Discovering...Love?: November 2008

Chapter 41: Busted by Ace

Only 2 days left until the event. The whole team left today, while I was leaving tomorrow morning, I had a few sessions I was trying to get in so I could take the next few days off. I had decided to take Bran with me and the rest of the dogs were taking a vacation at a local dog spa, which was better than some of the hotels I had stayed in. Sam's owners had decided that they didn't want to put the work into the rehabilitation process of training him, so he was staying with me for now. I hoped that with a bit more training that he would be able to be adopted. It is 9:00 in the evening and I had just dropped the dogs off at their hotel. I was packing my suitcase in my room, Bran watching me contently from on the bed.

"Just like the old days, eh Bran? Just you and me,"I smiled as he watched me with those piercing blue eyes.

After I finished packing all my stuff and the things Bran would need, we ate a late dinner and watched a movie before turning in for the night.

I walked with Bran in the airport with all my luggage and looked for someone I knew. Sid said that someone would pick me up at the airport, but I had no idea who.

"ACE!!!" I heard someone yell. I turned around to see Ryan Malone, Max Talbot, and Evgeni Malkin running to catch up with me. The team, specifically Colby and Malone, had nicknamed me 'Ace' over the course of the last couple weeks because I always whipped them in poker and on the Wii. Yep, I was just one of the guys. I some how got pretty lucky with the nickname, however Colby has been calling me 'Caity' for the past few times I've seen him, I hated that nickname. I like the name Katie, but not for me.

"Hey guys. Sid have media stuff?"I smile as they approach me.

"Yeah, we're taking you back to the hotel, hey Bran!" Max says petting Bran and taking the leash from my hand along with a bag. Geno picked up my other bags and before I had a chance to say anything, I was lifted off my feet and over the shoulder of Ryan Malone.

"Bugs, come on put me down," I whine trying to squirm out of his grasp.

"Alright, guys I think we have everything let's go," he laughs and starts walking toward the door.

"Ryan put me down," I hiss in his ear, "People are staring."

"If you don't start squirming Ace I'm going to drop you and then you'll have to wear a cast with what ever pretty dress you got."

"Come on Malone. Let me down," I growl in his ear.

"Shut up and enjoy the view, Ace. I know I am," I hear him chuckle mischievously as he smacks my ass.

"I'm sure your wife would love to hear that one Bugs!" I snarled.

"Ok, fine," he said slipping me off his shoulder and letting me land with a gentle thump on the floor, "You just had to play the wife card."

"Thank you!" I grin getting up, "So how long had you guys planned on that little routine?"

"What are you talking about?! That was spur of the moment, pure wit," Max says looking to be hurt by my comment.

"Uh, hu, sure," I laugh rolling my eyes.

"It's ok, Ace, we won't tell Sid about you and Bugsy," Geno grinned at me,"Your secret is safe with us."

"Ha, ha very funny Geno!" I smiled at him throwing a soft punch into his shoulder.

Sid's POV

'Ugh, media. They were really annoying sometimes, they kept me for hours when all I wanted to do was go see Caitlin. Finally!' I thought making it to our room, 'I couldn't wait to see her, spend some time with her and...' I thought, my excitement to see her building. I walk in the room, the lights are turned out and there is a movie on. Pillows were everywhere with other guys all over the room.

'and the rest of the team.'I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, Sid! You're just in time for Robin Hood Merry Men in Tights!" Army flashes a grin at me from his spot on the couch next to Max.

"Where is Caitlin?" I ask searching around for her with only the light at the TV.

"Over here Sid!" I hear her laugh. I fallow the voice to the bed where she is laying across the bottom of the bed. With Ruutu and Jordan occupying the space above along with Bran.

"Is everyone here?" I ask stepping over Tangers and Duups to get to her.

"Yep, just us guys," Whit replied from next to the TV.

"Hey!"

"Face it, Ace, you're one of the guys," I heard TK laugh from the window ledge.

"What I want to know is how all of you guys can manage to fit in one hotel room with my girl friend, but we have trouble on an airplane," I say sitting next to Caitlin.

"Sid shut up, I can't hear the movie," Sykie says hushing me. Causing Caitlin to laugh.

"I missed you," I continue kissing Caitlin quickly on the mouth.

"I missed you too," she smiles. I go in for another kiss but some one kicks me sharply in the side.

"Crosby, quit trying to make out with Ace. If we wanted to see that we would have ordered a romance movie," Ruuts hisses.

Caitlin's POV

"Finally, I have you all to myself!" Sid says tackling me on the bed landing on top of me.

"Mmmmm... I missed you," I say kissing his jaw and down his neck.

"Missed you too 'Ace,'" he moaned using my nickname. His hands reached down and brought my face back up to his. He kissed me slowly, taking his time. His tongue brushed my lower lip asking for entrance, but I made him wait. I felt him smile into the kiss, knowing that he was going to take this as a challenge. He pushed me into the mattress even more, his one hand coming to the small of my back pushing me into him. He began to nibble on my lower lip then swept his hot tongue over my lip, and then he repeated the same action. I couldn't hold back anymore and I opened my mouth to him with a moan. His tongue speared into my mouth and tangled with mine. We were both gasping for air as I broke the kiss to pull his t shirt over his head and he took it as a chance to pull off mine leaving me in only a sports bra. His kisses traveled down my neck and onto my collar bone before his mouth came up to meet mine again. I traced the muscles in his back and dug my finger nails slightly into his shoulders, making him groan into my mouth. His mouth moved south again and hit the magic spot on my neck,
"Sidney,"I moaned my hands tangling in his hair. His response was to push his hips into mine and I could feel him growing large in his jeans. I bit my lip to stifle another groan as his hands came to the button on my jeans. But I thought I heard something. He slowly unbuttoned them and went to pull the fly down, but I stopped his hands and put a finger to his lips to silence him. He gave me a confused look and I heard it again.
"Babe... what?" he whispered as I slipped from under him and tiptoed to the door. I put my ear against it and frowned. I walked back a little ways toward the bed again.
"Mmmmm... Sidney," I groaned. He looked at me in confusion as I quietly tiptoed back to the door to hear stifled laughter. I pulled Sid over to the couch and he looked at me bewildered. I went over to the door and made sure he was watching. He was.
I flung the door open to reveal at least 8 guys on the other side, listening at the door. They all looked like hockey players, one of them I knew to be Sean Avery. They all looked at me in shock.
"Hi boys. Whatcha doing?" I asked smoothly with my hands on my hips.
"Busted!"I heard one of them mutter, before they all ran full speed down the hall way.
"Bran!" I yelled into the bathroom where he had been hiding. Which made me feel really bad. He immediately ran out the door and after the guys. I knew he wouldn't hurt them unless I gave the signal, but I did know he would scare the shit out of them. He ran ahead of them and stopped them before they could go any further. He crouched snarling and baring his teeth like he was trained.
"Holy shit!" I heard one of them yell as they saw Bran.
They turned but soon found that they were trapped between me and Bran, and Sid was coming up behind me looking very pissed.
"What the hell guys?" I yelled at them, my temper flaring. They all looked around looking for escape but there was none. They just stood there looking at me, and then looking back at Bran. I looked over my shoulder to see that my yelling had prompted Max, Staalzy, Bugsy, Ruuts, Geno, and Whit out of their rooms and it looked like Sid was explaining what had happened. First their eyes opened wide in shock and then fist clenched and they started walking toward the other guys. I held up my hand and stopped them.
"I can't believe you people are so perverted! I mean I'm sorry that you can't get laid, but to come and listen at someone else's door, that's just sick!"I yell loud enough to shake the walls.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I knew I was scary when I yelled, but with dogs I learned that I was even more intimidating when I kept my cool instead of flipping out. Bran was still growling at them holding them in a tight little herd, like sheep. I whistled for him, and it was like someone had flipped a switch. He went from looking like a wolf ready to attack crouched down, ears back, teeth bared to a normal big dog running to his owners side. He sat down in front of me. I crossed my arms across my chest only to realize I was still in a sports bra. However, I kept a death stare on them, none of them were stupid enough to check me out when I was pissed.
"I don't know who the hell you think you are, but I wouldn't come near this hall again, cause I don't think you find yourselves a very warm welcome." I say calmly using the low voice I did when a dog was misbehaving, "Right now, you all need to get out of my sight, Now!"
They all muttered sorry before slinking back to their rooms. I turned on my heels and went back into my own room brushing past the guys with Bran close behind. I sat down on the bed and just stared at the wall, my fists clenched at my sides.
"Babe, are you ok?" I heard Sid ask softly, the other guys were standing behind him, looking at me with pity.
"Fine," I bit out,"This hotel has a pool right?"
"Umm... yeah, why?"
"I need to burn off some anger, " I muttered going in my suitcase for my bathing suit. I found my sporty two piece and went into the bathroom to change. "I'll be back later," I said slamming the door behind me.

Posted by Aeryn

November 29, 2008 at Saturday, November 29, 2008 , 5 Comments

Chapter 40: Swallowed by a Banana

"Alright, tell me!" I say walking in the door. The dogs run passed me into the house as I hang up my coat and take off my boots. He looks back at me from his place on the couch with a smile.

"How was your day?" he asks.

"Fine. How was yours? That's good," I say not waiting for him to answer and sitting next to him, "Now will you ask me what you were going to ask me?"

"Actually, I'm kinda thirsty. I think I'll get a drink first," he says moving to get up. However, I swiftly push him back down. I straddle his legs and look him in the eye,

"Tell me. It's been killing me all day!"

"Babe, it's nothing big," he smiles.

"I don't care. I need to know!"

"Alright, fine. But don't say anything until I'm done. Just hear me out." he begins, " There is this charity event that I have to go to. It's a big dinner and everything, it's to help the victims of natural disasters. And I was wondering if you wanted to be my date?" He replies cautiously and brings his eyes up to look at me. I look at him for a moment, and think. I guess he sees the hesitation on my face and he quickly adds.

"The whole team, actually the whole NHL, is going to be there, so there will be people you know. It's in Montreal in 2 weeks, and I know you have been dieing to go there. And they welcome Search and Rescue dogs, so you can have the dogs with you too. Please! I would really like if you came with me, and it's for a good cause one I know that you are involved in. Please, Caitlin."

"Ok," I shrug.

"Ok?! That's it? I don't have to argue with you about?" he says looking taken back by my answer.

"Yeah, I'll go."

"But, you aren't going to freak out about not having a dress or it being to short notice?" he says obviously still baffled.

"Do you want me to?"

"No, I just thought I'd have to put up a good fight to get you there."

"Well, I already knew about it. They send all SARs an invitation. I've avoided it every year, but since you are going, and you asked, I guess I will. One thing though. You know if I go to this with you, the world will know that Sidney Crosby is off the market?"

"Oh, I know. And I want people to know that. I think people are need to know, that is if you're okay with it, I mean there will be girls that will want you head," he smiles kissing my lips sweetly.

"I can handle it."

"I know, but they're going to say some pretty awful things about you because they are jealous. But just remember that at the end of the day it's you I'm coming home to. I love you," he says seriously looking into my eyes.

"I know, Sidney," I smile and kiss him lightly on the lips. He takes the opportunity to deepen the kiss threading his fingers through my hair and pulling me closer to him. After a few moments he breaks away giving me one last quick kiss.

"Oh, by the way. Laura and Sara are going too, and they want to go dress shopping with you."

"Ugh, shopping. Can't I just go in jeans?" I pout.

"Sorry, babe. I think this is a little more formal than that, "he smirks.

"Oh, alright. As long as I don't come out looking like Barbie." I mutter snugging into him.

"Never," he laughs.

* * * *

"Sid, you're going to miss your plane," I smile as he starts walking with me to the bedroom, kissing my neck.

"I'm not going now," he mutters.

"Nice try Crosby," I smile between kisses, "You need to go cream the Caps and decimate the Canes."

"I know. Why can't you come? I'll kick Army out of the hotel room for tonight, and we can have it all to ourselves..."

"And then Colby will know what we are doing in there and we'll probably have to whole team listening at the door. Sorry Sidney I have to stay here."

"I know," he sighs before kissing me again.

"Sid, seriously you have to leave, you're going to be late,"I laugh.

"Oh alright, pick out a pretty dress when you go. And try to have fun with Sara and Laura." he sighs, kissing me before picking up his hockey bag.

"Bye babe, I love you," he pulling me into a hug.

"Love you too. Seriously, tell Orps to plaster Ovechkin into the boards."

"Sure thing. I'll call you when we land," he laughs getting into the car.

I watch until his car is out of sight and then head inside to get the dogs some breakfast.

* * * *

The boys had been gone for three days, tonight was there last game against the Caps and then they were coming home. It was 11 days and counting until the charity event, and I was on my way out with Laura Fleury and Sara Armstrong to pick out a dress.

"Woohoo, shopping!" I said aloud, the sarcasm pouring out of my mouth as I slip on my boots just as a sleek black SUV pulls into the drive way.

"Hey how's it going guys?" I smile getting in the back.

"Great. I'm so excited to go dress shopping, especially for you. It's going to be a blast!" Sara says excitedly from the passenger seat.

"I tried to explain to Marc how fun this is before he left and he looked at me like I had a horn growing out of my head." Laura laughs.

"Oh, I know I tried to explain the same to Colby and he just gave me that vacant stare,"Sara laughs.

"Sid suggested we take Max with us. He said that he could teach us the catwalk," I laugh.

"He totally would too," Laura laughs.

"Alright so where are we going?" I ask.

"Umm... there is this cute little dress shop down town, they usually have some good dresses there," Sara replies.

'great' I say sarcastically to myself.

"Oh, girl there is no way you can wear that. It looks like you got swallowed by a banana "Sara said wrinkling her nose in disgust at the bright yellow dress I had tried on.

They had both picked out the perfect dresses for them, and here I was 23 dresses, 4 hours later, and I still hadn't found one. I was beginning to give up and my patience was hanging on by a thread. I looked at myself in the mirror. I really did look like a banana. I saw the dress attendant look at me and he too wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Yes, yes... hmm...what's your favorite color?" the dress attendant asks me.

"Umm... green," I reply not knowing where he's going with that.

"Green...hmmm... Wait, that's it," he says swiftly walking out of the dressing area.

I stare after him.

"What was all that about?" Sara asks wearing the same expression as Laura and I.

"I have no idea..." I sigh before the man comes rushing back in carrying a dress bag.

"Now this, try this, I've been saving it for just the right person," he says pushing me into the room.

He pulls a gorgeous green dress out of a bag and hands it to me over the screen. I slip it on and walk out for the others to see.

"Oh my God!" I hear Sara say astounded.

"Caitlin, you look gorgeous,"Laura smiles at me.

"Perfect!" the dress attendant says smiling at his good work.

I step in front of the mirror and my breath catches. The dress fit me like a glove. It showed off everything I wanted to show off and nothing that I didn't. It was the perfect color to compliment my light olive skin tone and bring out my brown eyes. It made me feel sexy but it wasn't in the least bit skanky.

"It's perfect!" I whisper, "Thank you." I say turning to the attendant.

"You are quite welcome. It's an exact replica to Keira Knightley's dress she wore in Atonement, it is a little long now, but I assume you will be wearing heels so you should be ok. You, my dear, are going to kill at this event!" he smiled.

"Sid is going to have to keep you close. Basically all the NHL is going, he's going to have to take a hockey stick to beat the men away from you," Sara smiles.

"Thanks. I can't believe this fits so well," I grin turning around to look at my back in the mirror.

Laura drops me off at home and I slump into the couch after hanging my dress up in the closet. All my dogs come up on the couch and attack me for attention. Sam had become a lot closer to me and he was really improving in his training. He came up and sat next to me taking Hawkeye's place as he and Flash chased each other around the house. He put his head in my lap and I stroked him as I turned on the Penguins pregame.

The Pens lost against the Caps 5-4, with Ovechkin getting 2 goals, and Sid getting only 1 assist. Damn I really didn't like Ovechkin. I knew that Sid wouldn't call because they lost, if he did it would be a while. So I dragged myself upstairs and Bran followed, he always slept with me unless I told him other wise, or if Sidney was there. All the other dogs were downstairs, but it wouldn't be shocking to wake up tomorrow morning in a big furry pile while almost falling off the bed. I turned on my side and laid down after turning the lights off, Bran laying down beside me and putting his head on my shoulder.

Posted by Aeryn

November 24, 2008 at Monday, November 24, 2008 , 3 Comments

Chapter 39: Question

"Ruff... Ruff, Ruff..." I hear Flash whisper from behind me.

I'm curled up against Sid, who has his arm around me, it was so nice and warm in that place. I feel the bed give a little from behind me.

"Ruff... Ruff..." Flash tries again. Realizing that he isn't getting the attention he wants, he licks my face.

"Ugh, Flash go back to bed," I groan quietly.

I can just picture his ears going up and him wagging his tail in response. However I leave it at that, not getting up. This makes him frustrated and he tries again, "Ruff... RUFF!" his bark getting a little louder. 'He must really need to go out. But I'm so comfortable,' I think still not opening my eyes.

"Ruff!"

"Ugh, alright Flash, I'm up," I say quietly opening my eyes.

My eyes drift over to the man sleeping next to me. His one arm is pillowing his head, and his other is lying over top of my waist. His bee stung lips are slightly pushed out, with a small smile played on them. His hazel eyes are masked behind lids framed by dark lashes and his curly hair was tousled. It had grown out a little since he cut it. No one would have noticed this, but when he kissed me I could feel it curling more under my fingers. I loved that. Hell, I love everything about him, how did I get so damn lucky? A small town girl falls in love with a superstar hockey player, they could make a movie out of this, if they hadn't already.

Some how I manage to drag myself out of bed and put on my jogging clothes, all with out waking Sidney.

"Alright, Flash, let's go." I whisper before leaving the room. He bounds ahead of me and down the steps to wait at the front door. Here I'm greeted by the rest of my pack, all waiting with wagging tails.

* * * *

"Flash, Hawk, turn it down a little please," I yell into the living room from the kitchen table at the two dogs wrestling on the floor. I take another bite of Cheerios as I continue to look at the coupon section of the paper. 'I really need to do some shopping,' I think to myself.

"Good Morning," a sleep husky voice says from behind me. Before I can respond he places a kiss below my ear.

"Good Morning. Did you sleep well?" I smile getting up to put my bowl in the dish washer.

"Yeah, I slept great," he yawns pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"I figured. You were out like a log when I got up this morning," I say walking over to stand with him by the counter. He wraps his arms around me pulling me into him.

"It's only 8:30, what time did you get up?"

"7. That's when I usually get up but the whole Avalanche thing had me in a sleeping funk for awhile, but it's back to the routine," I sigh, "I've got most of my strength back so I'm back to jogging every other morning with Bran, Hawkeye, and Flash. And then we all go for a walk."

"Hmmm.... all your strength back, eh?" he smiles as he presses his lips to my neck and continues them down to my collar bone.

"Sid, I have to go to work soon," I groan as his hands start to wonder under my shirt.

"Mmmhmm..." he replies continuing to kiss me.

His mouth works it's way up to mine again, capturing me in a mind blowing kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck to keep me from falling over, his kiss was making me turn to jello. I entwined my fingers in his hair as he continued to kiss me, his mouth tasting like coffee. I couldn't seem to stop myself. I muster all my strength and manage to break away... sort of.

"Sid, please. I have to go," I murmur against his lips, while I'm still able to think. If he kept this up I would never get to work today.

"Alright, fine. But I will have my way with you soon," He grins, while backing away all too soon and leaving me a little light headed.

"I hope so Crosby. I sure hope so," I smile putting my coat on and taking a deep breath to calm myself down. I had decided to take all the dogs to work, even Sam. I open the door and they race out to the car, waiting for me to join them.

"Alright, I have to go. I should be back by 2:00," I say quickly picking up my traveling mug and kissing him.

"I have practice at 11:00, so I should be back around the same time you are. Oh, and I want to ask you something when you get home. I'll see you later," he calls as I approach the door.

I spin around, "What is it?"

"Not now. I'll talk to you later."

"Sid, you can't leave me hanging like that. Please tell me?!" I whine.

"Nope."

"But..."

"Your going to be late for work," he grins pointing to his watch. I glance at my own watch and realize I have to be there in 10 minutes. I hated when he was right.

"Mean," I frown as I go out the door. What could it possibly be?

Posted by Aeryn

at Monday, November 24, 2008 , 4 Comments

Promised Pictures and What's to come

First a little about the story. I've been reading your comments (which are much appreciated by the way) and been skimming past chapters, and have come to the realization that it's a little too perfect now. And I don't know about you, but I need a little spice every now and again, and I think this story is due for some spice. For the past week I have been tossing around ideas in my head when I have a free moment, so hopefully after Wednesday (anytime before is crazy and psychotic) I will start writing a new chapter and have it posted by Saturday, but no promises.

Again I love your comments, they are a real confidence booster, but don't hesitate to speak your mind and tell me what you really think or ideas of where it might be cool to see the story go. I'm tough I can take a little criticism. I've had to read some pretty depressing books for AP lately, and I think that it can kinda be seen here. Everything is just, I dunno 'too perfect' I guess, I'm kinda losing interest in my own story. I'm not saying my story sucks or anything, it's just getting like I said 'too perfect'. If you like it that way, I'll incorporate it more often. But seriously, feel free to speak your mind, I would like to improve this story, but I need your help to do so.

Okay, enough ranting about the story and on to the next thing. I don't know if you read the "Sorry not a story update" from October, but I did get 2 puppies, Echo and Fleury. And I did promise to post pictures of them so enjoy! My two dogs that passed away are on the side. Oh, and GO PENS!!!!

Echo is in the first two pictures, the first she has fallen asleep in my lap while I was watching a hockey game, the second, she just fell asleep upside down.

Echo is on the left (the brown one) and Fleury is on the right. They are sisters from the same litter, even though they don't look very much a like. This picture was taken when we first got them, so now they are a lot bigger. I would probably guess that Echo is about 40-45 pounds, and Fleury is 30-35, and they're not even 5 months old yet!

This is Fleury looking outside.

Posted by Aeryn

November 17, 2008 at Monday, November 17, 2008 , 9 Comments

Chapter 38: The Ladies

“Caitlin, there is a call for you on line 1,”Mary yells into my office.

“K thanks Mare. Hello?” I ask answering the phone.

“Hi, Caitlin it’s Laura… Laura Fleury, Marc-Andre’s wife. I hope I’m not interrupting your work.”

“Oh, hi Laura, how are you? And no, I was just looking at a file.” I say putting down the file on a Jack Russell terrier.

“I’m good thanks. And you? I heard you got stitches, what happened?” she asks.

“Wow, word really gets around fast, but to make a long story short a Rottweiler latched onto my arm.”

“Ouch, I bet that hurt.”

“Nothing a few Tylenol won’t handle. So what’s up?”

“I was calling about tonight. Marc said that you are going to the game, and I was wondering if you were sitting with us,” she replies sweetly.

“Oh, umm… I dunno. I guess, I mean, Sid didn’t give me tickets or anything yet, so …” I hesitate, while taking a file from Mary’s hands. ‘Oh great, the aggressive German Shepard is coming back’

“Oh, honey, you’ll sit with us. In fact if you want, I could swing by and pick you up,” she replies.

“Really, that would be great. I don’t really know where to go or anything so, if you could take me under your wing for the night that’d be awesome,” I respond with a sigh of relief.

“Sure thing, I’ll pick you up around 5:30 that way we’ll have more than enough time before the puck drops.”

“Okay, that’d be awesome, thank you so much Laura.”

”Oh, it’s no problem. I’ll see you then.”

”Wait, don’t you need directions?”

”No, I know where Sid’s house is. I can’t tell you how many time I’ve had to go over there to drag Marc away from the video games at his house,” she sighs.

“Ha, yeah they really like their video games,” I laugh, “See you later Laura.”

“Bye, Caitlin.”

I hang up and check the clock, t minus 30 minutes before I can pack up and go home, I think.

“What the hell do I wear to the game?” I shout throwing my hands up in the air, causing Bran to glance up from his position on the bed.

I sort through my closet for the billionth time, and find once again that the answer isn’t there. Normally I would wear a Penguins shirt with jeans, but tonight I was sitting with the girls. This fact was extremely intimidating, they were gorgeous and I was, well… not. I wasn’t usually very self-conscious at all, but these women looked fabulous. I mean, throw a small town girl into a room full of insanely pretty women and she’s going to be uncomfortable. They were all tall and perfectly toned, with their natural looking highlights and fabulous makeup. Plus, they made wearing heels look like running around in bare feet.

And then there was me, 5’3’’ and I had a booty. Not to mention I had never dyed my hair, and even though I was only 24 I had a gray patch of hair hidden beneath my layers (Thank God). I had had it since I was 13, and I’m sure these women had never even seen a gray hair on their heads even though some of them were quite a few years older than me.

I looked at the clock… 15 minutes, crap!

“Ugh, Bran, I don’t know what to do!” I say falling onto the bed next to him.

He looks at me with those piercing blue eyes before getting up and going to the closet. I watch as he pulls out a long sleeve, burgundy shirt with a deep v-neck and ruching on the side.

“I don’t know Bran, that shows quite a bit of cleavage,” I say biting my lip. He woofs in reply and drops it gingerly at my feet.

“Okay, fine. I’ll try it on to see how it looks,” I say giving in. I mean, what did I have to lose, I had to be out the door in less than 15 minutes and I was still in a robe. I pull the shirt over my head and pull on a pair of dark boot cut jeans. Not to bad, it’s form fitting so there is a little bit of a lump on my arm where my band aid is, but that’s going to happen with everything. Bran seems to have better taste in clothing that I do.

‘To wear heels, or not to wear heels, that is the question.’ I thought to myself before adding aloud, “Good Lord that was lame.”

I finally decide on a pair of purplish pumps that match the shirt. I figure what the hell, I should be sitting down most of the game. I pull up my hair in a high loose ponytail, finishing just as I hear a car pull in the driveway.

“Bye guys, be good!” I say grabbing a book and shoving it into my purse, before grabbing my coat.

I pick up the ticket Sid left for me off the mantle before heading out the door. I knew I would be going home with Sid after the game, and I didn’t know how long it would take him to finish media stuff, so a book would keep me from going out of my mind bored.

I walked out to the expensive looking SUV, parked beside my faithful wrangler. Opening the passenger door, I climb in to see Laura Fleury next to me. Her long dark hair was perfect, as was the make up accenting all her best features.

“Hey, Caitlin. Ready to go,” she says with an award winning smile.

“Yup, Let’s go!” I smile back.

“So is this your first Pens game?” she asks pulling out onto the highway a few miles from the house.

“No, but this will be defiantly different than what I’m used to,” I laugh.

“Understandable. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

‘Will, I?’ a voice says inside of me somewhere.

After arriving at the arena, Laura leads me up to where all the other ladies are. Just as I predicted, they all looked flawless making me feel shabby. They were all smiling their perfect white smiles, while holding glasses of wine. I take a deep breath before walking in.

Sid’s POV

“Thanks Sid,” the last reporter says walking away.

“Sure thing,” I reply before going to the showers so that no one else can interview me.

I look at the clock on the wall, 11:45. Damn that was a late night; I hope she’s ok by herself. I think back to the girl whom I scored 2 goals for this game. I knew she was nervous about tonight, not fitting in with the others, but I didn’t see why.

As soon as I brought up the subject about sitting with the other girls, I saw a good portion of her self-confidence drain away. I thought that I would never see that day, and there she was standing in front of me before she went to work, tucking her hair behind her ears nervously and chewing her lower lip. I was baffled that she didn’t think she was pretty enough for them. I mean, I knew she didn’t have the fashion sense they had, but that was one of the things I love about her. Plus she could do something that most of those women couldn’t do. She first of all didn’t need all that make up, and secondly, she was completely independent, she protested every time I went to buy her something. It was refreshing, after being with Victoria, and that kind of confidence she always seemed to have was incredibly sexy. I never thought I would see the day when she cared about what others thought.

I lace up my shoes after showering and changing, before going out into the lounge area. Everyone had gone already, but I spotted her snuggled up in a plush leather couch with her shoes at the base. A book was splayed across her chest and one arm cushioned her head as she slept peacefully.

Caitlin’s POV

“Caitlin, Caitlin, come on let’s go home,” I hear a voice call and feel someone gently nudging me awake.

“Hmmm?” I ask, opening my eyes to see Sid kneeling down next to the couch I was on.

“Come on babe, let’s go home,” he smiles, his eyes shining.

“Oh, yeah, ok,” I yawn stretching as I sit up. “You played a good game. Congrats on the win and the 2 goals.”

“Thanks, those were for you you know.”

“Well, thank you. They were much appreciated,” I say slipping me shoes on before getting up. Even with the 4-inch heels, he was still a good 4 inches taller than I was.

“Wow, you look really good tonight. Did you have a good time?” he says linking his fingers in mine.

“Yeah, it was fun. I got to know some of the girls and it was a good hockey game,” I smile at him.

“So it wasn’t as bad as you were anticipating?”

“No, but things rarely are. I still feel a little out of place though,” I shrug.

“That’s ok, you just need to get used to things. I really like your shirt, I didn’t even know you owned something like this,” he smiles tracing a finger across the deep neckline.
“Watch those hands Crosby,” I smile, “And I didn’t know I owned this shirt either, Bran picked it out for me.”

“Wait… the dog picked… never mind, I shouldn’t find that surprising with you,” he says chuckling and shaking his head.

“I told you I have a lousy sense of fashion. Bran apparently doesn’t,” I smile back as we walk out the door.

He unlinks his fingers with mine as some fans approach. Even though it’s close to midnight, they still come asking for autographs.

“Here, I’ll be there in a minute,” he says handing me the car keys.

I nod and walk off to the car. I put the keys in the ignition from the passenger seat and turn up the heat, and the music. A few songs later, the driver side door opens and Sid climbs in.

“Sorry, I know you’re tired, but I just felt like I should sign their stuff. They’re here so late and in the cold, I just had too…” he starts to explain.

“Sidney, it’s ok. I get it. I’m fine with waiting a little longer, this is your job, you’re really important to the fans.”

”Really? Just like that you’re okay with it?!” he asks looking at me stunned.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be. If I didn’t want to wait for you I would have driven myself. But I wanted to come home with you.”

“Wow, it’s just, Victoria was never that accepting, you just so different than her. In a good way,” he adds looking over at me.

“Sid this is part of you. This is part of the package I understand that.”

“Thanks, that really means a lot.” He smiles taking my hand in his and setting it on his thigh.

“I take it you’re staying here tonight?!” I laugh as he follows me into the house throwing his bag by the door as all the dogs come racing to greet us.

“Yeah, is that a problem?” he asks unloosening his tie with one hand, and bending down to pet Maggie with the other.

“No, not at all. You can go to bed if you want, I have to let the dogs out first,” I smile bending down to pet the wiggling bodies around me.

He heads up the stairs as I open the door letting the dogs out. While they’re outside I refill water bowls and pick up the many tennis balls that were taken out of their toy bin through out the day. By the time this is all said and done, 15 minutes has passed and I call the dogs back in so I can go to bed.

After telling each individual dog goodnight, I head up stairs my self.
I find Sidney walking out of the bathroom with a toothbrush in his mouth, his chest bare and his legs still clad in his dress pants. ‘If I wasn’t so damn tired,’ I think biting my lip. I walk into the bathroom and wash all the makeup off my face, before brushing my teeth. I take my shirt off as I walk back into the room and grab a white beater. Walking back into the bathroom I put it on and slip off my pants. I throw them into the hamper by the sink and look down at my arm, dreading taking the bandage off. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, surprised to smell a male spicy scent. I feel a pair of strong arms slide around my waist and Sidney kisses my shoulder.

“What are you doing?” he asks resting his head on my shoulder. I can feel him pressing into me, wearing nothing but boxers.

“Mentally preparing myself for taking my bandage off,” I sigh.

“Here, let me help you,” he says letting go of my waist to tend to my arm.

“No, it hurts,” I say jerking it away before he can touch it.

“Would you just hold still, I’ll be gentle. I’ve done this dozens of times.”

“Okay, but be careful,” I hesitate.

His hand slowly comes to my forearm and to the bandage. He slowly peels it off, being as gentle as possible. Surprisingly it doesn’t hurt much.

“Wow, you’re good,” I sigh when he peels the rest away, “Thank God that’s the last time I have

to have that on.”

“When do you get them out?”

“Not for another 10 days. They’re such a pain in the ass,” I grimace looking at the jagged line.

“Come on. I’ll help you clean it,” he says reaching for the peroxide.

“Uh, can’t we skip that part?” I groan.

“No, now hold still,” he says directing my arm over the sink and dabbing the wound with peroxide.

I quickly inhale through clenched teeth, as I feel the burn of the peroxide.

“Shhhh…” he says trying to comfort me as he finishes. He finishes by putting the antibiotic junk on it. “Wow, he really did a job on you, didn’t he.” He adds inspecting my stitches and the bruised purple skin around it.

“Yeah. This is the part of the job that I could do with out.”

“Alright, you’re done, leave the bandage off and let’s get some sleep.”

“Yes, Dr. Crosby,” I say rolling my eyes.

I crawl into the bed as Sidney does. I flip the switch before lying down and snuggling into him as his arms wrapped around me. He lifted my chin up to kiss me sweetly on the mouth before pulling me tightly against him. There in his arms, I could let go of everything, and feel safe. Being in his arms, felt like I was always meant to be there, we were the only beings on earth. That together we could defeat anything life threw at us. Yes… I was meant to be there, and I never wanted to leave. I immediately started to fall asleep with my head on his shoulders, feeling his warm body against mine. I sighed and came to the edge of consciousness and sleep, when he whispers,

“Caitlin?”

“Hmm?” I reply.

“I love you,” he whispers.

“I love you too, Sidney,” I whisper back, feeling his hold on me tighten before slipping into a

deep sleep.

Posted by Aeryn

November 16, 2008 at Sunday, November 16, 2008 , 6 Comments

Chapter 37: What the Hell is on Your Arm?!

"YES!!! Wooo, way to go Geno!!!!" I shout at the TV, as I watch Geno do his signature fist pump after his tie breaking goal with 30 seconds to go in the 3rd.

"An amazing goal by Evgeni Malkin, giving the Penguins a 5-4 victory over the Rangers. On behalf of Bob Errey and FSN, I'm Paul Steigerwald..." the TV Bellows.

"Alright, guys. Last outs," I say pushing Maggie off my lap before walking to the door.

The dogs get up from their spots and stretch before heading outside. I run upstairs and get ready for bed, going to the bathroom to clean my stitches. I hear Rob King say they are going to post game reactions from the players. I race down the steps just in time to see Kris Letang finish his short interview. They next move to Sid, who being the modest guy he is, says that he missed some key plays.

"Oh, please, Crosby. You got a goal and 2 assists, how much more can you improve," I smile at the TV.

"Sidney, are you and Victoria still together?" I hear a reporter ask. I quickly turn up the volume awaiting the answer.

"Umm... no, we're not," he replies uncomfortably.

"Can you tell us what happened between the two of you?" the reporter pushes.

"We both realized that we wanted different things in life, concerning family and career," he replied simply.

"Good job Sid. Boy, whoever coached him to say that should receive a medal," I joked to myself. I turned to let the dogs in when I hear,

"There have been some pictures that have surfaced with you and another woman. Do you have any comment?"

I stop dead in my tracks, I turn to look at the TV and to my surprise I see, Bran, Flash, Hawkeye and I walking next to Sid in the airport. My mouth hangs open in shock as they flash the picture back to Sid in the locker room, who has turned a little red.

"She's a good friend of mine," Sid replies threw his teeth at the pushy reporter.

"Well, are you two in a relationship?" the reporter pries.

"She has been a great friend to the team," Sid says not answering the question.

"Yes, but are you..." the reporter begins again.

"Sid, how do you feel about the new line mix up, tonight?"Dan Potash interrupts the guy.

I let out a sigh of relief and see that Sid does the same.

"Umm... I think we had some great chemistry going on our lines. Staalzy and Max were looking fabulous out there with Kennedy, and I think that we could really have something going there. Thanks for asking Dan." he replies.

"Thank you Danny!" I sigh. I was going to have to give that guy a hug the next time I saw him, I think as FSN goes to commercial.

I go to the door and whistle out into the darkness. Maggie goes racing up the steps and passed me into the warm house. Flash, Hawkeye and Koda follow, with Bran looking up at me from the steps.

"Go on Bran, go get Sam," I tell him.

Bran disappears, I hear him bark in the distance and then a growl from another dog. I hear the start of a small tussle only to hear the other dog whine, signaling me that he has given into Bran's authority. A few moments later, a rottweiler comes slinking in the house with a watchful Bran behind him.

"Good boy Sammy. Thanks Bran," I say petting Bran on the head before slipping into the house after him.

I say goodnight to the dogs, who are instructed to sleep in their room because of the new addition, before heading up to bed myself. I crawl under my covers, just as my phone vibrates signalling a text message.

"I'm coming over when I get home, I miss you."

"I miss you too, but I won't be awake, so just let yourself in. Good game, stupid reporter." I text back.

"Thanks and yeah, I was ready to strangle that guy. See you when I get home."

I smile, there was no way in hell I was waiting for him to come home, it was already 10:30, and I had a pretty long day. The dull aching in my wounded arm was bugging me again, so I got up and took an aspirin before finally drifting off to sleep.

* * * *

I had been in a very deep sleep when I felt the bed shift beside me. Strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me close to a warm, hard body. His cold hand traced my curves before settling around my waist. His cold lips pressed against the spot where my shoulder was bare making me shiver.

"Your hands are cold," I mumble, my voice husky from sleep. I turn around so that I'm laying down and facing him. I snuggle in against him, pillowing my head on his shoulder and placing my hand on his chest.

"Sorry, babe, I didn't have my gloves with me. Go to sleep," he replies quietly placing a kiss in my hair.

I sigh contently, taking in his masculine scent as I drift off to sleep next to his warm body.

* * * *

"Ruff... Ruff..."

I groan in response to the whisper, ugh, what time is it? 8:00, time to get up.

"Flash we don't have to be at work until 11:00 today," I groan quietly, trying not to wake the man who had his arms around me.

"Ruff...Rufff..."

"Alright, I'm coming," I sigh, knowing that the dogs need out. I carefully untwist myself from Sidney, who stirs in response.

"Where are you going," he replies with his eyes still closed, his voice sexy and husky from sleep.

"I'll be right back, I have to let the dogs out. Go back to sleep," I whisper slipping out of bed. I head downstairs to find my pack waiting for me at the edge of the steps.

"Good Morning,"I yawn.

This causes a reaction of tail wags from everyone. I head the rest of the way down the steps. I give everyone a pat on the head including Sam. He gives me "the look" paired with a low growl, telling me he will bite.

"Hey, that's enough," I growl back. Bran comes to my side and lets out his own low growl. The rottweiler immediately stops his growling, and reluctantly lets me pat his head.

"You're going to like me by Monday, just wait and see," I smile at him.

I let the dogs out and turn on the news to check the weather. I wait a good 15 minutes, channel surfing impatiently, I want to get back up to that bed. I go to the door and whistle, the dogs rushing into the house past me, this time, Sam obeys coming in the house with out a problem.

"We're getting somewhere," I smile.

I leave Animal Planet on, as I head upstairs, knowing that Flash and Hawkeye will watch it, and the other dogs will just lie in the living room, waiting for me to come back down stairs.

I stand at the edge of the bed, watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful sleeping, I pull the cover back on the bed, before crawling in. He stirs and inhales deeply, before stretching his arms above his head. He lowers them, putting a muscular arm around me and pulling me toward him. I snuggle into his warmth, tilting my head up to kiss his jaw.

"Good morning," I say warmly.

"Morning," he mumbles, before opening his eyes and looking at me.

"You played a good game last night."

"Thanks, the team is looking pretty good right now."

"Most definitely. You handled the Victoria thing pretty well too."

"Yeah, well, they still found out about me and you."

"Well, technically you didn't say if we were dating, you said we were just friends,"I grin at him.

"True, but I'm sure it will be all over the Internet tonight," he frowns.

"Sid, don't worry about it. Everything will be fine."

"I hope so," he sighs. There is a bit of an silence, both of us trying to find what to say next.

"What time did you get in last night?"I finally ask breaking the silence.

"Around 3, it was pretty late... what the hell is on your arm?" he asks suddenly aware of the bandage on my forearm, as he moves his hands up my arm.

"Oh, I was going to call and tell you but then I guess I forgot. I was training an aggressive Rottweiler yesterday, and well, I didn't trust my gut. I should have brought Bran in with me, but for some reason I didn't, anyway. We were doing pretty well, when he latched onto my arm."

"Oh my God, are you okay? How bad is it?" He asks sitting up to look at my arm.

"Calm down, it's not like this is the worst I have ever gotten. It's just a few stitches no big deal."

"You got stitches?! How many?"

"Calm down mom," I say sarcastically, "I have 9 stitches, no big deal. I've gotten more before."

"I can't leave you for a day without yo getting hurt in some way." He sighs.

"Hey, Mr. Hockey, you're not the only one who can get hurt on the job. Seriously Sid, don't make a big deal out of this. I'm fine."

"I know, I just worry I guess."

"Well you shouldn't, I'm a big girl I can take care of myself."

"Yes, I know. So can I see them," he asks like such a guy.

"What my stitches?"I say laughing at him.

"Yeah, let me see."

I laugh as I sit up and show him the jagged line of black stitches closing the deep gash in my arm.

"Ouch, damn that looks like it hurts,"he says gingerly touching the purplish bruised skin around the wound.

"Yeah, it's kinda this dull ache that's just annoying,"I grimace,"I think it might leave a bit of a scar."

"To add to your collection, eh?"he grins at me.

"Yeah, I'll wear it proud, like any warrior would," I smile thinking of the other reminders of accidents I have had, most of them had to do with dogs.

"So what happened to the dog?"he asks.

"Um... well, he's kinda down stairs waiting for his breakfast," I respond, dreading his reaction.

"What?!"

"Well, I couldn't let the people put him down, I mean, with a bit of training on both sides he can be a good dog. I've done it before, he will spend a week or two with the pack and I, learning his manners. Then I will continue to work with him with his owners, if things don't work out, I'll probably end up with a new dog."

"You're really something else you, know that?"he says kissing me sweetly on the lips.

"Well I try," I smile at him,"Why don't you go back to sleep for a little while longer, I don't have to get up for another hour."

"Okay, good idea," he mumbles his eyes already closing. I kiss him on the shoulder before snuggling into him. He drapes an arm around my waist, making me fit into me perfectly. I fall asleep thinking how damn lucky I am.

Posted by Aeryn

November 01, 2008 at Saturday, November 01, 2008 , 5 Comments