Chapter 6
At last, the day of the Battle of the Badges basketball game had arrived. Dante promised to visit his brother a few minutes before the game started and point out Kizzy’s location. Noah seemed more nervous about her being there than he did about the game. He’d do well on the court. There was no doubt about that. He’d been playing since he was ten. His older brothers had taught him as soon as they realized how tall he’d be.
Mallory had arranged to meet Dante there. She said she had to finish her paintings first. She’d been working diligently to get her gallery submissions just the way she wanted them and could take public transportation to get to Boston Garden when she was finished. Dante understood her anxiety but couldn’t wait to see her relax and have a little fun.
He guessed his brother felt the same way about Kizzy needing a break. Dante’s motto was:Everybody works too hard and takes themselves way too seriously.
“There she is, Bro,” he said to Noah, who was on the bench waiting for the game to start. His brother’s eyes followed Dante’s finger, pointing at the pretty brunette doctor. He looked relieved when Kizzy smiled and waved.
Grinning, Noah waved back. “Thanks. I owe you for bringing her here.”
“No problem. You’re taking her out afterward, so I’ll take Mallory home in Joanna.”
“Dude, that just sounds wrong.”
The announcer welcomed everyone and introduced the singer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“Well, I’d better get to my seat.”
“Yeah. Oh, hey! I see Mallory coming.”
Dante glanced up in the stands and beamed when he saw her. She was always so cute. Today, she was wearing a short plaid skirt. A white blouse completed the Catholic schoolgirl look. He didn’t know if that’s what she was going for or not. Since they didn’t go to Catholic school, she may not have even realized it wasa thing.
He waved and began climbing the bleacher stairs to meet her and guide her to their seats. She didn’t stop at the row he’d told her they’d be sitting in. Instead, she kept walking down the steps until she could throw her arms around his neck and kiss him fervently.
Wow.Her lips were warm and insistent. Her whole body was molded against his, and he felt a certain part of his anatomy stir to life.
As soon as “The Star-Spangled Banner” finished, a wolf whistle and a few chuckles made them spring apart.
“I’ve never made out to the national anthem before,” Mallory said.
He laughed. “You’re adorable.”
“Thanks. You are too.”
“Adorable?”
“Sure. Why not? I adore you.”
His brows spiked in surprise. Uncharacteristically speechless, Dante simply escorted her to their seats on the bleachers. A smiling Kizzy scooted down to make room for both of them, and he introduced the ladies to each other.
“Kizzy, this is my girlfriend, Mallory Summers.” He had wondered how to introduce her to people, as his girlfriend or friend or date, but that kiss pretty much sealed the deal. He must’ve been grinning like an idiot. “And Mallory, this is Noah’s date, Kizzy Samuels.”
As they shook hands, Kizzy cocked her head and said, “Mallory Summers? Where have I heard that name before?”
“I don’t know,” Mallory said. “I don’t think I’ve met anyone named Kizzy.”
Kizzy laughed. “That doesn’t surprise me. Neither have I.”
Dante pointed to the floor. “Noah is one of the centers.”
Kizzy sat forward and watched as Noah in his red basketball uniform faced someone in a blue basketball uniform. The ball was between their ready hands, and Noah jumped, batting it first. Dante cheered him on as he rushed toward the basket. He passed it to his right guard, who got close to the basket. Unfortunately, the guy covering him was good and ready for him. He threw the ball but didn’t score. When the ball was recovered by one of the blue uniforms, everyone ran like mad to the other end.
“Do you girls like sports?” Dante asked.
“Would you think less of me if I didn’t?” Mallory asked.
Kizzy snapped her fingers. “I know where I’ve heard your name,” she said. “I think you were a patient at Boston General. I work in the ER there.”
