Page 58 of Dreams
“Hands off, Zak.” Mack shoved him irritably. “The one in green is Coach’s daughter. And the one in pink is mine.”
“That guy might have something to say about that,” Josh cut in as he saw an arm snake around Abigail’s waist.
Mack stormed off and someone else took his place. “Who’s that?”
He jumped when he heard Mel’s voice. “The most beautiful girl here.”
“I’ll try not to take offense at that.” She laughed, pushing him forward. “Go to her.”
The music pumped through the ballroom, but Josh stopped listening to the words when Taylor’s eyes locked with his. He started towards her, but she turned and fled.
A hand swatted him on the shoulder so he looked down in surprise. “Go after her, you idiot,” Mel yelled above the music.
And go after her he did.
* * *
She was just as perfect as the girls Taylor saw online. Long legs that peeked out from the slit running up her beautifully elegant dress. Sleek hair that swayed as she walked and thin arms that shoved Josh playfully.
Taylor saw them come in together earlier, and a knot formed in her stomach. Now, witnessing them talking and laughing, she felt like she was going to hurl. Clutching her stomach, she practically ran back to where Abigail was standing.
“Colin went to get another drink,” Abigail informed her. That wasn’t such a bad thing. Taylor had been feeling like a third wheel since they left their dorm.
“Hey there.” They both turned to find Mack leering at them. “You both look sexy as hell.”
Mack stepped closer to Abigail and bent to whisper something in her ear. To Taylor’s surprise, Abigail laughed, slightly breathless. He played with one of her blond curls until they heard someone walk up behind them.
“Seriously, Abigail?” Colin growled.
Abigail jumped away from Mack, putting a hand on Colin’s arm. “It’s fine, Grant was just saying hi.”
“Grant?” Colin said, his eyes narrowing. “This is the guy?”
Abigail’s silence gave him the answer he needed.
“What’s going on?” Taylor jumped as Josh’s voice vibrated in her ear, his breath tickling her neck.
“Turf war,” Taylor said tersely, feeling his closeness box her in.
“Why can’t you just stay away from her?” Colin was saying. “She told you she wants nothing more to do with you.”
“If she’d said that, I think I’d remember.”
Colin turned on Abigail. “You said you were going to tell him.” His voice was low, but they’d attracted a few onlookers. “Did you fucking lie?”
“No,” Abigail pleaded. “Colin, I just…”
“Leave her alone.” Mack wedged himself between Colin and Abigail.
They should have seen it coming. Should have been able to stop it. But there, in the middle of the team foundation’s biggest event of the year, Colin pulled back his arm before punching the star player in the face. Mack reacted quickly by hitting him back.
Colin got the worst of it. Hockey players are bred to withstand bone-crushing hits - they can take a few punches. Preppy college boys aren’t built that way.
Carter came up, wanting to help his teammate, but Josh held him back.
“That bit about jumping into the fight,” Josh said. “Leave that for the games.”
Olle came running over along with Coach Peterson, and they managed to help Josh stop the fight by wrestling the two men away from each other. Abigail stormed away and Taylor knew she wouldn’t be back. Colin was kicked out.
