Page 26 of Don't Puck Him

“C’mon, Wren. You’ll like our hockey group. They’re not snotty like the frat boys.”

I nod my head and paste on a smile and take Hunter’s hand as we three walk through the front door of a plain white clapboard home which has seen better days. We’re somewhere in South Boston, but I don’t know exactly where.

“Hey!” the gang choruses as Hunter and Cash walk in. I follow behind.

Girls catch sight of me and drag me to their circle, plopping a cold beer in my hand.

“Hey, girlfriend. You’re with those crazy guys. Why?”

I chuckle and offer a very banal reason. Stepbrother, blah, blah, blah.

They don’t care. They talk like I’m their bestie, and we all sit down in a corner of the living room. The place is furnished with furniture and paintings totally brand new, if brand new was 1962. Somehow their warm welcome and the old place softens my muscles, and I start to have a good time. I guess Hunter is right. Less snot, more nice.

After a while and a fair amount of booze, one girl’s lips loosen. “Not just anyone catches Hunter’s eye, you know. That’s quite the catch. And you’re new here. Lucky you.”

“Oh, it’s just ‘cause Hunter is pals with my stepbrother, that’s all. I’m sure.” I quickly wave away any special place I might have in Hunter’s world.

Since coming to Boston College, this is the closest I’ve come to getting my foot in the front door of any bunch of girls as true friends. I don’t want to stand out as anyone special. I want to be one of the gang. It’s easier. It’s safer.

Behind me, someone puts a hand on my shoulder. Slaps it down pretty hard. I jerk my head. It’s Cash. God.

“So you girls have met my stepsister then.”

“Yep. Where have you been hiding her, Cash?”

“Oh, you know, here and there. Well, little step-sis, you have a great time.” Cash slams his hand harder on my shoulder. I take his comment more as a threat than a welcome.Also figures.

I feign a smile but flash angry eyes. “Thanks, big bro.”

I catch Hunter. He’s standing in the far corner of the living room. He’s seeing this all go down. His expression is anything but approving. I can’t tell if his stormy look is meant for me or Cash. I avert my eyes and turn back to the girls who put another cold beer in my hands.

Next thing I know, a second hand is on my shoulder. Only this time, it turns me around.

It’s Hunter, his face inches from mine. He puts his hands on either side of my cheeks and thrusts his tongue down my throat. He finishes his advance with a warm, wet kiss.

My cheeks ignite with red fire, like when the light goes off after hockey goal.

I know what that kiss is. I’m not happy. I’m not sad.

Hunter is leaving his scent on me. I am marked territory.

14

HUNTER

It wasn’t something I thought through. One second, I was standing there, next to her. The next, my lips were meeting hers. My hand was already running through her chestnut hair before I even knew what I was doing.

In a way, it was an animal instinct. I wanted to mark my territory. The other boys had spent the night talking about her as if she belonged to Cash. She was his stepsister, and if you had feelings for her, you’d better check if it was okay with him. The idea of Cash being the important man in her life, Cash who hated her, just made my bones burn.

So I kissed her.

I pull back, and she looks startled. I wonder if she’s surprised at me kissing her or me pulling away.

“I want you,” I whisper to her. Her eyes widen.

“I had no idea…” she says.

Meanwhile, I can feel the gaze of every other person in the room. This is going to be the big gossip of the college tomorrow. No more keeping things secret. I’m committed now.

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