Chapter 109

As the regular season was winding down, the playoffs were drawing near. The winning streak the Pens had in the last couple weeks assured them a spot in the playoffs, but their position wouldn't be determined until after the season ends. There was still a tight race between 4-6 and the last home ice spot was up for grabs. After their three week home stance, the team was going on the road for three games before closing out the season at home for a game and then on the road for the final game.

Sidney was closing in on a 100 point season and got it during the game in Tampa. Karen wished it happened at home but he had been stuck on 99 points for the three prior games, she knew he wouldn't wait until the final home game.

Thursday night came and so did the final home game. They were playing the Islanders and everyone hoped it would be the easy game to win. Well it was and they won 6-1. But the final home game also brought Fan Appreciation Night where the guys gave the jerseys off their backs to lucky fans.

"It sucks you didn't win a jersey Karen" Sheril said "hell it sucks none of us did."

"Sheril she could have any jersey she wanted, as she has to do it ask for it" Natalie said.

"Look who's talking. I'm sure all you need to do is say the word and you would have a closet full also Nat."

"Max knows I only need his in my closet."

"Well I can take the jersey off Sid's back any time I want" Karen said smirking.

"Yeah his jersey....his shirt...." Diane started.

"Don't forget his pants" Karen added smiling "and the best part..."

"His boxers" they all said together then laughed. Karen watched the ice at what was going on and focused her eyes on Sidney. He was having so much fun and she loved seeing it. He was always so serious as soon as he would hit the ice. She saw him go over to a table set up with t-shirts and grab a couple. He threw them out to the crowd and then he skated infront of where Karen was sitting. Sidney pointed to Karen and then threw the shirt up to her. She knew the people around her would let her get it and it came directly to her. Karen gave a wink back to him and Sidney just smiled and skated off. She watched as he stayed around the bench and signed some extra jerseys until he was called over to give his jersey to the fan that won it. Karen saw Sidney skate off and the girls left. Natalie went down to the locker room with Karen as Diane and Sheril went home. They waited in the lounge until the guys got done with the media. When Sidney was done, he went out to find her before getting his shower.

"Hey baby" he said sitting down beside her.

"Hey sexy stud, look what I got" she said showing him the t-shirt.

"Who gave you that?"

"One of the guys...sign it for me?"

"How about I sign it when we get home" he said with a hint of lust in his voice.

"Then you better get your shower so we can head home."

Sidney leaned in and kissed her "you don't need to tell me twice. I'll be back in a bit." He kissed her again and left. Karen sat there and wondered...their year anniversary was coming up in nine days and she couldn't help but think what that day would hold for them. She had to wonder if it would be the end or the beginning of their love. Karen couldn't shake the feeling that she did want more out of their relationship, but she just didn't know how long she could last without a true committment from him. The longer they were together, the thought of marriage slowly crept back into her mind.

A half hour later, Sidney came out ready to go and got Karen before heading out. When they got outside, there were still a bunch of people standing around and Karen just smiled when Sidney looked at her, nodding her head telling him to go ahead. He gave her the keys and she walked to the car, getting in and waited for him. He got to the car another half hour later and apologized for making her wait. Karen leaned over and kissed him letting him know it was fine. They headed home and Karen went upstairs to change as Sidney got comfortable in the living room.

Karen walked down the steps and stood in the doorway until Sidney's eyes fell upon her. He smiled when he saw she was wearing only the t-shirt he threw to her at the arena.

"Got a sharpie handy?"

Sidney put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the sharpie he usually carried with him "always."

Karen walked over to him and stood infront of him. He sat up on the edge of the couch and ran his hand up her leg "where would you like me to sign it?"

"Right here" Karen said pointing to the area over her breast.

Sidney stood and put his hand on her breast as he began to sign his name "kind of a turn on if you ask me."

"Nice to know I can still do that."

Sidney finished signing her shirt and put the cap back on "no other woman has been able to do that."

"No one? That's a surprise to me."

"Ok, maybe there might have been a couple girls while I was in Juniors but I was young then, didn't really have a grip on my manhood yet."

"Really and now you do?"

Sidney wasn't sure where this was going "yes I do. You have to know by now that its you and only you that turns me on to no end."

Karen smiled "then how about you follow me upstairs and we can turn each other on?"

Sidney picked her up "I will follow you anywhere baby." She just laughed as he carried her upstairs and to their bedroom. He set her down by the bed and reached for the bottom of her shirt, taking it off and throwing to the floor.

"Excuse me, but that is a signed original by the one and only Sidney Crosby. How dare you treat it with such disrespect."

"I'll get you another one."

Karen began to help him get undressed "why don't you make it up to me another way?" Once Sidney was completely naked he pulled her closer to his body, letting the heat from their skin ignite a fire within them.

"Anything you wish baby" he said lifting her up and putting her on the bed, letting his body cover hers. That night, they made love as slow as possible, not losing any heat between them.

Karen's alarm rang and she reached out to shut if off, not wanting to get up. She finally fell asleep around 12:30a and the two hour nap was not going to bode well for work. She was thankful it was Friday and it was her early day only working until 10a. Karen got up without waking Sidney, grabbed her clothes and went to get her shower. Coming out a half hour later, she went over to give Sidney a kiss goodbye and headed downstairs. She made some coffee and sat down to write Sidney a note. When the coffee was done, she grabbed some to go and left.

A couple hours later, Sidney woke up and managed to get his shower. When he was done and went downstairs, he saw the note and read it.

Goodluck tomorrow night in Montreal. I will definitely be watching you win stud. At least we can have some time together before the playoffs start. May need to call in the girls to give you guys a warm up game like last time. I love you and will see you when you get home.

Sidney smiled remembering what happened last time....he found the woman of his dreams and fell in love. He knew their year anniversary was coming up and he had a feeling she was thinking he forgot because he hasn't talked about it. The reason behind it was he had been planning something for a while now. The only hitch was the playoffs. Sidney wouldn't know until after Sunday where exactly they would end up and if they would have home ice or started on the road. With their anniversary being next Saturday, he had to have a plan B incase they had to postpone it a couple days. He put the note down and got ready to leave for the arena and the ending of the regular season.