The Coach's Daughter (closed)

[play_and_ride89]

http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2255270.jpg​

Name: MacKenzi Lewis, AKA Mack
Age: 18, College Freshman @ JHU
Major: Undecided
Sport: Softball

MacKenzi was so nervous and excited that she could hardly sit still at the breakfast table.

"Sit still, Mack", Joe Lewis, her father and the football coach at JHU, growled at her. He was a bear of a man, at over six feet tall and topping well over 225 lbs. Many people found him intimidating, scary even, but Mack knew that deep down he was just a big ol' teddy bear.

MacKenzi grinned over at him and shrugged as she ate another spoonful of cereal. Her mother, whom Mack gathered her petite body and gorgeous looks from, was already at work, which left Mack and Joe to fend for themselves... which basically meant cereal all around.

"I'm excited," she told her father. "Tonight's the first time I get to go and watch your team play as an actual JHU student. I mean I've been tons of times before of course, but never as a student."

She finished eating her breakfast and headed upstairs to get dressed. She figured she would change before the game tonight and opted for just a form-fitting JHU tshirt, a pair of skin tight jeans and a pair of blindingly-white Nikes with a hot pink check on them.

"Cya tonight, Daddy!" she called as she bounded down the stairs and headed out the door. Her morning was full of english and math, and the afternoon wasn't much better with science and geography.

Oh, the life of a freshman, she thought grimly as she jumped in her cherished GMC Sierra and headed towards campus.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant Mason was a fifth year senior strong safety for JHU. When he arrived on campus four years ago he was an undersized, fast, known for hard hitting, but mostly unheralded recruit of the previous coach. He had grown up living and breathing JHU football and jumped at the chance to play for them. Critics of the previous coach blamed his poor recruiting for the poor record of his teams. One only had to look as far as recruits like that Mason kid to see the writing on the wall.

Grant was red shirted his first year on campus but devoted himself to the weight room and actually enjoyed his time on the scout team. His reputation as a ruthless hitter only grew. Unfortunately the team had a dismal season, finishing 3-9 with a blowout loss to their main rival. Coach Banks was shown the door.

When Coach Lewis was hired he promised to rebuild JHU to the JHU that fans and former players expected. He would accomplish this through discipline and toughness. Fans embraced his old school approach. The returning players, not so much. Many of Grant's teammates were "ran off." Grant stuck with it and over the next three years transitioned from a relentless special teamer to a projected starter. Recruiting improved and the wins were coming, slowly and surely. National pundits were predicting a break out year for JHU and one publication listed Grant as an early "sleeper" pick for next year's draft.

Grant grew up without a father and gravitated towards Coach Lewis's gruff but sincere personality. He appreciated the toughness and discipline the coach instilled and the coach admired his work ethic and tenacity. When summer practice ended, Grant was listed as the starter. But he was being pushed hard by a younger player, one of Coach Lewis's prized recruits. Based on talent alone, Grant should have been the back up. But his experience and attitude gave him a slight edge. He would have to stay injury free and produce to keep his spot in the starting lineup.

It was game day. He couldn't believe he was talked into taking a Friday class. He had to repeat geography if he would graduate in the spring. The professor he was encouraged to take, was only teaching a Mon-Wed-Fri class this semester. He had better go, at the very least to strike up a friendship with a girl who would take notes for him on future Fridays. He sat in the back of the class as the prof took role. "MacKenzi Lewis" the professor called out. He looked at the girl carefully. That was Coach's daughter. He hadn't remembered her being that pretty. He smiled as he thought to himself how perfect this was shaping up to be.

Class finally ended. It was worse than he could have thought. He waited outside the classroom until Mack left. He began walking after her,easily catching her with his long strides, towering over her. "Hey MacKenzie" he called out. He smiled at her as he slowed his pace down to walk with her.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack sat through all of her classes trying to focus on the lessons and not become distracted. They were boring classes and held no interest for her. Geography was the worst. The professor was monotoned and droll and made MacKenzi want to pull out her hair. The class dragged on and on as MacKenzi sat in the middle of the classroom. Her eyes drifted around restlessly, taking in the other people in the class.

Her eyes eventually landed on the guy in the back that the professor had called Grant Mason. The name rang a bell in her head and finally Mack placed it. He was a safety for her fathers team. Joe Lewis had mentioned the "boy" a few times saying he had promise.

He was pretty hot, Mack thought to herself as she turned to look forward again. She tried to refocus on the professor but her mind kept drifting to Grant. This was a M-W-F class... he was gonna have problems with it and his football schedule she would bet.

Finally, after what seemed like endless hours, the class was let out. MacKenzi said bye to thebgirl next to her and gathered up her books to leave. Just as she went out into the hallway she heard a deep voice calling her name. Confused, she turned around to see who wanted her.

Much to her surprise, it was Grant.

Her pulse sped up and a thousand thoughts swirled through her mind. What did he want? He was a senior... she was a freshman. What could he want to do with her?? She was about to stop but he caught up to her quickly and they continued to walk.

Mack looked up at him... he was a lot taller than she, and smiled. "Hey... Grant right? What's up?" she asked in a voice just loud enough to be heard over the noise level in the hallway.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant stood 5'10" but towered over Mack. He had the look of an athlete though - muscular and cut, and walked with confidence. He shaved his dark brown hair to a tight crop weekly. He hated the feeling of sweaty hair and couldn't understand how some players wore it long in their helmets. He usually didn't wear anything identifying himself as a player around campus though, except for the shorts, not wanting to draw extra attention to himself. Players received so much extra gear that it was pretty hard not to at times.

"Yeah that's me" he smiled. "Your Coach Lewis's daughter right? Just thought I would introduce myself. I'm guessing he has cursed me out at the dinner table a few times but don't let that jade you." He laughed as he said it. She was cute. If she weren't the coach's daughter he would definitely try to hook up with her. She had been on the sidelines at a few games and practices over the years but she looked older now. He hadn't even realized she was going to school here now. He also realized that she must be pretty smart - no way Coach would not expect his daughter not to excel.

He walked with her and made small talk, asking about her classes, how she liked campus. He didn't want to make to big a deal about her father, she was probably sick of people wanting to know her because of who her dad was. His apartment was in the opposite direction but wasn't in a hurry so continued to walk with her to her car. When they reached it he said his goodbye and said "I'm guessing you'll be at the game tonight?"

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack smiled and nodded when Grant asked her if she was coach Lewis's daughter. Great, someone else who wants me to put in a good word to daddy, she thought to herself. But much to her surprise he didn't speak much about her dad. He mostly made small talk about classes and the campus. The only comment he made was just to ask that her father's opinion of him not jade her. She grinned at him then.

"My dad has very strong opinions of everyone... but he's had mostly good stuff to say about you... mostly". She sent him a playful grin as they walked side by side. He really was very attractive, she thought to herself. Too bad he wouldn't want anything to do with her, she was the coach's daughter afterall.

When she neared her truck she pointed it out to him. He then asked her if she would be at the game. She grinned at him. "You know I will. It would be a sin in my father's eyes if I were to miss it. You ready to play? Im sure you guys will kick ass. Daddy says y'all are doing pretty good this year".

She wasn't eager to end their association but she knew he probably had stuff to do before the game. "Maybe I will see you tonight?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

After that they said goodbye and she hopped up into her truck and headed home. She had about three hours before the game and decided she go for a swim then shower and get ready. With that in mind, she hit the road and headed for home.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant laughed when she said her dad expected them to be pretty good. First of all it was hard to think of his coach as "daddy" even though he had become a father figure to many of his teammates, including himself. "That's funny, he tells us we'll be lucky to win a single game. But yeah, we're ready" He smiled confidently at her. She really had a nice smile herself.

"You never know. There's nothing to do on a Friday night here." He winked as he said it. If only she weren't Coach's daughter he would have invited her out. But he had to be careful with this one. He had a hard enough time staying out of the dog house without getting too involved with his daughter.

Grant walked back to his apartment. He didn't like to focus on the game too much before hand and this girl gave him a perfect excuse to let his mind wander.

 

[play_and_ride89]

MacKenzi went home and changed into a bikini. She spent the next hour floating on a raft in the pool relaxing. After that she went inside to shower. Her father was already on campus for the game so she was left home alone. As she stripped down to shower she thought of what Grant might look like naked. The thought sent a shiver down her spine and she wished fervently that her dad was not coach. Most guys were scared to even speak to her because of her father... at least Grant had done that.

After showering, Mack tied her hair up in a ponytail using a green and white ribbon. She dressed in a green and white tanktop with the school name on the front and a short denim skirt... her father wouldn't like the skirt but she was hoping to catch Grant's eye in it. It WAS pretty short...

She put on a pair of white flipflips and glanced at the clock. Jut enough time to put on her makeup and head towards campus. She had never been one to overdo it with makeup and stuck to just some on her eyes.

The parking lot was packed. She wasn't even sure where to find a spot but she finally did and headed towards the field. She saw several friends but just said hi and kept walking. The team was out on the field by then so Mack headed down to the fence.

"Joe!" She called out to get her fathers attention, and when he looked she waved. He smiled and walked over to speak briefly.

"Ready?" Mack asked and he nodded saying he thought they were. He glared at her tiny skirt but apparently decided to wait to comment on it. MacKenzi glanced around inconspicuously to look for Grant and saw him out of the corner of her eye. She wondered if he had seen her yet or not.

 

[gunforhire]

By the time he made it home, he only had time for a quick nap before he would have to head back to the football building for a pregame meal and meeting with the position coach. Thankfully this was the only week night game on the schedule but the school would get good exposure playing on ESPN2 early in the season.

After the meeting the players walked across campus in their jackets and ties through the gathering fans. He remembered being a kid, coming to the games with his uncle, lining up to see the players in this traditional march. He slapped hands with kids in jerseys as the fans cheered them on. This was his last year on campus and he was intent on savoring every moment of it.

At the stadium the team dressed in their uniforms and were given a rousing speech by Coach Lewis. Although they were playing a team they were supposed to beat by two touchdowns, it was up to the seniors to set the tone for the season. After the team ran on to the field through the tunnel he noticed Coach talking to his daughter at the stands. Grant hadn't noticed it before, but it was apparently a pregame ritual of his. As he stretched out he wished he could talk to her himself but realized it would be a horrible idea. There would be plenty of opportunities to get to know her better later on if he wanted to. He found himself looking for her in the stands as the tea loosened up. One of his teammates joked with him "see Coach's daughter? she's really grown up since last season. The most dangerous pussy on campus." Grant shrugged it off but found himself agreeing on the inside. "Just focus on the fucking game." Grant hit his shoulder pads and lined up with the special teams. He loved special teams. His best hits usually came on special teams. As a senior starter he could have opted out but specifically asked to continue to play them.

The Warriors won the coin toss and opted to kick. Good, he thought. He wanted to hit somebody. He ran on to the field as the crowd roared for the start of a promising new season, waving his arms. He did turn to see where he knew Mack would be sitting. She caught his eye for a moment as she cheered enthusiastically. He smiled briefly before his game face returned.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack finished talking to her dad and went to go sit down in the stadium seats. She found a few girls she was friends with and had known in high school as well and went to sit with them. Their seats were damn good ones, very close to the players. They all gossiped and chattered while the team got ready. Finally, the team ran onto the field, and MacKenzi's eyes were glued to Grant unknowingly. She and her friends were cheering loudly. Then she saw Grant glance her way and their eyes connected.

Mack's heart stuttered in her chest. She could see a smile flash across his face then. Her friend, Hailey, elbowed her and pointed right towards Grant. "Isn't that the boy in our geo class??" she shouted and Erin nodded. "I saw him there...HE'S HOT!!!" Hailey exclaimed and Mack grinned.

The game got underway then. Grant, as well as the rest of the special team, seemed out for blood. MacKenzi watched as Grant plowed into one poor boy, knocking him flat, where the boy lay there for a moment... presumably gasping for breath. Mack and the rest of the crowd cheered loudly .. the noise level rising to a deafening decibel. The opposing team, the Wildcats, were held to only a five yard return, making the first play at about the six yard line. A hell of a good way to start the game. Three more quick downs and the Wildcats had to kick te ball away.

The Warrior fans went wild with elation. The team was looking absolutely amazing if those first downs were anything to go by.

 

[gunforhire]

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, being the season opener, and having a national TV audience. JHU dominated the first half statistically and in time of possession. Grant was solid in run support and electrified the crowd with an electrifying hit, separating a Wildcat receiver from a potentially long completion. Two red zone turnovers kept the Warrior scoring in check however. Despite their domination, they only had a 13-0 scoring advantage with three minutes left in the first half. The Wildcat's ran a reverse from their own 20 yard line and Grant was caught out of position, allowing the Wildcat's to score an easy touchdown.

Halftime wasn't pretty. Coach Lewis lit into the team, questioning the heart of his team, especially the senior leaders. Grant sat most of the third quarter. He was upset but his backup played unspectacular. When he got back in the game they had increased the lead to 20-7. From that point on, it was all Warriors, with a final score of 34-7. It was time to celebrate. The team sang the fight song with the band near the student section. Grant saw Mack a few rows up and waved. He slapped hands with a few students before she was able to work her way down. He sheepishly smiled at her as she congratulated him. As the team left the field he felt a stare from behind. Coach Lewis was being interviewed on the field but he seemed to be glaring at Grant through the crowded field. He might have been imagining it, but then again maybe he wasn't.

 

[play_and_ride89]

MacKenzi and her friends watched the game, cheering and groaning along with the rest of the crowd. After the first half the warriors were ahead... but barely. She was sure her father was logging into the team... she could only imagine. He had a temper like a bear with a thorn in his paw sometimes. And this would be one of those times.

Third quarter brought a less than spectacular and Grant was benched for it. Mack winced, uubderstabding his pain there. But once he got back in the rest of the team seemed to get their shit together and they ended up winning 34-7. Most of her friends went to leave and Mack headed down to speak to, presumably, her father. He was busy doing an interview, but MacKenzi managed to catch Grant's eye. He headed her way, stopping and speaking to his teammates occasionally. Eventually he made it over.

"Congratulations" MacKenzi told him. He smiled sheepishly at her and she smiled back. Grant glanced over his shoulder at her father and she winced a bit at the look on her father's face.

"I think he's always grouchy" Mack told Grant, trying to shrug it off. But Grant seemed a bit uneasy and she couldn't blame him. Her father walked over then.

"good game daddy!" MacKenzi told him with a gorgeous smile.

"Thanks" Joe Lewis said roughly. "Mason!" He growled, practically shouted. "Get in the locker room, now!"

Mack gave Grant a sorry look and then glanced down at her feet, blushing.

After Grant had walked away her father turned a stern look at MacKenzi. "Don't get any ideas, girl" her daddy told her. When she started to protest her glared and cut her off. "He's not good enough for you. He's the stereotypical dumb jock. Thats why he's in that damn freshman geography with you" her father ranted. "Now go home I will see you there".

With that her dad turned and walked towards the locker room, not giving Mack a chance to speak. She sighed and headed towards her truck. Was Grant really just all brawn and no brains? He WAS in a freshman class... but then again he was very sweet to her. Especially because he was willing to speak to her unlike most players... unlike most GUYS.

She hopped in her truck, still thinking about him, and headed home. Life sucked sometimes.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant's post game joy at seeing Mack was quickly doused from her father's reaction at seeing them talk. They were just talking and even that seemed to be a problem with him. Realistically he couldn't blame him, most of his teammates had a reputation for being players. A few had kids even. Apparently Grant was guilty by association. Being a good football wouldn't be enough for a guy to earn enough of his respect to be good enough for his daughter. But Grant thought he had done enough, especially compared to some of his teammates. He stayed out of trouble off the field and gave it his all in practice and games.

He walked to the locker room upset, oblivious to the raucous scene unfolding around him. A few teammates caught up with him, high-fiving him. He did his best to get in a better mood but it was hard. He couldn't focus on the victory or his overall solid play. He was dwelling on his one screwup and the ire of his coach. It hurt because he respected Coach Lewis, and he thought he had his respect back. Apparently not enough.

The team locker room was chaotic. Grant did his best to get in a better mood and share the feeling of victory. After the team was all assembled, Coach Lewis congratulated them on an inspired second half. As Grant sat on the bench by his locker, he felt the glare again. "Mental screwups in South Bend won't cut it though. If we make those same mistakes next week we lose the damn game!" Grant was used to this, the QB was as well. Grant tried to tell himself it was about his on field mistakes but the Coach's focus seemed to be about more.

After showering he wished he could find Mack. He knew where she lived of course but didn't dare try to find her there. He imagined Coach seeing him in the driveway and greeting him with a shotgun. He agreed to go to a party with a group of his teammates. That would take his mind off things.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack was almost home when her cell phone rang. It was Hailey, the girl who had been at the game with her.

"Mack! There's a party tonight, you wanna come with me? I really don't wanna go alone and you're my right-hand girl!" was what Hailey said as soon as MacKenzi answered. Mack couldn't help but laugh. Hailey was like a tornado... a whole lot of air, always moving fast, and usually leaving a path of destruction behind her. MacKenzi, on the other hand, was more subdued. She liked to go out and have fun, but she didn't have to go buck wild to do it.

"I gotta ask my dad" MacKenzi replied. "But I'm sure he'll let me, lemme call you back".

With that the girls hung up. Joe Lewis wasn't too thrilled about but he could never tell Mack no and he said she could go. She called Hailey back and agreed to meet at Hailey's house. Checking her mirrors, Mack did an illegal u-turn and headed back the opposite direction.

Forty five minutes later the girls showed up at the party, and it was already hopping. Mack noticed several football players hanging around and suddenly wondered if Grant would be there. The thought hadn't crossed her mind til then. If he was, should she talk to him? What if her father found out? Talking to the boy couldn't hurt, it wasnt like they were getting married or anything was it??

"Lets go dance!" Hailey's words cut through MacKenzi's mind and her friend grabbed her wrist to drag her inside.

 

[gunforhire]

Getting out of the locker room and to the party did wonders for Grant's mood. Although their was team unity, there were still cliques. Grant was tightest with the small group of 5th year seniors who stuck with the program after the coaching change. The party was at his friend Dane's house off campus.

Grant was drinking from a pint of Jaiger's talking with his teammates. They were talking about the game watching a group of girls dance. His friend elbowed him, "isn't that Coach L's daughter? She's fuckin hot." He nodded in agreement "she seems pretty cool too. She's in one of my classes." He watched her dance until their eyes made contact. He moved away from his friends towards the girls, smiling at her as he moved closer.

"Hey Mackenize, didn't expect to see you." It was obvious from the look in his hazel eyes that he was happy to see her though.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack immediately began dancing with Hailey and some other girls they knew. Dancing was something she really enjoyed. It was like once music hit her ears she couldn't hold still. Her hips gyrated to the music beneath her tiny skirt and she had to tug it down to keep her ass from showing. At one point she happened to look up... and directly into Grants hazel eyes. Her own green eyes widened in surprise.

She wasn't really sure what to do. He walked over to her then and smiled. He seemed genuinely happy to see her. She was surprised after the way her father had acted.

"Hey Grant. I wasn't gonna come but then Hailey made me" she replied, gesturing to the girl still dancing behind her. "I don't even know who's house this is" she confided and grinned.

Her mind was still whirling with questions. he was such a nice guy... but was he determined to make something of his life or just float on through? Why was she even asking herself that? It's not like it was serious. What harm could it be to be friends with him?

"Wanna dance??" She invited him.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant felt like a fool around Mack. He had a few girlfriends over the last four years, but nothing too serious. It seemed like most of the girls liked him because he was a football player or were either put off by "jocks." It didn't really matter to him. Football took up most of his time anyways. And if he ever really wanted to get laid, it was fairly easy. But he found himself smitten by her. She wouldn't be starstruck like other girls, growing up around football. He knew her older brothers played college ball so he was nothing special in that regard.

Grant didn't like dancing much but he couldn't resist her. He knew better than to be too obvious about who he was dancing with in a room full of teammates but his eyes were all on Mack. When the song ended, he was pulled away to the TV. Sports Center was replaying highlights of the game. He was embarrassed by his mistake but he was buzzed and shrugged it off. Besides, playing safety was overlooked by most spectators. They didn't notice the subtleties of the game, only noticed the highlights or obvious mistakes. He smiled when they showed the defensive stats, not realizing he tied for the team lead in tackles. He took a swig from his bottle and offered it to Mack as he was patted on the back by his friends.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Mack and Grant danced for a few moments but she could tell he wasn't really comfortable... whether he didn't like dancing or just dancing with her she didnt know. But eventually it didn't matter as the party gathered around the TV to watch game highlights.

Towards the end, they showed statistics and Grant was actually tied for lead in tackles on the team. The whole party cheered and Grant was slapped on the back a few times. Grant took a swing of his beer and then offered it to Mack. She smiled slyly at him and took it, taking a nice sized drink before offering it back.

"Thanks" she told him, just loud enough to be heard above the noise of the party. It was extremely loud in there between the people, cheering and the noise.

Mack found herself extremely attracted to Grant, but there was still that doubt her father had placed in her mind about him being just a dumb jock. Still... she found herself wanting to get to know him.

"Wanna go for a walk?" she asked softly, her head cocked sideways a bit, green eyes pleading with him.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant was surprised she asked to go for a walk with him already. Usually this was a sign that the girl was ready to hookup for the night. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Wait here."

Grant went to the fridge and brought back a couple of bottles of beer. He twisted the top off and handed one to Mack. "C'mon." He walked with her closely, her little body next to his, towards the front door. He noticed one of his teammates looking at them. When they made eye contact, his friend shook his head, acknowledging what a bad idea this was. Grant didn't care at the moment. He wasn't going to try and fuck her or anything like that. But he did like her company.

The fall night air was cool. Grant didn't realize how cool it actually was until now, staying a bit warmer from the added temperature of the stadium and adrenaline and activity of the game. "If you're cold I'm sure I can find you a hoodie or something."

 

[play_and_ride89]

MacKenzi took the beer that Grant offered her and smiled her thanks. They walked out of the house together and Hailey gave her a thumbs up. As they walked outside, Mack became aware of how much cooler it was now. She fought off a shiver. Grant offered to find her a sweatshirt or hoodie and she smiled. "I don't wanna make a pain of myself" she said even as goosebumps raised along her skin.

"Thanks for coming with me... I wanted to get to talk to you where I could actually hear you... and not surrounded by a thousand people" she added.

Her arm brushed against his own thick, warm one as they walked and a shiver of awareness ran up her spine. She was fighting the attraction tooth and nail because she knew #1... her daddy didn't want her to like him, and #2 ... Grant wouldn't want her BECAUSE her father wouldn't want it.

"I'm sorry for the way my Daddy acted" she told him softly. "I guess he's kinda protective"

 

[gunforhire]

Grant could see she was cold. When she turned down the offer for the clothes he put his arm around her back and held her far arm, pulling her a bit closer to him. "Just to keep you warm." It felt good to touch her. Too good. He could easily fall for this girl if he wasn't careful.

"Nahh...your Dad's just looking out for you...as pretty as you are, I guess I can't blame him." He wanted to take her and kiss her but thought better of it. His arm around her was enough for now. They continued to walk down the tree lined street. It was mostly student housing and a lot of kids were out walking around. They had no particular destination. Being together was enough. It felt very natural.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Grant slid his arm around her shoulders, and his hand cupped her arm. Immediately the warmth of his big body seeped into her and she wasn't nearly as cold.

Just to keep you warm.

Mack smiled shyly up at him as they continued to walk. "Thanks, it feels much better" she said as she pressed herself against him.

Nahh...your Dad's just looking out for you...as pretty as you are, I guess I can't blame him.

MacKenzi blushed again. "Thanks" she said softly. "You aren't half bad yourself" she said with a grin. They continued to walk, passing other students heading for parties, other couples out for a stroll, etc.

Finally they ended up in one of the campus parks, and there wasn't anyone else nearby. "So..." she said quietly. "How come you're in geography if youre a senior?"

She really wanted to know the answer to that question before she got any more attracted to him... he seemed like an amazing guy.

 

[gunforhire]

Grant was enjoying the company of MacKenzi. She was really easy to talk to, and had a great laugh. The garden area they were in was almost silent. The old trees that surrounded the area grew together at their tallest branches, providing a canopy of sorts far above them. They sat on one of the benches next to a flower bed when she broke the silence, asking him why he was in her geography class.

A feeling of defensiveness overtook him. He didn't answer her right away, trying to figure out why she asked that. No girl had ever asked him about his grades before. Did her father say something to her?

"I'm not stupid if that's what you want to know." There was a hint of anger, but mostly annoyance in his voice. He stared at her before finishing "when I first got here, I wasn't used to having to work in the classroom. At all. I do OK now but our adviser recommended I take this class over if I was going to graduate in the spring. Repeating the class would take my old grade off my official GPA and our prof usually is pretty easy on student athletes." The irony of that label wasn't missed on Grant.

Would that be good enough explanation for her? He wasn't stupid but he wasn't a genius either. He decided he didn't care. If he wasn't good enough for her then she could go to Hell. It was a bad idea to even be here with her in the first place. "So you ready to head back?"

 

[play_and_ride89]

MacKenzi's eyes widened as Grant all but read through her question. She felt her cheeks heat and stared down at the ground. He sounded annoyed... or angry. She wasn't sure which... "I didn't mean to offend you, Grant" she said quietly. "Its just my dad..." she hesitated... "well... I was just curious" she finished lamely.

He then abruptly asked if she was ready to go back. Mack was embarrassed and sorry she had offended him. But he seemed to be done with their private time. She wasn't sure she was ready to go back and join the party again. "I guess so. It's about time I head home anyway" she said quietly as she stood and started walking. She didn't want Grant to see that she was upset so she started walking a few steps ahead of him, goosebumps raising along her arms and her legs.

In her mind thoughts were swirling around. He was obviously not stupid and her question had offended him. She was sorry for that but it had obviously been enough to make him want to be out of her company.

 

[gunforhire]

The good mood of the night came to a screeching halt. Grant realized he sounded defensive when he talked about his academics but he was upset that his coach's perception of him was so low and it was influencing his daughter's opinion of him.

As they walked back it was uncomfortable. Mack was walking ahead of him, obviously upset even if she wouldn't admit it. He began walking quicker and grabbed her arm, turning her around. "I'm sorry if I seem upset. I shouldn't blame you. It is pretty lame to be in that class." He forced himself to smile at her and stuck out his big hand "friends?"

He could at least be friends with her. That would be safe enough.

 

[play_and_ride89]

As she walked ahead she suddenly heard Grant speed up his pace and he grabbed her arm softly. Mack turned to face him with weary eyes. He apologized then saying he didn't blame her for what she asked. She shrugged. "I didn't mean to offend you... really I didn't. I just wasn't sure. I'm sorry Grant" she said quietly.

She placed her tiny hand in his and nodded. "Friends" she repeated.

They started walking then again, side by side this time. "People are gonna think that we ... umm .. have something going on" she said softly as they walked slowly back towards Dane's house. She didnt want Grant to get in trouble with her father if he somehow found out... all she could do was hope noone spread the word around...