AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hepressed his finger against her lips. “Don’tdo that—you’re a fantastic person.Whathe did reflects on him, not you.He’san idiot not to appreciate what he had.Don’tlet him cloud your future.”
Kimmanaged a small smile. “I’mtrying not to give him any power over me.”
“Giveus a chance,Kim.Wecan take things slow… whatever pace makes you feel comfortable.I’mnot going anywhere—I’llwait for you.”
Kimtook a deep breath, her eyes welling with tears. “Youdon’t mind going slow?”
“Never.I’mhappy if you’ll give me a chance.”Hepulled her against him and held her tightly.Shenodded against his shoulder.
“I’dlike that.”
35
Bythe end of the week,Kimfelt strong enough to attend her threeFridayclasses.Herthoughts centered on the change in her relationship withSpence.Notthat he treated her differently; she now realized that his affectionate gestures, sweet kisses, and concern expressed his hidden feelings—feelings she hadn’t dared to reciprocate.Shehadn’t allowed herself to think about him as anything more than a platonic friend.Everythingchanged with one conversation.We’restarting a journey, but we’ve already traveled quite a distance together.Forthe first time in what seemed like forever, excitement about a future withSpencefelt within her grasp.
Kim'sheart swelled with emotion when she sawSpencewaiting outside the classroom.Sheresisted the urge to jump into his arms and express her feelings with a kiss.Heraised an eyebrow as she closed the gap between them.
“Aquarter for your thoughts, babe?”
Kimfelt her neck grow warm as she shook her head and suppressed a giggle. “Probablynot—at least not while we’re in public.”
Shesaw his eyes darken, and a speculative smile spread across his face.Heleaned to brush his lips against her ear. “ShallIcancel our meet-up at the food court?”
“Maybenotcancel…Butlet’s not stay too long.”
Afew minutes later, they sat at a table withToddandBarb,EricandJeanine, and other teammates.Theconversation centered on theSaturdayafternoon game against rivalOrlando.
FreshmanPedroCastillelooked atKim. "Wewon the tournament for you,CoachKim."
“Aww, thanks,Pedro.”Kimsmiled, then made a face. “IwishIhadn’t spaced out and let that ball hit me in the head.Ihated missing the championship game.”
“It’sbecause of you that we even got to the finals,”Pedroreplied.
Kimfelt her face flush and shook her head. “Everyonemade that happen.Youmastered the fine art of spiking the ball.”
Shesmiled as the team piled on the praise for the freshman teammate.Spenceleaned against her and whispered, “Youjust boosted his confidence one thousand percent.”
Asthe conversation continued,Kimwatched asSpencepumped up his teammates for the following day’s game.She’dstudied the schedule and had a basic understanding of the league rivalries.Everygame’s important, butOrlandofinished second in the conference last year.Spenceconsiders the game a must-win to capture the conference and return to the championship tournament.HopeIcan give him everything he needs to win the championship… even if it’s just moral support.
WhenKimsmothered a yawn,Spencenoticed the fatigue creeping into her eyes.Hereached for their plates and cleared the table. “Let’smake sure we’ve got our assignments complete forMonday.Theweekend will get hectic.”
Kimmade a face. “FeelslikeI’llnever catch up.”
“Don’tstress about it,Popcorn,” he said as he kissed her cheek.Hereturned the trays to the recycling, trash, and dishwashing stations and then returned to the table. “Seeyou guys later—homework beckons.”Spenceoffered his hand toKim. “Ready, babe?”
Later, they sat on the sofa, looking through their notes and textbooks.Whenhe noticedKimstaring at a page far too long,Spencereached to grasp her book and set it on the table.
“Notmaking any headway?” he asked as he scooted beside her. “Longmorning?”
“Yousaid it,”Kimsaid, andSpencesaw the smile teasing the corners of her mouth. “Buta good day.IwishIhad more energy,Spence.”
“Patienceis not your favorite concept, but every day gets better.”Hepulled her close and covered her lips with his. “I’vewaited all day to do this.”
Kim'sheart raced as she returned the kiss, opening her lips slightly to accept his invitation to deepen it.Spencetightened his arms around her, loosened the band that held her ponytail and raked his fingers through her thick hair.Heheard a soft moan fromKim’sthroat and, without breaking the kiss, lifted her onto his lap.
“Youdon’t know how longI’vewanted to kiss you like this,Kim.Solong.”
AsSpence’swords penetrated her mind,Kimgave in to her desire to run her hands against his shoulders, biceps, and chest.She’dimagined touching him and had wondered how his muscles would feel against her hands.Shesensed his heat through hisT-shirt, making her crave skin-to-skin contact.Thiskiss promises… so much.
