Chapter 25: Up, Up And Away...

My mind was rushing at a million miles an hour. His lips felt like what I always imagined clouds feeling like. Perfect.
He licked my bottom lip, asking for entrance, as he pulled his warm body closer to mine.

I couldn’t think straight. Partly from the tingling feeling reeking havoc on my entire body, and probably also partly from the fact that I couldn’t the last time I had taken in a real amount of oxygen for my body.

As I tried to fill my nostrils with air, I was interrupted by a bitter, smoky smell. Wait, he had been cooking... Hadn’t he?

I pushed my body away from his, and couldn’t help but be a little worried about the smell. “Do you smell something burning?”.
His smile faded immediately and he jumped from the couch toward the kitchen, with me hot on his trail.

He burst through the swinging doors and we were engulfed in black smoke. Swatting our hands all around, we reached the stove. Sidney grabbed the pan and quickly placed it in the sink, smothering the source of smoke with cold water.

As I looked at the scene around us I couldn’t help but laugh. Sid turned in shock at my outburst and gave me a sad puppy look.
“I’m Sorry...” he said clearly disappointed with himself. I smiled up at him and weaved my hands around his waist.

“That’s okay, I’m sure even famous hockey households have takeout menus” he killed my smirk with a light kiss and easily lifted me onto the counter behind us. He pulled open a drawer and revealed an array of takeout menus.

He passed me the stack and I sifted through them. “What do you want?” he shrugged lightly trying to find the phone.
“Choose whatever you want, I’m good with anything”. I had to forced my jaw to come up from the floor, realizing that people actually had souls, and that not everyone was like... Them.

“Um... Any place in here with a good burger?” he smiled up at me.
“Man, you’re perfect” he flipped through the flyers and found a bright orange one and handed it to me to choose.

We called in and in no more than half an hour did it arrive. We found our spots on the couch and he tossed the remote at me... Letting me choose again... I could get used to this.

I was trying to be diplomatic and not choose something overly selfish to watch, but when One Tree Hill was one of the choices I couldn’t resist. He laughed at my choice and settled back on the couch, allowing me full access to his frame to rest on.

I could feel this chest moving up and down as we lay there, mutually intrigued might I add, by the episode playing out in front of us.

“Could you imagine being at graduation and then have your wife go into labour... I think I would have heart failure I would be so nervous” sidney said, lightly chuckling.

“Yea... Speaking of heart failure.. My step mother is going to have heart failure if I get home any later.” Sid lashed onto me tighter, kissing my lips again. “No.” he pouted as I laughed lightly. I gave him a look and he rolled his eyes.

“Yea, yea... Let me walk you out” he smiled bringing me to my feet. We walked outside to the front of the house where I had parked my car, and he trapped me between my car door and his perfect kisses.

“Can we see each other again soon?” he said as he finished off another round of perfect kisses. I nodded my head and he hugged me once last time. He opened the door and waved as he went back up to the house and went inside.

I took a deep breath and sighed heavily as I turned on my car. Unlike before, instead of purring to life... She well... Put-Putted and Stop there. I tried a couple more times but gave up, getting out of the car and climbing the stairs of the white house size estate.

Sidney came to the door on the second ring, and immediately plastered a smirk on his face. “Already back for more, eh?” I rolled my eyes and he grabbed his keys.
“I thought I heard something weird outside”.

I slid into his Jaguar that I had just recently fixed up and gave him directions. I was hoping and praying no one was home yet, but as we pulled up to the pink house the step-monster just had to have, all my hopes were squashed.

The light was on and I tried to hurry up goodbyes before any of them had the chance to ruin this for me. I reached for the door handle but was immediately met by three sets of furious eyes.

“We have been waiting for you for hours, we want our dinner now and the beds haven’t even been made! Who do you think you are? Part of this family? Because that is something you are definitely NOT!” Fiona yelped from her botoxed stance.

I nodded, feeling a numbness serge through my body and leaned down to the car window.
“I’m sorry, thanks for tonight...” I whispered. Sid’s shocked I blinked as he nodded silently. I moved away from the car and followed them into the house.

---------------

I was a good hour and a half before I made it back up to my room in the attic. I absent mindedly through on the lights and turned around emitting a light scream.

“Sidney! What are you doing up here?....how did you get up here?”

Chapter 24: Chef Sid

"She's going..." Jordan spoke under his breath as he skated behind me. She's going to what? Who's she? I turned back to glance at him in complete confusion. I took the puck on my stick trying to ignore Jordan. That boy sure had his quirks... I looked around the surface, reading where people were and where they could possibly go to. I threw the puck off my stick towards Bill as I glanced over at Jordan and he mouthed one word Harley. Harley was going? To the wedding? She said yes?! I could feel a stupid grin begin to form on my lips just as I was throw hard against the boards.

I sat there for a second, letting the world come back to me, rolling all my joints effected. Head... ok. Neck... ok. Shoulder... a bit sore... nothing that can't be played through. Wrist? I twisted my wrist to test it and hissed at the pain that shot up my arm. Not good....

"Sorry, Sidney..." Gonch's voice called down to me as he offered me help. I rose easily, still rolling my wrist, and waving his apology off. "I didn't think I hit you that hard."

"Eehh... Kid's got a hard head!" Max called from across the ice. "He'll be fine!" Everyone, including myself, chuckled at Max's comment as Coach blew the whistle to start a new drill.





The rest of practice flew by with out anymore incidents and I was finally able to call Harley in peace.

"Hey Sid." She answered brightly.

"Hey Har, I was just calling to see if you were still up for tonight." I grinned into the phone, remembering how warn out and tired she looked a couple of days ago. "You weren't feeling well last night so we don't have to do anything..." I really wanted her to stay home and rest if she wasn't feeling well. I mean you only get one body right?

"No, I want to see you. What did you want to do?" My smile grew just a little as I ran threw the evening I had planned for her... if she was up for it.

“Natalie, Mario and the kids our in Montreal for the weekend... I could make dinner?” Dinner shouldn't be too hard. I mean... A bit of pasta.. Some chicken... A jar of sauce... Done!

"Sounds perfect," she breathed into the phone making my mind go a little bit fuzzy.

"Great... Seven at my place?" She agreed quickly and I hung up the phone. Now groceries so I could make dinner.

Dinner... Chicken Parmigiana. Easy... Just Chicken, bacon, sauce, spaghetti and cheese. Simple... I stared at the ingredients in front of me, and then the cookbook sitting next to them. Maybe it's not as easy as I thought it was....

Spread sauce in dish... Done... Sauce in dish.

Cut chicken into cutlets... What the hell's a cutlet? I looked closely at the picture on the top of the page... Looks like a thin chicken... I grabbed the chicken a checked it's thinness. Good enough.

Beat an egg in one dish, pour breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in a second for coating mixture. Well at least that parts easy.

Coat chicken in egg and then the breadcrumb and cheese mixture to coat chicken. Another easy step.

Heat oil on medium heat. Ok... oil, saucepan, medium heat.... done. Saute chicken in pan. Saute? I shrugged tossing the chicken in the pan. Can someone remind me why I said I'd cook?

I watched the chicken for a minute, checking to make sure it didn't burn as the doorbell rang. She's here! I washed my hands quickly before going to the front door and pulling it open.

There she was looking more beautiful than ever in a simple pair of light washed jeans and a tight fitting t-shirt.

"Hey.." I smiled down at her as I ushered her inside.

"Hey," she grinned.

"Dinner's just cooking.. It'll be a couple of minutes." She nodded as I lead her over to the couch, sitting down next to her so our thighs brushed. I sighed loudly, trying to build up enough courage to kiss her again. Damn it, Sid! You make $9M a year playing a competitive sport because you're confident! And you can't kiss a girl!? I shook the thought out of my head as I turned her face to mine and captured her lips in a searing kiss.

She had the best lips ever! Tasted like cherries and soft as pillows! I swear I could've lived off of her kisses. I smiled into the kiss as I dragged my hand down her neck and around to her back, pulling her tighter against me. My smile grew as her hand found my chest. But, it was short lived as she softly pushed me away from her.

"Do you smell something burning?" She question, scrunching her nose in disgust.

Shit.

_________

Tonight's recipe can be found here.

Chapter 23: I Want To Get To Know You

I mean I know I’ve got a reputation but I’m not all bad. Honestly. I do have feelings, I just try to shove them to the back of my mind. I’m a guy, we’re not good at this stuff. I get that girls see me as a ‘manwhore’ and in some way I guess I am, well was. I’m really trying these days, you know it’s not easy turning down all the gorgeous women throwing themselves at me but I’ve got will power, always have done. Every time Jared brought a girl home they’d be after one thing. Me. Come in playing the dutiful girlfriend but as soon as he left the room, be all over me like a rash. Never once did I make use of the opportunity. He’s my brother, it’s just not right.

I was on my way to Megan’s feeling kind of, well, giddy. What the hell was happening to me? I was turning into a girl. I had to talk to Marc Andre later and figure out whether these strange feelings were normal. I was missing a bit of his bachelor party to be here, which was entirely unlike me, I was never the one to give up a party for a girl. I mean I hardly know the girl.

I made my way up to house and lifted my hand to knock on the door. ‘’It’s open!’’ I heard as I opened the door .

‘’So how was the shopping?’’ I asked trying to take mind away from its current thought’s. I moved my arms across the top of the couch.

‘’The shopping was alright, I found a dress anyway.’’

‘’Do I get to see it?’’ I said with a little bit of hope in my voice.

‘’Obviously,’’ Yes! ‘’But not till the wedding.’’ Damn.

‘’Well that’s not fair. In that case, I’m not showing you what I’m wearing.’’ I was sure I had the victory. ‘’Black suit?’’ I grinned.Guess not. ‘’So movie?’’ I was trying to change the subject, quickly.

Once we had decided on a movie, my mind took a wonder to the beautiful girl sitting next to me. How does she ever stay single?She’s fiery and I like that. Most girls would never fight me for anything but she’s got her own mind, it’s refreshing. I moved hands onto her waist and pulled her over to me. I looked at her and traced her cheek, bringing my lips back to hers. I could feel myself getting hard but tonight definitely wasn’t about me. As our kissing intensified, she sighed and pulled me closer. I had her right where I wanted her, my confidence went through the roof. I moved my lips down over her throat and shoulder, hearing moan only drove me further. She started to move her hands towards my belt. ‘’Not so fast,’’ I said huskily. I pulled her hands away and pinned them above her head.

I could tell this was a new experience for her. Now I knew that not only was she fiery in life but also very much so in bed. Could this girl be anymore perfect?

I moved back with a grin on my face. Pulling at her leggings and throwing them over my shoulder. Next came the black underwear and then I moved my eyes towards hers, making sure she could see the hunger, the need and want. I moved a finger inside of her feeling how wet and ready she was, then another. She gasped which only made even more satisfied. I moved my thumb around the outside of her.

She moaned which don’t get me wrong only made me want to stop but I wasn’t finished yet. I pulled my fingers out and moved back from her. Looking at the questioning eyes, she went to move towards me but I grabbed her thighs, stopping her exactly where she was. I moved my mouth in between her legs.

She made a grab for a pillow that was laying on the floor and I watched her stuff the corner into her mouth, I was pleased, knowing I was having the right effect. As my tongue started to flick and dart out of her, her foot came up to my shoulder, trying to unsuccessfully push me away. I started back and shoved my fingers inside of her and moved my mouth up to her neck. ‘’Jordan . . .’’ She moaned, that was it, no more. I moved up and started fumbling with my belt.

‘’I’ve got hoes . . . hoes . . in different area codes . .’’ Shit. I grabbed and my phone and hit the side button, returning to my belt. She started to undo the buttons and I reached up and pulled of my shirt. My phone started again. ‘’Fuck,’’ .

‘’Maybe you should answer it?’’ She said grudgingly.

‘’This better be fucking good Sidney,’’ I hope he noted the fact that I used his full name. I traced a finger along her thigh, not wanting to let the mood fade. ‘’No, I’m busy , I’ll meet up with you guys later, If you show up here I’ll kill you man, I swear to-‘’

‘’Hey Jordie! You in there?’’ Max! I pulled a quilt of the couch and wrapped it around me and walked to the door. ‘’I said I would meet you guys there,’’.

‘’We’re going now man, come on Jordan,’’ He whined as he tossed a grin at Megan. ‘’I’m busy, I’ll go some other time-‘’.

‘’It’s a bachelor party! There is no other time, now Let’s Go!’’ He stared me down. ‘’Seriously dude, what the hell! I figured if anyone would be as excited as me; it’d be you!’’

‘’I’ll meet up with you guys later,’’ I feeling a little guilty now. ‘’Look Jordie, I know you’re in love but I’m sure she’ll still be here when you get back, we’ll be in the car,’’ I guess I’m going then.

I closed the door and walked back over to her. ‘’Guess you get a rain-check,’’ She laughed. I nodded reaching down and doing up my pants and fixing my shirt. ‘‘Sorry about that- them. I told them I’d meet them later on,’’.

‘’It’s fine, have fun,’’ She said and smiled genuinely. Although I felt like it really did matter to her, even just a little bit.

I bent down and kissed her, I walked toward the door but stopped. I figured I should explain about what Max said about the whole ‘love’thing. ‘’Megan, abiut what Max said . . I don’t you know . .love- I don’t really know you. . ’’I said quietly. ‘’I’d like to though if you want. .’’

‘’What do you mean?’’

I shrugged. ‘’Umm, I don’t know, you wanna go out sometime, like actually out?’’ I was praying I wasn’t reading this situation horribly wrong. ‘’Well aren’t we going to the wedding together?’’ She said shakily.

I nodded. ‘’Yeah, but afterwards, dinner and a movie or something? We could talk, get to know one another?’’ I didn’t just want this to be just sex, I knew a good thing when I saw one. ‘’Sure I’d like that a lot,’’ She smiled and I returned her grin before making my way out to the car.

‘’Alright let’s go boys!’’ I shouted a little to eagerly.

Chapter 22: More Than Sex

Megan's POV

“This is it!“

I grinned as I saw Harley push the dressing-room door open. “You look a-ma-zing!” I said excitedly, emphasising each syllable to prove my point. She blushed at my compliment as she twirled a bit; her hands running down the silk fabric. I could tell that she was completely in love with it as she let out a sigh; but it was short lived - as her hand found the price tag and she turned it over.

“Oh my god! No way! Megan… I can’t afford this…”

I let out a chuckle and walked towards her, gently pushing her back inside the dressing room. “Consider it an early birthday present.”

“My birthday is months away… and I can’t take this… it’s too much!” I laughed as her worried voice reasoned from behind the closed door.

“Seriously Harley; you’ve done so much for me… it’s the least I can do.” And it was true. Harley had been my rock when I first moved to Pittsburgh. She was also the only real friend I had; how do you put a price on that?

When she came back out - dress folded neatly over her arms - I grabbed her and steered her towards the cashier. “We’ll take these!” I smiled, motioning to Harley’s dress and my own; that latter of which was already folded on the counter.

“Woah, when did you find one?”

I shook my head and smiled - pulling my credit card out of my pocket - “unlike you, I don’t take 6 hours to try on a dress.” Harley huffed at me, but was unable to hide the grin that was threatening the side of her lips.



I never bought dress. I especially didn’t like wearing dress; but finding such a gorgeous one had put me in a giddy mood and I found my self bouncing in front of the door, waiting for Jordan. Geesh Megan, calm the hell down. I stopped my bounce and took a few deep breaths.
I thought that I had it under control, until I saw Jordan’s sexy figure appear around the side of Corey’s house. At the door? On the Couch? Door? Couch? Door… couch… door… shit! I took off at the last second, launching myself across the living room and landing with a thud; half off the couch.

“It’s open!” I called as Jordan let himself in, grinning at me, before closing the door behind him.

“So… how was the shopping?” He asked as he sat down next to me, stretching his arms out across the back of the couch.

I took a deep breath, taking in his scent and trying to nuzzle closer without his knowledge. “ ‘The shopping’ It was alright… I found a dress anyway.”

“Do I get to see it?”

“Obviously…” He started to grin, running his tongue across his bottom lip as he appraised me. “But not till the wedding.”

His grin disappeared, replaced by a pout. “Well that’s not fair. In that case… I’m not showing you what I’m wearing!” He reasoned, a look of victory crossing his features.

“Black suit?” I asked sarcastically, earning a blush and a grin from the blond beauty next to me. “So… movie?”

“Sounds good… Pulp Fiction?” I nodded as he grabbed the DVD off the top of the TV and slid it in. Walking back to the couch and moving me around until we were laying on the couch, intertwined.


Twenty minutes into the movie, my back was to the TV as Jordan’s hands found their way everywhere. The heat radiating off his body was driving me wild and I knew that there was no way I could resist him anymore. His tongue moved over my lips as I sighed and clutched him closer; completely conscious that he was going to get anything he wanted.
Apparently he felt it too, and was confident enough that he didn’t feel the need to rush.
We kissed until my lips were throbbing and I had to pull away, but he didn’t stop. Instead he moved his face down again running his lips over my throat and onto my shoulder. Once I had made up my mind that there was no way of stopping by body; I reached down and started to undo Jordan’s belt. “Not so fast…” He sighed roughly as he wrapped his hands around my wrists and pulled them up over my head. He drew me underneath him and pinned me down with his weight.

When it came to sex, or anything that had to do with sex; I was always the dominate one - not this time.
Having someone on top of me, determining the way that things would play out, was a sensation I had never experienced before; but one that I was definitely willing to explore.

Jordan pulled back from me, grinning as he kneeled in between my legs; gently tugging at my leggings. Being leggings, they came down quickly and easily, exposing my thighs and black boy shorts to his hungry eyes. He licked his lips as he grasped my shorts in each hand, pulling them off and tossing them down onto the floor. We stared at each other as he pushed a finger inside of me, then two.
His fingers moved in a rough, jerky movement; causing me to gasp out with surprise at the same time that his thumb began to circle around me on the outside.

I started to moan, enticing him to finish with the foreplay and move onto the sex; but he ignored me.
Grinning broadly he began to inch away from me; moving himself backwards until he was at the end of the couch. Believing that he was enticing me towards him, I began to move, but he grabbed my thighs - stopping me - as his mouth moved down to where his fingers had just been.

Gasping I grabbed for a pillow that had been knocked off the couch; hastily shoving it in front of my mouth as Jordan’s tongue started to rub and flick around me.
I brought up my foot, placing it on his shoulder and heaving him away from me as I felt myself nearing orgasm. He rebounded back, shoving his fingers inside me again, as his teeth grazed against my neck and I dug my nails into his back. “Jordan…” I sighed, earning a grunt from him as my body arched against his.
He move up until he was kneeling in between my legs. Red-faced, he brought shaky hands down to fumble at his belt; my body screaming at him to come back.
“I’ve got hoes… hoes…
In different area codes…” Jordan’s phone started to blare on the table as he started at it incredulity. He hit the side button, stopping the music before turning back to me and continuing with his belt.
Allowing me to undo the buttons he pulled reached up and pulled of his shirt; a feral growl rolled off my tongue - as his phone went off again. “Fuck…” He grumbled reaching out to turn it off again.

“Maybe you should answer it?” I suggested, trying to find anyway to get the damn phone to stop ringing. He stared down at me for a minute before picking the phone up off the table and holding it to his ear.

“This better be fucking good Sidney!” He spat as the finger tips of his free hand started tracing along my thigh. “No. I’m busy… well I’ll meet up with you later…If you show up here I’ll kill you man, I swear to-”

“Hey Jordie! You in there?” A French voice drawled from outside the door. Jordan cursed, sending his phone flying across the room, hitting the far wall. He pushed himself off the couch and pulled a quilt off the back; draping it over my waist.
I pouted as he stalked towards the door pulling it open.

“I said I would meet you guys there!”

“We’re going now man… come on Jordan!” Max Talbot whined from the doorway; peering around Jordan to grin at me.

“I’m busy, I’ll go some other time-”

“It’s a bachelor party! There is no other time… let’s go!” Jordan stared at Max, holding his position at the door. “Seriously dude, what the hell! I figured if anyone would be as excited as me; it’d be you.”

“I’ll meet up with you guys later.”

“Look Jordie, I know you’re in love, but I’m sure she’ll still be here when you get back… we’ll be in the car.” Max turned and left, leaving Jordan standing in the doorway - mouth gaping.
He finally closed the door and walked towards me slowly.

“Guess you get a rain-check.” I laughed as he stared at me. He nodded slowly, doing up his pants and reaching for his shirt.

“Sorry about that-, them. I told them I’d meet them later on.”

I smiled at him, “It’s fine. Have fun.” I tried not to let him see what I was really thinking; it wasn’t a big deal anyway. Jordan had told me all about Max; he was obviously just being a dick… Jordan doesn’t actually like me so… nothing to even be thinking about…

He bent down and kissed me one last time before walking towards the door. “Megan.” He said, stopping as his hand rested on the door knob. “About what Max said.. I don’t… you know. Love-, I don’t really know you…” He added the last part quietly, like he was saying it more to himself than me. I nodded, trying to keep the smile on my face. “I’d like to… though… if you want…”

I rolled over onto my side to get a better view of him, trying not to let myself appear too excited. “What do you mean?”

He shrugged, like nothing he said was a big deal. “Umm… I don’t know… you wanna go out sometime… like… actually out?”

“Well, aren’t we going to the wedding together?” I knew what he was trying to say, but I could hardly make myself believe it.

He nodded. “Yah, but afterwards… dinner and a movie or something? We could talk, get to know one another?” He sounded so ashamed, like it was pitiful to admit he wanted more than sex.

“Sure. I’d like that a lot.” I smiled at him as he grinned back. He nodded goodbye and closed the door behind him.
I counted to ‘5 Mississippi’; ensuring he was far enough away before I started screaming. I flipped out as I grabbed for my phone; punching in Harley’s number.
I need to tell her what had just happened; even though I wasn’t sure what that was.
As the phone rang I tried to calm myself down, but was unsuccessful at removing the smile off my face. Oh my god!! What the hell just happened?!

Chapter 21: This is It

They were so beautiful.

I shook my head and got mad at myself for getting distracted by the roses.... Again.
I swiveled back from facing the bedside table to facing the desk I was currently occupying. I dipped the thin paintbrush into the gold liquid and started putting the finishing touches on the solar system.

I wiped my hands hands clean as the door to my room burst open, thing one and thing two were standing there, with mischief present on both of their faces.
“Hi Harley...” Farrah drawled.
“Hi, I just finished up the project” I said picking up the cardboard model and placing it in Sofia’s hands. They both looked at each other and exchanged a look they inherited from their stupid mother.

“We wanted to tell you how happy we were that you did this for us, so we helped you out with your laundry.” they both snickered as they handed over shreds of fabric. My draw dropped and I clenched my teeth from bolting from my stance to take them out. My only nice clothes, the clothes I had planed on wearing tonight were now resembling a hula skirt. Wonderful.

They took my silence as their cue and left me standing there. A few minutes later, having not moved an inch from my spot I heard them yell that they were leaving and slam the door. Panic hit me and I wiped my head around to look at the clock. Shit.

The clock shone 6:50 and I freaked as I ran around trying to find a replacement for the clothes that were now non existent. After running in circles for what felt like hours, I had to just pick something so I would have time to do a little something with my hair.

I slapped on a pair of tight jeans, that made me a little uncomfortable... They were always just too tight... And a dark grey fitted V- Neck. I ran into the bathroom that was in my room and pulled my long brown hair free of it’s elastic and let it fall to my lower back.

I picked up a purse and placed some cash, and my cell inside. Running to the car in the back... Where the service cars we kept.... I turned her on and rode a little too fast racing against the clock. I parked and didn’t feel I had the time to take a second to regroup, I just jumped from the car and walked into the melting pot, as I waited rather anxiously in line I wished I had gotten a little more dressed up... Man was I out of place.

I told the hostess who I was meeting and she gave me a seething look before directing me toward the quieter region of the restaurant. As I glided behind her I couldn’t help but feel my breath catch when I saw him. His lips were full but they carried a little smile on them as he saw me approaching, his perfect eyes moving over my body... And to my surprise, not making me want to dig a hole up and hide. And his body... No words.

A nice pair of dark wash jeans were paired with a perfectly tight light grey cashmere long sleeve shirt that had been pulled at the arms, and exposed his muscular forearms. He stood to greet me and embraced me in a hug. I returned it with a smile as I took in his manly smell, sitting down and opening the menu.

I was flushed I could definitely feel that. However, it wasn’t just because of him, it also had to do with the fact that I was running on low battery and needed to be recharged. Today hadn’t been the best day for my personal health, then again,Any day with the monster and her offspring couldn’t be that great of a day. I hadn’t eaten anything all day now that I thought about it, and I had become secretly ecstatic that the melting pot gave large portions... Poor Sidney, first date and he is already going to see one of my trates... My appetite.

We ate quietly, simply enjoying the night. We talked, but the best part of it all is that it had nothing to do with anything demanding or full of drama... It was just simple, perfectly simple.

“So... Did I pass?” he said shyly, smiling down at me as he walked me out to my car around the corner from the restaurant.
“I’d say a generous B+” I said grinning, then I proceeded to laugh at his expression of shock.
“B+? That was at least an A!” I laughed at his child like attitude, loving every bit of it. We reached my car and I looked up to see his hazel eyes close to my brown ones. I felt his hand brush lightly against my cheek as he pushed a stray hair behind my ear.

“Well if that was a B+...” he said his lips nearly brushing against my own.
“This should bring up my grade..” he leaned down, closing the one inch space that had been between us, covering my lips with his full ones. Soft, sweet and perfect.

He wished me goodnight and asked if he could call and I nodded, feeling like I was about to explode.

------

I smiled down at the hundredth text that I had gotten from Sid... And it was only twelve. Megan strolled in, with Jordan on his arm. They approached the front desk where I had my feet perched on top of.

“Hey Harley, what’s with the face?” Megan asked still clutching onto Jordan... Who looked just as smitten.
“Nothing” I quickly ejected, blushing as I heard them both laugh at my sad attempt.
“Anyways, I have to go change quickly, be right back” megan hummed as he kissed Jordan’s cheek and made her way to the lockers in the back.

I closed my phone and looked up to see a very serious Jordan staring back at me. His face softened and formed into a little smile.
“Marc is getting married... I’m bringing Megan” he started... I wasn’t really getting where he was going with this. But I knew that hockey players often need time to think. I raised my eyebrows for him to continue and he did.
“So, if she were to ask you to join her I think everyone would be happy with that...” it all clicked in my head after a moment, I suppose he was trying to tell me he had talked to sid and he had been to shy to ask me himself... This was Jordan trying to get on my good side, and sadly it was kinda working.

I nodded and he coughed, trying to cover the conversation as Megan made her way back to us. Kissing Jordan goodbye and starting up on the corvette waiting in the corner.

We finished everything up for the day, I had been on inventory of the bills and receipts.. So fun... We changed and drove to taco bell... It had been one of those days, the kind where you just need that boost at the end. We conversed lightly, but the real subject was that of the wedding, which for some reason just ket coming up.

“Yah, I’ll go” I said after Megan’s long speech about being in with the wives club and how fun it would be. She smiled in satisfaction and reached for her phone.

“So when are you free? I’m choosing a shopping day. And it is mandatory you come and get something nice for yourself for once... It wont kill you.” she smirked as I looked down at my ripped, faded jeans and I shrugged.

“I got college tuition to worry about... I guess it distracts me from normal stuff” I smiled lightly at her. She returned it taking a bite of her burrito.

“Don’t worry about it, we’ll make you normal... How about tomorrow?”

----

We climbed from the car and made our way through the huge mall. Store after store was filled with some of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. We stopped in three really promising stores, the lthird one being the place where Megan was the most happy about.

She had grabbed five dresses and was changing when my phone went off and I smiled at the caller ID.

“Hey Sid” I smiled, into the phone.
“Hey har, I was just calling to see if you were still up for tonight, you weren’t feelign well last night so we dont have to do anything” I smiled at his concern, and smiled even more for the fact that he was just too adorable.

“No, I want to see you. What did you want to do?” I asked, hopeful he wouldn’t want to come over... I didnt want to expose him to that... Ever.
“Natalie, Mario and the kids our in Montreal for the weekend... I could make dinner?” he asked.

“Sounds perfect, see you then” I said hanging up as Meagan smiled and passed me a gorgeous floor length light top to dark blue bottom dress.

“This is it”

Chapter 20: Sacrifice For Love

I stared wordlessly at my phone. She didn't want to be with me.... I thought briefly about calling her back and trying to convince her to change her mind, but it was pointless... She's gone. I sighed as I slowly set my phone on the counter. I felt empty... Like colours would never be the same. Like life had ended but for some stupid reason I was still breathing.

She didn't want me. I couldn't function. Did I still have my arms? legs?

"Kid!?" A voice I barely heard call through to me. "Sidney... We have... Are you ok, kid?" Marc-Andre stepped in front of me forcing me to look up at him.


"She was supposed to be different..." I sighed, lowering my eyes to my phone. "I thought..." A sigh escaped my throat as I reached for my suit jacket. "It doesn't matter..." I stood slowly and headed outside to my baby.

"You sure you don't want to ride with me?" Marc asked standing next to my car. I nodded slowly.

"I want my own escape, Flower... Thanks though." I smiled sadly as I climbing into my Jag and started the engine. She purred to life beautifully... Wow, Harley did a really good job on her. I bit my lip pushing thoughts of Harley and her gorgeous body away.




I slowly walked into the locker room, my routine was shot. I was later than everyone else and they were all... laughing at me?

"How'd it go with, Harley?" Max called out to me as I sat in my stall, hanging my head. "Didn't she enjoy her surprise?" He nudged Cookie standing next to him, I looked sideways at him, half glaring, half having no idea what he's talking about. A couple of the guys chuckled as I glanced around the room, finally my eyes landed on Jordan. He was grinning easily, I wanted to pound that stupid little grin right off his pretty little face, son of a--

"Sid," Coach Dan's voice broke through my rampaging thoughts. "C'mere a second." I rose slowly out of my stall, still glaring at Jordan as I made my way out of the locker room and around the corner to his office. "What's going on tonight, Sid? I thought you were going to murder someone in there."

"Just Jordan..." I mumbled under my breath lightly. I sighed as he stared at me confused. "Sorry, Coach... I'll figure it out."

"Good to hear, Sidney... Let's just pull together for the game. You can kill Jordan after the win." He chuckled as he shooed me out of his office. He heard that? oops.

I walked back into a deadly silent locker room, Jordan sitting in his stall looking at the floor sheepishly. I gave him one last glare before gearing up quickly. I bumped him with my shoulder harshly as we left for the ice. I couldn't let him off that easily.





The game wasn't my best. The beginning was awesome, all my anger and frustration at Jordan poured into my playing, but by the third period, I was just upset and frustrated. Taking stupid penalties and giving away the puck in really stupid turn-over situations.

"Crosby!" Coach called to me as he called for a line change half-way through the third. "Dress down, Kid. You're done tonight." I nodded uncaring. She didn't want me... Why should anyone else.


I made my way down to the locker room, shedding my gear and disappearing into the showers. I sighed as the water ran down my back. I threw my suit on haphazardly and made my way over to coach's office. I wasn't going to wait in the locker room. I didn't want to deal with the press.


"What the hell was that, Sidney?" Even better....


"Hi Dad..." I muttered into the wood of Coach Dan's desk.


"Where was your head tonight?" With a pretty little blond who refused to talk to me... I shrugged.


"It was just an off day, Troy..." Mario came into the room followed closely by Coach Dan. "He'll be better by Friday's game. Right, Sid?" I nodded mutely. It was nice having someone on my side.


I was dismissed from the room quickly and left for my car. I got in and started towards home. I needed to talk to her... But how? She didn't want to talk to me...


I'd go in person tomorrow.






I work up early the next morning, my head pounding from the mental and emotional stress I put myself in. I needed to get out of this! And I knew there was only two ways.

1) Kill Jordan...

2) Get Harley to at least talk to me.


1 might be easier, but 2 would hold less guilt. I sighed deeply as I went through my morning routine. I'll just go down there... Not leave until she talks to me...

I hoped into my baby with a little more pep, stopping by a florists on the way. I know she said lilies were her favourite but nothing said I like you better than roses. I pulled up to Fiona Motors with roses in hand and headed back towards the garage.

"Ooh Sidney... You shouldn't have!" A loud, annoying, high pitched nasally sound came out from my left. I turned to see one of Mrs. Scott's daughters leaning across her bright pink car. Seriously? Who drives a pink car?

"I didn't..." I looked around confused. "Do you know where I could find Harley?" I asked her. She scoffed, loudly, and moved towards me causing me to back up slowly.

"What do you want with her, when you can have me..." She purred. Thankfully I heard a voice in the background.

"She's back here, Crosby." I turned and spotted Megan and sighed gratefully. Jogging towards her easily.

"Thanks..." I whispered as she opened the door to the office for me.

"I don't know, Rhonda..." I heard Harley's voice cry from the back of the office. "Because I'm just a worthless slave girl? Why would he want that?" Wait... was she talking about me? I started towards the voices, as Rhonda spoke up.

"Maybe because you're beautiful, and smart, and funny and down to earth. Harley.. Give yourself some more credit." I stopped in the door way where the two women were standing.

"She's right you know..." I spoke up before Harley could put herself down again. I took two long strides to her and took her small, grease stained hand in mine. "Harley, I don't know what someone told you. But you are anything but worthless. And you deserve to be treated like a princess. Please, Harley give me a chance?" She looked up at me, skeptical. "One dinner... If I make a complete mess of it and you still don't like me afterwards. I'll leave you alone." She studied me for a moment before nodding slowly.

"One dinner..." She reiterated by holding up her index finger. "Tomorrow. Meet me at Melting Pot. At 7." I grinned widely, nodding. YES! She agreed to dinner. I turned to leave before realizing I still had the roses in my arms.

"Oh!" I spun back to her. "These are for you..." I handed her the bouquet and leaned down to kiss her cheek gently. "Tomorrow... Melting Pot... 7pm..." She smiled nodding slowly, a simple blush creeping onto her cheeks, making her more attractive than ever.


The next day dragged on for forever! As I waited for the clock to strike 7. Finally at 6:00 I pulled out of my driveway and made my way to Melting Pot. I was able to get reservations, it didn't take much... Just mentioned my name. Sometimes it's nice to be known.

I was lead to our quiet table and waited patiently for Harley, who finally rounded the corner with the hostess at 7:15.

"Sorry," She gushed, looking a little flushed and frazzled. She looked cute like that, but I wanted to take all the stress away. "I thought I'd never get out of there."

"Busy?" I asked genuinely concerned.

"Something like that..." She sighed, waving her hand in front of her face like she was physically pushing the thought away. "Anyways.. It's over... For now..."


Dinner moved easily, we fell into the same easy conversation that we did at Diesel and the end of the night came quicker than I would have hoped.

"So..." I muttered, my hands in my pockets walking her out to her car. "Did I pass?" I grinned at her in the same fashion a small boy would grin at his mother when he wanted something.

"I'd say a generous B+." She grinned as my jaw dropped.

"B+? That was at least and A!" I exclaimed causing her to laugh as we reached her car. As I stepped closer to her, leaving inches between us, I bravely stuck my hand out and brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes. "Well if that was a B+..." I whispered leaning in even closer, "This should bring up my grade." I closed the gap between us with a gentle kiss, soft, short, simple. "Good night, Harley..." I whispered into her ear before heading back to my own vehicle. "Hey Harley!" I turned calling back to her. "Can I call you?"

Chapter 19: The Night

Ahh, what to do on beautiful sunny day in Pittsburgh? Have a beer and watch some football? Sounds like a plan. I switched on ESPN and watched some re-runs of old Steelers games, mostly of their Super Bowl run. A beer in my hand and a bowl of chips beside me, nothing could be better – well almost nothing.

Bang Bang Bang Bang !

I was roused from whatever day dream I had been having by a heavy pounding on my front door. What the fuck?

‘’You fucking ass! ’’ Guess he must of found my gift. I smiled inwardly and watched Sid blow out all his pent up rage. ‘’Because of you I just lost the best chance I had with Harley!’’

‘’Woah, killer.’’ I joked, testing him to see how angry he really was. ‘’What are you talking about Sid?’’ I asked innocently, wondering how far I could push him. He threw something at me and on closer inspection, it was infact the underwear. ‘’Ahh. . . Layla.’’ I smiled remembering the night they’d ended up in Sid’s car.

‘’Jordan,’’ He sayed slowly. ‘’Don’t ever ask to use my car again, ok? I told you not to have sex in my back seat!’’

‘’I. . . didn’t...’’ Because technically I honestly didn’t. I could feel my smile spreading across my face.

‘’Well, I have to see if I can fix what you just broke,’’ He sighed as he turned and walked back out my door. I guess I did feel a little guilty but this little scene would crack the guys up when I tell them later. I can just picture Sid’s face when they start teasing him.

I walked out of the shower and then the thought came to mind. Your seeing Megan tonight and your probably going to have your way with her. I started to smile and then a song came on the radio and I started to do a little victory dance. Everyone says I can’t dance, damn I wish they could see me now. Ohh you have got to be kidding me, stop! It’s only a girl, and look at you. I stood in front of the mirror, dropped my smile and adopted my cool calm expression. I’m not falling for this girl . . . I think.

I pulled up to Megan’s and walked up to the door, knocked on the door and leaned casually against the door frame. She opened the door and she looked so fucking hot. ‘’Hey. . ‘’ She said turning slightly – giving me an even better view. I could feel myself getting hard at just the sight of her.

‘’Hey,’’ I replied, eventually dragging my eyes back up to her face. ‘’So what did you have in mind for tonight?’’ She moved a little to the side to let me in.

‘’Ughh, how about we stay here?’’ I was pretty sure a grin had spread across my features. I was also sure I needed to relieve some of the pressure I was feeling right now. My eyes wandered her body. God I wanted her. ‘’Sounds good to me.’’ Thank goodness.

She turned to shut the door and I went for her. My hands went to her thighs and my lips went to hers. I lifted her up, her legs wrapped around my waist and her hands ran through my hair, making me want to moan. I moved us through to her bedroom and pushed her onto the bed, loving the feeling of her body under mine, the weight of me deepening the already intense kiss. She pulled me tighter into her and by now I was almost sure she could feel how hard I was. ‘’Ohh God! That is really not what I needed to see!’’ I looked around and there was her brother standing in the doorway. Ohh Shit.

‘’Ugh! Knock much?’’ She shouted from under me and began moving out from under me.

‘’Well I didn’t think-‘’ The dude started whilst eventually opening his eyes. ‘’Shannon and I are going out, I was going to see if you wanted to come but I guess not.’’ She laughed. ‘’By the way you’re my favourite defensive – forward in the game . . Go Pens!’’ Then he left.

‘’He did not just say that,’’ Megan said with an apologetic look on her face.

‘’I’m just glad he didn’t try to kick my ass, isn’t that what brother are supposed to do?’’ I said. This most definitely wasn’t the first situation like this I had been in.

‘’Well usually, but you’re so puny he knows I could kick your ass myself.’’ I could see the little grin creeping onto her face.

‘’Ohh, you think so, eh?’’ I replied, more than a little amused.

‘’Yeah, I do, eh. . ‘’ I found her attempt at my accent far too cute for words so I flipped her onto her back just to prove my strength. The mood wasn’t entirely ruined but I was kind sure I wasn’t getting laid tonight. I started on her neck, wondering how far I could go. ‘’Hey, wanna play a game?’’ She asked, I was trying to work out what she meant then I looked in her eyes, they were the key to her.

‘’Mmm and what’s that?’’ I asked huskily. She grinned before going to a drawer and pulling out a pair of hand cuffs. She fixed my hands behind the headboard before sliding down my body. Keeping her eyes connected with mine, she undid my pants far too slowly for my liking and eventually pulled me in between those cherry red lips. This was heaven.

_____________________________________________________________

‘’Well I guess I should go then . . ‘’ I sighed wishing I didn’t have to go but we both had work later today as it was 4am already. I grabbed my coat off the coach and reluctantly slid it on. We stood at the door just looking at each other, I drank her in, her beauty was unmistakable. ‘’Hey listen, Marc Andre’s getting married and I’m supposed to bring someone with me, you maybe,’’ I said shakily, looking at her expression. ‘’ I don’t know, wanna, if you’re not busy?’’ She nodded her head numerous times. Yes! ‘’Cool, well I’ll talk to you tomorrow.’’ I said cooly.

‘’Night. . ‘’ She said softly before I brought my lips to hers in a tender longing kiss. I left and suddenly I wondered what had happened to me. We had spent most of the night talking and cuddling, I found myself opening up to her. Was I really falling for this girl? No, no I can’t be.