Right Kind Of Wrong

by Christina Marie

  “You need to pay closer attention. Vi’s tried calling you too!” she sounded upset.

  “I’m sorry, we’ll be there in a few minutes. Love you.” I told her.

  “Love you too baby.” She hung up.

  Vi sent me a text;

  On the drive home Morgan didn’t let go of my hand until we pulled up to the house. “I’ll walk you up. Tabitha I had a great time tonight. I love being around you.” Morgan said.

  I smiled, “I had a good time tonight too, I’m sorry if I tested your self-control too much.”

  Morgan leaned in and kissed me, “I promise one of these night’s I’ll be testing your self-control.” With those final words he winked and got out of the pickup. I held his hand as we walked up to the door. Mom was waiting at the door with her arms crossed over her chest. “What did you not understand about her curfew young man?” she asked angrily.

  “Mother! I told you it was my fault! I wanted to star gaze, try it sometime you’ll be in awe just like I was.”

  She narrowed her eyes at the two of us, “Ok, I’m sorry. I guess being from the city you’ve missed out on that kind of thing. I’m sorry Morgan.”

  He leaned in and hugged mom, “City girl couldn’t stop smiling and pointing, she’s beautiful I wouldn’t disrespect you. It’s my fault for staring at her and not paying attention to the time.”

  Mom smiled and patted his back, “You’d better get home.”

  I kissed Morgan on the cheek before going into the house. I hugged mom and told her I loved her. When I got up to my room I was getting my sleep clothes gathered when my bedroom door creaked open. Vance walked in and lightly shut the door.

  “Did you fuck him?” he asked.

  My eyes got big, “Excuse me?” I whisper shouted.

  His jaw muscle ticked, “You left before Julia and I and before Vi did, yet we both got home before you.”

  I shook my head, “I don’t think it’s any of your business is it? I don’t ask you about what you and Julia do.” I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him.

  He shook his head, “Go ahead and ask me.” He threw his arms out to his side. I stared at the chiseled perfection of his bare chest, the light dusting of hair below his belly button that disappeared below the waistband of the black gym shorts he was wearing made me lose my train of though. “Ask me!” He took another step closer.

  I shook my head, “No.”

  “No, what?” He kept his eyes locked with mine until I was looking up at him.

  “We…didn’t.” I said softly.

  Vance brought his finger up and circled one of my nipples causing it to harden into a tight bud. “Did he get to suck on these?”

  I felt my pulse increase, “Why do you care?” I asked with a shaky voice.

  “I don’t fuckin’ know Tabitha. Can you honestly tell me you don’t think about me when you’re kissin’ him?”

  “I…I need to shower.” I turned and rushed into the bathroom and locked the door. When I got in the shower I soaped my body and washed my hair, I couldn’t be that close to Vance and not feel the strange electrical pull toward him. I was with Morgan and he had Julia.

  I got out of the shower and dried off, then put my shorts and tank top on. I peeked into my bedroom to make sure Vance was gone, luckily he was. I shut my light off and climbed under the thick comforter. My cell phone vibrated with a text.

  I couldn’t stop smiling after I read Morgan’s text. Even though we hadn’t been dating for very long, I was really starting to have feelings for him. The thought of him graduating and going away to college made my smile disappear.

  We continued to text each other until I couldn’t hold my eyes open any longer. His final text said, “Get some sleep beautiful girl, dream about me ;)”

  Chapter 7

  She turned and walked away from me, the lock on the bathroom door abruptly snapped me back to reality. It was a mistake to touch her and ask here what I did. I don’t know why it bothered me so much that they were off somewhere together, but it did. I told myself over and over in my head to forget her, accept her as the stepsister that she would be someday and leave her the fuck alone.

  The following week football conditioning started, any beer we had drank over the summer was now being sweat out of us or puked out and the coach had no sympathy as usual. “Ya’ll will learn one of these days!” he yelled as we continued to run laps around the field.

  Music blared in the distance, “What the fuck is that?” Tyler asked between dry heaves.

  I looked over my shoulder, “Dance team…they must have new music.” I puffed out before leaning over and puking up the water I had just drank.

  “God damn are all of you trying to die on me?” Our coach laughed, “Hit the weights then you girls can go home and cry into your pillows!”

  All thirty-eight of the players grumbled and whined as we trudged up the hill to the weight lifting building. The dance team was listening to the mix that included some song that repeated the word Bang Bang, then scratched in to She’s Country by Jason Aldean, and finished out with that song Uptown Funk.

  I shook my head and walked into the building, Corbin and I paired up so that we could get our circuit done and leave. “Damn Vance, your step sister is fuckin’ hot!” Terry one of the sophomores yelled.

  Morgan was in his face before the poor kid knew what was even happening, “What the fuck did you just say, brat?”

  “Uhh…she’s hot?” Terry stuttered out with wide eyes.

  “And she’s MY fuckin’ woman, don’t ever talk about her like that again. You understand me?” Morgan yelled.

  Terry nodded his head frantically before running across the room away from us.

  By the time we were finished and left the building to go back in to the school and shower, the dance team was gone. “Lucky you, you’ll get to hear that dance mix non stop while Tabitha practices!” Corbin told me.

  “Bullshit, I’ve got enough to stay busy outside.” I said with a laugh.

  < < < > > >

  The days went by fast with little to no interaction with Tabitha. I made sure that I stayed busy after football practice; if I wasn’t working I was spending time with Julia.

  When school finally started I was relieved, to an extent. The first pep rally of the year was always the first Friday of the new school year. Vi was dressed in her cheerleading uniform and Tabitha wore her dance team uniform that was a short, tight, sparkly dress of some sort with the word ‘Wolverines’ across the chest. Her hair was in a high ponytail with a blue and silver ribbon tied around it.

  Vi rode to school with her and I picked Julia up, she wore the same cheerleading uniform as Vi with the same bow in her hair as her and Tabitha.

  I figured that being back in school that it would give me the space from Tabitha. Then I realized that every fuckin’ day I was going to see Morgan and Tabitha together at lunch, talking at her locker, and holding hands down the hallway.

  “You’re so moody lately.” Julia said as we made our way to the gymnasium.

  “Sorry, just tired.” I put my arm around her waist.

  The students and faculty filled the gym, the cheerleaders stood off to one side and the dance team off to the other side. Our principal Mister Franklin walked to the center court where the microphone was.

  “Good afternoon everybody! It’s the start of a new year! Let’s make it even better than the last one. Okay time to get started, Ally,” he turned and smiled, “You’re the captain this year show us what ya’ll have been a workin’ on!”

  The cheer squad skipped, jumped, and cartwheeled to the center. Soon we were all standing on our feet cheering along with the girls. Julia smiled big the entire time, when she found me in the crowd I smiled and winked at her.

  “YA! THAT’S THE SCHOOL SPIRIT WE LIKE!” Vi’s voice echoed throughout the space.

  Next the dance team walked in a straight line to the center of the court, small silver and blue pompoms in hand. Morgan was standing on one side
of me, Tyler on the other side. “Holy fuck…she’s good!” Morgan said about Tabitha, before putting his fingers up to his mouth and wolf whistling over the music.

  Tabitha smiled bigger when she looked up at him, compared to all the other girls on the dance team Tabitha was almost perfect. From her beautiful tan skin, her long blonde hair, and the way she made her high kicks look effortless. Morgan elbowed me in the ribs, “What?” I asked.

  He laughed, “Don’t you agree?” He asked.

  “Agree on what?” I replied.

  He rolled his eyes, “She’s good!”

  I shrugged my shoulders, “Sure.”

  The dancers all ended the dance by slamming down into the splits, loud groans from the guys echoed throughout the gymnasium.

  Next our coach called us out to the center of the court and introduced all of us. Morgan smiled and gave a quick wave to the crowd before moving to stand behind Tabitha. The way she smiled up at him and rest her hands over his on her hips made me finally realize that I was being a total asshole by wanting to be with her.

  When the pep rally ended and the crowd left, I found Julia before having to go to football practice. She jumped into me and smiled big, “Did we do good?”

  I laughed, “Of course!”

  “Did you watch Tabitha? She’s amazing!”

  I nodded, “Yeah, Morgan had to point that out a few times.”

  “I’m so glad they are happy together. I think it’s safe to say they are both falling pretty hard for each other.”

  Before I could say anything some of the other football players yelled my name to let me know I needed to go get ready for practice. “I’ll call you later.” I said then kissed her.

  The football team was finally starting to gel together and our practices went smoother. Coach Carter was pleased with everything we had accomplished and was starting to get us all pumped up for the first game of the season. After practice he made sure to tell us, “Just remember, when you’re on the field all of you are brothers out there. Any bullshit going on in your personal life…leave it in the locker room.”

  < < < > > >

  Four games into the season and college scouts started showing up and lined up to talk to Morgan after the games.

  “Fuck, they’re makin’ it hard to decide. I thought I’d go to Harlan but Wilson University is offering full ride and walk on status.” Morgan said at lunch one day.

  Tabitha smiled, “How far is WU from here?”

  Morgan grabbed her hand and brushed his thumb across the top, “Three hours.”

  “Oh! But if they are offering more, why wouldn’t you choose them?” she asked.

  “Because I won’t get to see you as much.” He told her.

  “We’ll talk about it later. I don’t want you to pass up a great opportunity because of me.”

  Morgan nodded his head, “We’ll talk.” He said softly then finished eating his meal.

  “SO…formal is coming up in a few weeks, that means dress shopping!” Julia said with excitement.

  Vi twirled her finger in the air, “I can’t wait.”

  Tabitha laughed, “I’ll help you out. I’ll have you so dolled up, you won’t recognize yourself.”

  Vi laughed, “City-Slicker!”

  While the girls talked about where they were going to go dress shopping, the guys talked about football. We were undefeated and hoped to keep our winning streak for the entire season.

  Morgan grabbed his and Tabitha’s trays, “We’re outta here, see you pussies at practice.”

  < < < > > >

  “Hey Vance?” Tabitha said as she walked toward me.

  “S’up?” I asked as I finished up stacking hay bails in the back of the barn.

  “Promise you won’t laugh after I ask you this?” She asked.

  “I make no promises, but, ask away.”

  “I was wondering if you’d teach me how to ride a horse. I’ve asked Vi but she’s super busy with cheerleading and barrel racing practice.”

  I grinned at her, “I can probably do that, just let me know when you have some extra time.” I told her.

  She bit her bottom lip and looked over her shoulder at BlackJack, “Can we try right now?”

  “Sure, let me finish up this chore then I’ll get the tack and saddle.”

  “I’m just going to go pet him, he’s not going to bite me is he?” She asked nervously.

  I laughed, “No, he’s not gonna bite you.”

  She smiled and walked away. About ten minutes later she was still standing outside of his stall gently stroking her hand down his nose. “Is it weird that I love the feel of his nose…the fur is as soft as rose petals.”

  “Vi always says that too. When she’s having a bad day she’ll come out to the barn and sit in the stall with Rose and just stroke her face.”

  “I’ll have to remember that. If you catch me in here hanging out with BlackJack or Jack, you’ll know I’m having a bad day.” Tabitha said with a shy smile.

  I nodded my head, “Ready to get started?”

  Once Jack seen the bridal and bit in my hand he started to stomp around with excitement. “Is he mad? I don’t want to ride him if he’s going to be mad. I bet he doesn’t like that contraption!” Tabitha’s eyes were big and she was nervous.

  “No, he’s not mad. He loves being saddled up.” I threw the saddle blanket on his back then put the saddle on. Tabitha stood off to the other side and stroked his neck. After I put the bit in his mouth I handed Tabitha the lead rope.

  “Oh hell no! He’s going to drag me!” She protested.

  “No he won’t. He’s a pretty chilled out horse, he knows what he’s doing.”

  I walked beside them as she led him out of the barn, “Please don’t take off running…please Jack. I’m a city girl, be gentle. You don’t want me to cry and never come see you again, do you?” she whispered to him. I was pretty sure if he could laugh—that he was laughing at how scared she was.

  Once we were in the riding area she stopped walking, I looked at her, “Ready to saddle up?”

  Tabitha blew out a breath, “You promise I’m not going to get hurt?”

  “Jack’s never thrown a rider, if that helps ease your mind.” I told her. She handed me the lead rope and stood next to Jack. “Grab the horn up there, put your left foot in the stirrup and pull yourself up then swing your other leg over and slip it into the other stirrup.”

  She shook her head, “I like how you make it sound so easy!”

  “I’m right here.” I said with a smile.

  Tabitha shook out her arms, “Okay…okay, I can do this. Jack stand really still—please.”

  With no assistance from me, Tabitha was soon sitting in the saddle with a smile spread across her face. “See, nothing to it.” I told her.

  “He isn’t moving, what if I slide off?”

  I laughed, “He’s not moving because I haven’t started walking yet. You’re not going to fall off, use your thighs to grip his back.”

  For the next twenty minutes I walked Jack around the small arena, neither Tabitha nor I made conversation. It was nice to just be around her and not feel like we were both avoiding the past. “Ready to take the reigns?” I asked.

  She shook her head frantically, “Hell no, Vance!”

  I stopped Jack and looped the rope over his head, Tabitha’s eyes got big but she did eventually grab the thin strip of leather. “Just tap your heels against his sides and click your tongue. He’ll only speed up if you kick harder. To make him turn pull the reign the direction you want to go, and to make him stop just gently pull back on the reigns and he’ll stop.”

  “Don’t leave me here by myself!”

  I smiled, “I’ll stay right here. Take him around the pen a few times, and then we’ll put him up. You’re going to be sore since this is your first time.” I told her.

  “That sounds wrong on so many levels.” She said before lightly tapping her heels and clicking her tongue. Jack started walking and Tabitha held on for de
ar life, I could see her lips moving as she whispered things to Jack. I could tell that he knew she was inexperienced, so he was extra gentle with each stride he took. After another twenty minutes passed, Tabitha pulled back on the reigns. “I can’t feel my ass.” She said with a chuckle.

  I explained to her how to dismount; I figured that since she had no problem getting in the saddle that she could get down just as easy. That wasn’t the case though, and I soon found myself catching her and the two of us falling to the ground. Tabitha landed on top of me, we laid there stunned for a minute. Her head was resting against my chest, and Jack was standing there staring at us like we were both crazy. “I’m so sorry…I thought I had it but then my boot slipped and, are you okay?” She finally looked up at me.

  I grinned, “Just fine, are you okay?”

  Our eyes were locked on each other’s, she licked her lips before looking at my lips then back into my eyes. I could feel my dick getting hard so I gently rolled her off and stood up then held my hand out to help her up. “I’m fine. So…thank you for teaching me to ride, I’ll help you put him away.”

  “You’re welcome, go ahead and go back to the house, I’m going to ride him out to the pasture and check fence before I put him away.”

  “Are you sure?” She asked.

  “Yes Tabitha.” I said with a smile and climbed up into the saddle. I didn’t want to be near her for much longer so I tipped the bill of my hat to her before riding out of the arena.

  Chapter 8

  Just when I thought I was getting past my feelings for Vance, I ended up splayed out on top of him. Those blue green eyes and perfect lips of his, made my body start to tingle. Being near Vance was bad but felt so right and I knew that I needed to get away from him before we did something we would both regret—again.

  “You promised you would call every single day, do I really need to remind you that I haven’t talked to you in DAYS?” Rachel said when she answered her phone.

  “Hello to you too!” I said with a laugh. “I’m sorry I’m such a shitty friend, I’ve been spending time with Morgan, dance practice takes up more time, and oh…today I finally rode a horse for the first time.” I rambled.