“I know, Gwenie, but it’s still five hours away.”
“Hailey and the other girls are going. She said I could stay with her.” Gwen motioned to Kent. “And Morgan’s dad’s gonna be there.”
“Don’t get me in on this.” Kent chuckled, his cheeks a little red from his heavy drinking that night. He put up a hand in surrender.
“And you’ll be good?” Nick eyed her suspiciously, ignoring Kent.
“You’ll let me go?” Gwen’s face lit up as she bounced happily.
“Yes, but don’t tell your mother.” Nick kept his voice down.
“I love you, Daddy!” Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck, Nick hugging her loosely. He wore a happy smile. When she pulled away, she bit her lip in excitement. “Thanks so much. I can’t wait.” She pointed to Morgan. “I’m gonna go check out that new Henrich’s movie with Sam and Morgan. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” He nodded.
“Thanks, Daddy.” She gave him another hug then went up to Morgan. He was walking out with Sam. She drew close and whispered in his ear, “My dad said I could come to your game.”
“Awesome.” Morgan chuckled. “So if I win, do I get reward?”
“Like what?” Gwen squinted at him playfully.
He chuckled as he whispered something in her ear. Gwen hung on him. Sam glanced at them, but a few of the guys were talking to him, so he didn’t break it up.
“Oooo…,” Gwen cooed, her breath hot on his skin. “At the next game, huh? So you’re going for high stakes, eh?”
“Go big or go home.” As he opened the door of his truck, he gave her a devilish smile, motioning for her to get in.
Gwen hopped into the cab then turned to him when he did the same. “Okay. High stakes, then.” A wicked giggle escaped her lips.
He backed out of his space. “So, what’s your bet?” He playfully shook her knee.
“Well…” She let out a small sigh, biting her lip as she looked out the window. “If you go to state, you get your pregame thing, right?”
“Right.”
“Then, if you lose, you have to…” She paused, her mind racing as she tried to think of a wager. Her gaze scanned his body then settled on his cocky grin. “Get a tattoo for me.”
“Okay.”
“That says ‘Gwen’.”
“What?” He chuckled, regarding her strangely. “That’s stupid. I’m not doing that.”
“That’s the wager.” She smiled cheekily. “If you don’t make state, you have to tattoo my name on you.”
He let out an annoyed sigh then sent her a sideways frown. “No.”
“Then, we don’t have a wager.” She wore a giant grin as she watched the light turn green. “The purpose is for you to work harder to win.”
“I guess.”
“Do we have a deal, Mr. Tanner?” She held out her hand, her nails painted red and black.
“Deal.” He shook her hand then pecked her cheek.
****
Now in the opposing team’s stadium, Gwen and Hailey shouted with the crowd. There weren’t a lot of Kat fans there. This time the girls were a minority. Gwen sat in one of the front rows. She and Hailey donned their Black Kats’ garb, the same attire they had worn to New Year’s. Gwen’s hair was up, long red ribbons in it. She wore stickers on her cheeks, hard core written all over her.
The game was going great in the beginning, the Kats up by three. Until the other team’s enforcers went after Morgan and a few of the Kats’ other star players. After getting slammed dozens of times, Morgan was keeping his cool and didn’t fight. That is, until a nasty check had him slammed into the glass.
Then, the gloves were off, and Morgan was pounding on the other team’s player. Blood sprinkled the whiteness at their feet, the boys punching viciously. It turned into a brutal fight, one that was quickly subdued. Though it made for an exciting game, it had Morgan sitting in the box for a good portion of the end. Morgan sulked as he sat, sniffling back the blood dripping from his nostril. He looked a sorry sight, his wet hair sticking up, red staining his face.
The rest of the game went downhill, and the Kats got whomped. They ended up losing by a point, dashing their dream of winning state. The loss had the Kats doing time with the coach for an hour or two after the game.
Gwen and Hailey went to the hotel to get their room. But there was a huge problem. They had lost their reservation.
While Hailey argued with the man at the desk, Gwen took a seat in the lobby. She mindlessly fidgeted with her bracelet as she waited. That is, until she saw the players coming in. The boys were shuffling, none of them speaking. They all looked beat and didn’t appear to have changed out of their uniforms, which was odd for the team.
Seeing Gwen, Kent excused himself from the crowd and walked over to her.
“Hey.” Kent glanced at Hailey. “What are you sitting out here for?”
“Hailey said they lost our reservation,” Gwen answered softly. “But I think she just screwed up or something. The only hotel that’s not booked is the Super Economy on Langford.”
“That’s not someplace two young girls should be staying alone.” Sighing, Kent sat next to her. He was in a foul mood, a few seconds passing between them. “Well…” He paused, seeming to be thinking about something. “I could let you bunk with Sam, but your parents wouldn’t be happy.”
“Could we?” Gwen’s eyes widened. “It’s just for tonight.”
“How about you ream that boy of mine’s ass about his fight tonight, and I’ll let you.”
“I can do that, Mr. Tanner.”
“Make him feel like shit, that stupid idiot.” There was a soft viciousness in Kent’s voice, even though it wasn’t raised. “His fight cost us the game.”
“Sorry, Mr. Tanner.”
“It’s not your fault. Morgan just needs to learn to control his temper and not let a little aggression on the ice make him snap.” Kent pointed to the elevator. “The boys are staying in room five hundred and seventy-five.”
After he left, Gwen went to Hailey and pulled her away from the desk. They both went up to Sam’s room. Standing in front of the door, Gwen knocked.
When it opened, Sam sent her an annoyed glare. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m supposed to be punishing Morgan.”
“With that getup?” Sam motioned to her skirt. “I’m burning that outfit when I get my hands on it.” Sam sent a glare to Hailey then his sister.
“They lost our reservation,” Hailey said tiredly. “The only place open is in the ghetto, so we need to bunk with you guys.” She playfully punched his arm. “Do you want us cute little girls to stay someplace like that?”
“Gwenie’s little. You’re not.” Sam scanned her with flirty eyes, his gaze skipping over her curves. Continuing to flirt with Hailey, he let them in.
Gwen rolled her eyes and shoved her way into the room. Her gaze fell on Morgan, who looked at her strangely.
“Hey.” Morgan tried to smile, but couldn’t form one.
“Oh, my god.” Gwen was very concerned as she made her way over to him. “You really got beat.”
“I did not.” Morgan groaned, making a sour face.
“I saw the game. You totally did.” Gwen laughed as she sat with him on the bed.
“I beat his ass way worse. He just happened to get in one good punch.” Morgan pointed to his eye. “That bitch Kingley was supposed to be on that guy, but he wasn’t on his game tonight. If he would’ve been playing better, I wouldn’t have gotten into the fight.”
“Awww…my poor little center got beat by the Tiger’s big, bad enforcer.”
“Shut up.” Morgan’s lip curled as he tried to swat her away. “I already heard enough about it from my dad. My whole body fucking hurts, and I’m not in the mood for this, Gwenie.”
“What are you in the mood for?” She cooed in his ear, her hand rubbing his shoulder. “Your dad said I need to come punish you.” She bit his ear playfully, and he let out a chuckle.
Morgan took the ice pack off his eye to look at her closer. “I’m sure your punishment is better than bag skating until I pass out.”
Gwen slipped off her shoes then sat backward between Morgan’s open legs. Her hands crept under his baggy tee and rubbed his bare chest. “Still though, that was a nasty check.”
“I know. That’s why I punched the guy. Fuckin’ hurt.”
Gwen lifted his shirt and checked out the nasty bruises forming on his right side. “Ouch.” She lightly ran her hand over it. Morgan laughed and pulled her closer, Gwen reaching up and encircling his neck with her arms. His lips explored the bare flesh of her shoulder.
She immediately started to giggle, which made Sam turn. His eyes fell on the couple. Morgan’s hands were under her shirt and rubbing her back roughly. “Dude, stop.”
Morgan looked up at his friend with dreamy eyes. “Huh?”
“You threw the game, so you sleep on the couch. Gwen and Hailey get your bed.”
“He can sleep with us.” Hailey raised her eyebrows playfully as she sent Morgan a flirty smile.
“No,” Sam snapped. “It’s his fault we lost tonight.”
Gwen drew close to her boyfriend, whispering teasingly in his ear, “Couldn’t keep your mitts on, Tanner?”
“Off.” Sam pointed to Gwen then to the bed Hailey sat on.
“Dude, chill.” Morgan sent his friend a scowl, his hands resting firmly on Gwen’s bottom. He had pulled her onto his lap, his legs now stretched out in front of him.
“Mits are not coming off tonight.” Sam once again addressed Gwen and pointed to Hailey.
“Okay, Dad.” Rolling her eyes, Gwen dismounted her boyfriend. Sitting at the edge of the bed, she started stripping off her long stockings. When she was finished, she stood and went to her suitcase. Rummaging through it, she glared at the contents. She then grabbed her pajamas and went to the bathroom.
Morgan didn’t move from his spot and instead laid his head back against the headboard. He briefly glanced at Sam when the other boy spoke.
“Want anything from the snack machine? Me and Hailey are making a run.”
“Sure.” Morgan felt around his pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Get me and Gwenie something.” He handed him a few ones.
When Gwen came back out, Morgan was the only one in the room. He smiled at her. Gwen sent him one back, but it was a fragile one. Sensing her need, he motioned for her to come closer. She immediately cuddled up with him on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” Morgan patted her back a few times before letting out a small sigh. “You have that guilty look.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Yes, you do.” He chuckled.
“Morgan?” Gwen lifted her head. She changed positions so she could look him directly in the face. “If I tell you a secret, will you not say anything to Sam?”
He regarded her suspiciously. “What kind of secret?”
“Like, I can’t tell anyone this, and it’s really bothering me.” She forced an exhale, a pout on her lips. “I mean, like, it’s this huge weight on me, and I’m—”
Morgan held his hand up to silence her. “Spill it.”
“You won’t tell?”
“Nope.” Morgan readjusted his tender jaw, his hand resting on the swollen flesh.
“I bought a pregnancy test.”
“You—”
“It wasn’t for me…” She paused as she bit her lip. “It was for someone else.”
“Who?” he whispered, his eyes inquisitive.
“Anne.”
“Holy shit, are you serious?”
“Yes.” Gwen held up her hand to shush him. “But keep your voice down. I don’t want Sam to hear.”
“What’d it say?”
“I don’t know yet.” She grimaced, looking cautiously at the door. “Where is Sam?”
“Went to get snacks.”
“What happens if she is?” Gwen cuddled up with him again, Morgan’s strong arms around her making her feel secure. She pulled them tighter. “Sam can’t be a dad.”
“Can’t? He’ll have to if she is.”
“I hope she’s not.” Gwen nestled into his chest further.
They sat in silence for a few seconds before Morgan spoke again, “So, how’s skating going?” He loosened his grip on her and laid back against the headboard. Gwen still clung to him, her ear against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I don’t get to see you very much anymore. All you do is skate.”
“I know.” She frowned, looking distantly ahead. “I’m getting so burnt out, too. I don’t like skating like I did. Mom keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. If I have to hear about me having to lose ten pounds or to work on my pearl spin one more time, I’ll scream.”
“It’ll be okay.” He massaged her shoulder, his eyes glued on the television that played softly in the background. “They’re just pushing because they know you can do it.”
“What if I can’t?”
“Then, you can’t.” Morgan sighed. “It’s not the end of the world.”
“I have a big qualifying competition in April. I’m so nervous I could throw up just thinking about it. It’s going to be at the Charleston arena and hundreds of people are going to be watching. I don’t know if I can do it.” She held him tighter. “I’m really scared, Morgan. I’ve never gone to a competition like that. There were a dozen people, at the most, at all the ones I’ve been in so far.”
“But I’ll be there.” He shook her playfully, and Gwen sat up. He looked into her sad eyes and smiled. “Just focus on me, and you’ll be fine.”
“You promise you’ll be there?”
“I promise.”
“Because I can’t do it without you.” She leaned closer, her nose pausing on his. “I need you. You’re my lucky charm.”
“I’ll be there. Don’t worry.” His hand cupped her cheek, and he began kissing her. Until the door opened, and he pulled away. Sam and Hailey walked in, carrying snacks.
Gwen changed her tone, teasingly hitting Morgan. “So…about that bet…”
Morgan groaned, closing his eyes as he laid back against the headboard. “Shit…I lost, didn’t I?”
“Yep.” She smiled cheekily, triumphing in her win.
“What’d you bet?” Sam tossed a bottle of lemonade at his sister and another at Morgan. He laughed as he sat on the bed next to Hailey.
“Nothing.” Morgan glared at Gwen when he saw her open her mouth to speak.
“Morgan’s getting a tattoo for me.” Gwen snickered wickedly.
“Come on, Gwenie. You can’t expect me to do that.” Morgan opened his bottle.
“You shook on it,” she teased.
“What’s the tattoo of?” Sam took a drink, his hand resting on Hailey’s bare knee.
“My name.”
Morgan groaned.
“No, fuckin’ way.” Sam looked annoyed as he spoke with quick hand motions. “That shit’s permanent, Gwen. He’s not gonna get something stupid like that.”
“Yes, he is.” Gwen tapped on her unopened bottle. “A bet’s a bet.”
“Seriously, Gwen. That’s stupid,” Sam argued.
There was a knock at the door then the click of the lock. Gwen was so busy teasing Morgan about the tattoo that neither of them saw the person who entered until he spoke.
“Hey.” Kent’s voice was upbeat, an overly excited tone to his voice as he walked over. “How’s my boy?” He ruffled Morgan’s hair, his son shoving him away a little. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes?” He glanced cautiously at Gwen then back at his son. “In the hallway.”
“Sure.” Morgan pushed to his feet and walked toward the door with his dad.
“Isn’t Mr. Tanner supposed to be pissed at him?” Gwen whispered to the others as she watched the pair leave.
“Yeah.” Sam’s eyes narrowed then he turned to his sister. “Maybe he’s saving it for out there.”
“Maybe.” Gwen’s concerned stare stayed glued on th
e door.
“How many channels do you get here?” Hailey hopped on the bed next to Gwen, the girls searching through them.
Outside the room, Kent walked Morgan into the elevator. “There’s someone downstairs that wants to meet you. He was waiting for us at the end of the game, but missed you.”
“Who?” Morgan looked confused. He licked his fat lip, his ice blue eyes narrowing.
“You’ll see.” Kent patted his son on the back, a great happiness in his voice. “This is even better than Augusta State.”
“Huh?”
“You applied to a few schools, remember?”
“Yeah.” Morgan exited the elevator, his father’s arm around his shoulders. “And we got the best offer from Augusta.”
“And this school hadn’t responded yet.” His father’s face was filled with a giant grin.
“What school?” Morgan sniffled then wiggled his sore nose, looking around the lobby.
A man approached them quickly. He was dressed in plain clothing, a Castle University hat atop his head. Morgan’s face went blank. Castle was his dream school and something he had thought was out of reach.
“Mr. Tanner. I’m Harold Green.” He shook Morgan’s hand, an excited grin on his face. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Morgan smiled at him, but his tone was slightly nervous. After a few seconds, he recovered, his smile brightening.
“Close game tonight, huh?” His gaze darted over Morgan’s rough appearance.
“Yeah, but it’s only one game. We’ll dominate the next one.” Morgan chuckled. “We’re gonna make state for sure this year.”
“I was hoping to see you at your best, Mr. Tanner.”
“Yeah, me, too.” Morgan ran his hand through his messy hair, pushing it out of his eyes.
“Castle is very interested in you. I was hoping to bring back some good footage of you tonight, but unfortunately—”
“Castle is interested in me?” Morgan pointed to himself, a very flabbergasted expression on his face.
“Yeah.” Harold chuckled. “I’d like you to go to open tryouts for next year. I’d like the coaches to see you in action.”
“Sure.” Morgan spoke excitedly as he bounced on his feet. “I’ll be there.”
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