"What the hell is this?" I tossed my failed quiz across the table. Mrs. Tully had finally given me a chance to get back on the ice and I failed. I fucking failed! "What kind of tutor are you? I have a remake in two weeks and if I can't pass, Coach will ban me from the stadium! Do you know how humiliating that will be? Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to have two tutors?" Pushing back my hair inhaling deeply I tugged at the roots wanting to just rip every hair follicle out.

Sweets frowned at the quiz, "I know it's hard but -"

"How the fuck do you know what's hard?" I spat the words at her beyond pissed that this was even happening. I had scouts wondering why the hell the team captain wasn't on the ice. Seeing the D- on my test a monster broke out from deep down inside of me. I wanted to punch someone. I wanted to break a fucking window. "You don't know the first thing about loving something with your every breath and watching it slowly slip through your fingers. You're the fucking teacher's pet! A tutor that gets straight A's but can't help me pass! I thought you were the best of the best! What kind of tutor lets their student fail?" Leaning on the table I got in her face satisfied that she shrunk away hoping she felt bad for all of this since it was her fault. "I want a new tutor."

Watching her hazel eyes hold something close to fear, they shifted in color becoming a dark brown. "How dare you." She spoke quietly with narrowed eyes. "How. Dare. You!" Standing up so fast her chair fell backwards, the loud thud was much louder in the small room. "You egotistical, narcissistic, prick!"

Taking a step back surprised that this tiny person looked at me as if she wanted to rip my head off my shoulders. Her Trenton sweater covered chest rose and fell heavily and I swore there was steam coming out of her ears.

Righting the chair she grabbed her backpack shoving her arms through the straps. "How dare you come in here and blame me - me for your mistake! I am not your tutor Jace, Michi is! I should be the one asking questions learning how hands-on and thorough you two like to be behind closed doors." Her face softened just a little. "I thought I was being a good friend helping you go over what you and Michi did but I guess less clothes would've kept your attention."

I was going to come clean about Michi and I's study sessions after I passed since Sweets was all I had. The things we reviewed were helpful and I was sure that if we went over everything again, I would've passed with flying colors.

The boiling rage I initially felt was gone now and the hurt Sweets felt was clear as day. "Sweets -" I began wanting to apologize for my harsh behavior when she stepped away from me not wanting to be touched.

"No!" She seethed. "You don't get to apologize. You said everything you meant and for your information no, I have never had something I love slip through my fingers but that is only because I work my butt off to keep what I have." She poked at her chest taking a step away then turned back around. "Did you ever stop and think that maybe your Coach thought banning you from the stadium would help push you to get serious and stop screwing around? LITERALLY!"

"Sweets wait." I reached out tugging lightly on her backpack strap.

"Don't!" She yanked away from me. "You are a jerk . . . and - and an ass face!" She squared her shoulders. "So you can take your apology and shove it up your butthole!"

Stepping out of the room I watched her ginger puff disappear. No, I had to fix this. I wanted to apologize. It was the anger talking before. I was pissed at myself for failing and wasting time with Michi.

Quickly shoving the test in my backpack I hurried after Sweets stopping just outside the door spotting her talking in hushed tones with the frowning woman. Nodding her head, Sweets looked sad. Hurrying over hoping to dissolve any possible trouble I may have caused, I slowed down coming closer to Sweets, "Mrs. Grier, I am truly sorry for being loud. I would never intentionally break the library rules."

Jumping into their conversation I cut Sweets off, "It was my fault Mrs. Grier."

Sweets cut her eyes at me. "I don't need your help."

Looking at her still brown eyes I turned back to Mrs. Grier. "I was yelling first. She was just retaliating. I'm the one that did wrong."

The wrinkled woman looked from me to Sweets. "Is that what happened Savannah?"

"Yes." I cut in again.

"Well young man, we do not tolerate that kind of behavior and I will have to ask you to leave immediately and not return for the rest of this month." Nodding my head not really caring about coming back to the library I was just hoping to take all the blame so Sweets could go. "Yes ma'am." Nodding my head I excused myself passing the two women letting out the breath I was holding.

Taking the stairs one at a time I listened to the rest of their conversation. "Savannah, is everything okay? I've never heard you yell in the library before."

"I know Mrs. Grier and I'm really sorry. It'll never happen again."

"I can't look like a soft old lady that lets students break the rules even after the entire library has heard but I can give you half of his ban, okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay dear. I'll see you in two weeks."

Going down the rest of the steps I looked over towards the open door for employees only, Michi stood in the doorway with someone else. Just as I passed she looked up from the open book finger waving as I walked by and out of the library doors.

Within seven hours my mind was in a state of relaxation. The bass of the music was so loud that my ribs vibrated with the beat. The smell of beer and sweat hung in the air thick and heavy like a dark rain cloud. People danced everywhere, made out anywhere, and did everything above dry humping wherever there was free space. Girls on girls. Guys on guys. Guys and girls. Everyone was having a good time.

Standing near the stereos, my two best friends stood to the left of me watching over the crowd scanning for a possible screw for the night. Nodding my head to the beat I took a gulp from my SOLO cup just as my old photography partner made her way towards me.

I could easily say that what she was wearing was ridiculous being that it was in the low twenties since the sun had set before the party started. She wore a two piece with no sleeves. A skirt that stops mid thigh and sandals that laced up her calf. Her outfit was something I had seen before but mostly in the summertime. Seeing her wear it now was bold. She had to be freezing.

Eyes focused on me and no one else, she slid her arms around my waist raising up on her toes the same time I moved my head further away from her mouth. Lowering herself she pouted for a moment before licking her lips showing off that beautiful tongue ring. "Haven't heard from you in awhile."

"I've been busy." I replied, taking a drink from my cup looking over her head throughout the room. Just as the front door closed her hair was the first thing I noticed, the first thing that anyone would notice.

Never thought my height was worth being thankful for but right now I could see just enough of Sweets that already had a pull on me. Watching her through the small gaps of people she walked behind her sister only a few steps before they were stopped by a chick taller than the twins. Brown hair pulled into two buns, her busty chest, neck, and arms were covered in tattoos much like Reid. Piercings in several places, I could see the silver metal in her eyebrow and both cheeks.

Sweets put her hand out for the girl to shake with a smile when she pulled her in for a hug clearly surprising her. Smirking at Sweets' reaction to the surprise hug Tyler cleared his throat, "Two o'clock." He said from behind his cup. Turning my head to two o'clock Paige pushed her way through the crowd.

Fucking A

"I've been looking all over for you."

"I've been right here."

Narrowing her eyes to the body still wrapped around me she crossed her arms. "Heather." She spat her name in disgust. "Jace, come dance with me."

"No."

"Why not? We used to dance all the time together."

"We were also twelve."

Blocking out her complaining I searched for Sweets slightly disappointed when I couldn't find the ginger haired tease. I still need to apologize for yelling at her, I didn't want to ruin the light mood she seemed to be in when she entered my house.

"Jacey!"

"What?" I looked down to Heather who still stared at Paige. Realizing that it wasn't her that called me, I looked to Paige wishing that she would just find someone else to bother for tonight.

"I want to dance."

"So go find someone to dance with Paige. Tyler, you available?" I asked without looking already knowing his response would be no.

"Fuck off."

"Reid?"

"The only dance I want to see is a trip tease baby."

"You heard him." Heather felt the need to speak up. "Get lost."

No longer interested in the conversation I lifted my head in search of Sweets when I was pulled back down as warm thin lips pressed against mine. Stiff from the surprise lip lock I relaxed getting more into it wrapping my arm around her waist tighter hoping Paige would get an attitude and walk away since the kiss wasn't doing anything for me.

Feeling Heather's fingers move up my jawline to the back of my head I pulled back needing to end the kiss before she got the wrong idea. Looking to see if Paige had walked away I felt a small notch of victory that evaporated instantly at the sight of my favorite ice-cream scooper. She stood with her friends with a look of disgust on her face that was quickly masked.

Reid nodded to the taller girl with blue eyes. "Hey partner." He winked, making her blush.

"Savannah!" We all turned our heads to the voice that called Sweets.

My fist bawled and my jaw tightened as Fuckboy Cruise made his way over with two SOLO cups in hand smiling like the fucking idiot he was. It was mandatory fun that all hockey members were required to attend any party hosted at The Caretakers, Fuckboy included. Parties were the only time he was allowed in my house without me putting my fist through his face.

"There you are. I was looking all over -" he stopped mid sentence looking over to me with a smirk, "Carter! Good to see you. Haven't seen you at practice in awhile. How's your tutor treating you? Michi, was it?"

Mentally I had gained the strength of Thor and threw Fuckboy through a window but in my sad reality I looked to Sweets who found the liquid swirling in her cup more interesting before looking to her friends. "I'm going to go find my sister." She turned to walk away. I reached out to grab her arm but something or rather someone was holding me back.

"Sweets." I called out for her but she continued to walk away from me with Heather still wrapped around my waist. "Shit."

Heather rubbed at my chest pushing her breasts against me. "Let's go upstairs Jace."

Draining the rest of the dark liquid in my SOLO cup I handed it to some random guy passing by. "Yeah, let's go."

Not wanting to think about anything else but the breasts rubbing against my ribs I led Heather to Shawn's old room needing a release. Shutting the door behind me, with a flick of the wrist I locked us in for a few hours.

Turning on the light she pulled her shirt off licking her lips showing off that lovely tongue ring. "Drop your pants Jace. I want to show you what you've been missing."

I wasn't one to object to oral sex especially if I was the one receiving. Unzipping my pants I dropped my jeans lacing my hands at the back of my head. "You want the dick then come get it."

Surprised that I was going commando she smirked tossing her bra across the room before dropping to her knees. Lifting those bedroom blue eyes she began stroking me in a teasing manner hoping to pull some precum that wasn't there. "Mm, you like that Jacey?"

"Stop!" Grabbing her wrists I squeezed hard enough on her radial vein that her grip loosened my dick until I was free. "What the fuck did you just call me?" Dropping her wrists I pulled my pants up just as my hard-on began deflating.

"What's wrong?"

"Put your clothes on."

"Wait!" She crawled across the room grabbing her shirt and bra. "What's wrong? I thought it was a nickname. Paige said it."

"Don't ever call me that again," I yanked open the door not caring if anyone was in the hall listening, "and lose my fucking number."

"Jace wait!"

Slamming the door behind me I went to my bedroom locking the door behind me. Falling on the bed I stared at the ceiling in the dark trying to think of a way to get Sweets forgiveness.

Fishing out my phone I dialed her number, not at all surprised when it went to voicemail. Pressing redial I listened to it ring and ring until the animated voicemail came on. Ending the call with an exhale I hoped that the third time would be a charm.

"Fucking A." I groaned as the animated woman told me to leave a message. "Fine . . . Hey Sweets . . . I um . . . Listen, I know that you're mad at me and I completely agree that you should be but I just want to say that I'm sorry for yelling at you, I had no right. Everything you said is true. It's up to me to get my shit - I mean stuff together. I have people counting on me. My team, our fans, my coach. I can't let them down. I won't let them down and I won't let you down. I know you have high expectations for me and I want to make you proud too . . ."

Wiping a hand over my face I figured it was time for me to wrap this poor apology up. "I just wanted to tell you this rather than put it in a text. Please just think about giving me another chance and I know I've said this before but I need you Sweets and even if you say no to giving our tutor sessions a chance then maybe we can still be friends. Let me know something . . . Bye."

A week and a half went by with no return call, not that I was checking or anything. I was just worried that I was running out of time to prepare for my remake with Mrs. Tully. I was studying on my own, ending whatever Michi and I were doing with a text to her and a call to the library.

There was a chance that Coach would check in on me and find out that I no longer had a tutor but if I didn't pass this remake then a few minutes of yelling wouldn't compare to the failure I would have stamped across my forehead for everyone and my father to see.

My father . . .

The man that was supposed to say something positive at least once was currently informing me of how much of a failure I was as I walked back to the house from running three miles.

"You are the son of a retired professional hockey player. PROFESSIONAL! Do you not understand what kind of image you're putting on me as a former player? My own son can't keep his dick in his pants and gets benched. Do you know how humiliating it is to have old fans ask if my son is going to follow my lead to the Blackhawks and I can only respond with, if he can get his grades together? Get your shit together Jace or so help me I will disown you as my son!"

Hearing the click of the end call I pocketed my cell. As much as I loved hockey and was grateful for being introduced to it, sometimes I wish I had a caring and loving father instead of a heartless coach.

My dad was the reason Tyler and I even stepped on the ice. Two eight year olds eager and ready to learn were forced to wake up at three a.m. every day for a morning practice was torture. I tried to talk Tyler out of coming so he could enjoy his sleep before school but he wanted to learn from the best. We practiced in the morning before school, right after we got off the bus until dinner, then again until dad felt like we were done. It was up to us to find time to get our school work done. It was up to us to find a way to stay awake in class.

I didn't have a mother to demand that we needed rest. All I had was a father that wanted to live through his son and hearing that I was benched because of my grades made me a disgrace in his eyes. If he could use money as a weapon I'm sure he would. Luckily, I came to Trenton State on a full scholarship plus the money left from my mom.

You will never make it to the leagues without me

His famous quote somehow came up every time we had our monthly calls. Pushing away the hate I felt towards my father I took two steps at a time up to my room ready to take a shower and hit the books again needing to fry my brain a little more.

Opening the door her smell hit me before I saw her. Turning towards my bed there she laid with my black bed sheets wrapped around her naked body. Sitting up, her blonde hair fell over her shoulders. "Jacey, you're back."

"What are you doing in my room Paige?"

"Jace -"

"And why the hell are you naked?"

"Because my feelings for you have never changed." She let the sheet fall from her chest making me instantly avert my eyes to the window. "Look at me. Jace, look at me!"

"Would you stop!" I covered my eyes, squeezing my face wishing I could erase seeing her half nude. "What were you thinking?"

"What does she have that I don't?"

"Who the hell are you talking about?"

"Your precious Sweets." She spat. "I've known you forever Jace. We have grown something special between us that started when we were kids."

"We have nothing but a platonic friendship Paige and after the shit you're pulling right now, I don't think we even have that."

"What are you saying?" I could hear the rustle of my bedsheets. "You're choosing her over me!"

"You're in my bed naked for fuck's sake!"

"I am proving to you that I'm ready!"

"You're proving that you want to get tossed out on your naked ass if you don't get the fuck dressed and get out."

"How desperate do you want me to be Jace? I followed you here to be with you and you just pushed me aside! I tried to make you jealous by sleeping with the hockey team. I even sucked your best friends off and you don't even care. You won't even look at me now and I'm naked!"

I was tired of repeating myself to her. I needed to remove myself from the situation before I punched a wall. "Get the hell out of my house before I throw you out." Walking out leaving the door wide open I headed to the kitchen grabbing a water bottle. Drinking the entire bottle in five gulps I pulled my shirt off as Tyler walked in.

"Sup Carter." Grunting in return he caught on that I wasn't in the mood to talk. "Your girl is doing fine. We had our photoshoot today."

"You and Sweets?" Tyler nodded. "How is she doing? Did she mention me?"

"Mention you? She wouldn't shut up about you."

Maybe I still had a chance to fix things. "Seriously?

"No." He threw his head back and laughed.

"You're an asshole."

"But the look on your face was priceless." He stood regaining control of his giggles. Asshole.

"Did she say anything about her next partner or what else she was doing today? Let me know if you were being helpful of some kind."

"How much do you like your tutor?"

"She's not my tutor." I corrected him. "We're . . . supposed to be friends."

"Right." He nodded as if he didn't believe me. "Well, she did mention having another photoshoot today -"

"Great! I'll be back later." I grabbed my shirt heading for the stairs to take a quick shower. "Moore!" I stepped back continuing once he turned to face me, "There's an unwelcomed guest in my room. I found her there and I didn't touch her either. Just a heads up. Oh, and I need to borrow some clothes."

Pulling up to the walkway near Sweets' apartment building she stood outside laughing with Nate. Staying in my Jeep I watched them conversate about something that was clearly hysterical. With a quick look at her cell I looked at mine as well wondering if she sent me a text or if she was waiting for mine.

It was time for Step Two For Forgiveness.

Opening our few messages I took a picture of the wristband she made me with a simple text that said I missed my friend with a sad emoji. Simple and to the point with enough sadness.

Sweets looked at her phone with a small frown for a second before looking back up to Nate. Getting out of the car I jogged over needed to apologize face to face. Once Sweets saw me her smile faded making Nate turn my way. "What's up Carter."

"Sup Jones. Hey Sweets."

"Hey Jace."

She was perfectly the same, smelling of ice-cream and coconuts. Her ginger hair was in a braid over her shoulder with a few loose strands falling out. A black headband pulled most of her hair away from her face showing the diamond studs in her ears. Covered in our school's hoodie she wore a blue scarf to match with her camera luggage over her shoulder.

"I was wondering if we could talk if you had a minute."

"I uh-"

"I'm going to head up." Nate interrupted, touching Sweets' shoulder. "See you later, Savi. You too Carter." He put out his hand to knock knuckles.

"I'm actually on my way out. I have a photoshoot with the orchestra in twenty minutes."

"Can I come?" Her eyes widened at my quick response but I needed to fix this. For the sake of my grade and . . . just wanting to be around her. "If it's not too much trouble, that is."

Saying nothing she stared at me for at least two minutes before agreeing that I could tag along. Saying thanks with a strong side hug - not wanting to overdo it, I grabbed her things and put them in the backseat before we headed for campus.

Following behind Sweets to the music building I watched the way her jeans hugged her ass. The way her cupcake curves, as she liked to call them, filled out her black jeans. As if someone was reading my thoughts, she dropped something while digging around in her camera bag. Laughing to myself I watched her bend over picking up whatever fell, grateful that she didn't squat. Holding back a groan I shook my head thanking the woman that blessed her with those lip licking curves.

Stepping into the room full of students dressed for a funeral, Sweets walked over to the director shaking his hand with a smile. Staying near the door I leaned against the stacked chairs taking in my surroundings when I noticed the shelves high up on the walls were crowded with more trophies than the hockey team.

Some were in need of a dust rag while others looked fairly new. Larger ones were placed in the back while the smaller ones lined the front of the shelf. Plaques crowded the walls in black and brown. According to all these awards the orchestra was good. Never having heard them before I was looking forward to the music I would witness today.

Hearing giggles I saw a group of three nearby smiling at each other. When they noticed my attention on them they immediately glanced away fiddling with their violins. Amused with their shyness I waited for one of them to look up. The one with brown hair pulled back into a braid looked first. Giving her a wink she smiled sweetly before turning her back to her friends.

Sweets made her way back to me smiling from ear to ear making a smile spread across my face. She was adorable. "Are you excited?"

"Very." She clapped her hands excitedly. "I wanted to warn you about the noise though. It'll get pretty loud in here so you can wait in the hall if you want and we can talk afterwards. This should take about an hour," she looked at the time one her cell, "hour and a half tops."

"Thanks for the heads up Sweets but I very much enjoy watching when you're in your zone." I gently moved the stone in her necklace that I made now that her hoodie was removed. "The lip biting that you do may get me in trouble though."

Her eyes fell to my lips. "I should just . . . um -"

"Savannah." Someone called.

Her eyes snapped back to mine as she straightened. "I should get ready." She shook her head, grabbing the bag that I held mumbling to herself. Keeping silent I watched as she attached the camera lens, putting the neck holder over her head.

The director stepped on a small podium calling everyone to attention giving instructions to prepare for Canon in D Major, whatever that was. Shuffling music sheets was the only sound until it wasn't. Everyone sat up as if they had a rod in their back waiting for his next word. The man lifted his arms and gave a count off before a harp started playing. Finding him in the back next to a line of trumpet players I was a bit surprised that they mixed band with orchestra but what the hell did I know. The shaggy haired guy knew exactly what he was doing though. Eyes closed he flicked the strings moving his body with every note.

Sweets started with him first moving around blending in with the rest of the orchestra wearing all black. Like a shadow in the night she floated around the room with soft steps nipping at her bottom lip. Standing on her toes she lifted her camera above her head trying to get a better image.

Picking up an extra chair I offered to help her by keeping my hand around her thigh, for safety precautions of course. Looking down at me with a raised brow she smiled when I shrugged. "I wouldn't want you to fall and injure that pretty little neck of yours."

Sweets moved in every position to get a good picture, even on the floor. Taking pictures of the director and the music sheets I could see how much she loved photography. It was clearly her calling and I was thankful to be able to sit back and watch her in action.

The tease of her brown breasts that showed in the 'V' of her shirt. She was a walking, talking, temptress. Hiding from me for years in the dusty books of the library. Being friends with her wasn't as easy as I thought it would be walking around with blue balls but seeing her light cheeks blush was always worth it.

I needed to get laid before I took my flirting with her too far. Our last kiss that could of went in a different direction if Reid wasn't doing a piss poor job at fucking but I couldn't be too mad. If things would've continued to go as they were, Sweets would've been deflowered that night. On my bed, on top of books, while my roommate screwed his puck bunny on the other side of the wall.

Shaking out my legs I rearranged myself before anyone noticed. I didn't need the group of girls from before to get any ideas and I sure as hell didn't want their director to glance my way. As the last long note came to an end the director thanked Sweets for coming before speaking to his class about their upcoming holiday performance.

Quietly walking back to where I stood she removed the camera lens packing it all away safely then we slipped out the room softly closing the door behind us when I offered her lunch to talk.

Hawkin's Grill was my go-to place for burgers and fries since I was a freshman. Reid, Tyler, and I made a point to come here at least twice a month. It was hard not to come here every week but the grease that dripped with every bite along with the caramelized onions and bacon weren't good for growing boys like us. Cramping on the ice because of poor health choices would get you benched for a game. Lucky for me, I was already benched so diving into a greasy burger couldn't harm me plus I got to brag to Reid and Tyler while they munched on granola.

Our waiter pulled out his notepad and pen with a smile. "Hi, my name is Grayson and I'll be your server today. What can I start you two off to drink with unless you're ready to order."

I looked to Sweets, "Do you know what you want?"

She shook her head still flipping through the menu, "Go ahead and order. I'm still looking."

"I'll have the Double Brawson Burger and fries with a water."

Sweets made a face, "Water?"

"Don't want to eat too unhealthy. I plan to be back on the ice soon." I replied with a wink.

"Water doesn't go with burgers though."

"Water goes with everything."

She shook her head. "You're disgusting. Just get unsweetened tea or something."

"Have you ever had unsweetened tea? It's like rubbing your tongue with dirt."

"Sir, how did you want your burger?" Grayson asked.

"Well done."

He nodded his head, writing down my order before turning to Sweets, "And what can I get for you, beautiful?" My eyes narrowed as she smiled giving her order. Repeatedly asked her if she was sure about every topping, pointing out things on her menu with his pen, casually brushing her arm he finally stood after almost taking the seat next to her. "I didn't catch your name." He held out his hand for her menu.

"She didn't throw it." I replied for her.

"Savannah." She smiled, placing her menu gently in his palm.

Slapping mine down afterwards, breaking the moment he was trying to make, I gave my name as well. "So how long will our food take?"

"About twenty to thirty minutes. I'll get those drinks for you though."

"You do that."

Once he was out of earshot I turned to Sweets ready to apologize when I felt a pinch. "Ow!"

"Stop being rude." She hissed.

"I wasn't. He was trying to kiss your ass hoping for a better tip."

"You don't think his compliment was sincere?" She folded her arms, lifting her breasts higher.

"Come on, of course I do. You know you're beautiful." She held her pose huffing quietly. "I'm sorry, okay." I reached across the table for her hands. "I'm sorry for a lot of things, Sweets."

"I don't appreciate what you said."

"And I'm here telling you face to face that I'm sorry. I should've told you the truth about my study sessions with Michi and maybe I would have passed." Closing my mouth I pulled away from her sitting up straight as our waiter came back with the drinks giving Sweets a wink before walking away. That litter fucker.

"Jace."

Easing up on the death glare I was sending Grayson while he took orders from another table I looked back to the beautiful woman across from me. "Yeah?"

"Your retake is this week, right?"

Slumping my shoulders I remembered the email Mrs. Tully sent me. "It was supposed to be in two days but Mrs. Tully said I have to wait until Monday so I'll miss the game this weekend."

Sweets' face seemed to drop as well. "She is really dragging this out on you."

"I know."

"Fine, I'll help you study for the rest of this week but this is your last straw Jace Carter. I'm serious."

Saying thank you a millions times throughout our meal she stuffed a biscuit in my mouth and told me to shut it. We both laughed, turning the conversation to a lighter topic but there was something I needed to know first. "So who's your next partner for the photoshoot?"

"Mateo Cruise. Mr. Drew decided to assign our partners this time instead of the old draw two names trick."

"Can I be there?"

"No, but we can study afterwards."

.   .   .   📚   .   .   .