“Move…you big…” She was speaking through gritted teeth, each failed attempt fueling her anger. “Ice prick!”
“Last lap!” Sam shouted.
Slamming into her, Morgan hooked her foot slightly and tripped her. Gwen fell to the ice and winced. It was cold against her bottom, but the sting only made her anger grow hotter. She sprang to her feet and came up on him from the rear. She shoved him from behind, but he didn’t fall, just stumbled a bit. They pushed each other the whole way to the home stretch.
About two feet from the finish line, Morgan shoved her hard, and she fell to the ice again. With an agape expression, Gwen watched him finish. She didn’t get up, her eyes narrowing on his form. He was laughing and pointing at her, which only made her scowl deepen.
“That was not fair!” Gwen kicked her feet, letting out a little whine as she balled her fists.
“Stop being a sore loser.” Morgan held out his hand and helped her up. The back of her skirt was wet, her stockings now speckled a brownish color. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear, “I win, Porky.”
He watched her skate away angrily. “Gwenie!” There was an upbeat tone to his voice, though he was upset. “What about my prize?”
With a quick turn, she stopped and glared at him from several feet away. Reaching under her skirt, she shimmied down the boy shorts covering her panties then awkwardly pulled them over her skates. She then threw them on the ice. “I hate you, Morgan Tanner!” She skated away.
“Holy fuck, dude.” Sam glared at Gwen until she disappeared into the lobby. “I cannot believe she fuckin’ did that in front of everyone in here.”
Morgan groaned then turned to face his friend. “She’s fuckin’ pissed at me. Damn.”
“Well…you did lie to her.” Sam watched him skate over and pick up what Gwen had discarded. Morgan stuffed the fabric in his pocket and gazed in the direction of the lobby. “You should’ve listened to me and told her you got an offer from Augusta.” Sam skated over to Morgan. “I told you, she’d be pissed if you didn’t, but you didn’t listen to me. Instead, you told her you were thinking about Wartham.”
“I was…” Morgan’s face was filled with distress. “Well…kinda. I knew she’d be pissed if I said I was thinking about going to Augusta. I didn’t want to say anything ’til I knew…I…” He glared at the ice. “If I go to Augusta State, I’ll lose her. Won’t I?”
Sam didn’t answer.
Biting his lip, Morgan looked at his friend. His voice was strained, “If going to Augusta means…” He forced air from his throat, palming his forehead as he turned his gaze to the ice again. “I’ll lose her, I just…” Closing his eyes, he paused. “Fuck…why does this have to be so hard?”
“It doesn’t. It’s only college, Morgan.” Sam shrugged. “And, like I told you, it’s not that big of a deal. You can go to Wartham and stay with the Kats. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Capturing his bottom lip, Morgan bit down then let it slowly roll out from under his top teeth. “I guess.”
“And then, we can play together next year.” Sam laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’d like that.” Morgan smiled too, but it was a weak one.
“Now, go after her before I kick your ass for making her cry.” Sam pointed toward the lobby.
Morgan nodded then went after Gwen. He found her sitting on a bench outside the rink, crying. He approached slowly. “Hey.”
“Leave me alone.”
“Need these?” He held out her panties and tried to joke, but there was sadness in his words.
“No,” she answered, softly. “Those are shorts, not underwear. I’m not stupid enough to go panty-less.”
“They look like panties.” Morgan chuckled as he sat down. He laid them in her lap, and she wadded them up in a tight fist.
“They’re boy shorts.”
“Hey.” He nudged her shoulder gently. “We need to talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. You’re going to Augusta. You care about hockey more than me. I get it.” She glared at the offending clothing item, her fingers going over his number. “Let’s just stop before we get hurt anymore, Morgan.”
Her eyes streamed with tears as she looked up at him. “There’s no way we can have a relationship with you living in Augusta and me living in Vinton. Flights are expensive, and you won’t be back except on holidays. I can’t do the long distance thing. I just can’t.”
“Either can I.” Morgan sighed, his hand resting on her knee.
“So, there’s nothing to talk about.” Her voice was high-pitched as she turned from him and held a tissue to her nose.
“I wanna stay.”
“What? Really?” Gwen’s confused eyes turned to him, her voice brightening a little. “You’ll stay?”
“All that matters is that I get to play with a good team through college. I can do that here just as good as at Augusta.”
Biting her lip, Gwen eyed him with happiness. She then moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. He held her tight, both of them silent for a few seconds.
“I love you, Morgan Tanner,” she said softly.
“I love you, too, Porky Roberts.”
Gwen quickly popped up and glared at him. “Please, stop calling me that.”
Morgan chuckled. “Wanna ring in the New Year with me?”
Gwen nodded, a shy smile on her face. “I wanna be with you forever, Morgan.”
“I want that, too.” Morgan took her hand and held it tight. “Just promise me that next time I get an offer, and you’re old enough to come with me, you will.”
“I will.” She beamed as a few lone tears squeezed from her eyes.
“This is the last freebie I give you.” He held up a single finger. “Next time, it’s go with me or lose me.”
“I promise I will, Morgan.” She nodded several times. “Whenever and wherever you go, I’ll get up and leave everything to go, too. I promise.”
“’Kay.” He kissed her then they both stood. “And put those back on.” He motioned to her hand, which was fisting her Black Kat mini shorts.
“Fine.” She laughed as she playfully punched him. “I’ll be right back.” She leaned in and kissed him. What was meant to be a short kiss turned into a longer one. Her hands went around his neck and his cradled her hips.
Then, someone came from behind and flipped her skirt, revealing her tight bikini’s. Horrified, Gwen spun and glared at Kingley, who had scurried off to the other room. She yelled in his direction, but he didn’t seem to hear.
“Can’t blame him for tryin’.” Morgan chuckled. “I would’ve.”
“Brat.” She slapped his chest. “I’ll be right back.” Gwen gestured toward the bathrooms.
As he waited for her, Morgan’s grin turned into a frown. He glared at the ground and let out an annoyed sigh. Then, he looked up at the bubbly girl that bounced over to him. Her smile was overflowing, the energy that radiated off her intoxicating.
He smiled again. It was really worth it. Just seeing her smile everyday was worth it.
Chapter Four
After the party, Gwen, Sam, and Anne went to Morgan’s house. His mother was home for the holiday, but the Tanners were out for the night and wouldn’t be back till morning. Gwen was a little surprised by Anne’s behavior around her brother, the good girl hanging on every cheesy romantic line Sam fed her, while Gwen and Morgan played a tense game of pool.
Morgan was cheating by tickling Gwen while she was taking a shot. When he won the last game, he got a nasty whack across the back of his hand from her stick.
Gwen gazed up at the clock as she rolled one of the balls across the carpeted surface. She glanced at her brother, who was once again hooked to a girl. “Let’s not invite them next time. They’ve ignored us the entire time they’ve been here.” She made a sour face when she saw Sam lean in to kiss Anne.
“They’re fine.” Morgan sighed, leaning up against the table next to her.
/> Laughing, Gwen whispered to Morgan, “The sound of smacking lips is grosser than when Robby doesn’t close his mouth when he chews.” Making a disgusted expression, Gwen crossed her arms. “Eww.”
“Why’d you do this…” He motioned to her outfit. “Tonight?”
“You don’t like it?” Gwen looked a little hurt.
“No, it’s not that.” Morgan shrugged as he placed his hands in his pockets. His stare moved from hers, and he looked up the stairs. “It’s just…you don’t usually do stuff like that.”
Gwen frowned, her eyes glued on her shoes. Her voice was soft, “Sam called me a whore and accused me of sleeping with the entire hockey team. But I didn’t do it for other guys. I wanted to look cute for you.” She produced a pretend pout, her sad eyes looking up at Morgan.
“I know that.” Morgan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her to him. “And I liked it. I practically choked when I saw you. And this hot chick is mine?” He shared a laugh with Gwen. “Awesome. And forget about what Sam says. It’s not true. You’re not a slut. You haven’t slept with the entire hockey team.” He placed a hand on his chest. “I, on the other hand, am a total slut. I’ve slept with most of them already.”
Gwen playfully slapped his arm. “That’s not the same.”
“Seriously, though.” Morgan pulled at the cut collar of her shirt. “Don’t listen to Sam.” He gestured behind him. “He’s a bigger slut than the both of us.”
“Maybe.” Gwen smiled softly as she rubbed her bare arm. She leaned closer and whispered in Morgan’s ear teasingly, “Since I’m such a jersey-chasing slut, wanna sneak upstairs and make out?” Then, she shushed his response. Speaking loud, she made sure Sam could hear, “Wanna go play a game upstairs?” Sam didn’t react.
“Bitch coma.” Morgan chuckled as he watched Sam shoo them with his hand. They slipped upstairs.
When they got to Morgan’s room, Gwen leaned against the door and locked it. Morgan pinned her to the surface, his lips clinging to her neck. He was aggressive in his advance, his hands scaling her slender figure. Gwen giggled, her head pressed against the hard wood as his kisses tickled her skin.
They made out for a few minutes, the session like every other time they were together. They hadn’t yet graduated from that. Suddenly, he grabbed her middle and tossed her onto his bed. As he straddled her hips, he pulled off his own shirt.
Gwen’s smirk quivered a little as she stared at his bare chest. Though she wanted him, this handsome man scared her. That hard body. That cocky smile that she found irresistible.
Pausing, Morgan rested his weight on his elbows. There was an excited air to his voice as his eyes darted over her face. “Gwenie?”
“What?” She sent him a nervous smile, her shaky hands going around his neck.
“Can we?”
“I…don’t know if I’m ready yet.”
“It’s okay. Doesn’t hurt to ask, does it?” Morgan laughed softly as he drew close and tried to steal another kiss.
“Morgan?” Her voice was soft.
“What?”
“I love you.” She stared at him with admiring eyes. “Thanks for waiting.”
“You’re my girl. That’s all that matters.” He chuckled. “Someday, I’ll get to pork you, though.”
“Well…” Gwen didn’t respond to his comment, instead, she was looking off to the side. “If we did…I mean…ummm…”
“Why? Are you gonna do it?” Morgan grinned, his thick hands cradling her cheeks.
“Just don’t make fun of me, okay? I’m kinda embarrassed.”
“Why?” He caressed her skin with his thick thumb.
“Because…like…” Gwen’s voice was shaky, a slight tone of exasperation in it. She didn’t want to admit how naïve she was. It made her feel stupid.
“It’s your first time. Once you get it over with, you’ll be fine.”
“Just don’t make fun of me.” She glared at his cocky grin. “I hate when you do that.”
“I won’t. I promise.” His breath quickened with his excitement. “So…can we do it?”
“Yeah. I guess.” She swallowed again, her eyes moving from his to the side several times nervously.
“’Kay.” Morgan smiled cheekily. It was that cocky, king-shit type of grin. “Be right back.” Jumping up, he went to his dresser. He fumbled around in it a bit then found what he wanted and returned.
“What are you doing?” Gwen sat up, watching him closely.
“Gotta suit up.” He held something up then shook it playfully. “Make sure no players leave the ice.”
Gwen laughed at his corny phrase, her face a bright red. “That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Wanna help?” Morgan dropped his pants and chuckled when she turned from him.
“You just do it.” With closed eyes, Gwen motioned for him to continue.
“This has got to be the most awkward, pre-stroking session I have ever had.”
“Why?” Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck when he returned to her.
“Like, you’re a virgin and everything, but…” He stroked her face, his eyes gazing deep into hers. “I’m taking this from you. I feel like a jerk, kinda. Just like Sam thinks I am.”
“You’re not taking anything.” She ran her hand through his long, messy, blond hair. “I’m giving it to you.” She rubbed his nose with hers. Hugging him loosely, her voice was breathless in his ear, “I trust you.”
****
Gwen woke up in Morgan’s arms and smiled. The sunlight streamed in through the crack in the blinds. He woke with her stirring. Drawing close to her ear, he whispered teasingly, “Bad girl.” He kissed her cheek then squeezed her bare middle playfully. The rough gesture hurt just a bit, and she turned to glare at him. He laughed. “You slept in my bed last night.”
“I have to live up to my brother’s expectations of me.” Gwen smiled, her face flushed. “One Black Kat down. Eighteen more to go.”
“Can it be the same one eighteen times, instead?” Morgan pulled her close, resting his chin in the crook of her neck.
She laughed.
“I’m surprised Sam never chased us up here last night. That’s not like him.”
“Maybe he broke through her chastity belt last night and got it on with Anne.”
“Maybe.”
“Morgan?”
“What?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too…” He leaned down to her ear and spoke teasingly, “Porky.”
“Stop calling me that.” Gwen began shoving him. Though it was just play, the pair soon got into a wrestling match.
Gwen paused when she heard voices in the hall. “Morgan?” Her eyes were wide, her breath quick. “Your parents are home.” She tried to pull away, but he held her in place.
“So?” He didn’t seem too concerned.
“But I’m in your bedroom.”
“They don’t care. I told them you were staying over last night. They just got home, anyway.”
“Let’s get up.” Gwen quickly untangled herself from his arms and went to the bathroom. Morgan lazily got up and slipped on his shirt. But he didn’t make it any farther than that. He lay back down and cuddled his pillow.
Kent knocked on the door. “Breakfast, Morgan!”
“I hear you!” Morgan shouted back with irritation.
“Breakfast, Morgan!” His dad chuckled as he shouted louder and knocked several more times, consecutively.
Finally, Morgan got up and went to the door. He opened it a crack and looked out at his dad, who was heading for the stairs. Kent was still in his clothes from last night, his look disheveled. Morgan scowled then shut the door again.
Gwen emerged from the bathroom, wearing the clothes she had brought with her and her hair in a ponytail. She glanced at Morgan, who had the pillow over his head. Ignoring him, she went to the window and looked out. She saw Sam’s car in the driveway.
She went over to Morgan and started poki
ng at him. “Get up.” She snatched the pillow and was welcomed by Morgan’s cocky grin. He hadn’t really been sleeping. “We have to go wake Sam.”
“You think that chick stayed?”
“I doubt it.” Gwen laughed. “Anne’s not the type of girl to stay over if she’s not at a sleepover with a bunch of girls.”
“They seemed to hit it off pretty well.”
“I guess.” Gwen cringed. “If you call dry humping each other on the couch hitting it off.” She leaned up against the dresser. “And I thought she was little miss perfect.”
“The good girls are always the freaks in the dark.”
“So, I must be awesome then,” Gwen teased.
“Naw…you’re a bad girl. You fucked me last night, remember?” He seemed to be waiting for her to slap him and had his arms up, ready to ward it off.
“Let’s just go downstairs already.” Gwen pulled on his arms, and they made their way down. They went to check on Sam, but he wasn’t there. They walked into the kitchen. Kent was rummaging in the fridge.
Kent turned to Morgan, a giant grin on his lips. “There’s my boy!” Kent’s voice was upbeat, and he was in an overly happy mood. Still, he looked tired, giant bags under his eyes from his long night of partying. He still wore his New Year’s cologne—seeming to have bathed in cheap beer and cigarettes.
“Hey.” Morgan pushed past his dad and grabbed a carton of milk. “I’m surprised you guys are home.”
“We just got here.” Kent closed the refrigerator door. “Mornin’, Gwenie.”
“Hey, Mr. Tanner.” Gwen wasn’t really sure what to say.
“There’s my little baby.” Martha, Morgan’s mother, came up from behind and hugged her son. It was clear she had missed him, her tone one that she had used with him since he was a baby. She then took the carton from him. “Let me do that, honey.” She shooed him. “Sit.”
Gwen and Morgan sat at the bar. She grabbed his hand, a fear welling inside her. Her guilt from the previous night was eating at her, and she knew if her parents found out what she had done, she’d be in a lot of trouble. A few seconds later, Martha set a glass of milk in front of Morgan and juice near Gwen. The house was clean now that Martha was home, under the drinks were matching placemats.
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