Less than a week later I was back in Cole Harbour and I was getting ready to start my new job. I should have been excited. I should have been eagerly anticipating the beginning to a new chapter in my life.
Instead I spent most of the time wondering about Sidney. I wondered what he was doing and how things were going for him at Mario’s. I wondered how practice was going and if he was adjusting well to life in the NHL. Mainly though, I wondered if he was thinking about me as much as I was thinking about him.
We hadn’t spoken since that night in Pittsburgh. He hadn’t tried to call me, but then again, I hadn’t tried to call him. Every night I sat at home and my fingers itched to dial his number. I just wanted to hear the sound of his voice. I wanted to hear him say my name again.
Only I didn’t know if he’d answer the phone if I called, so I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I couldn’t make myself pick up the phone and dial his number because there was always a chance that he wasn’t going to answer. Or worse still, he’d answer and he wouldn’t want to talk to me.
I had too much to worry about. I couldn’t deal with the emotional trauma of him not wanting me when all of this other… stuff, was going on in my life. I had to focus on my job… I wanted it to be my career.
Except that I wasn’t. Because no matter where I was, the only thing I was thinking about was Sidney. I was worried about him and I worried about the pressure he was facing. How was he dealing with it?
Or was it even hard for him? Being so far away I had no idea. Maybe he was having the time of his life in Pittsburgh and he didn’t need me at all. The plain hard fact of the matter was that I didn’t know. Nor was I likely to find out anytime soon.
So I continued working. I worried about getting to know my students. I worried about doing my job properly and in my spare time I tried to focus on anything and everything but Sidney Crosby.
Living in Cole Harbour made that practically impossible. You couldn’t take two steps without hearing something about him. I almost grew accustomed to hearing about him, though it continued to hurt. Every time I saw him on TV it hurt, and he was all over TV, every where I looked.
It didn’t help that I’m a huge sports fan. I couldn’t help but turn into Sportscentre and Sportsnet News. I wanted to know the scores, and though I tried to avoid most of the major stories about Sidney, I couldn’t completely ignore Sidney-mania. In fact, it probably wouldn’t have mattered where I was living, I wouldn’t be able to avoid Sidney-mania.
Sidney-mania continued with the press and I continued to try to ignore it as best I could.
However, whenever I saw one of those stupid pieces on any of the sports channels where they compared him to Alexander Ovechkin, I couldn’t help but tune in. I worried about Sidney when I saw those stories.
I worried about how he felt, being compared to a 20-year-old. Ovechkin already had a pro-season under his belt in Russia. Sidney had just turned 18… last year he’d been playing in a kid’s league, compared to what Ovechkin had been doing. It didn’t seem fair to compare the two.
And every time I saw one of those stories… one of the ones that I just couldn’t turn off the question inevitably came up. Did he have a girlfriend? Over the summer, when I knew that Sidney and I together, the fact that he said that he dated, but was still single, well it didn’t bother me.
I knew the truth. Troy, Trina, Taylor and even Pat knew the truth. So did most of Sidney’s closest friends. So it didn’t bother me when he lied to the media. Lord knew that the media lied about him enough. Turnabout seemed like fair play when he lied to him.
Now though, it bothered me. Hearing him tell people that he didn’t have a girlfriend bothered me. I wanted him to tell the truth all of a sudden. Maybe that’s what bothered me the most. That now it seemed as though he was telling the truth. I mean, really telling the truth. He didn’t have a girlfriend. I wasn’t his girlfriend anymore.
That bothered me. It bothered me more then I really could ever say. So while I could turn off the TV and ignore the newspaper, I couldn’t ignore the Crosby’s. Troy and Trina continued to invite me over for dinner once a week, or to brunch on Sundays. In fact, they acted as though Sidney and I were still seeing each other.
If Sidney hadn’t bothered to tell his parents that things had ended between us, and badly, I wasn’t going to tell them. That was his job. Besides, they were the only people I really knew in Cole Harbour, and I wasn’t willing to give up that small connection with the world outside of my school.
As September continued and the pre-season games started, I was slightly worried when I saw Sidney wasn’t scheduled to play much. I hoped that he wasn’t hurt, but I just couldn’t bring myself to call him to find out.
Right before the pre-season started, I went out for Sunday brunch with Troy, Trina and Taylor and the minute I sat down at the table, Troy nearly pounced on me. “So are you going to be able to come?”
“Come where?” I asked, feeling totally confused.
“To Wilkes-Barre.” Troy replied immediately.
“To where?” I asked, feeling as though I was missing something important.
“Wilkes-Barre.” Troy said slowly, looking at me carefully. “That’s where the baby Penguins play.”
“The baby Penguins?” I asked, my eyebrows raised.
“The AHL affiliate of the Penguins.” Troy explained slowly, as if I were a little slow.
Which really, I suppose I was. I know that I’m not good early in the morning… I’ve never claimed to be, but somehow I was feeling as if I was really missing something this morning. “Umm why would I be going there?” I asked, bewildered.
Troy glanced at Trina who was giggling. “Troy don’t you remember?” She asked.
“Remember what?” Troy asked, sounding and looking as confused as I’m sure I had a few moments before.
“Sidney told us he hadn’t been able to get in touch with Darryl.” Trina said with a grin. “So why don’t you explain what’s going on to the poor girl instead of asking her a bunch of questions that she just doesn’t understand.”
“Thank you Trina.” I said with a sigh of relief. “I was beginning to think that I was really missing something.”
“Well you are.” Troy said with a bit of a teasing smile. “But that’s nothing that we can’t rectify.”
“Oh good.” I said with a relieved smile.
“So the pre-season starts on Monday.” Troy said.
“I know.” I said nodding. “I don’t live completely buried under a pile of rocks. Close, but not quite.”
“Well, Sidney’s not going to be playing in every game.” Troy added.
“I heard something about that.” I said, trying as hard as I could to remain calm. “He isn’t hurt or anything is he?” I asked, struggling not to reveal how anxious I was about his health.
Trina and Troy both looked at me oddly, so I continued. “Umm, Sidney and I have been keeping such different, ah, schedules lately.” I lied, though not totally smoothly. “We haven’t talked much lately.”
The Crosby’s seemed to accept this. At the very least, they didn’t question it. “He’s fine Darryl.” Trina told me with an easy smile, much like Sidney’s. “The Pens are just worried that he’ll have a target on his back this pre-season and they don’t want some minor-league enforcer to take a dirty shot at him, so he won’t be playing in every pre-season game.”
I sighed with relief again. “Oh good.” I said. “I was a little worried.”
Troy laughed. “Well if you want, you can see for yourself.” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked, suddenly feeling confused again. “Troy, its early on a Sunday. I’m not exactly a morning person, so you have to move really slowly with me in the morning.”
Troy and Trina laughed. “Basically, Sidney’s playing every second pre-season game. Which means he isn’t playing tomorrow, but he plays Wednesday, he’s not playing Friday, but he plays Saturday, in Wilkes-Barre.”
“So he’s playing for the baby Pens?” I asked.
“No, the Pens are playing a pre-season game in their AHL team’s venue.” Trina explained with a bit of a chuckle.
“Oh you mean like how the Raps always play a pre-season game in Winnipeg.” I said nodding. “Okay, even that makes sense to my poor, tired brain.”
Taylor giggled and her parents laughed. “Basically….” Troy said. “Sidney called us the other night, because we’re all going to be there, obviously, and he said that he hasn’t been able to get in touch with you, but he knew that we’d be seeing you for brunch.”
Now that surprised me. Because that meant that Sidney was well aware of the fact that I was still eating with his family at least once a week. Which meant that he had a much better idea of what was going on in my life then I had about his.
It almost angered me, because here I was, worrying about everything that was going on in his life, and he wasn’t at all worried about me. He knew. I sighed. “Yeah, we haven’t been able to talk to each other much lately.”
“Well he asked us to invite you to join us in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.” Troy said with a smile. “So what do you say Darryl? Are you in?”
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Chapter 21 - Some Kind of Wonderful
We headed back to Pittsburgh later that week. Sidney was living with Mario, and I was back in the hotel. I only had a few days left to spend with Sidney before I had to go to work in Cole Harbour. I wanted to make the most of them. I know that he did too.
We went for lunch together every day, although I was being kept busy with the final portion of Sidney’s contract negotiation so I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to spend with him. When I was with him, my heart was breaking. When I wasn’t with him, my heart was breaking.
I already knew how much I was going to miss him. It tore me up inside thinking about spending months at a time away from him. But that was what I was going to do. I mean, I couldn’t just quit my job. I had signed a contract and I was looking forward to my first full time teaching job.
Yet leaving Sidney in Pittsburgh was going to be the hardest thing that I would ever have to do, and I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to do it. I knew that Sidney wanted us to jump the hurdles as they came and not worry about them ahead of time. Unfortunately I was worried.
I worried all of the time. I knew that over the past few days, Sidney and the other Penguins rookies had been going through an intense orientation camp. That included a lot of talk about the various temptations that they would face as rich young men in a city that loved their hockey team.
Just thinking about all of those different temptations made me feel ill. So I worried. I worried a lot about the time that we weren’t going to be able to make it over all of the hurdles that those temptations were going to present us with. I just tried as hard as I possibly could not to show it around him.
I didn’t want to be the possessive bitchy girlfriend. I didn’t want to make him feel trapped. Yet being with him, being his girl, was making me start to think about the future. It made me start thinking about marriage. It even had me thinking about kids.
All of those thoughts were wonderful and frightening. They were wonderful because I knew that I was well on my way to being in love again. After the last time, I wasn’t sure that I was ever going to fall in love again.
Yet it was frightening because Sidney was only eighteen. He’s so young and he hasn’t experienced so much. I didn’t want him to miss out on those things. I didn’t want to push him to things that he didn’t want.
And I wasn’t sure what he wanted. I wasn’t sure if being with me was making me think about marriage and children. I wasn’t sure if he was even thinking beyond the next day or the next week. I had no idea.
I didn’t want to disrupt things by asking. I didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. Yet by not making him uncomfortable, I wasn’t sure whether or not I was risking my own happiness… my own piece of mind. I wanted both of us to be happy. I wanted us to be happy together. I wanted that more than anything.
As I sat around on one of my last nights in Pittsburgh finishing up some final revisions on some paperwork for Pat, there was a knock at my hotel room door. Sighing, I fixed my hair in a sloppy ponytail and padded slowly to the door. Pat had a bad habit of sending messengers at all hours to pick up whatever it was that I was working on.
To my surprise, Sidney was standing on the other side of my door. “Crosby!” I said surprised.
Sidney smiled at me softly. “You didn’t think that I was going to let you leave without me seeing you did you?” He asked, gently pushing me backwards into my hotel room.
I smiled up at him, his nearness making me want nothing more then to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him. “I wasn’t sure.” I said with a shrug. “You’ve been so busy since you were here, I just couldn’t know for sure.”
Sidney leaned down and kissed me passionately. His lips worked against mine and I moaned low in pleasure as his hands moved lower and his fingers massaged my back and then moved lower and lower still. I twined my fingers in his hair and together we stumbled backwards towards the bed.
We collapsed onto the bed, Sidney on top of me. I accepted his body weight and moaned as his knee urged my legs apart. He settled between my legs and his hips moved against mine. His lips moved away from mine and trailed a line of hot kisses down my neck.
“Sidney….” I moaned low, my head thrashing slightly.
“You are so beautiful Dare.” He muttered, starring down at me reverently. “I can only imagine how beautiful you are with your clothes off.”
“And you’ve spent a lot of time imagining it haven’t you Crosby?” I teased him, reaching up to gently stroke his cheek with the back of my hand.
“More than you can imagine babe.” He replied, his fingers moving to slowly remove my tank top. “More than you can imagine.”
His mouth came crashing down on mine again and I knew then that the time for talking had passed. I wanted to be with him before I left. I wanted us to come together like this. I wanted him to make love to me so that we could be one, if only for a moment.
Nearly an hour later I lay cuddled in Sidney arms, the blankets, sheets and clothes all over the place, my paper work a mess on the floor. I sighed and shivered. We were covered in sweat. Whose it was, I couldn’t very well tell you, but it was chilly, laying there naked on the bed.
Sidney dropped a quick kiss on my forehead. “You cold babe?” He asked.
“A little.” I replied.
Sidney let me go briefly, reaching down on the floor for the blanket. Pulling it up over me he surprised me by leaning over again to grab his t-shirt. “Here.” He said, cuddling me in his arms again. “Put this on.”
I smiled and pulled his t-shirt on, inhaling deeply as I did so. It smelt like him. There was something comforting about that. “Thanks.” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss on his well muscled chest.
“Thank you.” He whispered in reply.
I giggled. “It was good for me too Crosby.” I reminded him.
“I know.” He said with a triumphant grin. “And I’m sure the people in the rooms on either side of us know it too.”
I shrugged. “So I was a little loud. I made you scream too Crosby.”
“Did not.” Sidney answered indignantly.
“Did too.” I replied.
“Did not.”
“Did too.”
“You so did not.”
“I so did Crosby.” I told him with a laugh. “But if you really want to prove me wrong, we could always try again.”
“What time is it?” Sidney asked, glancing around.
I reached for my cell phone, sitting on the dresser. “Nearly eleven thirty.” I replied. “Why?”
“Oh fuck.” He muttered leaning out of the bed and reaching for his pants.
“What?” I asked, clutching the blanket to my chest.
“Fuck Dare, I hate having to do this.” He muttered.
“Do what?” I demanded, looking him straight in the eye.
He looked away and muttered. “I have to go.”
“Go?” I demanded angrily. “Go where?”
“Curfew remember?” He said, glancing at me briefly. “I have to be back at Mario’s already.”
“Stay the night.” I replied. “Call, tell him you’re alright and that you’re with me.”
“Dare, its not that simple.” He told me, running his fingers through his now tangled hair. “I have stuff tomorrow.”
“So you’re going to pump and dump huh?” I demanded, peeling his shirt off of my body. “I should have fucking known.” I snapped angrily running my fingers through my hair. “I should have fucking known better.”
Sidney was starring at me, incredulously, so I continued. “You made it perfectly clear from when we first met that all you wanted to do was fuck me. Now that you’ve done that, you don’t want to stick around because if you stick around you know that its going to get emotional and you don’t want to deal with that.”
“I never said that.” Sidney tried to defend himself.
“You didn’t have to say it.” I snapped throwing his t-shirt at him. “Your actions speak louder then words Crosby.”
“I’m already late Dare.” Sidney said. “What more do you want?”
“What do I want?” I snapped angrily. “What the fuck do you think that I want?”
“I don’t fucking know.” Sidney yelled at me. “If I knew, I wouldn’t be so fucking confused right now.”
“Why the fuck do you think that I put off having sex with you for so damned long Crosby?” I demanded.
Sidney just starred at me and shrugged, so I continued. “I put it off hoping that you would take the time to get to know me. I put it off hoping that once you go to know me, you’d like me enough not to do this to me.”
“Do what to you?” Sidney asked.
“Pump and dump.” I snapped. “Really, Crosby, if all you wanted to do was fuck and chuck, you should have waited to approach me until you were already 18. We could have just had sex and been done with each other. This… this hurts.”
Sidney’s cell phone started ringing. “Fuck.” He muttered, looking at the call display. “I have to go.” He mumbled awkwardly, turning and leaving me standing with only a blanket to cover myself.
The door to the room closed behind him and I moaned in pain. I didn’t understand how he could do this to me. We had just had sex for the first time. Didn’t he understand that I didn’t want him to leave? I wanted him to spend the night with, holding me in his arms.
I wanted to wake up next to him. I wanted to feel safe. I wanted to know that he wasn’t going to leave me now that he had gotten what he wanted. So I lay on the bed and I cried myself to sleep, wishing that I’d never met Sidney Crosby.
We went for lunch together every day, although I was being kept busy with the final portion of Sidney’s contract negotiation so I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to spend with him. When I was with him, my heart was breaking. When I wasn’t with him, my heart was breaking.
I already knew how much I was going to miss him. It tore me up inside thinking about spending months at a time away from him. But that was what I was going to do. I mean, I couldn’t just quit my job. I had signed a contract and I was looking forward to my first full time teaching job.
Yet leaving Sidney in Pittsburgh was going to be the hardest thing that I would ever have to do, and I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to do it. I knew that Sidney wanted us to jump the hurdles as they came and not worry about them ahead of time. Unfortunately I was worried.
I worried all of the time. I knew that over the past few days, Sidney and the other Penguins rookies had been going through an intense orientation camp. That included a lot of talk about the various temptations that they would face as rich young men in a city that loved their hockey team.
Just thinking about all of those different temptations made me feel ill. So I worried. I worried a lot about the time that we weren’t going to be able to make it over all of the hurdles that those temptations were going to present us with. I just tried as hard as I possibly could not to show it around him.
I didn’t want to be the possessive bitchy girlfriend. I didn’t want to make him feel trapped. Yet being with him, being his girl, was making me start to think about the future. It made me start thinking about marriage. It even had me thinking about kids.
All of those thoughts were wonderful and frightening. They were wonderful because I knew that I was well on my way to being in love again. After the last time, I wasn’t sure that I was ever going to fall in love again.
Yet it was frightening because Sidney was only eighteen. He’s so young and he hasn’t experienced so much. I didn’t want him to miss out on those things. I didn’t want to push him to things that he didn’t want.
And I wasn’t sure what he wanted. I wasn’t sure if being with me was making me think about marriage and children. I wasn’t sure if he was even thinking beyond the next day or the next week. I had no idea.
I didn’t want to disrupt things by asking. I didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. Yet by not making him uncomfortable, I wasn’t sure whether or not I was risking my own happiness… my own piece of mind. I wanted both of us to be happy. I wanted us to be happy together. I wanted that more than anything.
As I sat around on one of my last nights in Pittsburgh finishing up some final revisions on some paperwork for Pat, there was a knock at my hotel room door. Sighing, I fixed my hair in a sloppy ponytail and padded slowly to the door. Pat had a bad habit of sending messengers at all hours to pick up whatever it was that I was working on.
To my surprise, Sidney was standing on the other side of my door. “Crosby!” I said surprised.
Sidney smiled at me softly. “You didn’t think that I was going to let you leave without me seeing you did you?” He asked, gently pushing me backwards into my hotel room.
I smiled up at him, his nearness making me want nothing more then to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him. “I wasn’t sure.” I said with a shrug. “You’ve been so busy since you were here, I just couldn’t know for sure.”
Sidney leaned down and kissed me passionately. His lips worked against mine and I moaned low in pleasure as his hands moved lower and his fingers massaged my back and then moved lower and lower still. I twined my fingers in his hair and together we stumbled backwards towards the bed.
We collapsed onto the bed, Sidney on top of me. I accepted his body weight and moaned as his knee urged my legs apart. He settled between my legs and his hips moved against mine. His lips moved away from mine and trailed a line of hot kisses down my neck.
“Sidney….” I moaned low, my head thrashing slightly.
“You are so beautiful Dare.” He muttered, starring down at me reverently. “I can only imagine how beautiful you are with your clothes off.”
“And you’ve spent a lot of time imagining it haven’t you Crosby?” I teased him, reaching up to gently stroke his cheek with the back of my hand.
“More than you can imagine babe.” He replied, his fingers moving to slowly remove my tank top. “More than you can imagine.”
His mouth came crashing down on mine again and I knew then that the time for talking had passed. I wanted to be with him before I left. I wanted us to come together like this. I wanted him to make love to me so that we could be one, if only for a moment.
Nearly an hour later I lay cuddled in Sidney arms, the blankets, sheets and clothes all over the place, my paper work a mess on the floor. I sighed and shivered. We were covered in sweat. Whose it was, I couldn’t very well tell you, but it was chilly, laying there naked on the bed.
Sidney dropped a quick kiss on my forehead. “You cold babe?” He asked.
“A little.” I replied.
Sidney let me go briefly, reaching down on the floor for the blanket. Pulling it up over me he surprised me by leaning over again to grab his t-shirt. “Here.” He said, cuddling me in his arms again. “Put this on.”
I smiled and pulled his t-shirt on, inhaling deeply as I did so. It smelt like him. There was something comforting about that. “Thanks.” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss on his well muscled chest.
“Thank you.” He whispered in reply.
I giggled. “It was good for me too Crosby.” I reminded him.
“I know.” He said with a triumphant grin. “And I’m sure the people in the rooms on either side of us know it too.”
I shrugged. “So I was a little loud. I made you scream too Crosby.”
“Did not.” Sidney answered indignantly.
“Did too.” I replied.
“Did not.”
“Did too.”
“You so did not.”
“I so did Crosby.” I told him with a laugh. “But if you really want to prove me wrong, we could always try again.”
“What time is it?” Sidney asked, glancing around.
I reached for my cell phone, sitting on the dresser. “Nearly eleven thirty.” I replied. “Why?”
“Oh fuck.” He muttered leaning out of the bed and reaching for his pants.
“What?” I asked, clutching the blanket to my chest.
“Fuck Dare, I hate having to do this.” He muttered.
“Do what?” I demanded, looking him straight in the eye.
He looked away and muttered. “I have to go.”
“Go?” I demanded angrily. “Go where?”
“Curfew remember?” He said, glancing at me briefly. “I have to be back at Mario’s already.”
“Stay the night.” I replied. “Call, tell him you’re alright and that you’re with me.”
“Dare, its not that simple.” He told me, running his fingers through his now tangled hair. “I have stuff tomorrow.”
“So you’re going to pump and dump huh?” I demanded, peeling his shirt off of my body. “I should have fucking known.” I snapped angrily running my fingers through my hair. “I should have fucking known better.”
Sidney was starring at me, incredulously, so I continued. “You made it perfectly clear from when we first met that all you wanted to do was fuck me. Now that you’ve done that, you don’t want to stick around because if you stick around you know that its going to get emotional and you don’t want to deal with that.”
“I never said that.” Sidney tried to defend himself.
“You didn’t have to say it.” I snapped throwing his t-shirt at him. “Your actions speak louder then words Crosby.”
“I’m already late Dare.” Sidney said. “What more do you want?”
“What do I want?” I snapped angrily. “What the fuck do you think that I want?”
“I don’t fucking know.” Sidney yelled at me. “If I knew, I wouldn’t be so fucking confused right now.”
“Why the fuck do you think that I put off having sex with you for so damned long Crosby?” I demanded.
Sidney just starred at me and shrugged, so I continued. “I put it off hoping that you would take the time to get to know me. I put it off hoping that once you go to know me, you’d like me enough not to do this to me.”
“Do what to you?” Sidney asked.
“Pump and dump.” I snapped. “Really, Crosby, if all you wanted to do was fuck and chuck, you should have waited to approach me until you were already 18. We could have just had sex and been done with each other. This… this hurts.”
Sidney’s cell phone started ringing. “Fuck.” He muttered, looking at the call display. “I have to go.” He mumbled awkwardly, turning and leaving me standing with only a blanket to cover myself.
The door to the room closed behind him and I moaned in pain. I didn’t understand how he could do this to me. We had just had sex for the first time. Didn’t he understand that I didn’t want him to leave? I wanted him to spend the night with, holding me in his arms.
I wanted to wake up next to him. I wanted to feel safe. I wanted to know that he wasn’t going to leave me now that he had gotten what he wanted. So I lay on the bed and I cried myself to sleep, wishing that I’d never met Sidney Crosby.
Chapter 20 - Some Kind of Wonderful
We made our way upstairs to our hotel rooms, which had a connecting door, thanks to Sidney’s meddling. Sidney hands were all over my body, turning me on incredibly as we made our way upstairs. “Stop it.” I hissed to him at one point. “Everyone can see us.”
“So?” Sidney replied, his lips working insistently on my neck.
“So they’re going to think something of this Sid.” I answered, a little nervously. “And I don’t want to get in trouble with Pat or your parents.”
Sidney shrugged. “You don’t think that people have seen me making out with someone before?” He asked. “I mean, I did live here for two years Dare, and I wasn’t celibate the entire time.”
I snorted. “The exact opposite the way you and your friends tell it of course.”
Sidney grinned and pushed me up against the wall of the elevator, kissing me brusquely as he did so. “I want you Dare.” He muttered. “Tonight.”
I kissed him back. “Not tonight Sid.” I whispered as we pulled apart. “Please. Tomorrow. When we can do it right.”
Sidney sighed in obvious frustration. “Why are you so damned concerned about doing it right Dare?” He demanded. “I just want to do it.”
“I’ve noticed.” I muttered dryly. “And I want to make sure that, first off, we both really want it, and two that we are both capable of remembering it in the morning. Sober sex is always better then drunk sex Sid.”
“Not always.” Sid said with a bit of a grin. “I mean, if you’re drunk, you sometimes think its good, even when its bad.”
I chuckled. “Okay, okay, you’ve got me there Crosby.” I admitted. “But I’d rather have both of us sober when we try it for the first time.”
Sidney sighed in frustration. “You’re serious about that huh?”
“Very serious.” I told him nodding. “Sidney, you may not have figured it out yet, but I care about you a lot.”
Sidney sighed, as he let me go, pulling me into his hotel room behind him. “You don’t think that I care about you Dare?” He demanded.
I shrugged. “I know that you care about me Sidney.” I told him with a small smile. “But I’m not sure that you really understand how much I care about you.”
“What do you mean?” He asked, pulling me into his arms as he sat on the bed.
“Sidney I care about you a lot.” I said slowly and quietly. “I wouldn’t give up a job for just anyone… and I wouldn’t travel as much as I have this summer for just anyone. Sidney I think I….” I trailed off, tears welling up in my eyes, unable to continue.
Sidney placed a soft kiss on my forehead. “You what Dare?” He asked gently, his hands stroking my arms, in an attempt to relax me.
“I’m scared.” I whispered quietly.
“You’re what?” Sidney asked, having not heard me clearly.
“I’m scared.” I repeated, a little bit louder.
“What are you scared of?” Sidney asked gently.
“Of us.” I said quietly. “Of you and me. Of being together.”
“Why?” Sidney asked, smoothing my hair away from my face with a surprisingly gentle hand.
I buried my face in his chest and didn’t reply right away. I mean, I wasn’t sure what to say. It’s not exactly and easy thing to figure out. How to do you tell a guy that you’re scared of falling in love with him? That falling in love with him was a scary thing. It wasn’t easy to say and it wasn’t something that I thought that I could say.
Sidney sighed and kissed the top of my head. “I wish you would just trust me Dare.” He muttered. “I don’t understand why you can’t trust me.”
“It’s not you that I don’t trust Sidney.” I whispered, immediately wanting to sooth his fears. “It’s men in general… and I know that you can’t exactly help it Crosby, but you definitely very, very male.”
Sidney smiled teasingly. “And hear I was thinking that what you liked about me the best was the fact that I am very, very male.”
I couldn’t help myself and I giggled. “I definitely enjoy the fact that you are male.” I said, kissing him softly. “It definitely makes you attractive.”
“Good.” Sidney mumbled, slipping his lips over mine, his hands sliding up to cup my chest. “Because babe, a very large part of what attracted me to you was the fact that you are very incredibly, incredibly female.”
“Well that’s good I suppose.” I said, kissing him back.
“Very, very good.” Sidney mumbled, his hands sliding up and down my body, stopping here and there to massage and caress my body.
I moaned low and pressed myself closer. “Just because I’m enjoying this doesn’t mean that I’m not scared Crosby.” I told him, kissing him gently on the lips.
“I know Dare.” Sidney said, laying back on the bed and drawing me gently into his embrace. “I’m not sure that I entirely get WHY you are so scared, but I respect the fact that you’re scared.”
I cuddled closer to him. “Thanks Crosby.” I whispered, kissing him softly.
“You’re an amazing girl Darryl.” Sidney said gently. “You’ve been treated badly by guys like me… I mean, I’ve treated a lot of girls badly. So I can understand your mistrust. I’ve been understanding, but I think that you need to understand that its frustrating for me because I’ve done noting to deserve your mistrust.”
“I know.” I said, my eyes closing slowly. “I want to trust you Sidney. I really do. I just can’t deal with getting hurt again and I feel like I’m setting myself up here.”
Sidney sighed and ran an impatient hand through his hair. “And that hurts me Dare.” He said. “Because I’ve done nothing to deserve your mistrust.”
“Not with me.” I said darkly. “But the same can’t be said for some of the other girls in your life Sid.”
“But that’s THEM.” Sidney said pointedly. “And you are YOU. There is a big difference.”
“Maybe there’s no difference to you Crosby.” I told him honestly. “But to most girls there really isn’t a big difference. After all the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour.”
Sidney rolled his eyes. “You’re doing the teacher thing again Dare.” He told me. “And really, it’s getting rather annoying. You aren’t just a teacher. You’re a woman too.”
I sighed. “We really are just repeating ourselves aren’t we?”
Sidney smiled. “Pretty much yep.”
“I just sometimes feel like… well you’ve only stuck with me because you want to fuck me.” I told him honestly. “Once you’ve done that, and you move to Pittsburgh, you’ll move on, and I’ll be left alone.”
Sidney shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Dare, you and I have this intense sexual tension.” He said. “And I’m not going to lie… its freaking awesome and I love being with you because I never know what you’re going to say or how you’re going to make me want you next, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know the difference between lust and, well, you know.”
I giggled. The boy couldn’t say the word love. “Love?” I supplied, with a wicked grin on my face.
“Yeah, that.” Sidney said, making a face.
“And how exactly am I supposed to believe you when you can’t even say the word?” I asked him teasingly. “I mean, I know it’s a hard word for guys to say, but still Crosby, grow some balls.”
“Excuse me?” Sidney said, surprise in his voice. “Little Miss I’m Scared is telling me to grow some balls?”
“Hey at least I can tell you how I feel about you.” I told him with a smile and shrug. “You can’t even say the L-word. I had to do it for you. Baby.” I teased him.
“You’re going to pay for that Korulyk.” Sidney said grabbing my hands and forcing them over my head, leaning down and kissing me softly.
I wiggled, managing to free a hand, trailing it down to tickle him. Sidney burst out laughing and wiggled, reaching for the hand that I managed to keep out of his grasp. “Don’t you dare!” Sidney almost squealed.
I giggled and kissed him softly. “I’d dare almost anything with you Crosby.” I told him, reaching up and gently smoothing his hair.
“Almost anything is right.” Sidney said, making a face.
I stuck my tongue out at him. “You’ll survive until I feel ready Crosby.” I pointed out. “And if you don’t, well, then you’ll just prove that you are the kind of guy that I’m worried you are.”
“Even though since I’ve met you I totally HAVEN’T been that guy.” Sidney said pointedly, pouting.
“It’s not easy for a tiger to change its stripes Crosby. At least now I do actually believe that it’s possible.” I said pointedly.
“I suppose that’s something.” Sidney grumbled tiredly.
“It’s a lot Crosby.” I told him softly, relaxing in his hold, his heartbeat gently lolling me to sleep. “It’s actually a lot.”
We woke up when our phone rang the next day with our wake up call. Sidney had to be on the ice in an hour. Sid moaned and rolled over cuddling me to him tightly. “Come on Crosby.” I said kissing him softly. “You have to be on the ice in an hour.”
“My head hurts.” He whined.
“I’ve got some advil in the bathroom.” I told him, shoving him gently. “Come on.”
He moaned again and I threw a pillow at him before I opened the curtains. Sidney immediately pulled the pillow over his head. “That hurts Dare.” He muttered.
“Go have a shower and take some pain killers you big baby.” I said with a happy smile.
“Will you at least shower with me?” He asked, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, burying his face in my neck.
I smiled and kissed him softly on the cheek. “I think that can be arranged Crosby. I definitely think that that can be arranged.”
“So?” Sidney replied, his lips working insistently on my neck.
“So they’re going to think something of this Sid.” I answered, a little nervously. “And I don’t want to get in trouble with Pat or your parents.”
Sidney shrugged. “You don’t think that people have seen me making out with someone before?” He asked. “I mean, I did live here for two years Dare, and I wasn’t celibate the entire time.”
I snorted. “The exact opposite the way you and your friends tell it of course.”
Sidney grinned and pushed me up against the wall of the elevator, kissing me brusquely as he did so. “I want you Dare.” He muttered. “Tonight.”
I kissed him back. “Not tonight Sid.” I whispered as we pulled apart. “Please. Tomorrow. When we can do it right.”
Sidney sighed in obvious frustration. “Why are you so damned concerned about doing it right Dare?” He demanded. “I just want to do it.”
“I’ve noticed.” I muttered dryly. “And I want to make sure that, first off, we both really want it, and two that we are both capable of remembering it in the morning. Sober sex is always better then drunk sex Sid.”
“Not always.” Sid said with a bit of a grin. “I mean, if you’re drunk, you sometimes think its good, even when its bad.”
I chuckled. “Okay, okay, you’ve got me there Crosby.” I admitted. “But I’d rather have both of us sober when we try it for the first time.”
Sidney sighed in frustration. “You’re serious about that huh?”
“Very serious.” I told him nodding. “Sidney, you may not have figured it out yet, but I care about you a lot.”
Sidney sighed, as he let me go, pulling me into his hotel room behind him. “You don’t think that I care about you Dare?” He demanded.
I shrugged. “I know that you care about me Sidney.” I told him with a small smile. “But I’m not sure that you really understand how much I care about you.”
“What do you mean?” He asked, pulling me into his arms as he sat on the bed.
“Sidney I care about you a lot.” I said slowly and quietly. “I wouldn’t give up a job for just anyone… and I wouldn’t travel as much as I have this summer for just anyone. Sidney I think I….” I trailed off, tears welling up in my eyes, unable to continue.
Sidney placed a soft kiss on my forehead. “You what Dare?” He asked gently, his hands stroking my arms, in an attempt to relax me.
“I’m scared.” I whispered quietly.
“You’re what?” Sidney asked, having not heard me clearly.
“I’m scared.” I repeated, a little bit louder.
“What are you scared of?” Sidney asked gently.
“Of us.” I said quietly. “Of you and me. Of being together.”
“Why?” Sidney asked, smoothing my hair away from my face with a surprisingly gentle hand.
I buried my face in his chest and didn’t reply right away. I mean, I wasn’t sure what to say. It’s not exactly and easy thing to figure out. How to do you tell a guy that you’re scared of falling in love with him? That falling in love with him was a scary thing. It wasn’t easy to say and it wasn’t something that I thought that I could say.
Sidney sighed and kissed the top of my head. “I wish you would just trust me Dare.” He muttered. “I don’t understand why you can’t trust me.”
“It’s not you that I don’t trust Sidney.” I whispered, immediately wanting to sooth his fears. “It’s men in general… and I know that you can’t exactly help it Crosby, but you definitely very, very male.”
Sidney smiled teasingly. “And hear I was thinking that what you liked about me the best was the fact that I am very, very male.”
I couldn’t help myself and I giggled. “I definitely enjoy the fact that you are male.” I said, kissing him softly. “It definitely makes you attractive.”
“Good.” Sidney mumbled, slipping his lips over mine, his hands sliding up to cup my chest. “Because babe, a very large part of what attracted me to you was the fact that you are very incredibly, incredibly female.”
“Well that’s good I suppose.” I said, kissing him back.
“Very, very good.” Sidney mumbled, his hands sliding up and down my body, stopping here and there to massage and caress my body.
I moaned low and pressed myself closer. “Just because I’m enjoying this doesn’t mean that I’m not scared Crosby.” I told him, kissing him gently on the lips.
“I know Dare.” Sidney said, laying back on the bed and drawing me gently into his embrace. “I’m not sure that I entirely get WHY you are so scared, but I respect the fact that you’re scared.”
I cuddled closer to him. “Thanks Crosby.” I whispered, kissing him softly.
“You’re an amazing girl Darryl.” Sidney said gently. “You’ve been treated badly by guys like me… I mean, I’ve treated a lot of girls badly. So I can understand your mistrust. I’ve been understanding, but I think that you need to understand that its frustrating for me because I’ve done noting to deserve your mistrust.”
“I know.” I said, my eyes closing slowly. “I want to trust you Sidney. I really do. I just can’t deal with getting hurt again and I feel like I’m setting myself up here.”
Sidney sighed and ran an impatient hand through his hair. “And that hurts me Dare.” He said. “Because I’ve done nothing to deserve your mistrust.”
“Not with me.” I said darkly. “But the same can’t be said for some of the other girls in your life Sid.”
“But that’s THEM.” Sidney said pointedly. “And you are YOU. There is a big difference.”
“Maybe there’s no difference to you Crosby.” I told him honestly. “But to most girls there really isn’t a big difference. After all the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour.”
Sidney rolled his eyes. “You’re doing the teacher thing again Dare.” He told me. “And really, it’s getting rather annoying. You aren’t just a teacher. You’re a woman too.”
I sighed. “We really are just repeating ourselves aren’t we?”
Sidney smiled. “Pretty much yep.”
“I just sometimes feel like… well you’ve only stuck with me because you want to fuck me.” I told him honestly. “Once you’ve done that, and you move to Pittsburgh, you’ll move on, and I’ll be left alone.”
Sidney shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Dare, you and I have this intense sexual tension.” He said. “And I’m not going to lie… its freaking awesome and I love being with you because I never know what you’re going to say or how you’re going to make me want you next, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know the difference between lust and, well, you know.”
I giggled. The boy couldn’t say the word love. “Love?” I supplied, with a wicked grin on my face.
“Yeah, that.” Sidney said, making a face.
“And how exactly am I supposed to believe you when you can’t even say the word?” I asked him teasingly. “I mean, I know it’s a hard word for guys to say, but still Crosby, grow some balls.”
“Excuse me?” Sidney said, surprise in his voice. “Little Miss I’m Scared is telling me to grow some balls?”
“Hey at least I can tell you how I feel about you.” I told him with a smile and shrug. “You can’t even say the L-word. I had to do it for you. Baby.” I teased him.
“You’re going to pay for that Korulyk.” Sidney said grabbing my hands and forcing them over my head, leaning down and kissing me softly.
I wiggled, managing to free a hand, trailing it down to tickle him. Sidney burst out laughing and wiggled, reaching for the hand that I managed to keep out of his grasp. “Don’t you dare!” Sidney almost squealed.
I giggled and kissed him softly. “I’d dare almost anything with you Crosby.” I told him, reaching up and gently smoothing his hair.
“Almost anything is right.” Sidney said, making a face.
I stuck my tongue out at him. “You’ll survive until I feel ready Crosby.” I pointed out. “And if you don’t, well, then you’ll just prove that you are the kind of guy that I’m worried you are.”
“Even though since I’ve met you I totally HAVEN’T been that guy.” Sidney said pointedly, pouting.
“It’s not easy for a tiger to change its stripes Crosby. At least now I do actually believe that it’s possible.” I said pointedly.
“I suppose that’s something.” Sidney grumbled tiredly.
“It’s a lot Crosby.” I told him softly, relaxing in his hold, his heartbeat gently lolling me to sleep. “It’s actually a lot.”
We woke up when our phone rang the next day with our wake up call. Sidney had to be on the ice in an hour. Sid moaned and rolled over cuddling me to him tightly. “Come on Crosby.” I said kissing him softly. “You have to be on the ice in an hour.”
“My head hurts.” He whined.
“I’ve got some advil in the bathroom.” I told him, shoving him gently. “Come on.”
He moaned again and I threw a pillow at him before I opened the curtains. Sidney immediately pulled the pillow over his head. “That hurts Dare.” He muttered.
“Go have a shower and take some pain killers you big baby.” I said with a happy smile.
“Will you at least shower with me?” He asked, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, burying his face in my neck.
I smiled and kissed him softly on the cheek. “I think that can be arranged Crosby. I definitely think that that can be arranged.”
Chapter 19 - Some Kind of Wonderful
Later that night I was out on the dance floor with a bunch of girls who didn’t seem to speak much English. It didn’t really matter to me, because I was having a blast. Sidney was totally wasted, and it was actually cute, as opposed to being completely repulsive. Which is how I usually found guys who were completely wasted.
Sidney came up behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “You are so damned fucking hot.” He muttered, his lips seeking my neck.
I giggled. “And you are so fucking drunk.” I replied. “Ivre no less.”
Sidney shrugged. “Not so drunk that I can’t get it up.” He muttered, grinding against me slightly.
I rolled my eyes. “Honey I have rules about sleeping with underage boys and I also have rules about sleeping with drunk guys.”
“Well you never mentioned that rule before.” He grumbled, leaning on me.
I shrugged. “I wasn’t sure how wasted you were planning on getting.” I said. “But I won’t rape some guy, so it ain’t happening tonight hun.”
“Who said anything about rape?” Sidney asked, drunk and confused. “I want to be inside you Dare. I’ve wanted that since we met.”
“I know.” I replied, rolling my eyes. “It’s not like you’ve made a big secret of that.” I reminded him. “But I don’t want some guy getting me drunk and taking advantage of me, so I’m not about to take advantage of you while you’re drunk.”
“But I want you to take advantage of me.” He whined.
I stretched up and kissed him gently. “And I will Crosby.” I told him. “Over and over again.” I paused. “Just not while you’re tanked.”
“Well you’re no fun.” He grumbled, his hands trailing up and down my arms slowly and seductively. “I just want to make your scream Dare….” He mumbled as he trailed a line of kisses from my ear down my neck, making me squirm in his embrace.
“Oh God Crosby.” I muttered turning in his arms so that I could kiss him again. “You so should not do that.”
Sidney grinned. “Something tells me that I’ve found your weak spot.” He said triumphantly as he leaned forward to kiss and nibble at my neck again. I sighed and arched into him. “It’s been way too long hasn’t it Dare…” Sidney whispered seductively in my ear, before licking the inside of my ear.
I shivered deliciously. This was so damned wrong… but it was so damned right too. “Way too long….” I admitted, kissing him again.
“It’s been a long time for me too.” He replied.
I snorted. “Probably not as long as it’s been for me Crosby.” I pointed out.
“True.” He said as he trailed a hot line of kisses down my neck. “But that can totally end tonight Dare.”
“Not while you’re this wasted.” I said insistently, trying to pry myself away from him. “I wouldn’t want you to take advantage of me when I was too drunk to really know what I want, and I won’t do that to you.”
Sidney sighed in frustration and ran an aggravated hand through his hair. “Fine whatever.” He snapped turning and walking away.
I sighed and followed him with my eyes. I knew that he was horny. God knows that I was too… but if this was going to last then we had to do this right. He was also drunk, which wasn’t making things better… in fact it was probably only making things worse.
I watched as he headed to the bar and ordered another drink. With a sigh, I turned back to the dance floor. I assumed that Sidney was going to end up back out there, trying to convince me to go back to the hotel with him.
Except that time kept passing and he didn’t come. Worried, I did a couple of laps around the bar looking for him. I may not have wanted to sleep with him that night, but I definitely didn’t want someone else to do him before I got the chance. I wandered around, feeling anxious.
Finally I found Mark coming out of the bathroom, an attractive blonde on his arm. He grinned at me… an arrogant kind of grin. “Can’t find Darryl, Darryl?” He asked, completely and totally wasted.
“No I can’t.” I said shaking my head. “Have you see him?”
“Yeah.” Mark replied with a lopsided grin. “He’s over there.” He told me pointing.
Sidney sat alone in a booth, his head down. Sighing I headed over to him. He had probably passed out. He had had a lot to drink that night after all. When I got over to him though, he wasn’t passed out. In fact, his was slowly sipping from a bottle of water. “Sid?” I asked quietly, slipping into the booth next to him. “What are you doing?”
“Sobering up.” He muttered.
“Why?” I asked, surprised. “You should be enjoying yourself.” I told him. “I mean you’re celebrating being legal.”
“I’d rather make love to you.” Sidney said in a tired voice.
I snuggled into him, feeling relieved when Sidney immediately wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “There is plenty of time for that Crosby.” I whispered, tilting my head up so that I offered him my lips.
He brushed my lips with his, quickly and impatiently, as opposed to the slow make up kiss that I was expecting. Then he took a long swig of water. “We’ve waited long enough.” He grumbled. “I want you now Dare.”
I snuggled into his shoulder. “You think that I don’t want you Crosby?” I told him, my voice low, taking his hand and placing it between my thighs. “Can’t you feel how warm that is?” I whispered seductively, licking slightly at his ear. “You have no clue how badly I want you Sid.”
“Then show me.” He commanded, pulling me onto his lap so that I was straddling him. “Show me how much you want me Dare.”
I leaned down and kissed him firmly. “I want you inside me Crosby.” I whispered low in his ear. “But I want you sober when you’re there.”
Sidney groaned as I took my lips away from his and moved off his lap, grinding into him as I did so. “You are pure evil Dare.”
I shrugged with a small smile. “You keep working on sober honey, and you’ll find out exactly how evil I can be.”
“Is that a treat or a promise?” Sidney replied with a smile as he grabbed his bottle of water and stood, reaching for my hand to help me stand.
“A little of both I suppose.” I said, squeezing his hands in mine.
“Good.” Sidney replied as he led me away from the booth.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“For breakfast. Nothing sobers you up like food.” Sidney replied. “If we can drag any of the guys away they can come with us, but I think they’re all intent on getting laid tonight.”
“So are you.” I replied with a laugh.
Sidney shrugged. “Of course I am.” He said. “August 25th is going to be here before we know it and you’re going to have to work in Halifax, and then I’ll be in Pittsburgh and who knows when we’ll see each other.” He paused. “I just want to enjoy the time that we have left together Dare.”
I raised my eyebrows. “And you can’t do that if we aren’t fucking?” I asked.
Sid rolled his eyes and kissed me firmly, pulling my body tightly against his, making me melt into his embrace. “Fucking will just make it better baby.” He informed me as he broke the kiss, leaving me breathless.
I nodded. “You’ve got a point there Crosby.” I replied, running my hand gently over the bulge in his jeans. “And this summer was supposed to be a dull one for me… all alone in a new province with no friends.”
Sidney shrugged and laughed. “Well I can’t lie, part of your appeal was the fact that you were completely new.”
“So you’re going to get bored with me when I’m not a new face anymore?” I teased him.
“Not if you’re as good in bed as you say you are.” Sidney teased me in return, his arm slung over my shoulders.
I cuddled into him as he grabbed us a cab. Sidney leaned down and kissed me softly. The kisses continued through the ride. I was really turned on. His hands were moving up and under my shirt. “Not here Crosby.” I whispered. “Be patient.”
“I’ve been patient since I met you.” He grumbled, pulling his lips off of mine. “And its fucking felt like forever.”
“You are far too used to getting your own way Crosby.” I mumbled, kissing my gently down his neck, my fingers fiddling with the buckle on his belt.
Sidney snorted. “Look whose talking.” He muttered, pulling my hands away from his belt and kissing them gently. “Something tells me that you’ve never been shot down in your life.”
I shrugged. “And you have?” I asked.
Sidney shrugged. “Everyone has an awkward phase Dare.”
I shuddered. “I’d prefer to forget mine if at all possible.”
“Wouldn’t we all?” Sidney asked as he leaned in to kiss me gently.
I laughed. “You’ve got that right.” I said. “Now where are we going to get breakfast at 2 AM in Rimouski?” I asked.
Sidney shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about that part.” He said. “So I told the cab driver to take us back to the hotel instead. We can find some place from there….” He whispered leaning in and licking at my ear. “Or we can find something else to do….”
I grinned at him, kissing him again. “I can think of something else to do Crosby….” I told him with a smile. “Whether or not you’ll like it is another story entirely….”
Sidney came up behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “You are so damned fucking hot.” He muttered, his lips seeking my neck.
I giggled. “And you are so fucking drunk.” I replied. “Ivre no less.”
Sidney shrugged. “Not so drunk that I can’t get it up.” He muttered, grinding against me slightly.
I rolled my eyes. “Honey I have rules about sleeping with underage boys and I also have rules about sleeping with drunk guys.”
“Well you never mentioned that rule before.” He grumbled, leaning on me.
I shrugged. “I wasn’t sure how wasted you were planning on getting.” I said. “But I won’t rape some guy, so it ain’t happening tonight hun.”
“Who said anything about rape?” Sidney asked, drunk and confused. “I want to be inside you Dare. I’ve wanted that since we met.”
“I know.” I replied, rolling my eyes. “It’s not like you’ve made a big secret of that.” I reminded him. “But I don’t want some guy getting me drunk and taking advantage of me, so I’m not about to take advantage of you while you’re drunk.”
“But I want you to take advantage of me.” He whined.
I stretched up and kissed him gently. “And I will Crosby.” I told him. “Over and over again.” I paused. “Just not while you’re tanked.”
“Well you’re no fun.” He grumbled, his hands trailing up and down my arms slowly and seductively. “I just want to make your scream Dare….” He mumbled as he trailed a line of kisses from my ear down my neck, making me squirm in his embrace.
“Oh God Crosby.” I muttered turning in his arms so that I could kiss him again. “You so should not do that.”
Sidney grinned. “Something tells me that I’ve found your weak spot.” He said triumphantly as he leaned forward to kiss and nibble at my neck again. I sighed and arched into him. “It’s been way too long hasn’t it Dare…” Sidney whispered seductively in my ear, before licking the inside of my ear.
I shivered deliciously. This was so damned wrong… but it was so damned right too. “Way too long….” I admitted, kissing him again.
“It’s been a long time for me too.” He replied.
I snorted. “Probably not as long as it’s been for me Crosby.” I pointed out.
“True.” He said as he trailed a hot line of kisses down my neck. “But that can totally end tonight Dare.”
“Not while you’re this wasted.” I said insistently, trying to pry myself away from him. “I wouldn’t want you to take advantage of me when I was too drunk to really know what I want, and I won’t do that to you.”
Sidney sighed in frustration and ran an aggravated hand through his hair. “Fine whatever.” He snapped turning and walking away.
I sighed and followed him with my eyes. I knew that he was horny. God knows that I was too… but if this was going to last then we had to do this right. He was also drunk, which wasn’t making things better… in fact it was probably only making things worse.
I watched as he headed to the bar and ordered another drink. With a sigh, I turned back to the dance floor. I assumed that Sidney was going to end up back out there, trying to convince me to go back to the hotel with him.
Except that time kept passing and he didn’t come. Worried, I did a couple of laps around the bar looking for him. I may not have wanted to sleep with him that night, but I definitely didn’t want someone else to do him before I got the chance. I wandered around, feeling anxious.
Finally I found Mark coming out of the bathroom, an attractive blonde on his arm. He grinned at me… an arrogant kind of grin. “Can’t find Darryl, Darryl?” He asked, completely and totally wasted.
“No I can’t.” I said shaking my head. “Have you see him?”
“Yeah.” Mark replied with a lopsided grin. “He’s over there.” He told me pointing.
Sidney sat alone in a booth, his head down. Sighing I headed over to him. He had probably passed out. He had had a lot to drink that night after all. When I got over to him though, he wasn’t passed out. In fact, his was slowly sipping from a bottle of water. “Sid?” I asked quietly, slipping into the booth next to him. “What are you doing?”
“Sobering up.” He muttered.
“Why?” I asked, surprised. “You should be enjoying yourself.” I told him. “I mean you’re celebrating being legal.”
“I’d rather make love to you.” Sidney said in a tired voice.
I snuggled into him, feeling relieved when Sidney immediately wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “There is plenty of time for that Crosby.” I whispered, tilting my head up so that I offered him my lips.
He brushed my lips with his, quickly and impatiently, as opposed to the slow make up kiss that I was expecting. Then he took a long swig of water. “We’ve waited long enough.” He grumbled. “I want you now Dare.”
I snuggled into his shoulder. “You think that I don’t want you Crosby?” I told him, my voice low, taking his hand and placing it between my thighs. “Can’t you feel how warm that is?” I whispered seductively, licking slightly at his ear. “You have no clue how badly I want you Sid.”
“Then show me.” He commanded, pulling me onto his lap so that I was straddling him. “Show me how much you want me Dare.”
I leaned down and kissed him firmly. “I want you inside me Crosby.” I whispered low in his ear. “But I want you sober when you’re there.”
Sidney groaned as I took my lips away from his and moved off his lap, grinding into him as I did so. “You are pure evil Dare.”
I shrugged with a small smile. “You keep working on sober honey, and you’ll find out exactly how evil I can be.”
“Is that a treat or a promise?” Sidney replied with a smile as he grabbed his bottle of water and stood, reaching for my hand to help me stand.
“A little of both I suppose.” I said, squeezing his hands in mine.
“Good.” Sidney replied as he led me away from the booth.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“For breakfast. Nothing sobers you up like food.” Sidney replied. “If we can drag any of the guys away they can come with us, but I think they’re all intent on getting laid tonight.”
“So are you.” I replied with a laugh.
Sidney shrugged. “Of course I am.” He said. “August 25th is going to be here before we know it and you’re going to have to work in Halifax, and then I’ll be in Pittsburgh and who knows when we’ll see each other.” He paused. “I just want to enjoy the time that we have left together Dare.”
I raised my eyebrows. “And you can’t do that if we aren’t fucking?” I asked.
Sid rolled his eyes and kissed me firmly, pulling my body tightly against his, making me melt into his embrace. “Fucking will just make it better baby.” He informed me as he broke the kiss, leaving me breathless.
I nodded. “You’ve got a point there Crosby.” I replied, running my hand gently over the bulge in his jeans. “And this summer was supposed to be a dull one for me… all alone in a new province with no friends.”
Sidney shrugged and laughed. “Well I can’t lie, part of your appeal was the fact that you were completely new.”
“So you’re going to get bored with me when I’m not a new face anymore?” I teased him.
“Not if you’re as good in bed as you say you are.” Sidney teased me in return, his arm slung over my shoulders.
I cuddled into him as he grabbed us a cab. Sidney leaned down and kissed me softly. The kisses continued through the ride. I was really turned on. His hands were moving up and under my shirt. “Not here Crosby.” I whispered. “Be patient.”
“I’ve been patient since I met you.” He grumbled, pulling his lips off of mine. “And its fucking felt like forever.”
“You are far too used to getting your own way Crosby.” I mumbled, kissing my gently down his neck, my fingers fiddling with the buckle on his belt.
Sidney snorted. “Look whose talking.” He muttered, pulling my hands away from his belt and kissing them gently. “Something tells me that you’ve never been shot down in your life.”
I shrugged. “And you have?” I asked.
Sidney shrugged. “Everyone has an awkward phase Dare.”
I shuddered. “I’d prefer to forget mine if at all possible.”
“Wouldn’t we all?” Sidney asked as he leaned in to kiss me gently.
I laughed. “You’ve got that right.” I said. “Now where are we going to get breakfast at 2 AM in Rimouski?” I asked.
Sidney shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about that part.” He said. “So I told the cab driver to take us back to the hotel instead. We can find some place from there….” He whispered leaning in and licking at my ear. “Or we can find something else to do….”
I grinned at him, kissing him again. “I can think of something else to do Crosby….” I told him with a smile. “Whether or not you’ll like it is another story entirely….”
Chapter 18 - Some Kind of Wonderful
Two days later, Sidney celebrated his 18th birthday. He was disappointed that he wasn’t in Quebec… he had been looking forward to getting drunk. I felt kind of bad for him, but I felt worse for both us of when we didn’t have any time to be alone. So Sidney didn’t get what he wanted for his birthday, and trust me, he was bitter about it.
From LA we flew to Pittsburgh so that Sidney could go to the Pens rookie orientation camp – basically they warn the guys about all the temptations that they are going to face as pro athletes, do physicals, and let them skate a little. Sidney was staying with Mario during this, and it was decided that Sid would live with Mario when the season started. In the meantime, I was staying in a hotel and was kept busy with work from Pat, who was still in LA.
When the rookie orientation camp was done, I flew out with Sidney back to Halifax. From there he was going to Rimouski for the Ocèanics training camp. We sat down in our seats with a sigh. “Finally.” Sidney said with a relieved sigh. “I thought we were never going to be alone.”
“You call this alone?” I said with a snort. “We’re surrounded by people.”
“But most of them don’t know who I am.” Sidney replied. “Or if they do, they don’t care. Plus they are not reporters, which is great, because I can’t fucking stand the press sometimes. I didn’t have a second to breathe in Pittsburgh.”
I sighed and put my head on his shoulder. “I know honey and I’m sorry.”
He dropped a soft kiss on my forehead. “It’s okay Dare… its not like its your fault or anything, but I can’t wait to get home. I don’t know how I’m going to do that for an 82 game season.”
“You’ll manage Crosby.” I said confidently.
“Thanks Dare.” He replied, dropping a kiss on my forehead. “I’m going to need you to get through all of this.”
“I’ll be there.” I told him honestly. “I’m only going to be a phone call away.”
“Good.” Sidney said softly, hugging me around the shoulders.
We let go of each other after that, because even though we wanted to do nothing more then touch each other, there were some people on the plane who knew who Sidney was and were requesting autographs and stuff. Most of Sidney’s flight was spent signing things until the Captain of the plane and the staff finally put a stop to it. But not before they asked for autographs themselves.
The media was waiting when we changed planes in Toronto and again when we got to Halifax. I hung on the sidelines, waiting for Troy and Trina to usher Sidney out of the airport. I met them at the truck and got in, hoping that Sidney and I would finally be able to enjoy some much needed time alone.
Except that that wasn’t in the plans. We went to dinner at the Crosby’s and then Troy told Sidney that he was expected to report to Ocèanic training camp on Wednesday. “Already?” Sidney said when he was told.
Troy’s smile was amused. “Yes, already.”
Sidney sighed. “Can Dare at least come with me?” He asked.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea Sidney.” I said hesitantly.
“Why not?” Troy said with a shrug. “Unless you’ve got other plans. I don’t think Pat has anything for you to do right now.”
“Please Dare?” Sidney said, looking at me with puppy dog eyes. “Please?”
“Don’t look at me like that Crosby.” I said, glaring at him. “It is so not fair.”
“If it makes you come with me it is totally fair.” He replied. “Besides…” He added. “The 25th of August is going to be here before you know it, and you’re going to have to go to work and then who knows when I’ll be able to see you again?”
I sighed. As always, he had a point and this time it was a very good one too. “If its okay with your parents… and Pat, then I’ll go with you.”
“Well its fine with us.” Troy said with a wink at Sidney. “As for Pat, leave him to me.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone’s parents like me this much.” I said, dumbfounded. “Especially not a guy’s. Aren’t you scared I’ll corrupt him or something?”
This time it was Trina who chuckled. “I’m not as naïve as my son seems to think I am Darryl. I know that any corrupting has been done long ago, there’s no point in worrying now.”
I raised my eyebrows at Sidney, who was blushing fiercely. “He’s so cute when he blushes.”
Sidney glared at me. “Whose side are you on anyway?” He asked.
I shrugged and smiled, and continued to eat my meal. Two days later I was standing around la Colisée watching Sidney on the ice. They weren’t pushing him very hard at all from what I could tell, but I guess they knew that he wasn’t actually coming back to the team. He was here for a workout and for the chance to be of legal drinking age somewhere before he headed south again.
That night we went for dinner with the guys who were still around from last year… Mark Tobin, Patrick Coulombe, François Bolduc and Jean-Sébastien Côté. They all seemed like really nice guys. Some of them were even cute. The guys reminisced about last year and talked about almost winning the Memorial Cup.
They caught up on all the latest news on the other guys from last year’s team, some of whom were in the AHL, some were going to NHL training camps, while others had yet to find teams. In all of this, Sidney hadn’t bothered to really introduce me. Guys seemed to forget niceties like that from time to time.
Finally I decided to interrupt the conversation. “Since Sidney apparently isn’t going to introduce me.” I said elbowing him in the side with an amused smile. “I’m Darryl Korulyk.”
Sidney blushed deep red. “Sorry Dare.” He muttered. “Guys, this is Darryl, Dare, this Mark, Patrick, François and Jean-Sébastien.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I said with a smile as I shook hands with each of them.
“How long have you been keeping her hidden away?” Mark teased him.
“She my, umm….” Sidney glanced at me awkwardly.
“I’m his agent’s assistant for the summer.” I answered smoothly, knowing that the fact that I didn’t call myself his girlfriend was going to irritate him.
“She’s also my girlfriend.” Sidney said immediately, not one to disappoint me. He paused realizing what I’d just gotten him to say. “Smart ass.” He muttered.
I shrugged with a grin and stole one of the fries off his plate. “I’m a very good girlfriend too.” I told the guys with a self-satisfied smile. “I can make him do whatever I want him to. It’s a talent really.”
Everyone chuckled, except Sidney who glared at me. “I walked right into that didn’t I?”
I nodded with a self-satisfied smirk on my face. “Yep pretty much.”
He shook his head. “What can I say? She knows how my mind works better then I do.” Sid told his friends with a sigh.
“Well it’s not like you are that hard to figure out.” Patrick said in his marvelous French accent.
Everyone laughed. Patrick was cute with a capital “C”. Sidney reached over and held my hand when he saw me contemplating Patrick. It wasn’t like I would ever do anything with him – I’d just met him and I was with someone else, but he was definitely nice to look at. I squeezed Sid’s hand in mine… he had no reason to be worried.
“So what’s going on tonight?” Sidney asked, stretching his arm across the back of the booth and wrapping it around my shoulders.
“We have training camp tomorrow.” Mark replied. “Some of us actually have to do some work while we’re here man.”
Sidney snorted. “Your spot is wrapped up and you know it. Come on. I’m only here for a little while.” He pointed out. “I just want to have some fun.”
At that I snorted. “You just want to get wasted Crosby.” I pointed out. “And then, well, get lucky. If you’re lucky.” I added with a wicked grin.
Sidney grinned wickedly at me, his smile completely suggestive. “You’re right, that’s exactly what I want to do.”
I shrugged. “Well just be careful not to drink too much Sidney.” I told him, sounding innocent. “I mean, we wouldn’t want you to get so drunk that you failed after all. You’ve only been wanting this since we met.”
“You mean you two haven’t?” Mark asked, his eyebrows raised.
“I don’t do guys who aren’t legal.” I informed Mark with a shrug. “Call it self-preservation if you’d like, but a girl has to have rules.”
Everyone chuckled and the guys gave Sidney some sly, knowing glances. I turned to the waitress. “I need a muff diver.” I told her, with a wink at Sidney.
The other guys all snickered. “What’s a muff diver?” Sidney asked.
“It’s like a blowjob.” I replied with a shrug. “Only for guys.”
“Umm okay.” Sidney said, looking confused.
The waitress brought the shot and looked at me questioningly. I grinned and sat on the table as she handed it to me as I placed it between my thighs. “Dive in Crosby.” I told him with a wicked grin as the waitress added the whipped cream.
I was wearing a pair of jean capris, so it wasn’t like Sidney would be seeing anything I didn’t want him to see just yet or anything like that. But it was the closest to touching me there that he had ever gotten. Sidney glanced at me, one eyebrow raised before diving in in and taking the shot, his arms reaching around my waist to grab my ass as he balanced himself. Successfully grabbing the shot in his mouth he downed it, coming up and kissing me firmly on the lips as he did so, his tongue sneaking into my mouth.
“This is going to be a night that neither of us are going to forget for a very, very, very long time Dare.” He whispered licking a trail down my neck as his friends hooted and hollered, “And for only the very best of reasons.”
From LA we flew to Pittsburgh so that Sidney could go to the Pens rookie orientation camp – basically they warn the guys about all the temptations that they are going to face as pro athletes, do physicals, and let them skate a little. Sidney was staying with Mario during this, and it was decided that Sid would live with Mario when the season started. In the meantime, I was staying in a hotel and was kept busy with work from Pat, who was still in LA.
When the rookie orientation camp was done, I flew out with Sidney back to Halifax. From there he was going to Rimouski for the Ocèanics training camp. We sat down in our seats with a sigh. “Finally.” Sidney said with a relieved sigh. “I thought we were never going to be alone.”
“You call this alone?” I said with a snort. “We’re surrounded by people.”
“But most of them don’t know who I am.” Sidney replied. “Or if they do, they don’t care. Plus they are not reporters, which is great, because I can’t fucking stand the press sometimes. I didn’t have a second to breathe in Pittsburgh.”
I sighed and put my head on his shoulder. “I know honey and I’m sorry.”
He dropped a soft kiss on my forehead. “It’s okay Dare… its not like its your fault or anything, but I can’t wait to get home. I don’t know how I’m going to do that for an 82 game season.”
“You’ll manage Crosby.” I said confidently.
“Thanks Dare.” He replied, dropping a kiss on my forehead. “I’m going to need you to get through all of this.”
“I’ll be there.” I told him honestly. “I’m only going to be a phone call away.”
“Good.” Sidney said softly, hugging me around the shoulders.
We let go of each other after that, because even though we wanted to do nothing more then touch each other, there were some people on the plane who knew who Sidney was and were requesting autographs and stuff. Most of Sidney’s flight was spent signing things until the Captain of the plane and the staff finally put a stop to it. But not before they asked for autographs themselves.
The media was waiting when we changed planes in Toronto and again when we got to Halifax. I hung on the sidelines, waiting for Troy and Trina to usher Sidney out of the airport. I met them at the truck and got in, hoping that Sidney and I would finally be able to enjoy some much needed time alone.
Except that that wasn’t in the plans. We went to dinner at the Crosby’s and then Troy told Sidney that he was expected to report to Ocèanic training camp on Wednesday. “Already?” Sidney said when he was told.
Troy’s smile was amused. “Yes, already.”
Sidney sighed. “Can Dare at least come with me?” He asked.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea Sidney.” I said hesitantly.
“Why not?” Troy said with a shrug. “Unless you’ve got other plans. I don’t think Pat has anything for you to do right now.”
“Please Dare?” Sidney said, looking at me with puppy dog eyes. “Please?”
“Don’t look at me like that Crosby.” I said, glaring at him. “It is so not fair.”
“If it makes you come with me it is totally fair.” He replied. “Besides…” He added. “The 25th of August is going to be here before you know it, and you’re going to have to go to work and then who knows when I’ll be able to see you again?”
I sighed. As always, he had a point and this time it was a very good one too. “If its okay with your parents… and Pat, then I’ll go with you.”
“Well its fine with us.” Troy said with a wink at Sidney. “As for Pat, leave him to me.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone’s parents like me this much.” I said, dumbfounded. “Especially not a guy’s. Aren’t you scared I’ll corrupt him or something?”
This time it was Trina who chuckled. “I’m not as naïve as my son seems to think I am Darryl. I know that any corrupting has been done long ago, there’s no point in worrying now.”
I raised my eyebrows at Sidney, who was blushing fiercely. “He’s so cute when he blushes.”
Sidney glared at me. “Whose side are you on anyway?” He asked.
I shrugged and smiled, and continued to eat my meal. Two days later I was standing around la Colisée watching Sidney on the ice. They weren’t pushing him very hard at all from what I could tell, but I guess they knew that he wasn’t actually coming back to the team. He was here for a workout and for the chance to be of legal drinking age somewhere before he headed south again.
That night we went for dinner with the guys who were still around from last year… Mark Tobin, Patrick Coulombe, François Bolduc and Jean-Sébastien Côté. They all seemed like really nice guys. Some of them were even cute. The guys reminisced about last year and talked about almost winning the Memorial Cup.
They caught up on all the latest news on the other guys from last year’s team, some of whom were in the AHL, some were going to NHL training camps, while others had yet to find teams. In all of this, Sidney hadn’t bothered to really introduce me. Guys seemed to forget niceties like that from time to time.
Finally I decided to interrupt the conversation. “Since Sidney apparently isn’t going to introduce me.” I said elbowing him in the side with an amused smile. “I’m Darryl Korulyk.”
Sidney blushed deep red. “Sorry Dare.” He muttered. “Guys, this is Darryl, Dare, this Mark, Patrick, François and Jean-Sébastien.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I said with a smile as I shook hands with each of them.
“How long have you been keeping her hidden away?” Mark teased him.
“She my, umm….” Sidney glanced at me awkwardly.
“I’m his agent’s assistant for the summer.” I answered smoothly, knowing that the fact that I didn’t call myself his girlfriend was going to irritate him.
“She’s also my girlfriend.” Sidney said immediately, not one to disappoint me. He paused realizing what I’d just gotten him to say. “Smart ass.” He muttered.
I shrugged with a grin and stole one of the fries off his plate. “I’m a very good girlfriend too.” I told the guys with a self-satisfied smile. “I can make him do whatever I want him to. It’s a talent really.”
Everyone chuckled, except Sidney who glared at me. “I walked right into that didn’t I?”
I nodded with a self-satisfied smirk on my face. “Yep pretty much.”
He shook his head. “What can I say? She knows how my mind works better then I do.” Sid told his friends with a sigh.
“Well it’s not like you are that hard to figure out.” Patrick said in his marvelous French accent.
Everyone laughed. Patrick was cute with a capital “C”. Sidney reached over and held my hand when he saw me contemplating Patrick. It wasn’t like I would ever do anything with him – I’d just met him and I was with someone else, but he was definitely nice to look at. I squeezed Sid’s hand in mine… he had no reason to be worried.
“So what’s going on tonight?” Sidney asked, stretching his arm across the back of the booth and wrapping it around my shoulders.
“We have training camp tomorrow.” Mark replied. “Some of us actually have to do some work while we’re here man.”
Sidney snorted. “Your spot is wrapped up and you know it. Come on. I’m only here for a little while.” He pointed out. “I just want to have some fun.”
At that I snorted. “You just want to get wasted Crosby.” I pointed out. “And then, well, get lucky. If you’re lucky.” I added with a wicked grin.
Sidney grinned wickedly at me, his smile completely suggestive. “You’re right, that’s exactly what I want to do.”
I shrugged. “Well just be careful not to drink too much Sidney.” I told him, sounding innocent. “I mean, we wouldn’t want you to get so drunk that you failed after all. You’ve only been wanting this since we met.”
“You mean you two haven’t?” Mark asked, his eyebrows raised.
“I don’t do guys who aren’t legal.” I informed Mark with a shrug. “Call it self-preservation if you’d like, but a girl has to have rules.”
Everyone chuckled and the guys gave Sidney some sly, knowing glances. I turned to the waitress. “I need a muff diver.” I told her, with a wink at Sidney.
The other guys all snickered. “What’s a muff diver?” Sidney asked.
“It’s like a blowjob.” I replied with a shrug. “Only for guys.”
“Umm okay.” Sidney said, looking confused.
The waitress brought the shot and looked at me questioningly. I grinned and sat on the table as she handed it to me as I placed it between my thighs. “Dive in Crosby.” I told him with a wicked grin as the waitress added the whipped cream.
I was wearing a pair of jean capris, so it wasn’t like Sidney would be seeing anything I didn’t want him to see just yet or anything like that. But it was the closest to touching me there that he had ever gotten. Sidney glanced at me, one eyebrow raised before diving in in and taking the shot, his arms reaching around my waist to grab my ass as he balanced himself. Successfully grabbing the shot in his mouth he downed it, coming up and kissing me firmly on the lips as he did so, his tongue sneaking into my mouth.
“This is going to be a night that neither of us are going to forget for a very, very, very long time Dare.” He whispered licking a trail down my neck as his friends hooted and hollered, “And for only the very best of reasons.”
Chapter 17 - Some Kind of Wonderful
A few days later I was sitting in the Green Room of the NBC studios in Burbank, California as Sidney was about to make his first late show appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Sidney was far more nervous then I would have thought he would have been. It was almost cute, the way he was pacing back and forth.
“Stop pacing Sidney.” Trina said with an amused smile. “You’re going to make me dizzy.”
“Sorry.” Sidney replied with a blush, plopping down on the couch next to me.
Instinctively I reached for his hand and squeezed it in mine. “It’s just another interview Sid.” I pointed out. “No big deal. You’ve been doing these since you were what? 11? No big deal.”
“But this one is going to be broadcast all over North America.” He whined.
“At least its not live.” I replied.
“But there is an audience.” He pointed out.
“Who probably know absolutely nothing about hockey.” I said. “So don’t worry about it.”
“Aren’t I supposed to save hockey though?” He countered. “I can’t do that if I can’t make that audience full of people who don’t care about the game start caring.”
I sighed. “You’re just trying to argue Crosby.” I pointed out with a small personal smile at Sid. You know the kind of smile I mean. It’s the kind of smile that makes single people jealous. It’s only significant to the person whose smiling and the person they are smiling at. “And all I’m trying to do is help you relax.”
He leaned over and kissed me softly on the lips. “Your right.” He said, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “I know a way that you could help me relax Dare.” He added, whispering in my ear.
I hit him playfully on the shoulder. “Don’t even think about it Crosby.”
“Only two more days.” He pointed out.
“What on earth are you two talking about?” Trina asked, looking a little confused.
“Inside joke Mom.” Sidney replied quickly. “Don’t worry about it.”
Then he looked over at me and smiled in a way that almost made me melt. If I could have become one with the chesterfield then I probably would have. Sidney noticed this and lifted the hand that was still holding his and kissed it softly, his eyes burning into mine.
The boy was so horny it was funny. Clearly, in case you hadn’t figured it out, Sidney and I had figured things out in Ottawa. He was interested in having something long term, even if that did mean that it was going to be long distance. “Sidney?” A Tonight Show person (not knowing anything about the behind the scenes TV world I have no idea what this person’s actual job is) said from the doorway.
“Yes?” Sid replied.
“Five minutes.”
“Okay.” Sid said with a sigh, standing and pacing again.
“Sidney sit down.” I said firmly. “The five minutes are not going to pass anymore quickly if you’re wearing out the carpet.”
Sidney grinned sheepishly at me and sat down. “Thanks Dare.” He replied.
I shook my head. “You know that you need me around if nothing else Crosby.”
Sidney chuckled. “Definitely… if nothing else.” He winked at me as he said that.
I just shook my head. The next thing I knew Sid was being called out to the stage and we were watching as he talked to Jay Leno about hockey and about his Mom’s old dryer. Sidney was used to the media, but it was pretty clear that comedians weren’t exactly his thing, though he did get comfortable when the talk was about his Mom’s dryer. It was cute, the way he was nervous.
When it was over, we all headed back to the hotel for a very late lunch, as the Tonight Show is actually filmed in the morning. Sidney and I weren’t staying in the same room, but he still followed me to my room and nobody said a word about it.
“Thank God that’s over.” He muttered loosening his tie and flopping down on the bed. “I can’t believe I couldn’t hit the fucking dryer.”
I giggled. “Well he did put the pressure on there, with the goal light and everything.”
Sidney chuckled and pulled me down onto his lap. “God I’m going to miss you this year Dare.” He muttered into my neck, kissing and nibbling at my neck, making me squirm. “I don’t want August 25th to come.”
That was the day that I had to be at work. Part of me was looking forward to it, but at the same time, I wasn’t because I knew full well that I was going to miss Sidney like there was no tomorrow. “You’ll be too busy to miss me, Mr. Cover-Model.” I teased him gently about the cover shoots he had over the last couple of days… he was going to be appearing on several magazine covers in the next couple of months. “You know it is an 82 game schedule.”
Sidney shrugged. “Doesn’t mean that I’m not going to miss you Dare… you’re going to be the first thing I think about when I get up in the morning and the last thing that I think about at night.”
I snorted. “Crosby please.”
“You’re already the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about at night Dare.” Sidney told me, looking deeply into my eyes. “I can’t see that changing anytime soon.”
I sighed and snuggled closer. Part of me believed him… the same part of me that was desperate to believe in true love again. But deep down, I was terrified. I mean, what if he found someone new when he was in Pittsburgh? I didn’t even want to think about how it would feel to find that out.
Sidney sighed and kissed the top of my head. This was part of what made me like him so damn much. He knew when to let go of an argument. He also appeared to know that I needed time to accept that he actually was serious and to come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t lying to me.
“Can we just have lunch like this?” Sidney asked, his arms tightening around me.
“Hmmm.” I murmured, kissing his neck slowly.
“We should definitely have lunch like this.” He replied, lowering us both so we were lying on the bed, his arms tightening around my waist as he did so.
“Two more days Crosby.” I pointed out.
“The longest fucking two days in my life.” Sid said with a frustrated groan, rolling us over so that I was no on my back and he was on top of me.
He moved his hips slowly and deliberately, thrusting the way he wanted to… only he wanted us to be naked of course. I moaned low. I wanted to fuck this boy badly. We’d know each other for just over a month… I’d never gone that long knowing someone I was in a relationship with and not slept with him, who ever he was at the time.
He leaned forward and took my ear into his mouth, nibbling on the lobe, making me thrash slightly. “You know you want me Dare….” He whispered. “And it would be so easy right now….” He punctuated this statement with another thrust of his hips.
I moaned again. “Fuck Crosby, you already know that I want you as badly as you want me. Are you trying to make me beg?”
“I hadn’t thought about that….” Sidney murmured, a wicked grin on his face.
“Well stop thinking about it.” I demanded, licking up his neck to just under his ear. “Because I’ve already MADE you beg.”
“But maybe if I make you beg then we’ll both get what we want, instead of waiting two stupid days.” Sidney countered.
“Who said that you were getting anything in two days?” I asked him with my eyebrows raised.
Sidney rolled his eyes. “You know you want me Dare.” He said, thrusting again, kissing and nipping at my collarbone. “So don’t start playing with me now. It’s not fair.”
“Just because I want you doesn’t mean that I don’t have any self-control.” I pointed out.
“Then I’ll just have to make you beg….” Sidney muttered, trailing a line of kisses down my neck to the low-cut V of my shirt.
He was in the process of play wrestling with me to get it off when the phone rang. “Fuck.” He muttered, rolling off me so that I could answer the phone.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Darryl are you and Sidney coming down for lunch?” Troy’s voice was amused.
“Umm he mentioned something about room service.” I said with a smile at Sid. “Let me ask.” I covered the receiver with my hand. “Are we going down for lunch?”
“Do we have to?” He whined.
“What do you think?” I replied, adjusting my clothing.
“I think that you’re going to make me go sit down for dinner with my family when I have this huge fucking boner.” Sidney replied with a grimace as he sat up and adjusted himself.
I giggled. “We’ll be down in a few minutes Troy.” I told Troy, uncovering the receiver.
“See you then.” He replied hanging up.
Sidney moaned. “You are evil Dare.” He told me, standing now and adjusting himself further, so that no one could see that he was totally turned on.
The fact was, I was turned on too. Not that I was going to admit that to him or anything like that. I smiled teasingly at him. “Come on Crosby.” I said, leading the way out of the room.
“You are so going to pay for this some day soon.” He muttered, wrapping his arms around my waist and burying his face in my neck. “Mark my words Dare… you are going to be naked and screaming before you know it… if I have anything to say about.”
His breath was hot in my ear. It totally turned me on. “Whatever you say Crosby.” I replied, titling my head for his kiss. “Whatever you say….”
“Stop pacing Sidney.” Trina said with an amused smile. “You’re going to make me dizzy.”
“Sorry.” Sidney replied with a blush, plopping down on the couch next to me.
Instinctively I reached for his hand and squeezed it in mine. “It’s just another interview Sid.” I pointed out. “No big deal. You’ve been doing these since you were what? 11? No big deal.”
“But this one is going to be broadcast all over North America.” He whined.
“At least its not live.” I replied.
“But there is an audience.” He pointed out.
“Who probably know absolutely nothing about hockey.” I said. “So don’t worry about it.”
“Aren’t I supposed to save hockey though?” He countered. “I can’t do that if I can’t make that audience full of people who don’t care about the game start caring.”
I sighed. “You’re just trying to argue Crosby.” I pointed out with a small personal smile at Sid. You know the kind of smile I mean. It’s the kind of smile that makes single people jealous. It’s only significant to the person whose smiling and the person they are smiling at. “And all I’m trying to do is help you relax.”
He leaned over and kissed me softly on the lips. “Your right.” He said, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “I know a way that you could help me relax Dare.” He added, whispering in my ear.
I hit him playfully on the shoulder. “Don’t even think about it Crosby.”
“Only two more days.” He pointed out.
“What on earth are you two talking about?” Trina asked, looking a little confused.
“Inside joke Mom.” Sidney replied quickly. “Don’t worry about it.”
Then he looked over at me and smiled in a way that almost made me melt. If I could have become one with the chesterfield then I probably would have. Sidney noticed this and lifted the hand that was still holding his and kissed it softly, his eyes burning into mine.
The boy was so horny it was funny. Clearly, in case you hadn’t figured it out, Sidney and I had figured things out in Ottawa. He was interested in having something long term, even if that did mean that it was going to be long distance. “Sidney?” A Tonight Show person (not knowing anything about the behind the scenes TV world I have no idea what this person’s actual job is) said from the doorway.
“Yes?” Sid replied.
“Five minutes.”
“Okay.” Sid said with a sigh, standing and pacing again.
“Sidney sit down.” I said firmly. “The five minutes are not going to pass anymore quickly if you’re wearing out the carpet.”
Sidney grinned sheepishly at me and sat down. “Thanks Dare.” He replied.
I shook my head. “You know that you need me around if nothing else Crosby.”
Sidney chuckled. “Definitely… if nothing else.” He winked at me as he said that.
I just shook my head. The next thing I knew Sid was being called out to the stage and we were watching as he talked to Jay Leno about hockey and about his Mom’s old dryer. Sidney was used to the media, but it was pretty clear that comedians weren’t exactly his thing, though he did get comfortable when the talk was about his Mom’s dryer. It was cute, the way he was nervous.
When it was over, we all headed back to the hotel for a very late lunch, as the Tonight Show is actually filmed in the morning. Sidney and I weren’t staying in the same room, but he still followed me to my room and nobody said a word about it.
“Thank God that’s over.” He muttered loosening his tie and flopping down on the bed. “I can’t believe I couldn’t hit the fucking dryer.”
I giggled. “Well he did put the pressure on there, with the goal light and everything.”
Sidney chuckled and pulled me down onto his lap. “God I’m going to miss you this year Dare.” He muttered into my neck, kissing and nibbling at my neck, making me squirm. “I don’t want August 25th to come.”
That was the day that I had to be at work. Part of me was looking forward to it, but at the same time, I wasn’t because I knew full well that I was going to miss Sidney like there was no tomorrow. “You’ll be too busy to miss me, Mr. Cover-Model.” I teased him gently about the cover shoots he had over the last couple of days… he was going to be appearing on several magazine covers in the next couple of months. “You know it is an 82 game schedule.”
Sidney shrugged. “Doesn’t mean that I’m not going to miss you Dare… you’re going to be the first thing I think about when I get up in the morning and the last thing that I think about at night.”
I snorted. “Crosby please.”
“You’re already the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about at night Dare.” Sidney told me, looking deeply into my eyes. “I can’t see that changing anytime soon.”
I sighed and snuggled closer. Part of me believed him… the same part of me that was desperate to believe in true love again. But deep down, I was terrified. I mean, what if he found someone new when he was in Pittsburgh? I didn’t even want to think about how it would feel to find that out.
Sidney sighed and kissed the top of my head. This was part of what made me like him so damn much. He knew when to let go of an argument. He also appeared to know that I needed time to accept that he actually was serious and to come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t lying to me.
“Can we just have lunch like this?” Sidney asked, his arms tightening around me.
“Hmmm.” I murmured, kissing his neck slowly.
“We should definitely have lunch like this.” He replied, lowering us both so we were lying on the bed, his arms tightening around my waist as he did so.
“Two more days Crosby.” I pointed out.
“The longest fucking two days in my life.” Sid said with a frustrated groan, rolling us over so that I was no on my back and he was on top of me.
He moved his hips slowly and deliberately, thrusting the way he wanted to… only he wanted us to be naked of course. I moaned low. I wanted to fuck this boy badly. We’d know each other for just over a month… I’d never gone that long knowing someone I was in a relationship with and not slept with him, who ever he was at the time.
He leaned forward and took my ear into his mouth, nibbling on the lobe, making me thrash slightly. “You know you want me Dare….” He whispered. “And it would be so easy right now….” He punctuated this statement with another thrust of his hips.
I moaned again. “Fuck Crosby, you already know that I want you as badly as you want me. Are you trying to make me beg?”
“I hadn’t thought about that….” Sidney murmured, a wicked grin on his face.
“Well stop thinking about it.” I demanded, licking up his neck to just under his ear. “Because I’ve already MADE you beg.”
“But maybe if I make you beg then we’ll both get what we want, instead of waiting two stupid days.” Sidney countered.
“Who said that you were getting anything in two days?” I asked him with my eyebrows raised.
Sidney rolled his eyes. “You know you want me Dare.” He said, thrusting again, kissing and nipping at my collarbone. “So don’t start playing with me now. It’s not fair.”
“Just because I want you doesn’t mean that I don’t have any self-control.” I pointed out.
“Then I’ll just have to make you beg….” Sidney muttered, trailing a line of kisses down my neck to the low-cut V of my shirt.
He was in the process of play wrestling with me to get it off when the phone rang. “Fuck.” He muttered, rolling off me so that I could answer the phone.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Darryl are you and Sidney coming down for lunch?” Troy’s voice was amused.
“Umm he mentioned something about room service.” I said with a smile at Sid. “Let me ask.” I covered the receiver with my hand. “Are we going down for lunch?”
“Do we have to?” He whined.
“What do you think?” I replied, adjusting my clothing.
“I think that you’re going to make me go sit down for dinner with my family when I have this huge fucking boner.” Sidney replied with a grimace as he sat up and adjusted himself.
I giggled. “We’ll be down in a few minutes Troy.” I told Troy, uncovering the receiver.
“See you then.” He replied hanging up.
Sidney moaned. “You are evil Dare.” He told me, standing now and adjusting himself further, so that no one could see that he was totally turned on.
The fact was, I was turned on too. Not that I was going to admit that to him or anything like that. I smiled teasingly at him. “Come on Crosby.” I said, leading the way out of the room.
“You are so going to pay for this some day soon.” He muttered, wrapping his arms around my waist and burying his face in my neck. “Mark my words Dare… you are going to be naked and screaming before you know it… if I have anything to say about.”
His breath was hot in my ear. It totally turned me on. “Whatever you say Crosby.” I replied, titling my head for his kiss. “Whatever you say….”
Chapter 16 - Some Kind of Wonderful
The next day I was sitting with Sidney and his family as his name was called and he stepped onstage and put on that Pittsburgh Penguins jersey for the very first time. I was the first person he hugged, not that I was on camera. Pat stood strategically in front of us. I would have actually been amused if I hadn’t been so damned proud of him.
Trina and Troy were proud too… we all were. Even Taylor couldn’t stop grinning. Sidney was whisked away pretty quickly though. He had to take a ton of pictures and give a lot of interviews. The NHL Network had cameras everywhere, apparently they were shooting some kind of documentary on the draft.
I just sat back and watched it all. When Sid was done with the pictures and the press, he still had to go and meet all of the Penguins executives… though he’d spoken to most of them since the lottery. I went back to my room when he was doing this. There was no point in my waiting around.
I was napping (it had been an emotionally draining day and I had been up late the night before) when the door to my room opened and someone flopped down on the other bed. I rolled over and opened my eyes. “How the fuck did you get a key?” I asked, not surprised to see Sidney laying on the other bed, loosening his tie.
Sid shrugged. “I lied to the front desk. Told them this was my parent’s room. It is booked under our name after all.”
I rolled my eyes. “Pathetic Crosby.” I said, rolling over again, so my back was to him.
“You know you love me.” He replied lightheartedly.
I didn’t say anything, I just closed my eyes and pretended to go back to sleep. Sid didn’t say anything for awhile. I knew he was just watching me, which was totally cute. I knew that unlike me, Sid was still totally excited about everything that had gone on today. He was probably itching to do something… anything, and I wasn’t having that by sleeping.
After awhile Sidney spoke up, whispering softly in my ear, having crawled onto the bed to join me. “Hey. So Dare, are you naked under those covers?” He asked.
I giggled. “You want to find out?” I asked.
“Of course.” He replied with a small grin.
I shook my head. “Well too bad.” I said. “What are you guys doing for dinner? Am I invited or am I fending for myself tonight?” I asked.
“I think you’re going to be stuck fending for yourself tonight Dare.” Sidney replied apologetically.
“Well then you definitely don’t get to find out whether or not I’m naked.” I said I teased him, sticking my tongue out at him.
“It’s not my fault…..” He whined.
“And who’s fault is it Crosby?” I asked, teasing him still. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I would have really enjoyed having dinner with him and spending time with him. But I knew that he stuff that he had to do.
“I’ll make it up to you….” He replied in the same whiny voice, clearly having decided to change tactics.
“And how precisely are you going to do that Crosby?” I asked him slyly.
“Well first….” Sidney replied, realizing where I was going with this. “I’m going to make sure that if you aren’t naked under there, that you are soon.”
“Don’t think so Crosby.” I said shaking my head and rolling my eyes. “You’re not 18 yet honey.”
“A fact that you are never going to let me forget huh?”
“Probably not.” I said with a grin and a shrug. “But look at it this way Crosby…. You’re going to be 18 in a week.”
“And its going to be the longest week of my life.” He grumbled. “All I want to do right now is get you naked and make you scream.”
I rolled my eyes again. “That’s all you’ve wanted to do since you met me Crosby.”
Sidney shrugged. “But it keeps getting closer and closer and I keep getting more and more impatient.” He whined.
I shook my head. “You are such a baby Crosby.” I said. “I mean, look at me, I’m handling this whole situation just fine. I’m not about to go insane just because I can’t get you naked and make you scream.”
Sidney snorted. “Dare, don’t get me wrong, you’re dead sexy and all, but I’ve been with tons of girls. I sincerely doubt that there is a girl left who has the skills to make me scream. You’ll definitely get me to moan though.” He added as though he were trying to appease me.
It was my turn to snort and shake my head. “Crosby I’ve got skills honey.” I told him. “You need to have a little more faith darling….” I added, turning over and licking and kissing his ears gently.
Sidney stifled a groan. “I can’t wait to see what else you can do.” He told me softly, his arms wrapping around me.
I shook my head. “Sometimes Crosby, the way you talk, its almost like you’re only with me to get into my pants.”
“Yes, but you know that isn’t true Dare.” He replied, his eyes burning into mine. “So really isn’t that all that matters?”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “I get what you’re doing Crosby.” I told him.
“Oh really?” He replied, eyebrows raised.
“Yes.” I said, rolling my eyes again. “You’re trying to maintain your stupid player too cool for school image.”
Sidney snorted and burst out laughing. “Too cool for school?”
I made a face. “You know what I mean.” I snapped.
“I know.” He said with a grin, rolling over and pinning me under him. Leaning forward he kissed me slowly. “Dare you’re like, the coolest girl I’ve ever met.” He told me softly.
“Oh really?” I replied, stretching up and kissing him again.
“Yeah.” He answered. “Today and the lottery would have been, like, hell for anyone else. I mean, can you imagine how Erin would have been? She would have wanted to be on camera. She would have wanted me to make our relationship public and she would have been pestering me all day about it.” Sidney paused, and looked down at me. “Why didn’t you?”
“Why didn’t I what?” I asked.
“Pester me all day about making our relationship public?” He asked, suddenly looking very confused and very young.
I shrugged. “I trust you Crosby.” I told him softly. “You’ve given me no reason not to, so I figure that you’re a pretty safe bet.”
Sidney laughed. “Thanks Dare.” He replied. “Actually, I can’t thank you enough for trusting me… I know how hard it is for you.”
I shrugged again. “Sometimes its too easy.” I told him honestly. “That’s when I get burned Crosby… it took me awhile to trust you… no offense or anything. It just took awhile, so I guess I feel okay about it.”
Sidney pressed a soft kiss on my shoulder. “And I just want you to know that I appreciate your faith in me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure that you can always trust me… always.”
“So much that you’re going to leave me to have dinner all by myself.” I teased him… the conversation was getting much to serious for me.
“I could lie and tell everyone that I’m not feeling well.” Sidney replied. “Then we could order room service and hang out here.”
I snorted. “Tell the media you’re sick?” I replied, my eyebrows raised. “Why not tell them that the NHL and the PA were just kidding and the lockout isn’t over after all?”
Sidney chuckled. “Okay, I get your point Dare, but I’d still rather just hang out with you here then go out for supper.”
“While I appreciate the sentiment Sid, maybe you should like, I don’t know, go.” I told him. “I mean, not that I want you to go… but why on earth would you rather have room service?”
“Because then I’d get to spend time with you.” He told me. “I like spending time with you Dare, and I’m going to be moving to Pittsburgh soon.”
I nodded slowly. Clearly I had so known that, but well, its just one of those things that you kind of push out of your mind when you’re worried about other things. I’d been so wrapped up in the excitement of the draft and Sid’s eagerness to get to the NHL that I hadn’t really thought about what would happen afterwards. Yet I knew what was going to happen. I mean there was really no way around it.
I took a slow deep breath. “I know.” I said, struggling to control my emotions. I didn’t want Sidney to know that I was upset. “Do you know when?” I asked.
Sidney shook his head. “Not yet.” He said. “Pretty sure it will be in early August though. Mario said that we’d talk about it at dinner.”
“Oh.” I said in a small voice.
“You’ll come with Pat right?” Sidney asked, his voice and eyes filled with uncertainty.
“Do you want me to?” I asked quietly, somewhat surprised.
“Of course I do!” Sidney replied vehemently. “I need you to come with Pat.” He added in a gentle voice. “I mean, if you don’t come with him, then I won’t be able to see you for a long time, and well that would suck.”
I so didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to have this conversation. Sidney and I had just been having fun. We hadn’t talked about the future. It was all about having a good time with us. That’s probably why we were enjoying each other so much, because there was no pressure.
And I was about to put a whole shit load of pressure on him. I had to. For both of us. I’ve always believed in honesty and I guess that was kind of my Achilles’ heel. Some people can’t handle the kind of honesty that I dish out. I don’t pussyfoot around things and just because I was already half in love with this kid from Cole Harbour wasn’t a reason for me to start now.
“So what does that mean?” I heard my voice ask, even as my heart was cringing. “What do you want to happen with us Crosby?”
Trina and Troy were proud too… we all were. Even Taylor couldn’t stop grinning. Sidney was whisked away pretty quickly though. He had to take a ton of pictures and give a lot of interviews. The NHL Network had cameras everywhere, apparently they were shooting some kind of documentary on the draft.
I just sat back and watched it all. When Sid was done with the pictures and the press, he still had to go and meet all of the Penguins executives… though he’d spoken to most of them since the lottery. I went back to my room when he was doing this. There was no point in my waiting around.
I was napping (it had been an emotionally draining day and I had been up late the night before) when the door to my room opened and someone flopped down on the other bed. I rolled over and opened my eyes. “How the fuck did you get a key?” I asked, not surprised to see Sidney laying on the other bed, loosening his tie.
Sid shrugged. “I lied to the front desk. Told them this was my parent’s room. It is booked under our name after all.”
I rolled my eyes. “Pathetic Crosby.” I said, rolling over again, so my back was to him.
“You know you love me.” He replied lightheartedly.
I didn’t say anything, I just closed my eyes and pretended to go back to sleep. Sid didn’t say anything for awhile. I knew he was just watching me, which was totally cute. I knew that unlike me, Sid was still totally excited about everything that had gone on today. He was probably itching to do something… anything, and I wasn’t having that by sleeping.
After awhile Sidney spoke up, whispering softly in my ear, having crawled onto the bed to join me. “Hey. So Dare, are you naked under those covers?” He asked.
I giggled. “You want to find out?” I asked.
“Of course.” He replied with a small grin.
I shook my head. “Well too bad.” I said. “What are you guys doing for dinner? Am I invited or am I fending for myself tonight?” I asked.
“I think you’re going to be stuck fending for yourself tonight Dare.” Sidney replied apologetically.
“Well then you definitely don’t get to find out whether or not I’m naked.” I said I teased him, sticking my tongue out at him.
“It’s not my fault…..” He whined.
“And who’s fault is it Crosby?” I asked, teasing him still. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I would have really enjoyed having dinner with him and spending time with him. But I knew that he stuff that he had to do.
“I’ll make it up to you….” He replied in the same whiny voice, clearly having decided to change tactics.
“And how precisely are you going to do that Crosby?” I asked him slyly.
“Well first….” Sidney replied, realizing where I was going with this. “I’m going to make sure that if you aren’t naked under there, that you are soon.”
“Don’t think so Crosby.” I said shaking my head and rolling my eyes. “You’re not 18 yet honey.”
“A fact that you are never going to let me forget huh?”
“Probably not.” I said with a grin and a shrug. “But look at it this way Crosby…. You’re going to be 18 in a week.”
“And its going to be the longest week of my life.” He grumbled. “All I want to do right now is get you naked and make you scream.”
I rolled my eyes again. “That’s all you’ve wanted to do since you met me Crosby.”
Sidney shrugged. “But it keeps getting closer and closer and I keep getting more and more impatient.” He whined.
I shook my head. “You are such a baby Crosby.” I said. “I mean, look at me, I’m handling this whole situation just fine. I’m not about to go insane just because I can’t get you naked and make you scream.”
Sidney snorted. “Dare, don’t get me wrong, you’re dead sexy and all, but I’ve been with tons of girls. I sincerely doubt that there is a girl left who has the skills to make me scream. You’ll definitely get me to moan though.” He added as though he were trying to appease me.
It was my turn to snort and shake my head. “Crosby I’ve got skills honey.” I told him. “You need to have a little more faith darling….” I added, turning over and licking and kissing his ears gently.
Sidney stifled a groan. “I can’t wait to see what else you can do.” He told me softly, his arms wrapping around me.
I shook my head. “Sometimes Crosby, the way you talk, its almost like you’re only with me to get into my pants.”
“Yes, but you know that isn’t true Dare.” He replied, his eyes burning into mine. “So really isn’t that all that matters?”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “I get what you’re doing Crosby.” I told him.
“Oh really?” He replied, eyebrows raised.
“Yes.” I said, rolling my eyes again. “You’re trying to maintain your stupid player too cool for school image.”
Sidney snorted and burst out laughing. “Too cool for school?”
I made a face. “You know what I mean.” I snapped.
“I know.” He said with a grin, rolling over and pinning me under him. Leaning forward he kissed me slowly. “Dare you’re like, the coolest girl I’ve ever met.” He told me softly.
“Oh really?” I replied, stretching up and kissing him again.
“Yeah.” He answered. “Today and the lottery would have been, like, hell for anyone else. I mean, can you imagine how Erin would have been? She would have wanted to be on camera. She would have wanted me to make our relationship public and she would have been pestering me all day about it.” Sidney paused, and looked down at me. “Why didn’t you?”
“Why didn’t I what?” I asked.
“Pester me all day about making our relationship public?” He asked, suddenly looking very confused and very young.
I shrugged. “I trust you Crosby.” I told him softly. “You’ve given me no reason not to, so I figure that you’re a pretty safe bet.”
Sidney laughed. “Thanks Dare.” He replied. “Actually, I can’t thank you enough for trusting me… I know how hard it is for you.”
I shrugged again. “Sometimes its too easy.” I told him honestly. “That’s when I get burned Crosby… it took me awhile to trust you… no offense or anything. It just took awhile, so I guess I feel okay about it.”
Sidney pressed a soft kiss on my shoulder. “And I just want you to know that I appreciate your faith in me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure that you can always trust me… always.”
“So much that you’re going to leave me to have dinner all by myself.” I teased him… the conversation was getting much to serious for me.
“I could lie and tell everyone that I’m not feeling well.” Sidney replied. “Then we could order room service and hang out here.”
I snorted. “Tell the media you’re sick?” I replied, my eyebrows raised. “Why not tell them that the NHL and the PA were just kidding and the lockout isn’t over after all?”
Sidney chuckled. “Okay, I get your point Dare, but I’d still rather just hang out with you here then go out for supper.”
“While I appreciate the sentiment Sid, maybe you should like, I don’t know, go.” I told him. “I mean, not that I want you to go… but why on earth would you rather have room service?”
“Because then I’d get to spend time with you.” He told me. “I like spending time with you Dare, and I’m going to be moving to Pittsburgh soon.”
I nodded slowly. Clearly I had so known that, but well, its just one of those things that you kind of push out of your mind when you’re worried about other things. I’d been so wrapped up in the excitement of the draft and Sid’s eagerness to get to the NHL that I hadn’t really thought about what would happen afterwards. Yet I knew what was going to happen. I mean there was really no way around it.
I took a slow deep breath. “I know.” I said, struggling to control my emotions. I didn’t want Sidney to know that I was upset. “Do you know when?” I asked.
Sidney shook his head. “Not yet.” He said. “Pretty sure it will be in early August though. Mario said that we’d talk about it at dinner.”
“Oh.” I said in a small voice.
“You’ll come with Pat right?” Sidney asked, his voice and eyes filled with uncertainty.
“Do you want me to?” I asked quietly, somewhat surprised.
“Of course I do!” Sidney replied vehemently. “I need you to come with Pat.” He added in a gentle voice. “I mean, if you don’t come with him, then I won’t be able to see you for a long time, and well that would suck.”
I so didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to have this conversation. Sidney and I had just been having fun. We hadn’t talked about the future. It was all about having a good time with us. That’s probably why we were enjoying each other so much, because there was no pressure.
And I was about to put a whole shit load of pressure on him. I had to. For both of us. I’ve always believed in honesty and I guess that was kind of my Achilles’ heel. Some people can’t handle the kind of honesty that I dish out. I don’t pussyfoot around things and just because I was already half in love with this kid from Cole Harbour wasn’t a reason for me to start now.
“So what does that mean?” I heard my voice ask, even as my heart was cringing. “What do you want to happen with us Crosby?”
Chapter 15 - Some Kind of Wonderful
Sidney and I spent as much time as possible together after that night, but it wasn’t always possible. Pat worked me hard. I was constantly making phone calls and taking messages. I was faxing things. He was calling me whenever he needed something, or couldn’t remember where he put something.
As the day of the draft approached though, Pat gave Sidney and I more time together, because Pat knew that as soon as the draft celebrations started, Sidney wouldn’t have any time for me. I knew, that and I excepted it, mainly because I already knew. I mean, I just knew.
I know that probably sounds really weird, because Sidney and I hadn’t really known each other for that long. But I already knew that he was my best friend. I mean, we’d clicked since we’d first met. So I think I surprised him by being different from how others girls had been.
I mean, when it came time for him to do press stuff, or sign autographs, I didn’t bitch and moan because, well, I didn’t feel as if I had to, if that makes sense. I mean, I knew, at the end of the day, that Sidney was still my best friend, no matter that some girl asked him to sign her chest.
It didn’t hurt that I got to go with his family to Ottawa. Or that I was going to be sitting with him and his family at the table during the draft. We found out on the 22nd of July that Sidney would be going to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who won the draft lottery. The Montrèal Canadiens got the highest pick of the Canadian teams. They would be picking fifth.
As it got closer to the number 1 pick, Sidney held my hand tighter (at least when the cameras weren’t on him – and there were cameras everywhere). He wanted so badly to be a Hab. We’d talked about nothing else since the agreement between the NHL and the NHLPA had been signed. Deep down, I wanted him to be a Hab, because that way he wouldn’t be too far away.
Except the Habs got the fifth pick, and Pittsburgh got number one. Immediately, part of me felt it was rigged, especially since Sid thought it would be Pittsburgh and they were in big time financial trouble… so where better to send the kid from Cole Harbour? In Pittsburgh, he could save a franchise.
When the final ball dropped, Sidney was on camera, and I was standing behind the scenes. One thing I’d already learned, and I’d only been working for Pat for a few days, was that the man was a marketing genius. Pat and IMG were marketing Sidney like a rock star and in Canada at least, it was definitely working.
After the cameras were turned off, Sidney grabbed me up and hugged me tightly. He was the consensus number 1 pick overall. Unlike the guys who came behind him who would have no idea where they were going to be in the fall, Sidney new. I kissed him on the cheek, very much aware of Pat and his parents watching us.
Things got pretty crazy after that. Anywhere he went he was accosted for autographs. It got really insane in Ottawa, and fans were everywhere. Pat was already negotiating with the Penguins, so I sat in on meetings and took notes. Sidney was busy with the press and with fans.
Finally, around 11:30 on our second day in Ottawa – the night before the draft was to take place, Sidney knocked on my hotel room door. It wasn’t something I was expecting at all though. I was exhausted after a day of meetings with Pat, and I figured Sidney was exhausted as well. So I was in a tank top and a pair of boy cut panties when he knocked on the door.
I moaned, thinking it was Pat and pulled on a pair of sweats and answered the door. To my surprise, Sid was standing there. “Took you long enough.” He muttered stepping through the door and sweeping me up in his arms.
“I had to put pants on.” I replied, feeling a little flustered… like I always did when he was holding me.
“You shouldn’t have.” He muttered, his lips pressing firmly against mine. “I’m just going to try and take them off.”
I kissed him back. “Are you supposed to be here?” I muttered.
“No.” He replied, trailing his lips softly down my neck. “But knowing you were a few floors down was driving me insane.”
“Sidney you shouldn’t be here.” I whispered frantically as his hands moved dangerously south of the border.
“Please Dare.” Sidney replied in an urgent whisper. “Tomorrow is one of the most important days of my life…”
“So I’m just supposed to fall into bed with you and spread my legs?” I replied in my most snarky tone of voice.
“Dare that is so not what I meant.” Sidney replied, letting me go and flopping down on his back on the bed.
“Good.” I said, unable to resist, and crawling on top of him and kissing him firmly. “Because honestly, if you were of age, it wouldn’t take one of the most important days of your life to get me to spread my legs for you – just a couple shots of liquid courage.”
“Really?” Sidney murmured, sounding surprised as his hands moved cupping my ass. “Well now you’re just giving me ideas Dare….”
“That’s good.” I murmured, my lips trailing down his throat, as I stopped to lick and kiss and bite here and there. “Because you could get me into so much trouble Crosby.”
He shrugged and moaned at the same time… my lips were totally working on his neck. “Fuck you’re hot Dare.” He muttered, his fingers working frantically to unhook my bra.
It came apart easier then I would have thought. Apparently the boy had some skill with that particular trick… and in case you don’t know, it isn’t a particularly easy skill to master. Most guys fumble and then you end up taking it off yourself out of frustration. Or worse, they just push it up and stretch it because they can’t get it off.
Not this boy however. He was able to take my bra off without any trouble at all. It was so totally hot it made me want him even more then I already did. “Fuck Sidney….” I muttered my voice low. “We have to stop honey.”
“I know….” He murmured as his hands moved up to feel my breasts through my shirt, though my bra was laying somewhere on the floor. “We should shouldn’t we?”
“Yes….” I muttered arching my back and pressing myself into his hands.
“You aren’t exactly making that easy Dare….” Sidney muttered as he reached to lift my shirt, placing soft kisses on my stomach.
“Neither are you Crosby.” I muttered shivering as he licked and nipped at my belly button ring. “Neither are you.”
“So how exactly are we going to stop?” He replied, his tongue swirling in my belly button.
Another knock sounded at the door. “Umm I think that’s how.” I muttered, scrambling off of him.
My hair was probably a total mess, and Sidney definitely looked as though he’d been up to something, I mean, he had that rumpled après sex look, although we definitely hadn’t had time to go that far. I answered the door anyway. Pat was standing there. “Is Sidney in here?” He asked.
He couldn’t see in the room… I’d only opened the door a crack. “What makes you think he’d be here?” I asked innocently.
Pat rolled his eyes. “Come on Darryl.” He said with a smirk. “I wasn’t born yesterday. Besides, he isn’t in the room with Jack, he’s not hanging out with the other guys, and his parents haven’t seen him since dinner, this is the only other place he’s going to be.” Pat paused and grinned. “Plus this is the only place he’d be without his cell.”
I smiled sheepishly and opened the door all the way. “So umm yeah, he so just got here Pat.”
Pat grinned and shook his head. “Sidney, Mario tried to call your room and you weren’t there.”
Sidney blushed and looked at the floor. “Umm sorry Pat.” He said, a wicked little grin on his face. I followed his gaze and blushed. My bra was lying right in the middle of the floor where Pat could totally see it. “Should I call him back?” He asked.
“That would probably be a good idea.” Pat said a smirk on his face. “Just tell him you went to visit some family.”
Sidney nodded and firmly closed the door behind him. “See you tomorrow Pat.” He said firmly. He turned back to me. “Now where were we?” He demanded, closing the distance between us easily and scooping me up in his arms.
“Pat’s knock on the door helped us figure out how we were going to stop.” I giggled and pushed him away.
“Dare that’s no fun.” He replied, reaching out and pulling me to him.
“And you are going to get both of us in a lot of trouble if you don’t call Mario.” I said pressing a finger to his lips to keep him from kissing me. “So maybe you should do that first.”
“Do I get to kiss you afterwards?” He bargained with me.
I giggled and pushed him gently away. “Just call Mario Crosby.” I said. “We’ll discuss your reward – that is if you deserve a reward, after you’re done with Super Mario, or the Magnificent One, or whatever the hell his actual nickname is.”
Sidney chuckled. “They both are Dare.” He told me, kissing me on the forehead softly. “And you had better start thinking of a reward for me, because I so deserve one.”
As the day of the draft approached though, Pat gave Sidney and I more time together, because Pat knew that as soon as the draft celebrations started, Sidney wouldn’t have any time for me. I knew, that and I excepted it, mainly because I already knew. I mean, I just knew.
I know that probably sounds really weird, because Sidney and I hadn’t really known each other for that long. But I already knew that he was my best friend. I mean, we’d clicked since we’d first met. So I think I surprised him by being different from how others girls had been.
I mean, when it came time for him to do press stuff, or sign autographs, I didn’t bitch and moan because, well, I didn’t feel as if I had to, if that makes sense. I mean, I knew, at the end of the day, that Sidney was still my best friend, no matter that some girl asked him to sign her chest.
It didn’t hurt that I got to go with his family to Ottawa. Or that I was going to be sitting with him and his family at the table during the draft. We found out on the 22nd of July that Sidney would be going to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who won the draft lottery. The Montrèal Canadiens got the highest pick of the Canadian teams. They would be picking fifth.
As it got closer to the number 1 pick, Sidney held my hand tighter (at least when the cameras weren’t on him – and there were cameras everywhere). He wanted so badly to be a Hab. We’d talked about nothing else since the agreement between the NHL and the NHLPA had been signed. Deep down, I wanted him to be a Hab, because that way he wouldn’t be too far away.
Except the Habs got the fifth pick, and Pittsburgh got number one. Immediately, part of me felt it was rigged, especially since Sid thought it would be Pittsburgh and they were in big time financial trouble… so where better to send the kid from Cole Harbour? In Pittsburgh, he could save a franchise.
When the final ball dropped, Sidney was on camera, and I was standing behind the scenes. One thing I’d already learned, and I’d only been working for Pat for a few days, was that the man was a marketing genius. Pat and IMG were marketing Sidney like a rock star and in Canada at least, it was definitely working.
After the cameras were turned off, Sidney grabbed me up and hugged me tightly. He was the consensus number 1 pick overall. Unlike the guys who came behind him who would have no idea where they were going to be in the fall, Sidney new. I kissed him on the cheek, very much aware of Pat and his parents watching us.
Things got pretty crazy after that. Anywhere he went he was accosted for autographs. It got really insane in Ottawa, and fans were everywhere. Pat was already negotiating with the Penguins, so I sat in on meetings and took notes. Sidney was busy with the press and with fans.
Finally, around 11:30 on our second day in Ottawa – the night before the draft was to take place, Sidney knocked on my hotel room door. It wasn’t something I was expecting at all though. I was exhausted after a day of meetings with Pat, and I figured Sidney was exhausted as well. So I was in a tank top and a pair of boy cut panties when he knocked on the door.
I moaned, thinking it was Pat and pulled on a pair of sweats and answered the door. To my surprise, Sid was standing there. “Took you long enough.” He muttered stepping through the door and sweeping me up in his arms.
“I had to put pants on.” I replied, feeling a little flustered… like I always did when he was holding me.
“You shouldn’t have.” He muttered, his lips pressing firmly against mine. “I’m just going to try and take them off.”
I kissed him back. “Are you supposed to be here?” I muttered.
“No.” He replied, trailing his lips softly down my neck. “But knowing you were a few floors down was driving me insane.”
“Sidney you shouldn’t be here.” I whispered frantically as his hands moved dangerously south of the border.
“Please Dare.” Sidney replied in an urgent whisper. “Tomorrow is one of the most important days of my life…”
“So I’m just supposed to fall into bed with you and spread my legs?” I replied in my most snarky tone of voice.
“Dare that is so not what I meant.” Sidney replied, letting me go and flopping down on his back on the bed.
“Good.” I said, unable to resist, and crawling on top of him and kissing him firmly. “Because honestly, if you were of age, it wouldn’t take one of the most important days of your life to get me to spread my legs for you – just a couple shots of liquid courage.”
“Really?” Sidney murmured, sounding surprised as his hands moved cupping my ass. “Well now you’re just giving me ideas Dare….”
“That’s good.” I murmured, my lips trailing down his throat, as I stopped to lick and kiss and bite here and there. “Because you could get me into so much trouble Crosby.”
He shrugged and moaned at the same time… my lips were totally working on his neck. “Fuck you’re hot Dare.” He muttered, his fingers working frantically to unhook my bra.
It came apart easier then I would have thought. Apparently the boy had some skill with that particular trick… and in case you don’t know, it isn’t a particularly easy skill to master. Most guys fumble and then you end up taking it off yourself out of frustration. Or worse, they just push it up and stretch it because they can’t get it off.
Not this boy however. He was able to take my bra off without any trouble at all. It was so totally hot it made me want him even more then I already did. “Fuck Sidney….” I muttered my voice low. “We have to stop honey.”
“I know….” He murmured as his hands moved up to feel my breasts through my shirt, though my bra was laying somewhere on the floor. “We should shouldn’t we?”
“Yes….” I muttered arching my back and pressing myself into his hands.
“You aren’t exactly making that easy Dare….” Sidney muttered as he reached to lift my shirt, placing soft kisses on my stomach.
“Neither are you Crosby.” I muttered shivering as he licked and nipped at my belly button ring. “Neither are you.”
“So how exactly are we going to stop?” He replied, his tongue swirling in my belly button.
Another knock sounded at the door. “Umm I think that’s how.” I muttered, scrambling off of him.
My hair was probably a total mess, and Sidney definitely looked as though he’d been up to something, I mean, he had that rumpled après sex look, although we definitely hadn’t had time to go that far. I answered the door anyway. Pat was standing there. “Is Sidney in here?” He asked.
He couldn’t see in the room… I’d only opened the door a crack. “What makes you think he’d be here?” I asked innocently.
Pat rolled his eyes. “Come on Darryl.” He said with a smirk. “I wasn’t born yesterday. Besides, he isn’t in the room with Jack, he’s not hanging out with the other guys, and his parents haven’t seen him since dinner, this is the only other place he’s going to be.” Pat paused and grinned. “Plus this is the only place he’d be without his cell.”
I smiled sheepishly and opened the door all the way. “So umm yeah, he so just got here Pat.”
Pat grinned and shook his head. “Sidney, Mario tried to call your room and you weren’t there.”
Sidney blushed and looked at the floor. “Umm sorry Pat.” He said, a wicked little grin on his face. I followed his gaze and blushed. My bra was lying right in the middle of the floor where Pat could totally see it. “Should I call him back?” He asked.
“That would probably be a good idea.” Pat said a smirk on his face. “Just tell him you went to visit some family.”
Sidney nodded and firmly closed the door behind him. “See you tomorrow Pat.” He said firmly. He turned back to me. “Now where were we?” He demanded, closing the distance between us easily and scooping me up in his arms.
“Pat’s knock on the door helped us figure out how we were going to stop.” I giggled and pushed him away.
“Dare that’s no fun.” He replied, reaching out and pulling me to him.
“And you are going to get both of us in a lot of trouble if you don’t call Mario.” I said pressing a finger to his lips to keep him from kissing me. “So maybe you should do that first.”
“Do I get to kiss you afterwards?” He bargained with me.
I giggled and pushed him gently away. “Just call Mario Crosby.” I said. “We’ll discuss your reward – that is if you deserve a reward, after you’re done with Super Mario, or the Magnificent One, or whatever the hell his actual nickname is.”
Sidney chuckled. “They both are Dare.” He told me, kissing me on the forehead softly. “And you had better start thinking of a reward for me, because I so deserve one.”
Chapter 14 - Some Kind of Wonderful
The next day, I was at work when the news came. The deal was done. The NHL and the PA had agreed (in principle at least) on a new collective bargaining agreement. I learned, not because we were listening to the radio, but because Sidney burst into the community centre and ran over, an excited happy grin on his face.
Catching me up in his arms he hugged me tight. “The deal is done Dare!” He said, his mouth inches from mine.
I knew he wanted to kiss me, but I couldn’t let that happen. Not in front of the kids. I buried my face in his neck. “Congratulations Crosby.” I whispered softly. “Now its just a matter of time before you know where you’re going to be next year.”
“And I don’t have to go to Europe.” He replied, his voice low as he slid me down his body, setting me on my feet. “I don’t have to go so far away from you Dare….” He murmured, lowering his face to mine.
I was about to push him away… really I was. “Darryl!” I heard a voice call sharply. “My office NOW!”
Erin smirked as I walked past her on the way to Mrs. Anderson’s office. I glared at her and snapped. “Jealous much? It’s not like he came here to see you honey. And getting me in trouble isn’t exactly going to put you back on his depth chart. I’m number one on there right now honey, and you can’t take that away.”
“Now Darryl!” Mrs. Anderson snapped. To my surprise, Sidney tried to come with me. “Just her.” Mrs. Anderson said at the door. “You can wait outside Sidney.”
“This is my fault Mrs. Anderson.” Sidney said, his best polite smile on his face. “I was excited.”
“And Darryl should have told you that it could wait. Instead what kind of example did you set?” Mrs. Anderson demanded.
I shrugged. “At least I’m not a tattletale.” I said, thinking about Erin. “Look Mrs. Anderson, I’m sorry. It’s not like I was going to let him kiss me. He knows full well he has to sneak up on me.”
Sidney and grinned at each other, but Mrs. Anderson didn’t seem to share our amusement. “Darryl you need to know that that kind of behaviour is unacceptable in the work place.” She said, shaking her head, disappointed. “I’m going to have to write you up for this. And we had such high hopes for you. This definitely won’t be acceptable at your school in the fall.”
I shrugged. “Mrs. Anderson, you seem to not want to see my side. Could it have something to do with the fact that Erin has been coming to this centre since she was a little girl?” I asked politely. “I know from the look on her face that she went running for you the minute Sidney hugged me instead of her.”
“What exactly are you saying Darryl?” She demanded, her face turning red, her voice shaking.
“That you favour Erin. She’s always in here talking to you.” I pointed out. “Even when the rest of us are hard at work. Even when the rest of us have too much to do.”
“What are you implying?” She demanded, her face beat red now.
“I’m not implying anything Mrs. Anderson. I’m flat out saying it. Or at least I thought I was.” I turned to Sid for conformation and he nodded. I shook my head. “Your agent still have that assistant position available Crosby?” I asked.
“Yeah.” He said nodding, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
“Well then Mrs. Anderson, consider this my two weeks notice. I’ll have it to you in writing by the end of the day.” I said with a smile.
“But you can’t just quit on us in the middle of the summer.” Mrs. Anderson said plaintively. “We need you.”
I shrugged. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here Mrs. Anderson.” I said with a pleasant smile and a wink at Sidney. “Its just I’ve recently received a much better offer from another employer and I feel that it would be in my best interest to accept the position. I hope you’ll understand. The kids are great, and the staff is great.”
“Well then…” Mrs. Anderson said, her face still red, realizing that I was giving both of us the chance to save face. “I suppose that we’re just going to have to let you go. But you only need to give us a week dear. You haven’t been working with us that long.”
I nodded. “That’s fine with me. Sid, could you type up a letter of resignation for me if I told you what to write and then bring it back for me to sign?”
“Sure.” He said nodding. “Just call me at lunch and give me the details.”
“You know, Darryl, we should be able to find someone to take your place this weekend.” Mrs. Anderson said. “So why don’t we have Friday as your last day?”
“Works for me.” I said, reaching across the desk to shake her hand. “Thank you very much for all of your support.”
I glanced at Sid. It was nearly lunch. “Want to stick around for a bit, then we take Taylor to McDonalds for lunch in celebration? It would be a treat for the kids, wouldn’t it Mrs. Anderson, to have Sidney here?”
“Yes, I suppose it would be.” She grudgingly admitted.
So Sidney stuck around that day. We had a great time. I even got him to cheerleading and dance class (which was HILARIOUS in case you’re wondering, the boy can move on skates, but that’s about it). The kids enjoyed themselves, and Sidney signed some autographs and some parents even came with cameras and took a few pictures.
That Friday night, I was over at the Crosby house for dinner to celebrate the end of my time at the rec centre… Taylor had announced that she would not be going back without me there, which, needless to say, made me feel pretty darn special. We had a great meal together.
It was amazing how comfortable they made me feel. I didn’t feel like an outsider at all. After dinner, when Sidney and I were sitting on the couch in the living room, watching a movie, sitting very close to each other (probably too close to each other), when Troy and Trina entered the room carrying two glasses of champagne each.
“Here.” He said, handing us both a glass of champagne. “To new friendships and new beginnings.” He toasted.
“Cheers.” Trina and Sidney said, downing their glasses.
I glanced at Sidney awkwardly. Technically I shouldn’t drink around him. He was a minor. But there were several things I’d been doing with him that I shouldn’t have been doing. “Just drink it.” Troy said, seeing that I was hesitating.
I raised my glass. “Cheers.” I said before I downed my glass.
Sidney wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close for just a second, dropping a quick kiss on the top of my head as he did so. “So do you know what’s going on with the draft yet?” I asked.
Sidney shook his head in disgust. “Probably a conference call.” He said, sounding really upset.
“I’m sorry.” I said quietly, placing a hand on his arm. “You deserve the chance to get up on stage and put on that jersey for the first time.”
“Thanks Dare.” He said, kissing me softly on the forehead.
“Why don’t you two go out for a little while?” Trina suggested, smiling at us. “You two have better things to do then hang out with us all night I’m sure.”
I shrugged, and looked at Sidney. “Can we actually go anywhere?” I asked curiously. “In public I mean?” I knew that no matter how badly I wanted to be alone with him, it totally wasn’t a good idea. I just wasn’t sure that he could actually go out in public without, like a bodyguard or something.
Sidney shrugged. “We can if you want.” He told me. “But it is kind of hard though. You’ll have to share me with people who want autographs and to ask me about the draft and the deal and stuff, and I can’t promise not to act like an idiot Dare.” He added the last part with a grin.
I shook my head. “Well then let’s go.” I said standing. “See you later Taylor.” I said ruffling her hair. “Bye Trina, bye Troy.”
“Bye guys.” Troy replied, with a smile at his wife. “Don’t be too late Sidney.”
“I won’t be Dad.” Sidney replied, holding the front door open for me.
The minute we were outside the house Sidney caught my hand in his and used it to pull me into the shadows… and into his arms. His body pressed up against mine, his lips so close to mine I could smell the mint on his breath. “God Dare, I’ve wanted to do this all day.” He mumbled as his mouth closed over mine.
His hand cupped the back of my head, loosening my hair, which had been in a ponytail most of the day. His mouth was greedy and demanding and I loved every second of what he was doing to me. My hands slid slowly up his well-muscled chest. He felt so damned good… and twined around his neck. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” I mumbled when we finally came up for air.
“Well maybe not here….” Sidney said with an impish grin. “At least not much longer, because if this goes on much longer I am going to start taking off your clothes.”
I pulled away and rolled my eyes. “Let’s go.” I said.
“So where are we going Dare?” Sidney asked pointedly.
“To a movie.” I replied.
Gentlemanly as always, even in defeat, Sid held the door to the truck open for me. “You’re no fun Dare.” He muttered. “We were having a great time. We could continue it at your place.”
I leaned forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. “Now Crosby I think we’re both smart enough to know that as much fun as that might be, it is simply not a good idea honey.”
His hand reached up and his thumb gently stroked my cheek. “I know.” He whispered softly, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on my forehead. “I just want to hold you.”
“But we both know that holding is going to lead to something more Crosby.” I whispered my voice strangely hoarse.
“Please?” He replied looking up at me with little boy style puppy dog eyes.
I leaned forward and did something I hadn’t done before, kissing him softly on the lips. “Soon honey.” I whispered, looking deeply into his eyes. “Soon.”
Catching me up in his arms he hugged me tight. “The deal is done Dare!” He said, his mouth inches from mine.
I knew he wanted to kiss me, but I couldn’t let that happen. Not in front of the kids. I buried my face in his neck. “Congratulations Crosby.” I whispered softly. “Now its just a matter of time before you know where you’re going to be next year.”
“And I don’t have to go to Europe.” He replied, his voice low as he slid me down his body, setting me on my feet. “I don’t have to go so far away from you Dare….” He murmured, lowering his face to mine.
I was about to push him away… really I was. “Darryl!” I heard a voice call sharply. “My office NOW!”
Erin smirked as I walked past her on the way to Mrs. Anderson’s office. I glared at her and snapped. “Jealous much? It’s not like he came here to see you honey. And getting me in trouble isn’t exactly going to put you back on his depth chart. I’m number one on there right now honey, and you can’t take that away.”
“Now Darryl!” Mrs. Anderson snapped. To my surprise, Sidney tried to come with me. “Just her.” Mrs. Anderson said at the door. “You can wait outside Sidney.”
“This is my fault Mrs. Anderson.” Sidney said, his best polite smile on his face. “I was excited.”
“And Darryl should have told you that it could wait. Instead what kind of example did you set?” Mrs. Anderson demanded.
I shrugged. “At least I’m not a tattletale.” I said, thinking about Erin. “Look Mrs. Anderson, I’m sorry. It’s not like I was going to let him kiss me. He knows full well he has to sneak up on me.”
Sidney and grinned at each other, but Mrs. Anderson didn’t seem to share our amusement. “Darryl you need to know that that kind of behaviour is unacceptable in the work place.” She said, shaking her head, disappointed. “I’m going to have to write you up for this. And we had such high hopes for you. This definitely won’t be acceptable at your school in the fall.”
I shrugged. “Mrs. Anderson, you seem to not want to see my side. Could it have something to do with the fact that Erin has been coming to this centre since she was a little girl?” I asked politely. “I know from the look on her face that she went running for you the minute Sidney hugged me instead of her.”
“What exactly are you saying Darryl?” She demanded, her face turning red, her voice shaking.
“That you favour Erin. She’s always in here talking to you.” I pointed out. “Even when the rest of us are hard at work. Even when the rest of us have too much to do.”
“What are you implying?” She demanded, her face beat red now.
“I’m not implying anything Mrs. Anderson. I’m flat out saying it. Or at least I thought I was.” I turned to Sid for conformation and he nodded. I shook my head. “Your agent still have that assistant position available Crosby?” I asked.
“Yeah.” He said nodding, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
“Well then Mrs. Anderson, consider this my two weeks notice. I’ll have it to you in writing by the end of the day.” I said with a smile.
“But you can’t just quit on us in the middle of the summer.” Mrs. Anderson said plaintively. “We need you.”
I shrugged. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here Mrs. Anderson.” I said with a pleasant smile and a wink at Sidney. “Its just I’ve recently received a much better offer from another employer and I feel that it would be in my best interest to accept the position. I hope you’ll understand. The kids are great, and the staff is great.”
“Well then…” Mrs. Anderson said, her face still red, realizing that I was giving both of us the chance to save face. “I suppose that we’re just going to have to let you go. But you only need to give us a week dear. You haven’t been working with us that long.”
I nodded. “That’s fine with me. Sid, could you type up a letter of resignation for me if I told you what to write and then bring it back for me to sign?”
“Sure.” He said nodding. “Just call me at lunch and give me the details.”
“You know, Darryl, we should be able to find someone to take your place this weekend.” Mrs. Anderson said. “So why don’t we have Friday as your last day?”
“Works for me.” I said, reaching across the desk to shake her hand. “Thank you very much for all of your support.”
I glanced at Sid. It was nearly lunch. “Want to stick around for a bit, then we take Taylor to McDonalds for lunch in celebration? It would be a treat for the kids, wouldn’t it Mrs. Anderson, to have Sidney here?”
“Yes, I suppose it would be.” She grudgingly admitted.
So Sidney stuck around that day. We had a great time. I even got him to cheerleading and dance class (which was HILARIOUS in case you’re wondering, the boy can move on skates, but that’s about it). The kids enjoyed themselves, and Sidney signed some autographs and some parents even came with cameras and took a few pictures.
That Friday night, I was over at the Crosby house for dinner to celebrate the end of my time at the rec centre… Taylor had announced that she would not be going back without me there, which, needless to say, made me feel pretty darn special. We had a great meal together.
It was amazing how comfortable they made me feel. I didn’t feel like an outsider at all. After dinner, when Sidney and I were sitting on the couch in the living room, watching a movie, sitting very close to each other (probably too close to each other), when Troy and Trina entered the room carrying two glasses of champagne each.
“Here.” He said, handing us both a glass of champagne. “To new friendships and new beginnings.” He toasted.
“Cheers.” Trina and Sidney said, downing their glasses.
I glanced at Sidney awkwardly. Technically I shouldn’t drink around him. He was a minor. But there were several things I’d been doing with him that I shouldn’t have been doing. “Just drink it.” Troy said, seeing that I was hesitating.
I raised my glass. “Cheers.” I said before I downed my glass.
Sidney wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close for just a second, dropping a quick kiss on the top of my head as he did so. “So do you know what’s going on with the draft yet?” I asked.
Sidney shook his head in disgust. “Probably a conference call.” He said, sounding really upset.
“I’m sorry.” I said quietly, placing a hand on his arm. “You deserve the chance to get up on stage and put on that jersey for the first time.”
“Thanks Dare.” He said, kissing me softly on the forehead.
“Why don’t you two go out for a little while?” Trina suggested, smiling at us. “You two have better things to do then hang out with us all night I’m sure.”
I shrugged, and looked at Sidney. “Can we actually go anywhere?” I asked curiously. “In public I mean?” I knew that no matter how badly I wanted to be alone with him, it totally wasn’t a good idea. I just wasn’t sure that he could actually go out in public without, like a bodyguard or something.
Sidney shrugged. “We can if you want.” He told me. “But it is kind of hard though. You’ll have to share me with people who want autographs and to ask me about the draft and the deal and stuff, and I can’t promise not to act like an idiot Dare.” He added the last part with a grin.
I shook my head. “Well then let’s go.” I said standing. “See you later Taylor.” I said ruffling her hair. “Bye Trina, bye Troy.”
“Bye guys.” Troy replied, with a smile at his wife. “Don’t be too late Sidney.”
“I won’t be Dad.” Sidney replied, holding the front door open for me.
The minute we were outside the house Sidney caught my hand in his and used it to pull me into the shadows… and into his arms. His body pressed up against mine, his lips so close to mine I could smell the mint on his breath. “God Dare, I’ve wanted to do this all day.” He mumbled as his mouth closed over mine.
His hand cupped the back of my head, loosening my hair, which had been in a ponytail most of the day. His mouth was greedy and demanding and I loved every second of what he was doing to me. My hands slid slowly up his well-muscled chest. He felt so damned good… and twined around his neck. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” I mumbled when we finally came up for air.
“Well maybe not here….” Sidney said with an impish grin. “At least not much longer, because if this goes on much longer I am going to start taking off your clothes.”
I pulled away and rolled my eyes. “Let’s go.” I said.
“So where are we going Dare?” Sidney asked pointedly.
“To a movie.” I replied.
Gentlemanly as always, even in defeat, Sid held the door to the truck open for me. “You’re no fun Dare.” He muttered. “We were having a great time. We could continue it at your place.”
I leaned forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. “Now Crosby I think we’re both smart enough to know that as much fun as that might be, it is simply not a good idea honey.”
His hand reached up and his thumb gently stroked my cheek. “I know.” He whispered softly, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on my forehead. “I just want to hold you.”
“But we both know that holding is going to lead to something more Crosby.” I whispered my voice strangely hoarse.
“Please?” He replied looking up at me with little boy style puppy dog eyes.
I leaned forward and did something I hadn’t done before, kissing him softly on the lips. “Soon honey.” I whispered, looking deeply into his eyes. “Soon.”
Chapter 13 - Some Kind of Wonderful
I didn’t see Sidney for a couple of days, but when he came back on Tuesday night, I was at the airport with his family, waiting for him. I hadn’t intended on coming along. I was just going to go to the Crosby’s and drop off Sid’s truck, but Troy and Trina had insisted that I come along. They said that Sidney would want his truck back ASAP because he probably had somewhere he’d want to be.
“Dare!” Sidney called happily, waving as he stepped out of the baggage claim area.
I shook my head. “Hey Sid.” I replied, hugging him quickly. “You should so hug your family first.” I whispered to him even as I accepted his hug.
“You’re hotter.” He whispered back.
I just shook my head and laughed as Sidney hugged his Mom and Dad and his little sister. He turned to me after they’d talked and he’d shown off his ring. “Did you bring the truck Dare?” He asked.
I tossed him the keys gently. “Full tank of gas and all.” I told him with a smile.
“Good.” He said. “Let’s go.”
“When are you going to be home?” Troy asked, not the least bit surprised.
Sidney shrugged. “Sometime before the draft.” He said with a grin. “I’ve got my cell, it’s fully charged, call me.”
“Where are you going?” I asked, feeling a little confused, standing back a bit.
“I want to take you somewhere.” Sidney told me with a charming smile, holding his hand out for me to take.
I didn’t reach for his hand, but I did move to follow him. “Where are we going?” I asked.
“Just wait.” He told me with a grin.
“I want to know where we’re going first.” I said, folding my arms across my chest stubbornly.
“Come on Dare….” Sidney said backing away from me, his hands outstretched, as if he expected me to take them. “It’s a surprise….”
“Me being here was supposed to be the surprise.” I pointed out to him.
Sidney shrugged and grinned arrogantly. “I knew you’d be here.” He told me. “Now come on.”
“Sid….” I said slowly.
“What?” He asked.
“Umm, your family?” I replied, looking back at Troy, Trina and Taylor uncertainly.
“They’ll see me later.” Sidney replied with a shrug.
“I could see you later.” I pointed out reasonably.
“Dare please?” Sidney asked, his eyes sad.
“Don’t look at me like that!” I said in mock anger, teasing him.
“How do you want me to look at you?” Sidney replied, raising and lowering his eyebrows suggestively.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re being silly again.” I said firmly.
“Then let’s get out of here.”
“Go on.” Troy said looking around with a smile. “Before my son makes a total ass out of himself in a public place.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “See you guys later then.” I said, smiling at Sid as we headed out of the airport, shoulder to shoulder.
He bumped me with his shoulder and I bumped him back as we headed out to his truck. He bumped me again and I bumped him back. Yes, it was flirting, but it was nice to have someone to flirt with. Then, instead of bumping me back, Sidney grabs me and pulls me into his arms, kissing me passionately.
We were walking backwards as we kiss, his arms wrapped tightly around my body, until I hit the truck. Immediately the alarm started going off. Sidney chuckled as I shrieked and we jumped apart. “Oops.” He said sheepishly as he turned the alarm off. Then he turned back to me. “Now where were we?” He asked me, his voice low and soft as he leaned in.
“We were going to be leaving because you want to take me somewhere.” I said with an impish grin, pushing him away gently.
“You’re no fun Dare.” Sidney pouted. “We were having so much fun….”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Remember Crosby, you have to catch me by surprise.”
Sidney smiled slyly. “Don’t tempt me Dare.”
I shrugged. “I thought I didn’t have to do anything in particular to tempt you.” I said. “I thought it just happened whenever you’re graced with my presence. I thought that’s why you acted like such an idiot when I’m around.”
“You drive me crazy Dare.” Sidney said, leaning in close, his lips inches from mine, his breath (which smelled deliciously of mint by the way) hot on my cheek. I could feel the heat from his body. It was driving ME insane.
“Good.” I said dizzily.
He leaned in and kissed me quickly. I didn’t object. I couldn’t, at least not right then. “Let’s go.” He said, pulling back slightly, but his lips still dangerously close to mine.
I knew that he wanted me to kiss him… me to make the move, but I just couldn’t. Instead, I hugged him tightly. “Let’s go Crobsy.” I whispered in his ear.
He placed a hot kiss on my neck. “God I want you naked.” He murmured.
“Gee Crosby, that’s so sweet.” I said with a teasing grin as I pushed him away gently. “It almost makes me want to get naked for you.”
“Bitch.” Sidney muttered with a smile as he held the door to the truck open for me.
I shrugged. “To quote you Sid, you like me like that.”
Sidney chuckled. “I do.” He said nodding.
“So where are we going?” I asked.
“For dinner.” Sidney replied, which didn’t really tell me anything. For all I knew we were going to swing through the drive thru.
“They didn’t feed you on the plane?” I joked.
“Not enough.” Sidney replied, looking at me as though he had decided that he was going to eat me.
That was look and the thoughts it inspired were enough to send a shiver running up and down my spine. “So really Crosby, where are we going?” I asked again.
“That’s for me to know.” He told me with a sly grin. “And for you to find out.”
“So I do actually get to find out where we’re going?” I asked, looking at him sideways.
“Of course.” He replied, with a wicked grin. “When we get there.”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. We sat in silence for a few minutes before Sidney reached into his bag and pulled out a mix CD. He put it in the CD player and pressed play. A cheesy pop song started to play. I glanced over and Sidney and raised my eyebrows. I couldn’t imagine that he actually LIKED this kind of music.
He smiled slyly back at me and took my hand in his. His thumb stroked my palm gently and I couldn’t make myself let go. He was so damnably adorable. We sat in silence for a moment or two before Sidney turned to me and said. “Quit your job Dare.”
I glanced over at him, completely startled. “And how precisely am I going to pay my bills if I do something like that?”
“I’ll take care of them.” Sidney said with a nonchalant shrug. “I want you to come with us this summer, and with the deal just about done with the NHL and the PA Dad says we’re going to be travelling a lot. I want you to come with us.”
“I don’t take charity Crosby.” I said stiffly, feeling immediately uncomfortable.
“It won’t be charity Dare.” Sid replied, not noticing how upset I was. “I’ll give you a job.”
“As what?” I demanded angrily. “Your personal whore? Look Crosby, I know you like me and all, but something tells me that you don’t need to pay for it.”
“Darryl Katerina Yelsaveta Koryluk!” Sidney cried as he slammed on the brakes and we both jerked forward. To my surprise, he pronounced my names correctly, which is very odd, to say the least. “How on earth could you possibly think that?”
“How do you know my full name?” I demanded. “I never told you.”
“You told Taylor.” Sidney said. “She told me.”
“Oh.” I said in a small voice.
“How on earth could you possibly think that I would want to pay you for something like that Dare?” Sidney demanded, looking hurt.
I glanced over at him and our eyes met. “Look, Sid I’m sorry.” I muttered, feeling completely ashamed of myself. “Remember when I told you that guys never kept promises? And that they used me for sex?”
Sidney nodded. “And I know that means that it’s going take time for you to trust me Dare, but still….”
“I know.” I said, reaching over and touching his cheek gently “And I’m sorry Sidney. I was wrong.”
Sidney grinned wickedly. “What did you just say Dare?” He asked.
“I was wrong.” I repeated with a shrug. “But don’t let it go to your head.” I told him. “Because that’s probably going to be the only time.”
“As for your job for the summer, because I know you love to teach.” Sidney said. “My agent needs a new personal assistant. He keeps losing them.”
“Losing them?” I asked raising my eyebrows.
“Okay, he’s tough.” Sidney said with a shrug. “But it would explain you being with us. Pat and I talked about it, and he figures it will work and no one will ask questions.”
“So you’re agent’s coming with you on vacation?” I asked, my eyebrows raised.
“Our family is vacationing with his.” Sidney replied with a shrug. “Pat’s been part of the family since he became my agent when I was 14.”
“Oh.” I said.
“Don’t decide now Dare.” Sidney said softly, his hand reaching for mine. “Think about it. But give notice soon if you’re going to.”
“So you’re not mad me?” I asked in a small voice.
“Maybe a little….” Sidney said teasingly. “I mean, you did accuse me of wanting to buy you for sex….” He paused and grinned. “But you did admit that you were wrong, so I think we’re good.”
“Good.” I said, leaning across the truck and kissing him softly on the cheek. “Because much as I hate to admit it Crosby, you do grow on people. Kind of like a fungus, but now that you’re there, I kind of like it.”
“Dare!” Sidney called happily, waving as he stepped out of the baggage claim area.
I shook my head. “Hey Sid.” I replied, hugging him quickly. “You should so hug your family first.” I whispered to him even as I accepted his hug.
“You’re hotter.” He whispered back.
I just shook my head and laughed as Sidney hugged his Mom and Dad and his little sister. He turned to me after they’d talked and he’d shown off his ring. “Did you bring the truck Dare?” He asked.
I tossed him the keys gently. “Full tank of gas and all.” I told him with a smile.
“Good.” He said. “Let’s go.”
“When are you going to be home?” Troy asked, not the least bit surprised.
Sidney shrugged. “Sometime before the draft.” He said with a grin. “I’ve got my cell, it’s fully charged, call me.”
“Where are you going?” I asked, feeling a little confused, standing back a bit.
“I want to take you somewhere.” Sidney told me with a charming smile, holding his hand out for me to take.
I didn’t reach for his hand, but I did move to follow him. “Where are we going?” I asked.
“Just wait.” He told me with a grin.
“I want to know where we’re going first.” I said, folding my arms across my chest stubbornly.
“Come on Dare….” Sidney said backing away from me, his hands outstretched, as if he expected me to take them. “It’s a surprise….”
“Me being here was supposed to be the surprise.” I pointed out to him.
Sidney shrugged and grinned arrogantly. “I knew you’d be here.” He told me. “Now come on.”
“Sid….” I said slowly.
“What?” He asked.
“Umm, your family?” I replied, looking back at Troy, Trina and Taylor uncertainly.
“They’ll see me later.” Sidney replied with a shrug.
“I could see you later.” I pointed out reasonably.
“Dare please?” Sidney asked, his eyes sad.
“Don’t look at me like that!” I said in mock anger, teasing him.
“How do you want me to look at you?” Sidney replied, raising and lowering his eyebrows suggestively.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re being silly again.” I said firmly.
“Then let’s get out of here.”
“Go on.” Troy said looking around with a smile. “Before my son makes a total ass out of himself in a public place.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “See you guys later then.” I said, smiling at Sid as we headed out of the airport, shoulder to shoulder.
He bumped me with his shoulder and I bumped him back as we headed out to his truck. He bumped me again and I bumped him back. Yes, it was flirting, but it was nice to have someone to flirt with. Then, instead of bumping me back, Sidney grabs me and pulls me into his arms, kissing me passionately.
We were walking backwards as we kiss, his arms wrapped tightly around my body, until I hit the truck. Immediately the alarm started going off. Sidney chuckled as I shrieked and we jumped apart. “Oops.” He said sheepishly as he turned the alarm off. Then he turned back to me. “Now where were we?” He asked me, his voice low and soft as he leaned in.
“We were going to be leaving because you want to take me somewhere.” I said with an impish grin, pushing him away gently.
“You’re no fun Dare.” Sidney pouted. “We were having so much fun….”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Remember Crosby, you have to catch me by surprise.”
Sidney smiled slyly. “Don’t tempt me Dare.”
I shrugged. “I thought I didn’t have to do anything in particular to tempt you.” I said. “I thought it just happened whenever you’re graced with my presence. I thought that’s why you acted like such an idiot when I’m around.”
“You drive me crazy Dare.” Sidney said, leaning in close, his lips inches from mine, his breath (which smelled deliciously of mint by the way) hot on my cheek. I could feel the heat from his body. It was driving ME insane.
“Good.” I said dizzily.
He leaned in and kissed me quickly. I didn’t object. I couldn’t, at least not right then. “Let’s go.” He said, pulling back slightly, but his lips still dangerously close to mine.
I knew that he wanted me to kiss him… me to make the move, but I just couldn’t. Instead, I hugged him tightly. “Let’s go Crobsy.” I whispered in his ear.
He placed a hot kiss on my neck. “God I want you naked.” He murmured.
“Gee Crosby, that’s so sweet.” I said with a teasing grin as I pushed him away gently. “It almost makes me want to get naked for you.”
“Bitch.” Sidney muttered with a smile as he held the door to the truck open for me.
I shrugged. “To quote you Sid, you like me like that.”
Sidney chuckled. “I do.” He said nodding.
“So where are we going?” I asked.
“For dinner.” Sidney replied, which didn’t really tell me anything. For all I knew we were going to swing through the drive thru.
“They didn’t feed you on the plane?” I joked.
“Not enough.” Sidney replied, looking at me as though he had decided that he was going to eat me.
That was look and the thoughts it inspired were enough to send a shiver running up and down my spine. “So really Crosby, where are we going?” I asked again.
“That’s for me to know.” He told me with a sly grin. “And for you to find out.”
“So I do actually get to find out where we’re going?” I asked, looking at him sideways.
“Of course.” He replied, with a wicked grin. “When we get there.”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. We sat in silence for a few minutes before Sidney reached into his bag and pulled out a mix CD. He put it in the CD player and pressed play. A cheesy pop song started to play. I glanced over and Sidney and raised my eyebrows. I couldn’t imagine that he actually LIKED this kind of music.
He smiled slyly back at me and took my hand in his. His thumb stroked my palm gently and I couldn’t make myself let go. He was so damnably adorable. We sat in silence for a moment or two before Sidney turned to me and said. “Quit your job Dare.”
I glanced over at him, completely startled. “And how precisely am I going to pay my bills if I do something like that?”
“I’ll take care of them.” Sidney said with a nonchalant shrug. “I want you to come with us this summer, and with the deal just about done with the NHL and the PA Dad says we’re going to be travelling a lot. I want you to come with us.”
“I don’t take charity Crosby.” I said stiffly, feeling immediately uncomfortable.
“It won’t be charity Dare.” Sid replied, not noticing how upset I was. “I’ll give you a job.”
“As what?” I demanded angrily. “Your personal whore? Look Crosby, I know you like me and all, but something tells me that you don’t need to pay for it.”
“Darryl Katerina Yelsaveta Koryluk!” Sidney cried as he slammed on the brakes and we both jerked forward. To my surprise, he pronounced my names correctly, which is very odd, to say the least. “How on earth could you possibly think that?”
“How do you know my full name?” I demanded. “I never told you.”
“You told Taylor.” Sidney said. “She told me.”
“Oh.” I said in a small voice.
“How on earth could you possibly think that I would want to pay you for something like that Dare?” Sidney demanded, looking hurt.
I glanced over at him and our eyes met. “Look, Sid I’m sorry.” I muttered, feeling completely ashamed of myself. “Remember when I told you that guys never kept promises? And that they used me for sex?”
Sidney nodded. “And I know that means that it’s going take time for you to trust me Dare, but still….”
“I know.” I said, reaching over and touching his cheek gently “And I’m sorry Sidney. I was wrong.”
Sidney grinned wickedly. “What did you just say Dare?” He asked.
“I was wrong.” I repeated with a shrug. “But don’t let it go to your head.” I told him. “Because that’s probably going to be the only time.”
“As for your job for the summer, because I know you love to teach.” Sidney said. “My agent needs a new personal assistant. He keeps losing them.”
“Losing them?” I asked raising my eyebrows.
“Okay, he’s tough.” Sidney said with a shrug. “But it would explain you being with us. Pat and I talked about it, and he figures it will work and no one will ask questions.”
“So you’re agent’s coming with you on vacation?” I asked, my eyebrows raised.
“Our family is vacationing with his.” Sidney replied with a shrug. “Pat’s been part of the family since he became my agent when I was 14.”
“Oh.” I said.
“Don’t decide now Dare.” Sidney said softly, his hand reaching for mine. “Think about it. But give notice soon if you’re going to.”
“So you’re not mad me?” I asked in a small voice.
“Maybe a little….” Sidney said teasingly. “I mean, you did accuse me of wanting to buy you for sex….” He paused and grinned. “But you did admit that you were wrong, so I think we’re good.”
“Good.” I said, leaning across the truck and kissing him softly on the cheek. “Because much as I hate to admit it Crosby, you do grow on people. Kind of like a fungus, but now that you’re there, I kind of like it.”
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