Page 55 of A Chance at Forever
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Rusty cancelled footballpractice on Thursday so his team could rest and enjoy the Bear Claw. For the event, he wore a light blue dress shirt and black slacks with a matching suit jacket. Foregoing a tie, he left a few of the shirt buttons undone. He didn’t want Victoria to attend, but he knew nothing would keep her away tonight. When he’d stopped by to see her after school, she’d happily demonstrated how she could walk without limping. She looked so beautiful he couldn’t resist sweeping her into his arms for a few tantalizing kisses. Afterward, they’d eaten an early supper, and she’d sent him home to get ready for the Bear Claw.
He grabbed his wallet and his keys and headed next door. Victoria appraised him with an appreciative eye and straightened the collar of his shirt.
“You look nice tonight.”
“So do you.” She wore her black jeans with a pink knit sweater and cardigan. “Are you ready?”
“Yes. Let’s go. I can’t wait.”
Thirty minutes before the Bear Claw began, the stadium teemed with spectators. On the track sat the judges’ table with tiny desk lamps, score sheets for the skit competition, and pens. A chair had been placed there for Victoria. Rows of chairs faced the stage for the Homecoming Court. The classes and clubs participating in the skit competition waited off to the side until they were announced. Already the Homecoming Court were in classic cars that would carry them around the track. Rusty had been asked to judge the skits so he and Victoria sat next to each other.
The Bear Claw went off without a hitch. As soon as the Homecoming Court were presented and the King and Queen crowned, the skit competition commenced. Victoria’s laughter during the skits warmed Rusty’s heart. He would never get tired of hearing it. After the skits, everyone cleared the field and moved into the stands for the fireworks display. Rusty wanted to wrap his arm around Victoria as they watched the brilliant light show but refrained. They skipped the bonfire, and, later, when they were alone, he showered her with kisses.
“Are you sure you’re ready to go to work tomorrow?” Rusty nuzzled Victoria’s neck and heard her sharp intake of breath.
“Yes.” Her answer came out as a breathless whisper, and he found her lips again.
“Want to ride in with me? No football practice tomorrow afternoon.”
“That would be nice.” She shivered in his arms when he nipped her earlobe. “I’ll make breakfast.”
“That would be nice,” he quipped.
“Rusty, you’re…”
“Driving you crazy?” His mouth captured hers in another hard kiss. “And with that I’d better say good night. See you in the morning, sweetheart.” Rusty touched her cheek and smiled before he left.
*
Victoria stared ather reflection in the bathroom mirror and touched her lips bruised with passion. Yes, Rusty drove her crazy.
With longing.
With fear.
She hadn’t expected a man like Rusty Sinclair to breeze into her life and sweep her off her feet, especially after what Alan had done to her. She hadn’t expected to develop feelings for the sexy teacher and football coach when she doubted her own judgment. Somehow, little by little, through kindness, gentleness, patience, and understanding, Rusty had crushed her defenses and stolen her heart.
Her old panic and terrible sense of foreboding threatened to overwhelm her now. What if Alan found out about Rusty? What if he called him at school? What if he shared the sex video with him?
She felt hot and cold at the same time.
Victoria slipped into a nightgown and forced herself to calm down. She mustn’t panic. It had been months since she’d left New York and Alan behind her. She wasn’t even a blip on his radar. According to her brothers, Alan was enjoying the limelight again with his actress-girlfriend. Out of sight, out of mind, she hoped. Especially since football season was in full swing again, and the Jets were enjoying a successful bid for the playoffs.
No. She wouldn’t allow fear to mar her chance to get it right this time. Her chance at forever.
On Friday morning, when Victoria and Rusty walked into school together and passed Patsy’s desk, she looked at them over the top of her glasses and asked, “Have you two set a date yet?”
Rusty took her question in stride and grinned. “Aw, Patsy, you gotta give a guy time to figure out the proposal first.”
“Huh. Seems obvious to me. You get down on one knee and beg Victoria to make an honest man out of you.”
Victoria blushed as Rusty replied, “Yes, ma’am,” and steered her toward the mailroom. “I hope Patsy didn’t embarrass you too badly. Your face is pink.”
“Oh, no, not at all,” Victoria answered and reached for her mail. “Patsy is…”
“Patsy,” they said in unison and laughed.
