Between Friends Chapter Twenty

I can't believe this is chapter twenty already. Yay for me. lol


All my fears about moving in with Jordan were quickly put to rest in the first couple of days. since preseason was only a few days away he was already trying to get into his pregame routines, most of which weren't a whole lot different than when he played his junior hockey, thank god. The preseason came quickly and it didn't seem long before I was giving Jordan a kiss before they headed off to Westpoint for their team bonding weekend. They weren't allowed to bring phones so I knew that unless someone broke the rules that I wouldn't be hearing from him until they got back into town. It did miss him but I knew that I was going to have to get use to it if this was going to work. I flopped down on the couch and tried to find a movie to watch to no avail. I put the remote down and decided to make my way to bed early. I put my phone on the end table and went to shower and change into my pajamas. As I jumped out I heard my phone ringing but I didn't make it to it in time before the voicemail picked up. I ran over and grabbed it so I could check the caller id. It was showing Max's phone number. I called my voicemail and listened to the message that he left.



" Bonjour Ma cherie. I snuck my phone in with me and I wanted to call and see how you were doing. Jordan say's hi and to tell you that he misses you. I've got to go before I get caught and get reamed out. I'll talk to you later."



I found myself smiling at the sound of his voice. Even though it wasn't Jordan it was the next best thing. I occupied myself for the rest of the weekend with unpacking all of my stuff and making sure that the house was presentable. They finally came home and I had to hold myself back from attacking him at the door. I did however give him a kiss and a hug before he made his way inside.




" You know it's going to be really nice to come home to that." he said as he kissed my neck and smiled at me

"I can think of even better things to do when you get home." I said as I grabbed on to his shirt and pulled him towards the living room.

" Really? And what might that be?" he asked with a smile on his face

" I think that it's better if I show you than try to explain it."

I fell onto the couch, pulling him on top of me. We started to kiss and I was just about to take it farther when I heard a phone. Jordan groaned into my neck and sat up. He fished his phone out of his pocket and frowned when he looked at the caller id but he anwsered it anyway.

" Hey Talbo. What's up man I'm kinda busy right now."

" No I think we're going to stay in tonight."

" Fine. You have to ask her yourself." he held out the phone to me. I raised my eyebrows at him but he didn't say anything as I took the phone and greeted Max

" So I was just telling Jordan that some of the guys were meeting up at Diesel to hang out before the preseason started and I want you two to come."

" I don't know Max."

" Please? I promise that'll have a good time and some of the other girlfriends are going to be there."

How could I say no to that pleading voice.

" I guess we can come but we probably won't be stay long."

" Great I'll meet you guys there."

I hung up the phone and handed it back to a very unhappy looking Jordan.

" I'm sorry babe. I promise that we will stay for a little while and than we can finished what we tried to start and I guarentee that it will be worth the wait."

" Fine." he said trying not to pout

" Now let's me up so I can change into something more appropriate."

I jumped up and ran upstairs. I quickly went through my stuff and decided to wear my favorite pair of jeans that made my ass look fantastic, a low cut black top and a black pair of heels. Jordan ended up wearing the t-shirt and jeans that he had come home in and we headed out to the infamous nightclub that I had heard so much about. We arrived and quickly found a parking spot. He didn't really say anything to me so I knew that he was still mad but honestly I was glad to get out of the house. And more importantly I was curious to meet some of the girlfriends of his teammates. I started to head for the line that was formed outside the front door but he quickly grabbed my elbow and steered me to a door that was located in the back. It felt strange to me when the bouncer waved us in without even a second glance. We were immediately escorted to the vip section where a bunch of his teammates and significant others were already waiting. I saw Max in the far corner of the room talking to a petite blonde who seemed to be hanging on his every word. I decided that it would be a good idea to mess with him so I sent him a text

" Srsly that's the best you could do?"

I watched as he pulled out his phone and looked at the message. He brought his head up and started to look around and when he finally saw us he smiled. He got up and headed over to where we were standing without a backwards glance and to say that the girl was pissed would be an understatement. After he greeted us I was led over to where everyone else was and introduced to everyone that I hadn't already met. I was introduced to Marc and Tyler's girlfriends, Veronique and Kelsey and I was pleased to find that they were both very nice and down to earth. Jordan offered to go to the bar to get us drinks and I gladly accepted and while he was gone I anwsered all of the questions that the girls had for me. By my third drink I was willing to let myself be pulled of the couch so I could join them both on the dance floor

Max's Pov

I watched as she was dragged out onto the dance floor by Vero and Kels. I could tell that the two of them took to her right away, which is exactly what I expected to happen. I couldn't tear my eyes away her as I watched them dance. The jeans that she was wearing hugged her curves and ass perfectly and the way that she was moving her hip to the beat of the music was hypnotizing. I was still sitting in the same spot when she came over to me.

" Where's Jordan. I want to dance with him."

" I think he headed over to the bar to get another beer."

I saw her eyes narrow as she looked in the direction that I had motioned to. I followed her line of sight and I saw Jordan standing at the bar drinking a shot with some skanky looking girl. Before I knew what the hell was going on I was being pulled off the couch and onto the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around my neck and started to dance close to me, all the while looking over my shoulder. She let go and turned around so that her back was facing me and she leaned back into me as she moved. I knew that she was putting on a show for him and that it had nothing to do with me in the slightest but I still couldn't help responding as she reached around and wrapped her hand around the back of my neck. I inhaled her scent and I was almost tempted to kiss her but a hand on my shoulder stopped me.

" What the hell is going on?" A very pissed off Jordan asked me. I honestly didn't know what to say but thankfully I didn't have to worry about it. She pushed her way in between us and as short as she was she made every effort to get into his physical space.

" I wanted to dance but you were to busy with your new skanky looking friend over there so I asked Max to dance with me." she yelled at him

" She's not my friend just some fan and I didn't want to be rude. I drank the shot and came right over here looking for you." he said throwing up his hands. The last thing that I needed was to be dragged into the middle of their fight and I tried to make an escape but that didn't work

" And you Talbo,what the fuck were you thinking?" He asked turning his angry glare on me.

I held up my hands in an effort to show the much larger man that I didn't want to fight. He took a step closer to me. Luckily Sid was there and he slid in between us before anything happened.

" Come on guys. Let's not do this here. Mario will have both of your ass's if we get any bad press.

" You, take her home. You can finish your discussion either in the car or at the house, I don't care which.

I looked over to where she was standing with her arms tightly across her chest.

" I'm not going anywhere with him." she said in a tone of voice that ment the night was not going to end well.

" Fine do whatever the hell you want. I'm going home." With that he turned around and stormed off

I knew what she was going to ask me before I even turned around and even though I knew without a doubt that I should say no there was no way that I could leave knowing that she didn't have a place to go.

" You can stay at my place tonight but tomorrow you have to go home and talk out this shit with him. "

She nodded her head gratefully and followed me out of the club and to my car.

Six Hour Drive Chapter Nineteen

I made one last lap around the apartment to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. I had went back to my place and spent the better part of a week packing and making all of the phone calls that I needed to make the move go as smooth as possible.






" Hey is this the last box?" a voice called through the door






" Yep it is." I replied as I grabbed my jacket off the floor and got ready to leave

" Let's go than. Staalzy is going to kill me if I don't get you there in one piece." Max said giving me what I had quickly come to think of as his trademark grin. Jordan had to go to Pittsburgh a few weeks early to do some promo stuff and to get ready for the preseason and Max had offered to help me pack and bring all of the stuff that I would need back. Jordan didn't seem to have a problem with the fact that I had become friends with his teammate and for that I was grateful. I liked hanging out and talking with Max but if Jordan would have asked me to stop I would have, even though it would have made me sad. We had a six hour drive back to Pittsburgh and it was mostly spent with him telling me stories about his childhood, most of which had to do with hockey in one way or another. He told me how he had met Sid at the world juniors and how even then he had been the most focused person he had ever met. He kept me entertained the whole way to Pittsburgh and I was glad for the distraction. I was still nervous about what might happen. Would I fit into his routines and habits now that the hockey season was about to start and if I didn't how would he react? This was all knew territory for me and I was going in kind of blind.

" So I say to creature that it would be awsome if his dick was half as big as his ass."

" Wait, what did you just say?" I asked looking at him

" I thought that would get your attention. You have been staring out that window not listening to me for over a half an hour."

" Sorry I guess I just got lost in my own thoughts." I replied with a shrug

" That's okay. I think that I just like to hear the sound of my own voice anyway."

I was exhausted from the week and I couldn't help but yawn as I stretched out. I felt my eyelids getting heavy and before I knew it I was leaning towards Max and his shoulder.

Max's Pov

This had been one of the most fun rides that I have ever taken. Conversation came so easy between us and we got along really well. I knew from the couple times that we had talked since we met that she was nervous about what was going to happen and I did my best to reassure her that everything would be fine. My arm was starting to fall asleep so I tried to move her over but all that accomplished was her curling up against my side and throwing her arm around my stomach. I wasn't sure where I should put my arm now so I settled it around her back. She was warm and soft and smelled really good. I shook my head and tried to concentrate on something, anything else but with her so close it was impossible. I had been surprised when I met her at Sid's birthday party. She was the exact opposite of every girl that Jordan had ever dated since I knew him but it didn't take me long to figure out why he was in love with her. She was beautiful don't get me wrong but that was enhanced by the fact that she seemed to be a genuine person. Hell if I had found a girl like her maybe I would have settled down a long time ago. I spent the rest of the ride contemplating what might have been if this great women wasn't in love with one of my teammates and more importantly a friend.

Mel Pov

I started to come to and I rubbed my face against the soft fabric that I found the side of my face on. I could feel the arm against me tense and I opened my eyes to find myself looking into the eyes of Max. It took a second but I realized that I had myself wrapped around Max's upper body.

" I'm sorry." I said as I quickly straightend up. I brushed my fingers through my hair that I was sure was standing on end.

" Are we getting close?" I asked after he didn't say anything

" Yeah I think that we have about another hour."

I yawned and I happened to notice that there was a small wet spot on the middle of his torso. I blushed when I realized that I not only had I fallen asleep on the poor guy but that I had drooled on him on top of it.

" I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drool on you."

He shrugged his shoulder.

" You don't have to keep apologizing. It's really no big deal. Trust me. I've had girls do worse than that."

I wrinkled my nose as I thought about all of the things that could mean and he looked at me and started to laugh. It was contagious and I couldn't help but join in. We finally pulled up in front of what I assumed was Jordan's house. He came out of the door as soon as we pulled in. I jumped out of the uhaul and ran to him so I could greet him with a kiss. I turned around to thank Max and when I did I saw a look on his face that I couldn't really place but it was quickly replaced with a smile.

" I should get going. I have some stuff to take care of at home." he said as he rubbed his hand through his hair

" Thanks for taking care of her man. I owe you one."

" Yeah you do. Now go. I know it's been a long two weeks for the both of you and I don't want you coming to training camp cranky because you aren't getting laid."

We both offered him a ride but he waved us off and we left him in the driveway making a phonecall. I looked back at him before I stepped over the threshold of my new home. He gave me one last smile and a wave that I returned before he walked to the edge of the driveway without another look in my direction.

Down At The Dock Chapter Eighteen

My father was able to come home almost a week after I got into town and between making sure that he was taken care of and spending time with Jordan the time passed quickly. We had been invited up to Cole Harbour to spend the weekend celebrating Sidney Crosby's birthday and I agreed to go only after my father insisted that he would be fine. We boarded the plane and I flopped in the seat with a sigh. I knew that a bunch of his teammates would be there and the thought of meeting them made me nervous, even though he insisted that they would all love me. I laid my head against his shoulder and thought about what the past few weeks had brought. We were enjoying being able to spend time together and we hadn't talked about the future yet just like we agreed. What really bothered me is that we hadn't talked about what had happened between us at the end. Everytime I tried to bring it up he either changed the subject or distracted me with kisses. I'm not sure why he was avoiding the subject but I was really starting to feel like the only way we could move forward was to make sure that the past didn't come back to bite us in the ass. The plane ride wasn't horribly long and in no time we were in Cole Harbour. Jordan went to grab our luggage and we headed to the small counter to rent a car. We made small talk as we made the short drive and I spent most of my time looking at the beautiful scenary that we passed. We finally pulled in front of a large house and pulled into the driveway. The house was beautiful and pretty much what I expected from what I knew and had been told about Sidney. We got out and the first person that we saw was none other than Max Talbot. He walked down the driveway and greeted Jordan. He turned his attention to me afterwards and grinned at me. He grabbed my hand and kissed it.





" Hello. You must be Melany. I can see why our little Staalzie likes you so much. You are very beautiful."




I knew the reputation that the furry french man had but I couldn't help but blush at his comment.




" Hey Talbo. Keep your hands to yourself. This one is mine." Jordan gave him a playful shove




We made our way inside and I spent the next hour being introduced to various people including the birthday boy. Everyone was really nice and I quickly felt at ease. The actual party started later that night with a big bonfire and lots of food and booze. At some point during the night I got seperated for awhile and I ended up drinking with Max and a few other guys. Before I knew it I was drunker than I intended to get. I made my way to the kitchen to get another drink. I grabbed a cup and was pouring myself another drink when I felt a familiar pair of arms wrap themselves around my waist.

" Hey babe. You having fun?" he asked as he kissed the top of my head.

" Yeah I am. Everyone is great."

He spun me around so I was facing him.

" How much has the guys given you to drink?" he asked with a laugh as I started to tilt a little to one side

I shrugged my shoulders and threw my arms around his neck. He nuzzled his face into the side of my neck and I could feel his hot breath on my skin.

" Jordan I need to tell you something."

He mumbled something into my skin and I started to get annoyed. I just wanted to explain what was going through my head when I refused to move in with him the last time and he didn't seem to think that it was important.

" Dammit. How can you expect us to work out if you can't even listen to me." I yelled at him. I pushed him away and tried to make my way out the back door. He opened his mouth and was about to say something but I didn't give him the oppourtunity

" Save it. If you can't listen to anything that I have to say then I sure as hell don't want to hear anything that you think you need to say."

With that I turned around and slammed the door on my way out. I could feel eyes on me as I made my way around the bonfire but I didn't care. I wanted to be alone and I saw the lake and the dock that was hanging off of it and thought that it would be the perfect place to go to get my thoughts in order. I walked down to the end of the dock and took off my shoes and slid my feet into the water. I sat there for a little while before I heard someone coming up behind me. I turned my head and expected to see Jordan but was surprised to find Max walking up behind me. He took off his shoes and rolled up his pants as he sat down beside me. He slid his feet into the water and I expected him to defend Jordan but instead we sat in silence watching the water. He slid over closer to me and put his arm around my shoulder and I couldn't help but lean my head on his shoulder as I started to cry.

" It's okay." he said gently as he rubbed my arm in an effort to be soothing

I don't know why but I found myself pouring my heart out to this man that I barely knew. I felt a little bit bad telling my issues to him since he was a friend and teammate of Jordan's but he was a good listener and easy to talk to.

" I'm just afraid that if we don't talk about what happened now that it's just going to come between us in the future and that's the last thing that I want."

" If you don't mind me asking what happened?"

I procceded to tell him the story of what had happened the weekend that we broke up.

" I guess I realized that I didn't want to be one of those girlfriends that was dependant on their boyfriends for everything. I knew that I needed to fufill my own dreams before I could be the person that was deserving of him. "

" Did you tell him that at the time?"

" Yeah I did but all he heard was me telling him that I didn't want to be with him. I suppose I hurt his ego."

" I believe that you have to learn from the past but not hold on to it. He loves you and I can tell that you love him. The past will only cause a problem if you let it."

I pulled away so I could look at him.

" How did a guy with your reputation get so smart about this stuff?" I asked in a teasing tone

" First of all you can't believe everything you hear and I can't really help it that I'm so fantastic"

I punched him in the shoulder as he let go of me. He smiled as he offered me his hand so I could get up.

" Now let's go back in the house so you can make up with your man."

He offered me his arm and we made the short back to the house. I found Jordan sitting in the living room talking to Sid. He turned his head and looked at me. I felt stupid that I had thrown such a fit over something that in the end. I motioned for him to follow me and I was happy to hear him get off the couch and follow behind me.

" Look I'm sorry about freaking out on you."

" No you were right. I should have listened to what you had to say."

I took my hand and put it over his lips to silence him

" Someone smart told me that we should learn from the past but not hold on to it. We can't changed what happened and all we can do is move forward."

He grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. I had one more thing that I needed to tell him before we went back to enjoying the party

" There is something that I want to talk with you about though. I realized something tonight. I want to be there when you come home from a long roadtrip. I want to be there when you win and when you lose. I want to be there whatever your going through and I can't do that in Toronto.

I looked at him as I waited for a response. It took a few seconds for what I meant to sink in but I could tell that he finally got it as a smile spread across his face.

" Do you mean that?" he asked as if he was afraid that he had misunderstood me

" Yeah I do."

I let out a screech as he yelled and grabbed me. He carried me outside to the bonfire and announced to everyone that I was going to be coming back to Pittsburgh with him at the end of summer. Everyone started to cheer and clap as he kissed me. Soon after everyone started to go to their rooms and I was tired so I told Jordan that I was going to lie down. On the way back into the house I ran into Max.

" Looks like I'll be seeing you around."

I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek as I thanked him for the help

" No problem petit ami. If you ever need anybody to talk to you can always call."

I agreed and headed inside. Max was a great guy and it was nice to know that I had someone other than Jordan to lean on as I made the scary move to a new city and a new life.

Pictures

So I finally figured out how to post pictures but it might look a little funny since I'm not really sure what I'm doing.Jordan and some of the other guys during pregame warm-ups. You can see that his hair is getting a little long on the sides and in the back and it is sticking out of his helmet. For some reason I find that extremely hot.

This picture with Max and Jordan inspired the next chapter that I am in the process of working on right now. Max is my favorite Penguin and has been since the first time I saw him play after he got called up from the WBS pens.

After showing my mom pictures that I have taken at various games this year she is convinced that I am obsessed with hockey player butt. In my defense it is hard to take good pictures when they are moving and face-offs are some of the rare times when they are standing still. Although I will admit that hockey players really do have fantastic asses as a general rule. lol

Another of the guys during warm-ups.

I had a lot of fun at the game and I hope you enjoy the pictures. Other than hockey photography is one of my favorite hobbies and I always like to share them with other people who will appreciate them. Hopefully I will have an update in the next couple of hours.

Not giving up, more updates coming

I haven't given up on this story at all. I just got back from Pittsburgh where my son and I went to the Pens Flyers game, which was awsome. The reason that you are having a problem seeing that post that I made is because I deleted it. I was trying to post a couple of pictures that I took at the game and I accidently posted it before I figured out how to do it. I'm still going to try to post them if I can figure it out and one picture in particular gave me an idea for the next update that I am working on. Hopefully I will have it done sometime today

Need You Now Chapter Seventeen

Sorry this one is kind of short. I'm going to try to get more updates done but honestly I have to work this whole week until thursday then my son and I are going to drive to Pittsburgh for the weekend to see the Pens play the Flyers at Mellon Arena. The hotel we will be staying at has free wireless but we will be busy with the game and doing other stuff while we are there.

I paced around my kitchen nervously as I waited for him to show up. For some reason it never occured to either of us to exchange numbers so I was left to wonder what was going on. Maybe he had changed his mind and decided that this was a bad idea after all. I jumped as I heard a knock on the door. I went to anwser it and was relieved to see Jordan standing on the other side.



" Hey I'm sorry I didn't call. I didn't get your number." he said as I let him in


" I know. I realized that a little while ago."


" Why do you look so nervous?" he asked as he stepped across the room


" It's just been so long and I was afraid that you had changed your mind." I admitted hating how being around him made me feel like a insecure teenage girl again


" I let you get away once and I'm not about to make that mistake again."


He pulled me into him and gave me a kiss. It was like he was trying to convey every emotion that he was feeling without actually saying words and I got the message loud and clear. By the time he was done I was trying to remember what we had been talking about. He kissed along my jaw and down to the spot on my neck that he knew damn well drove me nuts. I tilted my head to the side to give him better access to my skin. His hands went to the edge of my shirt and played with the hem before sliding under the material to touch my skin. I bit my lip to supress the moan that wanted to come out of my mouth.





" Stop." I managed to say





He let go of me and immediatly backed away.





" I'm sorry. I know you said you wanted to take it slow. I got carried away" he said looking embarressed





" That's not why I told you to stop." I balled my hand in the fabric of his shirt and pulled him towards me so I could lessen the distance between us.





" It's not that I want you to stop completely but I think we should move to somewhere where the neighbors won't get an eyeful."





He looked around at all of the windows and laughed.





" I guess you're right."





I grabbed his hand and led him to my old bedroom. I threw open the door and fell on the bed, pulling him on top of me. After a few minutes of kissing I couldn't stand it anymore and pushed him away so I could get my shirt off. I needed to feel his skin against mine. He pulled the shirt over my head and let me do the same to him. I didn't more than a few seconds to admire what the fabric had been covering before his lips landed on my skin again. This time he made his way slowly down my neck to my collarbone and lower. I closed my eyes as the sensations that his lips on my skin were coursing through me. His hand went to the button of my jeans and I lifted my hips on instinct to help him get them off of me. I felt the cool air and when I opened my eyes I saw his kneeling between my legs looking at me with a intense look, as if he were trying to memorize every inch of me. I didn't think it was possible but it made me want him even more. He didn't make a move and finally I had to let him know.



" Jordie please. I need you."



Jordan's pov



With that one sentence all intentions I had of taking this slow and savoring it went out the window. I kicked off my pants and boxers and moved over her. I slid my hand inside her panties to make sure that she was ready since the last thing that I wanted to do was hurt her but I didn't have to worry about that. I could feel that she wanted this as much as I did. I was to impatient to actually take them off so I pushed the fabric aside and slowly pushed into her. She grabbed the back of my head and I could feel her nails dig into the back of my scalp as I started to move slowly. She moaned as she brought her hips up to meet mine and it wasn't long before I started to move faster at her urging. I could feel her muscles tense around me and I completely lost control, pounding into her as we both came, moaning each others names. I collapsed on top of her in a heap. Neither of us said anything as we took a minute to catch our breath. Finally I reached up and pushed a sweaty lock of hair out of her face as her fingers gently made their way up and down my back.



" So much for taking it slow huh" I said with a grin as I moved off to the side of her so my weight wouldn't crush her. She rolled over towards me and I was happy to see her return my smile.



" I always thought that the whole patience is a virtue saying was a load of crap" she replied as she ran her fingers through my hair



" Good because we have alot of time to make up for." I said as I grabbed her by the hips and pulled her on top of me



" I'm up for it if you are" she said as she gave me a devilish smile as she moved against me



I had always enjoyed a challange and I was more than willing to show her just how up for it I was. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into.

" I love you." She said as she placed her hands on my chest and leaned down to kiss me

" Love you too babe. Always have and always will."

I spent the next couple of hours making sure that she knew that I had ment the words that I had spoken. She cuddled against me while I held her. My stomach rumbled in protest as I realized that we hadn't eaten like we planned. She let out a giggle and apologized for not feeding me.

" It's okay babe. How about we just order in some pizza or something."

" That sounds perfect. I don't think I'll be able to move for the next couple of days." she play whined

I playfully pinched her hip and she yelped and slapped at my hand.

" You weren't complaining while it was happening."


" Yeah well not all of us are professional athletes that work out constantly. I can't really help it that this is the most exercise that I've gotten in quite awhile." she whined

" You wouldn't know it by looking at you." I said kissing her stomach

Her stomach rumbled against my lips.

" I guess I'm not the only one who's hungry huh."

" Guess not."

I was pushed off her and I watched as she got up and headed in the direction of the bathroom. I watched her go and contemplated following her but that line of thought was cut off when she grabbed her phone and threw it at me.

" I'm going to go shower and I expect a pizza to be on its way when I get out."

" What about me?" I asked trying the sad eyes on her.

" Not going to work stud. If I let you get into that shower with me there will be alot of things that happen but one of them won't be actually getting clean."

I knew that she was right and really the need for food was starting to override my need for sex so I listened and ordered the pizzas like she asked.

What Happens Now. Chapter Sixteen

As much as I didn't want to I dragged myself out of bed not long after Jordan left my house. Seeing him this morning had really confused me. Even after all of these years it had felt right to wake up beside him. It didn't matter though. I couldn't go back and changed the choices that I had made. My dad knew that something was up the minute that I walked into the room.






" What happened last night? You look like hell." he asked with concern in his voice






" I went to the bar to have a drink and I ran into the Staals."





" And?"





" And apparently I got really drunk and said some stupid things while Jordan was taking me home"






" And how do you feel about seeing him again?"





" I don't know. It sucked. He brought his girlfriend from Pittsburgh with him and she was horrible. He deserves so much better than her. "





" Do you think that someone is you?"





" I don't know. Maybe. I've made excuses with every guy that has tried to date me since. They were to tall, to short, whatever but I think that deep down I was comparing them to him."






" I want nothing more than to see you happy and I will support you no matter what."









There was a knock at the door and I was shocked to see Jordan standing there with his hands looking very unsure of himself.









" Hey Mr. Myers."









" Hi Jordan."









He glanced between the two of us.









" Go ahead and talk to him. It's not like I can go anywhere."









I got up and followed him out of the room. We walked a little ways down the hallway before he turned around. I went to speak but was silenced as he pulled me into him and brought his lips down on mine. My mind went blank and my body responded involuntarily by pushing against him. It started out gentle at first and quickly became more heated as the seconds went on. I finally came to my senses and pushed on his chest.





" Jordie stop. We need to talk before this goes any farther."



" I'm sorry. I've been wanting to do that since I saw you last night."

I had to put some distance between the two. I couldn't think with him so close to me.

" What happened to Trina?" I asked as I started to pace

" If I'm lucky she'll be on the next plane back to Pittsburgh by the time I get back to the house."

" Why?" I asked hoping that I was going to hear the anwser that I wanted

" I saw you last night and realized that even after all of these years that you are still the only women that I have ever loved and that I need you in my life."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks and I had to make a consiouse effort to pull air into my lungs. I turned to look at him and saw that he meant every word that he said

" I can honestly say that I feel the same about you."

He came to me and wrapped me up in his strong arms and I felt a huge hole that I didn't even know that I had fill up with that one simple gesture.

" What's going to happen at the end of summer?" I asked as I buried my face into his shoulder

" We'll deal with that when it comes. For now we have so much time to make up for and I just want to enjoy it. We have a little over two months to figure things out."

" Okay. I can live with that."

" I should probably head home to make sure that the wicked witch is gone." he said before he let me go

" Maybe we can meet later at my house?" I offered

" And exactly what do you plan on doing with me at your house?" he asked with a grin

" I don't know. Maybe I can cook us some dinner and then we can watch a movie?" I asked knowing that wasn't the anwser he wanted to hear

" I can think of better things to do with our time." he asked and the tone of his voice made me shiver

" We'll see. I would like to start out slow and see where things go." I asked still unsure if I wanted to jump right back into things.

" I can handle that. As long as I get to spend time with you it doesn't matter what we're doing."

" I'll see you later than."

He pulled me into him for one last kiss before he left. I watched him walk down the hallway until he was out of view. I sat against the wall for a few minutes thinking about what had happened. It was something that I had thought would never happen and now that it had I was happy but I couldn't help but wonder how long it would last.

Unfinished Buisness Chapter Fifteen

I woke up the next morning to a throbbing headache. I tried to turn over so I could face away from the sunlight that was pouring in the window when I realized that there was somebody behind me. I tensed as I tried to turn around to see who it was and was mortified when I saw that it was Jordan that was snuggled up behind me, still sleeping. I thanked the lord that we apparently hadn't had drunken sex that I didn't remember as evidenced by the fact that we were both more or less fully clothed. I tried to get out from under his arm without waking him up but I should have known better than to think I could sneak off. His arm tightened around me and he opened his eyes and have me a sleepy grin. It made me want to kiss him in the worst way but I controlled myself. Afterall he did have a girlfriend waiting for him back at the house.









" Morning drunky. How are you feeling?" he asked as he let me go and rolled over to stretch his long frame









" I feel like shit. How much did I have to drink last night?"









" I don't really know but at one point Marc and Jared had you doing shots with them so I don't think that helped."









I groaned and tried to drag myself out of bed but it wasn't going to happen anytime soon. I rolled over and curled into a ball. He scooted over to where I was and started to rub my back.









" Will it make you feel better if I bring you some toast and juice?"









" Okay but won't what's her name be pissed that you didn't go back to your house last night?"









He let out a sigh and pushed himself off of my bed.









" Yeah she'll be pissed. I'll be lucky if she doesn't claw my eyes out of my head when I head back home but all I'll have to do is spend some money on her and everything will be okay."









I could see the pain in his eyes and it hurt me to know that he would put up with someone like that. He was too good of a person to let some puck skank use him like that but it wasn't my place to say anything. He came back a few minutes later with a big glass of orange juice, two pieces of wheat toast and two aspirin. I gratefully took all of it and he watched me as I ate.









" Did you mean what you said last night?"









I didn't remember a good chunk of what had happened last night and I couldn't even imagine the stupid things that I may have said. He saw the blank look that I was giving him and tried to back track









" Never mind it wasn't that big of a deal."









" No what did I say. It was important enough for you to bring up so now you need to tell me."









He started to rub the back of his neck, a habit that I knew ment he was nervous.









" You told me that there hadn't been anyone since we broke up"









I shrugged my shoulders and I didn't know what he wanted to hear.









" There were a few guys that I went out on dates with but no there hasn't been anyone serious since we broke up.









I could have swore that I saw a look of relief pass his face but if I did it passed quickly. I heard the ringing of a phone and knew that since it wasn't mine that it had to be his. He looked at the caller id after pulling it out of his pocket. He didn't look happy and it wouldn't have taken a genuis to figure out who it was.









" I've got to take this."









He moved out into the hallway but left the door cracked open so I could hear everything that he said









" Hey baby. I'm sorry about last night"









" What was I suppose to do? Leave her laying in her own puke?"









" Now you're just being stupid. There is nothing going on between us."









" I love you not her so why are you being like this?" he was yelling into his phone









It hurt to hear me to hear him tell her that. I heard him close the phone and after he composed himself he came back into the room









" Mel, I...."









" I know Jordan. You've got to go. I've gotten you in enough trouble as it is."







He went to open his mouth like he was going to say something but I held up my hand to stop him.







" Just do us both a favor and go." I said again, this time for forcefully I turned my head so I wouldn't have to watch him walk out of my life for the second time







Jordan's Pov







I went back to my family's house and braced myself for the shitstorm that I knew was about to come. She had been pissed and let me know in no uncertain terms that I was going to have to do a lot to make it up to her. I pulled into the driveway and my family was all standing out on the porch talking.







" So what the hell happened last night?" Eric asked as I walked up to the group







" I took her inside and she got sick and I didn't want to leave her alone so I slept on the couch. That's all."







" Sure that's all." Marc said with a shit eating grin







I threw up my hands in exasparation. There was nothing I was going to say to these guys to make think that nothing happened so I wasn't even going to try. Besides I had other things to deal with.





" You better go take care of your women. She's pretty pissed."





" Yeah I already know. Where is she?"





" The last I Knew she was up in our old room screamimg at you, so that's probably where she still is."





I made my way up the stairs and stopped at the door. I could hear banging and swearing on the other side. I knocked as I opened the door to let her know that someone was coming in. I took one look at her and knew that there was going to be hell to pay. She was throwing the clothes that we had unpacked back into the suitcase that she had bought and she was crying. She turned around and if looks could kill I would have been dead on the floor in a heartbeat.



" So you finally came back after spending the night with that stupid whore." she spit at me



" Look I told you what happened. She needed someone to stay with her in case she got sick again. Nothing happened and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't call her names."



" Whatever. If you love me you'll stay away from her until either she or we leave."



" I can't do that." I said without even having to think about it. Now that I had a chance to make her part of my life again there was no way that I was going to give that up, not for someone that I didn't really love and never had


Her tear filled eyes got huge as she took in what I had said.

" Please don't do this to me baby. I'll do anything you want. I'll be better I promise."

Her pleading fell on deaf ears. I knew that nothing would change no matter what she said.

" You can stay here if you want or I can buy you a ticket back to Pittsburgh . It's up to you." I said as I crossed my arms across my chest.

Before I knew what was happening she got off the floor and launched herself at me. She got in one good punch before I grabbed her arms. I held her until all of the fight was out of her.

" I'm going to leave and I want you gone by the time that I get back. You have until I get back into town to have your shit out of my house." I took my wallet out of my back pocket and pulled out the wad of bills that were in it.

" Here this is why you were with me anyway. I'll pay for the airplane ticket and than I'm done."

I didn't even give her a chance to respond. I turned around and walked out of the door feeling better then I had in awhile. I told my brothers what had happened and that they had my full permission to have her removed if necessary. I told them I had some buisness to take care of and that I had no idea when I would be back. They all smiled at me and told me not to worry about anything.

Same Old Gang Chapter Fourteen

I spent the better part of the day packing up my desk and saying goodbye to some of my favorite students on the last day of school. I had rented a summer house with a couple of the teachers and I was excited to be going away for a month. I was starting to pack when my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but I anwsered it anyway.





" Hello?"





" Is this Melany Myers?" a very buisness like voice asked me on the other end of the line





" Yea, who is this?"





" I'm calling from Mercy hospital. You're father was admitted through the emergency room early this morning and this was the emergency number that he had listed in his files."





" Oh my god. What happened? Is everything all right?"





" I'm not suppose to give you any information over the phone but it looks like he had a major heart attack. We have him stable and resting as comfortably as possible but I think that it would be best if you got here as soon as possible."





" Thank you. Can you please let him know that I will be there as soon as I can?"





" Sure."





I hung up the phone and quickly threw the remaining clothes that I had laying out in my bag. I threw it in my Jeep and called my friends to let them know that I probably wouldn't be able to join them but that they could keep the money that I had given them to pay on the house. My mind was racing as I made the long drive back to my hometown. Even though my dad had a couple of slip ups since the day that he had gotten help he had basically been sober all of these years and we had gotten closer because of it. I hated to think of him in any kind of pain and I prayed that he was going to be alright. It wasn't until I pulled into town and saw the sign announcing Thunder Bay as the home of nhl players Eric, Marc, and Jordan Staal that I even thought about what else coming home could mean.





" Shit" I muttered to myself. The last person that I wanted to see was Jordan but with any luck I would just be able to avoid him. Regardless I needed to be here for my dad.





Even though it was late I drove straight to the hospital. I went right to the desk and they gave me the room number. I made my way to the room and was upset by what I saw. He was laying in the bed with tubes sticking out of various parts of his body and he looked frail. I went over to his bed and gently took his hand. He cracked open his eyes and smiled when he saw me.





" Hey sweetie."





" Hey dad. How are you?"





He gave a short strained laugh.





" I've been better."





" Yeah I can see that."





" I'm glad that you came though. I know how much you hate spending time around here anymore."





" Dad you know that there isn't anywhere more important that I have to be"





" So just last week Linda and Henry were asking how you were doing?" he said changing the subject. It made my heart ache a little to hear that. They had become surrogate parents to me in the time that I had spent with them and I missed them like crazy but I didn't feel right keeping in contact after things had ended between their son and me.





" Really? And what did you tell them?"





" That you were doing really good and that I couldn't be prouder of you. That seemed to make them really happy."





" Um that's good."





" Why don't you go to the house and get some sleep. I'll still be here in the morning I promise."





" Alright. I'll be here bright and early."





I left and I started to head home but on the way I saw the bar that we had taken my dad out of that night and I couldn't resist stopping for one drink. I made my way inside and slid onto a bar stool. I ordered my drink and sat there keeping to myself. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard someone behind me. I turned around to see Marc standing there with a tall thin blond who was looking around the place like she had just smelled something bad.





" Wow look at you. All grown up and sophisticated." I said as I pulled him into a tight hug. I didn't realize until now how much I had really missed him and the other boys.





" I can say the same about you. How's everything been?" We got caught up and he introduced me to his girlfriend from New York, Marissa. I immediatly knew what kind of girl she was but she seemed to make him happy. We talked for a few more minutes when I spied a familiar figure walking through the door with a girl that looked similar to Marc's girlfriend. He looked around the room and I had always thought it was a stupid saying but time seemed to really stop as his eyes met and held mine.God he looked even better than the last time I had seen him. My instinct was to get up and bolt out of there as fast as I could. I stood up and Marc's eyes went to where I was looking. He grabbed my arm and tried to get me to stay.





" Despite everything that happened between you two I know that my brother will want to talk to you so please don't run. Besides Eric, Tanya and Jared will be here soon and they will kill me if they found out I let you leave before they got a chance to say hi ." I thought about what he said and nodded my head as I sat back on my seat. I was an adult and damn it I could deal with this like one.








Jordan's Pov





We had gotten into town the night before and I had agreed to go out with my brother and all of their girlfriends or in Eric's case his wife since him and Tanya had gotten married a few years back. I was leading Trina into the bar when I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks. I had to be seeing things. That couldn't possibly be Mel sitting at the bar talking to Marc. I stared and her eyes finally found mine. She looked like she wanted to run and it appeared that was exactly what she was going to do but as she went to get up Marc grabbed her arm and pulled her down enough to say something to here. Whatever it was made her stay and for that I was grateful. I was brought out of my thoughts when I felt nails dig into my arms. Apparently Trina had seen her to and didn't like that I was staring and this was her way of letting me know. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders as I led her over to where they were sitting. She already knew who my brother Marc was and he introduced us to his girlfriend. Marc looked at Mel, who was sitting beside him looking at the beer bottle that she was currently holding in her hands.



" Trina this is Melany. Melany this is Trina."



" His girlfriend" she added



" Yeah I kinda figured that." She snorted finally looking at Trina and finally me. I didn't think it would be possible but she was even more beautiful than I remember her.



" So Mel was just telling me about her job at a school in Toronto as a guidence counseler."



" Really? That's great" I said with probably way to much enthusiasm



" Yeah I really love it. It's so great knowing that I can help someone who needs it like I did." she smiled a genuine smile and it made me wish that the smile on her face was because of me



" So all you do is sit around and listen to teenagers whine about their problems. And you get paid for it? Must be nice." Trina snorted



I gave her a look that was meant to convey that she needed to stop being such a bitch and she must've gotten the message because she muttered " What?" but stopped. Soon enough everybody else showed up and they were all glad to see her. It made me jealous to see my brothers able to hug her when I wasn't allowed to touch her but I hadn't had that right in a long time. The time pasted quickly and by the end of the night we were all drunk but she was totally three sheets to the wind. I knew that it would start a fight but I offered to take her to her house so she wouldn't have to drive.



" Trina she needs a friend right now. Please just go with Eric and Tanya and I'll be home in a little while I promise."



" Fine but when we get back to Pittsburgh your going to take me shopping so I can buy that bag that I've been eyeing for a month."



I let out a sigh. It was always about money with this girl.



" Sure babe whatever you want. I'll be back as soon as I can."



She pouted but she went with Eric without anymore argument. I went to the entrance of the bar where Mel was leaning heavily against Marc and giggling for some unknown reason.



" Jordie's going to take you home okay?"



" Hmmhmm"



I grabbed her and picked her up in my arms. Her hand went to the back of my neck and her head heavily on my chest. I loaded her up into my suv and we left. I was pretty sure that she had passed out so I was surprised when I heard her voice.



" I'm sorry Jordie. About everything."



" I know babe. So am I."



I felt a familiar weight as she leaned against me.



" I've missed you so much. There hasn't been anyone since you"



I knew that she wouldn't be saying these things to me if she weren't so drunk but it made made my heart jump to hear them anyway. She sat up so I could feel her breath on my ear and side of my neck. I couldn't help but shiver.



" Remember the first time that we made love? You were so gentle and sweet and when I tried to get you to hurry up you said we had a lifetime ahead of us to hurry and that you wanted to take your time so you could get to know every part of me."



" Yeah I remember" I choked out as memories of that night flashed through my head. Thankfully we pulled into her driveway before she could say more. I managed to get her out of the car and into the house before she had to go to the bathroom and throw up. I held her hair off of her neck until she was done and than helped her into bed.



" Don't leave" she whimpered as she wrapped the comforter around herself. I knew that it wasn't right but I couldn't pass up the oppourtunity to be with her. I took off my shoes and laid on top of the blanket. I didn't have any idea how she would react to me being here in the morning but right now that was the farthest thing from my mind as she curled into me and went to sleep.

Penguins and Counslers Chapter Thirteen

I sat at my desk and went through my paperwork for the day. I finished with my last student over an hour ago but my door was still open to any one may want to come in and talk to me. I jumped as I accidently knocked over a picture that had sat on my desk since I had gotten my job as a guidence counsler at A.Y Jackson secondary school. I picked it up and sat it back in it's place. It was of Jordan and I the day that he was drafted to the Pittsburgh Penguins. I couldn't have been happier for him that he was getting a chance to live his dream and the day was made even more perfect when I was able to tell him that I had gotten accepted to the University of Toronto on a full scholarship. We made promises that we would make it work just like he was in junior hockey but eventually the distance became too much to deal with and it ended for good when he asked me to move to Pittsburgh with him and I refused. We had said some hurtful things to each other and hadn't had contact with each other since and that was almost four years ago. I loved my job and it was fufilling to be able to try to help kids that were in the situation that I had found myself in when I was their age but a part of me still loved Jordan and probably always would. There was a knock at my door and I heard a timid voice ask if they could come in. I listened and tried to give advice as best as I could. Afterwards I sat on the couch in my tiny apartment and got ready to watch the Pens vs Devils game. It was the only way that I could see him and even though it hurt I couldn't help myself



Jordan's Pov



I made my way home after the game. I was amped up since we had not only won but I had gotten two goals and an assist. When I pulled in I saw some lights on and knew that my girlfriend was there and it made me happy to have someone to come home to. Even if that someone really only loved my money and fame, not me. Trina was sitting on the couch with a box sitting beside her and some stuff spread around her.



" Hey baby. What's that?" I asked as I leaned down for a kiss



" I was trying to clean the place up before you got home and I found this stuff in the closet. Who is this?" She asked as she waved a picture in front of my face.

I took the picture and looked at it and knew that she found the box where I had put all of the stuff that I had collected over the course of my relationship with Melany. It was a picture of us at my draft and it was always my favorite of the two of us. I didn't know how to explain to her that that box held memories of one of the most important people who had ever been in my life next to my family, someone that I had seen marrying and having children with, someone that I was still in love with. I knew that it would just cause a fight and I didn't want to ruin my good mood so I brushed it off like it was no big deal.



" Just an old girlfriend from back home. I didn't even remember that I had that stuff" I said lying through my teeth. I had lost count of the times that I had taken it out to look at the stuff after we had broken up, just so I wouldn't forget what she looked like and the good times that we had had together.



" Get rid of this stuff than." she said in a defiant voice and I agreed just to placate her with no attentions of doing it. I would just have to rehide it after she left. I gave her a heated kiss and led her upstairs and as we had sex I thought about Mel and remembered how she felt under me our first time together and it took all of my willpower not to call out her name as I climaxed. Later that night I couldn't sleep and I snuck out of bed and slipped on a pair of boxers before I made my way downstairs. I collected everything that had been taken out of the box and put it all back. I went into one of my downstairs guest rooms and opened the closet that contained a bunch of my old jerseys and suits that no longer fit. I slipped the box onto the top shelf and covered it up with some old blankets. Before I left I reached into the pocket of the suit that I had worn for my draft and took out the small box that was still in it. I looked at the small diamond that I had bought for Mel when I had asked her to move with me. Even after we had broken up I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. I clicked the box shut and put it back where it had sat for over four years. I knew that I had so much in my life to be happy about but a part of me would always wonder what could have been.



Thanks to Heather for the great idea.It was the direction that I was thinking of going in but it is nice to know that you were thinking the same thing since I feel like I'm writing this for you since I have no idea if the other four people are even reading it anymore. Even though I don't know you or anything about you, you have quickly became my favorite person who I will probably never meet in real life. Knowing that at least you are enjoying my writing has made this fun to write and and thanks again for leaving a comment every chapter recently. I'll keep updating as long as I know that you are reading!

not an update but a important question

I'm all of a sudden stuck as to where I want this story to go. Any suggestions or ideas? I was thinking about skipping it ahead a few years to them being eighteen but I'm not sure that I like the idea. Let me know what you think.

Promises To Be Kept. Chapter Twelve

We were sitting on the couch watching some movie that I wasn't paying attention to in the least. I was leaning against Jordan's side and I noticed that he kept looking at me out of the corner of his eye.



" Is something wrong?" he asked as he turned his head to look at me fully



" Nothing. I've just been thinking about a few things that's all"



" Anything that I can help you with?"



" I don't know. Maybe but I haven't decided yet."



He gave me a kiss on the forehead and told me that when ever I was ready to talk about what was on my mind that he would be around to listen." I continued to think and I suddenly knew what I wanted to do.



" Jordan I was wondering if we could stop by my house tommorow before we go to the center. I have something that I really need to do.



" Are you sure?"



" Yeah I'm positive"



" Okay, if you think it's a good idea."



I wasn't sure that it was a good idea but it was something that I needed to do in order to move forward with my life.



The next day I got up early. I made myself presentable and we left early so I would have plenty of time. We pulled up in front of my house and I didn't move right away.



" Babe you don't have to do this if you don't want to."



" Yes I do. I'm just worried that things are going to get bad."



He offered to go in with me and I accepted. I needed his strength if I was going to go through with my plan. We both got out of the truck and he grabbed my hand as we walked through the door.



" Dad. Are you here?" I yelled when I didn't hear any noise



I saw a familiar figure come out of the living room and I was relieved to see that while he looked rough he didn't appear drunk



" Hey dad." I walked over to him and gave him a hug and a kiss



" Hey sweetie. I've missed you." he murmered into the top of my head



" Who is that?" he asked as he looked at Jordan, who was still standing by the door



" Dad this is Jordan. Jordan this is my dad, Jake."



They both said a tense hello



" Dad I want to talk to you before I go to the center."



He agreed and I followed him into the living room so we could have some privacy. I found out that while he didn't remember anything about the night that we brought him home that he had heard about it the next day from Jeff, who apparently had gotten a call from Henry to let him know what had happened.



" I'm so sorry. You know that I don't mean the things that I say when I'm drunk." he said as he grimaced



" I know that you don't but they still hurt you know."



He was looking at a spot on the carpet. I grabbed his hand in mine and tried to make him listen.



" Dad I love you and I want you in my life but I can't do this anymore. Please get some help. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for me, please?" I asked him trying not to beg



" I don't know Melany. I think that it's too late for me. I've messed up so many things in my life and I don't know if any of it's fixable."



" I had a really smart person tell me they could see that I was a good person despite what had happened in my past and I think that of you. You just have to be willing to try."



He sat and didn't say anything. I was about to give up when he said the last thing that I expected



" I know that I've made a lot of mistakes in my life but one thing that I've always had no regrets about is having you."



He pulled me into a warm hug and squeezed me so tight that I almost couldn't breath. He finally let go of me and stroked my hair off of my face.



" I'm willing to try. I know that I haven't been there for you in a long time but I want to change that if it's possible."



" I want that too dad. I have to go. I don't want to be late for my community service."



We got up and went back into the kitchen and Jordan was leaning against the kitchen counter.



" Thanks for taking care of my little girl for me. Just treat her right and we won't have any problems."



" Yes sir"



I gave him one last hug and made him promise to call Jeff as soon as he could. We left and made our way to the center.



" Everything went well?"



" Yeah it went better than I expected. Now he just has to follow through."



" You just have to have a little faith, that's all."



He was right. I did everything that I could. Now it was up to my dad to decide if he wanted his life to get better or if he was going to continue wallowing in the past. I knew that my past was finally just that. My past and I had the future to look forward too.

Past Lives Chapter Eleven

This one is kind of short but I have the rest of today and all of tomorrow off so I expect to have at least two more updates tonight/tomorrow





I woke up the next morning and my mind went immediatly to the events that had happened the night before. I wasn't ready to talk about what had happened and there was no way that I would make any of them understand anyways. I finally dragged myself down the stairs and saw much to my relief that just about everyone was gone. I saw what appeared to be a note sitting on the kitchen table.







" The boys are out in the far field cutting some sod for a customer and Henry and I had to go to town to take care of somethings. We will be back soon."







It was signed by Linda. I knew that no one was going to be in the house for a while and I didn't feel like facing the guys yet so I grabbed a bunch of cleaning supplies and started to clean. For reasons that I couldn't explain I had always found cleaning to be very mind clearing and it did exactly that. I knew that there would be no way to explain to any of them what had happened last night, they just wouldn't understand no matter what I said. Despite what my father had said last night and in the past I knew that he loved me and even though he wasn't perfect he was all that I had left. I heard the guys come in but I ignored them and continued to scrub the same spot on the counter that I had been cleaning for the last ten minutes. I felt a large body press against my back and a hand close over mine stopping it's movements.





" I don't think that my mom would like coming home to find a hole worn in her counter."





I tensed and waited for the lecture that I knew had to be coming.





" I hated the things that your dad said about you last night. It wasn't right and I would never think those things about you."





" He didn't mean what he said."





" Just because he didn't mean them doesn't make it right" he insisted not letting go of me





I tried to wiggle out of his arms but he was to strong. He turned me around and put me on the counter so that I was forced to look at him. He slid his arms around my waist and put his body against mine.





" Look I know that despite your father not being perfect that you love him. I just know that if you hear something enough that you tend to start believing it and I don't want you to do that."





" Why not? What if I'm exactly like he says?"





" I've told you before and I'll keep saying it until you believe it. You're a good person. I wouldn't be in love with you if I didn't believe that with all of my heart."





I had to blink back tears as I looked into his eyes. It took me a minute to fully comprehend what he had said to me.





" You're in love with me?" I asked him quietly hoping that I hadn't misunderstood what he had said





He grinned at me with that goofy grin that I had come to love and nodded his head. I couldn't say the words just yet but I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him as close as I could before I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He responded by kissing me back. It would have gotten more heated but we the distinct sound of someone clearing their voice to get our attention and we both looked to see all of his brothers standing in the doorway of the kitchen.





" Sorry to interrupt guys but we're starving and the last time I checked the kitchen was meant for eating in, not making out in." Marc said clearly trying not to laugh.





I blushed bright red and pushed Jordan away so I could get off of the counter. I offered to make sandwiches for everyone which they gladly accepted. Despite the fact that I felt like I was walking on a cloud I knew that there were other areas of my life that something needed to be dealt with. I just had to figure out how I was going to go about it.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Chapter Ten

Again thanks to Heather. I really had no idea where I wanted this story to go from the last chapter and I'm sure this wasn't your intention but the tail end of your comment actually gave me an idea.

We were able to go on our first official date later that week. Eric was nice enough to invite the both of us out to dinner with him and Tanya. She came over early with some clothes and make-up and helped me get ready. I wasn't someone who had a lot of friends that were girls for the simple fact that I found most girls my age were catty and fake as hell. I really liked Tanya though and I could see why Eric was in love with her. She sat curling my hair and I felt like I could trust her enough to ask her some questions without her saying anything.



" Tanya how did you handle last year when Eric left to go to the states?" I asked her nervously



" It wasn't easy, especially at first but we managed. We called and emailed each other as much as possible."



" What about other girls? Weren't you worried that some skanky puckbunny was going to jump him?"



She sat on the bed next to me and grabbed my hand.



" I would be lying if I said that I didn't worry. I know that there are a lot of temptations, especially for the younger guys but I had to trust him and I know that he loves me."



" But what if he forgets about me while he's gone. What if he gets smart and realizes that he can have someone better and leaves me?"



" Sweetie he may not have told you that he loves you yet but I saw the way that he looks at you and it was the same way that Eric looks at me. Try not to worry and just deal with things as they come."



" Thank You so much. I really appreciate the advice."



" No problem. Now lets go make the boys drool."



I couldn't help but let out a giggle as she pulled me off of the bed and down the stairs. The guys were waiting on the couch and they both turned around to look at the same time. I liked the look in Jordan's eyes, like I was the only thing in the room that existed. He came to me and pulled me into a short embrace and gave me a quick kiss.



" You look really great tonight."



" You do too." I said as I looked him over. He was in a blue polo short that matched his eyes and a pair of tan khaki pants that showcased his great butt that was a product of years of playing hockey. We both sat in the backseat since Eric had insisted on driving and he threaded his fingers through mine so that we were holding hands. Tanya talked most of the drive over, telling me funny stories about the boys and Eric in particular.



" That isn't how I asked you out." Eric protested



" Yes it was. You couldn't do it yourself, you had to have your friend ask my friend who than asked me out."



" Okay so that is exactly what happened but when you tell people that it makes me sound like such a loser."



" You weren't a loser babe. You should have seen him back than. He was so confident and sure of himself when he was on the ice but the minute that he stepped off he became this stuttering mess. That was one of the first things I fell in love with."



" I can't help it that you made me so nervous." he said with a laugh as he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles

We made our way to a diner that was popular with the tourist and we had a good time. It was starting to get late by the time we were done and we had to head back home so that Jordan and I would make it back by curfew. We were heading home when I spotted a familiar car in the parking lot of one of the local bars.

" Eric stop."

" What's going on?"

" Please just stop."

He did as I asked and I turned around and looked at Jordan.

" Wait here. I'll be right back."

Before anyone had a chance to ask me what was going on I jumped out of the truck and headed inside the bar. I saw a familiar face behind the bar and he nodded his head towards the back of the room. It wasn't the first time that I had shown up to take my dad home from the bar when he had been to drunk to even stand up. I walked over to the familiar figure and tapped him on the shoulder.

" Dad. Dad it's me melany" I said as I tried to get his attention
He lifted his head up and looked at me with bloodshot eyes

" Melany?" he asked me in a badly slurred voice

" Yeah dad. It's me." I put my arms around him and tried to hug him but he pushed me off.

" You left me by myself. Just like that bitch that gave birth to you did."

I cringed at his words.

" Please don't be like this. You agreed it was for the best and I've been really happy. Can't you just be glad that I'm staying out of trouble?"

" Is everything okay?"

I turned around to see Jordan standing behind me. I looked between him and my father and pulled him away so that I could talk to him

" Jordan my dad needs me. Can you please help me get him home?"

He didn't say anything but walked back over to where my dad was still sitting.

" Dad this is Jordan. He's going to help me get you home okay."

He looked Jordan up and down like someone does when they are considering if they can take someone or not in a fight

" I hope that you know that this one is just like her mother. Be careful that she doesn't trap you by getting knocked up and then run off with the first man that comes along after she's squeezed every dime out of you. Stupid bitches." he muttered under his breath

I could see Jordan tense after what he heard my father say and I laid a hand on his arm to convey that it wasn't a big deal to me. It wasn't the first time that he had said things like that to me. I think it was because I looked so much like my mother.

" Come on dad. It's time to go home."

We each threw one of our arms under his armpits to support him as we helped him out. Eric and Tanya were staring at the three of us as we made our way to the van. He jumped out and opened the door without a word. With much difficulty we loaded him in and Eric finally asked what the hell was going on.

" That's her dad."

He didn't need to say anymore. I looked at the man that was squeezed in between the two of us and my heart broke. Despite what he had said to me I knew that he loved me when he wasn't totally bombed out of his mind. I gave Eric directions to my house and when we got there they both helped to get him in the house since he was completely passed out at that point. I followed behind them and told them where to lay him down. I didn't bother leaving a note. He wouldn't remember anything the next day and I preferred it to stay that way. I kissed his forehead before we left to head home. Eric was standing out on the porch on his cellphone and I heard the tailend of what I was assuming was the converation that he was having with one of his parents so we wouldn't be in trouble. I walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder to let him know that I was ready to go whenever he was.

" That was dad. I called to let him know what was going on so you guys wouldn't get in trouble."

" Thanks Eric. I really appreciate it." He gave me a one armed hug and directed me towards the van at the same time.

I got in and took the spot that I had previously been sitting in. The only thing that was said on the way back to the house was my profuse apologies for ruining the night and everyones denial that I had. Jordan pulled me against his side and rubbed my arm. I nestled my head into the crook of his shoulder and laid my shoulder on his knee. Dealing with my dad had always been when he was in that state had always been mentally exhausting and that was translating into a physical exhaustion and at some point in the short drive I must have fallen asleep. I barely acknowledged the fact that he picked me up and carried me into the house. I don't know what time it was when I woke up but I found myself on the couch downstairs in the living room. I stumbled upstairs and made my way into bed.

Family Ties Chapter Nine

Just a short note before the update. I want to say thank you to Heather for the comments. Without going into detail I will say that alot of things in my life right now are going crappy and while probably kinda dumb, logging on and seeing that someone left me a comment makes me extremely happy. This one will be a little bit shorter than normal. Hope you guys don't mind.

We got back to the house and I went upstairs to shower. I wanted to get the smell of the lake off of me and more importantly I wanted time by myself to think. As the hot water poured over me I thought about everything that had happened in the past weeks and I knew that no matter what happened that I was going to be forever changed and that he was a big part of that. It was cliche and kind of silly but he made me want to be better, someone who was worthy of his time and attention. I sighed as I shut the water off and got out and wrapped a towel around me before I looked around. I hadn't even thought to grab clothes out of my room before I went into the bathroom. I wrapped the towel tightly around me before I peeked out into the hallway. I didn't see anyone so I went to open the door and went to sneak into my room. before anybody saw me. I was almost to the door when I heard a voice behind me.



" What are you doing?" Jordan asked me as he came up the stairs



" I forgot my clothes in my bedroom. I was just going to change before I came back downstairs."



He came over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. His lips came down to mine and I reciprocated as best as I could since I had to hold up the towel.



" Jordan I don't think we should be doing this right now." I tried to protest



" Why not"



" I don't want...."



" Jordan" his mother called as she came up the stairs. We managed to seperate before she came to the top of the stairs.



" What are you guys doing?" she asked as she looked between the two of us



" Nothing." I replied probably too quickly "I was just telling Jordan that I probably used up all of the hot water and that he will probably have to wait to take a shower."

" Oh." she said not sounding convinced

"when your done your dad and I would like to talk to you and Marc about the upcoming hockey season."

" Alright. I'll be down in a little while."

She turned around and headed back down the stairs.

" Do you think she knows?" I asked as I looked at him

" One thing that I can say about my mom is that she always seems to know when one of is lying so yeah she probably knows something is going on."

I could feel my chest tighten at the thought of being kicked out. The fear must have shown on my face because he reassured me that everything would be fine before telling me to get some clothes on. I went into my room and threw on a pair of sweatpants and a tank top before going back downstairs. I heard Linda's voice calling me from the kitchen and I wanted to pretend that I didn't hear her but I knew that it was going to come sooner or later.

" Hey Mel how have things been going?" Linda asked me as she motioned to the chair that sat beside her. I went and sat down beside her and steeled my self for the conversation that I knew was going to happen.

" They have been going pretty well. I really like it here."

" I was just telling Henry yesterday that I was really happy with the changes that we have seen in you the past couple of weeks."

I nodded my head, unsure of what to say to that.

" So I can see that you and Jordie are getting close."

I swallowed and tried to quickly think of something to say to defuse the situation. Even though it was a credo that I hadn't followed in the past I decided that honesty was the best policy.

" Yeah we are but I don't want either of us to get in trouble because of it."

She seemed to consider my words before she responded

" I'm not sure that you two being involved while you live here is a good idea but I trust you two to make good decisions and as long as that happens I won't have a problem with it."

I was relieved that it had ended as well as it had.

" I promise that neither of us will do anything to dissappoint you or Henry."

" I'm glad to hear that. Can you get the boys for me please."

" Yep."

I was practically floating on a cloud as I went to find them outside hitting a baseball around. I didn't care that his brothers were there, I jumped on him and planted kisses all over his face. I heard the other boys hooting and hollaring and I was pretty sure that I heard Eric tell the other two that they owed him twenty bucks a piece.

" Not that I'm complaining but what brought that on." he asked after I was finished

" I talked to your mom and she is alright with the idea of us being together."

" Really? That's great! I'm so relieved that we don't have to keep anything a secret."

" I know. Now you better get inside before your mom decided that it wasn't a good idea after all." He squeezed me into a tight hug and gave me a quick kiss before heading inside. I decided to stay outside for awhile. I didn't want to hear the conversation they were going to have. I had known all along that he was going to be leaving at the end of summer but now it took on a whole new meaning to me. I just wanted to enjoy the time that we were going to be able to spend together and I would worry about that when the time came

Dive Into The Deep End Chapter Eight.

So I know that I have been really bad about updating this story and for that I apologise. I was trying to get a update done for my other story and I checked on this one and saw the comment and was very motivated by it so that's why there has been two updates so close together. Hope you enjoy this one!

I sat for a second and tried to catch my breath. I was sure that I had been hearing things but there came another soft knock. I got out of bed and went to the door not sure who I would find on the other side. I cracked open the door and was surprised to see Jordan standing out in the hallway. I went to ask him what he was doing and he put his finger up to his lips to quiet me. I did as he motioned and stepped back to let him in. He went around me and sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him. He didn't say anything for a minute as he looked everywhere but at me and I started to figgit from nerves.

" God I've always hated the way that my mom decorated this room." he whispered softly

My jaw practically hit the floor. This could not be the reason why he snuck into my room in the middle of the night. He finally looked at me and said outloud what I had just been thinking

" The real reason that I knocked on your door tonight is that I've been wanting to do something and I know I won't be able to sleep until I do it."


I tensed as he scooted closer and put his large hand on my face. I found myself turning my face into his palm as he rubbed his thumb along my cheek. I wasn't sure if it was the moonlight coming through the window or the situation we found ourselves in but his eyes seemed to be a darker shade of blue than usual. He leaned down and rubbed his forehead against mine before he gently placed his lips on mine. The contrast of his soft lips and rough hand on my skin felt wonderful and I couldn't help but deepen the kiss. His hand moved from my face and into my hair and I responded by wrapping my arms around his waist. We finally broke apart only because we both needed to breath. I wasn't sure what to say and I didn't want to ruin the moment by saying something stupid so I just leaned against his broad chest. After a few minutes our breathing finally returned to normal.

" I should probably go back to my room before we both get in trouble." he whispered as he untangled his arms from around me

" Yeah that's probably a good idea." I agreed

" I'll see you in the morning." he said as he stood up to leave.


He went to the door and gave me a smile which I returned before he stepped out of view as quietly as he could manage. I was happier than I had been in a long time and I was glad that no one was around to see me because I knew that I had to be grinning like an idiot. I had alot of questions that I knew I was going to have to get anwsered but for now I was content to let things be uncomplicated.


When I woke up the next morning I was positive that I had dreamed the whole thing. I groaned as I looked at my clock and saw that it was only seven in the morning. The boys said that they had something planned for us to do but no one would tell me what it was. Jordan hadn't really acknowledged me but I knew what happened the night before was real when I felt his hand close over mine and squeeze it just for a second before letting go. My skin tingled at the contact and I had to stifle the smile that threatned to break out on my face.





" Hey mom we can still use the van right?" Eric asked





" Yep, just get back at a decent hour and make sure that you bring it back with a full tank.





He agreed and Marc grabbed a bag and a cooler. I was told to get in and to stop asking so many questions. I climbed in and Jordan piled in beside me. He leaned against me and used the excuse that he had to so he would have room to stretch his long legs out. We drove for almost fifteen minutes before we pulled up in front of a store. I raised my eyebrows at them when I was told that we had to go inside and buy some stuff before we could continue. I followed them all in and was told that I would need a bathing suit and some water shoes.





" I don't have any money though." I protested





" Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it" Eric said





" Yeah remember he's a hotshit nhl player now so he can afford it." Jared snorted





I shook my head and decided not to waste my time arguing with them. I knew if I did that they would all just gang up on me and get their way anyway. I found the appropriate section and started to look. I wasn't really liking anything that I found and after a few minutes they all wandered over to where I was still standing.





" Come on. Just pick one already. It's not that big of a deal." Marc complained





I sighed. They were guys so they wouldn't get it and it was no use trying to explain it to any of them. I grabbed a bikini in a royal blue that was my size and went and grabbed some water shoes so we could leave. It didn't take long to get to the place where they had decided to take me to. It was nice beach on Lake Superior. I went to one of the bathrooms to change and when I came back the guys had already changed and were unloading the cooler.





" Holy shit. You look really hot." Marc said as he looked me up and down with a grin. Jordan knocked into him with the cooler almost knocking him right over. I really didn't want to get into the water so I laid out one of the towels that they had brought with and enjoyed the sun. I laid on my stomach so I could watch the guys mess around in the water. Apparently they were having a contest to see who could drown who first. I closed my eyes and I'm not sure how long it was but when I opened my eyes I saw Jordan and Eric standing over me.





" Can I help you guys with something?" I asked as I looked up at them





" Yeah you should really get in the water with us." Eric said





" I really don't feel like it but thanks for the offer." I said as I flipped over onto my back and propped myself up on my elbows.





Before knew what the hell was going on I felt myself being grabbed under my arms and by my feet. I shrieked and tried thrashing out of their grip but it didn't even begin to have any effect. They carried me out to waist deep water before dropping me. I went completely under the water and came up coughing from the water I had swallowed. I managed to stand up and they all started to laugh and I was pissed off.



" What the fuck is wrong with you two. I told you that I didn't want to come in." I yelled at them

Their smiles started to fade as I stomped out of the water and grabbed my towel before heading off to the bathrooms. I heard someone yell my name but I ignored it. It only took a few seconds before I felt a hand on my arm.

" Hey Mel. Wait up. We were just playing around. I didn't think that you would get so mad."

I knew that I was being stupid but I had a valid reason for being mad

" I can't swim." I said under my breath, trying to not be embarrased

" Really?" he asked me. He had a look on his face like I had just said the stupidest thing ever

" I was afraid of the water when I was a kid so I never took lessons." I said trying to not sound as cranky as I knew I was

His response was to scoop me up bridal style and head back to the water.

" If you drop me in the water again I will kill you I swear." I said as my grip tightened around his neck

" I won't I promise. I'm going to teach you how to swim."

We spent almost an hour with him trying to teach me to swim and by the end I still didn't really know how to swim but at least I felt a little less likely to drown. The other guys had kept a respectful distance away. They got out of the water a little while later to eat something but we decided to stay in for a little bit longer. I wrapped my arms and legs around him as he moved us both out to water that was deeper. The minute that his brothers were out of sight his lips met mine. I drew his body against mine as close as I could manage and ran my fingers through his hair as I returned the kiss. His hands wandered down to my ass and gave me a gentle squeeze through the thin material of my bathing suit.

" I've been wanting to do that since I woke up this morning." he said breathlessly into my ear as he kissed the side of my neck.

" I was almost convienced that last night was a dream" I admitted not looking him in the eye

" Why?" he asked as he grabbed me by the chin and tilted my head up so I was forced to look at him

" Because I don't deserve someone as sweet and caring as you." I told him as tears threatned to spill from my eyes

" That isn't true. I believe that despite what you want people to think that you are a good sweet girl that can do anything that she puts her mind to. And did I mention beautiful too?

I buried my head in the crook of his neck and willed myself not to cry. I had people in the past that had tried to break through my walls but no one had succeeded until now. The words that he had said meant more to me than he could ever know. Unfortuanatly the moment was ruined by stomach grumbling loudly
" I guess we should get something to eat." he said with a laugh

" That's probably a good idea."

We made it to the shore without any problems. We went through the cooler and picked out a couple of sandwhichs that his brothers had missed. I made small talk as we sat there and I tried not to stare at the way his muscles in his chest flexed everytime he moved or the way that his ass filled out his swim trunks. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye when I thought that no one was paying attention but when I looked ahead I saw Eric giving me a knowing look. felt myself blush and I knew with that one look that he knew. I prayed that he wouldn't say anything to anyone. I couldn't see Jordan's parents being very happy with their son dating someone that was living with their family and as much as I liked Jordan I didn't want to go back to my old life.