___________________

"WOOOO!!"

Luke and I turned around in our chairs.

"Damn, you're excited already and the game isn't until seven." Lucas said as in dug into his noodles.

Damien held his hands up in surrender. His blue Canucks hockey jersey sleeves moved down his arms as he dropped them to his sides. "I'm excited okay? I haven't been to a hockey game in years. We have..." He looked at his watch. "Two hours until the game. We leave in an hour and fifteen minute. I'm sweating with excitement."

I smiled at him. "Yeah, I can kind of see that."

"Aren't you excited?"

I turned a page in my magazine and winked. "Of course I am. But clearly not as excited as you.."

"This is true." Katherine walked in wearing a white Canucks hockey jersey. "But I am pretty excited though."

Laura then waltzed in but she was in a white polo shirt and jeans. "I'm excited."

I stood up. "Where's the other three?"

"Stacey is coming and George and Chris will meet us there." Damien replied.

Kate invited Stacey from my Literature class. I wasn't aware Kate knew Stacey but I'm not surprised. Katherine seems to know everyone.

"We have to be back before daylight though, Mr.Reeves gave us an assignment and I need to get started." Laura said.

I scowled down at my magazine. 

So, this week I wasn't able to moan at him. I knew he came back on Monday because I saw him wandering about the library. I was sat on a table while he was standing around a corner in one of the aisles. When I stood up to talk to him I chickened out and left. 

It was a great opportunity and I was too much of a chicken. I tried to do it after class on Wednesday but he rushed off at the end for a meeting. I couldn't do it on Tuesday because I'd been bundled out by the other students.

I'm going to have to catch him in my free hour before his class. Plus neither of us has made any contact with each other. Not even eye contact.

I walked past everyone to get to my room and started changing. I didn't really know what one wore to a hockey game so I put on a pair of jeans, a black vest and a light blue shirt. The colors suit the occasion.  

I shrugged on my brown coat and black scarf after putting on my white Converse.

"Knock, knock."

I turned and smiled at Laura as she opened the door. "Is this okay?" I asked.

She nodded. "Perfect." She walked in and started touching random things on my desk.

"Something wrong?"

"Well..." Laura started playing with a lock of her hair. "Yeah, it's Stacey."

"What about her?" I grabbed my bag, purse and ticket.

"Do you think she likes Damien?"

I rolled my eyes as I stood beside my desk. "She's doesn't know him."

"Well, she does now and she's all over him. Why did Kate have to invite her?"

"Laura, if I didn't know any better I would think you were jealous."

She gasped over dramatically and her cheeks tinted pink. "I am not jealous. I'm merely curious. Stacey just seems like one of those."

I chuckled. "Stacey is a lovely girl, Laura. Get to know her. Maybe she doesn't like Damien." I grabbed her hand and started pulling her downstairs. "Stop assuming. Just talk to her. We're not in high school anymore. We don't bitch--"

"Much." She finished. "We don't bitch much. We're still human, Evie." She pasted on a huge smile as we stepped downstairs. Stacey grinned at me and started chatting away with Kate.

The car arrangements would be Damien driving my car with me and Laura while Lucas drove Kate and Stacey. I didn't know how to get there so it was the best way.

All the way there Damien chatted away to Laura about the game and who would be playing. I let Laura sit in the front seat. She'd protested but I didn't care.

And when we got there that was when the real games begun. 

George and Chris were inside the arena already. We got our tickets scanned and then walked down the steps to find our seats inside the huge arena. Luke's cousin got us seats right in front of the glass.

"Section 118." I mumbled walking into the arena. People were everywhere filling up the seats, buying beer, buying food. This is definitely an experience I will never forget. 

We all walked down the steps to the first row and there sat two very attractive boys. One sitting next to my seat.

The one sitting next to my seat had dark brown hair, bright blue eyes, olive clear skin and a cute smile. The boy sitting next to him had light brown eyes, mocha skin and black hair. Katherine pushed past me and took her seat next to the second boy and introduced herself. I took my seat next to her and blue eyes and smiled.

"Hey. I'm George." He held out his hand.

"Evie." I shook his hand with a smile before shrugging off my coat. "Damien's friend I presume?"

He smirked. "Exactly that."

I wasn't one for jocks.  

Most but not all are stereotyped as big headed asses. I dated one in high school and what a mistake that was.

"Wouldn't you be more into football not hockey?" I asked as I looked at the ice. Music was blowing through speakers above making it a little hard to speak.

He shrugged a wide shoulder. "I like all sports. What about you? I don't usually see beautiful girls watching a rough sport these days." He smiled a very charming grin.

"Aren't you a flirt."

"I try not to be," He winked.

"Lying isn't the greatest first impression, George." I turned my attention to a man selling popcorn and drinks.

"I'm not lying I'm simply stretching the truth."

I glanced at him with a smile and went into my bag to get out my purse.

"Here, I got it." Before I could protest he handed a twenty to the man and he handed me the popcorn and drink.

"You didn't--"

"If I pay for it, it's a sure way for me to share your popcorn and drink." He went to take a piece of popcorn off the top but I manoeuvred it away.

"I own it now. So you get some when I say so." I put my hand in the box and grabbed a handful of popcorn. "That might be a while." I popped one into my mouth a chewed.

He chuckled and took my drink. "Well, this is mine then."

I narrowed my eyes and opened my mouth to complain when Laura leaned over and said, "Well you two seem to be getting along. Told you he's cute."

I pulled a face at her and she laughed. After a moment the crowd started cheering, the lights started flashing and the Canucks logo flashed across the ice for a long while before introducing the players onto the ice followed by the Chicago Blackhawks.

I leaned forward and shouted at Kate, "How long do these games last for?"

"About two and a half hours not including extra time. And there are two intermissions."

I watched them skate around in circles and finally stop in two separate lines. The players were introduced on the big screen on the scoreboard. 

George pointed out which one Luke's cousin was.

"You'll enjoy the game, trust me." George assured.

"I hope so."

**

"WOOOO!"

"Damien, for goodness sake!" I said with a laugh.

"Come on we're up by five there's no way we can lose we're on the last period of the game."

Lucas came up next to me as we made our way to the bar. The bar filled with the usual smoke, drunken chatter and the intoxicating smell of alcohol. Good old Green Day - 21 Guns played over the speakers.

It was the second intermission and truly the game is fun to watch. Luke's cousin, Cody, was awesome. He'd got pushed to the glass near us once and shouted his hello.  

Damien was star struck along with George and Chris.  

Kate seemed to have disappeared with Chris as soon as intermission started. George was a great guy. I was wrong about him being a stereotyped jock. 

Maybe he's what I need to keep my mind off you know who.

"Drink?" He asked.

"Are you nineteen?" I asked with a nudge.

He slung his arm over my shoulders and pulled me into his side. "Yes I am. What would you like? I'll pay."

When he touched me, it wasn't the same as---

"You won't take it again will you?" I teased trying to keep of thoughts off him.

He winked. "Of course not."

"Modello."

He grinned down at me. "Two Modello's please."

There were crowds everywhere and barely any breathing space. I was pushed slightly closer to George and he squeezed my arm. "Not able to keep away?"

I laughed. "Oh, how funny..." My eyes strayed over to the side and the blood drained from my face. My heart started pounding so hard I thought I was going to throw up. Of all the places, of all the damn places. Images of what happened between us popped into my mind and I had to contain a sigh of pleasure.

His green eyes caught mine and I felt like everything dissolved around me. Are my ears numb? Is that even right? Can that happen?!  

He stood so far away and yet it was like we were the only ones in the bar. He looked as shocked at me.

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Reeves? Hey Professor!" George waved his free arm above his head.

I now dislike George.

"Crap." I mumbled as I shut my eyes. Don't come over... If you value your life don't come over... Don't...

"Hello, George. Evangeline." 

Oh, god his voice.  

He was the only one that said my whole name and it almost made me shiver... 

Stop it, dammit!

I opened my eyes and looked up at him. His eyes were nowhere near me. He was dressed in a White Canucks hockey jersey with dark blue leg hugging jeans. All of his concentration was on the arm around me.  

But George was too oblivious to notice.

"Are you here with Coach Harris and Coach Watson?"

"Yes, they're--"

Harris came over tagging along a man probably in his early thirties with a wide grin on his face. "Hey Mike, where'd you..." He turned his eyes to George and me and gasped. "Hello! I didn't think we'd actually bump into each other tonight!"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You knew we were going to be here and you regretted to tell me you were coming?"

"Hey! I was only told yesterday that we'd be attending this game. Danny has season tickets."

"Danny?" I asked.

George squeezed my arm and I watched Mr. Reeves eyes zero in on it. "Coach Watson."

I turned around to grab our drinks and handed one to George. I wish I ordered vodka now.  

I took a gulp my beer and sighed. I felt uncomfortable with George's arm around me while Mr. Reeves glared at it so I shifted from foot to foot and stepped to the side. George's arm dropped and I caught his frown.

"Enjoying the game?" Mr. Reeves asked finally settling his eyes on me.

I was still pissed at him for telling John and I needed to ask him about it. But right now didn't seem appropriate.

"Yeah. It's a new experience." I took another pull of the drink.

Harris snatched the bottle from my hand and I frowned.

"Are you nineteen?" He said.

I frowned deeper and shook my head.

"Then this now belongs to the trash." He leaned around a group of people and placed it in the trash can.

"Ass." I mumbled.

"I heard that." He laughed. "Michael you need a new jersey." He pulled at the edge of his ripped jersey. "You should get a new one."

"I'll get one later," He mumbled. "Excuse me." He took one last look between George and I then walked away.  

John smiled apologetically at me then said his goodbyes.

We had about five minutes before the end of intermission so I left the group to use the restroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. What the hell is wrong with me? Why couldn't I just get over him and go for someone my age or someone... That's not Michael Reeves?  

Better yet, why couldn't I confront him about telling John?

"Grow a pair, Evie." I said to myself.

I took a deep breath, fixed the scarf around my neck and walked out of the restroom. 

It was like I conjured him up because he was in the store looking at new jerseys'. His hair hung over his forehead in a cute mess and his face looked like he was in deep thought.

I could do this. The very large halls were starting to empty so I decided to wait by the wall across from the store. He paid for his new jersey and stepped out of the shop. His green eyes looked around and were shocked to find me. He glanced around before walking toward me. I pushed off the wall and met him half way.

I needed to do this now. Otherwise I'd never do it. 

But when I opened my mouth he interrupted me by saying, "George is nice guy."

I blinked at him. "What?"

"George. Although, he doesn't seem your type to be honest."

I crossed my arms across my chest and narrowed my eyes. "Excuse me?"

"He's not smart enough for you." He said bluntly.

"How dare you?" He's in asshole mode. And there's no stopping him when he's in asshole mode. And what truly surprised me was how jealous he sounded - I don't think he'd appreciate it if I said it... Screw it. "It's none of your business if he's smart enough for me. And who says I'm even with him? By the way, Michael," I said his name as if it were acid. "You sound slightly jealous."

He chuckled humourlessly and ran a hand through his hair. "You don't have to say if you're with him its all in the way he leans towards you. And jealous? You're joking, right?"

"Uh!" I scowled and stepped forward. I really wanted to hit him but that would get me nowhere. "You're such an ass, you know that? And by the way, I know you told John about... What happened that night." I stared at his throat not able to look I'm his eyes.

"I'm sorry?" He asked.

"About..." I cleared my throat. "About--"

He was silent a moment, watching my struggle to find the right words. Then, his voice had turned to a voice I'd heard only once before. He started forward but I backed up. "Maybe you can remind me."

My eyes widened. I needed to stay in the right frame of mind. I couldn't get lost. I couldn't look into his eyes otherwise I'd be gone for sure. "No. I came to talk to you about why you told John. Why you were stupid enough to even mention it to him. Yes, he's your friend but have I told anyone? No I haven't!"

"You need anger management." He said hiding his smile. I couldn't bring myself to look past his perfect lips which were still a bad thing. 

My back hit the wall and he suddenly took all the air around me. The halls had become awfully quiet, apart from the crowd inside the arena shouting and yelling at the teams.

"I need therapy." I mumbled. "You're messing with me and I hate it."

He dropped the bag to the ground; one of his hands skimming the skin of my forearm, the other leaning against the wall. I could feel his heat. I could smell him. Even though it was the smell of orchids it was still masculine. I moved my gaze from his lips to his throat again. Staring at his lips wasn't helping. If I were in this position with any other man I'd kick them where it hurts and run. But for some reason I wanted to lean in, bury my face in his neck and stay there.

Although this is a very threatening position, I didn't feel it at all. His eyes pupils were slightly dilated but not to such an extent like last time. They were filled with lust... 

Which was dangerous... very dangerous.

"You don't hate it. In fact, I think you enjoy it. You enjoy our arguments as much as I do."

My eyes widened slightly when his fingers moved to tickle the hairs at the nape of my neck. God, I hate this man! I pressed my palms to his chest in attempt to push him away but ended up feeling his muscles tense under my touch.

"You're messing with me too, Evie." His deep vibrating voice almost made me shiver. Damn him! I'm a strong, I've resisted guys before so why the hell have I suddenly fallen under his spell?

His nose brushed mine and my entire body froze. His other warm hand skimmed down my arm to my waist.

"Michael, wait."

He paused but his hands continued to roam my waist and up my back slipping through my checkered shirt. It was hard to concentrate around him. It was hard to stay focused.

"I don't know anything about you. But you know a lot about me." I tried to swallow the lump in my throat but failed.

His hands stopped on my waist a moment before squeezing and crowding me against the wall. "I know." His breath caressed my lips and I parted them. 

Stay strong, pull away. Stay strong, pull away.  

Do it. Do it...!

And finally, he lightly pressed his lips to mine. 

I sighed out in pleasure. I hadn't imagined it would be like this. His lips were beyond soft, his touch completely electrifying. He placed small kisses on my lips teasingly and brought my bottom lip into his hot mouth. I clenched my fists into his jersey. I just knew he was a tease.

His body surrounded me but I didn't care. I was happy he was touching me. Pure heat coursed through me and I shuddered. I slid my hands up his chest, past his neck and into his velvet soft hair. It felt like a relief to have my hands in his hair again. I could never get enough of his hair.

Just as his tongue skimmed my lower lip asking me to open up, there was a wolf whistle. Michael and I broke apart and turned to a couple staggering past us with perverted grins.

"Get a room!" The woman shouted just before laughing and walking through the doors to the arena.

His hands loosened its death grip on my waist and took a small step back. I removed my shaky hands from his hair and moved a lock of my own behind my ear. Without him, I felt cold. It felt like his body had burnt mine but when he moved back a cold breeze took his place.

I brought my bottom lip into my mouth and immediately regretted it. 

I could still taste him...

"Evie,"

I looked up at him and took a deep breath. What was about to come? Was it regret?

"I'm not for you either."

The blood rose to cheeks and I narrowed my eyes at him. 

The moment's over. Regret. "I am going to slap you."

He rubbed a hand over his face after a chuckle. "You don't understand."

"I understand that you grabbed me and almost stuck your tongue down my throat. What's there not to understand?" My voice shook with anger.

He frowned and lifted his hand toward me. He surprised me by running a hand through my hair and grabbing my hand to pull me away from the wall.  

Asshole Michael was gone.

"I'm not good for you." He stared into my eyes as if trying to tell my something. There was something about his words... But I couldn't concentrate on what it was. He was still touching me. "But I can't stay away from you. It's hard. I can't stop thinking about the way you smile. The way your cheeks reveal your cute dimples."

I scowled.

"You put on a pretty strong front but i'm not so sure about the inside." He moved my fringe to the side revealing my horrible scar.

His finger skimmed across it and I saw it. 

His face. I'd never seen him so defenceless. His eyes were so unguarded. His face was soft...

"John said... You were bad for me. What did he mean?" I asked.

He stared at me a moment before his normal defences went back up. His eyes once again hard, his expression emotionless. He dropped his hands from me and took a step further back. I tilted my head toward him and he shook his head.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Michael," I called.

He gave me a lingering look. And with that he left.

I let out a deep breath I wasn't aware I was holding and touched my lips.  I knew once he kissed me I'd lose my mind. Have I lost it? Yes. And that wasn't even a real kiss and already I want more.  

I shook my