"It was fun. But very loud. Is it that loud on the ice?"
"I don't know. My focus is on the game. I don't hear anything."
"Colton loved it. Thank you for that."
"I'm glad. Not just to impress you."
"I know. I worried that having me there was nerve wracking."
"It's comforting. Exciting. Playing at home is always electric, because all these fans are wanting you to do well. That's more for themselves. But, knowing you are up there wanting me to do well for me, it's different."
Mandy grinned. "You're one hell of a romantic guy."
"Don't let that get out. I'll have enough answering questions about our relationship."
"What will you tell them?"
"It's none of their fucking business."
"Kip."
"I dunno, that you were my high school sweetheart. And we just chanced to meet again and it turned out you still carried a torch for me, and who could turn that down?"
She turned to show him her smirk. "I hope they don't give you the same hard time you got in high school for dating me."
"How do you know I got a hard time?"
"Please, I was the total opposite of what you were. I was a total loser. I had one friend. I was slightly overweight. You were like this god."
"You were beautiful. I never let those idiots bother me."
Mandy didn't reply. She didn't believe him either. She leaned against him.
"I didn't let it stop me then. And I won't let it stop me now. It's not like I'm in the spotlight. I only play a quarter of the games."
"I just don't want to be the one who slows you down or anything."
"You're never the person who slows me down." She was starting to move away, feeling self-conscious. He pulled her close again. "I'm starting to overheat and get pruny. Should we get out of here?"
"Sure," Mandy said. Her mind was still on her fears. She followed him out of the tub, took the towel he offered and rubbed her skin down. She wrapped it around herself to ward off the chill of the room.
"Come on, I've been dying to get you into my bed since you arrived on my doorstep."
"You had me there. This morning." She frowned at the digital clock on his bedside table. "Yesterday morning."