Chapter 2
Kat’s POV
My hands won’t stop shaking as Sophie and I walk away from the disaster at the party.
The bass still pounds through the house, but it feels muted now, like everything’s underwater. My cheek still stings from where that asshole grabbed my face, and I can’t shake the image of phones pointed at us, recording every second of my humiliation.
“That was intense,” Sophie says, glancing back at the crowd still buzzing with excitement in her house. “You really laid into him.”
“He deserved worse,” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. “Calling me out like that in front of everyone, bringing up Wintercrest—”
“Hey!” The voice calling my name makes me freeze.
It’s deeper than the asshole from the hallway, warmer somehow, but with the same underlying confidence that makes my stomach clench.
I turn around slowly, dreading what I might see. Walking toward us is someone who looks remarkably similar to the guy I just humiliated, but different in ways that are immediately apparent.
Same dark hair, same athletic build, same strong jawline, but where that guy’s eyes had been cold and predatory, this one’s are warm brown and genuinely concerned.
He’s slightly shorter, maybe an inch or two, but his approach is careful, non-threatening. Nothing like the aggressive swagger of his friend.
“I’m really sorry about my brother,” he said as he approached, running a hand through his hair in what seemed like a nervous gesture. “Liam can be a real ass sometimes, especially when he’s stressed about hockey season.”
I blinked at him, processing his words slowly. “Your brother?”
“Unfortunately, yeah,” he said with a rueful laugh. “I know, I know. Hard to believe we’re related, right? I got all the charm and good looks in the family.”
“He called me Ice Princess,” I say flatly, the words still burning in my throat. “Like I’m some sort of walking tabloid headline.”
“Yeah, I heard that part,” he winced. “Look, I know it doesn’t mean much coming from his brother, but he doesn’t usually go after new students like that. You must have really gotten under his skin.”
“Lucky me,” I said sarcastically.
He laughs, and despite everything, I find myself almost smiling.
There’s something disarming about his reaction, something that makes it hard to stay completely furious when he’s standing there looking so genuinely sorry.
“I’m Nate, by the way,” he says, extending his hand toward me. “Nate Carter. I play center for Ridgeview.”
I look at his outstretched hand, then back at his face. He has strong features, but everything about his expression is open and friendly. Against my better judgment, I find myself reaching out to take his hand.
“Katya Melnyk.” I say simply. “Or just Kat,”
“Nice to meet you, Kat,” he says, his handshake firm but not aggressive. “And again, really sorry about the whole Ice Princess thing. That was way out of line.”
“You don’t have to apologize for him,” I say, though I appreciate the gesture. “He’s old enough to be responsible for his own mouth.”
“True, but I’d still like to make it up to you somehow,” Nate says, his eyes lighting up with what looks like an idea.
“Actually, would you maybe want to hang out sometime? I know that sounds weird, asking outright like that, but I figure after the way Liam treated you, the least I can do is try to show you that not all Carter brothers are complete dicks.”
I hesitate, glancing back toward the house where the party continues.
The last thing I need is more drama, and getting involved with Liam’s brother seems like a recipe for complications.
“I don’t know,” I say slowly. “Your brother made it pretty clear what he thinks of me being here. I’m not sure getting involved with his family is the best idea.”
“Hey,” Nate says, his voice gentle but insistent. “Liam doesn’t get to control who I hang out with. He’s my older brother, not my keeper. And honestly, if it bugs him that we’re friends, that’s just a bonus.”
Sophie has been watching our exchange with obvious interest, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head.
“Nate’s a good person, Kat,” she says finally. “He’s nothing like Liam when it comes to the asshole thing.”
“Thanks for the endorsement, Soph,” Nate grins. “See? I have references and everything.”
Despite everything that’s happened tonight, I find myself actually considering it. Nate seems genuine, and there’s something appealing about the idea of having an ally who understands the Carter family dynamics from the inside.
“Okay,” I say finally. “Friends. But if your brother decides to make my life hell because of it, I’m holding you responsible.”
“Deal,” Nate says immediately. “And trust me, Liam’s got way more important things to worry about than who I hang out with. Speaking of which, are you coming to the hockey game on Friday?”
“What hockey game?” I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know the answer.
“Season opener,” Nate explains. “Ridgeview versus St. Augustine Prep. It’s kind of a big deal—the whole school usually turns out for it. Plus, I’m starting this year, so I could use all the moral support I can get.”
“You’re starting?” I ask, surprised. “That’s a big deal, right?”
“Huge deal,” Nate says, his chest puffing out slightly with pride. “Especially as a junior. Coach finally decided I was ready to move up from second line. It’s been a long time coming.”
I bite my lip, considering. On one hand, going to watch Liam play hockey is probably the last thing I want to do after our confrontation. On the other hand, Nate is asking as a friend, and I do owe him something for his kindness after his brother’s behavior.
“I wasn’t really planning on it,” I say honestly. “I’m not exactly the biggest hockey fan, and after what happened tonight…”
“Come on,” Nate says, his expression turning pleading. “I promise Liam will be too focused on the game to bother you. And I could really use someone cheering me on who’s not related to me or trying to get in my pants.”
“Nate!” Sophie laughs, swatting him on the arm. “You’re terrible.”
“What? I’m just being honest,” he protests, though he’s grinning. “Hockey groupies are a real thing, and they’re kind of terrifying. I need some normal friends in the stands.”
I look between them, weighing my options. The smart thing would be to politely decline and avoid any situation that might put me in proximity to Liam again.
But something about Nate’s earnest expression and the way he went out of his way to apologize for his brother’s behavior makes me want to say yes.
“Okay,” I say finally. “I’ll come to your game.”
“Really?” Nate’s face lights up like I’ve just told him he won the lottery. “That’s awesome! You won’t regret it, I promise. We’re actually pretty good this year, and the crowd gets really into it.”
“Just promise me I won’t have to interact with your brother,” I say, only half joking.
“I promise,” Nate says solemnly, though there’s mischief in his eyes. “Besides, he’ll be way too busy trying to impress the college scouts to pay attention to who’s in the stands.”
“College scouts?” I ask.
“Oh yeah, bunch of them coming to check out the team,” Nate explains. “Harvard, Yale, a few others. Liam’s been stressed about it for weeks. It’s kind of his whole thing—living up to expectations, being the star forward, all that pressure.”
I feel a small flicker of something that might be sympathy, but I quickly push it down. Pressure or not, that doesn’t excuse the way he treated me.
“Well, good luck to him,” I say diplomatically.
“And good luck to me,” Nate adds with a grin. “Friday night, seven o’clock, Ridgeview Arena. I’ll leave your name at the student section entrance.”
“I’ll see you there,” I promise, and for the first time since the confrontation, I actually mean it.
Maybe this night isn’t a complete disaster after all.
