“You have to stop saying things like that.”

“Why?” He sounded very serious. “I say what I feel, and I want you to do the same. Don’t ever hold anything back.”

“Okay.” She loved the way he made her feel so uninhibited. “Can I tell you what I’m feeling right now?”

“Of course.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I’d like to crawl right through the phone right now, and kiss you all over.”

She heard him groan. “That’s not fair. Okay, let’s get one thing straight, things like that you can only say when I have you right in front of me. Damn, how am I supposed to fall asleep now?”

Sarah giggled. “Sweet dreams, Angel.”

“Yeah, you know what I’ll be dreaming of.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, still giggling. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

He groaned again. “Sarah, baby, I know you mean well, but that’s not helping my situation over here.”

She forced herself to stop giggling; reminding herself to not make promises she couldn’t keep. She’d already seen firsthand how hard, almost painful it was for him to restrain himself. Not that she had any doubts he would, but it was cruel to tease him like that.

She stared at the phone for a while after they’d hung up, and wondered how she, herself would get any sleep tonight.

CHAPTER 8

True to his word, Angel didn't keep their relationship a secret. As soon as he saw her on Monday morning at her locker, he was on her. He slipped up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck.

The rest of the day was pretty much the same. Anytime she was near, he was wrapped around her, unable to keep limb or lips off of her.

She’d introduced him to a few of her girlfriends and he’d also met one of her guy friends, Freddie, the guy that had his locker right below hers. But walking up while she’d been laughing with Freddie had Angel seeing red. He mentioned how his own locker was closer to her homeroom, but she didn't bite.

They were undeniably a couple. There were quite a few sneers, and barefaced gawking from some of the girls Angel knew, but if Sarah had noticed, she hadn’t said a word. He half expected her to be tense or apprehensive; given what she’d said to him at the beach about being afraid of getting hurt. But her brazen resolve throughout the day had surprised and impressed him, making him even more fascinated with her.

Although Angel’s friends seemed surprised, they hadn’t said much. Eric had just smiled knowingly, but hadn’t said a word, he knew better. Romero didn’t remember much about Friday’s party, so, he was at a total loss. After seeing Angel all over Sarah a few times though, he finally spoke up.

“Damn, that good uh?” he’d said. “Let me know when you’re done, so I can get me some.”

Eric had choked back a laugh, and waited for the fireworks. But Angel knew his friend could have no idea. So, he let him off with a stern warning.

“It’s not like that dude. So, don’t even think about it.” And that was that.

By the end of the day, it was out there for everyone to see. And Angel was quite pleased.

*****

Sarah took Sofia up on her offer to come out and run with the track team that week. Instead of running by herself after school that Wednesday she met Sofia in the locker room and walked out with her to where the team was practicing.

Angel gave her the same warning he’d given Sofia about the coach. “Do not get caught alone with the pervert.”

Sarah was surprised at how young the coach really was. If he hadn’t been wearing the shirt that said coach she would’ve easily mistaken him for one of the bigger guys in school.

He had a baby face, and while she didn’t agree with Sofia about him being fine, she could understand why the girls would be attracted to him. He did have that muscular body you’d expect on a young coach. Sarah didn’t notice anything perverted about him, only that his wit was appealing and the girls did a lot of giggling around him. Something he seemed to take pleasure in.

Given how protective Angel was about his sister. It didn’t surprise her that he’d be so apprehensive about the coach.

Practice went well. The team seemed impressed and Sarah felt good about the workout. She and Sofia were on their way back to the locker room when the coach caught up to her.

“So, was the team good enough for you?” He teased.

Sarah felt flattered. She was still winded from her last run and took a moment to catch her breath.

“Say yes, say yes.” Sofia held her hands to her mouth as if she were praying.

“I can’t.”

She saw the disappointment in the coach’s face. “Why?”

“I won’t be here next semester. I’m going back to Arizona.”

The coach scratched his eyebrow and made a face. “Damn that’s too bad. We could really use you in the relay. You’re here all this semester though right?”

Sarah nodded and was startled when she felt strong arms around her waist. Angel kissed her temple and held her against him. “What’s going on?”

Eric and Romero were on either side of Sofia staring at the coach. The coach smiled at Angel. “I thought we’d found our fourth place runner for the relay.” He brought his attention back to Sarah who could almost feel all three guys scrutinizing his every word. “But we will be having some friendly meets this semester for practice. If you keep practicing with us, I’d love to have you join us in those.”