Page 32 of Second Round

I put down my paintbrush. “Why would you say that aboutyourself?”

“I’m just joking,” shescoffed.

“You shouldn’t say that even when you’re joking. Would you let your kidssaythat?”

“I guess not. It’s kind of my family role. You know, Brent was the smart, sensible one, and I’m the ditzy one who gets into crazysituations.”

“I don’t date dummies,” I said. “And I certainly don’t thinkyou’reone.”

“Thank you. But you hardlyknowme.”

“I don’t mean to come down hard on you, but this is exactly what I’m going through with my guys right now. They play like they’re looking over their shoulder all the time, and that slows them down. It’s my job to rebuild their self-confidence.” I began painting again. There were only a few guys who had been able to rise above Pankowski’s constant criticism, either because they had self-awareness orhugeegos.

“It sounds like you know a lot aboutpsychology.”

“I did graduate work in sportspsychology.”

“Wow, do all hockey coaches have degrees?” sheasked.

I smiled and shook my head. Some coaches did, but many had played hockey and worked their way up the ranks. We finished painting and left the bowls to befired.

“All done,” said Jackie. “Now that wasn’t too terrible,wasit?”

“Nope.” I put an arm around her as we left. “Maybe if I had a sexy art teacher like you when I was growing up, it would have changedmylife.”

She tipped her head back and laughed. It was a throaty, genuine laugh that I wanted to hear overandover.

“You might have been a famous artist now, instead of a hockey coach,” shesuggested.

“Let’s not get carried away.” I pointed to the bar across the street. “Did you want to go overtherenow?”

Jackie shook her head. Her face was unsmiling and then she blurted. “Ahh, do you have anything to drink at yourplace?”

I turned to see her face, and her cheeks were flaming. Well, if this was how the evening was going to end, I was more than good with that. I’d been fantasizing about Jackie since I’d seen her in the kitchen. I opened the driver’s side door for her and helped her in, resting a hand on herthigh.

“Sounds good to me. Are we going to find out what else you’regoodat?”

“Ummmm.” Her eyes widened, and her lips parted. I leaned in and kissed her. I felt her warm breath, the softness of her lips, and the silky probe of her tongue. In contrast to her almost shy manner, her kiss was hungry and searching. When we finally broke away, she fell back againsttheseat.

I got into my side of the van. Jackie was busily undoinghercoat.

“All set?” she asked in a high voice. I did up my seat belt, and she eased into traffic. “Is the heat on in here? It’s kindofhot.”

I chuckled and reached over to fiddle with the console. “It’s set at low. Did you want the airconditioningon?”

“Um, no. I’m good.” She unwound her scarf completely and noticed my amusement. “Leo, stop watching my every move. I told you it’s been awhile since I dated. I’m out ofpractice.”

“It’s not dating you seem to be out of practice at,” Iobserved.

“Damn it. You’re very attractive. I’m sure that’s not news to you,” shesnapped.

I laughed heartily. “Relax, Jacqueline. It’s like riding a bike. You never lose theskill.”

She bit her lip. “You’renobike.”

“You’re very funny,” Itoldher.

“You’re so slick. You turn every awkward thing I do into apositive.”

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