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I turn to him, acting surprised. “What do you mean?” This is my chance to hear his side of the story.
“It was at the Christmas in July festival, when I first got here a few years back. It was harmless. I was actually doing her a favor.”
I scrunch my face up. Is he for real right now? “A favor? This I’ve gotta hear.”
“They always invite a bunch of sponsors to the university. They’re usually rich men with no class and think they can get whatever they want because they have money. I saw one getting a little handsy with a woman. It was clear she was uncomfortable and it made me mad. So, I went over and played up like I was her boyfriend. The guy backed off. The woman took it for a good laugh and I was happy I defused the situation embarrassing no one. Until Dean Stoll made a scene by accusing me of being a home-wrecker.”
I’m shocked at what he’s telling me. That is definitely not the story I was told. I didn’t know there was another man originally causing an issue with mom. Why wouldn’t she set the story straight?
“He got irate, right there in front of everyone. There was no point in correcting him, so I left. A few days later, I went to his office to explain and apologize for overstepping any lines and again, he wouldn’t let me talk. Told me my job was in jeopardy and he didn’t like playboys at his school.” He shrugs. “So, I try to stay away from him as best I can. Kind of hard being in this small town, though. And of course, he’s my boss.” He lets out a laugh.
I give him a sympathetic smile, but my mind is churning. I take in the last few seconds of the girls’ routine and when the end music hits and they nail their final stunt, I jump and throw my hands up to match theirs. “Yes!”
“Damn, that smile.”
I look at the girls. They’ve all got that smile. “I’m so proud of them. They did awesome!” I feel the tug on my ponytail and when I turn, he leans down. “I didn’t mean them.” He tugs once more, baring my neck to him, and places a hint of a kiss there. It’s so fast, I’d almost question if it was him or the breeze. And then he’s gone. I’m left bewildered as the girls run from the field and crowd around me. I smile and try to focus on them but glance around wanting to know where Mark disappeared to. Instead of finding him, I’m met with furious eyes across the field from the one man I didn’t want to see. My father.
MARK
I couldn’t help but steal a taste of her. Her cotton candy scent was calling me, and I didn’t give two shits that Dean Stoll was watching me. I know I pushed her limits. She doesn’t want anyone thinking she hasn’t earned her spot here or that she’s out to risk it by jumping in with the resident bad boy.
I joined Dash, Summer, Deputy Albright and his girl, Jessica, back in the stands. We’re all here to cheer on Jameson. This kid is like my own and I can’t wait to see where he ends up next.
“Mark, who are you taking to the dance for the Christmas in July Festival? You know, it’s a masquerade ball. I’m assuming you’ll want to show up with someone, so you don’t have a mistaken identity throughout the night.” Summer snorts as she settles down next to Dash and questions me. I know she’s referring to my many dates, as if I don’t know their names. I let her get away with it though because I know it’s all innocent jokes.
I put on my smug grin. “Where’s the fun in knowing? I told you, I’m into the whole ‘why choose’ thing.”
Jessica bumps me this time. “This isn’t a romance novel, Mark. Real life doesn’t work that way.”
Don’t I know it? There’s only one I want to choose, and it’s becoming very clear to me I’m ready to make that choice. But for now, I have to play it off. I shrug. “Been working just fine for me.” I’ve got to get away from this line of questioning right now. “I’m grabbing some sodas. Be right back.”
I head to concessions and feel a pull on my arm while standing in line. My smile spreads across my face, but my brows furrow the instant I see her angry look. I let Mackenzie pull me to the side of the concession building.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you serious, Mark? You can’t do that in front of the Dean!” she slaps her thighs, which only brings my attention to her legs. “Hey! Up here!”
I’m over a foot taller than her, so when I skim up her body and stop on her skewed up face, I let out a slight laugh. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t laugh at me.” She swats at her neck. “You know what you did.”
I move in closer, invading her space, and run my hand down her arm until our fingers tangle together. “I do know what I did. And I know you want me to do it again. Mom always told me to follow my dreams, so let me follow you home and we can both dream together.”
She tries to hold onto her anger, but it quickly dissipates into a smile. I see the moment her frustration melts away with the help of my cheesy line. “There’s my girl.”
“I need to head back to the locker room with the girls, but I’ll call you later, okay?”
“You got it, Tink.” I wink at her, and as she skips away, I catch her hand. “Hey! No lines. You did an amazing job tonight, Coach West.”
She smiles and squeezes my hand before letting it drop. All I can do is watch her walk away and count the minutes until I can hold her again.
MACKENZIE
“Come on, girl! It’s Friday. Let’s let off some steam.” Summer calls out.
I gather all the pom-pom’s, place them back in the bag and drag them inside my office.
“I wanted to run through more tape tonight.”
