One of the football players jutted his arm around my waist.

“Hi, I’m Mike,” he said with a smiling and drunken expression on his face.

He was cute, but not in the way I liked. His round and dimpled face made him look as though he were several years younger than he was.

“Hi, Mike,” I replied.

“I think Jen said I might just be your type,” he said.

I nodded as he shoved a red plastic cup, full of beer, into my empty hand.

“I’m already four drinks in; you have some catching up to do,” he said.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, so I looked over at Jennie with a sort of surprised and disgusted look on my face as I took a sip of the frothy liquid.

“Do you wanna go somewhere and talk,” he added.

I sighed.

“Sure, let’s talk,” I said.

He grabbed me by the hand and pushed his way into the house, shooing a couple from the ruffled and musty old couch in the living room.

“Have a seat,” he said, playful pushing me down.

I wasn’t used to being pushed around by men, and I hadn’t any interest in starting now, but I wanted to see what the ‘new me’ would do.

I cozied up with the armrest and hid my face behind the plastic cup.

“I’ll get you another beer,” he said, sprinting off to the backyard.

Some cheering came from the front yard, and I was curious to see what was going on. I sat on my knees and peered over the back of the couch toward the front door. Coach Reynolds was making his way inside, a cheerleader or two in tow.

I quickly ducked behind the tall back of the couch, hoping that he hadn’t seen me. Then a shadow cast itself over me and looking up revealed that he had indeed noticed me.

“There’s no way that’s you,” he said.

“Who do you think it is,” I asked.

“Only one person I know has cheekbones like that,” he added as he paced around the couch. He plopped down by the other armrest and waved away his followers who looked at me with envious gazes.

“You made me want to try something new,” I said.

He laughed and crossed his legs.

“I’m surprised you came,” he said.

“Likewise,” I added.

“This is a good look for you. If only I were ten years younger, I might have tried harder to muster the courage to ask you out,” he said.

Ten years younger, I thought, he was still gorgeous now. I wanted to continue chatting, but Mike returned from the backyard.

“Hey, Coach,” he said while handing me the beer, “wasn’t expecting you to come.”

“Someone had to make sure you guys don’t drink yourselves stupid, just consider me more of a chaperone than a drinking buddy,” replied Coach Reynolds.

I took a long sip from the glass and felt out of sorts with the two of them here. I would have much preferred just to talk to the coach.

Mike plopped down in the center of the couch and threw his arm around me. I wanted to shove his arm off, but couldn’t muster the assertiveness to do so.

“So, Coach. How do you think we’ll do at the game?” Mike asked nonchalantly.

“I think you know where I stand on that,” he replied.

“You guys will do great,” I said, not adding much to the conversation.

The two guys looked at me, and I regretted saying anything at all.

“What makes you say that Sandy,” started Mr. Reynolds.

“Well, I’ve watched you guys practice a lot, and you guys always look good when running plays and stuff,” I said.

“If anything, they look good,” laughed Mr. Reynolds.

“Hey, you want a beer,” Mike asked.

“Sure, Mike,” the coach replied. Mike shot up, running to the backyard again.

“So, Mr. Reynolds, do you like the new look,” I asked, straightening out my top.

“Call me Jeff, Sandy,” he said.

“Okay, Jeff,” I replied uncomfortably.

“To answer your question; yes, you look fantastic.”

“Would you have talked to me ten years ago if I looked like this,” I asked.

“I’m not sure, I was pretty shy when I was younger,” he said.

“Well, if you had asked, I probably would have said yes,” I said.

He crossed his legs the other way, and I felt a little nervous baring myself like that. I hoped I hadn’t said anything inappropriate.

“You’re making me regret growing up,” he said.

“The car you drive makes me wonder if you ever did,” I replied.

He guffawed loudly, making a few people turn and wonder what we were talking about.

“I’ve had that car for far too long, I should probably buy something newer,” he said, “and more responsible.”

“I had fun on the last ride,” I said, “and hopefully it won’t be the last.”

Mike returned with Jeff’s drink and handed it down to him before plopping back into the center seat of the couch. Jeff stood up, drink in hand.

“I should probably check the rest of the party. I don’t want to see any drugs being passed around,” he said before walking away.

I wanted to get up and walk around with him, holding his arm the entire time, but I was Mike’s date for the night, and I was nothing if not honorable.

“So, where did we leave off at, cutie,” he said, starting to lean over for a kiss.

I pushed him off, trying to keep his face away from my own.

“Mike, I’m not making out with you,” I stated.

“Oh, come on. Why else did you work so hard to look good for tonight,” he asked.

A hand shot out from behind the couch, grabbing Mike by the shoulder and dragging him away. Jeff had returned and looked upset.

Mike did his best to fend him off, but Jeff was the stronger man, and he effortlessly pinned Mike to the wall.

“I want you to get everyone together and line them up out back. We’re having an impromptu lesson for all the players,” Jeff said authoritatively before releasing Mike.

Mike scampered from the wall and started running around the house, gathering just about every guy there. It only took about five minutes before they were all crowded around in the backyard, and the other partygoers were pushed inside. Out of curiosity, I decided to listen in and hear what they were talking about.

“Are you boys kidding me?!” he shouted to the gathered players, “You force yourself on girls and think that’s right?”

The guys looked a little sheepish.

“A good man doesn’t force anything; he waits to be received and is grateful when he is.”

“Coach, since when have you had a girlfriend, though,” replied Mike, “girls are different today than when you were in college.”

“Style’s change, Mike. Girls don’t.”

“Yeah, but we’ve never seen you with anyone, why don’t we ever see you with a woman,” Brad asked.

“I’m not here to get mocked by a bunch of college kids that think they’re big time stars and are owed sex,” Jeff started. “Next time you get that feeling that she owes you a kiss or anything else, if I hear about it or see it at all, you won’t be playing,”

The guys looked around at each other.

“Sorry, Coach. I think I speak for everyone when I say this is the last you’ll hear of it,” Brad said.

“Good. And, when you meet the right girl, you’ll know,” Jeff went on to say. He saw me watching from behind the crowd and met my gaze, continuing to speak.

“Sometimes you meet the right girl at the wrong times,” he said, “and you want to do nothing more than spend time with them. But, you know you shouldn’t.

“You can’t take your eyes off them, and there’s nothing you can do.”

“Umm, coach, what are you going on about,” asked Mike.

Jeff shook his gaze from me and focused back to the crowd of players.

“It’s nothing, Mike. I gotta get out of here. Don’t drink too much, we have a game in a couple of days,” he said.

Jeff pushed his way through the group and walked towards the entrance to the house.

I followed along, desperately trying to keep up. He walked fast; faster than I’d seen him move before. I pushed through the crowd that filled in the space behind him and realized I had lost more ground.

Before I could even exit the house, he was already in his car and driving off down the road. I couldn’t let it end like this; I needed answers from him.

I sprinted through the house again, towards the backyard. Then, once in the backyard I ran and hopped over the fence. It connected to a similar house, as well as the only road out of the area.

I heard his car rounding the corner just as I made it to the road. I stood prominently in front of his path, and his car screeched to a halt.

“Sandy, what are you doing, get out of the road or someone is going to hit you,” he said.

“Jeff, we need to talk,” I said, making my way to the passenger seat.

5.

He didn’t seem to object to me getting into his car.

“Drive,” I said.

He put the car back in gear and started on the way again.

“If anyone sees us in the same car, I’m in trouble,” he said.

“I don’t care,” I replied sternly.

We drove in silence for a few blocks while I thought about what to say. I honestly didn’t think I’d make it this far.

“Were you talking about me?” I asked.

He let out a drawn out sigh.

“Yes,” he replied.

“You couldn’t take your eyes off me?”

“Yes, and I felt bad every time,” he said.

“Why is that,” I asked.

“I’m a teacher; I’m not supposed to get involved with students.”

“How involved were you trying to get,” I wondered.

He pulled the car over; we found ourselves on an empty street, not a house in sight. He clicked the car off and leaned back in his seat.

“I wanted to ask you out,” he said, “I just want to-”

I kissed him mid-sentence. At first, I thought he would try to fight me off, but he leaned into it and accepted my advances passionately.

“We shouldn’t,” he said lightly pushing me away.

“You’re right, it’s a good thing we aren’t,” I said while I rubbed his inner thigh.

He squirmed in his seat, but not in a discomforted way. I was surprised at the new me that was taking over. My head was screaming for me to stop, but every other part of my body yearned for me to continue. My body needed this.

I massaged his member outside his pants; he was getting harder with each rub. He pulled me in closer for a kiss which I cherished. The tenderness of his lips and the eagerness of which he gave them to me was turning me on more.

His arms wrapped around my skinny torso and he ran his hand along the small of my back. I leaned down and unzipped his zipper to free his throbbing member. With a light tug, it revealed itself to me.

I ran my hand up and down his shaft, and he leaned his body back, letting out light moans of pleasure with each stroke. I took his free hand and moved it between my legs. He did as I wanted and rubbed his hand up and along my freshly shaven slit.

Then I took him inside my mouth, as much of it as I could. His salty juices were already starting to flow from the tip, and I lapped them up.

He undid my tight jeans and forced his hand down inside. His fingers made round motions around my clit, and I could feel my panties starting to soak.

I bobbed on his rock hard manhood for a few more strokes before I leaned back and shoved off my bottoms. He did the same.

He looked at my bare womanhood, licking his lips. In a quick motion he bore down on my dripping wet sex; playing excitedly with every part of me.

His tongue flicked over my clit in wonderful circles that shot waves of pleasure through my head. I thought I might burst from the sensation alone, but it seemed he had other plans.

He tugged at the bottom of my shirt and lifted it over my head, exposing my tiny breasts and nipples for his enjoyment. I felt a little shy, but wanted him to see, so I opened my legs a little wider and arched my back.

He crawled along the seat, stealing another kiss from my lips. I could feel him rubbing his beast along my wetness. He wasted no time and pushed himself into me with a forceful lunge. It had been a long time since I had felt the sensation of another person entering me, and I was glad it was him doing it.

His member pulled me apart, and I relished every inch. I moaned loudly, and this just turned him on more. I could feel him throb from inside.

Then he began to pump, exiting, and entering me. He began to get rough, and I liked it. With every thrust, he came in a little harder. I wrapped my hands around his neck so that I wouldn’t fly away. He grabbed me by the waist and pulled himself into me as far as he could.

My body ached with passion, and sensations I’d never felt before were flooding me from my head to my fingertips. I started feeling all tingly while he continued his onslaught of passionate thrusting.

I felt it small at first, and then it became a cascading wave of sensation. My body tensed and my toes curled. He wasn’t far behind; I could feel his body tighten, pulling me in for one final thrust before releasing himself inside.

When my orgasm finally stopped, I realized I hadn’t taken a breath in more than a minute and felt incredibly winded. He pulled himself out, slowly.

“Looks like we’ll need to practice if we’re going to make the playoffs,” I said, jokingly.

“Which one of us is the coach,” he asked.

“I’ll take your tips anytime,” I said.

He rolled his eyes and fell atop me for another kiss. We didn’t leave our little perch until the sun started peaking over the horizon. My body was sore and bruised and satisfied.

6.

I wanted to see him almost immediately after he dropped me off at my house. I wanted to go home with him and forget I was a student. I wanted to forget that he was more than ten years older than I was, but all these things kept wracking my head with guilt.

I didn’t want to get him fired for sleeping with a student, which was a possibility if anyone found out.

The day passed by miserably, I stared at my phone wishing that he’d call me with the number I had left with him. He didn’t call.

When I woke up the next morning I did my best to stay casual but I couldn’t, I needed to see him again.

There was a good chance he would be back at the practice field with the team, so that would be the best place to start.

I put on some of my new clothes and rushed out the front door. When I got out there, I saw his car already parked on the street corner, with him waiting inside.

I happily danced my way to the passenger side.

“Sandy, we can’t do this,” he said.

I was shocked to hear the words; I had wanted to spend another afternoon together.

“Why,” I questioned.

“Because I’m a teacher, and you’re a student. I can’t be more than that. Please understand.”

“I can’t understand why you would want to turn away something that feels so right,” I said.

He looked at me and let out another long drawn out sigh.

“You know, you really are the right person at the wrong time,” he said.

I could feel myself welling up with tears as he said it. I leaned into the passenger door and pried it open.

“I’ll be watching the game from the stands, make sure it’s a winner,” I said, slamming the door shut with a squeak.

He smiled, and that was all.

I spent the rest of the day trying in vain to study. I wanted nothing more than to forget everything had happened. My mind raced uncontrollably, wondering what I could do to keep this from ending for real. There had to be something that would let me be close to the person that I liked, without getting him fired in the process.

It occurred to me that the age difference was a little more than I would have liked. With age comes experience, though, and I would have liked to take advantage of his experience.

I pictured the kiss we shared before parting ways the other day. It was like a dream.

When studying didn’t work out, I decided to try spending some time with Jennie. Thankfully she was unavailable; I couldn’t imagine trying to share my experience with Jeff. I’m sure she would have just laughed it off as some kind of drama that I was trying to stir up.

So, I found myself lying in bed the remainder of the day, remembering every little caress and sensation I felt during our night of passion.

I awoke the next morning in odd sorts. The depression of knowing that something so wonderful was coming to an end before it even began, weighed heavily in my heart. I met up with Jennie for a tailgate party before the game.

I’m normally the one preaching sobriety but was feeling much the opposite. I drank more than my fair share. Nobody really minded, the just figured I had finally cracked myself out of my anti-social shell. Perhaps they were right. The last few days had been rather eye-opening for me, and I was beginning to discover who I had become.

I watched Jeff throughout most of the game, barely paying attention to the game. I cheered when the crowd cheered, but my brain was clogged with thought. Jennie chatted at me constantly, I just smiled and nodded. I doubt she really noticed my lack of interest.

The team was on fire; which was good as Jeff looked a bit too deep in thought to really get his head in the game. Brad took control and led the team to a relatively easy win. When they ran for the locker room, Jeff stood behind, lingering for a while on the field.

I excused myself from Jennie, and she ran off to join her boyfriend, the recent winner. I waited in my seat for the crowd to thin out before saying anything. I only approached when we were almost alone in the stadium.

“Congrats on the win,” I said.

He swiveled his head and gave me a nod and a smile.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” he replied.

I sat myself beside him, still keeping, at least, an arms-length of distance between us in case anyone was watching.

“Winning?”

“No, parting ways,” he said.

“Are you leaving?” I asked.

“Not sure. Fate is dealing us a bad hand, isn’t it?”

“The worst,” I replied.

He picked up his things and started walking away. I waited a moment, thinking that I could just let him go, but I wouldn’t let it happen so easy.

“Jeff, I can’t say goodbye like this,” I said.

He swiveled on his heel and turned to face me.

“Then don’t,” he replied.

I ran over to him, tackling him to the ground and planting a kiss square on his cheek. He started to push me off, but I held on tighter.

Then I saw an old look in his eye, something mischievous.

“Ten minutes, my office,” he said while standing back up.

I nodded and started feeling giddy about the time we were about to spend together. I sat down on the chair nearby and stared at the clock on my phone. I wondered if I should wait five minutes before I left, or if I should be late and make an entrance.

I chose the latter.

I went into the women’s restroom nearby and locked myself inside the handicapped stall. I stripped out of my clothes, neatly folding them and placing them inside my overly large handbag. Then I threw my somewhat short coat over my skinny naked body.

I stole away in the night, feeling my heartbeat quicken with each step I took towards his office. I was already a couple of minutes late, but didn’t want to get caught, so I went slowly to make sure nobody was watching.

I knocked twice on his door, and he answered readily, pulling me inside the office and shutting the door immediately.

The blinds in the office were all shut, and the lights were all off; save for a single candle that was lit on the middle of his desk.

I jumped into his arms and gave him a big kiss which he readily accepted. When his arms hugged around me, I believe he noticed how little I was wearing.

I felt his hand stroking along my leg that was wrapped around his waist. His hand kept grasping further up my thigh until he found the prize waiting for him.

I quivered and moaned as he ran his finger along my wet slit. I lowered myself down to the floor, letting the candlelight dance shadows across his face.

He pushed my coat over my shoulders and took in the sight of my naked body again, hungry and ready for more.

I unbuttoned his dress shirt while he caressed my sides. I enjoyed the tingle that would run up my spine with each passing moment.

With his shirt off, I began to work at his trousers. Now free from our clothing, we explored each other bodies. We were hungry to memorize every last detail in case this was our last chance at seeing one another.

He pulled me in for a hug; I stayed there just feeling his warmth as much as I could. His hand found my bottom, and he squeezed my flesh hard. He wanted to devour me, and I wanted to let him.

In one motion he picked me up and sat me on his desk. Then he kissed my neck, leading down to my pert little nipples. He spent some time kissing and sucking on each one. The sensation made my chest feel flush with excitement. I kissed him along his neck and dug my hands into his hair.

He rolled me over on the desk, forcing my butt to the sky. I wanted him to see me, all of me. With my chest not resting on the top of his cold desk, he began rubbing his hands along my back, massaging my tense muscles with his powerful hands.

Then he leaned over me and kissed my neck from behind. I could feel his throbbing member rubbing along my dripping wet sex and bucked my hips to stop him from teasing me.

He grabbed my hips and held me down to the desk. Then, I could feel him start to slide inside me. His manhood stretched me in just the right ways, and the sensation of being filled was causing me to explode.

I could already feel another orgasm starting to build up in the pit of my stomach. I enjoyed every motion as he slid inside and out, forcing my hips into the desk harder each time.

I moaned but held my mouth shut. I didn’t want to be too loud, not here.

He shuddered with excitement. My spindly legs had become exceptionally weak from all the motion and buckled out below me. He held my hips in place as he continued to work himself inside.

Every muscle in my body tensed up instantly as the orgasm took hold. I gritted my teeth to keep from making any noise. Then all my muscles went limp. I didn’t think I could move anymore.

He kept pumping, and I hungrily accepted it. Then I felt him swell up inside and fill me up with his steaming liquid. I shuddered uncontrollably.

When he pulled out, it took a lot of effort to stay on the desk. He held me tightly while leaning over the desk. I don’t remember falling asleep.

7.

I wanted to see him more, but it wasn’t meant to be.

I received a note two days later in the mail, along with an old key that looked weather-beaten and used.

The note read as follows.

“Dear Sandy,

“I can’t stay in the school anymore. You’re an amazing person, and I want to do nothing more than wake up next to you when I’m nearby, but it isn’t right.

“You need to meet someone closer to your own age; someone who’s in the same stage of life and ready to tackle tomorrow. I’ve done a lot of living, and you need to find your own path to travel, not be forced to follow me down mine.

“I’m leaving you my car. It showed me my path, and hopefully it will help you travel down yours. Perhaps our paths will cross again, someday.

“Don’t forget, there will always be people that love you, for you. You don’t need to be someone else; you just needed the confidence to be yourself.

“Your friend forever, Jeff.”

I wanted to be angry at him for leaving, but I knew he only wanted what was best for me.

I took the key out to the parking lot where he’d left it. It sat there like an old man, waiting to be woken up. The car was a little popular. A couple of guys had gathered around the car. One of the members of the group was peering into the driver’s seat, wide-eyed and curious.

I approached, key in hand.

“Whoa, is this your car,” he asked, amused.

I nodded.

“This is a gorgeous ride, a little rough around the edges, but it’ll take you anywhere as long as you have a full tank of gas.”

I looked at him, somewhat quizzically. He was tall and lanky, not very muscular at all. He had a backpack on that looked stuff full of books and papers. His angular chin and high cheekbones gave him a regal stature.

“What’s your name,” I asked.

“Nathan,” he replied, offering a hand.

I shook his hand and flashed the key again.

“Wanna go for a ride,” I asked.

His face beamed with excitement, and he ran around to the passenger side. I slid into the driver’s seat, running my hands along the grooves in the steering wheel.

With a flick of the key, the monster roared to life.

“Where are we going,” he asked.

I smiled.

“For a ride,” I replied, dropping the car into gear. The tires squealed, and the car shot down the road. I felt free.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance - My Stepbrother’s Game – A College Hockey Romance

1.

I was having difficulty concentrating on my book; it could be said that it was a little bit my fault, though; reading at a sporting event is always difficult. The crowd is always jumping to their feet or hollering about a goal.

Kathy sat next to me, cheering her lungs out.

“Isn’t this just the most fun you’ve had in your life,” she quipped.

“Right, fun,” I replied, trying my best to concentrate on my reading.

There are so many places you can visit and adventures you can have; all of these things while sitting in a comfy chair while drinking tea. I don’t think Kathy really understood how much fun I had while reading.

“Seriously, Casey. You’re a real downer right now with that book,” she said.

I rolled my eyes behind the pages of my book. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard that. The school room assignments saw fit to randomly place an introvert with an extrovert. I was reaping the rewards of having a roommate more outgoing than me.

Kathy snatched the book from my hands and gestured to the ice rink in front of me.

“This is all the action you need right now, come on Casey. Give it a try for just ten minutes and I won’t bother you again for the rest of the night,” she pleaded.

I took my book back.

“Do you promise,” I asked snidely.

“If you can manage after enjoying all this action,” she said.

I stuffed my book into my purse and turned my attention to the athletes providing the entertainment.

The two teams flurried about, doing their best to attack the puck. Our star player was on the field, heading down the ice towards where Kathy and I sat, with the puck shuffling back and forth on his stick.

For a brief moment, I could make out the baby blue in his eyes, and I felt his stare shooting at me. Everything fell away in the moment; the crowd cheered, but I was deaf to their tune, as though nothing else mattered.

Then a rival player smashed him hard into the glass that I was sitting near. I held my hand to my mouth, feeling his pain shoot through my head.

It didn’t seem to faze him much; he just turned my direction, smiled, blew a kiss and shuffled the puck from the corner.

“I think he saw me,” Kathy said.

I could see her already begin to swoon. More times than I could count I’d returned to the dorm room with a sock waiting for me on the door. It was the standard signal for me to get comfy at the local coffee shop until she told me it was all clear.

I wouldn’t say that she slept with a lot of different people; she just liked to sleep with the same people very often. I would always do my best not to judge her choices, but honestly, none of the boys held much interest for me. Most of the men around here reminded me of home, and that bothered me to consider.

In the small amount of time I watched, I witnessed two different fights on the ice. The referee would always back off for the briefest of seconds as the idiots would have a go at trading blows. I did my best to avoid giggling at their stupidity, but even so it was hard to suppress.

“I hear they’re having a party after the game, we should go, it’s Friday, could be fun!”

As she continued to talk I-having fulfilled my requisite time watching-returned to my book. She scoffed, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to finish the chapter before the game was over so I wouldn’t have to remember my place on the way home.

“Okay, that’s it. You’re staying for the party. You need to get out and meet people,” she said.

“Not interested,” I replied.

“If you come, this time, I promise I won’t bother you for at least a month,” she suggested.

The idea of being able to be left to myself was tempting, but definitely not enough.

“How about, if I go, you won’t have sex in the dorm for a month,” I suggested in jest.

“Deal,” she responded all too quickly.

“I was just kidding, really. I don’t want to go,” I said.

“Too bad, we have a deal.”

I slumped into my chair, wishing I hadn’t said anything at all. Before long, the game time had elapsed, and our team ended up the victor. This party had all the sudden become a victory party, and I had an inkling of what that might entail.

2.

‘Come to the party,’ she said, ‘we’ll have some fun,’ she said. Why do I always get stuck being the person she drags to these stupid things. I’d rather just be curled up at home, reading a book, and getting to sleep early.

That’s what I get for having a roommate that can’t do anything by herself. She just has to pull me along, until she finds someone more interesting to talk to, and then she forgets about me.

This would be the fourth party in recent memory that this has happened. I watched her from afar, chatting with a couple of boys, whom I’m sure she had every interest in sleeping with tonight. It wouldn’t be the first time.

They held the party at the now empty ice rink where our local hockey team had just won. I wasn’t much of a hockey fan. When I was a little kid, my dad would have the games on in the den, sitting beer in hand, while shouting excitedly at the T.V. I never minded curling up nearby while he watched, I’d just read a book and forget what silly things the boys said at school.

I still remember when he got me into skating; he wanted a son more than a daughter, but he did the best with what he had. He tried getting me into hockey; its popularity never waned through all of elementary school. Instead of getting into that sport, I found myself oddly taken by figure skating.

He rolled his eyes at the idea, but never once said a bad thing about it whenever he’d take me to practice. I miss him, even though we never really saw eye to eye.

I had a feeling I might be roped into an after party, Kathy always knew how to pry me out of my shell. Having brought along my old pair of ice skates, I thought now was as good a time as any to get back on the ice. A smattering of other partygoers had already convened on the Ice and had started playing games. I hadn’t much interest in their brand of fun, so I did my best to avoid their gaze.

I stiffly started to skate about before finding my stride. I could feel the cool air stinging in my nostrils, as I sped along the outer edge of the rink. It had been a while since I’d been on the ice myself, but I felt the memories of all my old lessons coming back to me.

I started skating backwards, as I was taught, and I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my veins. It was a feeling I always had before I did something that felt right, but was usually stupid. It felt right enough to me, as I pushed off the ice and did a quick spin in the air, narrowly landing without falling.

It took me a second to catch my breath; I hadn’t done any figure skating since before my dad died. Even so, landing that jump brought back a few memories that I wish had stayed buried, as I felt a couple of tears begin to form at the corner of my eyes.

A small bit of applause began to roar from the center of the ice. My skating had garnered their attention, against my better judgment. I turned to them and took a quick bow, to appease their cheers, skating backward the entire way.

Then I bumped into him.

I lost my footing and fell over backwards, my legs flipping over my head, making me land face first on the ice while still sliding backwards. Then a hand shot out to stop me, which was, at least, a modicum of solace.

I couldn’t make out who was helping me, but was thankful that I was being helped up at all. I barely needed to do any of the work, as it seemed he felt intent to pick me all the way up. In fact, he did, cradling me in his arms for a moment while laughing.

I rolled my eyes and pushed off, finding myself standing back on the ice and more than a little woozy from the fall.

“You know, you should watch where you’re going when there’s a crowd on the ice,” he said between laughs.

I scowled at him for a second before responding.

“You could have gotten out of my way!”

“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have seen you do a backflip. Did anyone tell you that you’re cute when you’re angry?”

I flared my nostrils and began to skate away. He followed after me, to my chagrin.

“Why are you following me,” I asked.

“I wanted to make sure I was there to catch you if you tripped over someone else,” he replied.

“I can see where I’m going, just go away,” I said, steering out of the way of the group on the center of the ice.

“Are you sure,” he asked, coyly.

I stopped and wheeled around to confront him.

“You’re the worst kind of jerk,” I started, “at least normal jerks stop bothering me when I ask them to.”

He laughed.

I hadn’t had a good look at him before, but now that I was looking at him face to face, and not woozy from falling over, he was actually a little attractive.

A smattering of thick stubble surrounded his chiseled chin, as his thick unkempt hair tousled around his head, falling down to his forehead in wavy circles. He was taller than me, even though I was on skates. I couldn’t see much under his puffy, thick, winter jacket, but he wore it well with a strong stature.

“Didn’t I see you at the game, earlier?” he asked.

Now that I looked, I saw the same icy blue eyes staring back at me that I’d seen during the game earlier.

“You’re the player that got shoved against the glass,” I said.

He tousled his hair with his hand.

“Yeah, I still feel that one,” he replied, “are you enjoying the party?”

I looked over at the group gathered around the keg; they laughed as though being drunk were the best thing in the world.

“I was enjoying it in my own way, until you decided that I should be doing backflips instead of skating,” I said.

He laughed.

I didn’t know I was a comedian.

“Considering how sober you are right now, you must come with me.”

I stared at him quizzically.

“Just follow me, it’s important,” he said, beckoning me to follow.

My curiosity was taking over, and out of instinct and adventure I followed. He led me to the other side of the arena, to the group gathered around the keg.

“I have the other person for my team,” he shouted.

The crowd let out a collected cheer, and I was regretting wearing my ice skates right now.

“Okay, here’s the game. It’s team style beer pong; the winning team gets to choose a suitable punishment for the losing team. Standard rules, no rebounds.”

I felt like an idiot joining in on this inane game. An excuse to drink and throw things around was all it really was, and thinly veiled at that.

A ping pong ball was thrust into my hand. I leaned over to my partner and whispered in his ear.

“What do I do,” I asked in earnest.

He leaned in to explain.

“Throw the ball into their cups, if it goes in they have to drink the contents of the glass, and the same goes for us. If they run out of cups, we win. You’re pretty sober, so I’m hoping you can throw straight.”

I flicked the ball around in my hand before lining up my shot. It landed right in the front cup. I felt a surge of excitement as the boy on their team picked up the glass and guzzled down the brown liquid.

My joy was short lived as he answered right back by splashing me with the beer in the cup in front of me. My partner gestured to the glass, and I begrudgingly took the glass and drink heartily.

The exchange became fierce; we’d attack and force them to drink, and they’d respond in kind. As the alcohol began to make my vision blurry, I began letting out a string of obscenities that would have made my father proud.

My loud mouth caught a few laughs from the people nearby, and I felt a little bit of enjoyment from being so well received.

We were down to our last cups; one more success would mean that we’d get to pick a fun punishment for our rivals. I was already thinking up terrible things to make them do; I would have them run around the block naked, or I’d have them go for a dip in the lake even though most of it was frozen over from the winter cold.

My teammate stepped up for his, hopefully final, toss. I could hear my heartbeat in my chest as the suspense was killing me. He loosed it, and it bounced just off the edge of the tiny red cup.

I exhaled a sigh of utter defeat even though we had yet to lose. The girl on the other team bobbed and weaved about while trying to line up her shot, and I hoped she would miss. I knew I could make the final throw.

But, it was all for not. She lazily tossed the ball that bounced off the table a few times before planting it squarely in the last glass on our side.

“That shouldn’t count, you can barely see straight,” I said. Although, that wasn’t all I had to say as even more unsportsmanlike slurs ushered from my lips.

Still, I snagged the last glass from the table, which sloshed around in my drunken grasp, before downing the beverage in one gulp. It was at that point that I let out the most unladylike belch.

My partner did nothing but laugh, watching me stumble around on my skates. I took a moment and sat myself upon the ground to remove them when the winning team started chiming in with their decision for punishment.

“Okay, Rick. Your punishment is, you have to kiss the dirtiest mouth at this whole party,” said the girl.

I started laughing while wondering who that might be. Then I found my answer when my partner, Rick, plucked me from the floor and started kissing me. At first, I tried my best to push away, but the firmness of his lips and the rush of adrenaline I had from losing the game were getting the best of me. I liked it, and my head yearned for more human contact.

He pulled his head back slowly, craning his neck to give me some space while looking into my eyes. For the briefest of seconds, I thought he might feel the same way as I did, but he just unwound his arms and started to walk away.

“Okay, what’s your name,” the girl asked.

“I’m Casey,” I said while picking my skates up off the ground.

“Alright Casey, I have a punishment for you,” she had a wicked smile on her lips, and I knew nothing good was going to come of it.

“You have to do a lap around the ice rink,” she started.

I felt a sigh of relief, but then she continued.

“Wearing only your ice skates,” she added.

A sudden panic struck me in the heart, and my entire body tensed. All the small conversations around me stopped, and I was suddenly the center of attention.

“I don’t think I can do that,” I said, meekly, barely echoing my voice for anyone to hear.

Rick must have noticed because he sidled up closer beside me and whispered in my ear.

“Casey, have a sense of adventure. Everyone here is drunk and won’t even remember what you look like anyway. I have a feeling this is more toned down that what she was originally thinking,” he said.

I pondered the idea for a moment, getting naked in front of a crowd was probably my worst fear. I started thinking back to all the books I’d read; all of them full of heroes that fought against great evil, finding their way out of impossible situations. Then I realized I was pretty drunk anyway.

“Alright, If I’m to be a martyr so that this party might never be forgotten, let me be so,” I said chivalrously.

I saw many cocked eyes and awkward glances after I said it and now regretted saying as much.

The weight of the task weighed in my mind, and I wanted to force the crowd to turn around so I could change but knew it would make no difference. So, I started to slide my pants off over my slender legs; it probably would have been more difficult if I had been curvier but I’ve always been skinny.

The crowd began to hoot and holler, and my adrenaline was pumping again. I was too nervous to take off my underwear just yet, so I took off my sweater and felt the cold from the ice start to freeze my nipples under my small bra.

I pulled my beanie back down on my head, in a vain attempt to keep as much heat as I could inside my body. I plopped down on a bench near the entrance to the ice rink and peeled off my cotton panties. The excitement of being watched was turning me on, which increased my embarrassment. I hoped that nobody was paying attention to that.

I slipped my ice skates back on while doing my best to hide my girlie bits from prying eyes. I saw a few flashes go off in the crowd and just prayed that I wouldn’t see it on Monday.

With my skates on, I held one hand up to my recently shaved mound to hide myself, but it didn’t help in the slightest. They continued to holler, and I could tell the guys were excited for the free show; I wanted to smack them all.

I unclasped my bra and lowered it over my small, perky breasts, tossing it aside; using my hands to cover them and crossing my legs to cover my other parts.

“Start skating, girl,” said the girl. I would make her pay for this sometime.

I stepped onto the ice and inched my way around, trying to keep hidden while completing this ridiculous dare. But, as I did it I realized that the more time I spent inching around the ice, the longer I’d have to be naked.

I hunched over and began skating fast, taking bigger strides as I went in an attempt to finish quicker. I saw flashes from cell phone cameras and just rolled my eyes as there was nothing I could do to stop it now.

Then I just stopped caring. I let myself go and started feeling at ease on the ice. The motion of skating was warming my core, and the swooshing of the ice took away their screams at my naked frame.

In all the excitement, I could feel a dripping down my leg. I really was getting turned on from being naked in front of all these people. I hoped that it was just a one-time occurrence and that I wasn’t some kind of exhibitionist. Maybe it was all the drinks I’d consumed or the excitement of almost winning a game.

I rounded the other side and began to make my way back, my heart pounded the whole way, and I started to think of the characters from my book, and the things they went through while accomplishing their great deeds. I felt like a hero.

Rick stepped out on the ice, and my heart skipped a beat. I yearned to be kissed again; I could feel it in my bones. He pulled out a camera and started photographing the entire thing. I had some slightly naughty thoughts about what he’d be doing with the footage later.

My skate slipped below me, sending me tumbling to my back but still moving towards Rick. I tried to stop myself with my skates, but it just splayed my legs out, giving everyone a perfect view of my incredibly wet sex.

I came to a stop in front of Rick, whom apparently found it more important to take a picture of my womanhood than help me up. I whipped my legs closed as quickly as physically possible as Rick held out a hand to help me up.

I took it and hugged close to him to try to cover myself with something. He reached over for my jacket and threw it around my shoulders.

“I have a feeling you won’t be forgetting this for a while,” he said through a smile.

“Hey, I only did it because I’m drunk and had to follow through with the gamble. It’s your fault I’m her to begin with,” I retorted.

He handed me the rest of my things, and I don’t think I’ve ever dressed myself faster in my life. It felt as though I had never felt warmth before and was just feeling it for the first time as I got dressed.

“Please tell me you’ll get rid of that recording,” I said.

“Casey, I’ll remember this for years to come,” he replied.

I stuffed my skates back into my bag; I wanted to get away from the crowd of drunks, but they all felt the need to tell me how awesome I was. I did feel like the hero of the party.

I looked over to Rick, who handed a few dollars to the girl that challenged me to the dare. By the time I’d gotten over to ask what it was for, Rick was already gone.

“Why did he just give you a wad of cash,” I asked.

“Who do you think wanted to get you to skate around the rink naked? I guess the kiss was just a bonus.”

I felt like an idiot.

3.

The drive home was long and boring, nearly 200 miles of farm land and snow as far as the eye could see. A measure of beauty came out of the old place, seeing the rolling hills covered in something as pure as snow; it looked so surreal in its monotony.

I came to a stop in front of my mother’s house. As I pulled up, I could make out her silhouette behind the front door waiting for my entry. I didn’t have much to bring in, but it was enough that I could barely see where I was going.

“Casey, you’re home!” she shouted from the porch.

I followed the sound of her voice while doing my best to stay on my feet on the icy walkway. She took a couple of my larger bags and ushered me inside with the biggest of hugs.

“How’s school,” she asked.

“School is keeping me busy, that’s for sure,” I replied.

“Have you done anything fun this year?”

I didn’t want to say a thing to her about my exploits around the ice rink recently, so I tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“How have you been? I really should call more often,” I asked.

“Well, I have some great news, but I was hoping to save it for dinner time. In the meantime, I just finished boiling some water. Would you like some tea or cocoa?”

“Tea, please,” I replied.

We sat about, making polite conversation. We hadn’t seen each other for a few months, and I was the worst at keeping in touch. It sounded like she had stayed busy while I was gone, going to local meetups for adults, and meeting more new people to spend time with. It seemed she was doing all the things that I was distracting her from. She and I were best gal-pals, but as I grew up, we grew apart. I found solace in my books, and she took to practicing piano anytime it suited her fancy.

When I found a lull in the conversation, I excused myself to return to my room to put away my things. I had almost a month off from school and wanted to keep away from the vitriol of the school. The videos of me and the rink continued to make their way around the school, and thankfully I never saw the video that Rick took.

I had become something of a legend on the party scene, which was great for my popularity, but not for my solitude. There were so many people interested in having me come to their event, and I had even less interest than before.

I heard mom stamp up the hardwood steps of the tiny house, walking towards my bedroom. She knocked on the open door.

“Hey Casey, company will be here shortly,” she said.

I nodded but was still curious about this mysterious company that she’d be keeping. No matter, though; as it was probably just a few friends from a knitting group coming by for dinner.

I pulled on my comfiest sweater and joined her downstairs, with my book in hand. She knew my habits and had already cleared off my favorite chair for reading.

The doorbell rang loud in the living room, and I did my best to look casual. Mother hurriedly paced to the door and tore it open. The frame of the figure standing at the door was much larger than I expected.

“Hello, Gladys. I hope you don’t mind if I brought my boys along. They’re going to have to meet sooner or later, I figured now is as good a time as any,” said the man.

Such an odd way to phrase it, and I wondered what he meant by ‘sooner or later.'

I stood from my chair, attempting to peer around the door to see who might be talking. Then I saw Rick walk inside the house.

Rick.

“What the hell are you doing here,” I asked, with my mouth agape.

Rick turned to find the source of the voice and squared up when he saw me.

“You’re the last person I expected to see here, how do you know Gladys?” he asked.

“I’m her daughter,” I replied coldly.

I gave him a stare that would kill a rhino in its step, but he looked unfazed by it. Then another young man strode into the house hoisted up by a pair of crutches.

“Who’s this, Rick?” I prodded.

“You could just ask me,” he started, “I’m Trenton, nice to meet you.”

He seemed so upbeat; I reached out to his outstretched hand and gave it a shake.

“So, this is your brother, Rick?” I asked.

They did look quite similar, but Trenton was younger and had more childish features, but still the same piercing blue eyes.

“Did you want to sit down, Trenton,” I asked.

He nodded, so I showed him to my reading chair. I think he liked it quite a bit as he sat his crutches beside the fireplace.

I stood partially alone with Rick in the walkway.

“If you tell my mom about what happened I will seriously kill you,” I said.

“I haven’t told a soul and don’t intend to start now,” he replied.

I stormed off to the kitchen to click off the stove. Steam billowed from the noisy kettle, so I removed it from the burner and started pouring myself a glass. Then I remembered my manners.

“Trenton, Rick, would you guys like some tea,” I asked curtly.

“Just me,” replied Trenton.

I fixed him a nice warm cup and brought a glass of water back for Rick. As I walked into the living room where they sat, I saw Trenton holding Rick inside a headlock. Rick was doing his best impression of being stuck, but it didn’t fool me.

“Geez, Trenton, you keep working out and you’ll be laying everyone flat.”

Trenton giggled.

I handed them their drinks and sat on the couch opposite them. My mother and the stranger at the door continued to chat in whispers until she finally came into the living room.

“Okay, we’re just going to come out and say it,” my mom said.

“We’re getting married!” added the man I’d never seen before.

I stared at the two with an expression of disbelief.

“Okay, mom, whatever you say,” I said.

Rick stood up and walked over to his dad, taking him in for a big hug.

“I’m sure mom would be proud that you’ve finally moved on,” he said.

I couldn’t tell from the distance, but I thought I caught a glimpse of tears forming at the edges of his eyes.

I stood and joined my mother. I had questions that needed answering.

4.

“It was incredibly cute; we were at a singles dance night at the community center. My partner had wandered off and was flirting with another girl, so I found myself raiding the punch bowl.

“While I was over there, I noticed Bill looking over his shoulder to make sure nobody was looking. I did my best to look like I hadn’t noticed but apparently he knew I was watching.

“He pulled an entire bottle of Vodka from his coat and dumped it in the bowl. I laughed so hard that people started staring. And, when people started staring at me, they saw Bill still pouring the bottle.

“We ended up both getting kicked out of the dance, but we still spent the evening talking about old times.”

My mother kept her gaze on Bill the entire time she told the story; I did think it was, at least, a little cute. Still, they’re getting married, and that was difficult to wrap my head around.

“Why are you guys getting married so quickly? It’s only been a couple of months,” I asked.

“When you start getting up to my age, you start to realize that every second you have is a gift, and getting to send all those seconds with people you care about is worth more than gold,” added Bill.

I toyed with the glass of wine my mother poured for me for dinner. I hadn’t had any alcohol since my escapade at school, but I made a special excuse to drink with her as a toast.

“I’m happy for you, mom, I really am. But, this is going to take a little while to get used to. I think I’m going to turn in for the evening. Goodnight everyone,” I said.

Mother cleared her throat.

“Sweetie, Bill and the kids are going to spend the night tonight. Don’t be surprised if you wake up to strangers in the night,”

I sighed deeply.

“Would you prefer I sleep in my car,” I asked.

She shook her head.

“No, you sleep in your bed. I just want you to know that the toilet seat might be left up, so you should keep an eye out.”

“Goodnight, mother,” I said while rolling my eyes.

She giggled and sipped on her wine, as I made my way back upstairs.

5.

I woke to a cry in the next room over; it was Trenton in the guest bedroom. I heard Rick’s voice softly speaking in the darkness to his brother, but couldn’t make out what he was saying. I stepped from my bed and leaned against the door of my room, hoping to make out what he was saying. It was no good; there was too much between us.

I creaked open the door of my room and tip-toed down the hall. Every step made raised the volume of the voices.

“So you’re having a bad dream, buddy,” I heard Rick’s voice say.

“I swear I heard a monster under the bed, can you check again,” Trenton asked.

I heard shuffling around the bedroom.

“I saw one, but I scared it off with my ugly face. Most monsters are scared of me.”

Trenton laughed in the bedroom.

“Alright, get some sleep, pal,” Rick added.

I heard footsteps coming towards the door of the bedroom, and turned to rush back to my room, but I was unfortunately caught. The door to the guest room screeched open in the dimly lit hallway, exposing me in my pajamas.

“Casey?”

I stood still, hoping he hadn’t seen me, but my better judgment helped me realize that was impossible.

“Rick,” I stated casually, “I was on my way to the bathroom when I heard you guys talking. I didn’t hear anything, I swear.”

He exited the guest bedroom and pulled the door closed.

“Hey, when you’re done in the bathroom, do you think we can talk?”

“I don’t really need to go to the bathroom,” I said sheepishly.

He nodded and wandered down the nearby staircase, I followed. I had a lot of questions for him that I needed answered as well.

He propped himself on the couch, and I in my favorite chair.

“I don’t know what to say,” he started.

“I’m going to make some tea,” I said as I stood up and made for the kitchen.

“What happened to your dad,” he asked bluntly.

I hadn’t thought about it since it happened, and it felt odd talking about it with him. But, I think he knew loss about as well as I did. He might be one of the few people to understand.

“My dad always had a weak heart. It was a matter of time before the stress caught up with him. He passed away from a stroke a few years back. Mom’s always kept jobs for herself on the side, so it wasn’t hard for her to step up and take over the finances.

“I think about him from time to time. I miss his stupid smile and the way he’d watch hockey games.”

Rick laughed.

“So you were always a stick in the mud?” he asked.

“I was always what I am right now,” I said.

I offered him a cup of tea, and he accepted it but showed little interest in drinking it.

“Why did you pay that girl to force me into that stupid challenge?” I asked.

“Straight to business,” he replied, “very forward of you. I would have thought you’d ask about my mother first.”

“I was about to, but certain things came to mind first. What did you do with the video?”

He laughed.

“I suppose you would want to know what happened to that,” he said, “I kept it in a safe place so nobody would be able to watch it.”

“You’re not going to hold it over my head, are you?”

“I’ve no intention of doing that,” he replied.

“Then what are you going to do with it,” I asked.

“I have no idea. I haven’t even watched it at all. I felt guilty after taking it.”

“You felt guilty? Why?”

“Because, after you did it I couldn’t help but admire your adventurous spirit,” he said.

I didn’t think I had an adventurous spirit.

“Why don’t you just delete it,” I asked.

“Because it’s a masterpiece, I think. Watching you fall flat on your butt on the ice was quite a nice view,” he said with a smile.

“Well then, what did you think of the kiss,” I asked.

He pondered the answer for a moment before replying. I wondered what was turning in that ridiculous brain of his.

“I think that’s why I felt so guilty after taping you,” he said, “thinking of the kiss makes me think the video was a mistake.”

I thought about the kiss again, that moment was etched in my brain as though a splinter that had taken root. I actually fell asleep thinking about it earlier, and thinking about it now was making me more than a little aroused.

“It’s wrong to think about that now. We’ll be siblings soon,” I said.

“Yeah, we’ll be siblings really soon. Too bad, too. I was going to ask you out after the break was over,” he quipped.

I had to take a moment and sip at my tea before saying much more. This guy was gorgeous, and he wanted to ask me out. Why did our parents have to be getting married?

“You know, they’re not married yet,” I said, coyly while taking another sip.

He looked over at me, and his expression made it seem like his brain was overloaded trying to figure out what I had just said.

“That’s a good point,” he said.

“Does that mean you’re going to ask me out on a date,” I asked.

He smiled a devilish smile.

“Considering they’re planning on getting married while we’re here on break, I’d have to do it soon,” he said.

I felt naughty thinking about it, but this might be my only chance with one of the hottest guys I’d ever met.

“I don’t suppose you’d like to go skating for a bit. The pond out back freezes over and makes for a fine spot to practice,” I said.

He nodded.

“Would you like to go skating with me, Casey?”

“I’d be happy to,”

We set a time for twenty minutes. I sprinted up the stairs as silently as I could and threw on my warmer clothes with my skates propped over my shoulder.

The two of us snuck around the house and to the back door. I crunched in the snow outside, and Rick joined me. I balled up some snow and did my best to pack a snowball to smack him in the face, but he had the same idea and got to it first. Striking me square in the head, I returned the favor and hit him in the chin. After that, we formed a truce.

The small pond was barely half the size of a regulation ice rink, but just the right size for children to practice.

“I spent many hours out here,” I said while shoving my feet in my skates.

I finished first and started to get a feel for the ice. He joined me quickly after and did the same.

We skated in circles and side by side for a little while; it was bringing back memories of the ice rink from before break. I couldn’t stop blushing.

“I dare you to do a lap, on this pond, naked,” he said, laughing at his own stupid joke.

“You first,” I replied.

He stopped laughing and looked like he was thinking about it. Then he started taking off his jacket. I paused, as he stripped off his undershirt to expose his skinny but strong mid-section.

“Oh, stop,” I said, hoping that he wouldn’t.

“You said ‘you first,' which means if I do it, you’ll do it. Right?”

“There’s no guarantee that I’ll go through with it,” I said.

“This is our one night that we get to be crazy, together. I already know what you look like naked. Let’s have some fun!”

That was it; he was right. It helped that he was super cute while he tried to slide his pants over his skates.

I kicked off my skates and started prying off my clothes. The air made me shiver for warmth, but I couldn’t imagine this ever happening again.

I peeled off all my layers until I was standing at the precipice of the ice in nothing but my panties and bra. He had already stripped off his boxers, and I could see he was enjoying this even though it was freezing.

“I bet I’m better at this than you,” he said, jokingly, “maybe I’ll stay on my feet in the end.”

I rolled my eyes and stripped off the last of my clothing. It was a trial by fire as my heart shot into my throat from the cold. It didn’t seem to faze him in the slightest as he started skating around, coming to a stop in front of me.

I reached out for help off the ground after I put on my skates and he was more than willing to do so.

I pulled up and into his arms, but didn’t pull away just yet. His heat felt good against my skin. I felt a good time to take a chance. I craned my neck up getting my lips closer to his.

It seemed he was waiting for this as he hungrily accepted me and returned the kiss in kind. My chest began to get flush and got a rush of excitement up and down all my limbs as we kissed.

I could feel his member rubbing against my bare stomach; it was growing. I wanted to be naughty, and I think he could tell.

He reached a hand down and grabbed my freezing behind. I welcomed the warmth of his hand and raised my leg to his waist to try to absorb as much of him as I could. Raising my leg shifted his position, and now his sex was rubbing against my own.

I could feel myself throbbing with passion, and I could hear my own heart beating in my ears. I stopped minding the cold altogether.

I reached a hand down to stroke his shaft as he reached a finger down and started to swirl around my clit. I let out a panting moan, and he twirled his finger around.

He began to skate backwards, and I fell into him, letting him take the lead as we skated to the edge of the pond. He sat himself upon his bundle of clothing and invited me to join.

I straddled myself atop his sinewy muscle and stroked up and down his chest. He reached out a hand and massaged my breasts, taking each one in turn, sucking on my nipples with his tongue and pulling me in closer with his other hand that rested on my back.

It was becoming too much to bear, so I lined his shaft up with my dripping wet sex and began lowering myself onto him. I offered little resistance to his entrance, as I could feel him pop inside and begin to fill me up.

I panted in the darkness, trying to stay quiet so as not to wake anyone in the house. I could feel myself get more wet just thinking about being caught. I wondered if he felt the same way, but didn’t care much to wait around for an answer.

I began working my hips around in circles while his manhood filled me. I could feel him throbbing inside. The spasms shot tingles through my spine, and I could feel myself getting close.

He lifted me from the ground while still inside me, and tossed his jacket onto the ice, lowering me onto it with the greatest of care. Then he started working his shaft in and out of my gaping wet hole. I started to beg for more of it with my pants of pleasure.

I think he could tell because he just started pounding hard and harder, smashing into my flesh. I wanted to scream, so I held a hand to my mouth and did my best to scream into it.

Then the welling feeling in the pit of my stomach grew until it encompassed the entirety of me, and I could feel a release. A flush of pleasure shot down my spine and tensed all my muscles.

I heard a sudden grunt come from Rick and could feel him shooting his hot sticky load inside. The feeling of him pulling out left me in shivers.

“Don’t tell the parents,” he said.

6.

We both woke up the next morning, completely spent and barely making eye contact. The rest of the vacation went similarly, as neither of us could look the other in the eye.

I didn’t complain; what we did would be wrong. Siblings shouldn’t be close like that. I did finally manage to ask him what happened to his mother, and he was straightforward with the answer.

“She died giving birth to Trenton,” was all he said.

I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like losing one person and gaining another. His father Bill took it hardest; Rick was too young to know what was really going on.

As the end of the break neared, we received our invitations to the wedding. It was a small ceremony, with only the local family attending, which included a couple of cousins, aunts, and uncles. We barely managed to fill the small twenty person church.

I played the maid of honor, and Rick played the best man, it was hard to take my eyes off him when he was dressed up, he looked incredibly professional.

I felt like he had the same thing on his mind, he might not be looking at me, but the corner of his eye was always facing my way.

Bill and Gladys were married on a Sunday, and it was a small and quite cute ceremony. They ate more than half the cake themselves.

I hadn’t seen mom this happy in a long time. The day filled her with a radiance that I had never seen on her face. Bill, as well, had rosy cheeks and the two of them danced liked they were the only ones in the room.

I giggled when I caught Bill pouring a bottle of Vodka in the punch; I avoided the bowl but seeing mom drunk was the highlight of the day.

Rick finally made his move over to my side. I knew this moment would come, the moment we had to decide how things were going to be from here on out.

“I’ve been thinking about it for the last two weeks,” he started, “we have done things that can’t be taken back. But, those were different people living different lives.

“We’re new people now, two brothers and a sister. Before, I had to decide whether or not I cared about you, but now that we’re family, I found that I love you.

“In some way, I wish that meant that I could love you as a girlfriend, but being siblings had an air of permanence. I’ll always be there for you, and you’ll always be there for me.”

I looked at him with tears in my eyes. I had lost a lover and instead gained a brother.

He held out a USB flash drive and gestured for me to take it. I plucked it from his hand and examined it.

“What is it,” I asked.

“It’s the video I took of you when you were skating on the ice,” he said, “it’s better kept in your care so you can do what you want with it. It’s the only copy.”

I took the drive and slipped it into my purse. He didn’t appear to have any regret.

“Sis, I hope we get along from now on,” he said.

I nodded and reached in to give him a hug. It wasn’t the hug of two lovers any longer; it was the hug of two siblings and I hated it. My body yearned to be closer than a sister. I wanted to pull him in and give him a kiss, and I could see he wanted nothing more than the same.

I wondered what people would think. I could see their eyes silently judging us in our prolonged hug, and I did my best to hide from their gaze. Rick slowly pushed me away, and I accepted his guidance.

It was difficult to see, but I could make out a small tear forming in the corner of his eye. I pretended that I didn’t notice.

We didn’t spend much time together during the short reception. But, I continued to feel his gaze on my back as I talked with other partygoers. They would all pat me on the back and give me a hug of congratulations. I didn’t feel lucky in the slightest.

The night wore on and my mom and her new husband left in the most absurdly decorated car I’d ever seen. She looked at me with such a face of content that I couldn’t help but want to slap her. As though every little bit of happiness she felt was a small knife stabbing into my own.

I still kept Rick in the corner of my gaze, wishing that things had been different. I caught him sneak behind a stack of chairs and throw a meaningless punch into the wall out of frustration. I could tell that he wasn’t too keen on the new living situation either, and that was enough.

It would be a long year at school.

7.

The vacation passed, and I returned to school as a victor. I received more invites to parties from people I hadn’t ever met before. None held much interest for me, but I now had become a bit of a hockey fan. I began attending any game that I could, hoping to see Rick play.

He seemed a different player, more driven and focused. I managed to catch his eye from the stands a couple of times, and he would immediately turn away, almost wishing that I weren’t there.

That is until our team won a major victory over our biggest rival and made it into the playoffs.

I was incredibly excited for the team and made a point to attend their victory party. By now my exploits had become something of a legend, and getting into any party was easy. I recognized plenty of people, and while I was still embarrassed, I accepted their fawning.

Rick was standing next to the glass that surrounded the ice, and I made way straight to the nearest available drink.

I stood there, talking to Kathy while my mind wandered towards Rick. As though the world fell away when we were both in the same room, and trying to avoid thinking of him was counterintuitive. I skirted the outside of the crowd and caught him looking at me more than once.

I wanted nothing more than to walk up to him and leap into his more than capable arms and have him carry me off, but it didn’t feel right. Something was different now, and I wanted to know what.

I pulled my old skates from my bag and took a seat nearby him to put them on. He turned his eyes towards me as I prepared to take the ice. I think he was just as earnest as I was to talk about our shared history.

He politely ended his conversation with his fans as I carefully made my way to the ice. He followed along, closely from behind as I started to skate. A few people hooted and hollered in the crowd, and I had a feeling they were hoping I’d give them another show. I wasn’t interested and just smiled and waved off their collected screams.

Rick paced quickly alongside me as I smoothly careened along the ice.

“How are you classes,” I asked politely.

“You really want to make small talk,” he responded, simply.

“I really want to just go somewhere and forget that we’re in college and that our parents just got married,” I said, making sure we were out of earshot of everyone in the party.

He craned his neck to look over his shoulder, doing the same as I was.

“Follow me,” he said.

I did so, as he pulled me aside off the ice and towards the opposing team’s locker room, now empty. I carefully made my way inside.

Rick pulled me out of view of anyone that might have been looking at stared me right in the eye. I could feel the intensity of his gaze, those burning blue eyes making me feel weak in the knees, again. He leaned down just slightly and pursed his lips.

I eagerly pushed my mouth into his, hoping this moment wouldn’t end. I poured my heart into the kiss, and it felt like he did the same. His passion was burning for me, and mine for him. But, there was something underlying each tender caress and neither of us could shake the feeling as though something was wrong.

I was the one to push him away.

“This doesn’t feel right anymore,” I said.

He stepped back, touching his hand to his lips, as though he were remembering the tenderness of my kiss I had given him only moments ago.

“This feels so right,” he replied, “but it feels like something is missing.”

I nodded and leaned back against the wall, smacking the back of my head against it in an act of penitence. The hard surface gave me little solace.

“I can’t do this,” I said, starting to break away from him and get back to the ice. Tears began to form at the corners of my eyes.

He shot out an arm and pulled me back.

“Casey, listen to me for just a second,” he said.

I stood still and awkwardly turned back to him, doing my best to wipe away whatever tears were starting to show themselves.

“What,” I asked.

“I think we both know,” he started, “we’ll never be lovers. I know you feel the same as I do.”

He was right, and that’s what bothered me. I didn’t know what to say anymore. I knew that I didn’t have those feelings for him anymore; I was just going through the motions of romance. I brushed the new tears from my eyes and felt an odd sort of contentedness.

“Should I call you brother, or should I call you Rick,” I asked.

He looked at me and smiled. It seemed as though a weight were pulled off both our chests as we continued to chat.

“That’s your choice, Sis,” he replied with a smirk.

I laughed, trying to exhale my remaining emotion; it seemed to work as I could feel my tears begin to dry up.

“Alright, bro,” I said.

This time, he laughed along with me before grabbing my hand and giving it one last kiss. It had an odd sense of finality to it, and I was still a small bit confused, but I knew that we had made the right decision.

He found and wore his skates, and we made a few laps around the ice. Our conversation went from intimate to lighthearted, and I knew that I had gained more than a brother. I had gained a new best friend and confidant.

We ended up having to say our goodbyes about halfway through the night when Kathy drank too much, and I had to make sure she got home safely. I did my best to hold her hair back as she made a mess of the school grounds.

She kept looking up at me with earnest tears in her eyes, apologizing every time I patted her on the back. It made me giddy inside to know that I had become such a wonderful roommate, or perhaps it was me knowing that I had some fodder for the next roommate argument.

After finally managing to make it home unharmed, I helped her out of her party clothes and into bed. She was still awake as I laid her into bed. It seemed that she wanted a bit of conversation before she’d be able to fall asleep.

“So, what did I miss from your winter vacation,” she asked.

I told her the only thing I could; I had gained a new brother.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance – Rough Play

''Yes thanks, Jeff. You're right; that was a great game. We're just waiting for Danny Constance to come and talk to us after scoring three goals,'' the football reporter said as the anchorman handed back to him after the news bulletin.

''Danny has also been called up this week to play his first game for England. He's certainly the hottest footballer in England at the moment. There are also rumors that Barcelona has made a bid of eighty million pounds for him. Hold on, yes, here he is.''

Danny Constance towered over the reporter. At six feet three he had the ideal built to play in attack, and at just twenty-two was at the beginning of a glittering football career. He'd just come out of the shower after Rushmore United had won in front of fifty thousand home fans. It was a cold day in December and steam came from Danny's wet hair.

''Danny, thanks for talking to us. How do you feel the game went today?''

''Great, I scored three and United have moved back to the top of the league. It's been a good day.''

Another reporter came and put his microphone close to Danny's mouth. Danny flashed the reporter an aggressive look, and he withdrew slightly.

''What's your reaction to your England call up?''

''I'm honored. It's great to represent my country. Hopefully, we can win,'' Danny said as he reeled off another stock answer. Rushmore used a London PR company to train its players in the art of evading press questions.

''Can you give any insight into the rumor Barcelona want to buy you?''

''None, it's just that. A rumor.''

''And lastly Danny, I have to ask you this, do you have any comment on the alleged incident at the West End nightclub last week?''

Danny scowled into the camera. ''No comment. Please keep your questions on football, not my private life.''

''But.....the young woman alleges you were very drunk, and you danced with her and touched her.......''

Before the reporter could finish Danny has disappeared back into the sanctuary of the dressing room.

He sat down and put his boots into a holdall. The place was almost empty, only the goalkeeper, Rod Stevens, Danny's best friend was still getting dressed.

''What a fuckhead,'' Danny said.

''Who?

''Jones, that reporter. He asked me about last Saturday evening.''

Rod, who was even taller than Danny, turned around and looked at him. ''I hope she drops the charges, because if she doesn't you'll have to go to court.''

''But I didn't do what she's saying.'' Danny took a deep breath.

''I know that, but the cops are always after nailing a famous person. Come on, let's go and have a beer,'' Rod said.

When they walked out of the players entrance, a large crowd cheered, and a few small boys thrust autograph books at Danny hopefully. That's what Danny liked about being a footballer, the kids. He knew he was a role model, and he loved being one. ''You go on ahead, I'll catch you up, I'm gonna sign for these kids,'' Danny said. Rod nodded and headed for the underground car park where his Porsche was waiting.

''Okay lads, I'll stay here until the last one of you has got my signature so no need to push.'' After thirty minutes, the crowd had dwindled, and Danny saw a young boy in a wheelchair. ''Alright mate. What happened to you then?'' he asked the stricken child.

''I was in a car crash. I can't walk anymore.''

Danny looked at the boy's father, who smiled. ''That's no good is it. Tell you what; you can have these, and when you walk again, you can play football in them.'' The boy's eyes almost popped out of his head as Danny reached into his bag and pulled out the boots he'd just scored three goals in. ''Here, I'll sign them for you as well.''

''Are you sure Danny?'' the child's father said. ''Those are your lucky boots.''

''Well, he needs them more than I do,'' Danny said. The boy took the boots and cuddled them. His father shook Danny's hand. ''You're a good guy Danny thanks.''

When Danny drove his Ferrari up the parking lot ramp, the kid in the wheelchair gave him the thumbs up. Danny put his foot down and left some rubber on the road as he sped to the Wild Board pub.

''Danny, let me buy you a drink. Great game, you're a star,' Dave the barman said. The Wild Board was the only pub Danny and his teammates were allowed to drink in. It belonged to Rushmore's manager Miguel Sanchez. He let his players have a few beers there after home games because he knew Dave kept them from drinking too much. Miguel knew Danny and Rod always went on to a nightclub after, but they were young, and he realized they needed to let some steam off now and again.

The only thing that concerned Miguel was the possible charge which hung over Danny's head. Miguel had also played at the top level, and he knew the traps young women laid for highly paid young footballers. If they couldn't marry them, they'd create some trumped up charge and try to get financial compensation. The police had told Miguel that it could be a case of sexual assault, but Miguel knew that Danny wasn't that type of guy, and nobody in the nightclub was going to testify against him. The young woman was adamant that he'd touched her, but Miguel had already asked the club private detective to look into her. What he'd found hadn't surprised Miguel. She was from a broken family; her father was in prison, and her mother had a criminal record as long as her arm.

''So where are we going this evening?'' Danny asked Rod.

Rod finished his lager and gave the matter some thought. ''How about Arabella's.''

''Alright. There's always loads of sexy women there on Saturdays,'' Danny said.

*****

Amber got out of the chauffeur-driven limousine and glanced up at her parental home. She hadn't been home for quite a while, but now, she was very pleased to be home for the Christmas break.

''Honey,'' June shouted, ''Oh my daughter. At last, it's so nice to have you home,'' she said as she thrust her arms around Amber.

''Hi mom. It's great to be home. I really missed you and dad.'' There was a hint of emotion in Amber's voice.

''Come in and sit down. Your father won't be home for a while. We can have a girly talk.''

Amber followed June into a huge lounge. The whole house was huge. It was built in nineteen hundred by Amber's great grandfather after he'd made a fortune on the stock market. Set in seven acres of wonderful gardens it was a colonial style house just outside New York City.

June rang a bell, and a small, stocky woman appeared. ''Glenda, bring us some tea would you?'' June asked.

''Who's she?'' Amber asked when Glenda had gone to the kitchen.

''Polly died, she's her replacement.''

''What? Why didn't you tell me?'' Amber asked.

''We didn't want to cause you any more upset than you already had.''

Amber was suddenly full of grief for the woman that had been her nanny and later June's maid. ''That's awful. Poor Polly. But she was only....''

''Sixty-three, yes. Far too young,'' June said. ''So how are you feeling now after your horrible split?''

Amber sighed. ''No more men, ever.''

June laughed and played with her pearls. She was forty-nine and still a very attractive woman. A fact that had not gone unnoticed by the wealthy male neighbor who she visited when her husband was away on business. ''You'll change your mind. Give it time.''

''No mom. He was horrible. I thought we were going to get married, at least, he led me to believe we were. Then I found him.......well, you know what happened.''

''Yes. Men do that kind of thing. None of them are ever faithful.''

''Do you mean dad's been unfaithful to you?'' Amber asked not really wanting to know the answer.

''Oh yes. Countless times.''

''Oh,'' Amber said. This was the first time she'd learned her parents’ marriage wasn't all she'd thought it to be. ''That's horrible for you.''

June laughed. ''Not at all. If he can do it, so can I.''

Glenda arrived with the tea and put it down on the antique coffee table in front of the sofa they were sitting on.

''Do you mean you have had affairs as well?''

''As many as your father, if not more.''

Amber had had the worst year of her life. A student at Yale, she'd met what she thought was Mr. Perfect. He was so handsome when he'd asked her out she'd said yes straight away. He was from an aristocratic family of lawyers, and at first, he'd seemed the perfect gentleman. After a few months, he started to become possessive and jealous. She'd thought it was just a phase, but it got worse. So bad in fact, he'd tied her to the bed one day and not let her go out at all. A week later she'd found him lying naked between the open legs of Penelope, his sisters best friend.

''You shouldn't worry when a man cheats on you. It's perfectly normal. They are all wired to their cocks, and there's not a darn thing any of them can do about it,'' June said.

Amber was about to protest when the front door opened. ''Daddy, hi,'' she said standing up and hugging him. ''You look tired, is everything alright?''

''All the better for seeing you. You haven't been home for months.''

''Well, I'm here now.''

''And I'm very glad you are. June ring for Glenda, I need a drink, it's been a hell of a day,'' he said loosening his tie and slumping into his armchair. ''Why the hell I chose to get into the stress of Wall Street, I'll never know. I should have been an artist, sitting by a lake painting birds.''

''You're a good painter daddy. Why don't you pack it all in and do that?''

Roger looked at his daughter. She was his precious Amber. He would do anything for her, and he'd hated finding out she'd been so upset about her last boyfriend. She was too beautiful to be treated so badly. He loved the fact she was as tall as him and was so proud to have such a beautiful daughter.

''Your hair is so shiny, how do you get it like that?'' he asked.

''Healthy living I suppose. After I split with Marco, I almost died it pink.''

''Don't you ever change it. You're a beautiful brunette, and it matches your hazel eyes,'' her mother interjected.

Glenda arrived with a bottle of Scottish whiskey. Roger took it from her and poured himself a drink.

''Do you want one?'' he asked Amber. She shook her head.

''Well don't ask me whether I want one will you?'' June complained.

He poured his wife a drink and gave it to her. ''Amber you're okay for London mid-January, Joe confirmed it this afternoon. He apologized for leaving it so late, but he'd love to have you on board.''

June looked quizzically at them. ''What are you two cooking up?''

''My work placement, part of my degree. Dad asked Joe if he had a place for me in his PR firm in London for six months.''

''I might as well live on the moon. Nobody tells me anything.'' June said taking a larger than advised mouthful of whiskey. Amber patted her on the back as she coughed it back up.

''It's a great opportunity for you,'' Roger said. ''Joe's a really sharp businessman and if you pay attention, you will learn a lot. And it'll be a great opportunity for you to see London.''

''Thanks for arranging it daddy. It'll be great.

*****

Amber's hair blew horizontally in the storm as she got into the car. ''Wow Uncle Joe. A stormy welcome to England,'' she said pulling her seat-belt across her chest.

''You have to pity the English, it's either as windy as hell, or raining. Call me Joe; I think you're a bit big to be calling me Uncle Joe, don't you?'' Joe put Amber's case in the trunk and squeezed his long legs under the steering wheel of his beloved Bugatti.

''I guess so. Where are we going now?''

''I'm taking you to your apartment and then for dinner with Alison and me, and tomorrow I'll come and take you to work. There's a lot to do in the next few weeks. We've got some exciting stuff coming up.''

''Great,'' Amber said as she ducked down behind the dash.

''What's the matter?''

''Sorry. It's the traffic; it's on the wrong side, and I thought we were going to hit that car.''

Joe laughed. Welcome to England, they like to do things differently here.''

Amber hadn't seen Joe for a long time, not since she was about thirteen. She remembered him as a dashing young man, tall and dark skinned with whiter than white teeth and a love of cigars and fast cars. He'd gone to university with her father and moved to England to open up a Trans-Atlantic PR agency. Since then, the agency had expanded and now had clients from all over the world.

They drove to an apartment block in Knightsbridge, one of London's most affluent areas. Amber couldn't believe how luxurious her apartment was.

''Are you sure Joe? This place must be worth a fortune, I'm sure you could get loads of cash by renting it out,'' Amber said. She was standing in the middle of a huge lounge that overlooked Kensington Park. She loved the highly polished antique parquet and the sash windows.

''I'll rent it out after you've gone back to the States. For now, I hope you enjoy it. I promised your father I'd look after you.''

''Well thanks, it's beautiful.'' Amber wandered into the bedroom and noticed that the bed was already made. She looked in the en-suite bathroom and imagined herself soaking in the huge bath after a hard day's work.''

Amber was more than pleased Joe had thought about her welfare. She'd been expecting to stay in some grotty student apartment, the sort of place she'd become accustomed to over the last four years while at Yale.

On the way to Joe's apartment in Belgravia, Amber closed her eyes, at least, three times and waited for the worst to happen. As her heart pounded, she told herself to darn well get used to the traffic because she was making a fool of herself.

Amber remembered Alison as being tall and slender, and the most elegant of her parents’ female friends. When Alison opened the door, Amber thought she was even more glamorous than she remembered.

''Amber, hi. It's so nice to see you. Wow, you've grown into a really pretty young lady.''

''Thanks. Great to see you, Alison.''

''Drink?'' Joe asked when they reached the lounge. Alison sat down next to Amber and crossed her shapely legs.

''Yes please darling. Amber?''

''I think I will, it's been a long journey.''

''We're very pleased your here,'' Joe said. Alison patted Amber's hand and clutched it to her.

Alison and Joe made Amber feel at home, and she began to really look forward to her stay in England. She'd learned so much about the tiny islands and was eager to find out more.

Amber had to scramble the next morning to be ready on time. She'd slept incredibly well and pressed snooze more times than she cared to remember. Eventually, though, there were only thirty minutes left before Joe was to pick her up.

Joe's eyes opened wider than usual when he saw Amber in her business suit. She wore a skirt just above the knee, and a matching jacket with an elegant white blouse. He looked at her never ending legs and began to think vulgar thoughts.

The office was a collection of rooms in a very smart building in Piccadilly. Joe handed Amber over to a young woman called Josephine, a leggy blonde with a thick northern accent.

''Josephine graduated from Cambridge last year. She works with one of our most important clients, Rushmore United, England's premier soccer team,'' Joe said. Amber was pleased to see Josephine give her a welcoming smile. From that moment, she knew they would get on well. ''By the way, they call soccer, football here. So please refer to it as football or they'll think you're a stupid yank,'' Joe said. He strode to the door and left the two ladies to get on with it.

''Hi Amber, it's nice to meet you. You've started on just the right day. This evening we're going to a party.''

''Oh, perhaps I should have worn a dress,'' Amber said.

''Don't worry, we'll get you kitted out this afternoon. I thought we could spend the morning chatting about what we do here, and perhaps nip out for a coffee and get to know each other.''

''Sound's great. You know, I think I'm really going to enjoy myself here. Everyone has made me feel so welcome.''

Amber learned that Joe's company had a contract to do all the PR work for Rushmore United. Josephine was the key account manager, and Amber was to be her assistant. Over coffee in a small cafe, in a side street just off Piccadilly Circus, Josephine explained about the function they were going to attend that evening.

''It's the fiftieth anniversary of Rushmore winning their first European Cup, and tonight there will be a reception and a dinner for ex-players, current players, management, and some carefully selected members of the press.''

''Sounds interesting, but I don't know anything about soccer, sorry football.''

''You don't have to. It's your first day, just shadow me. Be careful, though, there are some super hot players on their team,'' Josephine said with a grin. ''One, in particular, Rod Stevens. I'd jump in front of a train if he told me to.''

Amber raised her eyebrows and grinned. She liked Josephine; she was down to earth and honest. In PR, she'd expected some more bitchy type.

*****

The Grosvenor Hotel was used to hosting events of this nature, and everything was in place by the time Josephine and Amber arrived. There were a lot of paparazzi outside waiting to snap photos of players past and present.

''Danny, hold on. Danny look this way please,'' the photographers shouted as Danny got out of the team bus. He squinted, the lights piercing the darkness and lighting up his face in flashes of brilliant white light.

''Sods nearly blinded me,'' Danny said to Rod as they walked into the hotel.

''You shouldn't be such a good looking guy then should you?'' Rod quipped. ''Ah, here's Josephine,'' he added a hint of lust in his voice.

''Tell you what mate, I bet you a grand you can't get her into bed tonight,'' Danny said.

Rod flashed Danny a look of disdain. ''Do you think I'm a complete imbecile? Of course, I'll get her into bed, piece of cake, you might as well give me a grand now.''

''No. You know the deal. Knickers first, money afterward, okay?''

''Okay. Knickers at breakfast,'' Rod said.

The two players each took a glass of orange juice and wandered over to Josephine. ''Hello Rod,'' Josephine said a slight hint of a blush coming over her cheeks. ''This is Amber, she's here to help me out.''

''Hi Rod, nice to meet you,'' Amber said.

''An American, great,'' Danny exclaimed.

''This is Danny Constance, he plays for England,'' Josephine said.

It wasn't often men were much taller than Amber, but he was. Her initial impression of him was that he looked like a cheeky boy, lost in the big world. ''Hi Danny, nice to meet you.''

Danny looked into her eyes as he shook her hand, and then down to her breasts which were beautifully encased in the black dress she had bought that afternoon. Amber noticed what he was looking at and strangely quite liked the attention.

''Where are you from in the States?'' Danny asked.

''New York. Have you ever been there?''

Danny looked down at his patent leather shoes and shook his head. ''No. I hope to go one day, though. Manhattan looks so unbelievable; we haven't got anything like that here.''

''Manhattan is just a jungle of concrete. There are many nice things to see in the US. We have beautiful nature.''

''I've heard of the Grand Canyon,'' Danny said.

''Do you know, I've never been there.''

''I expect one day when my career comes to and end I'll go to play in the states. I'll take you there. How about a helicopter ride?''

Amber laughed at his cheeky proposal. ''I'd love to.''

''I thought Americans were supposed to be loud and brash, but you're not. You're.....''

''What?'' she asked impatiently.

''You're refined, graceful. You're beautiful.'' Amber's faced turned fiery red. ''And you blush easily,'' he added with a grin.

Amber shuffled from one foot to the other. ''You're a very handsome man, and I'm not used to receiving such heartfelt compliments.''

''There are plenty more where that came from. I'm a cheeky Londoner; we say what we think, and I think you're as fit as hell.''

''Fit?'' she asked.

''In England, we say a girl is fit when we mean she's beautiful.''

''Oh. I thought you were referring to my athletic prowess,'' Amber said as she looked deep into his eyes. She began to play with her hair and stepped a little closer to him.

''I'm sure you're very athletic when you need to be,'' he said, pushing the conversation the direction he wanted it to go.

''Stop or you'll make me blush again.''

A bell rang, and people began to leave the reception area and head into the dining room. ''Bloody bell. I was just beginning to enjoy myself,'' Danny said. ''Oh well, I suppose I'd better go.''

''I suppose you should,'' she said equally as disappointed that the conversation was coming to an end.

''Come on Danny,'' Rod said pulling his arm.

''See you after dinner?'' Danny asked.

''I'd like that,'' Amber replied.

Dinner was a long drawn out affair. There were speeches by old players who re-lived the match all those years ago. Danny listened with interest for as long as he could, but soon his thoughts were with the leggy American. He looked for her but didn't see her. He craned his neck and looked to the back of the room. She was sitting with Josephine on the last table next to the door. She saw him looking and waved; he acknowledged her wave with a movement of his head.

''He's fit isn't he?'' Josephine said.

''Fit? Ah yes. He's very fit.''

''He likes you, I can see. Do you know how rich these young guys are?''

''No idea.''

''Two hundred and fifty grand a week, pounds not dollars. That's a million a month sterling, so in your money about one point seven million dollars a month.''

''That's ridiculous. For kicking a ball?'' Amber said in amazement.

''It's a bit obscene if you think about it. A fireman only gets twenty-five grand a year. That puts it into perspective.'' Josephine took a gulp of wine and Amber noticed she was a little drunk.