Excerpt: The Perfect Score by Kellie Kamryn

He didnt say anything, but placed a hand on top of the one she had on his thigh. Thats when she noticed the intimacy of their current position. Flustered, she stood and gestured with her hands. I wanted to go to the Olympics when I was little, but as I got older, I realized I wouldnt make it. I changed my vision. I wanted to be able to compete, and later I wanted to become a coach. At university, I studied human movement, and I chose to be a part of the sport in a different way. Its something to think about. The faraway tone of his voice told her he didnt like admitting defeat. Their eyes met again, and the intensity of his gaze had Shelley frozen to the spot. He rose, towering over her, and picked up one of her hands. Lifting it up to eye level, he flattened his palm against hers. Her hand was half the size. Her heart pounded when he folded his fingers over hers, and the sound of blood rushing in her ears was all she heard. A small smile blossomed as she remembered what shed thought the first time shed seen the size of his hands. I like it when you smile, he said, his voice deep. What are you thinking? The first time I saw your hand I thought it would cover my whole chest. Such an inappropriate thought when first meeting a parent of a potential club member. She snapped out of her stupor and blushed deeply. Oh, dear Lord, I cant believe I said that. He shifted his gaze to her breasts. Shall we test your theory? Her nipples hardened in response, and her eyes widened. Its not appropriate for you to be staring at my breasts. You shouldnt have mentioned them. Are we sixteen? Far from it. He glanced at her lips. I suppose it wouldnt be appropriate for me to kiss you. Precisely. Her voice was far too breathy for her liking. She tried taking her hand out of his, but he tightened his grip. Im going to do it anyway. He lowered his face toward hers. She turned her head, trying to remain in control of this situation. Her brain told

her this wasnt a good idea. Her body said, What the hell? Jack. Her firm tone should have brooked no argument. Too bad it came out with a quiver. His eyes closed. Say it again. Her voice trembled when she spoke. Say what? My name. I hate it when you call me Mr. Fortier. Mr. Fortier, she began, but Jack caught her chin gently in his hand. Her eyes narrowed, but she didnt try to escape. Do you always expect to get what you want? Not a lot of people say no to me. His lips were a hairs breadth away from hers. Please say my name. With their lips almost touching, she whispered, Jack. She had been about to say they should keep their relationship professional, and intimate contact was out of the question. But when he sealed her lips with a kiss, further protest died in her throat. He added a little pressure, and warmth spread throughout her entire body. Her body responded like a woman dying of thirst needs water. She thought his kisses wouldve been aggressive like him, but this was unlike any kiss she had ever experienced. It spoke of moonlit walks and breakfasts in bed, promised tender good nights, and passionate good mornings, whispered words meant only for a lovers ear, and dreams shared only with another. Shelley had always viewed a kiss as a prelude to sex, but never to her future. She drew back and pressed a shaking hand to her lips. Future? She had no future with this man beyond seeing him from time to time at the gym when he brought his daughter for practice. Completely unnerved, she could only muster two words. Oh. Wow.