11.30.2008

Chapter 56

When Sidney made his way to her, Karen smiled and started to swim away. He kept after her, but she was a little quicker.

"Why do you keep backing away baby?"

"Why do you keep coming towards me?"

"Well who decided to jump in naked?"

"Well who never told me I had to get my suit on to join them?"

"Why do we keep asking questions we both know the answers to?"

"Why don't you just take off your shorts and even the playing field?"

"Is that what it'll take to get you to come to me?"

Karen started laughing because of all the questions they kept spouting to one another "yes."

Sidney swam over to the pier and Karen saw the shorts thrown onto it. She smiled when she saw him swim back over to her. As he got closer to her, Karen made a move to swim away, but Sidney caught her arm and pulled her to him.

"It's not nice to try and fool me baby."

"I wasn't trying to fool you. I was just making you come get me."

"Well I got you."

"Yes you did but now what are you going to do with me since you got me?"

"It's more like doing something with you then to you."

"Then what are we going to do?"

"Like you need to ask baby" Sidney said before kissing her. They were treading water as Karen wrapped her legs around Sidney's waist. As Karen felt Sidney stretch her to fit him, she gasped a sharp breath. He wrapped his arms around her back and held her close to his body as he began to move. Karen loved how the limited movements between them turned them on more then when Sidney pounded into her. He began to move faster until Karen came. Sidney rocked his hips into her for a few more minutes until he came hard, looking directly into his girlfriend's eyes as he did.

"That was certainly different" Karen said.

"Different good or different bad?"

"Definitely good, but I've been here for how many days and we are just now discovering this?"

"I guess I'm saving the best for last. Are you still mad about me winning earlier?"

"Um, if you think back to April who beat who in their first meeting?"

"That would make us even then huh?"

"I figured you would see it that way. We may need one more game to see who the true winner is."

"We may need to wait until I get back."

"Oh I get it. You want to get training camp underway so you can refresh your skills."

"Baby, my skills don't need refreshed as you saw it today."

"Ok, first of all, don't be an ass. Second, you got lucky today stud, that's all it was."

"If that's what you need to get through the day baby just keep telling yourself that."

Karen smiles and removes herself from Sidney grip "I will keep telling myself that and you need to remind yourself about what just happened so you can replay it over and over again for the next couple of days." She started swimming back to the pier and Sidney went after her.

"What's that suppose to mean?" he asked watching her climb out and grab the towel, wrapping it around her.

"Just that you'll need your memories to keep you warm at night, especially these next few days." Karen picked up her clothes and turned around blowing Sidney a kiss. She smiled and the dropped the towel, walking back to the house naked knowing his eyes wouldn't leave her body.

"Damn you baby, that's not playing fair" Sidney yelled after her.

Karen got to the house and laughed knowing Sidney wouldn't be far behind. She went upstairs and got the shower going, stepping in. Sidney got out and put his shorts back on before running into the house. He went to his bedroom and heard the shower going. He took off his shorts and went towards the shower, opening the curtan as quiet as he could. Sidney saw Karen standing there rinsing her hair and he just stepped in, leaned up against the wall and took in her body. He watched the water cascade down her tone body. To look at her, one would not think she played hockey or was in her 30s. He saw the water glisten off the tan glow her skin had and the faint tan lines around her round breasts, thinking she had at some point laid out without her top on. His eyes scanned down to her tight stomach then to her well toned legs. Sidney's eyes started back up only to be met with Karen's eyes staring at him.

"May I help you sir?" Sidney didn't respond with words, instead he walked up and kissed her with one of the most passionate kiss they had ever shared. He started to push her up against the wall but Karen stopped him "wait".

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, just get your shower and then meet me in the bedroom" Karen said then kissed him and got out of the shower. She wrapped a towel around her and went in search of what she needed while Sidney was occupied.

Sidney got out of the shower and grabbed a towel, putting it around his waist. He walked into the bedroom and saw the lights were off except for the candles around the room. Sidney looked at the bed and saw Karen lying there naked, waiting for him. He walked closer to the bed, dropping the towel and lying directly on top of her.

"Like your surprise?"

"Absolutely."

Karen realized that Sidney was still dripping wet from his shower "why didn't you dry off?"

"I couldn't wait to be with you, guess I got a little over anxious."

"But the sheets are going to be soaking wet?"

"So we'll change them before we actually go to sleep....whenever that may be."

That was the last thing said before Sidney dove in for a kiss. He captured her lips, letting his tongue lightly caress her bottom lip waiting nervously to be granted access. Karen soon parted her lips to let their tongues meet and get tangled up with each other, speaking volumes of what they were feeling for the other. Sidney's knee came inbetween her legs, parting them so he could fit comfortably closer to her. Karen felt one of his hands graze her thigh before covering her mound, feeling his fingers slide into her. He began pumping them in and out, hearing moans and whimpers come out of her mouth turning him on more. Karen felt Sidney grow harder against her thigh and in one swift moment he removed his fingers replacing them with his throbbing, hard cock.

"Oh god" she gasped out when Sidney slid inside her.

"Mmm, baby. You always feel so good to me."

"Don't stop Sid."

"Never baby."

Sidney kept up his pace, thrusting into her as hard as he could get without hurting her until her body couldn't take it anymore. Karen felt her body start to shake and tense up knowing her orgasm was building inside her. As she hit her peak, Karen dug her fingernails into Sidney's back and moaned out for him. Sidney felt the tightness around him making him go faster and bring himself over the edge to join her. Karen heard him grunt before feeling the hot sensation fill her. He slowed his thrusts until he was done, then laid still with his forehead against hers.

"I love you Karen. No matter how many times we express it to each other, my love for you will never die."

"I love you too Sid. That's all I want right now, just for you to love me."

Sidney kissed her, then rolled off pulling her to him "that's all we need baby. Get some sleep." Karen got as close to him as possible, resting her head on his chest and falling into a peaceful sleep listening to his heartbeat. Sidney laid there for a minute stroking her hair before falling asleep himself.

11.27.2008

Chapter 55

Sidney took her to an indoor rink and when they went in, Karen saw the display cases that held jerseys from the teams Sidney played for.

"Is there anyplace in Canada that doesn't have a shrine to you?" Karen said trying to hide her smirk.

"I'm sure there are some places that don't, can't help it if I'm a hockey god."

"Man you are so cocky."

Sidney pulled her up against him "would you really like me to show you how cocky I can be?" he said whispering in her ear.

"I have no doubt you will show me later" Karen turned around and kissed him "but I want that fine ass on the ice first."

Sidney smiled then kissed her before taking her to ice level. They got their skates on, each grabbing a stick and heading on to the ice.

"Are you sure you can play if it's not your stick? Won't the world end in chaos now?" Karen said skating onto the ice with Sidney right behind her.

"You know what baby, you're playing with fire with talk like that."

They get to center ice and he puts the puck on the ice, getting in a face off stance "well let's see which one of us gets burned then."

"What are we playing for?" he asked her.

"What do you want if you win?"

"What do you want?"

"I'll tell you after I win."

Sidney just smiled and they hit sticks three times before vying for the puck. Sidney overpowered her and took the puck, skating around with it. Karen watched his every move and made one of her own by reaching her stick out and poking the puck away. She skated towards the net and made a move to shoot when Sidney got in front of the net and got his stick out to poke it away. They both raced into the corner and fought to get the puck out. When it came free, they skated towards it. Sidney grabbed a hold of Karen's waist with one arm and went for the puck. Karen dug her stick in there and Sidney slashed his stick on top of hers. Karen lifted her stick up to get his off of it but ended up hooking one of Sidney's skates and making him fall down.

"That is so 2 minutes for tripping" he said sitting on the ice.

"You slashed me first, where's you're penalty?"

Sidney got up and skated right up to her. He didn't say anything but lifted his arm and pointed towards the penalty box. Karen just looked at him and leaned up to him where she was inches from his lips.

"Fine. I'll got sit for 2 minutes" Karen skated to the box. When she stepped in, she turned back to Sidney "have fun playing by yourself."

"You'll only be in there for 2 minutes baby."

"I didn't mean for next 2 minutes only stud."

Karen sat down and crossed her arms over her chest, watching Sidney skate around and take shots at the net. He came over to the penalty box and Karen didn't make a move to get up.

"You're time's up. You can come back out to finish playing now" Sidney said opening the door.

"I'm not playing with you cheater" she said still sitting there.

"Baby, come on" he said sitting beside her. Sidney smiled and leaned in to kiss her neck "please finish the game with me?"

"Begging is not going to put you back on my good side Crosby" Karen said standing up and leaving the box, skating over by the net.

Sidney skated after her and stood behind her "are you really mad at me baby?" he asked as he put am arm around her, pulling her to him.

"Yes I am."

"Is there anything I can do to make you not mad at me?"

Karen smiled to herself and lifted her arm pointing to the penalty box. "I believe you have a 2 minute penalty for slashing to serve."

Sidney turned her around to face him "can I serve my 2 minutes another way?"

"And what way is that?"

He skated them over to the benches and went in. He sat down and brought Karen down on his lap so she was straddling him "I think I am going to like serving this penalty."

"You know if you would have served it the same time as mine, we could have done this in the penalty box" Karen pointed out.

"Now you mention it." Karen leans in and kisses him as she felt his hands roam up her back and then back down to her butt, keeping them there to hold her on his lap. "Am I forgiven?" Sidney said pulling away from her lips.

"I haven't decided that yet."

"Maybe I can entice you a little more."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

"I have a few ideas."

"Care to share any of them with me?"

"I will later...after we finish the game."

Karen got off Sidney's lap "nice way to spoil the mood there. Is there room for anything else in that brain of yours that isn't hockey related" she said before skating off.

Sidney skated after her confused "what just happened here?"

"You want to finish the game, let's just finish it."

They continued their game and Sidney realized making Karen upset just made her play better. Each met the other's moves and played hard. Any goals that were scored was by chance or luck as they kept on each other. With the score tied 4-4 and playing to 5, Sidney made a move and caught Karen off guard and scored the 5th goal. Karen just watched him do a mini celebration and shook her head, skating to the bench.

Sidney soon joined her "I don't think anyone has ever challenged me that hard that wasn't in an actual game."

"You underestimate my abilities then. Congratulations" Karen left the ice and headed to the locker room. She was taking off her skates and putting her shoes back on when Sidney came in. When he sat down to take his skates off, Karen got up and walked into the bathroom, leaving Sidney to watch her walk away. A couple minutes later Karen came back and picked up her skates to only have Sidney reach out and grab them to carry them for her. She just smiled at him and they headed out. The car ride back to Sidney's house was quiet and he didn't want to press anything until he was sure of what was going on. After they pulled up to the house and he parked the car, they got out and went inside.

"I'm going to make something to eat. Do you want anything?" she asked him.

"I'll have whatever you're having."

When Karen went into the kitchen, Sidney went to put the skates away and change clothes. He came back down and Karen had brought in two plates with sandwiches and some chips and was coming back with two bottles of water. After she put the bottles down, Sidney grabbed her as she stood back up.

"What are you mad about?"

"I'm not mad. It was a game and I lost, not like it was a blow out or anything. We both played hard, you just got the winning goal."

"That's not it. It was when I changed it back to wanting to finish playing." Sidney saw Karen's eyes drop away from his and she moved back, taking a seat on the arm of the couch.

"It was the first time you did that. I'm the one usually to push you away because you would be late for practice or something, but when you did it and we were just playing around it threw me off guard."

Sidney walked over and knelt down in front of her "when I said that my intentions were to finish the game so we could come back here and finish the other. I meant it no other way, I swear."

"I know. It just scared me for a minute that you could slip away from me that easily."

"Neither one of us is going anywhere ok?" He saw Karen nod her head in response before he leaned up and kissed her softly. They pulled apart and went to sit down to eat.

A few hours later, they were watching tv when Sidney got up and went upstairs. Karen just watched him with confusion and went back to the tv. A few minutes had past and Sidney came back down wearing his swim shorts and carrying a towel. He walked past the living room and blew Karen a kiss before heading outside. She sat there and smiled to herself before heading outside too. She walked down to the pier and watched him swim around.

"Did you not want me to join you?"

"I don't remember saying that. It's up to you if you want to join me."

Sidney saw Karen turn around and thought she would go get her suit on as well. What he didn't expect was that she turned back around to face him and took off her shirt, throwing it down. Next to go was her knit pants and Sidney thought she would just jump in with her underwear on. He was wrong when Karen reached behind her and unhooked her bra, letting it fall off her arms and down to the pier. She put her thumbs in the waistband of her panties and slowly took them off her hips and down her legs. As Karen stepped out of them, Sidney's eyes widen at the naked sight of her and couldn't believe she did that. Karen dove in and came up near Sidney.

"Mind if I join you?"

Sidney made a move to close the gap between them "I don't mind at all baby."

11.22.2008

Chapter 54

After they were done eating, Karen got up and kissed Sidney on his cheek.

"Since I made dinner stud, you're cleaning up."

As she walked away, Sidney grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap "just where do you think you're going?"

"In the living room."

"You're seriously not going to help me?" he said as he added a pout.

"Ok, I'll put the leftover in containers and then in the fridge, but you are putting the dishes in the dishwasher."

"You drive a hard bargain baby." Karen made a move to get up but Sidney's grip got tighter on her waist "everything can wait a few more minutes" he said before connecting his lips to hers.

"This is not getting everything cleaned up."

"What's the rush?"

"The faster we clean up, the more time we can do this."

"Well when you put it that way, why are you holding me up from getting the dishes done" he said as he pushed Karen off his lap. He got up and grabbed some of the dishes, putting them in the sink. Karen put the remaining food in containers and put them away. She was about to leave the kitchen but went over to Sidney and kissed his cheek before going to the living room.

About 20 minutes later, Sidney came into the living room and sat next to Karen. She was watching a movie and was very into it. Sidney smiled to himself as he put his hand on Karen's thigh and began to move it up. Karen turned her head and shot him a look before going back to the tv. A minute later, Sidney started moving his hand again and this time it was on her stomach and making its way under her shirt. Karen put her hand over Sidney's to stop him and gave him another look.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm not doing anything."

"Really? Then why is your hand under my shirt and moving up?"

"It doesn't have to be there. I can put it somewhere else you know."

"You never asked me if I wanted your hand on me to begin with."

Sidney removed his hand and turned his attention to the tv "you'll be begging for me to put my hands on you later and I might not be in the mood then."

"If you say so" Karen smiled as she went back to watching tv.

Sidney was flipping through the channels and he kept it on a movie that was showing a very erotic love scene. Karen just sat there smiling, knowing that Sidney was about to cave in without her needing to do anything to him. Out of the corner of her eye, Karen saw Sidney's hand make a move of wanting to touch her but get drawn back. She knew this was going to be fun.

"You really hate to lose at any type of game huh?"

"But the game you're playing isn't a fair one baby."

"Me? You're the one who stopped on the channel with the sex."

Sidney leaned over to her, letting his lips graze her ear as he whispered "it's suppose to entice you."

"It is, but I'm not giving in. I want to win at least one game I play with you" she whispered back.

"Maybe we could call a truce?"

"Does that mean we both win or lose?"

"Oh we will both definitely win."

Karen turned and looked at him, making their lips almost touch "I think we need to head to bed. I don't want you tired for your photo shoot tomorrow." She got up and started to walk out of the room.

"But it's early, only 8:47p?" he said stopping her before she left the room.

Karen turned around to look at him "exactly". She walked up the steps and laughed hearing Sidney rush around to turn off the tv and lock up, running up the steps to catch her before she got to the bedroom. Sidney grabbed her and picked her up before putting her on the bed with his body completely covering hers.

"You should always know by now that I will always catch you."

Karen took all her strength and rolled them over onto his back "and you should always know that I will do whatever I want." When she said that, Karen kissed him and put his arms over his head. She reached down for his shirt and pulled it up over his head. Karen kissed him again but left his lips and made her way down to his chest, going straight for the top of his shorts. She placed kisses along the top of the shorts as she unbuttoned them. As Karen unzipped them, she brought them down his hips and took them completely off. Sidney was laying there in only his boxers and when Karen made her way to pull them off, he grabbed her arms and brought her up to him so they were face to face again. He rolled them back over so he was on top. Sidney did the same to her that she did to him. He reached down and pulled her shirt over her head, then undid her shorts and pulled them down her legs. He crawled back up her body, kissing from her stomach up to her breasts. Karen started to pull his boxers off his hips while he was unhooking her bra. He removed it and threw it on the floor, getting up and taking her underwear with him. Sidney took off his boxers then got back on top of her.

"Apparently we both will do whatever we want to get what we want."

Sidney dipped his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth and sucked on it. Karen arched her back into his mouth and brought her hand to his head. After he was done pleasing one, he moved to the other and paid the same amount of attention to it. Karen moved her hand down to his cock and started to massage him as he continued to suck on Karen’s nipple. The feelings they both had were an incredible rush going through their bodies. Sidney couldn't stand it any longer and moved her hand off of him. Karen spread her legs open and wrapped them around his waiting for him to enter her. When he did, Karen inhaled a sharp breath when she felt Sidney slide all the way inside her. She felt him move with her wetness coating every inch of him. He continued pounding into her and knew she was enjoying it by the way she was whimpering at him to not stop. Karen told Sidney to go harder and he would oblige by coming all the way out and slamming into her, making her moan out after each thrust. The faster Sidney went the more Karen moaned her feelings for him. She moved her hands to his hips and dug her fingernails into his skin when her orgasm hit her. Sidney felt the tightness around him and thrusted a few more times before succumbing to his own orgasm, giving her everything he had. He dipped his head down and kissed her while he pulled out and rolled to his side, bringing her with him. Karen settled into his nook, her hand lightly moving over his chest.

"If we lose anything in this relationship, I pray to god it isn't this."

"So basically, we can lose our conversation ability but as long as the sex is great, we'll stay together?"

"Well we need something to base it on, why not sex."

"You are insane."

"I think we've already determined that I am insane for you."

"That we have. Now get some sleep so you don't look tired tomorrow."

"Alright baby. I love you" he said kissing her head.

"I love you too" she said back by snugging into him more.

The next morning, they got up and went to where the photo shoot was being held. Karen stayed in the back of everyone since she didn't want to be in the way. She was able to watch everything and would smile to herself when Sidney would pose certain ways that brought out his natural sexyness. Between shots, Sidney would throw a smile or a wink towards Karen to make sure she was still glad to be there. After 2 hours, Sidney told the photographer that he wanted a picture with Karen. He went to get her and took her to the changing room.

"Are you done?"

"For them, yes but not for us. I want one picture, well maybe two or three."

"And I have to wear what?" she said smiling.

Sidney held up a Reebok sweatshirt with his clothing line logo on it "please?"

"I love it when you beg but I might need more to go on."

Sidney took the hint and pulled her to him, letting their lips come together in a fiery kiss. He broke the kiss and looked at her "well?"

"Yeah that certainly did it." Karen took the sweatshirt from him and put it on.

They walked out and got postitioned. The photographer let Sidney stand how he wanted them. The first one was Karen standing with her back to Sidney's chest and his arms around her. The second one, Karen was on Sidney's back and took his hat, putting it on her head backwards. The third and final one, Sidney had Karen facing him and the way they were looking at each other, all the love they had for each other filled their eyes. After the photographer snapped the picture, Sidney put his lips to her forehead and Karen had closed her eyes. They didn't realize he snapped that picture as well. Everyone thanked Sidney for his time and they headed out. Karen was taking off the sweatshirt when Sidney found her.

"I had hoped you would have left that on."

"Um, it's like 80 degrees outside. Not the perfect weather for a sweatshirt."

"Well would you keep it anyways?"

"Sure, I need something to wear when I work in the garden when I plant my fall bulbs." Karen saw the look on his face "I'm kidding. I would love to keep it and wear it when it starts to get cold, especially when you're on long road trips and I start to miss you."

Sidney wrapped his arms around her "thank you for coming with me today."

"There was no other place I had to be. Thank you for inviting me."

"You were easier to deal with then if my dad was here. It would have taken longer because he would have debated every shot."

"From what I saw, there was nothing to debate. You're a natural when it comes to all this."

"Yeah, but most days I wish to just be playing hockey."

"You know what, that sounds like fun. Any place we can go that would still have ice during the summer?"

"Baby, you're in Canada. There is always ice."

"Care to play a game with me?"

"Are you kidding? But you know you have to wear these" he said picking up a pair of Reebok skates that were conveniently her size "I made sure they had a pair for you."

"I guess I can try them and see if they're any good."

"You're impossible, you know that."

"Yep. Now let's go."

Sidney just laughed at her and picked up the skates as they left. Sidney knew exactly where to take her to have fun.

11.19.2008

Chapter 53

"If Jack told you, why would you need me to re-tell you what she said?"

"Because I would like to hear it from you."

Karen got up and started pacing. Sidney realized she did this when something was bothering her. He just sat back and watched her, waiting for her to get out what she needed.

"Your mom told me that it would be best if I broke up with you the day I leave so you could concentrate on your training here and when you get back to Pittsburgh. She said that she didn't realize how right your dad was about this relationship and that training camp will go better for you if I wasn't in the picture." Sidney saw her tears and got up to try and hold her, but Karen stepped back "there's something else. I told your mom that if you didn't want me around it had to come from you and only you. She said that after you returned to Pittsburgh it would come from you. Now do you see why I didn't tell you?"

Sidney took her arms and pulled her towards him, wrapping her up in a tight hug "I'm so sorry baby." He pulled back and looked into her eyes "are you thinking about doing what they want?"

"If I took their advice to do what they wanted I wouldn't have waited until the day I leave Sid, I would have left yesterday. I hope that now that you know you take it as a sign that what they want isn't what I want."

"I know that baby" he said pulling her back into his chest until she calmed down. After a few minutes of holding her, Sidney let her go and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I'll be back in a little bit."

"Sid don't, please. You confronting them is not going to change their minds, it's only going to make them hate me more because I told you instead of not saying anything. I have three days left, can't we just forgot about this and just be together until I leave?"

"I'll be back." Sidney kissed her before walking out.

Karen heard him leave and sat down on the couch with her head in her hands "what did I just do?" she told herself before getting up and going to find something to drink to calm her nerves.

Sidney was angry but he couldn't let Karen see exactly how angry he was. He knew it wasn't her fault but he didn't want to end up taking out on her. Sidney didn't want to confront his parents until after she left, but didn't know if that was going to be possible. He continued to drive around until he could let enough anger go.

Two hours had past and Karen was getting worried. Sidney wasn't back yet and she feared the worse. She stopped pacing around the house when she saw him pull up. Karen went to the bathroom to splash some water on her face, coming back to see Sidney walk through the door.

"You ok? You've been gone a while, I was getting worried about what you might have done."

"I had to go pick up something" Sidney pulled out a bouquet of a dozen roses from behind his back and handed them to Karen. She took them, smiling as she closed her eyes and smelled the sweet scent. "Hope you like them."

"I love them" she put them down to her side and walked up to him "and I love you."

"I love you too" Sidney leaned down and kissed her lips softly. "I didn't go see my parents. I just drove around to clear my head. I couldn't come back and be that angry at them and end up taking it out on you."

"I appreciate that but you need to talk to them after you've calmed down about this."

"I'm just going to wait until after you leave, ok? You're right, I don't want any more heat on you from them while you're here. These last few days are about us...well except for half of tomorrow."

"What are you talking about?"

"My dad set up a photo shoot with Reebok tomorrow for a couple hours."

"That's ok. Just don't bring me any clothes or skates or anything with their logo on it."

"You are too cruel for words. Just for that, I am bringing back a truckload of stuff for you to take back home" he said laughing.

"Do whatever you want, but at least I got a laugh out of you."

"That you did baby." Sidney brought his hand up and caressed her cheek "when we got together, I swear I never thought it would be like this with them. I pictured it completely different."

"Have they liked any girl you brought home while you were playing?"

"I thought they did. They hid it well but you are the first one they've been outspoken about."

"Or I've just been the first one that could truly be a threat to your career."

"What? You're agreeing with them now?"

"I'm not agreeing with them, but I do see their intentions. They see me as a threat to your career because you want to split your time between me and hockey when it's all been about hockey until now."

"Maybe, but they still don't need to treat you like they did. They could've just been nice and complained after you left."

Karen smiled and kissed his cheek "I think they'll do that anyway. Are we going to be ok these next few days and when you come back?"

"We'll be better than ok baby, we'll be perfect."

"Ok. Why don't you go relax while I put these in water and I will make you something special for dinner."

"Really? You naked laying on the table with only whipped cream covering certain areas?"

Karen shook her head not knowing what to say "maybe we'll play that game later, but I will be making actual food to eat first."

"I don't care when we play, because we will play...later."

"It's what I look forward to every night I spend with you. Now go relax and I will call you when dinner's ready."

Sidney kissed her before he let her go into the kitchen to start dinner. He walked into the living room and laid down on the couch, turning on the tv and settling in on a movie. About a half hour into the movie, Sidney's cell phone rang. He looked at it seeing it was his dad and answered it.

"Hey dad."

"Hey Sid. Just wanted to remind you about tomorrow."

"Yeah, I remembered."

"I was thinking that I would go with you. How about I come by and pick you up?"

"No, that's ok."

"Let me go with you, it'll be like old times."

Karen walked into the living room to get Sidney for dinner when she saw him talking on his cell phone. She stood in the doorway and listened.

"I really don't need or want you there. Besides, Karen's going with me."

"Sid I don't think..."

"I don't care what you think right now dad. She's going with me and if you want to know how it went, I'll call you when I get back tomorrow." Sidney looked and saw Karen standing there "dad I need to go, Karen made dinner and I would like to go enjoy it with her. I'll talk to you later."

"Alright son, talk to you soon."

"Bye dad" Sidney said as he hung up and put his phone on the table.

"Do I want to know?" Karen asked.

"He just called to remind me about tomorrow."

"And now I am going with you?"

"I told him that so he wouldn't go, but if you want to come with me I would love it if you did."

"Could be fun watching them primp you. Are you sure you want me there?"

Sidney got up and walked over to her "definitely. Besides, maybe we could take a couple pics together after I'm done."

"You would do anything to get me in a shirt that has the Reebok logo on it huh?"

"Anything and everything baby."

"Ok then, I'm going to go eat dinner. Care to join me?"

"Absolutely."

They walked into the kitchen and ate dinner. They were both laughing at the stories they were telling each other and it felt nice to have a relaxing dinner together.

11.16.2008

Chapter 52

The next morning Karen woke up to Sidney not beside her. She sat up on her elbows and looked at his side of the bed, seeing a note on the pillow. She picked it up and read it.

Went to work out, will be back in a couple of hours. Love you!

Karen smiled then laid back down. She looked at the clocked and decided to get her bathing suit on and lay out until Sidney came back. Karen got up and got ready, getting something light to eat before heading out to the pier. She put her towel down and took off her flip flops, diving into the water. She swam over to the raft and climbed up onto it. Karen just looked around at the scenery before laying down and letting the warm sun dry her off.

Meanwhile at the gym, Sidney and Jack were getting their work outs in and pushing each other to try and out do the others. After a while, they took a break and sat down.

"So what do you think about Karen?" Sidney asked his friend.

"I think she's great. Too bad your parents can't see it."

"I know, I don't know why they can't see what I see."

"Have they actually given you a good enough reason as to why they don't like her?"

"Not really. First my dad thought that since she's older than me she might pressure me into marriage or get pregnant and trap me with a baby."

"After only a few months of dating?"

"Try after a few days of dating. Then he thought that she was after my money and only wanted to be around me because of my fame."

"Sorry man."

"It's ok, I mean as long as we stay together for us and not what they think we'll be ok."

"Hope you mean that."

"What are you talking about Jack?"

"I shouldn't really say anything, but your mom told her to break up with you on the day she leaves so you can concentrate on training camp when you get back."

"She did WHAT?" Sidney said getting angry.

"That was one reason Karen was upset on your birthday. She told me not to tell you but I figured if she didn't say anything then she really did love you but I also wanted you to be prepared incase she did." Sidney was quiet and didn't respond "You ok?"

"Yeah, I mean I can see why she was upset and I thought it was mainly because of what my dad said about her present to me, but that was like the icing on the cake. I can't believe my mom would do that. I thought she actually liked her from how they hit it off on her first night here."

"Maybe if you talk to her about it after you get home she can tell you what she might do. I think that she loves you too much that she's leaving as your girlfriend."

"And after meeting her once you know all this?"

"Sid, look in her eyes. They obviously hold something for you and it's not sadness for an apparent break up in a few days. Come on, one more hour then you can go home to her."

"Now that I like."

They got back to their work out and Sidney tired to push what Jack had said out of his head. He decided he would ask Karen about it and hoped he got the answer he wanted.

When they got done an hour and a half later, Sidney asked Jack if he wanted to get Karen and grab some lunch with them. He agreed and followed Sidney to his house. After they got there, Sidney unlocked the door and called for Karen. They both walked around the house and didn't see her but Jack found a note on the kitchen table.

"I think I found her Sid."

"Where is she?"

"Look outside by the lake" Jack said as he showed him the note.

Hey stud. Went for a swim while you were gone, if I'm not in the house when you get back I might still be down by the lake. If you want me, come find me. Love you!!

"Should I say it again, breaking up with you is not what she wants" Jack says after Sidney read the note out loud.

"I got it Jack, come on."

They head outside and Sidney saw Karen lying on her back on the raft in the lake. He smiled then told Jack he was taking a little swim. Sidney took off his shirt and shoes, then dove in the lake. He swam as quietly as he could over to the raft to try and not let Karen hear him. Unfortunately for him, she did. Karen laid there smiling and waited to see what Sidney would do. Just as Sidney was about to jump up and scare her, Karen rolled over and sat up watching Sidney appear from the water.

"Think you could scare me Crosby?" Karen sat there laughing.

"No fair baby" he said climbing on to the raft to sit by her "you heard me coming."

"Actually, I heard talking and when I looked over, I saw you dive in and kind of had an idea what you were planning" she said standing up.

Sidney stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist "I'll have to try to be more quiet next time."

"Quiet isn't in your vocabulary stud."

"Like I'm the only one."

"Well then you need to quit doing things to make me scream" Karen said as she leaned up to kiss him.


"Could you guys maybe do that later? I would like to go get some lunch" Jack yelled from the pier.

"You brought a friend home."

"Hope you don't mind. I told him we would come to get you then go out for lunch, that is if you're up for it."

"I would love that. But now, I'm not the only one who needs a shower."

"We could always save time and share one."

"And that's saving time how?" Karen saw the smirk appear on his face "I'll make you a deal, we race to the pier for shower privileges."

"You got it and to show you how much of a gentleman I am, I will even give you a head start."

"Don't get all cocky on me. I want a fair race."

Sidney kissed her before they took their place on the edge of the raft. They both agreed on the count of three then they dove in and raced for the pier. Karen kept a good pace and was right beside Sidney until his long reach overtook hers and Sidney reached the pier first. He climbed up onto the pier and reached down to bring Karen up.

"I won, so I guess that means we share the shower."

"You won, I will give you that, but sharing the shower isn't what you won" Karen said grabbing her towel and walking to the house. "Hi Jack, bye Jack."

Sidney walked to catch up to her, but Jack caught his arm first "Ok, that body is what was under all those clothes the other day? Damn man, you get to hit that every night?"

I just lucked out I guess" Sidney said smiling as he went running to the house to try and get to Karen before she got into the shower. He got up to his room and heard the shower going. Sidney smiled when the door was unlocked. He got off his shorts and pulled the curtain back seeing the water running but Karen wasn't in there. He shook his head smiling and got under the water. Before he knew it, the curtain pulled back and Karen came in behind him.

"I thought you said I didn't win a shower with you?"

"If you want to get technical, then you did win a shower with me. Of course if you read between the lines, you could have won something else."

"When have we ever shared a normal shower? I knew what was at stake and I knew whoever won the race, we both would win in the shower."

"Jack is still downstairs waiting for us."

"Then I guess we need to get this shower started."

Karen smiled then kissed Sidney before going under the water to wash her hair. While she was, Sidney got the soap and washed both hers and his bodies. When they were done, Karen moved and Sidney got under to wash his hair. As she stood behind him, all thoughts of wanting to do everything to him was going through her mind. When she looked up his beautiful toned body, she met his eyes. Sidney pushed her up against the wall and kissed her with a heated kiss. Before she could say anything, Sidney picked up her leg and pressed himself against her as he held it on his hip. In one swift motion, he entered her, pushing her harder against the wall. As his thrusts got faster, Sidney found her lips again. He was determined for Karen to see that he didn't want her to make the wrong decision about them. The kiss continued as they each reached their climax. Sidney let her leg go but kept her on the wall, pressing his forehead to hers.

"You ok baby? Why are you shivering?"

"The water is turning cold." Karen said with almost a studder. Sidney leaned down and shut the water off then came back up to hold her, warming her up. "Not that I mind this, but a towel would work better."

"I know, I figured I would give it a shot."

Sidney let go of her and stepped out getting a towel and wrapping it around Karen's body as she came out. He got one for himself and wrapped it around his waist as well. Sidney's hand came up to caress her cheek and he felt the words dangle on his tongue. He couldn't bring himself to ask her what happened with his mom yet, so he pulled her closer to him and kissed her with a long, slow kiss. After a few minutes, Karen pulled back and looked Sidney dead in the eyes.

"Did something happen today that you're not telling me? I'm just getting this vibe from you."

Sidney traced his finger from her forehead to her chin before looking her in the eyes "no, nothing happened baby. The vibe is just how much I love you."

"I love you too. You think Jack gave up on us?"

"No, but we should get downstairs."

They left the bathroom and got dressed. Sidney went downstairs as Karen finished getting ready and promised she would only be five more minutes. As he got downstairs, Sidney saw Jack watching tv and just got a look from him.

"Sorry man."

"Like I didn't see that coming. Besides, it just gave me a chance to get my shower in the guest bathroom."

"I'm sure Karen will appreciate that. She'll be down in a minute."

"I don't really need a minute, but I could go back upstairs."

"Please don't" Jack said in almost a beg which got a laugh out of Karen and Sidney. The three of them headed out and went to lunch. During lunch, they talked and laughed with Jack telling stories of Sidney during draft day and anything that would be picking on him was an understatement. Sidney warned Karen about laughing at all the stories or he would have to sit down with all her friends and get some of her stories. Karen just shot him a look and then laughed. When they were done eating, they headed back to Sidney's house and Jack told them goodbye then left. Karen went in to the living room to sit down and waited for Sidney to join her.

"Are you ready to tell me what's bothering you?" she asked as he sat down beside her.

Sidney just looked at her and knew he couldn't hide anything from her, especially with what he was feeling about what Jack told him. "What did my mom tell you?"

Karen sat there stunned but had a feeling Jack said something when they were working out. There was no avoiding this conversation, she just hoped Sidney understood.

11.15.2008

Chapter 51

As Sidney drove home, he realized how quiet Karen was. It wasn't that she didn't talk but had one or two word answers. He decided to leave it alone until they got back to the house. When he pulled up, they got out and headed inside. Sidney shut the door behind them and wrapped an arm around her waist to prevent her from going anywhere. Karen smiled as she turned to him, waiting for his lips to connect with hers. As they kissed, Karen forgot everything with his dad and remembered why she's there. Sidney walked her backwards to the couch and let go of Karen so she could lay down. He let her get comfortable then laid down on top of her, capturing her lips once again. Karen bent her knee and put her foot inbetween Sidney's legs to get more comfortable.

"Did you enjoy today?"

"Yeah I did. Thank you for showing me around."

"What did my dad and you talk about?"

"You really know how to spoil the mood Crosby."

"Sorry, I was just curious what happened."

"First he apologized for overreacting to my present to you and the significance of it and then he proceeded to be himself."

"What does that mean?"

"It just means that I know they're protective of you and your career but I simply asked him what would be better for your career...a stable relationship or a different puck bunny every night."

"His response was?"

"I didn't let him give me one because that's when I walked out. I guess I was afraid to hear what his answer would have been."

"You know what my answer would be right?"

"It better be the stable relationship and it better be with me."

"Well it is the realationship with you, I just don't know how stable it will be."

"I can't believe you just said that" she said laughing.

"I'm serious Karen, I don't want this to end" he said looking into her eyes.

"Neither do I" she said as their lips met again in a heated kiss.

Their make out session lasted about two hours when Karen broke away to mention about having dinner anytime soon. Sidney groaned but got up anyway, pulling her up with him. They headed into the kitchen and found something to make.

After they were done with dinner, Karen was getting the dishes done when Sidney came in and pulled her away. He took her outside and heard a gasp escape her lips when she saw what he had done while she got the dishes done. Sidney had lit some candles and put them all around the lounge chairs which also contained a pillow and blanket.

"You like your surprise?"

"Yes I do. Are you planning on joining me?"

"I don't think there's anywhere else I'd want to be" he said kissing her temple.

They walked over to the lounge chair and Sidney sat down. He moved his legs so Karen could fit inbetween them, putting her back up to his chest. They didn't need the blanket just yet for it was still warm, but depending how long they'd be out there it was already there for them.

"This is nice. We really don't get to do this too often during the season."

"We get to do this."

"Not when you have an impending practice or your cell phone goes off at any moment."

"Well, the cell phone is in the house and there is no practice or game to leave you for."

"So we could be out here as long as we want to?"

"As long as we want baby."

Sidney put his arms around her as she just melted into them, loving every moment she spends with him.

"Have I told you lately just how much I love you."

"Not in the last few hours. I think you're slipping" Karen said with a smile.

"Ok, I was wondering."

"You are not right" she said hitting his leg.

"Yeah but you love me anyway."

"That is debateable you know."

"You know you love me, admit it."

"Let's see, I love to watch you play hockey...I love how sexy you are...I love how charming you can be...I love how intense you get during a game..."

"See, you do love me."

"I don't remember saying that exactly" Karen smiled as she turned her head to look at him "but when it does come down to it, yes I do love you."

"Now how hard was that?"

"Well wait a minute, where's mine?"

Sidney smiles and leans in to kiss her "I love you too baby." He recaptured her lips as Karen turns her body to get a little more comfortable as their kiss continues on. When they broke apart, Karen laid her head against his chest and listened to his heart beating.

"Are you glad you came to visit me?"

"Yeah I am. Work was starting to piss me off and I was missing you so I had a win-win situation to leave and see you."

"What's going on at work?"

"Just stupid stuff. There's this one girl who is a major kiss ass and getting to do whatever she wants, getting away with it too. It's just frustrating watching it happen every day when I go and bust my ass and never see praise for it. Everyone in the department, not just me, is getting fed up and there's only 8 of us."

"Have you guys said anything to your manager about her?"

"Everyday it seems like. I've given up and just go in and do my job. Which literally makes me miserable at work except for when I get around Diane and Natalie. They keep my spirits up but what's so frustrating is I love my job. I've worked in retail for a while and finally found that I like the inventory side of it so much better. I just follow the creed of 'I love my job, but hate the people I work with'."

"Well, you know if you wanted to quit I would support you 100%."

"You'd only support me because I would be at home in Pittsburgh all the time and not only on the weekends to make it easier for us to see each other."

"I've asked it before, what's so wrong with that?"

"There's nothing wrong with it Sid, I just don't want to lose my independence."

"I know you don't baby. I've seen some of the other girlfriends and how they just love being so an so's girlfriend because of all the perks it brings. I love that you still have your season tickets and how you stand around waiting like any other normal fan until the doors open."

"Well next season when it gets really cold and snowy, I may take the perks then and go in the player's entrance."

"Fair enough baby."

"Do you honestly want a girlfriend that is nothing but that? Do you seriously want her to just sit around to wait for you, spending your money, and go around gloating that she's dating you?"

"Is that who'd you see me with if we weren't together?"

"Maybe not in the beginning, but I see her quiting her job for you, if she had one and every chance she gets to tell the world about dating you, maybe exploiting pictures of you on the internet. Sid, I've seen it. I remember Jagr starting to date this girl and she was just like me but once she realized what she could do just because she was dating one of the hottest Penguins, she changed majorly. If your parents think I'm all wrong for you, what would they say if you brought someone who was the exact opposite of me home knowing they only wanted you for your fame and money?"

"They'd probably hate her even more."

"Hmm, makes me want to go out and find her, let you bring her home to them and maybe they might like me more."

"Would your parents have liked me?"

"Yeah for the most part."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, my dad would have because you play for the Penguins, but then they would have been cautious because of how things ended with Rick. That whole 'are you sure you want to date another hockey player' thing. Mom might have a problem with the age difference until I explain that guys my age will never satisfy me as what you do."

Sidney started laughing "you would actually tell your mom that?"

"Yeah, it would be the final comment in the age difference argument. But it would come down to them wanting me to be happy and if you make me happy, they'll be happy for me."

"I wish I could have met them."

"Me too. Um, if you're able to, would you go to New York with me this year?"

"I would have gone even if you didn't ask me."

"Thanks. It'll be easier having you there with me. I kind of wanted to go for the 11th instead of the day before."

"You mean for the reading of the names ceremony?"

"Not so much that, just to be there on the day they actually died. I didn't want to attend the reading as much as just wanting to be around the site."

"Ok, whatever you want." Sidney noticed how quiet she got after that and just put his arms tighter around her. Karen smiled to herself that she found the love and comfort her parents left her without all those years.

Sidney looked at his watch and saw it was nearing 10p. He told Karen and she got up so he could. They blew out all the candles and headed inside and up to bed. After they got changed and in bed, Sidney wanted to play a little bit, but Karen didn't let him.

"Come on baby, you know you've been wanting this all day too."

"Yeah, but I'm not the one who needs his strength for working out tomorrow morning."

"Don't be so cruel baby, this will not interfere with my ability to work out tomorrow. Please?"

"Ooo, I love it when you beg me."

"You love it when I do something else too." Sidney slid his hand inside her underwear and his fingers found their way inside her. He began to pump them slowly making her give in to him. "Ready to give in yet?" he said in a husky voice.

"Even if you keep this up and make me give in, it's not helping you any" she said trying to fight the feelings stirring inside her.

"You underestimate me" he said as he removed his fingers and pulled her underwear off her hips and down her legs until they were off completely. Sidney got his boxers off and laid back inbetween Karen's legs, plunging himself into her heated core. He felt her wetness cover him as her began to thrust into her. Taking off her tank top, Sidney started off slowly to keep the rhythm going but would speed up before slowing down again. Karen wrapped her leg around him, squeezing her muscles to help bring him into her. Her fingernails dug into his shoulderblades as she felt him pick up the pace and pound harder. Sidney's mouth found hers and kissed her hard as both their bodies shook at the same time, climaxing together. Karen felt Sidney slow down, making sure he gave her every last ounce. When he was done, Sidney pulled away from her lips and smiled at her.

"Damn you Crosby."

"Just winning the argument baby" he said as he rolled off her and pulled her against his body. Karen just giggled into his chest before letting his mellow breathing rock her to sleep.

11.12.2008

Chapter 50

As the night fell, Karen just watched Sidney and the way he was with his friends. They had built a small bonfire in the back and everyone sat around it. Karen kind of kept to herself, not that she minded though. Sidney only gets this time to be himself and not have as many pressures on him, at least until next week when he gets training again. She knew he'd be at the gym working out and doing other stuff while she was here, but she didn't mind. Karen knew he needed to get ready and a month before training camp, he needed to get to work. She got up and went inside running into Jack and a few others.

"Karen, come join us for a shot or two" Jack said with a slight slur in his voice.

"Ok" she walked over to them and they lifted their glasses and downed some Jack Daniels.

"I think you needed that after today huh?"

"Yeah, I guess I did" Karen said as she walked away again.

"Where you going? Stay and have some fun."

"I'm only going to get a sweatshirt. It's kind of chilly outside."

"Alright but when you get back you are drinking with us."

Karen just laughed, shaking her head as she left to go upstairs. She rooted through Sidney's closet and found one of his old sweatshirts. Karen put it on and loved how comfortable it was. She wondered if she could take it but since it was from Rimouski Karen doubted Sidney would let it out of the house. She smiled and loved how it smelled like him. Being satisfied, Karen went back downstairs and rejoined everyone outside.

"Nice sweatshirt Karen" Jack commented as she walked over to them and sat down beside Sidney.

"Thanks. I may have to take this back home with me when I go."

Sidney looked at the sweatshirt and smiled, putting his arm around her "don't think so babe."

"We'll see" she said kissing him. "Baby, how much have you had to drink tonight?" Karen asked tasting the Jack Daniels on him .

"Why does it matter?" Sidney said with a little anger in his voice.

"It doesn't I was just wondering how much you had."

"I'm fine, ok?" he said softening and kissed her.

"Ok" Karen smiled and kissed him back before he brought her closer to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

A while later, Karen had a nice buzz going, but was getting tired. She was emotionally drained from earlier and wanted to go to bed. She got up and found Sidney with some of the guys. When they saw Karen walking over, they all left them alone.

"There's my baby" Sidney, who was pretty much drunk pulled Karen to him and kissed her.

"Yeah, here I am" she said smiling at his behavior. "Listen, I am going to head up to bed."

"Fine, whatever" Sidney said with apparent attitude.

Karen caught his arm before he walked away "you need to drop the attitude before your ass goes in the lake. First of all, it's after 3 in the morning and I'm tired. Second, I am not asking you to leave your friends or kick them out to make you come with me. You can stay up until the big blazin' orange ball comes over the trees, I don't care. I am going to bed and came to say goodnight." Karen grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards her, giving him a very hard and passionate kiss "goodnight." Karen walked away and into the house, smiling all the way.

About an hour later, Sidney and his friends finally went inside to crash. He stumbled his way upstairs and went to his room. Karen was asleep and facing his way. Sidney went to the bathroom before joining her in bed. He had stripped down to nothing and climbed into bed, turning towards her. Sidney leaned in and began kissing Karen. His hands went to remove her clothes as she opened her eyes and looked at him. Sidney just smiled and continued his assault. When he got all her clothes off, he rolled them over so he was on top of her. Sidney grabbed her hands and put them above Karen's head, holding them there with one of his hands. Karen winced at how tight Sidney's grip was on her wrists as she felt his other hand forciably rubbed her mound. Karen felt his fingers slip inside her and she couldn't stifle the moans he was bringing out in her. Sidney removed his fingers and slid himself inside. Karen bit her lip because of how rough he was being with her with every thrust. She let out a gasp when she felt his hand cover her breast and squeeze. Karen pushed all thoughts out of her head and concentrated on letting her orgasm take over and end their romp. Karen's body shivered as she came, letting out a small moan. She heard a low groan escape Sidney's lips and felt him release into her. He let go of Karen's wrists and rolled off of her. Karen laid there and lightly rubbed her wrists before feeling Sidney grab her to curl up into him waiting for sleep to hit them.

Karen woke up and looked at the clock noticing it was 9:49a. She got up and out of Sidney's hold going to the bathroom. She got in the shower and let the hot water relax her. When she was done, Karen dried off and wrapped a towel around her body looking in the mirror. She saw a mark right above where the towel came together and pulled it down a little. Karen saw the finger marks around her breast and remembered how Sidney was last night. She looked at her wrists and saw the red band forming there. Karen knew he was drunk and didn't realize he was being so rough with her, but she didn't know how she could hide the marks so he wouldn't question them. She left the bathroom and quietly got dressed, heading downstairs to make some coffee.

When the coffee was done, Karen filled her cup and went to sit outside. It was a beautiful day and already warm. She had no idea what time Sidney would be getting up so she just sat back and enjoyed the scenery. An hour later, she heard voices coming from the house and soon Karen felt a kiss placed on her head.

"Morning skippy" Karen said almost laughing at his hungover demeanor.

"Morning baby. I thought you would have stayed in bed to wake up with me" he said sitting beside her.

"I got enough besides when I woke up, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I got up and got a shower before making coffee."

"Thanks for that, I know I'm not the only one who appreciates it."

"Yeah from what I heard coming from the house, I could tell you guys loved waking up to it already being made. You ok?"

"I'm fine. Nothing that this cup and a hot shower can't cure. Wished you stayed longer with me last night though."

"Not as young as I once was stud. Once upon a time I was able to come home when the cows were let loose, but not now."

"When the cows were let loose? Did that statement actually come out of your mouth?" Sidney laughed shaking his head.

"Did you not know there were cows around the Ohio Valley? Some of the country bars we went to, when we left, there were cows going out to the pastures. It was probably 5a or so."

Sidney took his cup and grabbed hers, putting them down in the grass. He leaned in kissing her neck "so is a night out drinking the only thing that'll keep you up all night?"

"What exactly are you asking Crosby?" she said moving her head to give him full access of her neck while her hand went into his hair.

"That maybe one night before you leave we could stay up all night for a different reason."

"Mm, I like the sound of that. Of course it would really give me something to blog about when I get home."

Sidney lifted his head and looked at her "care to explain that a little more?"

"Did I forget to mention that I am planning to blog what I did on my summer vacation? The females fans will be looking at you in a whole new way once the season starts up again."

"How explicit do you plan on being baby?"

"As explicit as they want me to get."

"You do know that if you play that game, I'll just have to play too."

"What, you'll come back and tag me as a puck bunny?"

"No, I'm not that cruel. But you will be very well known in locker room talk and not just with the Pens."

"Go ahead. That just means I get more choices at night."

"You love ruining the game don't you?" he said looking at her laughing.

"I just think you finally met your match."

"That I did" Sidney leaned in and captured her lips. They sat there kissing until they heard Jack and a couple other guys come out to join them.

"So Karen, have you been able to handle all the game day superstitions from your boy yet?"

"No considering I am either at work or I don't see him until after the game. But I've heard stories and I think I'm pretty thankful that I haven't seen it."

"I'm not that bad. I used to have a lot but I've cut back on some things. Did you have any baby?"
"Just like four or five, normal routine things."

"That's all mine are, a routine I follow every game day."

"But it's not normal Crosby" Jack said getting a giggle from Karen. "Not letting anyone touch your stick after you tape it up, come on, even the equipment manager needs to touch the sticks."

"Now see, that one I can understand that one though."

"Thank you baby" he said kissing her temple.

"Well one day we'll talk Karen and I will share with you a lot that you don't know about your man there."

"I can't wait."

"Can we maybe talk about something else please" Sidney said focusing the attention on anything else than him and his weird habits.

"Fine, be the party pooper. Karen, Sid told me you used to play with Team USA."

"Yeah I did. I was part of the team that won the gold in Nagano."

"You knew this knowing she beat Canada and you still decided to date her Crosby?"

"Well, her hockey skills was just one thing that got me."

"Really? What was the other things?" Karen turned and looked at him.

"I don't think you want me to say that right now baby."

"No apparently not."

"Alright, well we need to get going and let you two spend some time together. Karen it was a pleasure and hope to see you again before you leave."

"It was nice to meet you guys too and I'm sure we'll see each other again within the week."

"I'll walk you guys out" Sidney said getting up and walking them to the house.

"No need Sid. Go spend time with Karen and hey, a little advice, don't let this one get away. She's perfect for you even if your parents can't see it."

"As long as I see it, that's all that matters. I'll see you at the gym tomorrow Jack."

Karen watched as the guys left and Sidney came walking back over to her. "So, what did you want to do today?"

"You're the one that lives here, you decide."

"How about some sight seeing?"

"I'd love it."

Sidney put out his hand for Karen to take. When he pulled her up, Karen felt a pain in her wrist and pulled her hand away after she stood.

"What's wrong?"

Karen grabbed her wrist "nothing, I just got a sharp pain when you pulled me up. It'll be fine, my wrist probably just popped."

"Let me see."

"No, it's fine. It happens every now and then. I think it's from working on my cart and the computer at odd angles everyday."

"Maybe I could massage it to make it feel better" Sidney said reaching for her hand. Karen tried to pull it away but he saw the red mark before she could. "What happened? Where did you get this red mark?"

"Sid it's nothing, don't worry about it please."

Sidney slowly started to remember last night and when he went to bed, making love to her before going to sleep. "Did I do this to you?"

"You were just a little too rough last night. It's ok, I'm not upset or think you did it on purpose. It happens."

"Not with me. Baby, I am so sorry."

"You don't need to apologize Sid" Karen lifted her hand and caressed his cheek.

"Was that the only place I hurt you?" He saw her look away "Karen?" She moved the neckline of her shirt down and Sidney saw the little bruises around the top of her breast. "I can't believe I hurt you like that."

"Look, you surprised me because you've never been that way, but last night after all you drank you just didn't realize how you were. Maybe in your mind you thought you were being like you normally are, but that's not how it came out. I know you didn't mean to be that rough or had the intention to hurt me, but like I said, it happens."

"If you're not mad or think I did it on purpose, then ok. But I am sorry. You know I would never hurt you like that."

"I know stud. Aside from the bruises, I didn't mind it" Karen smiled then kissed him before walking into the house to get ready for their day. Sidney soon followed but vowed to make it up to her.

After they got ready, Sidney drove Karen around Cole Harbour and into Halifax. He showed her places he went growing up and where he played his first game. Karen just smiled when she watched his face light up showing her his hometown. They stopped off for some lunch and met the owners that had nothing but praise for Sidney. She saw how humble he was when people he knew growing up would compliment him or his talents. It was just another side to him that she loved. They were out for another hour before they headed back home. While on their way, Sidney's phone rang and he answered it. As soon as he said 'hi dad' Karen focused her attention out the window until he got off.

"I need to stop off at the house for a minute, do you mind?"

"You're the one driving, I'm just along for the ride."

"It'll be short and painless, I promise." Sidney took Karen's hand and brought it to his lips to kiss the back of it as he headed to his parent's house. A few minutes later, he pulled up to the house and Sidney made a move to get out but Karen stayed in her seat. "Please come inside with me. Don't show them that they got to you."

"But they did Sid. I know they hate me, they know that I know they hate me, what else could happen?"

"You could always kill them with kindness."

"Or I could just attack you on the couch and see what happens."

"You wouldn't be the first one to do that" Sidney said watching her facial expression. When he saw her crack a smile, he leaned over and kissed her "I love you."

"I love you too."

They got out and walked into the house being greeted by Taylor.

"Hey Sid, Karen."

"Hey Tay, where's dad at?"

"In the den."

"Ok. I will be back in a few minutes" Sidney told Karen kissing her before going off to see his dad.

"Do you want to come see some stuff on Sidney when he was little?"

"Sure, I'd love to."

Taylor led her into the living room and got out the many scrapbooks Trina had put together throughout Sidney's life of hockey. Karen smiled seeing all the young pictures of him and imagined how he was back then playing and if it was the same as now.

Meanwhile Sidney was talking to his dad in the den. He had made some plans for Sidney to do some promotional work while Karen was there.

"This couldn't have waited until she left next week?"

"They wanted to get it done and out there before you leave next month. It'll only be one day and for a couple hours. If she loves you like you say she does and doesn't mind this life you have, then it won't matter to her if you take care of this."

Sidney signed the contract and sat down "why can't you and mom just give her the benefit of the doubt while she's here?"

"Alright, Sid. For the rest of the time she's here, we will back off as long as you don't use her as the excuse as to why you're not getting your work outs in. You head back in less than a month..."

"I know dad. When have you ever known me to neglect what's important to me? I will be ready for camp and Karen is not going to interfere with that. She has a full time job, remember? She's busy, she knows I'll be busy. It'll be a miracle if I get a chance to see her between the brief camp, the few preseason games, then heading to Sweden for 10 days. I just still don't get it dad. Why do you guys hate her?"

"We don't hate her Sid."

"Really? Because that's not the impression you left on her yesterday. She's a good person dad and I want her as a part of my life. If you and mom can't and won't understand that, then maybe you don't need to see me until she leaves. I am not going to alienate her while she's here to spend time with you. I'm sorry dad." Sidney got up and walked to the door.

"Sid, wait. We both don't want that to happen. I will talk to your mom and we will both be nice while she's here."

"It's all I ask."

Sidney walked out to the living room and saw Karen and Taylor sitting on the couch still looking at the scrapbooks. He sat beside Taylor putting her in the middle.

"Um, can I ask...why the blonde hair?"

"No you can't ask."

"You're no fun" she said laughing "but you were still a cutie." They sat around for a little bit longer until Sidney decided it was time to go.

"Before you go, can I talk to you for a minute Karen?" Troy asked.

"Sure" she got up and followed him into the den. "What did I do now that you don't approve of? Looking at old pictures of Sidney, talking to Taylor?"

"You didn't do anything Karen, I just wanted to apologize for my reaction to your present to Sidney yesterday. I overreacted and shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. You put a lot of thought and effort into that gift for Sid and I think it was really nice of you to do that for him."

"Thanks Troy, that means a lot."

"You know, it's not easy being a father to a kid that has amazing talent."

"Troy, I know you and Trina want the best for him, but you can't control everything in his life. How different am I from any other girl he's dated while playing in Juniors?"

"This isn't Junior Hockey Karen. There's more at stake now that he's in the NHL."

"I know there's a lot at stake for him, I'm not stupid. But wouldn't you rather have Sid in a stable relationship than all the stories of him and a different puck bunny every night after a game? Which would be more detrimental to his career?" Karen left it at that and walked back into the living room. Sidney looked and saw she wasn't as upset as yesterday but she still looked unhappy. Karen told him not to worry and everything was ok. Sidney told his dad goodbye and hugged Taylor before leaving and heading back home.

11.11.2008

Chapter 49

Karen got up and helped Sidney up going inside. Sidney led Karen into the living room and told her to stand in the middle of the floor. He went to put some music on and then came back over to Karen, bringing her close to him and they started dancing to the music. Their eyes never left each other as the song played on. When it was over, Sidney leaned in and kissed her with a very soft passionate kiss. Karen broke away and pulled away from Sidney. She smirked at him and slowly walked backwards towards the stairs.

“Just where do you think you’re going?”

“Upstairs and if you give me 5 minutes you might like what you’ll see.”

Karen went upstairs and got undressed. She put her hair up in a ponytail and jumped in the shower real quick. She came out, dried off and put on a sheer white baby doll with a rose print and spaghetti straps that crossed in the back along with a matching thong. She let down her hair and fluffed it looking in the mirror satisfied. Karen opened the door and saw Sidney sitting on the bed. He hadn’t seen her yet as he was taking off his shoes and socks. Karen stayed in the doorway and waited for him to look up. When he did, he about fell off the bed when he saw her standing there.

“Wow baby, you look beautiful.”

“I guess you like what you see” she said walking over to him.

Sidney brought his hands up and caressed her body. “I definitely like what I see.…it just brings out how beautiful you are to me.”

Karen smiles and blushes a little at what Sidney said. She leaned down and kissed him. “You can’t possibly be this charming?”

“Yeah well, it’s a side I keep to myself until I find someone special to show it to.”

“I’m one lucky lady then.”

“That you are but don’t you want to know how many other ones there have been?”

“Nope, they were in your past and they have no bearing on our relationship. They are in the past aren’t they?”

“Of course they are. My eyes are only on you.”

With that said Karen pulled Sidney up to her and kissed him with everything she felt. Sidney picked her up and placed her on the bed. He got completely undressed before lying down beside her and Karen turned to him. Sidney felt his way up her thighs and hooked his thumbs in her thong, bringing it down her legs and taking them off. He crawled back up her body, kissing his way up. Karen soon felt a wave of cool air being blown over her mound, making her shiver with anticipation. Sidney kept moving up until he was laying completely on top of her.

"Um, aren't you forgetting something?" Karen said pointing to the baby doll.

"I'm thinking about leaving it on. Kind of a turn on."

"So, now that your home, the freakiness comes out?"

"Its always been there, hiding deep down...you just help bring it out."

"Well then Crosby, show me what you can do."

Karen wrapped her legs around his hips, giving him all the room he needed. Sidney slid inside her with ease and stayed still for a minute. He began to thrust his hips in an upward movement without moving out of her. Karen arched her back, pressing her breasts into his chest. Sidney came all the way out, then pushed himself back into her going as deep as he could. He continued until he had Karen begging him to go faster. She grabbed ahold of Sidney's hips and helped him pound into her until she released her orgasm, moaning his name. Sidney felt her muscles tighten around him and drew out his own orgasm. Their lips soon found each other expressing all the love they had. Sidney rolled off of Karen, pulling her to him as their sweaty bodies held on to one another falling asleep.

Two days later and it was Sidney’s birthday. They were still in bed, Karen woke up first and looked at Sidney still sleeping. She leaned up to him and kissed him on his lips until he woke up.

“Mm, morning baby.”

“Morning. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you. Do you know this is exactly how I wanted to wake up today?”

“Really because I could’ve woken you up a lot better, but if that kiss was exactly what you wanted, we can get up and get ready for all your friends and family.” Karen started to get up but Sidney pulled her back down to the bed and climbed on top of her.

“You’re not going anywhere until you give me what I really want.”

“And want do you really want?”

Sidney didn’t answer her instead he kissed her with the most passionate kiss they have ever shared. Karen’s hand instantly went to his boxers and removed them. Sidney kicked them off the rest of the way and went to remove Karen’s shirt and underwear before lying back down on top of her. Sidney lifted one of her legs and wrapped it around his hips to allow him to get closer to her. As he kissed her, Sidney grinded into her to get things heated up between them. When he was ready Sidney slid into her, feeling her wetness cover him. He began thrusting into her increasing the heat and making Karen whimper. Sidney let a low moan escape his lips as his own orgasm neared. Karen whispered in his ear to go faster and he obliged pounding into her. Karen couldn’t hold on any longer and moaned out her release. Sidney kept going drawing out his orgasm and filling her up. He brought his lips back own to hers with another mind blowing kiss.

“Now that was what I exactly wanted.”

“Good because that was what I wanted too.”

“I wish we could just do this all day today. Talk about a memorable birthday.”

“Well since that is not an option, we have things to do before everyone shows up.”

“Mom and dad are bringing the majority of the food and drinks. Everyone else will just bring themselves. There really isn’t anything else to do except…go swimming.”

“You want to go swimming at 10:38a?”

“It’ll be fun. Please?”

“Ok, let’s go swimming.”

They got up and got ready. Karen had a shirt on over her suit before Sidney saw her. After they got down to the pier, Karen took off her shirt and Sidney just stared at her.

“My god baby, I thought you looked incredible naked but that bikini is slowly coming into the number one spot.”

“You’re insane.”

“Yeah but you love me anyway.”

“Even as much as I try not to I still do.” Karen jumped into the water and started swimming out. Sidney watched her and jumped in swimming after her. They played around in the water for awhile. When they had enough fun, they swam back over to the pier. Sidney got out and reached down and pulled Karen up. They stood there holding one another and soon their lips found each other.

Troy, Trina and Taylor were pulling up to Sidney’s house and got out. As Trina and Taylor put the food away, Troy went in search for Sidney. He looked and saw him kissing Karen on the pier. The closer he got he saw Sidney’s hand roam up to Karen’s chest. He cleared his throat making Sidney and Karen pull apart.

“Hey dad, I didn’t think you guys would get here until after noon.”

"It is, quarter after 12 to be exact. Karen, nice to see you again" a hint of disgust and disappointment in his voice.

“You too Troy” she said forcing a smile.

Sidney dried off the best he could before he walked over to his dad and gave him a hug.

“Happy birthday son.”

“Thanks. Where’s mom and Tay?”

“They are in the kitchen getting the food put away. Could I talk to you for a minute Sid? Alone?”

Troy gave Karen a look and she knew what it meant.

“I’m going to go get changed.” Karen said wrapping the towel around her and walking off the pier. Sidney grabbed her and gave her a kiss before she left them alone to talk.

“I hope you guys don’t plan on doing that in front of everyone today.”

“Doing what dad, showing affection for my girlfriend?”

“I just think it would be best that you keep the touching to a minimal today that’s all.”

“Fine.” They stayed there and talked for a few more minutes before they headed inside.

Karen was heading into the kitchen when she saw Trina putting away the food.

“Afternoon Trina” Karen said with a sincere smile.

“Karen, how are you?”

Karen picked up on a tone that wasn’t there the other day when they met. “I’m good. Wow, all that food looks incredible.”

“Thanks but you can put away the fake sincerity.”

“I’m not being fake Trina, everything looks wonderful. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“You can help by breaking it off with Sidney the day you head home.”

“What?” Karen asked somewhat shocked.

“I didn’t realize Troy was right about all this. After you go home, Sidney is going to need to focus on training before and after he gets back to Pittsburgh. It’ll be a lot easier if you weren’t in the picture.”

“If Sidney doesn’t want me in the picture, then that needs to come from him and only him.”

“Well rest assure before he returns, it will come from him.”

“Do you and your husband ever like any girl your son dates?”

“Not when it interferes with his career.”

“I don’t interfere with his career. I have my own job, my own money and I am as independent as they come. Sidney knows this and I only get to see him on weekends. I am not hurting his career by any means.”

“You wouldn’t see it, but we do. You might want to take these next few days to just accept it so when you leave it won’t be so hard.”

“Wow, makes you wonder.”

“Wonder what?”

“Exactly at what age does Sidney’s life actually belong to him? Excuse me.” Karen walked out of the kitchen and went upstairs. She went into the bathroom and got her bathing suit off stepping into the shower. She turned on the water and stood under it, silently crying.

Sidney had come into the kitchen and was greeted by his mom. She wished him a happy birthday and he went to go change. As he got upstairs he heard the shower going and was going to join Karen but when he reached for the door, it was locked. Sidney was about to knock but instead he went to the guest room and jumped in the shower there. When he was done and went back into the bedroom, Karen was looking through her clothes deciding what to wear.

“How come you locked the door when you got your shower?”

“Sorry I didn’t realize I did.” Karen said softly.

“Hey, you ok?”

“Yeah, just figuring out what to wear.” Karen found a t-shirt and a pair of shorts suitable for the day. Not like it mattered anyway since the tone of the day had already been set. She walked past Sidney to go back into the bathroom when he caught her arm.

“Don’t let how my dad was get to you ok?”

Karen let out a small smile and nodded her head. Sidney let her go but couldn’t shake the feeling that something else had to be wrong.

Sidney walked into the bathroom and gave Karen a kiss “I’ll be downstairs, come down when you’re ready.”

“Ok.”

Sidney kissed her again and left. Karen just sat down on the edge of the bathtub and cried again. She didn’t know how she was going to get through the day but had to for Sidney. She picked herself up and finished getting ready.

Meanwhile, Sidney was downstairs greeting all his friends and relatives that came for his birthday. He was anxious for them to meet Karen and was getting worried when she wasn’t downstairs yet. As he was about to go up to get her, Karen came walking down the steps. Sidney walked over to her and gave her a reassuring smile. He took her hand in his and went around the house introducing her to everyone. Karen was surprised that there were a few people that were nice to her but she could pick out the ones Troy or Trina got to before meeting them. Karen just played it off and smiled telling herself this was for Sidney.

A little while later, everyone began to eat and sit around to talk. Karen nibbled on a little bit but didn’t feel like joining anyone, especially Sidney. She walked out to the backyard where Sidney had some lounge chairs and sat down. She couldn’t stop the thoughts of what Trina told her and they just replayed in her head. Taylor was getting some food from the kitchen when she saw Karen sitting outside. She walked over to Sidney who was talking to his friend Jack Johnson.

“So where’s Karen at? I haven’t seen her since you introduced us” Jack asked concerned.

“I’m not sure. She was in the kitchen getting some food but I thought she would have come to sit with me.”

“I know where she is” Taylor said sitting on Sidney’s lap “she’s outside sitting by the lake alone.”

“Why did she go out there?”

“Probably because of what mom said to her, she didn’t want to be near us.”

“What are you talking about Tay?” Sidney asked confused.

“I was heading back into the kitchen when I heard them talking. Mom told Karen that you need to focus on training and she would be a distraction for you when you went back to Pittsburgh. Why does mom and dad hate her so much Sid?”

“I don’t know Tay. I need to go talk to her.”

“Why don’t you let me go?” Jack said standing up. “Let her have someone on her side to confide in.”

“Do you mind?”

“No. I’ll be back in a little bit.”

Sidney watched Jack walk away and went to the window. He saw her sitting there and it looked like she was crying, but he really couldn’t tell. He saw Jack walk up to her then turned away when his grandmother called him.

“Hi Karen”

Karen wiped the tears from her cheeks and forced a smile “hey Jack, what are you doing out here?”

“To tell you the truth, it was getting a little stuffy in there and some air sounded good. When I saw you were out here, I figured it was the best place to be.”

“I don’t know about that.” Karen looked at him with seriousness “why did you really come out here Jack?”

“Taylor told Sid that she overheard your conversation with Trina. She said she heard Trina tell you that you were a distraction and Sid needed to focus on his training. Then she asked him why they hated you so much.”

“What was his answer to that?”

“He didn’t answer her because I don’t think he wants her to know what’s really going on.” Jack looked at her “what is going on?”

“If I tell you, you can’t tell Sidney.”

“I won’t.”

“She told me that I needed to break up with Sid the day I go home so he can focus on his training before he goes back himself.” Karen let the tears fall again “I can’t do that because I love him too much but I’m afraid that they’ll have him do it when he does go back.”

“Wow, I can’t believe she asked that of you.”

“Yeah I know. When I first met her the other night we hit it off and I thought she would maybe get Troy to back off and let us be happy, but it just went the opposite way. Why do they hate me so much? Can’t they just see that I love him for him?”

“Apparently not”

“You’re one of his best friends Jack, what do I do?”

When Jack looked into her eyes he saw all the hurt Sid’s mom and dad had given her. He also saw the love she had for Sidney and knew it was genuine. “Just love him like you already are.”

A minute later, Taylor came over to them “Karen? Did you send Sid a package in the mail?”

“Yeah I did, why?” Karen said wiping her eyes.

“Because someone just delivered a big package for him and he’s inside opening it. I thought if it was from you, you might want to be in there when he opened it.”

Karen got up and smiled at Taylor “thanks.” She walked past her and went to the house, trying to compose herself before walking inside. When she got to the living room she heard Sidney and the familiar voice of Troy.

“Wow, I can’t believe she did this?” Sidney opened the box to reveal a framed Steve Yzerman jersey signed by him and pictures of both Sidney and Steve surrounding it. The picture in the middle of the bottom row was from Game 1 when Mario and Steve came out to drop the puck.

“I can. All she had to do was drop your name and look what she got out of it.”

"Actually, the jersey was mine" Karen said as everyone turned and looked at her “it was the last game my dad and I went to before he died and I got Steve Yzerman to sign it after the game. But it’s nice to know that you think I have an ulterior motive for a present for his birthday Troy.” Karen left the room and couldn’t stop the tears. She went upstairs and soon everyone heard the door slam shut.

“Damn it dad. You couldn’t give me one day without making her feel this way.”

“I’m sorry Sid but when I first saw it I figured she had to have used you to get everything to put this together. I didn’t realize…”

"No you didn’t dad. You haven’t once realized how much I love her or realize how much she loves me. This present came from that love that she has for me. Out of all days, you had to do this today." Sidney shook his head and went upstairs to check on Karen. When he got to his room, he opened the door slowly and saw her standing by the window, staring out it. He walked over to her and stood directly behind her. Karen felt him behind her and leaned into him as his arms wrapped around her. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re not the one that should be sorry.”

“I know” he whispered.

That was the last thing he said as he continued to hold her. Sidney turned her around and held her to his chest as she cried. A few minutes later Karen let go of Sidney and sat down on the bed. “I don’t know what else to do here. I mean this is it, they don’t like me. There is literally nothing else I can do to change that.”

Sidney sat down beside her and it killed him that she was hurting. He decided to change the subject to get her mind off what happened.

“Where did you get the idea to put that together for me?” he asked grabbing her hand to hold.

“I figured you would like to have that since he was one of your faves. It serves better purpose behind glass to be displayed than hanging in a closet. The pictures were just shots I had of both of you during games. The handwritten note however was from Steve directly. I told him what I was putting together for you and he more offered to write you a note than have me ask him for it. You should be flattered that your heroes are fans of yours.” Karen looked into his eyes when she said the last part.

“I am but I love that my biggest fan is you. Thank you for my gift, I love it and I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Sidney brought his hand up and caressed her cheek bringing her closer to him. Their lips met for a kiss that neither of them wanted to end. But it did end when there was a knock at the door.

“Sid?” Taylor said peeking her head in the door.

“Yeah Tay, what it is?”

“Mom wanted me to come get you. They wanted to bring out the cake because they weren’t going to stay too much longer so you and your friends could have some fun without all the adults around.”

“Tell her we’ll be down in a minute.”

“Ok.”

Karen got off the bed and walked to the bathroom to freshen up.

“Karen?” Taylor asked stopping her “I think your present to Sid was really nice.”

“Thanks Taylor” Karen said giving her a smile before continuing on into the bathroom.

Taylor had left and Sidney laid down on the bed for a moment until Karen came out of the bathroom. When she did, she saw him on the bed and walked over to him.

“You ready?”

Sidney put his hand out and Karen took it helping him up. He got up and grabbed Karen around her waist and held her. He felt her relax in his arms as he kissed her head. Karen looked up into Sidney’s eyes and leaned up to him, offering her lips to him. Sidney obliged and brought his lips down to hers for a loving kiss. Karen would have loved for it to last all day, but she pulled away and gave Sidney a smile. He placed a kiss on her forehead and they walked out the room and downstairs hand in hand.

His mom had everyone outside, since it was the easiest with how many people were there and brought out the cake. They all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Sidney and he blew out the candles. Everyone got a piece of cake and sat around for a little bit longer.

Around 6p, all the relatives had made their way out and it was Sidney, Karen and a lot of the guys Sidney played Junior Hockey with. Karen knew she could relax more around them and just loved watching Sidney be around his friends.

Chapter 48

The next couple of days, Karen worked like a zombie. She couldn't sleep at night and Sidney hadn't called her since he left. Karen left a message for him but he never got back to her. She was getting worried that he wasn't hers anymore. Of course Karen never told him that if he felt the need to go out with anyone else not to. She hoped it was understood that they would be faithful to each other while they were apart.

"Hey, you ok?" Diane asked her.

"I don't know. I havent heard from Sid since he left. I guess I'm just feeling lonely right now being away from him but I can't ignore the feeling that he could be with someone else."

"Why would you think that?"

"Come on Diane, he had a life back home and old friendships can renew themselves after some time apart."

"You're just missing him and all these thoughts are going through your head because of it. You know its not like that. If he wanted to explore other avenues while he was home don't you think he would have said that before he left?"

"Yeah, maybe you're right. But he also could have wanted to spare my feelings too. I just want to hear from him. I would be able to hear it in his voice if what I think is happening does."

"Just try and call him again. If he doesn't pick up or call you back after that, then you can have reason to be suspicious."

"I guess you're right. I know I'm jumping to conclusions and I shouldn't. I fell so hard so fast my heart is playing games with my head."

"It'll be ok. How about I take an early lunch and we can talk some more?"

"I'd like that. You can be my reason of sanity."

"That's a big job, I may need to call for reinforcements" Diane said walking away. Karen just laughed and shook her head, getting back to work for a little bit.

Before Karen knew it, it was Saturday morning and Karen laid in bed. Its not that she didn't feel sad or depressed to stay in bed, but she was tired from the week and needed more sleep. She rolled over and saw it was 10:35a. Karen reached for her cell phone looking at it.

"Just call him and see what's going on. You'll feel better knowing if it's still you he's thinking of and wants. Open the phone and dial his number Karen, it's not that hard."

Karen dialed Sidney number and pressed the call button. She heard it ring a couple of times and was about to hang up when she heard him pick up.

"Hello."

"Hey."

"Mm, hey baby. I was hoping you'd call me back."

"Silly me, I guess I was waiting for you to call me back."

"I tried I did but the reception here really sucks. I got your message and everytime I tried to call you, it wouldn't go through. I texted a couple times but you must not have gotten them."

"What's going on Sid? You having a party?" Karen asked hearing the group of people around him.

"No, I mean I'm with some friends but it's not a party."

"Maybe I'll let you go so you can get back to them. I just hadn't heard from you and missed talking to you. Call me whenever you get a free moment ok? Bye." Karen hung up and curled up trying to fall back asleep.

Sidney sat there stunned. Did Karen just think that he was going to blow her off? He told his friends he would be back and went up to his hotel room, calling Karen back.

Karen looked at her phone going off and saw Sid's name on the caller ID. She took a deep breath and answered it.

"Hello."

"I think something wasn't said and it needs to" Karen's heart jumped into her throat waiting for the 'I need space' speech from him. "I'm not home baby. When I got home, I turned around and came to the Bahamas with some friends. I've been walking around this island trying to find a perfect spot to get a strong signal to call you all week. If I wasn't able to get you, then I would have called you tomorrow night when I got home."

"Sorry, I didn't realize you went somewhere."

"Did you actually think I was going to go home and not talk to you at all?"

"The thought may have crossed my mind. It hasn't been a good week."

"I know because it's been the same here. Every sun set I've seen I wished you were here with me. Every night I went to bed alone, I wished you were with me. It's going to be hard these first few weeks baby."

"You mean I have at least two weeks to go before I start to feel better?"

"It'll be ok. I promise to call you a little more often when I get home and stay home."

"Ok. Go find your friends and finish having fun. I'll talk to you soon."

"Trust me, the sooner the better. Oh and baby, there isn't anyone else just you. I love you."

"I love you too Sid. Bye."

"Bye."

They hung up and Karen felt a little bit better. All she needed was to hear his voice and knew everything would be fine until she went to see him.

Soon it was August 5th and Karen was at the airport and on her way to spend 8 days with Sidney in Nova Scotia. She felt a pang of nervousness in the pit of her stomach. Spending time alone with him at his house wasn’t the problem it was meeting his mother for the first time literally on her turf. Karen was brought out of her thoughts when the call to board the plane was ringing throughout the terminal. Karen boarded and got situated hoping that happy thoughts would soon take over.

A few hours later, the plane made its decent at the airport and Karen felt another wave of nervousness. This time it was seeing Sidney for the first time in two months. She got off the plane and headed to the bathroom first, then made her way to baggage claim. Karen was standing there waiting for the bags to come out when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist.

“Excuse me Miss, but are you waiting for someone?”

“Actually I am. My boyfriend is supposed to pick me up.”

“Would you be disappointed to find out he sent me to get you?”

Karen turned around in his arms “yes I would.”

“And why’s that?”

“No offense, but he’s strong, caring, devastatingly handsome, sexy beyond belief and he just melts my heart with his sultry smile.”

“And there’s nothing I could do to make you consider me?”

“Nope.”

“Let’s see about that.” Sidney leans in and kisses her infront of the few people waiting around. The kiss begins to deepen but the sound of the baggage coming out interrupted them. “Did that change your mind?”

Karen stood there dazed for a moment remembering how his kisses would surrender her useless “mmm, definitely.”

Sidney just laughed and kissed her again. “Which is your bag?”

Karen turned back around and looked, “it’s the duffle with the Cabela’s logo on it.”

Sidney grabbed the bag and they headed out to his car. “Do you own anything that doesn’t say Cabela’s on it?”

“Do you own anything that doesn’t say Reebok?”

“Fair enough” he said laughing.

They got in and Sidney began the drive to his house. He pointed out a few sights to her as he drove past them. A few minutes later, Sidney pulled up to his house and Karen was impressed.

“You like it?” he asked as they got out.

“It’s a beautiful house Sid” she said taking in the house and its surroundings.

“Come on” he took her hand “let me show you around.”

Sidney led her inside and he put her bag down by the door. He took her throughout the entire house and finished the tour out back. Sidney walked her down to the lake and on the small pier he had. Karen just looked around and got quiet. Sidney noticed it and wrapped his arms around her.

“You ok?”

“Yeah, it’s just breathtaking up here. I can see why you can’t wait to come home after a grueling season.”

“Well, it’s missed something the last two months.”

“What's that?”

“You being here with me. I don’t think you can imagine how much I’ve missed being around you all this time.”

“I think I can imagine since I’ve had to go everyday without being with you too.”

Sidney leaned in and whispered in her ear “maybe we should go make up for lost time.”

“I think that is a great idea.”

Sidney takes her hand and they head back to the house, stopping in the kitchen and up against the table. He lifted her up and sat her on top of it. They began kissing and the more intense it got, the harder it was to keep it under control. Karen spread her legs and had them on either side of Sidney, pulling him closer to her. His hands grabbed her ass and scooted her closer to him.

“Maybe we need to take this somewhere else?” Karen said breaking the kiss.

“Why would we need to do that? The table is nice and sturdy.” Sidney said kissing her neck “besides, I would like to have a memory everytime I eat in here.”

“Yeah I see you having a memory, let’s say when you invite your parents over for dinner and you start to reminisce about this adventure and your mom asks what you’re thinking about. Do you tell her exactly what you’re thinking?”

“It depends. Is Taylor having dinner with us?”

Karen laughed, “I can’t believe you just asked that. So if she was there, then no but if not you would tell them what happened on this spot while they were eating?”

“I really don’t have any secrets from them.”

“And apparently they will never like me after this gets out.”

“Does it matter if they never do?”

“I’m not dating them. Last I checked I’m dating you and only you.”

“I like that theory and maybe you’ll like this” Sidney kissed her again and moved his hands down to the bottom of her shirt and lifted it off. He kissed the top of her breasts and back up to her lips. Karen found the bottom of Sidney’s shirt and pulled it off as well. She ran her hands over his chest and abs.

“Looks like someone has been working out these last two months?”

“Well I had to work off a lot of energy. I would begin to think about you and then I would have to work even harder to curb the thoughts of what I wanted to do to you.”

Karen put her hands on Sidney’s hips and brought him closer to her “and what did you want to do to me?” she whispered as she began to pull down his shorts.

Sidney replied by kissing her. They continued to remove the rest of each other’s clothes. He picked up Karen to remove her shorts and underwear before putting her back down on the table. Karen wrapped her legs around him as Sidney’s hands roamed over every inch or her body. He made his way down to her mound and took no time to insert a couple fingers inside her. Sidney smiled into her neck when he heard her moan out. His thumb began to massage her clit as his fingers picked up speed bringing her over the edge.

“Mmm, I’ve missed that.”

“Well we aren’t done yet baby.”

Sidney kissed her as he found her entrance, entering her with force. Karen let go of Sidney and put her hands beside her steadying herself. It also allowed her to arch her back to the feelings Sidney was stirring inside her and he took the opportunity to dip his head down to capture her breast with his mouth. Karen laid down on the table and brought Sidney with her as he continued to pound into her. He felt Karen begin to tense up and before long her muscles clamped down on Sidney and she screamed out her release. Sidney stood back up and thrusted into her a few more times before his own orgasm took over his body and he collapsed back on top of her.

“That was interesting and certainly a first.”

“I find that hard to believe baby” Sidney said smiling before kissing her.

“What do you take me for Crosby?” Karen asked pretending to be offended.

“Nope, not touching that one” he laughed as he stood up and brought Karen up with him, still inside of her. “This was definitely worth waiting two months for.”

“Yes it was. So are we going to do others things until I leave or is this pretty much it?”

“I’m sure we’ll leave the house a few times.” Sidney leaned in to kiss her but his cell phone decided that wasn’t going to happen. Sidney had to pull out of Karen to find his cell phone and answered it.

“Hello.”

“Hey Sid, your mom wanted to see if you were coming over for dinner tonight as planned?”

“I completely forgot about that dad but yeah, tell her we’ll be there.”

“We? Who are you bringing with you?”

“Dad I told you Karen was coming to spend my birthday with me. She flew in today.” Karen saw the look on Sidney’s face and got off the table picking up her clothes. She went to the bathroom to get dressed and compose herself as Sidney finished his conversation with his dad. “I’m not about to exclude her to be with you guys when she’s only here for a week.”

“Its fine Sid, bring her along. I know your mom is anxious to meet her.”

“Alright, we’ll be over soon.”

Sidney hung up from his dad and got dressed in the kitchen. Karen came back and stood up against the doorframe watching him. “So we have plans for dinner then?”

“Sorry about that, do you mind?”

“No, it’s not like I could have avoided her anyway. How long do we have until we have to go over there?”

“About an hour at most it’ll be fine I promise.”

“I’m holding you to that. Mind if I get a shower?”

“Mind if I join you?” he said wrapping his arms around her.

“If you do, can we be done in under an hour?”

“I’m sure we can time it to see.”

“I guess were going to play beat the clock” Karen said as she kissed him and got out of his grasp. She picked up her bag and headed upstairs with Sidney not too far behind.

Karen managed to get undressed and into the shower before Sidney had a chance to slow her down. He just took it as an opportunity to look through her bag. When he got done searching, he undressed and joined Karen into the shower. She was rinsing the conditioner out of her hair when she felt Sidney brush up against her. Karen got out from under the water and Sidney kissed her as he turned them around so he could get under.

“Good thing I was done.”

“Are you sure you’re completely done?” Sidney smirked

“Well not really, I mean I do need help with my back.” Karen got closer to him and kissed him.

“Turn around and I can get that for you.”

Karen turned around making sure she stayed in contact with Sidney’s body. He grabbed the soap and lathered it in his hands before putting it on her back. Karen melted into his touch as he massaged the soap into her skin. Sidney heard a soft moan escape her lips and smiled to himself. He moved his hands to her lower back and then proceeded around to her stomach. Karen leaned her back up to his chest and let him do what he wanted. Sidney kept one hand on her stomach as the other one roamed down further to her mound. He cupped her and inserted a few fingers inside of her pumping in and out at a fast pace. Karen placed one of her hands over Sidney’s to help him bring her to her peak. Karen leaned her head back and turned to face Sidney as his lips came down on hers.

“Baby? I didn’t see my present in your bag.”

“You went through my bag?” Karen asked turning around to face him.

“Well, I figured it was a good time to snoop since you were in here.”

Karen began laughing “I can’t believe you did that.”

“My birthday is in two days and I figured you would have something for me.”

“Isn’t me being here enough of a present for you? I figured that visiting you could be my present.”

“As much as I love that, it could be but I just thought you would have gotten me something else.”

Karen smiled as Sidney turned into the water to finish his shower. She wrapped her arms around him and placed a kiss on his shoulder “I had to mail your present because it was too big and fragile to bring with me on the plane.” She kissed his cheek and stepped out of the shower when she saw a smile creep onto Sidney’s face.

When Sidney was done, he got out of the shower and dried off. He saw Karen going through her bag and finding what she wanted to wear to dinner with his parents.

“Since you’re here for 8 days, I made some room in a couple of my drawers so you wouldn’t have to live out of your bag while you’re here.”

“You didn’t need to do that.”

“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to” he said kissing her.

“Thank you, that was sweet of you.”

“Well just don’t let that get out, I don’t want people to think I’m a big softie.”

“I won’t tell anyone I promise.”

They got dressed and Karen moved her clothes from her bag to the drawers and hung up a couple of things. She asked Sidney what she should wear and he picked out a simple v-neck shirt and navy blue Capri pants. Karen fixed her hair and got her make up done so she was ready to leave whenever. She left Sidney to get dressed since he was doing something else as she got ready and went downstairs. Karen walked outside to the back porch and just looked at the scenery. There seemed to be sense of quietness that fell over her and she didn’t even hear Sidney walk up behind her. When she felt his arms around her waist, she brought a hand up and blotted away a tear that was ready to fall.

“Ok what’s wrong? This is the second time you got quiet on me and something has you upset” he moved around her and leaned on the railing to look her in the eyes “talk to me.”

“I was just looking around at the scenery and I got thinking about mom and dad. It was this time in 2001 that they left to take their vacation to come up this way. I guess seeing how beautiful it is, is what they loved about coming up here. I guess I feel closer to them being here and it just reminds me how much I miss them especially with the anniversary coming up in a month.”

Sidney pulls her into a hug and holds on to her “I’m sorry they’re not around for you anymore but you still have years of memories to hold on to.”

“I know, but the thing is, I never got to tell them goodbye. Even before they left to go on their trip I didn’t get to talk to them. I was on my own vacation with friends and I knew when I got back they would be gone. I just wish they were still here to see how happy I am.”

“I think they know baby and I’m sure they’re watching out for you.”

Karen pulled back “I hope their not watching everything I do, especially with you.”

“You say that like what we’re doing is a bad thing.”

“Maybe not bad but definitely naughty at times. I’ll be ok I just get like this the closer it gets to September 11th.”

“Well I’m here for you if you need it.”

“Thank you” Karen leans in to kiss him. Sidney tries to take it further when she stopped him “we need to go.”

“I know, but we will finish this later.”

“I never doubted we wouldn’t.”

Sidney gives her another kiss and they headed out to his parent’s house. Karen was getting a little nervous the closer they got to the house but Sidney gave her hand a squeeze to reassure her everything would be fine. They pulled up to the house and got out. As soon as Sidney grabbed Karen’s hand another car pulled up behind them and honked their horn. Soon enough a young girl ran out of the house.

“Hi Sid” she hugged him and ran off “bye Sid.”

“And that would be my sister Taylor” Sidney said laughing.

“Ah I never would have guessed that, smart girl to be out of the line of fire.”

“Just stop, there will be no firing of anything towards you.”

“I have one last question to ask you. Am I going to be compared to all the other girls you brought home?”

“Probably.”

Karen just shook it off and they went inside. She looked around at the house Sidney grew up in and smiled when she could imagine what he was like growing up.

“Mom, dad?”

“Sidney I’m glad you came over” Trina said hugging her son. She let go of him and looked over at Karen.

“Mom, I would like to you to meet my girlfriend Karen. Karen this is my mom.”

“It’s nice to meet you dear. I’ve heard a lot about you in the last few months from Sid.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

“How was your trip up? It’s nice that you came to be with Sid for his birthday.”

“The flight was good. I had forgotten how beautiful it was up here.”

“So this isn’t your first trip to Nova Scotia?”

“No, my parents made the trip up here for as long as I could remember and I went with them when I was younger then they came up either by themselves or with friends when I got older and started working.”

“Well that’s nice dear. Listen, dinner is almost ready so why don’t you guys have a seat and relax for a bit.”

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Karen asked politely.

“If you don’t mind finishing the salad, I would love some help.”

Sidney kissed her on the head as he watched Karen go with his mom in the kitchen. He walked into the living room and found his dad watching TV.

“Hey dad.”

“Hey Sid, I didn’t hear you come in” getting up to hug him “where’s Karen?”

“She’s helping mom with dinner. You are going to be nice to her aren’t you?”

“Yes son, I will be nothing but nice to her.”

They sat down and talked for a few minutes before being called to the table to eat. Trina put Karen on one side and Sidney on the other side so they were facing each other. They all got food on their plates and began to eat.

“The food is delicious. I haven’t had a good home cooked meal in a long time.”

“Well thank you Karen, I do appreciate the sincerity. It’s hard to get it around here.”

“That is so not true mom, I’ve complimented you a thousand times on your cooking.”

“Yeah but it was always in passing as you ate so fast because you had to go a game.”

“You could have had a great business opportunity there Trina…fast food home cooked meals for the starving hockey children of Canada.”

“Be nice baby.”

“She’s right though. His sister is the same way now that she’s playing. Did you get to meet her yet?”

“I saw some blur run past so I assumed it was her.”

“She was heading to the movies with some friends but I’m sure you’ll meet her before you leave.”

“So what have you been up to since Sid came home Karen?” Troy asked

“I’ve just been working. I don’t go home to Pittsburgh every weekend because of gas being so high right now and no hockey games to go to, so there’s really not much to do then work.”

“Well at least he’s been able to concentrate on his training without any distractions so he’ll be ready for camp next month.”

“Dad, don’t” Sidney warned Troy not to start anything.

“What’s going on?” Trina asked not knowing.

“Apparently your husband thinks I distracted your son enough to lose the Stanley Cup this year.”

“That’s not what I’m saying Karen.”

“Not in so many words, but it is what you’re implying isn’t it Troy? Eventhough I was never in Detroit for the first two games, let alone game 5 and for every home game, I had to work the next day so I couldn’t see him before or after the games. In fact I didn’t talk to him until two days after they lost or see him until he showed up at my birthday party that my friends threw for me another two days later. I don’t see how I had anything to do with the team losing but yet you feel I’m to blame.”

“Troy?” Trina said with some disapproval in her voice “how could you make her feel like that?”

“I knew you didn’t like me dating her during the playoffs but to blame her for our loss dad…”

“I am not blaming her for the loss Sid, I’m just saying that maybe you were a little distracted going in spending time with her before the final round.”

“She didn’t distract me at all. I knew what was at stake going into it. If anything she helped me focus more.” Sidney got up from the table and went into the kitchen.

“I didn’t mean for this to get out of hand but I know what hockey and most importantly the Stanley Cup means to him. He knows I would be the first to remove myself from him if I would jeopardize any of that. Excuse me.” Karen got up to find Sidney. She saw him standing by the sink and looking out the window. “I’m sorry. I should have let it go but…”

“It’s not you or what you said. My dad needs to let go of it and just accept that I want to be with you. I know you had nothing to do with us losing, but why didn’t you tell him that I came to see you after I got back from Detroit and game 2?”

“Because you came to see me and he would turn it around on me somehow.” Karen walked over to him and hugged him “He’ll let it go when he wants to Sid.”

“I know but hey, my mom seems to really like you.”

“Give her time and your dad to convince her otherwise.”

Sidney smiled “God I love you.”

“You better” she said then kissed him “because I love you too.”

“Why don’t we take dessert in and finish this out?” Sidney said picking up the dessert.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Karen grabbed the extra plates and they went back to the dining room. Everybody apologized for what was said and they finished dinner on a happy note. An hour later Sidney and Karen were saying goodbye and heading back to his house.

“All things considering, I think that went well.”

“Yeah although I gave your dad more reason to hate me, but it was nice.”

“My dad doesn’t hate you baby. He’s not going to like anyone I want to date.”

“You mean there will be others besides me?” Karen pretended to be shocked and Sidney busted out laughing “it’s fine really. He’ll come around when he’s ready to and until then there’s nothing I can do.”

Sidney pulled up to his house and turned off the engine “do you realize how amazing you are? Any other girl would break it off with me to not have to deal with my parents, you go toe to toe with my dad not backing down to him by any means.”

“Did I not tell you that I always fight for what I want?” she winked at him before getting out.

Sidney got out and caught up to her wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up off the ground, spinning her around until they fell to the ground laughing. Sidney was on top of her and moved a piece of hair out of her face. There were no words said but the look between them said volumes. Karen lifted her head and kissed him, rolling them over so she was on top.

“You think you’re sneaky don’t you?”

“Well something worked since I am now on top.” Karen leans down and kisses him again only to have Sidney use his strength and sit them up with her still on his lap.

“I’m glad you still came up. I was worried with how I treated you after the finals that you would have changed your mind again after your birthday.”

“I only wouldn’t have come if you didn’t want me to. I was worried when you shut me out like you did.”

"I know baby and I will forever be sorry that I did it."

“I’m just glad you left the airport to come see me. I think you were my best birthday gift.”

“Just like you’re mine.” Sidney found the spot on Karen’s neck and began nibbling making Karen shiver.

“Now I definitely think we should take this somewhere else.”

“Maybe you’re right this time.”

“You might want to remember that for next time.”