I didn't want this night to end. The last couple weeks had been so busy with homecoming preparations and debate and school work and volleyball and fighting with Miranda, and I hadn't realized how stressed I was. But spending the evening with Wyatt and being close to him felt so good, and I welcomed the way he made me feel relaxed and excited at the same time.
He had taken me to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant, and the food had been incredible. We had talked mostly about his family and football and his plans for the future. He told me all about how he wanted to be a pediatrician. I carefully steered the conversation away from my family, only briefly talking about the fact that my dad had died. Then we had taken a long drive around town, and finally we had arrived at the dance. I had spent most of the morning decorating the gym, so I was glad to see that all my hard work had paid off. It looked great. Dancing all night with Wyatt had been a dream, and when he kissed my neck, I felt warmth spread through my entire body. I started fantasizing about all the years we were going to spend together, what our future was going to be like, and how at some point I'd have to tell him the truth about my dad. But my dreaming was interrupted by an announcement from James Huckston.
"It's time for the homecoming royalty dance!" He exclaimed. "Will all members of the homecoming court please come to the front?"
Wyatt pulled away from me. "Sorry, Kayla, I've got to go dance with some princess," he said with a sly grin. "Oh wait, that's you!"
I laughed. "How convenient."
He escorted me up to the platform where we all lined up and received our fake crowns and tiaras. Then a slow song started up and the royalty lead out in the dancing. I noticed Miranda in the crowd, glaring at me with her arms folded across her chest. We hadn't spoken since the game, but I wasn't going to let her ruin my night. Instead, I focused back on Wyatt, taking in his strong build and his intense blue eyes.
The song finished and Wyatt lead me to the edge of the gym.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" He asked.
I raised my eyebrows. "A walk? Where?"
"Just around the school."
I smiled. At that moment, being alone with Wyatt sounded great. "Sure."
He took my hand and we wandered through the halls, making random comments about the displays or the teachers. Finally, we ended up in one of the math classrooms.
"Kayla, have I told you how stunning you look tonight?" Wyatt asked, turning to face me.
"Once or twice," I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant. "You look pretty fantastic yourself."
"Oh yeah?" He said, stepping closer. "I spent all day perfecting this look."
I tried to laugh, but I couldn't. He was too close and I was filled with anticipation. He slipped his hand around my back and pulled me to him, then pressed his lips to mine. I kissed him back, enjoying his nearness and the feel of his lips. He kissed me more passionately and began running his hands down to my butt and back up again, which was a bit more alarming than it was arousing. When he started to unzip my dress, I pushed him back.
"What are you doing?"
He smiled. "Giving you what you want, clearly."
His tone put me on edge. "No, I think we should go back to the dance."
He pulled me back. "Come on, Kayla. It's been such a great night, don't ruin it now."
Panic started to creep in. "Wyatt, please stop. This is too much right now. Let's just go back to the gym."
He didn't let go. "Kayla, I just spent all this money on you. Don't you think I deserve a little something in return?"
Anger coursed through me. "I'm leaving," I announced, turning around. I headed toward the door, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back, pinning me against the wall. He shoved his tongue in my mouth and I shook my head violently, trying to break free.
"Stop! Stop!" I screamed.
His hands grasped at the back of my dress and he was unzipping it when suddenly someone burst through the door. A pair of hands grabbed Wyatt off of me, and in a blur of movement Wyatt was being flipped over and thrown on the ground. I took a deep breath. As my head cleared, I was able to focus on the situation. Frog was there standing over Wyatt, looking down at him with fire in his eyes.