“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I rested my head on his chest, listening to the reassuring thump of his heart.
“Hey. You still ... you’re sure, right?” He sounded tentative, like he was afraid of what I might say.
I tilted my head back to see him better. “Me? Of course I am. I was kind of scared this morning that you might have, um, regrets.”
“Not one.” He kissed me firmly, and giving a little growl, teased my closed lips with his tongue until I opened for him. He explored me lazily, setting my blood on fire. I moved closer, standing between the solid columns of his legs. My boobs were crushed against his chest, and my nipples hardened.
“God, Mia. I’m not going to be able to walk into class.” Leo groaned and dropped his head into the crook of my neck. “I just want to drag you into my car, drive out ... I don’t know, somewhere we could be alone.”
“Me, too.” I laughed a little. “But I’ve got a math quiz this morning, and I have a sneaking suspicion that ‘hot for my boyfriend’s rocking body’ isn’t going to cut it as an excused absence.”Boyfriend. I loved to say that word. I loved it even more that I was talking about Leo when I said it.
“Probably not.” He smoothed my hair back from my face. “Okay. I guess I have to let you go to class. I’ve got English and study hall this morning. But I’ll see you at lunch, right? And then maybe we could both go over to the hospital after school and check on Nate. I’ve got practice, but it’s a short one, since tomorrow’s game day.”
“That works. If I hear anything before then, I’ll let you know.” I took a step back, feeling instantly colder. I wasn’t sure if Leo wanted me to walk in before him, but my question was answered when he took hold of my hand firmly and began to stroll across the school lawn.
“Taylor! Hey, asshole.” Matt Lampert jogged up beside us, smacking Leo on the back of the head. “You never texted me last night. I was waiting for you to come over.”
“Yeah, sorry.” Leo sounded anything but. “Something came up at home.”
Matt frowned. “Okay. Everything ...” He stopped, both talking and walking. And he stared at our joined hands. “Anything you need to tell me, Lion? Something new?”
“Something right.” Leo eyed his friend, as though he were daring him to say anything. “Something finally right. Quinn and I are together.”
“Oooookay.” Matt glanced from my face to Leo’s. “Um, congratulations?”
“Thanks.” Leo’s tone was wry. “Hey, man. I’m sorry about last night. It was a family thing. But I didn’t mean to leave you hanging.”
“Yeah, no problem.” He gestured toward the door of the building. “You coming to English?”
“Yep. Be right there.” Leo tossed him a look, and Matt laughed.
“I get you. See you inside.”
I glanced up at Leo. “What was that all about?”
“That was about me wanting to kiss my girl before we have to go into class.” He combed his fingers into my hair, holding my head still, and slanted his open mouth over mine, kissing me thoroughly. “There. That should hold me a few hours.” He dropped one quick kiss on my forehead. “See you at lunch.”
By lunch time, apparently word about Leo and me had swept over the campus. I might not have noticed if it hadn’t been for the cheerleaders being more hostile toward me than usual and more than a few curious looks from other students. Still, nothing really bothered me until we were in the cafeteria.
Leo met me at my locker, coming up from behind and startling me with a kiss on my neck as his arms circled my waist.
“Hi.” He released me, grinning. “Did you have a good morning? How was the math quiz?”
I smiled back. “Morning was good, quiz was so-so. I hate math so hard.”
Leo laughed. “Some things never change, huh?” He slid his hand down my arm to link our fingers. “C’mon, let’s eat. I’m starved.”
“Some things never change,” I teased back. “Are you still the guy who’s going to take my slice of pizza when my back’s turned?”
“No.” He touched the tip of my nose with his index finger. “I’m the guy who’s going to buy us each an extra slice so I can eat them.” He patted his flat stomach. “Gotta keep up the energy. Big game tomorrow.”
“That’s right. This one determines whether or not you guys make round one of the playoffs, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, but I’m trying not to think of that.” Leo led me into the cafeteria, and we joined the food line. “Coach says a game’s a game. We play them all hard.”
We didn’t talk much in line; it was loud and difficult to hear. Leo was good to his word, loading up both of our trays with pizza. After we’d paid, I hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” Leo balanced his tray on one hand and glanced back at me.
