“Dude, why can’t you just have fun?” Morgan indicated the party. “Leave Gwen alone.”
Sam pointed at Morgan. “You leave Gwen alone.”
Rolling his eyes, Morgan swore under his breath.
Gwen hopped off his lap and threw her coat over her arm. She smiled at Anne fakely, as she grabbed her brother’s arm. “Excuse me, Anne. I’m borrowing my dad for a minute.”
She pulled her brother toward the bathrooms, where it was quieter, then unloaded on him. “Seriously, Sam! Knock it off! You are not Dad.” She gestured toward the crowd, stress on her face. “And why can’t you just get over me dating Morgan? You forgave him. Why can’t you forgive me?”
“I can’t even hang with him anymore because of you. My sister, who we both used to make fun of, is now all that my best friend can talk about. My sister, who is still a kid. My sister, who is dressed like a jersey-chasing whore and sleeping with the hockey team.”
“I am not sleeping with the hockey team.” Folding her arms angrily over her chest, she glared at him. “I’m not even sleeping with Morgan—if that’s your next question—either.”
“He never used to care about girls until you seduced him.”
“Seduced him?” Gwen’s jaw dropped, a horrified look on her painted face. “I did not.”
“Yes, you did.” Sam was pissed, speaking with quick hand gestures as he waved at her attire. “Coming out in those ballet outfits of yours and leaning over him. Doing all that girl shit. If he didn’t want to fuck you so bad, he’d agree with me. But he doesn’t, because you’ve got his fuckin’ balls and are keeping him on a leash tighter than that fuckin’ slut shit you’re wearing.”
“Sam!” She slapped his arm and scowled. “Why are you acting like this? You make this out to be a crime, when it’s not. Yes, I’m dating Morgan. So?” She shrugged. “Why can’t he be your best friend and my boyfriend? Why does it have to be either, or, with you?” Sniffling, she wiped at her nose, though it was dry. “Morgan would be dating regardless. Would you get jealous of his other girlfriends, too?”
“Morgan fucked lots of girls before you, Gwen.” Sam motioned to the crowd. “Did you know that?” He was clearly trying to anger her, his words venomous as he lowered his voice, “He lost his virginity at fifteen with Grace Cowen.”
Grimacing, Gwen tried to cover her hurt by keeping up a hard expression.
“Yeah,” Sam continued. “And he’s got a list, too. He was the fucking star of the Eagles, and now, he’s a favorite on the Kats. He’s not innocent, Gwen. He expects that kind of stuff from girls.”
“And you don’t?” Gwen was on the verge of tears, her façade crumbling. “Olivia was sixteen. Sixteen. And you slept with her.” She put a hand to her chest, her voice shaky. “I’m older than her. Why is that okay, and me and Morgan aren’t?”
“Olivia’s not my sister.”
“And you’re not my friend.” She shoved past him and went back to the party. She grabbed a drink and went over to Hailey, who was dancing. Gwen’s mood lightened as she joked with her. A few of the other girls that hung around the team where there as well.
Sam wandered back, too. He started talking to Morgan, his arm wrapping around Anne’s waist. Soon his mood grew brighter. Morgan was good at making people happy, his personality animate, his voice loud and upbeat. The boys didn’t seem to have an issue, and they appeared as close as they always had.
Feeling hands around her waist, Gwen went to smile at Morgan, but startled when she realized it wasn’t him. She tried to pull away from the man, but he didn’t let go. He nuzzled into her hair, taking a firmer hold of her middle and swaying her to the music. He whispered some very dirty things in her ear, making her squirm.
After a few seconds, Gwen wiggled out of his arms and left the dance floor. She went to Morgan and wrapped her arms around his middle. “I want to leave.”
“You do?” Morgan looked surprised.
“Yeah.” Gwen was upset and on the verge of tears.
“You okay?” Morgan’s eyes narrowed, and he stood. His hands slid under her long hair and cupped the sides of her face.
“I just want to go.” Gwen spoke in a babyish voice, looking sheepishly into his eyes.
“Sure.” Morgan sighed.
“I’m going to grab Hailey and get my stuff from her car.”
“’Kay.” Morgan finished his drink then glanced at Sam, who was engaged in a conversation with Anne. He then looked to Gwen. The guy from before came up to her while she was talking to Hailey. Gwen swatted him away, but he was still undressing her with his eyes. Morgan went over and stood by Gwen before walking the girls out to Hailey’s vehicle.
Gwen got her things then began the trek to Morgan’s truck. It was quiet, the music from inside filtering out. Gwen held his hand as they walked, her eyes bouncing from his smiling face to her feet. She spoke softly, “Are you going to Augusta State?”
“What?” Morgan looked confused. He went to the driver’s side and unlocked the door. When he got in, he was met by his girlfriend’s glare. “What?” He shrugged as he turned on the engine.
Her voice was stern, “Augusta. Are you going there next year?”
“Maybe…” he whispered.
Gwen crossed her arms and glared out the window.
“Gwen.” Morgan sighed in annoyance. “It’s a good school.”
Once again, he got silence and a very furiously shaking leg.
“Fuck, Gwen.” Morgan groaned. He slapped the steering wheel. “What am I supposed to do? Not take their offer?”
Gwen’s words were sharp, “You can take me home.”
“Why do you have to be like this? Seriously, Gwenie, I cannot pass this up. I just can’t.” Breathing through his flared nostrils, Morgan tried to calm his quick breath.
“Take me home.” Gwen wiped at her nose, her voice still stern.
“Fine.” Morgan turned around. The car was silent, neither of them speaking. He pulled up to Gwen’s house, which was dark. No one was home, her parents at the club and her little brother at a friend’s house.
Ripping open her door, Gwen paused to scream something at him before she got out. “I hate you, Morgan Tanner! I never want to see you again! Ever!” Then, she slammed it, the tears rushing to her eyes. Jogging to the house, she fished around her purse for her keys. Morgan sped off without watching to see if she got in. She could hear his tires squeal as he rounded the corner.
Still wearing her outfit, Gwen headed to the rink. She had, however, wiped Morgan’s name off her chest. Some of her friends, including Jenny, were going to a New Year’s party there. A dance was being held in the lobby and there was open skating.
Gwen found Jenny skating in the middle of the arena by herself. There wasn’t a lot of people there, but Gwen didn’t mind. She liked it less crowded. Jenny was attempting a few bunny hops, but she was tense and tripped a few times on her skates. Gwen watched her laugh then do a glide with her leg kicked back. Jenny could do that pretty well, though her form was shaky.
Gwen usually didn’t practice in a crowded arena and had been lucky to have her own ice time since she was a kid. But she liked to watch the new skaters, and it might be relaxing to just skate around the monotonous circle and gab with Jenny. Ever since she had started dating Morgan, Gwen had abandoned her best friend a little.
Gwen laced up her skates, Morgan’s thick hockey laces sliding through her fingers. She slowly stood and went to the ice. She glanced at a few of the Kats who were standing on the sidelines talking to a few fans. Her eyes met with Kingley’s, and he eyed her suspiciously. All the players knew she was supposed to be with Morgan tonight.
Gwen ripped her eyes from his and skated toward Jenny. She took hold of Jenny’s ankle, the other girl startling.
“Gwen!” Jenny laughed then turned to face her friend. She gave her a quick hug, both girls greeting each other warmly. “What are you doing here?” She pulled a strand of blonde hair from her lips. “Why aren’t you with Morgan?�
�� She nudged Gwen’s middle. “I thought you were staying with him tonight.”
“Morgan’s a jerk.” Gwen pouted and crossed her arms. The girls moved to the circle, Gwen skating slowly backwards. There was a grace in Gwen’s gait, and it was clear she was an expert skater.
“I could’ve told you that.” Jenny’s expression was friendly, her long, blonde ponytail falling down her shoulder. “He’s been mean to us since we were kids. Remember when he used Miss Sunshine’s head for a street hockey puck? You cried and cried, and all they did was laugh.”
“That was years ago, Jenny.”
“I know. I was just teasing you.” She was periodically checking out the Kat players, but she was being very subtle about it. “So, what happened?”
“He’s going to Augusta State next year.”
“Oh, Gwenie, I’m sorry.” Jenny took her friend’s hands and bounced them gently.
“Do you think it’s wrong for me to be mad?”
“No, not at all! If he goes there, it’s the end for you guys. He’s not gonna want to date a high school girl like you. And asking a guy to be faithful while he’s away at college? Forget that. Boys are such horndogs.”
“That’s what I think, too.” Gwen sulked. “I need to break it off with him before it gets worse.” Toe picking the ice, Gwen spun and faced the other direction. She pulled her sleeve over her hand and wiped at one of her eyes. “He’s such a jerk.”
“For sure!” Jenny looped her arm through Gwen’s, and the pair skated side by side.
“Who’d you come with?”
“My sister, but she left at ten. You can stay with me tonight if you want.” Playfully, hitting her friend, Jenny giggled. “Can you introduce me to the Kats? Like, the single ones?”
“Sure.” Gwen’s voice was soft, but she forced a smile. “Give me a minute, though, okay?”
“’Kay.” Jenny dropped Gwen’s arm then glanced at the players. Kingley was watching them, but when Jenny caught his gaze, he looked away. “Is Kingley single?”
“I don’t know.” Gwen glanced at Kingley. When he saw Gwen’s inquiry, he sent her a wicked grin. “Morgan doesn’t talk about that kind of stuff.”
“So, are you two, like, broken up?”
“I think so.” Gwen sighed. After taking a few minutes to go around the rink, Gwen was about to go over to introduce her to the Kat players that she knew, but when she glanced over, they were gone. “Hmm… Where’d the guys go?” She turned to see a few of the players whizz by. They were going faster than the other people there, churning up a small wind. Gwen and Jenny watched their little race, the boys taking over the ice.
“Did I tell you how hot you look tonight?” Jenny chuckled as she motioned to Gwen’s attire. “You look like a Kats’ girl.”
“You don’t look obvious, either.” Gwen gestured to Jenny, who was wearing an equally short skirt and tight shirt.
“If it works…”
Gwen laughed then pointed to the players. “You feel like a race?”
“What?” Jenny leaned over and scratched her leg. “Like skating?”
“Yeah. Show up the boys a little.”
“Gwen, I can’t skate that fast.” Jenny giggled.
Gwen spun artfully and started skating backward. “I bet…” She smiled devilishly at her friend. Her body was bent forward slightly, her hands held behind her back. “I'll win.”
“I doubt it.” Jenny glanced at the players. It was nearing eleven and most of the people had gone to the New Year’s celebration in the main lobby.
“Ice is empty.” Pushing her butt out a little, Gwen teased. “It’d be the perfect time.”
“Seriously, Gwen. What if you get hurt or something?”
“I skate all the time, Jenny. I'll be fine.”
“Well…” Jenny looked apprehensive. “I don’t think you could beat them.”
“I’ll show you.” Gwen sent her friend a cheeky smile. Putting her hands to the sides, Gwen spun artfully. Gliding smoothly over the ice, Gwen slowly crossed one leg over the other. Her pace was slow, but slightly faster than the Kats. Her form was perfect, her chin rising as she fell into ice princess mode. This would be more fun than her skating practices.
Spinning, she skated backward and pulled up to Nate, one of Morgan’s teammates. “You wanna race?”
“With you?” Nate chuckled, his eyes scaling her figure.
“Yeah.” Gwen nodded, her hands neatly tucked behind her back.
“You a Kats’ cheerer now?” Kingley asked her. “’Cause, damn, you look hot in that jersey. Morgan cannot wear that number that well. So, what does the winner get?”
“I don’t know.” Gwen shrugged. “Free food at the stand for the week or something?”
“Naw…” Kingley licked his lips involuntarily as he checked out her outfit. “I say a midnight kiss with the Kats’ cheerer. With an outfit like that, you’d have to kiss a Kat to bring in the New Year.”
“Where’s your Kat, by the way?” Nate was flirting, something he usually didn’t do with her.
“Spending New Year’s alone.” Gwen made a sour face. “I hope, anyway.”
“What’d he do?” Nate’s eyes narrowed curiously.
“Didn’t tell me he was playing for Augusta State next year.”
Kingley’s grin grew. “So, you’re single?”
“No." Her answer was sharp as she put her hands on her hips. "Can we just race already?”
“You good with that wager?” Kingley asked. His long hair was brushed back and contained in a half ponytail, his golden locks more fluffy than they normally were. His beard was still thick, though it appeared to have been trimmed a little.
“And if I win…” She placed her hands on her knees, leaning over slightly. “You guys have to kiss each other.”
“Naw…” They all laughed and shook their heads.
“Well, if you’re certain you’re going to win, you’ll be fine.” She motioned to them. “There’s what? Three of you? One has to win. And if you lose against a figure skater…”
Nate took over the conversation. “So, seven laps. Starting at the south entrance.”
Gwen nodded, and they skated toward the south gate.
They were about to start, but a voice interrupted, “You boys ain’t playin’.” Morgan glared at Gwen. “This little brat is mine.”
Gwen’s chin was raised, an arrogance in her stance. She was extremely angry and wearing her tough girl face. She had not forgiven him for their fight earlier, and as stubborn as she was, it would take more than beating her in a race to get back in her good graces.
"So, what's the wager?" Morgan turned to Nate.
"A New Year's kiss." Gwen’s answer was snarky. “And if you lose, no Augusta State. You stay with the Kats next year.”
“You have to beat him, Gwen!” Nate shouted playfully. “He can’t abandon his Kats!”
“You know you’re gonna lose,” Gwen cooed in a husky voice. "I've beaten you before."
“Like, when we were ten. And you cheated, anyway. You always cheat. So…when I win…” Morgan’s mood suddenly turned upbeat as he pointed to her. “I get those panties.” With his words, the boys all started laughing.
Gwen’s draw dropped, and she stared at Morgan blankly. After taking a few seconds to recover her angry face, she grinded her steel toe into the ice in annoyance. Her long, black and red laces bounced as she spoke through gritted teeth, “Fine.” She spun sharply.
“Ten laps. No handicaps.”
Gwen shook her head, confusion in her eyes. "What?"
“Means I’ll check your hot, little ass if I catch up to you.” Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “Porky.”
“No way, Morgan. Checking is not allowed in a race.”
“It is in this one.” A devilish grin filled his lips as he raised his eyebrows.
“You’re bigger than me.” Gwen put her hands on her hips, shaking them to the left in frustration. “That is not fair.”
“So, you’re for
feiting?” Morgan punched his open palm, an excited look in his eyes.
“Well…” Gwen stumbled over her words. “No, but—”
“Awesome.” He reached over and tapped her shoulder. “Let’s race, Roberts.”
Holding up a fist, she glared at her adversary. “I’m gonna kick your ass, Tanner.”
“I look forward to it.” He reached back and slapped her butt. Gwen retaliated, slapping at his shoulders.
“This race is gonna be awesome,” Nate whispered to Kingley, but Kingley wasn’t really laughing. Nate’s voice then rose, “So, who’s gonna judge it?”
Sam held up his hand. “I’ll do it.”
“You’re here, too?” Gwen glanced at her brother. She wanted to beat him as much as she did Morgan. Her eyes jumped to the sidelines, where Jenny and Anne were cheering her on.
“Yep,” Sam answered cheekily.
Gwen rolled her eyes then turned and readied herself to start. “Let’s just start already.”
Morgan stood next to her, whispering in her ear, “You’re gonna get your ass Tanned.” He stuck his tongue out at her playfully.
Gwen slapped him.
“On five!” Sam’s voice was loud as he raised his hand. He then started counting down.
Gwen’s breath was quick, her jaw stiff. Morgan, on the other hand, was pretty calm.
As soon as Sam yelled, “go,” Gwen took off. Morgan let her ahead for a lap, Gwen gathering more speed by the second. Thinking she was winning, Gwen smiled and glanced back. Her eyes widened when she saw Morgan barreling toward her.
Morgan shouted, “Check!” as he slammed her into the barrier. And it wasn’t a soft action, either. This was a competition, and he seemed determined to win it. Gwen tripped, but caught herself before she fell to the ice.
Morgan spun, skating backward a few lengths as he sent her a wicked grin. Gwen quickly regained her footing and took after him. Every time she tried to pass him, he’d shove her over a foot or two. Then, she started shoving back, but he barely budged.
Morgan was laughing hysterically, and even in plain clothes, he towered over the slender figure skater. Their speed slowed, and the race got heated. Gwen’s face was stressed as she tried to knock him over, her hands repeatedly pushing into him.
Black Kat Page 9
