Page 21 of Header

“Please,” she breathed out.

Chance chuckled. “Call or text me?”

He dropped his arms and backed away from her, picking up her hand as he did. In another first for her, Chance walked her to the door, waiting for her to close it before walking away.

She leaned her back against the closed door and took a deep breath.

“That was some kiss,” Leah told her.

Laughter bubbled out before she could stop it. “You’re a perv.”

Leah shrugged. “Was it as good as it looked?”

“Better,” Tori sighed and pushed away from the door, following her friend into the living room.

“I poured you a glass of wine.” Leah handed it to her. “Now, spill.”

Tori laughed again but took a sip from her glass before telling Leah everything that happened.

Eight

Chance texted Tori the last few days. He hadn’t seen her, but they’d talked and he found himself looking forward to each text she sent.

Tonight he was supposed to come over for dinner but he was on his way over there early. He knew she was working from home today so he was going to surprise her and Emmett and get some practice in with him.

He was excited about it. The thought of playing with Emmett was not something he thought he’d look forward to but it was refreshing to see the kids play Saturday and the love they had for the game. So many people at his level were more jaded and the game had lost its fun.

As he pulled up, he grinned, seeing Emmett run over to his car. “Hey, bud,” Chance greeted him as he climbed out.

“You’re early. Mom said you’d be here for dinner,” Emmett told him.

“I thought I’d come and pass the ball with you before dinner. What do you think?”

“Yes!” He jumped. “I have my ball over there.”

“Slow down,” Chance laughed. “Let me go make sure with your mom first.”

“Okay.” Emmett returned to his side and grabbed his hand, pulling him in the house. “Mom!” he shouted.

“What is it?” she called from another room.

“Chance is here,” he yelled back, pulling Chance through the house.

“What?” she squeaked.

Chance caught her as she walked out of the kitchen and ran into him. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” she breathed.

“I thought I’d come to keep an eye on this guy and get some practice in before dinner. If that’s okay?” Suddenly he was nervous about not checking first.

“Oh, umm, sure,” she answered.

“I should have asked.” He’d screwed up, misunderstood.

“No,” she rushed out as she stepped back. “I was just surprised. It’s fine, really.”

He studied her, trying to decide if she meant it or not. She smiled back at him, blushing lightly under his gaze. “I’ll ask next time,” he assured her.

---