Chapter 12 A Bite Out of My Bed - The New Pornographers

I know, I know this is the second time I've used the new Pornographers. I'm not going to say it'll be the last either because their music is awesome. ANYWAYS. As some of you know (other not so much but come say HI if you haven't) I'm headed to Africa in about 36 hours. Yeah big stuff. Relax though I'll be back. I just won't be posting next weekend because of the lack of internet where I'm going. Don't worry though the story goes on and there will be a double post week in Oct. to catch up. I'm about 7 chapters ahead in writing the story so I won't even be missing a week of writing.

Hope you enjoy this chapter. :)
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The injuries were really starting to rack up meaning more work for Sarah as she tracked everyone’s recovery coordinating visits to Doctors and cornering the training staff forcing them to write progress notes. She was loving that they were coming to fear her. It was a small victory in the tenuous partnership with the training staff. The trainers were focused on getting the guys well enough to play while Sarah was as always focused on total recovery. She knew they played hurt every single one of them had something that she was keeping her eye on from a distance. It was clear only the obvious things were reported to her. Only the injuries that could not be ignored were checked out. Everything else was wrapped, taped and iced or even injected to make playing manageable. Making the trainers keep notes was the only way she could truly know what was going on.

Max, Gonch, TK, and Geno out it was a lot to keep track of. For the moment she was still traveling with the team though if another guy went down she was going to have to stay home to keep track of them all. For now though she was following her usual routine only this time in San Jose. In the beginning she watched games from the press box with the injured guys but it became clear that wasn’t going to work. Running though the whole arena to get back to the locker room was just beyond stupid. So she spent the time hanging out watching on the monitors in the training room. That led to just playing around on the bikes and then really working out. Hey no one said she couldn’t and they were available. She cleaned them better than the guys did when she was finished anyways.

Things were always wonky when it came to road games but she kept to her routine riding the bike watching the game on the monitors. She missed hearing Mike Lang call the game but at least she could see the action. They hadn’t even made it out of the first when she caught a bone crushing hit on the PP. She hopped off the bike leaping into action. Thankfully she hadn’t had much of a chance to get sweaty as the training staff crowded around the injured man.
Kris was seething both in pain and anger as he came down the runway. “Get off me!” he was yelling as he held his arm to his chest not wanting to move to let the training staff get his gear off. “If you touch me again…” he started to say as Sarah caught his eye in the madness. He looked at her pleading with his eyes to get them away from him.

“Guys lets get into the training room, get him some water and a chance to breath.” she said slowly turning them one by one away from him. “He’s not bleeding so take a chill pill.” They all rolled their eyes but followed her directions giving them some space. She stepped up next to him walking at his side as he slowly made his way to the training room. “Tell me about the pain what is going on?”
“It fucking hurts.” he said still holding his arm obviously in pain.
The Doctor finally got his as into gear turning up. “Hello, Ms. Pearson I presume.” he said extending his hand.
“Yeah that’s me.” Sarah said getting her folders out so they had all the paperwork in order as they entered the training room Kris walking in front of them. “I’m guessing dislocation or contusion from what I saw and the pain he is exhibiting.” she turned from the doctor looking directly at Kris. “Sit down and let them get the gear off of you. It’s going to hurt but it’s either let them help or I’ll cut it off.” She game him the look that made all the guys cringe and do what she said. They all said it was the look that reminded them of their Mothers.

Begrudgingly Kris let them get his gear off of him stripping his top half. His shoulder was already starting to purple looking extremely angry. “Son you aren’t getting back in the game for awhile. You’re going to need some x-rays.” Sarah looked to the clock and sighed. “Kris go change we’re heading to the hospital. We’re on limited time here.” Kris nodded as Did the training staff as they got his skates off and his stupid tan crocks on. “Doc can we get him something called in for the pain for now.? Make him comfortable please. It‘ll be a long flight.”
The doctor opened his mouth to say something but Sarah quickly cut him off. “Look it’s obviously not dislocated his actual arm is mobile. He’s healthy and at low risk for a clot. Please.” Kris remained sitting on the table watching Sarah in awe. He knew she could be direct but she had yet to see her actually bring a doctor under her will.
“Yes, I’ll get him comfortable.” the Doctor said after pausing. He had no power over the rival team. The Doctor worked quickly giving Kris an injection to help with the pain. “Be sure to immobilize him once he’s changed.” The Doctor finally looked between Kris and Sarah and smiled. Sarah was distracted already working on arranging a flight for them. She walked away on the phone.

“You’re a brave one Son. She’s a good nurse which makes her extremely dangerous.”
Kris looked at the Doctor tilting his head. “Why do you say that Sir?”
The Doctor chuckled. “She’ll always take care of you, she will always love you but she will always put taking care of her patients first. Aside from that I didn’t know they came so pretty in the Steel City.” He clapped Kris on the good shoulder. “Best of luck to you son. I know you’re in good hands. Best get showered before she gets you immobilized like this.” Kris nodded carefully hopping off the table heading for the showers with the trainers to help him out.

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“That’s not good enough.” Sarah said her phone to her ear. “No I need two seats first class on the flight. No, I understand but I am telling you that’s not ok.” It had been like this for the last 10 minuets. Sarah sighed obviously frustrated. “Fine. The name of the passenger is Kristopher A. Letang. ID is Canadian Passport. “ Sarah rolled her eyes as she heard the period end. “No I do not want to dot he survey about customer service I think I made how much I am not satisfied extremely clear.” Sarah slammed her phone closed. She was quickly distracted though as the rest of the guys came down the hall. She waited patiently for Dan to step up along aside of her and she fell into stride explaining what was going on. “yeah he’s flying out at the same time as us but straight to Pittsburgh. I’ll be staying with the team. I’ve arranged the flight and am working on ground transportation now. He’ll be in good hands.
Dan nodded turning into the locker room leaving her in the hall. She texted Mal immediately asking the big favor of picking Kris up and making sure he goes for the x-rays immediately. Once Mal agreed Sarah sighed heading back to the training room to find Kris. “So… you feelin’ anything on your side there?” she asked trying to revert back to girlfriend mode for a bit as she helped him finish tucking his shirt into his dress slacks and tie his tie for him.
“Not really.” he admitted shrugging his good shoulder. “The Doctor numbed it.” She smiled easily seeing he wasn’t in pain at the moment. “She got out what she needed to immobilized his shoulder for the trip home. “So You’re going home right after the game.” she said tightening the straps. That would hold his arm in the sling to his chest.
“Yes I figured as much.” he sighed obviously annoyed by the whole thing. “What time is our flight?” he asked running his free hand though his damp hair.
“There is no us. I couldn’t get another seat. And I need to continue to Boston with the team.” Really she should have been going with the team. It has been out of selfishness that she wanted to go with him. She wanted to make sure she was ok. She wanted to be the nurse and the girlfriend. “Well there is an us just not an us going home tonight. There is however a you and a Mal will be waiting to take you to get your x-rays and then she’ll take you home. I know you aren’t broken is dislocated but I can’t tell about fractures. They could be in there and a bitch to heal if not treated appropriately.” she slowly made her way closer to him as the time ticked off the intermission. As the guys streamed back down the runway Sarah rested her hand on Kris’ good shoulder.
He sighed heavily hanging his head. “I do not like being hurt.”
“I don’t think anyone does sweetie.” She said moving to rest her head on his good shoulder. “Well some people do but they are sick in a different way.” She had seen many people who self harm when she worked psych. It was never something that sat well with her. “I’m pretty sure your bones are bruised so we’re looking at four weeks, six on the outside. That’s what 9 games?” she said him open his mouth to speak and she shushed him covering his mouth with her hand. “Four weeks or pain every time you shrug or lift your arm. But I’m not going to lecture you now.” she pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I was really freaked out when I saw it was you.” She removed her hand from his mouth. “I am so, so sorry that it’s you. I wouldn’t want it to be anyone but especially not you.” She went to continue but his lips covered hers. Previous to this they had a strict no kissing at the arena rule. It all went out the window though as his lips moved against hers. His kiss was gentle and tender maybe with a tinge of worry as well.
“Your turn to shush. Do not worry about me I will do what I must. I will list…” he smiled correcting himself. “I will do my best to listen and follow your directions.”
Sarah nodded. “Good or I’ll beat you and it’ll be in a bad way not a good way. Now lets watch the game.”
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There was nothing like traveling with a pack of men and more gear than one could imagine. For Sarah it was always easy to be caught in the crush. She was swept in with the training staff and the media often time also with smelly gear. Once at the airport Sarah personally dug through the bags to get him his carry-on. She could see he was tired but stressed he at least deserved to have his psp when he flew alone.
“Ok so I put Mal’s number in your phone. Text her when you land. She’s going to take you for your x-rays. It’ll be good. She has my permission to answer 5 personal questions about me so have fun with that.” Sarah joked. “You have a whole flight to think of what you want to ask.” The team flight had to bored and do their usual pre-flight rituals. She still found all the rituals weird and was sure a few of the guys were borderline OCD one or two of them for sure meeting diagnostic criteria.
“Oh I will think of good question.” he said taking her hand pulling away from the group a bit. “Thank you for being my nurse and girlfriend.” Sarah went pink in the cheeks hearing him give her a title for the first time.
She didn’t wait for him to say anything else as she stretched up to kiss him. “I’ll call in the morning about your x-rays and you will know as soon as I do, I don’t want to leave my boyfriend hanging to long.” she ran her hands over the lapels of his suit. “In about…” she paused to look at her watch. “In about four hours take the Advil. If you don’t you’ll wake up in some serious pain. Mal has some better stuff for you once you’re on the ground.” she gave him another quick kiss before pushing him away lightly. “You better go or you’ll miss your flight.” she said sadly. It was going to be weird not having him there. It wasn’t till now she realized just how much time she spent around him. They weren’t always interacting directly but he was always just in the other room or on the ice and she was in the training room or even on the same plane or bus just a few rows away.
“I have questions to think of.” he teased kissing her head. “See you in a few days. Do not worry to much. The rest of the guys will feed on it.” he reminded her kissing her forehead. “Don’t give them a reason to tease you.” he hugged her close with one arm before letting go starting the walk towards security for his flight.

Chapter 11 You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds andRegina Spektor

First of all thanks to everyone who's been reading. If you haven't been listening to the music I'd encourage you to do so. Big shout out to Mel for commenting on every chapter. You're a nut.
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You Don’t Know Me - Ben Folds & Regina Spektor.

October has been amazing. The team was doing well with only two losses. Sure there were injuries starting to pile up and Sarah was busy keeping track of everyone though it was mostly the training staff who made decisions on when people could play. For her it was hard to see the guys go out not completely healed but it was part of being a professional athlete. They had been doing this for years and were used to dealing with the pain. She was sure to give them each a lecture every chance she got usually when they were in an ice bath and couldn’t walk away from her. For awhile they had taken to eye rolling but she had long ago mastered the ‘mom look’ that stuck fear into the inner little boys. So they had to sit there in the cold water and listen to her.

It was their longest break in a few weeks… three days between games and everyone was pleased to have an entire day without practice or a game. Sarah and Kris had been seeing a lot of one another and had made plans to spend the day apart and meet for dinner out like real dating people.
Traveling with the team was great and there was nothing like traveling with someone to really get to know them or at least that’s what she thought. She had expressed to him that although she loved the team she was missing the hospital and was fearing her critical care skills were going to drop off. She knew it was going to be hard but when they had long breaks she was going to pick up shifts at the hospital again. He hadn’t liked the idea knowing how tired and over worked it could make her but he understood and in the end gave in to it being ‘her decision’. It was obvious he wasn’t happy about it but she had chosen to ignore his opinion on the matter.
With her day off Sarah had done a bit of shopping and stopped by the hospital both to put her name in the pool for picking up shifts on the days she could and to visit her favorite little guy as well as best friend. “Hey Mal.” Sarah said hanging on the nurses station reaching for Jason’s chart.
“You!” Mal said obviously shocked and pleased to see her friend. “What the hell are you doing here on your day off?” she asked looking at her friend.
Sarah grimaced looking at Jason’s chart. “They’re talking about bone marrow soon aren’t they?” she asked looking from the chart to Mal. Her friend just nodded. “Yeah they started him donating his own now.” Sarah nodded. “Before I leave you’re going to test me to see if I’m a match.”
“No way Sarah you’re insane. His family will never accept that.”
“They will if it’s from an organ donor which is what they’ll be told. Since I technically am one.”
Mal knew there was no fighting with Sarah when she made her mind up about something. “fine but if they find out it’s all on you sister.”
“You’re the best Mal. Now will you put these back there? I have to change before I meet Kris for dinner but I want to visit my favorite little guys.” passing the bags over the counter she saw Mal’s grin and rolled her eyes.
“Yes that is going great. We’ll have to get lunch on your day off and I’ll tell you more.”
“Damn straight you’ll tell me more.”
Sarah smiled to her find fanning herself before heading down the hall for Jason’s room.
For most people taking the afternoon with an ill little boy was a horrid way to spend your free time. For Sarah it was a great way to spend an afternoon. They played crazy 8’s and a few rounds of connect four before Mal came down to get Sarah to do the test. It was just a short blood test. The actual marrow donation was more intense and was actually surgery.
With the test processing Sarah changed pinning her hair up in an updo for her dinner with Kris. It wasn’t an overly fancy dinner but he had said reservations and he was wearing a jacket so it had to be kind of nice. She picked out a new dress while out shopping and donned it as well as new shoes heading to show Mal before heading out.
“Damn girl you must really like this guy you never used to get this dolled up for Dr. Asshat.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Yeah well Kris is worth it. He’s really one of the good ones. I can’t even begin to explain how now but he’s one of the good ones.” Sarah checked her watch and winced. “I better get going or I’ll be late.” she leaned over the counter kissing her friend on the cheek. “Text me your schedule and we’ll work out a lunch date.”

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He had arrived early as was his style. Even for games he liked to be there pretty early in no way rushing to prep. He checked his watch seeing there was still a bit of time. He had a good day hanging with some of the guys playing video games. It was like old times or at least they said it was like old times. Not that they minded that he was seeing Sarah it was just unusual to have her around so much. Kris didn’t mind though in fact he liked it that way. He found comfort in her always being there. She was good at anticipating his needs by making coffee on a tired morning or always having an extra of whatever he was missing on the road.
After hanging with the guys he had gone to get a haircut. For everyone it was going to be a shocker but Sarah was going to be the first to see it. It wasn’t unusual to him. He usually cut his hair all off once a year and then just let it go. Most people would just find it weird for it to be in the middle of the season with the mojo and all. Not to mention the fans…
Seeing Sarah at the door he waver but she didn’t see him well he knew she saw him but she didn’t recognize him without his hair. She looked back and he waved again only this time she covered her mouth in shock as she approached.
“Kristopher Allen Letang what did you do to your head?” she asked standing next to him running her hand though his much shorter hair.
“I got it cut.” He shrugged stating the obvious in a matter of fact tone.
“Obviously.” she said giving him a quick kiss before taking her seat in the booth across for him.
“You sound like Staalsy.” he ran a hand over his head a bit unsure of what to do since there was no hair to push out of his face.
“Ha funny. “ she said rolling her eyes picking up the menu. It was a nice standard fare american restaurant that seemed to feature grilled things. She didn’t mind. He knew by now that she was an eater.
In looking over the menus he noticed the bandage at the crook of her arm. “You ok?” he asked brows knit in concern. “You didn’t mention any blood test today.” he figured she would have told him.
Sarah mentally kicked herself for not having removed the bandage. “It wasn’t a test for me.” she said picking the band-aid off and stuffing it in her purse. “Jason is going to need bone marrow soon and I asked Mal to run the test to see if I’m a match.”
The waiter approached the table cutting Kris off from saying anything though Sarah could tell his comment was going to be less than supportive. They gave their orders for drinks and he disappeared.
“You need your bone marrow. Shouldn’t it be family that donates or can you not donate your own?” he asked leaning forward when he noticed his voice was starting to go up in volume. “Why do you have to take this risk? You are his nurse not his Mother.” he didn’t intend for the words to have the bite that they did.
“I’ll be fine I’m healthy and still generating more than enough.” she was confused as to why this was even a big deal. It was her bone marrow to give not his. “What are you ordering?” she asked changing the subject.
“You’re changing the subject. I do not understand why you are going to such lengths for one kid.” he had met Jason once and had no clue of the special connection. She had told him but it wasn’t something easy to understand.
Sarah sighed closing her eyes behind her menu. For her Jason was more than a kid. She couldn’t help it. He was the perfect little kid whose life was so full of pain that it made everything seem unfair. “He’s not just any little kid. He’s Jay my Jay. I’ve known him since the beginning. It’s more than that he’s so brave and strong. I’m an adult and I know I couldn’t have made it though what he’s been though. He smiles all the time… I can’t not do it. I can’t just stand there and see him suffer knowing I could do something.” It was a rant but she couldn’t help it. It was how she felt.
The waiter approached dropping their drinks off. Water for the both of them. Sarah was to pissy to think about what she wanted and he didn’t like to drink before games. Their food orders were taken and the menu Sarah had been hiding behind was taken away forcing her to look at the man across the table. There was nothing to hide her agitation behind now.
“It just seems crazy to do so much for one patient. I thought you were supposed to be objective.” he took a sip of her drink not realizing how what he was saying was getting to her. He wasn’t trying to be insensitive but factual and deep down he was worried for her. It was a surgery, an unnecessary one. People died going under for much smaller things. Something like a deep bone marrow extraction could leave a festering infection that could kill her. Of course he couldn’t just come out and say those fears. He wasn’t even sure they were there.
Her face should have been more than enough to convey her feelings on what he was saying. “Do not talk to me about my job.” she lowered her tone leaning toward him a bit. “You have no fucking idea what my job is so I don’t want to hear it.” She was young but she had seen a lot. She had seen kids die, people attempt suicide, She had seen friends and family stand strong as their loved ones were in pain. He had no idea what she had seen. “I am so done talking about this. It’s just a test. I don’t even know if I’m a match so you can keep your opinions to yourself for now.” she was angry and she knew her face was getting red. Thankfully she was able to keep her tone under control.
He took a sip of his water. “Fine. I will no forget though.”
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes though she managed to keep her mouth closed on the subject. “So tell me about the hair cut.” she said changing the subject in an attempt to salvage the night.
He shrugged unsure of what to say. “It was time. I think my hair was nearly as long as yours.” he was joking a bit which a nice change of pace. He was still thinking about what she might be doing in the future to save one kid. It wasn’t all that shocking even if he hated the prospect of her going under the knife for something that wasn’t effecting her own life. It was scary… it scared him more than he could put into words. What made it so scary was that although he knew he cared about her his own reaction caught him off guard.
Dinner was nice with good food and as usual on game nights they went back to his to just sleep. He liked having her there joking that she was like a teddy bear to a child for him comforting him before a game day. They drove separately to his place parking side by side. As usual they headed in and changed into pajamas. She threw on a pair of ‘pink’ sweats that she had gotten from Nessa for Christmas the year before and a tank top taking the pins out of her hair letting it be messy and wavy as she joined him on the couch to catch the Daily Show before bed. He had on his usual sweats and a t-shirt to lounge around the house in.
Sarah snuggled under his arm doing her best to put the earlier events of the evening out of her mind. She didn’t want to fight with him especially the night before game day. It was hard to understand why he had been so mean about her doing this for Jay. She knew he had met Jay and if a kid deserved a chance to live a normal life. He was the little boy she dreamed of having one day.
“I am sorry I was pushy at dinner.” Kris said breaking the silence between them. Looking down at her he kissed her head. “It scares me to think you could be hurt in the surgery.”
She had her head on his chest and could hear his hear beating loud and rushed as he spoke. The rapidness gave away how true his words were. “It’s safe people do it all the time. Really the only thing that could happen would be me feeling like I feel on my ass real hard for a few days after.” That was as long as they went with local anesthesia. If she was put all the way under things could on occasion be a little more tricky. “Really they would just be shoving a big ol’ needle in my ass…” she stood up and took his hand placing it on the back side of her hips where her iliac crest was. “Big needle goes into the bone they suck out some stem cells, I get an excuse to complain about my ass hurting and Jay gets his immune system jump started.” she sat down on his lap running her hands though his new short hair. “Really not a big deal.”
Kris listened attentively or as best as he could till she put his hands on her then all listening was shot to hell till she said ‘no big deal’. He snapped out of his daze then. “It is a big fucking deal. It’s a surgery and it isn’t want normal people do. Normal people don’t just have a surgery to help someone.” He was pretty exasperated with the whole thing though he knew there was no way to change her mind. All there really was to keep her out of this was to hope she wasn’t a match… though this meant putting his hopes against a little kid with cancer which seemed extremely selfish.
“Fuck normal. I don’t know what impression I’ve been giving you but I thought you would know by now the only thing that is normal about my life if the way that I look.” she scooted off his lap and put some distance between them stalking to the kitchen to get herself a drink.
Sarah came back with two glasses of water. A kind of peace offering. “You’re going to have to agree to disagree with me on this because I don’t want to fight about it.” she took a drink of her water before putting the glass down on a coaster. “I don’t know what’s going to happen yet so there isn’t a need to be so worked up.”
He nodded not saying anything but he took the glass of water. “I just want to see you do what’s best for you.”
Kris had to go and say something to melt her heart just a little. ”Ugh. You’re killin’ me here.” she mumbled closing the gap between them again her hand finding the way back to his hair. She liked the feeling of the new short hair though she was going to miss the old too. “We’ll deal with this when it actually comes up.” she added glancing at him for just a moment before looking back to the tv. She felt him nod as she continued to play with his hair. That was good enough for now.

Chapter 10 Fascination - La Roux

So this chapter isn't my strongest but I know it's what some of you have been waiting for. :)

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It seemed weird that two weeks had gone by since meeting her family. A two weeks that had left her running between jobs filling in here and there at the hospitals and doing her real job with the Pens. It had been hard to find time for dates and work. Sure they spent time together but it usually ended up with her falling asleep after eating something and with her head on his shoulder pr on the arm of a sofa. Pre-season matches had started and it was getting to be obvious caring for a team of men was not going to leave her time to fill in for friends who wanted to take long weekends. The money was nice though. She was building quite the nice little savings.
“I printed my October schedule for you.” she said rummaging though her disorganized purse for the folded sheet as he took their dinner plates to his kitchen where he left them in the sink to be rinsed and loaded into the dish washer later.
He picked up their wine glasses taking them to the living room where he placed them on the coffee table. She followed handing him the folded paper taking a seat on the sofa. “It’s blank.” his accent made the short sentence far more amusing than it should have been. Sarah lifted the wine glass to her lips taking a sip to hide her smile.
“Yeah, I know.” she said still smiling though she could lower her glass from her face now.
“Your printer is out of ink?” he asked not catching what she was trying to say.
Sarah put the glass down on the coffee table taking his hand to guide him down to the sofa with her. “I’m not taking any extra shifts in October. I need to adjust to how this life is really going to work. All the travel….” she paused catching his eyes. “There is also this thing where I’d like to spend some time with you were I’m not shoving food in my face or falling asleep.” she explained as her hand drifted from his moving over his muscled arms to the soft hairs at the back of his neck under the rest of his hair. She had found it to be one of his sweet spots.
“When you told me you were working tomorrow morning?” she only got that it was a question due to his inflection. He seemed pre-occupied relaxing making a face similar to the one a cat does when you pet it just right.
“I was lying. A good lie mind you. A forgivable one.” she moved herself to his lap straddling his hips.
“You are staying tonight and you will be punished. I do not like being lied to.” he said though it was obvious he was teasing and the only punishing that would be happening would be the kind that any girl would want from him.
“Oh really?” she said raising an eyebrow as he made swift work of removing her shirt letting it go somewhere behind the couch.
They had made it this far before rounding the bases and on their way for a home run tonight one would expect keeping to the baseball metaphor. She found it quite sweet that he was respectful and did the majority of insisting they take it slow. She had been the one who had invited him in for this on their second real date where he also met her G-Dad. Doing things out of order seemed to be their way.
His hands moved over her sides sending an electric shock to her core. He had good hands. They were large and strong but always managed to be amazingly gentle when he touched her. His lips connected with her collar bone and over to her shoulders kissing as he moved the straps off to her arms going slack.
Sarah removed his backwards turned hat sending it in the same direction of her shirt. His t-shirt followed as she tugged it over his head forcing his lips to disconnect from her shoulder. Her hands found h is hair tugging lightly till she had his head tilted back slightly. He had brilliant hair for tugging. “Who’s punishing who here?”
He narrowed his eyes at her playfully. Before she could realize what he was doing he had her flat on her back pinned to the sofa his weight holding her down. He removed her hands from his head holding them above her own with one of his as his lips returned to her neck and collarbone.
“Oh that’s so cheating to use your not so secret hockey strength.” she joked shifting her legs to wrap around him as his lips traveled down over her chest to her stomach. He masterfully unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans taking his time moving as if he was letting each tooth of the zipper have a moment before moving to the next. Sarah lifted her hips as he pushed her jeans down her legs till she could kick them off wiggling out of them.
Letting go of her hands she immediately went to work touching any bit of him she could her hands moving over the muscles of his arms feeling every dip, dent and curve that indicated his strength. As he moved back up her body to kiss her lips her hands continued their action moving over his back and stomach till she was at his jeans. She took less time more wanting to get them off rather than tease him. Her real teasing began once they were off.
She shifted them thankful he was focused on their kiss to realize she was leading him to sit up. She bit his bottom lip giving it a little tug as she slyly moved her hand in his boxers wrapping her fingers around his length. He groaned and she released his lip from her teeth smiling as his head fell back on the sofa.
She didn’t play for long though. He scooped her up quickly in a fireman carry as he headed for the bedroom. She couldn’t help but laugh as he hurried them down the hall. He set her down on her feet swiftly removing her panties and she did the same to his boxers before digging though drawer of his night stand for a condom. Sat down on the edge of the bed slipping the shield in place. Sarah moved behind him kissing over his shoulders her hand moving to his to assist him. Once ready he turned his attention back to her guiding her to lay back as he moved into position over her. He was patient and kind slowly inching inside of her.
“You good?” he asked once completely inside her.
Sarah nodded biting her bottom lip. “Yes, amazing.” she said a smile spreading across her face.

Chapter 9 Alright Sir? - Greg Holden

Alright Sir? - Greg Holden

“So how bad did Jimmy and Nessa freak you out about meeting my G-Dad?” she asked as they made the trek across town hitting every single red light.
“I think they made me more curious than anything.” Kris gave a little shrug and shifted as the light turned green.

“Hm. Well I guess I’ll give you the basics. He and my Gran took Russ and I in when I was barely three. Our Mom… well she’s around but she has never been able to take care of us. Addicts will be addicts.” Sarah just shrugged tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “So my Gran passed away when I was 13 leaving Russ and I with G-Dad. He did his best he really did but I think I remind him of my Mom to much.” for Sarah opening up about her family was never easy. Everyone had family issues a crazy uncle or a Dad who drank to much. Her problems weren’t any worse than anyone else. “Back to G-Dad. He has owned this bar for as long as I can remember. Before that he worked in the steel mill here in town. He grew up here. He’s working people.” she sighed “He isn’t going to be rude to you directly but he will be cold. It isn’t you though he will more than likely have something to say about your hair.” glancing over at Kris she smile. “Which I like by the way. Though it would be nice short too… a left at the next light. It’s the bar on the corner.”
“My family are working people. I think I will have… good report.” he said offering a smile. “I have met family before.” Sarah was put at ease by that though she had no reason to be. Maybe it was that he didn’t look afraid or freaked out. The man across the car from her really was something special.
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“We’ll go in the downstairs door.” she pointed to the door next the garage rather than up the stone steps that cut into the hillside the house was perched on. “The stairs are… well we’ll just use the door.” she said with a chuckle. “I think I fell down those damn things more times than I made it up them.”
Sarah led the way though the garage that was clean though there were plenty of tools and an obviously loved car in there. “hey G-Dad it’s just us.” she said as she climbed the stairs going past a small laundry room.
“By us you better not mean you and your brother.” came a grumpy voice from the kitchen above.
“No. I told you I wouldn’t bail Russ out. I mean my friend Kris and I.” she immediately headed over to him at the table where he sat with a beer to hug him. Kris followed offering his hand in introduction.

“It is good to meet you Sir.” Kris shook his hand being strong in his grip. He didn’t want to appear like a wimp even though he had been taking hard forechecks as a job for most of his life.
“The hockey player right? Some job you got. How rattled in your brain what’s 4x4?” he asked obviously frowning at Sarah and Kris.
“16. I think my brain was no good for math before I play hockey.” he was trying to Joke and to Sarah it was beyond adorable.
“Be nice G-Dad. He’s a good guy and I like him.” Sarah headed to the rest of the kitchen getting out what she needed to make steak tips and noodles for the men. “Kris do you want a drink? Beer and since G-Dad knew I was coming diet coke and water.” she listed looking in the fridge.
“Uh a beer would be nice.” he said taking a seat at the table where a seat had been kicked out for him.
“Call me Archie, Kris.” he finally said in a gruff voice under obvious duress as Sarah stared him down. He looked to her and then back to Kris. “I’ve seen you play. Keep up the good work and you’ll be ready to quarterback the power play in a season or so.”

Sarah was all smiles as she cooked now. It was always tough to get guys past her G-Dad and her friends. Now there was just Russ to deal with but they would have awhile before that was going to happen.
While Sarah’s hearing was taken up by the sizzling of the steak she was cooking. Archie leaned in closer to Kris. “She never brought that piece of shit Doctor here so I know you must be a good guy. I will say this though. If you ever lay a violent hand on her I will make sure it is highly unlikely you walk again and your shit will be flowing into a plastic bag for the rest of your life. Got it?”
Kris nodded. “Understood Sir. I already hate him more than I can describe.” That was his honest assessment of the situation. The truth was if Kris ever ran into him without Sarah around he would be hard pressed not to get into a fight no matter what the NHL’s thoughts on good and bad behavior were.
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“Sarah I’ve missed your cooking.” Archie said patting his beer belly a clear plate in front of him. “Now if only you had made carrot cake.” he joked with a laugh.
“Next time G-Dad.” she said from her seat before getting up to clear the plates to be washed and put away before she left.
“Let me help.” Kris said moving to get up.
“No, Sarah will get it she has her own way of doing things.” Archie said.
“Would you like another beer?” She said with a little grin. Archie nodded and Kris shook his head no. “I wasn’t asking you Tanger. You have to drive my sorry ass back to town.” she teased. “Thanks for offering to help but I got it.” she said giving her G-Dad a beer and Kris a bottle of water.
“He was nice enough to drive you here the least you can do is kiss ‘im Sarah.” her G-Dad said obviously teasing them both.
She raised an eyebrow looking at him and then looking to Kris who was about to protest but Sarah’s lips on his quickly shut him up. It was just a short kiss but it had all her feelings in it. She pulled away her hand on the side of his face a light smile which he returned.
Archie’s eyebrows went up seeing the affection on their faces. “Well Damn Sarah I can’t hate him now even if he is a damn frenchie with socialist medicine.”
Everyone laughed at that one the ice completely broken.
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The ride back home was enjoyable. They chatted comfortably about anything and everything. It was one of those time a person could forget about everything that had gone wrong in the last 10 hours. The arrived back at Sarah’s house and sat in the silent car in the parking lot.
“I’d really like it if you would come in.” she said turning in her seat. She reached out her hand going to the back of his neck.
He easily reacted to her touch his neck immediately loosening up his eyes drifting closed. “I want to come in but I know it is not right time.” he spoke softly opening his eyes his dark brown finding her blue even in the poorly lit little lot.
She nodded. “You’re right but I still want you to come in.” a smile played at the corner of her mouth.
He smiled nodding. “I want to but I know it would not be right. Soon. For now…” he didn’t finish his sentence as he kissed her with as much passion as someone could muster at 4am after a long day. “Soon…” he whispered letting his forehead rest against hers.
She nodded finally unbuckling her seat belt. “Text me when you are home. I need to know you are safe.” He nodded and she opened the car door.
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It was 4:30am when the text came in. She had just gotten out of the shower and was sitting wrapped in a towel at her bedside. She bit her bottom lip smiling. ‘Good night crazy boy. Thank you for everything. <3 Sarah’ she sent off before putting her phone on the charger and putting pajamas on ready for bed going to sleep happy a feat that seemed next to impossible just hours before.

Chapter 8 The Cave - Mumford and Sons

The Cave - Mumford & Sons

The ride to West Virginia was a quiet one. She passed the time texting people from ‘home’ and making arrangements to get in to see her brother. “Take the Weirton exit.” she finally said once they got out of the city close to the airport. He nodded seeming content in the quiet with the radio playing softly. Finally she put the phone down in her lap turning her head to talk with him.
“Ok so first we’re going to the pharmacy to pick up everything everyone needs. I know the pharmacist and they’re going to have them ready. Then we’re going to the jail. Thankfully it’s the city that has him still so it won’t be to hard to get there. Nessa my best friend is going to meet us. Her husband Jimmy was the arresting officer. We’ve all known one another since high school.” she pushed her hair out of her face it having fallen from her ponytail. “And then we’ll go see my G-Dad and I promise I will make you food because I know how you eat you’ve got to be starving.” she reached down into her bag pulling out the bananas. “One to tide you over?” she asked holding it out to him.
Kris listened tentatively. “Nessa is short for Vanessa? And Jimmy is James? I remember seeing a phone frame with their wedding party picture. You had on a blue dress.” he said with a little smile.
“Yeah we’ve all been friends since high school. I’ve known Nessa since second grade and Jimmy since high school. It was from their wedding last fall.” she explained grabbing the second banana for herself.
He took the banana before handing it back. “Could you open it?” he asked shifting as the road changed to a two lane highway. Sarah handed it back half peeled for him. “Thanks.” he said before the banana disappeared in what seemed like three bites.
It took about an hour from the airport before they reached Weirton. The stop at the pharmacy didn’t take long and they were at the police station in no time. Nessa greeted Sarah with a hug. “Jimmy didn’t want to arrest him but your G-Dad insisted.” Sarah nodded knowingly. “I know it’s not a big deal. I mean we’ve all been here before.” she paused looking to her side at Kris who seemed awkwardly out of place. “Well not all of us. Nessa this is Kris. He’s kinda awesome.” she looked at him with a smile.
“Only kinda?” he asked teasingly a smile spreading across his face as he shook Nessa’s hand. “It is nice to meet you.”
“Oh I know who you are. Sarah only has great things to say about you.” Nessa’s smirk made his smile spread wider. “I’ll have to tell you what she really thinks when she isn’t paying attention.”
Sarah glared at her friend. “You do and you die Nessa. I love you like a sister but doesn’t mean I won’t hesitate to dump your body in the river.” Sarah was joking which only seemed all the more amusing as they stood outside the police station.
“So shall we?” Nessa asked before heading up the steps holding the door for them.
“Hey Jimmy.” Sarah said greeting him with a hug as well. He looked shocked to see Kris was actually standing there.
“Sarah no way. Nessa told me you were bringing him but I thought she was messing with me.” he said looking intently at Kris who was going a bit pink in the cheeks looking intently at his shoes and the floor around him.
“Jimmy he has a name.” Nessa said smacking him in the chest. “Kris my husband Jimmy. He’s an idiot so feel free to ignore him especially if he attempts to talk hockey with you.”
Jimmy shook hands with Kris still in shock before finding his voice. “It’s good to meet you man. You’ve got a great shot. I mean that OT goal vs. the Caps classic.” he said with a wide smile. Kris expressed his thanks trying to find a way to fade into the background as much as possible when it was obvious he was the center of attention.
“Jimmy can I see Russ now? I brought you guys his insulin supplies to give to the nurse here to be passed along when he gets transferred to county.” Sarah explained familiar with the system.
“Oh yeah Sarah. Sure. I’ll warn you he’s pretty pissed but he’s sobered up a good bit. I know he’ll be happy to see you.” Jimmy said as they walked leaving Nessa and Kris behind.
“Oh he’s not going to be happy when he finds out I’m not bailing him out.” she said with a sigh before going in to see her brother.
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“So…” Nessa said with a smile sitting with a nervous Kris. “I’m not going to grill you I promised Sarah said I couldn’t. She also said I could only tell one embarrassing story so choose wisely what age you’d like to know about her from.” she said leaning back in the uncomfortable plastic chair awaiting his answer.
“Oh… really I was going to ask about you and your husband.” she said with a little smile pushing his hair out of his eyes. “You can grill me just not on open fire please.” he said trying to joke which made Nessa smile and allowed him to loosen up a bit.
“Good as Sarah’s best friend and her translator to the inner hidden Sarah I have to say you’re doing good. She likes to keep her family drama private. Really I think Mal is the only one who knows and she didn’t even let the douche bag asshat Doctor come here. You’ve already earned the special honor.” Nessa explained. “Sarah’s a special girl. She had to deal with a lot of shit in her life and thus far you’ve shown you aren’t going to contribute to that. So far I like you. The accent and hair help too.” she said with a smile.
For Kris it was nice to know he was being accepted by her friends. “Sarah is special. I knew it from when I saw her.” he said thinking back on the memory. “She didn’t see me first. I saw her in the halls of the arena. I wanted to know her then. When you talk with her I think she will say we met at weigh in when I helped her off the table. I had seen her three times prior to that. I was afraid to say hello first.” he pushed his hair our of his face again though he wished he could leave it there as a kind of barrier of protection after telling Nessa about liking Sarah. “She was standing on a table. I helped her down. She did never say she was afraid of height but I know she is.”
Nessa nodded confirming his suspicions. “Yeah she is a bit afraid of short heights. She’ll climb a mountain and look down but put her on a chair and she’s a bit panic stricken. It’s one of the many odd things about her.” Nessa said with a chuckle. “She is a special one you are right about that.”
“Oh yes. She is special. She is helping Mal train for a marathon. That is being a dedicated friend. Being friends with you so long is special as well.” he said relaxing into the chair finally.
“Yeah she’s helping because she ran the marathon two years ago. She said she’d never do it again but I know Mal and I bet she convinces her to do it.” Nessa chuckled. “She wanted me to do it with her but I told her she was psycho and that I love chips and dip to much.” Kris laughed as well.
“I know what you mean. If I could skate a marathon maybe but I do not want to run one.” he was in shape but over all he was lazy really only keeping fit so he could continue to play the game he loved effectively. The game kept him fit for the most part only giving him a few months to have to worry about himself.
“Sarah is my best friend, she always has been. When she gets involved with something it’s really hard for her to quit and let go. This is why she’ll run the marathon in the spring with Mal and that’s why she stayed with the Doctor for so long. She has always been taught giving in is not an option and that she has the power to change things. She does have power for change but not like she wants.” Nessa sighed hearing the familiar clank of the heavy metal doors. “They’ll be coming down the hall soon.”
Just as Nessa said Kris could hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall. He peaked around the corner seeing Sarah brush away a few tears he no doubt wasn’t meant to see.
“You know he doesn’t mean what he says Sarah. Once this is through we’ll all be hanging out on the deck again at the bar grill fired up having a good time.” Jimmy said giving her a half hug one arm around her for a moment. She nodded pausing to clear her face of tears as he continued towards the lobby. “She’ll be out soon.” Jimmy said headed behind the desk giving Nessa a nod that only couples give one another. She got up and headed around the corner to comfort her friend leaving Kris and Jimmy.

“You’re really going to take him to see G-Dad next?” Nessa asked as she hugged a silently sobbing Sarah who just nodded against her friends shoulder. “Are you sure it’s the best idea? You’re tired, he looks tired and I know you G-Dad is pissed about all of this and I know you’re taking him his medication which will also piss him off.” Nessa rubbed her friends back slowly letting her go.
“We have to go. I can’t come to town and not go. And Kris needs food and everything is closed already except McDonalds and I’m not feeding him that.” Sarah readjusted her ponytail putting stray strands back in. Nessa reached out removing some of the mascara that ran from her friends eyes before Sarah took over rubbing it away from her own face. “So how big of a train wreck do I look?”
“Not a total train wreck just a close call.” Nessa half joked giving her friend another hug before they headed for the lobby.
Kris didn’t even let her open her mouth to speak before pulling her into a hug. A sob breaking out against his chest. Just one was all she could let out. She took a deep breath and lifted her head to look at him. He brushed her blond hair out of her face so he could see her eyes.
“Ew, you two are sickeningly cute.” Jimmy said from behind the desk.
Ness shot him a glare but Sarah and Kris just laughed smiles spreading across their faces. “Thanks for that Jimmy.” Sarah said turning to look at him. “It’s not the first time we’ve been told that.” she cleared her throat looking back to Kris. “You ready to go see my G-Dad?” he nodded and Sarah let go of him so they could say goodbyes to her friends.

Chapter 7 Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit

Sorry it took me so long to get it up guys. I really love this chapter because of it's cute adorable fluffness. At least I think so. :)


“Let Your Love Grow Tall” - Passion Pit

The week had been pretty average. She had her work to do collecting all the information she needed to complete the guys completely medical histories as well as get orders for updating all their shots. It seemed strange to her that some of them hadn’t had tetanus shots on record. They play with metal skates for crying out loud they needed them! She had seen Kris around and they had a few conversations but for most of the week they had been pretty quiet. He kept sending sneaky little clue texts about what their next date would be like ‘be sure to wear sneakers’ and ‘come hungry’ as well as ‘wear comfortable clothes’ ect. By Thursday she was dying to know what they would be doing.
“Come on you have to give me a hint.” she said before heading out to the cars with him.
“Sarah I have given you lots of hints.” he teased bumping his shoulder against hers or more his arm against her shoulder. The stood under the entrance just outside of fan view. “Just be ready to be active.”
“You aren’t making me skate right? The last time I skated I had a head trauma.” she wasn’t lying the last time she skated she had an incident that looked like boarding but no one pushed her into the boards.

“Not skating he said with a chuckle. But I could help you learn I am a strong skater.” he shrugged hands in his pockets.
“Yes I know you’re a quick one Tanger.” she had taken to using his team nickname while at work and calling him Kris when they were outside of their professional relationship. She looked at her watch. “I gotta go I’m meeting Mal for a run. She wants to do the marathon this year and I’m helping her train.” Sarah explained. “Friday. I’m looking forward to it.” she walked backwards smiling seeing Pascal sneaking up on Kris. She rolled her eyes shaking her head but Kris caught on to late taking a good hit from his friend/ the guy who picked on him more than anyone else on t he team. “Boys play nice.” she called back before turning and heading to her car.

Friday rolled around and they were once again headed for the car. She saw him carrying a few sticks two his usual and two much smaller. “Hey I told you no skating.” she pointed at him giving her best evil eye look.
“No skating.” she said holding his hands up grinning. “We have a few hours before I pick you up. Lots of time for you to try and figure it out.” he said obviously pleased she didn’t know.
Max came up behind her draping his arm around her shoulders. “He is planning things for you. This is good. He does not usually take initiative. He likes you even more than he said.” Max patted her on the back and continued to walk towards his car. “See you Monday Sarah. Have a good weekend.” he gave a big wink to her and then turned his attentions to Kris who was putting the sticks in his back seat. By the time she made it to her car they were laughing as Max pretended to beat up on him. She rolled her eyes and headed home to change.

Sarah looked at her clothing options and sighed picking up her phone to text Kis. ‘athletic shorts or jeans? If we are being active I need to know. I like you but not enough to run around in jeans in 80 degree weather.’ she went to the bathroom pulling her hair up or the majority of it. She had a few whispies that wouldn’t go up.

‘athletic shorts. See you in 30.’ he texted back as she rushed to finished getting ready though she was hardly fancy as she headed down to the parking lot seeing him pull in wearing her running shoes running shorts and a t-shirt with a tank under it.
“Hey.” she said brightly climbing in his car putting her small gym bag at her feet. Inside she had a hoodie, two bananas and two bottles of water. She couldn’t help but be concerned about their health especially his even if it had been a light practice it was her job to make sure he stayed well.
Kris leaned in giving her a quick kiss that caught her off guard but it made her smile. “I like this.” he said pointing to her get up. “Now I know what you must have looked like yesterday on your run.” he said with a grin.

“Ha no. I looked way more gross than this. All sweaty and nasty and tired. I bet my couch stinks from where I crashed on it.” she joked. “I’ll get sweaty today but you better watch your energy. I may be in athletic gear on a date but I’m still your nurse and I won’t let you be to stupid.” she said bucking her seat belt. “So what exactly are we doing?” she asked watching the roads as he drove.
“We are going to play deck hockey. No ice just sneakers.” he said not giving her a chance to mention her lack of skating ability. “I will teach you how to skate but I will wait till you trust me more.” with that said he smiled and turned on the radio catching Mark Madden’s show for a bit.
“It’s got nothing to do with trusting you. I just like to not having my brain sloshed around to where it bounces on my skull.” she said with a fake cheesy smile.
“Ah so that is what a concussion is. I learn a new thing today.” he chuckled as he pulled into the parking lot of the deck hockey club.
They unloaded the car and he put the two smaller sticks up to her nodding quite pleased with himself that he had guessed on the measure. “We have an hour and a half before people start turning up for the their games tonight.” he said grabbing a back pack that had water and Gatorade in it as well as several balls. He waved to several of the employees who nodded and waved back as they passed though the building to the court.
“So you are left handed like me yes?” he asked seeing how he was carrying the sticks.

“Well it depends on what I’m doing but I write with my left.” she nodded putting the spare stick down on the bench as well as her hoodie. She watched him stick one ball in his pocket lightly kicking the other one out towards the center of the deck. “I leaned to do a lot of things right handed like tie my shoes and draw blood.” she shrugged. “When someone teaches you things you do it the way they teach you.”
Kris nodded knowingly. “I tie my shoes right handed as well.” He headed out to the center of the deck and she followed. “I know you know the game pretty well. I can tell by how you watch us. You anticipate the play.” he said putting the ball on the center spot. “I will be Flower and you try to score. It is like a shoot out.” he said jogging down to the net touching the posts like Flower did every game only Kris had a big goofy smile on his face.

“Hey how you aren’t even going to teach me how to do this?” she said doing her best to hold the stick right doing what she saw him do each day.
“You have it. You do not need help.” he said still grinning at her obviously enjoying her figure things out on her own.
“By the end of this you’re going to pay.” she said eyes narrowed in a play glair. She nudged the ball with her stick trying her best to guide it though it quickly found its way off her stick and she had to move from the center to get it going back in her direction again.
“Don’t take all day!” he said still smiling at her.
“I kind of hate you right now.” she said slowly making her way towards him again gaining a bit more control. “We don’t play hockey in West Virginia, we just kick tin cans in our bare feet.” she joked finally getting close enough to take a shot. She went top shelf in the upper left of the net on accident with it sailing by him. “Ohhhhhh… look at that! You aren’t going to mock me now are you?” she asked hands in the air her own goal celebration happening.
“He wasn’t expecting her to shoot it high and took his turn to glair at her. “I think you play bad to fool me.” he gathered the ball with his stick bringing it out to her. “If we pass a bit you will get the fell better.” he said handing her the ball moving to the other side of the deck.

“Ok, ok… and I wasn’t faking. The damn thing rolls and not where I want it to.” she said nudging the ball with just enough force for it to get to him. He took a few steps with it nodding for her to keep pace which she did. He sent it back her way and she got it on her stick but wasn’t able to control it sending it back behind him. He easily gathered it up and they continued to work up and down the deck till she could make and receive passes at a jog.
“Ok, ok water break.” she said half an hour in. “You’re a slave driver.” she teased heading for the bench where they had left their things.
“You are a fast learner. I dared not to stop in fear you lose what you have learned.” he bumped into her at the bench forcing her to spill her water down her front. Thankfully she hadn’t worn a white shirt but rather a light blue one. Her bra could vaguely be seen through it but it could have been a whole lot worse.

Sarah immediately turned to him squirting him in the chest with the water left in her bottle. “That’s what you get!” she joked looking over his wet shirt seeing how it clung to his muscles. He had a pretend horrified face that immediately went to a smile as he shook out his shirt wringing the water from it. Sarah did her best to dry out too eventually giving up.
“You will be ok by the end of tonight. A few more times you will be good enough to come play in my friend charity game in Montreal this summer.” He opened the Gatorade taking a drink a bit being sure to step away from her just incase.
“Oh I wouldn’t spill that on you. I’m a goof but not mean.” She was fanning her shirt away from her skin it hopes it wouldn’t stick quite as bad. He didn’t seem to mind his sticking anymore. She couldn’t help but make a mental note of how his stomach and chest looked with the shirt clinging to it. She had seen him shirtless before but never in a personal setting like this.
Her mental feast of taking him in was cut off as her phone rang on the bench. She glanced at it her face going concerned seeing the area code. “I’m sorry it’s home I need to check this.” she picked up her phone walking a few steps away to answer.
“Hi, yes this is she.” Sarah said her face going concerned. “Ok, Did you call Angus Pearson our Grandfather?” her face was really concerned now. “You’re kidding. No I know you aren’t he would do that.” she heaved a heavy sigh. “Ok, ok I’ll take care of it.” she ended the call turning to him. “This is awful but I need a favor. I have to get home as in to my house get my car and go to West Virginia tonight.”

His brows knit in confusion. “What happened is everything ok?” he asked a concerned hand being placed on her arm.
“Yeah, my brother Rus is in jail. He’s kinda a dumbass.” she said gathering up her things. He followed suit. “And my G-Dad is the one who got him put there.” she sighed turning her full attention to him. “I have to call him in the car and when I have all the facts I’ll explain.” she pretty much could guess what happened but didn’t want to jump to too many conclusion.

Once In the car headed for her place she started to call her Grandfather. “G-Dad hey so Russ got arrested tonight?” she paused rolling her eyes. “Yes, I know you know. They told me you’re the one who called it in.” she sighed running her hand though the bits of hair that had fallen into her face. “No, I’m not sticking up for him he’s a moron but one that we happen to love. I know… I know you just want him to learn a lesson.” She closed her eyes her hand just staying in her hair pulling lightly on the roots. “I’m coming down. I’m going to call the Doctor to get his and your meds ordered. Don’t even pretend you’re taking them. I know you haven’t been… ok… ok. No I’m not going to bail him out. I’ll stop by after I see him. Love you G-Dad.” she finally closed the phone up sighing as they arrived back in the south side.
He looked at her just glancing not wanting to push anything. Though he was curious. This was so much she hadn’t told him about. He knew it took time to know people but jail, medications, odd family terms he’d never heard.
“Ok so my Grandpa raised my Brother and I.” she said turning in her seat so she could see him a bit better as the sun started to go down. “We call him out G-Dad because it seemed more normal at school and he isn’t the oldest of Grandfathers.” she shrugged. “And my brother is kind of an idiot. He’s got an alcohol problem and he’s diabetic. That’s the medication I’m taking him. He doesn’t keep track so he has stupid stuff happen to him passing out in the street and things with his sugar going to low or drinking far to must and being drunk and having dangerously high sugar.” she shrugged they’re my family so I keep track of them.

They arrived back at her apartment and he parked the car. “I want to go with you. You are obviously frustrated and I don’t want you to rush and have something bad happen.” he put the car in park but let it run.
She thought about it glancing at her phone and then back to him. So you’re saying you want to meet my G-Dad is all his glory having just gotten his own Grandson arrested?” she tried to be serious but couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it. “God, we’re so West Virginia.” she said shaking her head. “ok… ok. You can come.”

Chapter 6 Out of My League - Stephen Speaks

Out Of My League - Stephen Speaks

“Purple or green Mal?” Sarah asked as she held the phone between her shoulder and ear as she looked over her two choices for her dinner date. “It’s like a dark eggplant purple or a kind middle of the road faded kelly green.” she said holding up different accessories to each. “Actually hold on…” she put her home phone on speaker picking up her cell to snap a picture to send to her. “See…” she said hearing the message arrive on Mal’s cell.
“Oh eggplant all the way babes with you thick black belt and the long gold keys necklace. Don’t forget the black heels.” Mal said with a chuckle. “And you need to straighten your hair. Light make-up think luminous lids with thin black liner. Natural lip babes.” Sarah had to chuckle. It was nice having a style guru on speed dial.
“Ok Mal thank you for one again keeping me from being a fashion disaster. I will talk to you tomorrow.” Sarah said as she got out her flat iron turning it on to heat up.
“You best remember all the details. For example does he speak English or French in bed…”
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow Mal.” Sarah said with a laugh hanging up the phone putting it back on the base at her bedside table.

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“The dark grey slacks and the medium blue shirt mon ami.” Max said as Kris held the phone to his ear. “Be sure to wear brown shoes too. Nothing worse than black shoes and brown pants.” Max explained.
“ Are you sure? I do not want to look stupid.” Kris said running a hand though his wet hair. He was picking her up in an hour and did not want to be late or look like an idiot.
“Mon ami do I ever look unfashionable?” Max asked. Kris could crush Max’s image mentioning the crushed velvet suit or any number of the weird facial hair styles he had over the years but he let his friend continue on blissfully unaware of these fashion faxu pas. “Relax and enjoy. She is a good girl. One of the best ones you’ve ever picked.” it was obvious Max was being called away from the phone. “Have fun tonight. Be sure to tell me what she sounds like…”

Kris didn’t give him a chance to finish the thought as Kris hung up the phone. He wasn’t going to add that pressure to the evening just yet.

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She checked her phone knowing he had to be on his way. She was finally on make-up as she did her best to smudge the thinnest line of eyeliner ever into her lashes. “I hate you make-up…” she grumbled as she worked the tiny brush along her lashes. The door bell rang just as she was putting on lip gloss. She picked up her shoes and small clutch purse heading down the steps. “One sec…” she called loud enough knowing he could hear her. She hopped along trying to put her heels on only to send her clattering against the door. “Yes I just fell down no laughing when I open up.” she said not able to contain her own laughter as she opened the door for him finally having gotten her shoes on properly. “So lets just pretend that never happ…” she trailed off as she lifted her head to look at him. “Wow, you look awesome. Nott hat you don’t look awesome all the time but yeah I’m going to shut up now.” she said running a hand though her perfectly straight hair.

Little did she know he was having the same kind of nervous glitches. He had been experiencing horrid road rage as he made his way to her apartment. Thankfully he could yell at people in French so they didn’t know exactly what he was saying but he was sure they got his tone. On the way to her door he checked his fly to make sure I was up as he step-dad had taught him only to find it was down and his shirt was poking out. Thankfully he caught that one before she could have. Finally at her door or more what he thought was her door. He rang only to find the elderly neighbors open up. “Oh you must be here for Sarah. Aren’t you a handsome one. You better be nicer than that Doctor he was a right bastard.” the neighbors explained. “We didn’t like him with all his shouting and the way he threw her around. We called the police on him a few times though she never pressed charges.” she paused bringing her hand to her mouth. “Oh I’ve said to much.” Really she had said everything she wanted to subtly warning this new man in Sarah’s life that she wasn’t afraid of calling the police on him. Her mission was accomplished.

“No, I have met him. He is not a nice man.” Kris said trying to keep the details of meeting Sarah’s ex and his opinion on him to a minimum. “I should go. Sarah expecting me.” he said pointing to the door a few steps to his left.”
“Have fun. With that accent and hair… you’re a keeper.” she said checking him out up and down one last time.
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“You clean up nice.” She said opening her door taking the sight of him in without looking at him like a piece of hunky meat. “I mean you always smell great and I know you’re clean…” she lowered her head smiling at her own awkwardness. “I’ll be quiet now.”
“You are beautiful. Always beautiful.” he offered his hand and she took it the light breeze ruffling their hair. She hadn’t had a guy say that to her without some kind of caveat or a back-handedness to it. He waited patiently for her to lock her door before leading the way to his car being the constant gentleman opening the door for her and everything.

The trip to the restaurant was short since it was only two miles as the crow flies from her apartment. “This is my mother’s favorite place when she comes to visit.” he explained as the walked the short distance from the parking place he had found. “She say it is how she would cook for me if she was a good cook.” he chuckled remembering her say it as he opened the door for her letting her pass through first.
“It smells amazing in here.” she said taking a deep breath in smelling fresh bread and the delicious scents of food meeting heat. The were seated and Kris ordered a bottle of wine for them sending her into a trance of some kind as she watched and listened to him speak with total confidence. His English was fantastic but he never sounded as confidant as he did just then speaking his native tongue.
“So what does your Mom recommend?” Sarah asked looking over the menu her eyes immediately landing on a chicken and mushroom dish. Thankfully it was on the short list of favorites he listed off.

“I met your Neighbor.” he said once water and wine was brought to the table and their orders taken.
“Oh you poor guy.” Sarah said rolling her eyes. “You’re lucky she didn’t try and invite you in only to molest you or something. She’s a cougar though and through.” she couldn’t help but smile thinking of poor Kris in Mrs. Charles’ clutches. Her elderly neighbor was quite a character reminding Sarah of a mixture of Sophia and Blanche from the Golden Girls.
“She gave me that look. The look of wanting to eat me.” he said getting the phrase a bit confused but his point came across clear.
“Oh she’d do more than eat you.” Sarah said with a good laugh. “You’re a handsome hunk of man she’d take you right upstairs given the chance.” She blushed knowing she called him a handsome hunk of man without thinking about her word choice.
Dinner went smoothly with conversation flowing easily. They chatted about friends and how they got to be where they are now. Even music came up. “Really Korn and Metallica?” she asked tilting her head looking at him a bit like a confused puppy. “I wouldn’t have guessed that. I mean I don’t know what I would have guessed but not that.” she was picking at the left over rice on her plate finally covering it with her napkin so she would leave it alone.

“I would not expect you to like techno indie.” he said his own shock coming out.
“Hey I like anything from Jay-Z to Passion Pit with stops at Neil Diamond and musical theater in between. Really it’s anything but country and the scary screaming.” she explained. “You don’t mock my weird playlists and I won’t mock your tough guy anthems.” she said smiling as she took a sip of her wine.
The waiter came back to the table asking about desert but Kris declined for them. The waiter left again to get their check. “if it is ok we go back to mine? I have something special.” he explained.
All Sarah could do was nod yes and wonder what he had planned. With the bill paid they headed out to Kris’ car. She shivered the night having settled in. “May I?” he asked putting his arm around her. She was hesitant at first but he was warm and holding her close so she let her body drift closer to his as they walked.

“Thanks.” she said as she opened the car door for her once again. “You’re really warm. It’s a good thing. Men are supposed to be slightly warmer than women.” Leave it to Sarah to put in a technical fact.
She remembered how to get to his place for the most part though it was ncie to see it completely sober and not drunk or hung over. “She remembered the basics of his apartment the layout not having changed.
“Relax take your shoes off.” he encouraged slipping his own dress shoes off by the door. She did the same walking on his hardwood floors in her bare feet.
“I missed these last time.” she said drifting to the floor to ceiling windows to look out at his view. She could hear him clanging around in the kitchen doing something as she looked out on the city she loved.
“It is heating now.” he said joining her by the windows. “It is a beautiful view. I am lucky.” he said brushing a stray bit of her hair from her face his hand moving to cup her chin as he stepped into her personal space. It was shocking how gentle he was with her as he brought his lips to hers in a delicate kiss. It made her knees go week forcing her to hold onto him as the kiss unfolded opening up as she brought her body closer to his encouraging him as her hands found his shoulder and side to steady herself.
He pulled away slowly and she was left there in a beautiful haze. “Good kiss.” she mumbled her hand moving to her own bottom lip feeling it was slightly swollen with increased blood flow from their contact.

He chuckled at her reaction. “Thank you.” he said pushing his own hair out of his face before leaning in to kiss her again. He held her a bit tighter things slowly starting to simmer more and more till they were interrupted by the sound of a timer going off in the kitchen. He groaned letting his lips slip away from hers. “Desert is ready. Sit I will bring it out.” he said a smile wide on his face as he slowly backed away to the kitchen.
“Really?” she said seeing him exit the kitchen with an extremely distinctive piece of cookware. He was carrying a fondue pot on a tray with fruit and mini marshmallows on it along with the dipping sticks. “That is so freaking cool.” she said with a big grin as he put the tray down on the coffee table.
“It is my favorite. My Mother makes better but I try.” he said with a shrug handing her dipping stick. He speared himself a strawberry dipping it in the chocolate. Sarah went for the pineapple first.

“This is pretty awesome.” she said a few bites in. “I’ve never actually done this before.” she explained covering her mouth as she put a marshmallow in her mouth.
“Special occasion favorite.” he said going in for his own marshmallow.
“Oh I’m a special occasion am I?” she jokingly asked.
“I like you very much.” he said taking her question seriously. “Ever since I saw you on the table. Not just because Max says you have nice legs.”
“Remind me to smack him for that one.” she playfully narrowed her eyes making him laugh. It was nice being able to relax and make someone laugh by being herself rather than feeling like she was putting on a show.
The rest of the night went smoothly till they had nearly cleared the tray. “I don’t think I can eat anymore.” she said relaxing back into his sofa.
“Myself either.” he said leaning back next to her his eyes meeting hers. “I know I will see you on Monday. When can I see you like this again?” he asked motioning between the two of them.
She nodded thinking. She knew they could never be like this at work. It would be the opposite of professional. “Next Friday. You have the day off I have the day off.” she shrugged. “I think that would be the best time. I mean we can still hang out but I think it will more than likely be with the other guys or they’ll really know. Not that I don’t want them to know but you know we should keep things private.” she explained.
He just nodded. “Yes, down low would be best.” he agreed. “Friday we go out again. Something fun.” he added with a smile. “I will make a plan.”

The night came to an end at 1am when they finally yawned enough leading him to drive her back to her home. The stood at her door kissing. “I would really like to invite you in but I think that would be slutty.” she mumbled against his lips.
“Not slutty.” he said his lips smiling against hers. “But I should go home. I am hanging out with Geno tomorrow. He likes to get an early start.” Kris explained.
Sarah nodded stepping back into her open door. He followed her pressing his lips to hers one last time. “Rest well I will see you Monday.” he ran a hand through his hair before smiling and heading down the steps. “Have a good night.” he added as he got into his car.
“I had a great time.” she shouted a bit to loud cringing in worry she woke her neighbors up. “I can’t wait till next weekend.”