Page 60 of A Chance at Forever
“They’re not going to be home for a while. Let’s watch another movie,” Jonica suggested.
“Not without more chocolate,” Victoria added. “Pass me those Hershey bars.”
*
Victoria and Budspent the night in her old room at Jonica’s house. She texted Rusty to let him know her plans so he wouldn’t worry about her and waited for him to respond. Unable to keep her eyes open any longer when he didn’t answer her message right away, she fell asleep.
No one stirred before ten o’clock Saturday morning. Not even Bud seemed interested in leaving the warmth of the bed. Victoria yawned and propped herself up against the headboard. She checked her cell phone and saw a text from Rusty. He’d arrived home safe and sound and said he would see her later in the afternoon to tell her about the game. Danny, he said, was sworn to secrecy and couldn’t be tortured into revealing anything. Victoria laughed and dragged herself out of bed. She found old clothes in the dresser and ambled into the bathroom to shower. By the time she finished bathing and dressing, she heard the low tones of Jonica’s and Danny’s voices downstairs.
“Coffee,” Victoria moaned as she joined them in the kitchen. “I need a gallon of it.”
“Me, too,” Jonica replied. “My head is pounding.”
Danny grinned and handed them cups of hot, strong coffee. “You ladies must have had a wild night. Both of you are looking, dare I say it? Hungover.”
“We didn’t drinkthatmuch,” Jonica told him.
“Well, why don’t you two have a seat while I make my famous French toast?”
Jonica wrapped her arms around Danny’s waist and kissed him. “You’re the best, Danny boy.”
Though Victoria and Jonica begged Danny to tell them who won the football game while he cooked the French toast, he refused. “I’m not saying a word. I promised Rusty I wouldn’t, and you can’t make me squeal no matter what you do.”
“Oh, I bet I can,” Jonica teased with a twinkle in her eyes. “But you know we can call someone else or find out online.”
“You could, but you won’t.” He grinned as he brandished the spatula at them.
“So, did you and Steve have a chance to talk to Rusty after the game?” Victoria wondered if he had mentioned the note she had given him.
“Yeah, we did.” Danny set a plate of French toast on the kitchen table and refilled their coffee cups.
“And, um, did he say anything about me?”
Danny let out an amused chuckle. “He sure did.”
Victoria focused on the French toast on her plate. “Oh. Well, uh, was it, you know, bad?”
“Bad? No. The guy raved about you. Something about a note. We couldn’t make heads or tails out of what he was saying. Anyway, I got the impression Rusty can’t wait to see you later.”
She blushed a little. “I can’t wait to see him, either.”
After several cups of coffee and slices of golden French toast smothered in butter and maple syrup, Victoria bid her friends goodbye.
When she parked in her driveway, she noticed the dark stillness of Rusty’s house. He must be asleep. The coffee had perked her up, so Victoria decided to do a thorough house cleaning from top to bottom. She raised all the windows to allow a fresh breeze to blow through the rooms and organized her cleaning supplies. In between scrubbing the floors, dusting, and polishing the banister, she checked her phone for a message or call from Rusty and listened for the sound of his footsteps. Nothing yet.
With the downstairs spotless, Victoria took advantage of the cold, brisk day and strolled by the lake. She tossed Bud’s favorite tennis ball that he fetched and laid at her feet. Ever since he’d been shot, he stayed away from the woods. No matter how much those pesky rabbits and squirrels teased the retriever, he left them alone.
They always ended their playtime on the dock. Victoria dangled her feet over the water and studied the ripples caused by the breeze. Bud sat next to her. She absently stroked his fur and quelled the urge to check on Rusty. Perhaps his silence meant the boys lost the game, though Danny’s demeanor hadn’t suggested a blow to the team’s undefeated record. Had her note offended him?
No, no, no. She mustn’t let doubt ruin today for her and Rusty. Danny had said Rusty couldn’t wait to see her. She had to be patient.
Bud’s ears twitched and he turned his head. He let out a yip of excitement and ran up the dock. Victoria scrambled to her feet and saw Rusty striding in her direction.
“Rusty.” She breathed his name. Then, she waved and yelled, “Rusty!” before she broke into a sprint.
They met in the middle of her backyard. Victoria jumped into his arms, and he lifted her into the air. She wrapped her legs around his waist. Their mouths met in a hungry, crushing kiss. Without breaking their connection, Rusty carried her to one of the Adirondack chairs by the firepit and settled on it. His mouth explored hers as he stroked her arms. One hand traveled up her leg, memorizing its length, its curves, before resting possessively on her hip. A deep spring of happiness bubbled inside her. There was no place she’d rather be than in Rusty’s strong, powerful arms.
His kisses grew soft, tender, and urgent. The passion building between them sparked low moans of want and need in both of their throats. When it became too much to bear, Rusty tore his mouth away from hers.
