Page 69 of The Disasters of Dating
It’s a good first quarter. Utah’s players look strong and ready for the season. But Stanford isn’t about to roll over and let Utah have the win. If things continue this way, it will be a good game. The U has the ball, and the receiver catches it running for a 20-yard gain. But yellow flags fly all over the field. “Aw, no way!” Poppy yells at the ref. “Boo, get yourself a pair of glasses, Ref!”
I grin as I stare at her. I’ve never seen the sports fan side of Poppy. I have to say, I’m surprised. I thought she would be a mellow observer. Although, as I consider it, I’m not sure why I thought that. Poppy seems to be passionate about most things in her life. Why would football be any different?
She settles back in her seat with her arms folded and a glare. I nudge her with my shoulder. “Anything I can do?”
One side of her lips quirk up. “No.” She looks sheepish. Yes, I now know what that expression looks like. “Sorry, I probably should have warned you. I can get a little heated when I watch football.”
“No worries. I’m good watching the off-field entertainment as well as the on-field.” I wink and settle into my seat, a little at an angle so my shoulder touches hers. Just then the Jumbotron at the end of the stadium puts us up on the screen with a frame around us and a ‘kiss her’ banner.
Gina leans over, a devilish look on her face. “Well, Jumbo has spoken. I’m afraid you have to do what he says.”
I look at Poppy, my mouth suddenly parched. The people around are chanting, “Kiss her, kiss her,”
Poppy smiles. “I mean, can you ignore Jumbo?”
Even Gina has joined in on the ‘kiss her’ chant.
I shrug and lean forward. Poppy meets me halfway, which is more than a little surprising. And I take it as my cue. She’s okay with this. Or does she want to get it over with? The crowd goes crazy, but as soon as my lips touch hers, the sounds in the stadium fade away, and I’m only aware of Poppy. Her lips are soft and seem to fit perfectly on mine. I knew she had kissable lips. But this is more than kissable. It’s like they are a sculptor and my lips are the clay.
I lift my hand to her cheek and pull her closer to me, deepening the kiss. Whatever I thought our accidental kiss was at the restaurant that first dinner, I now realize it was nothing. It was just lips coming into contact sloppily… accidentally. But this? It’s like the sun has shone on me after months of cloud cover. And I don’t want it to end.
I twist my head, hoping to get a better angle. But then someone puts a hand on my bicep, and I pull back. Poppy comes with me for a few inches before she’s forced to release my lips.
I look at Poppy. Her face is nearly the same color as the Utah shirts in The Muss section. Glancing over, I see Jim standing there, glowering at me with folded arms. Definitely a dad look. “I think you’ve fulfilled the request from Jumbo just fine.” He has an I’m-going-to-keep-my-eyes-on-you look about him.
I lean back in my seat and look out at the field. I wish I could lean over and continue kissing Poppy. But I think Jim might have me removed from the stadium if I try it.
I watch Poppy from the corner of my eye. She’s smiling as she looks out at the field. Slowly and discreetly, she lifts her finger to her lips, touching them lightly. What does that mean? Did she like the kiss? Or is she regretting it? Maybe she’s touching her lips because I hurt her? I pressed harder against them after the initial contact. Was it too much? My stomach sinks at the thought that I might have caused her pain.
I’m paying no attention to the game as my mind swirls. Elation and defeat warring with each other. But then, warmth envelops my hand, and I look down to see Poppy’s hand over mine. I flip it over and intertwine our fingers. She lays her head on my shoulder, and I lean to the side, trying to make it more comfortable for her.
I glance to my other side and notice Gina is watching us. I meet her eyes, and she nods. I’m going to take it as approval.
At that moment, I realize whatever hopes I’d had of remaining ‘just friends’ with Poppy have completely shot out of the stadium. I want to date her, not just be her friend.
I guess that means it’s time to look for an apartment. Keaton Barrington can’t be a visitor any longer.
CHAPTER 21
KEATON
Someone is thinking good thoughts of you at this very moment
Learn Chinese: ?? — Jidòng —Excitement
Lucky Numbers: 5, 13, 8, 23
“Okay,I think that’s everything. If you have anything we need to discuss between now and next Friday, you can reach out to either Keaton or me.” Evan smiles at the screen.
Everyone gives their goodbyes, and I’m about to disconnect when Evan says, “Keaton, can you stay on? I have a few things I want to discuss with you.”
I release a slow, measured breath. This can’t be good. “Sure.” I lean back in my hotel room desk chair. I’m not shocked by the request, but I’d hoped I could sign off quickly enough that I wouldn’t have to deal with this conversation until I got back to New Hampshire tonight. I’m certain Evan would be waiting on my doorstep. He isn’t a big fan of phone confrontation, so I’d been pretty certain that if I could avoid him on the video call, I’d be home free until I was in the same state as him.
But I hadn’t been fast enough. Dang my sleep-deprived reflexes!
All the faces disappear from the screen, leaving me and Evan.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” I choose the play dumb route. It may not be the smartest route, but I’m taking it, nonetheless.
