Page 56 of A Chance at Forever
“Try to stay off your feet as much as you can,” Rusty advised as he escorted Victoria to her classroom. “And if you don’t feel well, call me. I’ll arrange for coverage and take you home.”
“Thanks. Right now, I’m not in any pain. Just anxious about getting caught up after missing four days this week.”
“Okay. Meet me at my room when you’re ready to leave this afternoon. Do you want to get something to eat tonight before the game?”
“Sounds good. Don’t forget Jonica and Danny are throwing a party at their place afterward.”
“Right. Have a great day, and I’ll see you later.”
Victoria’s English classes were more interested in hearing about her dangerous encounter with a rattlesnake than they were about getting back on track, so she indulged their curiosity for a few minutes, then redirected their attention. The drama students, though, were stoked by the fact that their skit at the Bear Claw had won the Homecoming Queen’s Choice Award, and the juniors took first place in the competition because Brian and Troy had written a hilarious script. After the excitement died down, they began to work on their first drama production, a musical version ofA Christmas Carol.
That night in their home stadium the Bears beat their opponent. The team’s perfect season almost guaranteed them a chance to play in the state championship. They were only two games away.
Victoria and Rusty were the last to arrive at Jonica and Danny’s party. He’d needed to take a shower and change his clothes first. As soon as they stepped into the great room, their friends and colleagues shouted, “Congratulations, Rusty!” Comments about the exciting Homecoming game flowed among them.
Since it had been a long day for Victoria, she found an empty place on the sofa and sat down. Jonica slid a footstool between it and the coffee table so she could elevate her leg. She wanted one of Jonica’s margaritas but couldn’t mix the alcohol with her pain medication.
Jonica chuckled as she handed Victoria a cup of hot tea. “Here you go, Granny.”
“I’m laughing out loud on the inside.” She had to admit, though, the hot tea warmed her on such a cold night.
After Rusty made the rounds and enjoyed a beer with the guys, he filled two plates with the Mexican food Jonica served buffet style and joined Victoria on the sofa. His fresh scent and the heat created by his closeness sent her senses reeling. She’d never experienced such an elemental reaction before to any other man. Not Alan. Not even Jeff.
When she realized Rusty waited on her and stayed glued to her side, Victoria murmured in his ear, “Go hang out with the guys. Have another drink or two. You deserve it. I can drive home.”
Rusty’s eyes lit up, and he kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, baby.” He rose and swaggered away from her.
Mia plopped down next to Victoria and followed the direction of her gaze. “You’re staring at him.”
“I can’t help it. Rusty wears jeans better than any man I know.”
“No, it’s more than that. I’ve never seen that starstruck expression on your face as long as we’ve known each other. You’re in love with him.”
Victoria’s eyes widened a bit, and she jerked her head toward Mia. “Oh, no, no. Don’t misconstrue what I said. Rusty looks, well, like a Greek god.”
Mia tilted her head, and her blue eyes twinkled. “Hmm, a Greek god.”
“Stop teasing me, Mia. Seriously, Rusty and I are only friends.”
“According to Patsy, you and Rusty are headed down the church aisle any day now.”
Victoria rolled her eyes and made a frustrated noise. “That woman is relentless.”
Mia laughed and patted Victoria’s good leg. “I’ll look for my invitation in the mail.”
*
In front ofa cozy fire in Victoria’s great room late Saturday night, Rusty lazily explored her mouth with his. She half lay on his lap and reveled in this new intimacy between them. When neither could breathe, Rusty lifted his head, and she tucked hers under his chin.
“Do you wish we were chaperoning the Homecoming dance tonight?” she asked.
“Not really. I much prefer this to a crowded and noisy gym. I would, however, like to dance with you. Want to go to the annual Halloween party at the civic center?”
“I’d love to. Shall we plan our costumes or surprise each other?”
“I think I’d like to be surprised.”
“Well, okay, then. It will be a surprise. Want some more hot chocolate?”
