Chapter 32: Vocabulary

Okay so I needed a little prep for the next chapter, so here is a short update, or a little teaser..however you would like to think of it. I know it isn't a lot, but hopefully the next chapters make up for it. Enjoy. :-)


As we lounge around in bed watching a movie, I can't help but be amazed at how thrilled she is. She's only had the puppy for a day, and she is already attached to it. She's acting so much like a little kid right now that I can't help but smile. I can't help but be a little jealous of the little pooch, for the simple fact that it is the only barrier between us, laying comfortably in the middle of the two of us, in MY bed I might add.

"Have you thought of a name yet?" I asked while petting the nameless dog resting between the two of us.

"Mhmm," she answered while grabbing the dog in her arms and moving so she could look down at me while straddling my waist. I rested my hands on her thighs while meeting her gaze and waiting for her to continue. She pulled the puppy up close by her face before she spoke up. "I think she kind of looks like a Bo."

"Bo?" I questioned in which she just returned me a smile.

"Mhmm, as in Rambo. I think it describes her perfect. Fierce. Dangerous. Formidable."

"Are you describing the dog or yourself there?" I said with a small smile creeping onto my face.

"Is that what you would describe me as?" she replies while putting the puppy down and leaning closer to me while putting her hands on my chest, mischief in all of her actions.

"More like aphrodisiac. Lewd. Lascivious," I tease while putting my hands around her waist now, pulling her closer to me.

"Impressive vocabulary," she says while leaning down even closer to me and resting her hands closer to my neck. "But honey, if anybody is lewd, it is you,"she finishes with that playful smile of hers that drives me crazy, while dropping her lips to my collar bone where she leaves a trail of kisses. She is also wearing her glasses, which I find extremely sexy in that sexy-secretary type of way. "I like when you are so descriptive," she mumbles in between kisses. "It's sexy," she concludes while once again smiling up at me.

"Is that the only time you find me sexy?" I answer with a mischievous grin of my own.

Ty's POV

"No," I answer, not really believing he seriously asked me that. I find him extremely sexy. All the time, which is part of the problem. Other than the few games I missed while recovering from surgery, I haven't been apart from him. I don't think I could stand that, which has always worried me. Even with the feelings I have for him, I still don't like the fact that I'm so dependant upon him. Not that I couldn't stay away from him if I felt like it. I'm an extremely stubborn person, so when I put my mind to something, I have no doubt that I can achieve it, but the simple fact is that I've never wanted to stay away from him, and that scares me even more. The grin on his face makes me continue. "When you are on the ice?" I question while running my hand down his abs, very slowly, loving how he seems to squirm under my fingertips. "Extremely sexy."

"Really now," he answered huskily. "And why is that?"

"The presence you have out there, the aura around you. You know that you have the ability to score on any goalie. Not in a cocky way, just confident. The determination you have. When you head in for a face off, I swear I can almost see the visions of hoisting the Stanley Cup running through your mind," I smile, recalling this very event happening quite often. "Your focus. Watching you be that focused makes a shiver go through my spine because of the look in your eyes," I say while my smile can only grow as I feel his hands trail down my side until he has a firm grip on my ass. "And finally, your temper. It's just sexy when you get pissed off and slam somebody into the boards," I laugh, while I run my fingers through his hair until my hands meet the back of his head before bending down and kissing from his jaw toward his ear. "But when you are in the sin bin? Well, just knowing you have done something naughty is almost too much to tolerate," I whisper in his ear.

Geno's POV

"I always knew that the sin bin got to you," I chuckle while smiling at her.


"No you didn't," she argues while hitting me on the arm, trying to act mad, but I can see the trace of a smile on her face.


"Mhmm," I mumble while pulling her struggling body closer to mine before kissing her. “I know things,” I conclude while twirling a stray piece of her hair around my fingers. “I know that you like to act tough, but you’re not,” I begin with a smile before letting the lock of hair fall back to her shoulder before I follow it with my lips, pressing a kiss to the hollow of her neck. I love how tough she appears to the outside world, but I love the fact that she allows me to see how unsure of herself, and fragile she is more than anything. I love that she lets me see her weaknesses. “I know that you like the way I look in jeans,” I laugh, sliding my hand down over her hip and giving her ass a smack while thinking about all the times I've seen her try to check out my back side while remaining unnoticed. “I know that you like milk instead of water with the slightest amount of vanilla in your hot chocolate in the morning and how you make that small humming noise in content after taking your first sip” I continue. "And I know that every morning when you wake up, you look in the mirror and you look at yourself before scrunching your nose and inadvertently shrugging your shoulders, like that's all the better it's going to get, like you aren't enough. I just keep wondering how many times I have to tell you that you are before you finally start to believe it to," I finish before looking up into her emerald green eyes and see tears on the bound of falling.


"You've seen that?" she questions while quickly wiping the first tear that falls away.


I nod before responding. "Why are you crying?"


"I guess I just never realized how much you pay attention to me," she sighed.


"Yes, well it's starting to become a problem of mine," I laugh while reaching up to pull my t-shirt off of her.


"A problem?" she asks, all traces of insecurity gone as her actions once again give in to seduction as she runs her hands down my abs once again until they each the waist band of my shorts where she stops, once again taunting me.


"When I'm on the ice? Big problem," I chuckle which makes a small smile form on her face before I pick her up and lay her on the bed, pinning her there, tired of allowing her to play these games with me. "We could be on a power play and I still catch myself glancing over at the bench," I finish before my phone rings. I sigh before resting my head on her shoulder, irritated that some people could have such horrible timing.

Ty's POV

I can only chuckle as it seems like things aren't suppose to go his way today. He finally has me in a compromising position, and it's just his luck that this phone rings. I can only smile as he sighs and rests his head on my shoulder in disappointment before moving my hands to the back of his head to tangle them through the soft curls that form there. I know that the snow storm that came through last night could have put flights behind, and as much as I just want to get meeting all his extended family over, I can't help but realize that all of the other guys have already headed home, leaving us all alone, which causes a smile to pop onto m face. After listening to it ring for about 10 seconds I finally speak up. "Are you going to get that?"

"Maybe they will just go away," he mumbles into my shoulder.

"Or, maybe they will just keep calling until you answer," I state, prompting him to pick up the phone by reaching over to where it is currently lying on the bed and pushing it toward him until he finally obliges and takes it from me.

When he finally picks it up, I squirm out of his grasp and run downstairs to look out the big window in the living room, checking to see how much snow has fallen. As I pull back the blinds, I have no doubt that it is probably the airline, calling to let us know that flights have been cancelled, because as I look out the window, I can see that we probably got a good foot and a half of snow last night. I continue to look out the window like a child and watch the snow continue to fall until a set of arms encircling my body brings me out of my trance.

"That was the airline. Flights are cancelled, so it looks like we won't be going anywhere."

Chapter 31: A Foreign Sight?

"I have no idea what to get her, and I'm running out of time," Marc says while plopping onto the couch.

"I don't know what to tell you," Geno laughs while reaching for my hand. "What do you think Ty?"

"You can never go wrong with diamonds," I commented, distracted by my thoughts.

Flashback...

"What are you suppose to get someone who has everything they could possibly want for Christmas?" I ask Jodi in all sincerity. I honestly had no idea what to get him, and I was running out of time. Thankfully she didn't know what to get Jordan either, so we made a day of trying to figure it out.

"Your guess is as good as mine," she sighed.

We had been meandering around the mall for probably 45 minutes now, willing a good idea to come to us. But so far... nothing. Her eyes lit up when we came up on the next store. Victoria's Secret. She started heading toward the direction of the door, and I knew she was up to no good.

"What are you doing?" I asked, almost wishing for a decent reply.


"Guys like sex, right?" she said with a devilish smile. I didn't even have a response to that, so I just followed her aimlessly into the store.

She walked over to some little sexy numbers and grabbed one off of the rack and held it up.


"So wait, you are seriously going to buy him sex for Christmas?" I asked with an amused smile.

"I don't see why not. Can you think of anything they would enjoy more?" she questioned. When I didn't answer she continued. "Exactly. Now go try this on," she commanded with a triumphant smile while shoving me in the direction of the dressing rooms.

End Flashback...

"Ty, are you even listening to me?" I hear him ask, dragging me out of my thoughts. It was then that I noticed that in the time I was caught up in my memories, the locker rooms had cleared out, and Geno was now handing me a pair of skates. Sheer terror immediately became my prime emotion as I looked at the skates like they were a foreign sight to my eyes.

Geno's POV

"Ty, please stop being so difficult," I pleaded.

"You don't understand, this can only end badly," she said while trying her best to get out of the firm grasp I had on her arm.

"It's not that hard," I sighed, wishing she could just give in and believe me. I knew it would be a difficult task, but I really needed an excuse to get her out of the house so Sid could help me with Part 1 of her Christmas gift.

"Easy for you to say," she retorted. "You make a living out of this." 'True...' I thought to myself.

"Come on, your doctor said that this would be an excellent form of rehab for your knee."

"My doctor has never seen me on ice before," she stated firmly. I sighed, knowing I was making no progress with her, and we had already been at it for a good 10 minutes.

"Do you trust me?" I asked while extending my hand out to her. She sighed before looking up at me, and I knew that I was fixing to be victorious. Again. But I didn't dare show any amount of triumph on my face, because I knew her well enough to know that that would just make her even more stubborn. If that was even remotely possible...

"You know I do," she mumbled, feeling slightly defeated.

"Okay. Then please get up..." She reluctantly got up, and that's when I led her out to the benches where we could put our skates on.

We both sat down, and started to lace up our skates. Naturally, I was done with both of mine in the time she had got about half way done with one.

"Tighter," I commanded while standing up.

"It's already pretty tight. And I'm sure blood flow to my toes is actually important" she said while glancing up at me.

"Tighter, Ty" I replied once again before grabbing for the buzzing cell phone in my pocket. I pulled it out to see that it was a message from Sid.

Okay, I got it and now it's in its cage.

I shot off a quick reply thanking him before glancing down at her again.

"Okay, if that's anything, it's looser than what you had it before..." I laughed while bending down to help her.

Ty's POV

The help he gives me isn't exactly what I had been anticipating as he grabs the laces and pulls on them so hard that my leg jerks forward. "Ouch! What are you trying to do.. break my ankle?" I questioned while reaching down and grabbing his hands from doing any further damage.

He laughs before taking my hands and placing them back in my lap and out of his way. "On the contrary, that's what I'm trying to prevent from happening," he says before standing up and leading me over to the ice. My steps are already shaky, and I haven't even gotten on the ice yet. Wonderful...

"Oh, it's inevitable. It's going to happen," I mumble while standing at the edge of the ice, looking at him with a huge amount of terror in my eyes, hoping I get my way and we can move on to a much warmer location.

"You have to trust me," he sighs while making his way back over to me.

"You've never seen me on ice before," I complain while holding onto the boards and taking my first tentative steps out onto the slick surface. "You.. You look graceful on the ice. Like you would prefer to skate over walk. That is definitely not the case for me."


"Come on," he says while extending his arms to me. I put my hands in his, close my eyes, and allow him to pull me out on the cold, hard surface.

Geno's POV

She looks like a newborn calf attempting to take it's first steps. I would laugh, or maybe even crack a joke, but the death grip she has on my hands as I pull her slowly across the ice and the look of terror in her eyes tells me that that wouldn't be the best choice right now.


She looks absolutely adorable right now, even though the only advice she's followed of mine to dress warmly was to put on a stocking cap. Otherwise, she is stubbornly dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. As if on cue, I see her shiver.


"I told you to dress warmly," I sighed, attempting to pull my hands away from hers, momentarily, to shrug out of the hoodie I currently have on, even though I know it will swamp her. I can only smile when my actions fail, realizing that she had a tighter grip on me than I thought. "Only for a second," I laugh while pulling her hands away from mine and dropping them by her side. I can only chuckle as I see her try to remain motionless, as if she knows even the slightest movement could land her on the solid ice beneath her.


We had been skating for about 10 minutes, luckily avoiding any catastrophes from happening.


"Was that so bad?" I ask while coming to a stop in front of her, praying she can stop on her own, because otherwise there would be a major collision fixing to occur. She skidding to a stop mere inches away from me, and I couldn't help but be relieved.


"Nothings broken, so I find this mission a success," she smiled. We sat there for a few seconds, before a familiar voice loomed down the hallway toward the ice, scaring her and throwing off her balance. The next thing I knew she was falling. I attempted to stop her, but I couldn't react fast enough. I cringed at the thought of her falling. She would never forgive me. I didn't want to open my eyes to wait for the evil glares and nasty comments to be lashed out, but all I heard was laughter. Her laughter. I opened my eyes, completely confused, to see her still on her skates, but in a crouching position with one of her hands on the ice. She had caught herself before she fell. I took a deep breath, finally being immensely relieved, before turning my gaze to the idiot that had just barged into the area.

"Hey dumbass, are you trying to screw up her knee again?" I questioned with a slight smile while extending my hand down to help her up. I've known him long enough to know that Colby will be Colby no matter what the circumstances.

"My bad. When I heard Ty would be on the ice I just had to come see it for myself," he smirked while skating up toward us.

"Yes, because this is just all very amusing. But sadly, we are done, so you missed out," she smarted off before hitting him in the chest, quite hardly I might add, and throwing herself off balance again. This time, I grabbed her before she could hit the ice, knowing she would proably do something to him for mocking her.

Ty's POV

I had been reluctant to go out on the ice before, but after Colby's comments I knew I was done for the day, so Geno helped me over to the bench where we ditched our skates for tennis shoes before making our way to his SUV.

He had been acting differently for the past couple of days, but I couldn't place what was different. I stared at his face, hoping I would be able to figure out the problem. I had been staring for a short amount of time befre he looked over at me.

"What?" he questioned, completely confused, probably because of the look I had on my face. I hated not knowing what he was up to, and I was definately positive he had some scheme planned out.

"Nothing," I returned, being just as vague before turning my gaze back out toward the window.

When we got back to the house, I jumped out of the car and made my way toward the door. When I arrived there, I saw a card on the door. I turned around to look at Geno, but he was gone. 'Sneaky...' I thought to myself before grabbing the card off of the door.

I opened it to find a command to follow.

Use the stairs to go up to the balcony. Enter house through the back door on our side of the house.

I sighed before smiling and following the order. What could he be up to...

I used the stairs, as commanded, and found another note attached to the outside of my balcony door.

Go to your closet, and look on the floor on the left side.

When I got there, I found a huge pillow, naturally in the design of a hockey puck. I looked at it, wondering if it could possibly be a dog bed? What would I need that for? I glanced around for another note because there had to be some sort of explanation for this random gift. I picked up the huge pillow, still slightly confused, to find the note attached to the bottom side of it.

Go down to the hat rack by the main door.

Once again I followed my command. I could see my next clue before I had gotten all the way down the stairs. A dog collar and leash. Excitement filled my thoughts, as I thought about the possibility of the different breeds of dogs that could be waiting for me at the end of this scavenger hunt. I hastily grabbed the next note, ready to get to my newly acquired pet.

Go to the garage. Look to the right of the door by the shelves.

I grabbed the collar and leash and sprinted off toward the garage. When I got there I found a bag of dog food. I looked at the bag, hoping for an indication of what kind of dog awaited me. I didn't look at the brand name, because that didn't matter, but quickly looked for something more specific. Large breeds was under the label. It was then that shock overcame me. Could he really remember? I told him the story so long ago... I grabbed the note, needing to know where to find him.

Go to the back yard and head toward the Pool Room.

I sprinted off in that direction. I came to the door of the pool room in mere seconds it seemed like, but I just stood there for a minute, collecting myself, before entering the room. When I opened the door, tears immediately sprang to my eyes. There was Geno, sitting on a bar stool, with what appeared to be a Great Dane puppy.

"You remembered," I sighed while the first tear rolled down my face while my lips separated to form a weak smile.

Flashback..

"So wait, you missed the dog more than you missed your mom?" he asked incredulously, as if he thought I was crazy.

"The dog had a name," I answered, not willing to give him any information yet. He laughed before he responded.

"Okay, sorry. Shadow, wasn't it?"

"Yes," I replied shortly with a smile.

"Alright then. So let me ask this again. You missed Shadow more than your mom?"

"Yes. Victoria and I----Well, we never really got along to say the least. My dad was my hero, and she honestly wasn't very fond of him. I was completely devastated when Shadow died."

"Hm. What kind of dog was it?"

"A great dane. To be honest, I think what I liked the most about Shadow was the security of having a big dog. Like if anybody ever threatened me I knew that he could kick their ass, easily," I smirked.

"So evil..." he laughed while looking at me.

End Flashback..

I looked at the puppy again before running into his arms. This man never ceased to amaze me..

Chapter 30: Too Much To Fathom?

Jodi sat up on the bathroom counter while I blow-dried my hair, looking at me as if she knew something was up. Ever since finding her in our kitchen that early morning, we had become close, which was rare for me. She had to be the first girl I had actually gotten along with since my childhood. As I glanced up at her, I knew she was fixing to confront me.

"You sure are quiet today," she stated simply, knowing it was easier to approach issues this way with me.

"He asked me," I said just as calmly. She looked over at me, confusion covering her face.

"What are we talking about? Who asked you what?"

I sighed, knowing that this isn't exactly what I wanted to talk about right now. It was just to much to think of. I thought I had been doing pretty good in the commitment area of our relationship, but this is just taking things to a whole new level. Moving in with him would make me susceptible to being vulnerable, something I hate being. I would literally be trusting him with every I had, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for that yet.

But then I think about what saying no would do to our relationship. The simple idea of losing him creates a hole deep in my heart, like even that idea isn't fathomable, as if we complete each other.

But I still don't know if I'm ready for this. And he never did exactly give me an ultimatum, like it was the only option I had. But I can't help but think that me saying no would put a damper on things, like I was unsure about him or us, which isn't the case. I know I need him in my life, and sometimes I don't even think I realize how much. It was then that I was pulled out of my secret debate when I realized she was staring at me, waiting for an answer.

"Geno found a house he wants to buy, and he wants me to move in with him," I stated while she started to curl my hair. We had decided on a low pony tail, slightly to one side, with my bangs pulled out of my face and a few stray strands handing down around the side of my face.

"Aww, how exciting!" she shrieked, but then when she caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror, her expression changed. "I mean isn't it?"

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"You don't sound so convinced of that," she stated. "What's the problem?"

"Nothing..."

"It doesn't seem like nothing, are you having second thoughts about how you feel about him?"

Jodi's POV

I can see she is scared. But I can also see how torn she is over this. Like she wants to give in, but doesn't trust herself enough, can't really allow herself to give into him.

"No, I know I care about him..." she broke off silently. I could tell she wasn't telling me everything, or maybe even possibly not admitting the whole truth to herself.

"Then what is the problem?" I asked while trying not to press to much. And that's when I see the tears on the brim of falling. "Oh honey, don't cry..." I said while the first tear slipped from her eyes.

"Sorry.." she sighed while quickly wiping it from her face.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked.

She sighed before responding, and that's when I realized that she indeed did need to talk about it.

"I just keep wondering when he is going to want something more, something I can't give him. I guess I'm just waiting for him to realize that I'm not what he wants. And I don't think I can handle that..." she admitted quietly.

"Ty, you think I'm a very bluntly honest person, right?"

"Yes. That's why I like you," she said with a small smile.

"Well good, because I am going to give you, what I believe, is the honest truth. He is crazy about you. Absolutely crazy. You have to believe that he would do anything for you..." I sat there for a minute and let my words sink in, and relishing on the smile that crossed her face when it looked like they finally had.

"He would, wouldn't he..." she sighed.

"Yes," I answered with a smile. "But moving in with him is a big step, and only something that you can decide. So just do what you think is best for you."

Geno's POV

I am extremely nervous as I sit and wait for her to emerge from the bathroom with Jodi. She seemed to almost be in a daze after I had asked her, like she couldn't really believe it was happening. I don't blame her, it's going to be quite the change for me too. I don't know what I'll do if she says no, because it's almost as if she's saying she doesn't want this to go any further than where we are now. That would leave me extremely devastated, for the simple fact that I intend on being with nobody but her for the rest of my life. Now, I haven't told her that, but I always thought she could sense it. As if she knew I would do anything possibly fathomable for her.

The longer I sit here, the more nervous I get. What if she decides to not only not move in with me, but not go with me tonight either. I don't know what I would do if something like that happened.


I hear the girls upstairs laughing, and that brings me back to reality. I can't help but laugh at myself for letting my mind wonder like it just had. I really don't see her going through all she has in the past week for me for this particular event and then bail on me at the last second.

She finally emerges from her room, and she looks absolutely breath-taking. Don't get me wrong, I always find her beautiful, but she looks amazing as she walks down the stairs, as if this was an every day ordeal for her. I swear I can feel my heart beat turn irregular as she makes her way toward me. Max finally pulls me out of my daze with the comments I knew would be coming, everybody knew she would be a knock-out tonight.


"Lucky fucker," Max mumbles under his breath as he walks past where I am standing and out to where the rest of the guys are waiting outside.


I smile, knowing that he is absolutely right.

Ty's POV

I can tell he is impressed by the way I look tonight, since I never really have went out of my way to look extra special since meeting him. I can also still feel the tension between us. The tension that has been present since we had our conversation earlier. I wish I knew what to tell him, wish I knew how to ease his curiosity. But the truth is, I don't even know how I feel about any of this, so I know its not possible for me to clue him in.


The night goes on rather uneventful, even though Victoria is present. As if she knows that I really can't put up with her tonight, she keeps her distance, something I am very thankful for. I don't think I mentally have the strength to play her games tonight. I can't help but notice that she's not alone though, but I decide to ignore that, since she will probably want me to meet him eventually, even thought in reality I could care less because honestly, she is nothing to me. As harsh as that sounds, it's the truth.


And as long as we are being honest, I could actually get use to this. Well, okay maybe not the dressing up part, but the way Geno introduces me to the people that I don't know as if he is proud that I'm with him. This single factor alone tells me that we are going to be okay, that the house isn't even an issue anymore, even though I know the offer still stands. I'm brought out of my trance when I feel him slightly squeeze my hand.


"Ready to go?" he questions with a meek smile.


"Only if you are. We can stay longer if you'd like. Or I heard some of the guys talk about going out, if you wanna do that instead," I offer, thinking that tonight is his night, so I'll leave the options and decisions up to him.


"Actually," he stars while pulling me back closer to him so that he can whisper in my ear, "I'm getting tired of sharing you with all these people. I want you all to myself," he finishes, and I can hear the smile in the sound of his voice without even having to glace up at his face.


I turn around on the bar stool I am seated on and smile at him before gently pushing him away. "Well come on then," I state with a seductive smile. I can only laugh at the quickness of his step as he follows me out to the car.


When we finally get home, I head up to the bathroom. I'm not at all surprised when he follows me. I take all the pins out of my hair, and throw it up into a messy bun before he finally makes his way toward me. He puts his hands on m waist and gently kisses the back of my neck toward my shoulder blade.


"You looked absolutely incredible tonight," he murmurs. A smile crosses my face and I can't help but have a little fun with him. I lead him out of the bath room and push him down on the bed, making him sit.


"Oh really?" I question while he just looks up at me with confusion. "What was your favorite part? The shoes?" I ask, while doing my best to stand there and model them while looking seductive.


"No. Not exactly," he says weakly. This makes the smile on my face grow. I love that I have control over him.


"What about my legs? Was that your favorite part?" I ask while lifting one of my legs and resting my foot right next to where he is sitting on the bed. I watch as his eyes rake up and down my very bare leg in front of him, and an involuntary chill goes up my spine. When he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes before responding, I almost have the notion to stop this nonsense right now, but then again I'm having way to much fun to stop now.


"Your getting closer,"he answers, his voice sounding even weaker than before.


"Then was it possibly the neckline of the dress?" I ask while trailing one of my hands down from my neck to where the dress stops right in between my breast, getting his attention where I want it to be. He closes his eyes again in response and I can see him griping the edge of the bed, as if he doesn't trust himself to not touch me if he wasn't holding onto something. The smile on my face gets even bigger and I can't help but chuckle. His eyes fly back open at the sound of my laughter, and I can tell that he isn't the least bit amused by my games.


"Do you think this is funny?" he asks with a small smirk of his own. "Do you think its funny to tease me like this?" I don't have time to respond before he has me picked up and then lays me down in the middle of the bed before moving his lips to my neck, his own form of torture.

"Mmmhm," I moan while running my fingers through his hair.

"We do need to talk about something first," he says while grabbing my hands in his. "I didn't mean to freak you out by asking you to live with me, but when I think about moving out, and living on my own, I can't really picture that without you."

"It's just a lot to think about, its a huge commitment," I whisper while looking at anything but his eyes because I don't want to see the pain that would be evident in them. "I'm sorry, but I guess I'm just curious as to why you feel so strongly that this is the right thing to do."

"You want to know why?" he asks while running his hand down the side of my face, leaving me unable to form coherent sentences. I nod in return, not trusting myself to make any sense of the words or thoughts running through my brain. He sighs before answering me, as if he thinks the answer to that should be evident.

Geno's POV

"I want to have something to look forward to when I come home off a road trip. I want to come home to you, all wrapped up in my bed, waiting for me. I know that you are fully capable of taking care of yourself, and I love that about you, but I need to have someone that I can take care of, and I want that to be you."

She traced the outline of my full lips with her fingertip and then pressed hers' over mine in a long soft kiss. I watch her try to blink back the tears, but as they begin to fall down her round cheeks, I actually feel like I might be winning the argument for a change, so I continue.

"I need to be able to come off the road, where people are constantly telling me where I need to be and when, and I need to be able to have some control of what I do, and who I do it with. I want that with you,Ty," I say while feeling that lump in my throat choking off my voice. It's the same big huge lump that forms every time I feel my heart beating this hard when I look down into those big emerald eyes of hers. "I need to be the man who takes care of you," I whisper, running my hand down her cheek to wipe away the tears before I kiss her, kiss her until I can feel my body reaching for her in a way that I can't hide. I can see how much it scares her to hear me say things like this, see it in the way the tears fall faster and harder down her cheeks, and I answer her in the only way I can right now, to remove her clothing and mine, and hope that actions speak louder than words. To hope that she can see that living without her isn't fathomable.

As my hands trail down to her breast, I move my lips to her neck before I hear exactly what I was hoping would come from her mouth.

"I need you," she moans as I push my way deep inside of her, as her ankles lock behind the small of my back, as she wraps her arms around my neck and offers me her luscious mouth. "So much," she finishes as the tears continue to fall from her eyes.

"You won't," I promise as we wrap ourselves around each other. I can't believe how much I want her all the time, how I crave her body, how much I need her. I never thought I'd love anything as much as I love hockey. But, I know without a doubt that I need this woman, so I pull her close to me, finding the same rhythm that we normally do.

"Oh God," she sighs, her eyes flickering shut as I push up into her, pulling her down onto me at the same time. "Geno.... stop teasing me," she sighs while pulling me closer to her. As I find a different position I know she's close because her she's shut her eyes, her hands making fists as she pulls at the sheets. I move my had to her clit, and she finally says what I had been waiting to hear.

"Yes," she says quietly moving her to the back of my neck. I raise my head up, looking her in the eyes to see if she is being serious.

"Yes?" I ask, just to make sure. She simply nods her head, and I can't help but let the smile cross my face and I gather her in my arms and think about what her agreeing to move in with me really means. 'She does need me...' I think to myself while the smile on my face grows larger.

Chapter 29: Intimidation and Curiosity

Okay, sorry for the wait! I've had so many ideas about the future of this story, that I had to write them down while they were fresh in my mind. I have about 8 chapters written, and I'm very proud of them, they just don't fit into the story right now. You might resent me now for the lack of updates, but I promise the wait will be worth it! :-)






Absolutely everybody was out of the house for the day but me and him, leaving me with plenty of time to let his comments sink it. Did I handle it in the best way? No. Was doing something necessary? Absolutely yes, something I think he realized as well. I didn't pick a fight with him though, because that was exactly what she wanted. To put a barrier between us, and I wouldn't let her win. She would have limited chances though, simply because she no longer worked for the Penguins, which made me quite happy. Besides, I knew he was excited about the Christmas party tonight, and I had a better attitude toward it than before for the simple fact that I was no longer on crutches. 'I might be after a whole night of wearing the shoes Vero picked out though, I thought to myself, causing a smile to cross my face which in turn made him glance down with an amused look to where my head was resting on his chest. It was then that I realized I would do anything, sacrifice everything just to make him happy. 7 months ago, before I met him, I would have definitely declined an invitation to something like this. But here I am, hair newly styled and fingernails freshly done. It didn't make sense to me, how I changed so fast. I had always been stubborn and set in my ways, but he figured out a way to break through the walls I had secured myself in. Or, maybe I had subconsciously found a way to let him in...


"What are you thinking about?" he asked while pushing my hair out of my face.


"You," I stated simply. He sat for a couple seconds before responding.


"I hate when you are vague," he sighed.


"I know," I said while turning up to look at him. "That's why I do it," I continued with a devilish smile. "When do we head out to DuBois?"

"We are flying out Tuesday night after the game against the Flyers, and then we will fly back Thursday. Let me guess, you're nervous?" he asked with a coy smile.


"Immensely," I sighed while burying my head further into his chest to hide the embarrassment that covered my face. After he didn't reply, I glanced up at him, only to be attacked mere seconds later. I screamed in agony while his fingers traced over my stomach.

"OH MY GOSH, STOP TICKLING ME!" I screeched while trying to unsuccessfully squirm out of his grasp. His laughter filled the room, making it inevitable for me to stay mad at him. My further attempts to get away from him landed us both on the ground, me conveniently under him. He smiled down at me, which only enraged my fury. I hit him in the arm and attempted to get away from him, only to have him pin my arms above my head in the firm grasp of one of his hands. As hard as I was trying to be intimidating, I couldn't stop a smile from crossing my face or the laugh from escaping my lips.

"Jerk move," I mumbled while he brushed the hair out of my face with his free hand before his lips found mine, silencing me from objecting any further. Like that was at all possible...

Geno's POV

After landing in a compromising position, I couldn't help but being found wordless as I glanced down at her astounding beauty. Her hair was still tousled from sleep, or lack there of, from the previous night, and I couldn't see a trace of make up on her face. I had maybe tasted a hint of lip gloss earlier. Maybe..

She's in nothing more than an old pair of my sweats and an old t-shirt, but I don't care. She looks sexy to me, which could be a bit of a problem. I've never wanted or craved anybody like I do her. Part of me still thinks she's going to put her protective guard up and run. Feeling like this is scary for me, and I haven't been through half the amount of heartbreak she has in her life, so I can't imagine what's going through her mind.

She starts to struggle against me, so I extend her arms up over her head, letting her know that I'm not the least bit intimidated by her. My actions get me a warm smile, and that's when I know I've won, yet again.


"Jerk move," she mumbles while my hands once again find her waist, no pain intended this time, and I can't take it anymore, my lips have to touch hers.

I often wonder if the magnetic force between us will ever become dull, if we will ever possible get tired of each other as I feel her arching her body up to meet mine, and that's all I can take as we both start to fiercely remove the others clothes.

Ty's POV

I lay wrapped up in his arms in a blanket on the floor, looking outside to watch the snow fall to the ground while feeling the warmth from the fireplace envelope the room, wondering if life could get any better. To most people we would look rather cliche right now, but this is so normal for us I barely notice. The silence, the tension building between our bodies once again already, is nothing new. It's how it always is. It's simply us. The only motion either of us is making is the steady movements of his hand brushing through my hair, lulling me to sleep. Normally, I would be freaking out about school, or work, or Victoria, or even if this moment will be ruined by somebody returning home, but I can't help but let all of those things escape my thoughts as I lay here with him, finally giving in to the heavy pull of my eye lids as sleep overtakes me.

The nagging sound of my cell phone pulls me out of my peaceful sleep. I hear him sigh, and I can tell he is slightly irritated.


"It's probably Jodi," I mumble while I glance up at him. He kisses me on the forehead before resentfully letting me squirm out of his grasp enough to reach my cell phone that ended up a couple feet away from where we are now in all of the commotion.

After looking at the Caller ID, I smile victoriously as I realize that I was right, and it was indeed Jodi. I pick up the phone to her cheerful voice, suddenly regretting giving in and letting her come over and help me get ready, as if she knew that I probably wouldn't be able to get ready for something like this on my own.


"Good morning," she cooed immediately after I picked up the phone, reminding me that it was indeed still only 9 in the morning.


"Morning," I mumbled while sitting up and leaning on my elbow.


"I was just calling to tell you I would be over a little after 1," she said with just as much cheer as her morning greeting had been present of.


"The party doesn't start until 6, why so early?" I questioned, which received me a chuckle from Geno. He was obviously enjoying the fact that I was out of my element on this particular event. I glared at him while I waited for her response.


"Oh Ty," she laughed before continuing, "you may have to do your hair and make-up 5 times before you get the right look you are going for."


"Oh. Naturally," I answered with a large amount of sarcasm that got a laugh from both Jodi and Geno.

Geno's POV

As I lay here listening to her conversation with Jodi, I can't help but think about how our lease is going to be up in the middle of March, and how I would love to spend more of my mornings like this. With her. Only. Not that I don't love living with the guys. At the time, it had seemed like the perfect solution to everybodys housing dilemmas. But that was before I met Ty, and it's very rare that everybody is out of the house but us, allowing us to actually be alone, which is something I could grow more accustomed to.


So all of these thoughts lead to one thing. I want to get my own place, which I have already been looking for, and think I could have already found, and I want her there with me. No, better yet, I NEED her there with me. Even though I like the house, I want to make sure she approves as well. She's not like anybody I've ever met before, and after living with her in the same house for as long as we have, I don't think I could get use to her not being there. I just hope she will understand. I just hope that she won't freak out over this next level of commitment that I'm asking her to take.


"So, we have somewhere we need to be, so I suggest you run upstairs and get ready," I state with a smile. My vagueness makes her curious and makes a look of inquisitiveness rush over her face, which makes her look absolutely adorable.


"And where would that be?" she questions. I smile, knowing that surprises absolutely drive her crazy, because lets face it, she is quite the little control freak.


"The faster you get ready, the faster you can find out," I answer with devilish smile that receives me a cold stare from her.

Ty's POV

I walk downstairs to find him already ready to go, sitting on the couch. I can tell he is nervous about something, which in turn makes me a little nervous as well. I don't think I have ever seen him be unsure of himself, which can only bring out curiosity in my thoughts.

As I finally reach where he is, he doesn't say anything, but instead just stands up with a small smile and grabs my hand and leads me to his SUV. Before we get in, he hands me a blind fold to put over my eyes. I hold it in my hands, giving him a questioning look.

"Is this really necessary?" I ask while looking at it, and then at him.

"Yes," he replied simply while smiling that crooked smile of his that I love. That smile alone makes me give in and cover my eyes before he helps me into the car.

I am normally a modest person, but I know that I am very intelligent. Getting a perfect score on my ACT proves that, and even though I know I could easily figure out where we are going by the distances we went in whichever direction he chooses, I decide to play along, and actually let him surprise me. Even though I hate surprises, he is obviously excited about something, which just makes me want to humor him.

In enough time, he pulls the car to a stop. I hear his door open and then close before mine is opened and he helps me out.

"Can I take this off yet?" I ask while reaching for the blind fold. One of his hands meet mine there, where he stops me from taking it off until we have stopped walking.

"Okay, now you can," he replies simply, and once again I hear the same tone to his voice that I had earlier, which only makes me even more curious as to what he is up to. When I finally open my eyes, I am completely at a loss of words at what I see. In front of me stands one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. If I could imagine the perfect home, this is what it would look like. (The top picture---> http://atxapartmentlocator.com/buy_a_home) I stand in awe, and look at the amazing view in front of me before I realize he is waiting for some kind of response.

"It's beautiful," I sigh. The look that crosses his face is one of relief. Like he is happy I approve. But I can still tell that he has more to tell me.

Geno's POV

I gave her a tour of the rest of the house, and was pretty pleased that she seemed to like it. I knew that the house was pretty extravagant, but I only want the best for her. And, the house was still painted white, so making it whatever she wanted it to be would be very easy and simple.

"Are you going to paint it?" she questioned. I chuckled a little before looking at her. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing. I was just thinking the same thing," I answered while smiling at her.

"We seem to do that a lot," she sighed while smiling back at me. "So, paint or not?"

I sat there for a minute, trying to consider the best way to approach this. "I was hoping you could help me out with that." She looked amused at what I was saying. I didn't know if that was a good sign or not.

"It's not my house, I shouldn't be the one making decisions," she answered quietly while shifting her gaze toward the open windows that showed the big back yard and averting her eyes from mine.

"But it could be," I replied while reaching for her hand. "You don't have to give me an answer today, but I want you to be with me Ty. I want you to move in with me."

Chapter 28: The Girls?--Unfortunately, Yes.

I rolled over into the heat of his body subconsciously. Waking up next to him wasn't a new feeling, but I still relished these moments that we could spend together like this. When his grip tightened around my waste, I knew he wasn't sleeping so I raised my head to glance up at him to see a smile on his face.

"What?" I questioned while he tucked a wild piece of hair behind my ear. His smile grew, but he didn't answer. "What!" I half yelled at him, which he responded to with a chuckle.

"If I would have known the make-up sex would be that good, I would have picked a fight with you sooner," he said while pinning me to the bed with his body.

"Ever then guy," I sighed while smiling up at him. He just continued to stare at me before he spoke up.

"The team Christmas party is this Saturday. I want you to come with me," he said while kissing down my jaw line. He knew that I didn't like going to things like this, and he was totally cheating by pressing his body up against mine because he knew what kind of effect that had on me. He noticed my answer of silence before pressing on. "Is that a yes?"

"That's not fair, it's cheating if you ask me while trying to seduce me," I sighed. I knew I would inevitably give in. I always did when it came to him. He could probably ask me to move to Mexico and I would gladly follow.

"Well is it working?" he laughed while trailing his hand down my abs and to the side of my hips.

"Unfortunately, yes," I answered simply.

"Well good," he said before his phone started to ring. He sighed while resting his head on my shoulder before rolling over and grabbing it off of the night stand and answering it quickly. The person on the other side of the line started talking quickly, so I gave him a questioning look and he just simply mouthed 'Mom'. Deciding that this could be a very long conversation, I headed down to the kitchen to get some breakfast to find Sid already down there with a woman. I couldn't tell who she was, because her back was facing me. As I walked past her I finally got enough of a look at her to figure out who it was. I turned around in shock.

"Jodi?" I asked while a smile crossed my face. Jodi was the first woman I had met at the arena. She worked in Mario's front office, and we had gotten along great from day one. I looked at her, then at Sid, and finally back toward her. Sid put my glances together and felt the need to explain.
"Not my doing," he explained while raising his hands in the air. "I was just as shocked to find her here this morning as you were," he continued while smiling.

"Then who--?" I started.

"Jordan," she whispered while blushing profusely. "I was trying to sneak out, figuring nobody would be up when he caught me," she said while point toward Sid, who still had that dorky smile on his face. "Is he always up this early?" she questioned while looking toward me.

"Unfortunately, yes," I sighed before having to duck out of the way of a muffin that was flying at me from his direction.

When I went to open the refrigerator door I caught a glimpse of my knuckles. Black and blue, of course. It was then that I realized that he had noticed too.

"Hows the hand?" he questioned while smiling at me. Why was he always effing smiling...

"Better than I expected," I said while flexing my fingers that were actually pretty stiff.

"I'm glad you did it, because if you wouldn't have, I definitely would have been getting fired pretty soon," Jodi laughed.

"It was time somebody put her in her place huh," I added while laughing as well.

"So I'm assuming he asked?" she piped in from his place at the bar.

"If you are referring to going to the Christmas party, then yes," I said while ducking my head in the refrigerator, trying my best to avoid this particular discussion. I still wasn't to fond of the whole idea.

"Finally!" Jodi exclaimed, jumping up. "You have to go with me and the girls today! It will be so much fun."

"The girls?" I asked with an obvious amount of terror in my voice that made Sid chuckle.

"Yes! Vero, Mel, you know, the whole group. Getting dresses and what not. Its only a day away you know."

"How long have you and Jordan been together?" I asked trying to avoid the subject.

"About 2 months, and don't change the subject, you are coming. Go on, go get dressed. I'll meet you in 15," she shouted over her head as she ran off in the direction of Jordy's room.

"Shit," I mumbled softly.

"Have you ever even tried on a dress?" Colby laughed while entering the room.

"Funny," I muttered while rolling my eyes and heading up to my room to get ready. In a matter of 10 minutes I was ready to go, so I headed into Geno's room where I found him still on the phone.

"I know mom. I'll ask," I heard him mumble quietly. I glanced downstairs to see if Jodi was ready while he wrapped up his talk with his mother, and I didn't see her yet so I assumed I had a little bit more time.

"Where are you going?" he asked after realizing that I was dressed for the day.

"Jodi is insisting that I go dress shopping," I sighed.

"Jodi?" he questioned.

"Yes, when I went downstairs earlier, she was down there. She spent the night with Jordan," I said while smiling.

"Really now.."

"Yep. So now I get to spend a day pampering myself with the girls," I said with an immense amount of sarcasm.

"It will be fine," he insisted.

"What did your mom want?" I asked, trying to change the subject. A smile crept on his face before he answered.

"She was actually just calling to see if you were coming with me for Christmas. I guess you are a hot commodity in DuBois," he chuckled.

"Do you want me to come?" I asked quietly.

He took my head in his hands and made me look him in the eye before he answered. "Of course. Now go have a good time with the girls pampering yourself."

"I don't like being pampered," I pouted while heading out the door with him following me.

"I know. What time is your doctors appointment today?"

"Not until 5."

"Well, then you only have 6 hours to be tortured for the day," he answered with that mischievous grin of his.

It was like they were a group of 5th graders, and I was their shiny new toy. I knew I had a budget to follow, unlike them, but that didn't seem to phase them. They insisted I buy a green dress (http://www.shopbop.com/backless-chiffon-dress-foley-corinna/vp/v=1/845524441829295.htm?folderID=2534374302023758&extid=yahoo_shopping-FOLEY20172) because it would make my eyes stand out, and also told me that a black pair of shoes made the outfit look classic (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DI6KR0/ref=asc_df_B001DI6KR0701247/?tag=yahoo-other-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B001DI6KR0&linkCode=asn). After everyone had found an outfit about 3 hours later, they headed to the nail salon with me in tow. I had never had fake nails before, but I could already tell I wouldn't like them and they would get in my way.

After the nail salon we headed to a hair dresser where Vero begged me to get my bangs cut because I had wonderful cheek bones and I needed to show them off. I agreed, knowing that I would pull them back out of my face 90% of the time anyways.

After every body's hair was done and we had had a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop we finally headed home. I had an overall good time. It was nice to be around girls after living in a houseful of guys, even though I must admit I would have had a better time doing something other than shopping. They dropped me off at home, and I had to drag myself up the front stairs. Who knew a day of shopping required so much energy.

After I had finally managed to get inside, I shut the door and leaned against it with my arms full. I laid my dress bag across the back of an empty chair before sitting my bag that contained my shoes down on the floor. All the guys looked at me in shock and Geno's look was priceless. I knew I must look ridiculous as Max and Marc headed over to evaluate.

"Woah, you look hot," Max commented while pulling my arm and making me spin around. "Nice subtle make-up, not overbearing."

"And your new hair cut shows off your high cheek bones," Marc added.

"Where have I heard that before," I mumbled before making my way over to the couch to steal one of the seats they had just vacated.

"Did you get a dress?" Jordan asked while not taking his eyes off of the TV.

"Yes," I sighed.

"Do we get to see it?" Geno asked. I could tell he was curious as to what it would look like.

"You can't," I said while smiling.

"But we can?" Kris asked while pulling the dress bag off the edge of the chair.

"Yes, I need opinions anyways," I answered. So I headed up to my room with everybody but Geno in tow. He just sat on the couch and pouted. I made my way into the bathroom to change and couldn't believe what I saw in the mirror. It looked like me, just a better version of me. I slipped my dress and shoes and rested my crutches against the counter before opening the door and stepping out. I knew the dress was pretty short. On a person of average height, it would have hit at the knee, but for me it hit about 5 inches lower than mid thigh. And I knew that the deep neckline and open back was pretty revealing for me. The looks on their faces made me nervous, so I had to break the silence.

"Too much?" I asked while pulling at the bottom of it, hoping it would magically grow longer. The girls had insisted I get this dress because it showed off my amazing legs, but I was skeptical.

"Holy shit," Colby sighed while looking me up and down again.

"What?" I questioned. "I brought you guys up here for an opinion."

"No it looks good,"Max spoke up. "Too good, actually," he laughed. "Are you sure you want Geno?" he continued.

"Ugh, get out of here!" I joked while smiling and launching a pillow in his direction.

Geno's POV

I didn't think it was fair that everybody got to see the dress but me. I knew she would look amazing, and their reaction just clarified that assumption. I could hear them all making a big deal about it, whistling and what not, but I knew there was a good chance she would rescind her decision to go if I pushed her to make me see it, so I sat on the couch and waited patiently.

Soon enough, all the guys came down and minutes later she appeared. It was time to take her to her doctors appointment, so we got in my SUV and started the 20 minute drive. I reached over for her hand, like I always did, as soon as we were on the highway. I could only laugh slightly at the sight of her hands.

"Bruised knuckles and a manicure, huh?" I laughed. She just blushed and smiled while turning her head toward me.

"Not really my style, I know," she said while holding her hands up and then pointing to her hair. "But Vero insisted, and I didn't feel like putting up a fight," she sighed.

"Where was that mentality last night," I muttered while rubbing my hands over her knuckles, only to receive an icy glare from her.