Chapter 56: A Proper Welcome Home

In excitement for tonight's game, watch this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmhXHL_10zU It like gave me the chills the first time I watched it. And you know, I never thought about doing a MAF story, I don't know why. He's one of my faves, so idk why it didn't dawn on me to write about him lol. He's so dorky, I just love him. :-) I was originally going to write about Taylor Pyatt instead of Geno, but I'm not so sure that would be the best thing considering the circumstances. Anyways, here's the next update!

Geno's POV

I look up after feeling the couch dip, my eyes roaming over her still bare legs, trying my hardest not to lean toward her.

I can only hold my breath as I watch her slide closer to me, her soft skin pressing against mine. She curls up next to me, resting her head on my chest while looking up at me with an innocent smile, which is ironic because the thoughts roaming through my mind are anything but innocent. Resting one arm on the couch, I lean over to turn out the light before reaching for the blanket on the back of the couch. After getting situated and comfortable, she snuggles in closer to me, and I find myself using all the self-control I have to behave myself, to not act out on the visions playing like a movie in my head. I lay there, feeling her cool skin pressing against me and I know that my heart is beating far too fast for someone who is suppose to be comforting her. I know she's had a rough week, being sick and all, but I still can't gain control of the thumping of my heartbeat as she subconsciously traces the outlines of my abs, which is nothing new, but normally, I don't have rules that I need to abide by like I do tonight.

I know that I need to think about something else, but I can't help but concentrate on her steady breathing as I inhale that sweet smell of vanilla that her body wash smells of, which reminds me too much of the memory that comes into my mind about what happened on this exact couch what seems like days ago, while her hand trails up my chest. I look down at her, but my eyes still haven't adapted to the darkness yet, so all I can make out is the silhouette of her body pressed next to mine. I close my eyes and sigh and try once again to think about other things, like hockey, like that knee to knee hit Gonch took last game and wonder if he is okay, but then I feel her inching her way to my neck, pressing her lips to the spot that she knows drives me crazy, and I know that I am completely under her control now.

“Ty...” I groan in a warning tone as she straddles my legs, but yet I can't stop my hands from moving and getting a firm grip on her ass.

“Please,” she whispers while placing her lips over the pulse in my neck, “I've missed you.” She doesn't give me time to come to my sense and tell her no before her hand slides lower, down beneath the waistband of my boxers. I can't help but let a groan escape my mouth as she wraps her hand around me, even though I know that that is only making her think she's winning, which is absolutely true. I know that there is no way I could tell her no now, not when I've missed her this much.

Trying to gain some control back, I pick her up in my arms and reverse our positions, laying her beneath me. Having now adjusted to the darkness, I gaze down at her, at the way my jersey clings to her soft curves, at the way she looks and feels laying under me. I see the speculative look on her face, as if she's thinking exactly what I'm thinking, or wondering if I'm thinking it's clear on her face what's running through her mind, or better yet wondering how long I'm going to sit here and negotiate things like this through my head before just kissing her. As if she is too impatient to wait and let me decide, she wraps her hands around the back of my head and tangles her fingers through my hair, lightly pulling my lips down to hers.

Giving in to her, I cover her mouth with mine, kissing her tenderly, ignoring the urge to rush things, not tonight. Her body answers my touches by pressing against mine, but not with the urgency she possessed minutes before. No, this time her body is soft and plaint beneath mine. My hands trail to the small of her back, pulling her body against mine so there is no space between us, and I feel her legs wrap around me in response.

I pull back from her, glancing down at my jersey that still clings to her curves. I ponder for a couple of seconds before opting to leave it put, for now at least, before grabbing for the lace of her panties instead. She slides her fingers through my hair, an eager smile crossing her face before she pulls my lips back down to hers and makes my pulse quicken, and she's barely even touched me yet.

Ty's POV

After I finally get him to give in, I fight with the waistband of his boxers as he kisses me before finally pulling and tugging enough that he kicks them off easily, sending them to the floor where they mingle with the rest of the clothing that has already been shed.

“Are you sure?” he asks in a husky voice. I nod in response, knowing that even as weak as I am, I've missed him and want, no need to be close to him, need for him to hold me in his strong embrace.

Our bodies find the same easy rhythm they normally do, and in what seems like no time at all, my sighs are matching his moans before fireworks go off in my head, leaving me breathing heavily and making him rest his head on my shoulder as his breathing slows down as well.

I look up at him as he pulls his face away from mine, cupping my head in his hands, making me lean into his touch before he kisses me lightly on the forehead. I let my hands roam from his tone back down to his muscular arms, and I feel him hardening again as his lips move to my neck, his hands separating my thighs for the second time tonight.

"Geno," I sigh, "I'm already sore and tired, I don't know if I can again," I finish in a breathy tone as he enters me again, making a gasp escape from my lips. He pulls back enough to look at my face, and I know he sees desire written all over it by the way he smiles in response.

"I'll take up up for a bath later, I promise," he says while pressing his forehead against mine, starring intently into my eyes before he makes his first thrust, making me bite down on his shoulder to stifle the yelp I want to let go. I know I could ask him to stop, and he would automatically, but as he looks down at me, I hide any look of discomfort as I allow him to take me over the edge again. As he continues to move, the pain ebbs as my thighs start to quiver, and I start to wonder if I will ever get tired of him, or if I will ever be able to tell him no.

Chapter 55: Caving In

Woo!! Pens kicked some *ss tonight! And, GENO WITH THE HAT TRICK!! I wasn't even going to post this tonight, but I'm just so darn excited about the game, I couldn't help myself. And I know this is a late night post (or maybe REALLY early for some of you..), but like I said, I'm so friggin excited that it's making me restless and I can't sleep. :-) Oh, and I have ideas for a 4th story, (no, I promise I'm not insane..), but I don't know who I want the leading male to be, so if you have any suggestions, let me know.

Geno's POV

I pull my car into the garage, anxious to see her after being gone on a rather long road trip. I come into the house, thinking she will be up in bed but as soon as I open the door I can see her curled up in the over-sized chair in the living room, covered completely with a blanket. I make my way into the living room and sit down on the edge of the chair. I brush the hair out of her face, waking her up gently. She opens her eyes as a lazy smile crosses her face.

"You're home," she says while pulling the blanket up closer to her face, if that was even at all possible.

"Yeah," I say with a smile before bending down toward her, wanting to kiss those lips of hers that have plagued my dreams for the past couple of nights. When she realizes what I'm about to do, I can see the fear enter her eyes before she pulls the blanket further up, successfully protecting her lips from mine. I stare at her in bewilderment, not knowing where this is coming from. As if she can read my mind, she speaks up to explain.

"Contagious," she mumbles while shrugging her shoulders, a faint smile showing in her eyes. I shake my head, thinking she is just being over cautious. I grab for the blanket, but she is still reluctant and fights me the whole time, eventually her weak body giving in, not being able to exert much energy. I finally get the blanket pulled away from her face and start to lean down toward her again, but she once again denies me.

"Geno, no," she says while placing her hand on me chest. I look at her, slightly irritated at her for being so difficult, but then my eye sight slides down to the hand that is holding me back from her. My line of sight trails from her arm up toward her body, a smile crossing my face. She has one of my jerseys on, for the first time I might add.

The frown on my face turns into a smile as I take the blanket in my hand and slowly start to pull it away from her. She doesn't fight me, probably knowing exactly what I'm thinking right now. I finally pull the blanket away from her, and am completely caught off guard when I find nothing but lace where I figured I'd find the silk of athletic shorts or the soft cotton of a pair of sweats. I smile up toward her, not believing that out of all the times she chose to do this to me, she has to be 'off limits', or at least she is suppose to be.

"I was cold," she explains with that devilish smile that drives me crazy.

"This is so not fair," I sigh while leaning down to press my lips to her forehead, which she actually allows me to do. "Tomorrow makes a week, right?" I ask while making a line of kisses from her jaw to right back behind her ear. I can feel her nod her head as she leans away from me, giving me more skin to work with. I can't stop the smile from growing on my face, knowing that she is caving.

Ty's POV

"And, technically it is past midnight," he says in a husky voice, and I know that if I look up into his eyes the desire in his eyes will match the desire in his voice and touch. I think about closing my eyes and ignoring him, but that would be rude, and to be honest I don't want to. He isn't the only one that has suffered from his long road trip. Even though I have practically slept the whole time he was gone, that is regardless to the way I wished I could have been curled up in his arms at night instead of trying to find comfort in sleeping alone.

He looks down at me, and I can almost see him shake the idea out of his mind before he gets up and heads into the kitchen. I follow him, something I know he didn't anticipate because when he turns around, he stares at me and gives me his usual 'what are you doing?' look.

"I don't want to be alone. I've been by myself for about a week now, it gets boring.." I say with a small shrug before walking over toward him. I make my way over to him and just lay my head on his chest, loving the way his arms automatically envelope me and hold me close to him.

Geno's POV

I hear her walking on the tile floor after me, and I know that as much as I would like to be in the same room with her right now, that is merely impossible without wanting to act out on the one single thought that keeps running through my mind, and I know that I can't because she is sick. I turn around to look at her, and almost regret it immediately after I do because my mouth literally goes dry. My jersey barley hits her mid-thigh, exposing her luxurious legs to me, which definitely isn't helping my current state.

She makes her way toward me and lays her head on my chest, so I hold her close to me and try to remind myself that we can't do anything right now, but that doesn't stop my blood from rushing in a southward direction from the way her body is pressed next to mine.

She just leans against me, heavy in my arms while her cheek rests again my chest. I sit there and listen to her slow breathing and can feel her grip on me loosen. I finally take a peek down at her and find that her eyelids are drooping, sleep rushing over her.With a smile, I lean down and scoop her up with ease and carrying her to our bedroom. Pushing the door open with my foot, I walk over to the bed and lay her down as gently as I can. She doesn't wake, only mumbles before turning over and pulling her knees up to her chest.

Considering the way my body was reacting to mere minor touches by her, I opt to head to the bathroom to take a shower instead of curling up next to her warm body.

Ty's POV

I awake, finding myself alone in our bed, much like I had the past few nights while he was gone. I cock my head to the side and listen intently, thinking he might possibly be in the shower or something, but hear nothing. I slide out of the bed and head downstairs, just wanting to be around him, wanting to be cuddled within his arms. As I reach the edge of the stairs, I see him curled up on the couch and my heart melts. I make my way down toward him and sit on the edge of the couch and can't help but think he looks as innocent as a child as he sleeps, but then my eyes move lower and roam over his bare chest, the way his shorts sit low on his hips, the goody trail that leads right up to the waist band of them, and I can only laugh when I realize he is making me think anything but childish and innocent thoughts as I curl up next to him on the couch, relishing on how he automatically pulls me closer to him.

Chapter 54: Not Meant To Be

Finally got enough inspiration to write a Max story. Link in the sidebar ---> This is an extremely short update, and for that I am sorry. I don't have a lot of time because my Baccalaureate is tonight, but I hate leaving everything hanging for so long, especially when it was kind of a cliffhanger.. Graduation is on Tuesday, so I wouldn't expect to much action from my blogs until probably Thursday at the earliest.. lol

Ty's POV

I leave the doctor's office and head straight for my car, dreading the conversation I know I'm going to have to have with him. He seemed so excited at the mere thought of me being pregnant, but I honestly thought I was. I was about a week and a half late, which is very rare for me, not to mention how a little amount of activity would wear me out. Who would have thought that I was just showing the early signs of mono..

I finally make it to my car and as I slide into it, I realize that I'm completely devastated too. Now I know what Jodi was talking about. I was completely horrified when it first occurred to me that I could be, but after the reaction I got from him, he made everything seem so clear, like it was suppose to happen and everything was perfectly fine. In time, I had even really started to like the whole idea of it. I could picture it in my head, him coming home off of a road trip, finding me curled up on the couch, obviously trying to wait up for him but inevitably giving into the pull of sleep before he returned home. I reach for my phone, but the first tears slide down my face, so I decide to take a minute to compose myself before calling him. When about 5 minutes have passed, I decide that maybe a text will do justice.

Geno's POV

I get done with my morning skate and make my way into the locker room, only to find a message from Ty. I open it, and can't help but be upset when it's not the text I had been hoping to receive.

False alarm.. just the early stages of mono. I knew that someday I wanted a family, and I also knew I wanted that family to be with Ty, even though she was skeptical about being a mother. I couldn't really blame her, she didn't really have the best example growing up. Even now, her mother was a perfect example of selfishness, something I don't think Ty has an ounce of. I saw the way her and Jodi helped Ryan's wife when they moved, looking up good grade schools for their kids in Dallas. She's always thinking about everybody else, putting herself aside.

Are you okay? I text back, finally realizing just how much I was looking forward to the whole idea of her being pregnant. She texts back almost immediately, making me think that she probably isn't alright.

Mentally or physically? Leave it to Ty to try and lighten the mood...

Both I reply in a hurry, getting my stuff rounded up to head back to the hotel.

Mentally, I will be. Physically, the doctor said I won't feel like myself for probably 3 weeks or a month, and I'm not suppose to be around people for about a week or so because I'm contagious.

Alright, you should probably rest. I'll call you after the game.. Finally reaching my car, I get in, wishing I could be at home with her, instead of on this road trip. Contagious or not, just holding her in my arms could probably make me feel better.

---- P.S.---- I'm so sorry for all the hype of a pregnancy. I never really thought everyone would unanimously like the idea of that, but truthfully I never intended for her to be pregnant right now. It doesn't fit in the story. :-) Once again.. sorry.

Chapter 53: Normally

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers reading.. :-)
Yayy!! Another over-time win. Take that Ovechkin.. haha
And, sorry for the lack of updates on the other story. With school ending soon and this being my senior year, things are getting kinda hectic. I also got caught up in this story.. lol But hopefully there will be an update coming soon, with the possibility of a first chapter of another story, Max being the key component. Just to be completely truthful, I said it's a possibility.. not a sure thing..

Ty's POV

I lay motionless, allowing myself to snuggle into his wide chest and relish on the security his big arm wrapped around me, holding me against him creates. I love nights like this. Neither of us feel the need to break the silence, just laying here together is enough. As his head rests in the middle of my back, I'm not sure if he's sleeping or not, but either way, I enjoy just letting him hold me.


Right now, I have no doubt that he cares for me. But, I know that the moment I see some beautiful woman flaunting her stuff in front of him, jealousy will be my key emotion, and that will turn into insecurity like it normally does. I know that he will be coming home to me, and I wish I was the type of person that had enough self confidence to never let that idea falter from my mind, but I also know that that won't be the case, just like it normally isn't.


As I lay silently in the dark, I can only figure that this all comes back down to one thing. I love him. That has to be the answer to all this madness that I configure in my mind. It has to be why those girls make me jealous, even when he pronounces his love for me all the time. I'm scared to lose him.. because quite frankly he is the best thing that has happened to me in a while. He's been here for me when my family hasn't..


The thought of the term 'family' once again has my mind doing somersaults as I can only think of the maybe-crisis that could be forming. I sigh before snuggling deeper into his chest, trying not to ruin a good moment.

Geno's POV

I feel a warm body press into mine making me hold onto it closer and tighter, just as if it were a pillow. I try to snuggle into that body, pushing and molding myself to it but I hear a deep sigh that sounds plagued with thoughts, so I force myself to open my eyes. When I manage it, I look down and see that Ty is awake again, or maybe still awake, I'm really not sure between the two.


"What are you thinking about?" I ask. "Ty?" I continue when she doesn't answer after a couple of seconds.

"Hmm?" she responds, finally raising her gaze up toward mine. She's distracted, another sign that she is definitely worried about something.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask again, making sure I keep any ounce of frustration out of my voice.

"Oh.. nothing important. Don't worry about it," she answers quickly but not at all convincingly. I cock my head to the side a little, before continuing once again.

"Ty, really, what's wrong?" I plead, hoping just this once she won't be stubborn but knowing that she probably will be, like normal. I place my lips on the back of her neck while trying to wait patiently for her to spit out whatever is on her mind.

"You want kids someday, right?" she blurts out, still keeping her head facing away from me. I pull my lips away from her neck before chuckling a little bit.

"That is whats got you all upset?" I ask with a laugh, turning her to make her look at me.

"You do though, right?"

"Yeah, someday," I answer. "Where is all of this coming from?" I ask quizzically, because quite frankly this conversation is out of the blue. She ducks her gaze from mine again, and I can only assume that whatever is running through her mind is horrible, which is why she is having a hard time spitting it out. I roll her over, pinning her to the bed with my body so she can't try to avoid me anymore. I need answers..

Ty's POV

I sit, letting him stare down at me quizzically, not really knowing how I want to approach this. I do feel a little more secure knowing that he wants kids in the future. He said someday though.. someday is a broad term, but I don't think he meant 'someday' as in exactly count 9 months from now. Of course he wants kids.. I mean we've never discussed the matter before, but I've seen how he is around little kids. I sigh before speaking up, knowing that he could have one of two reactions to what I'm about to say.

"What if it was sooner rather than later...?" I ask before finally looking up into his eyes, only to see him starring back at me, still completely confused.

"Ty, please stop talking all abstract," he says while shaking his head. I sit there, dreading his reaction. In the time I sit there and blame myself, he finally puts the pieces together. "Are you pregnant?"

"I.. I don't know. I mean, I'm not sure..." I stutter, waiting for the Jekyll-Hyde transformation to occur. I sit patiently, but when he doesn't get mad I continue. "I'm late.." I continue while shrugging my shoulders as the waterworks begin to fall. "I mean I'm on the pill, but it doesn't always work.." I look up at him, and am shocked when I see he almost has a look of mystified glee on his face, a slight smirk that makes me cock my head to the side. He places his hands on both sides of my face, like he always does when he's trying to soothe me or make me calm down.

"Ty, this isn't a bad thing.." he says while kissing my forehead. I open my eyes and can't believe what I see. He's happy about this..

"It's not?" I sob while his lips move to my neck.

"No," he mumbles before pulling back and looking at me again. "Not at all." Normally, the look he gives me would send chills down my spine. Not that it isn't now, but there's more behind it. It's almost a look of pride.. like he is proud of me... and that only makes the waterworks start up again.

Geno's POV

The alarm ringing so early in the morning is not exactly what I call a pleasant wake up call. I look over at Ty's still sleeping form and just shake my head at how much of a hard sleeper she is when she's exhausted, which is partially my fault. I don't know what it is, but just knowing that there is even the possibility that she's pregnant made me want her even more. No, kids weren't planned into the equation right now, but the more I think about it, the more I'm loving the idea. I know she was skeptical, but I don't think I could be happier right now.

I finally force myself out of bed and head to the bathroom to get ready. I shut the door, not wanting the light to wake her up. If she really is pregnant, she's going to need all the rest she can get. I grab my bags, look at her one more time before heading down the stairs to meet the plane. Of all the times we have a road trip.. naturally it has to come at a time like this.

When I get down the stairs, I realize I forgot my cell phone so I run back upstairs and grab it. As I'm reaching for it on the night stand, I accidentally knock over a picture frame, making it tumble to the ground with a loud crash. I look over at Ty, hoping now more than ever her hard sleeping habits are pulling through, but no of course not. She sits up before grabbing for her robe, obviously thinking she needs to get up like normal.

"No, it's okay. Stay where you are. I think I can manage finding my way to the door," I laugh before kissing her and getting up off the bed. Naturally, she doesn't listen to me, just like she normally doesn't.

"I wanna walk you to the door," she says while pulling the sash closed on her robe and tying it.

"Come on," I sigh, motioning for her to climb on my back like our normal routine. I walk down the stairs and over to the counter in the kitchen before sitting her down. I turn around and look at her, only to see her biting on her lip like she does when she's nervous.

"Call me when you find something out?" I ask before kissing her one more time. She nods her head before I hurry out the door, knowing I'm going to be late once again.

Chapter 52: Foolishness

Okay first off, check this story out. http://hockeystories11.blogspot.com/ She just started writing, but I'm liking where it's going. Leave her some comments too. I know that when Ms. Ellen dropped me my first comment I got more excited about writing. I know for me, when people leave comments its like a form of inspiration, making me want to put the next chapter up immediately. :-) It's a pretty short one because my night is pretty packed, but I didn't want to leave you all hanging too long..

Ty's POV

I stand in complete shock after I hear the door click shut. It all seems so simple. I should have had more faith in him. Never once did he show any signs of cheating, and the first indication I have I throw in his face, not letting him explain and doing the thing that was the easiest, bailing. Some of the things he said did hurt, but it was deserving. His words sunk deep, making me realize that he was exactly right. I thought I was putting everything into this relationship, but now I see that I was waiting for an excuse to leave, waiting for him to fail so I could throw it in his face, a system of self protection I didn't even realize I was using. The tears start to roll down my face as I sit down on the couch, resting my head in my hands in defeat, wondering if I pushed this beyond fixing level. I can only pray that he finds it in himself to forgive me..

I grab all my stuff and make my way down to the front desk to check out. I know what I need to do, but as I make my way back to our house, I prepare myself for all the possible outcomes. I know there's a chance that he could possibly be done fighting with me..

I pull into the drive way and just sit there, trying to get up enough courage to drag myself into the house and beg for his forgiveness. I open the door hastily, wishing I hadn't have put myself in this situation in the first place. When I see he's not in the living room, I quietly shut the door before placing my bag on the ground. I walk through the entryway and around the corner and see him standing in the kitchen. I slink around the corner, fresh tears starting to escape from the corner of my eyes as his gaze catches mine.

Geno's POV

I knew she would come, but as I watch her make her way toward me, I can see how scared and timid she is, probably thinking I'm ready to throw her aside. She stands on the other side of the counter, judging my reaction.

"Come here..." I say softly, extending my arms in her direction. I can see the relief in her expression as she quickly makes her way toward me and into my arms.

"I'm sorry," she sobs, hiding her head in my neck. I place my hands on the sides of her face and pull it back, looking her in the eyes. "I'm so sorry..." she continues.

"It's okay," I shrug, using my thumbs to wipe the tears from her face.

"No, it's not.." she sighs, shaking her head defiantly. "I jumped to conclusions.." I pick her up and sit her down on the counter, bracing my arms against it as I try to figure out how I want to approach this.

"Ty, at some point you are going to have to trust me. Completely," I add, admitting she's already came a great way from what we started at.

"I know," she sighs. "But, I just see all these girls throwing themselves at you all the time, and even though I don't want to admit it, it makes me insecure. You understand, don't you?"

"Yes, I see where you are coming from," I answer. When she averts her gaze to the ground, I place my hand under her chin, making her look at me. "But I don't care about any of those girls. You're the only one I want."

"I know, I just have trouble accepting that sometimes.."

"Well you need to start to," I say, cupping her head in my hands before I kiss her. "Besides, you have enough mood swings to keep me completely occupied," I add with a laugh. She shoves me slightly, but I can still see a smile pulling at the corner of her lips. "You have to be able to see how much I care for you..." She bites her lip, an adorable habit she always does when she's nervous, before she simply shakes her head up and down. "Maybe you just like it when I prove it to you," I continue while raking her hair out of my way, placing my lips on her neck.

Ty's POV

"Maybe..?" I say weakly, his lips already having their normal effect on me. He pulls away for me enough that I can see the malicious smile cross his face, making it easy for me to see the desire in his eyes that sends a chill down my spine. He pulls me off the counter and into his arms, my legs wrapping around his waist as his lips find mine again. As he carries me up the stairs, I reach for the hem of my shirt and pull it over my head, throwing it somewhere on the floor.

He moves toward the bed, laying me gently down on it before reaching for the hem of his own shirt, giving me a good chance to look over his flexing biceps, pronounced six-pack, and that goody-trail...

He climbs toward me, and I feel my heart rate pick up in anticipation. I don't know how I could have been so foolish.. I should have known how much he cares about me. The tears start to fall again and I'm completely powerless to stop them as I think about just how stupid I've really been. He pulls away from where his lips were working on my neck, and the tenderness I see in his eyes steals my breath away.

"I'm so sorry," I reiterate for the thousandth time as he kisses every inch of my face.

"Shh.. it's okay," he whispers as he's reaching for the waistband of my pants, and I can decided that everything is better than just that.

Chapter 51: Mistake

Okay, when I first chose to make this little 'bump in the road' between Geno and Ty, I really didn't know what I wanted the outcome to be. Do they break up, does she forgive him, was it all really a misunderstanding... you get the idea. But, while all my friends were at prom last night, I sat at home typing away at my computer and wrote, rewrote, and rewrote once again until I finally came up with this. So, hope you all are happy with my decision. Enjoy! :-)

Ty's POV

I sit in my hotel room, looking out the window at the town of Pittsburgh, silently letting the tears roll down my face. I try to tell myself that I need to be tougher, that I need to let it go. Except I cant. I know that I should be able to move on, to just pick up the pieces and start over. Except I cant. I reach for the tub of ice cream I bought earlier and take another scoop of it before I hear a knock on my door. I sigh before wiping my face free of tears and heading in that direction. I open the door to find Jordan and Jodi on the other side.

"Oh my gosh, we have been looking everywhere for you!" Jodi exclaims while pulling me into a hug. I look past her shoulder and over at Jordan and he just shrugs, knowing there isn't anything he can do about her. "What were you trying to do, a disappearing act?" she asks while letting go of me and heading over to the couch where I'm sure I'm about to get a lecture.

"Obviously I didn't do a very good job," I sigh while once again looking over at Jordan, seeing the concern in his eyes.

"You okay?" he asks while grabbing my shoulders and pointing me in he direction of the couch.

"Still working on that part.." I mumble while finally taking a seat. "How did you guys find out anyways?"

"Kris called Geno after you left, and when you never showed up at home Kris got worried and called and told us everything, thinking you would come to our house, which you should have," Jodi explains. "Have you talked to him since you left?"

"No. I just need some time before I face him again," I sigh, shrugging my shoulders before I hear another knock on the door. I make my way back over the door, opening it this time to reveal Kris.

"God Ty, next time you do something dramatic you should fill somebody in. We've been looking for you everywhere," he says while stepping in the door, finally seeing Jordan and Jodi on the couch.

"So I've heard.." I answer before shutting the door and making my way over to the sink and getting myself a drink of water. I love them all to death for trying, but all I really want to be right now is alone. As if on cue, Jodi is behind me.

"Why don't you take a shower or something. It might help you relax..."

"No I'm okay," I say while leaning against the counter, but Kris is still standing there, watching my every move. "I'll be fine, really," I offer, but it doesn't make the worry leave his eyes. "I'm tough," I add with a weak smile before I hear another knock on the door.

"What, did you guys have like a whole search party out looking for me or something?" I complain before once again heading to the door.

Geno's POV

After Jordan texted me the address of the hotel she was at, I got in my car and headed there right away. I'm still furious, but as crazy as she is, I love her. I pull into the parking lot minutes later and knock on her door.

"You need to listen," I say immediately as soon as she opens the door, pushing past her and into the hotel room to find Kris, Jordan and Jodi all standing by the window.

"Why, because you shoved your way in here? So not only do you have your fair share of fun and women, you're also a bully," she retorts while shutting the door, forcefully I might add, before crossing her arms over her chest, determination in her every move.

"I know what's really going on here.."


"Oh, this ought to be good," she replies sarcastically, still not moving from her position right in front of the door. "Let's hear it."

"You started to let yourself fall in love with me, and then this whole message fiasco put you over the edge. You've been waiting for me to screw up all along, just so you can distance yourself, put your guard up again," I start, knowing I'm pissing her off by calling her out, but as far as anger is concerned, I know right now I can definitely match her. "You keep all your focus on my short comings, because you are terrified. You took a risk, loving me, trusting me, and you're afraid that I'm going to leave, so you are preparing for the worst, protecting yourself by expecting me to screw up."

"Do not turn this around on me. I have done nothing wrong. You're the one that isn't satisfied with this relationship, so in other words, you're running away because things started to get messy. I can't believe I actually thought you could be a decent guy," she scoffs while shaking her head. I knew she would put up a fight, but I can only wonder when I'm going to stop underestimating her, because she's definitely ready to duke it out.

Ty's POV

"Ty, stop the lectures okay. I have been nothing but honest with you." His comments make me want to laugh, knowing he has been anything but honest.


"Really?" I reply in a harsh tone. "It's kind of funny in a way. All your lectures about how I live my small life, how I play things safe, and you're the one that turned out to be a coward. You're the one that's running. Congratulations, you got what you wanted. We're done.."

"See, this is exactly what I mean. You're so quick to the offense, I never know what's going to set you off. You're rigid, and inflexible. If you can't control how I feel, how I react, or who I talk to it's a major crisis," he counters, raising his voice which only infuriates me more. I walk past him and over to the couch, wanting nothing more than a large amount of space between us, but of course he follows. Then I see Kris, Jordan and Jodi look at each other like this is their chance to make an escape before they all trail out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.

"Don't you dare criticize me," I yell back. "I let you in, completely and I'm the one that got hurt. I can't take this anymore, I'm done.." I finish, raising my hands in surrender. I should have known that he was far from done... he's use to getting what he wants. But then again.. so am I.


"Of course you are, because you've already mapped it out in your head. There's no room for change, you already had the outcome figured out without even hearing my point of view. You're so determined to be right, to push me aside."

"Why can't you just admit you liked the attention, that it was great to relive the glory days," I counter, knowing it was a cheap shot, but it's exactly how I feel, and I'm way to pissed off to hold anything back now or be able to monitor the words that come spilling out of my mouth.

"You know what? You're right, it was great," he replies sarcastically.

"I knew it!" I shout, grabbing the closest thing to me, which luckily for him is a pillow off the couch, and chuncking it at him, feeling a little relieved, but not much.

"Yeah, I lost count of all the girls. Luckily, me and Max have a little scoring system. Who could keep count.." he says while taking a couple of steps closer to me, so we are almost face to face.

"Oh yeah?"

"You know what? You won Ty, just like I told you. This is what you want to hear right? Evgeni Malkin groupies, just like the good ol' days."


"I knew it, just get out!" I shout while pointing to the door. When he doesn't move, I reach for another pillow and hurl it at him, but he stays put.


"You don't want me to tell you that I love you, that I want to spend every day with you, in the same house, curled up on the same couch." His words are still fierce, but the intensity I saw in his eyes when he first showed up is gone.

"Yeah, because your lying!" I say before picking up another pillow, and throwing it his direction with all the force I can muster.


"You only believe the bad stuff, that's all you do. It doesn't matter if I make a mistake and say sorry, that I might have grown up a little bit by being with you, because you're going to have to permanently let down your guard, you're going to have to believe me. No, it's easier to criticize me, to lock me out of a hotel door, to run away, to throw pillows at me."

"Yes, it is!" I shout, wishing I hadn't of ran out of pillows. His face is close to mine now, so I shove him away, but he doesn't move. I raise my arms to do it again, but his grab mine before I can do anything, holding them tightly in his grasp. I look up into his eyes, and the tears I was trying to fight back finally fall. As much as I want to hate him, I can't, which pisses me off even more.

"You're terrified, but I'm not your parents. I'm not going anywhere. The only thing that's going to keep us apart is you," he says while looking me directly in the eyes. He lets go of my arms before heading in the direction of the door. He stops halfway there and turns around one more time. "I told you that it wasn't what you thought it was. Carrie is a travel agent, I was going to surprise you with a trip to Ireland after the season as over." He stares at me for a moment before turning to leave once again. I watch him go, watch the way his t-shirt clings to the muscles in his back, watch the way his ass fits in those jeans and my mouth goes dry. I want to call him back, but when I open my mouth, nothing comes out, so instead I stand there motionless and watch him leave.

Chapter 50: Done

I keep telling myself to remain calm, to not let my imagination get the best of me. Maybe, just maybe he has a perfectly good explanation for all of this. Maybe she's a cousin I've never heard about..? Or, she's exactly what I think she is, a dirty whore that he has been seeing on the side. Yes, that has to be it. The tone of her voice was way to friendly for that of a relative, and he has been showering me with gifts and surprises more often lately. He must feel guilty.. either that or he has been laughing at how naive and gullible I am for who knows how long now. I can't believe I fell for his 'I love you, only you' mantra. Guys like him aren't a one woman type man.. I don't know why I didn't see that from the beginning. I can only blame myself as the first tear falls down my face, knowing I made a horrible mistake. A mistake trusting, counting on someone again. I knew it was to good to be true.. I should have known that I couldn't satisfy someone like him, should have known that I alone wouldn't be enough. I never have been, everybody leaving in some form throughout my life because I wasn't enough. You would think loneliness would be something I was use to by now, but not only do I feel the most alone I ever have, I also feel empty. Hollow, a massive part of me missing, all because I wasn't enough to hold his interest. I wasn't enough. I never will be...


My self-pity comes to an end, rage taking its place. This.. it isn't my fault. I've done nothing wrong, so I need to quit blaming myself for his mistake, and it is his. I have been nothing but accepting and appreciative, loyal and patient the whole time. I'm not the one that pretended to be something I'm not. No, I was myself, and it was me that ended up getting hurt in the end. I was the one played and manipulated. I was the one that looked like the fool..



The only thing I can think to do now is get the hell out of here. I don't want to be here when he gets home, so I run upstairs and grab a bag, packing as much clothing in it as will fit. I go into the bathroom, grabbing my toothbrush and things like that before I make my way back downstairs. As I'm coming down the stairs, I see lights shinning in the drive way. I'm too late, he's already home.



Moving to plan B, I drop my stuff by the couch as he's coming inside. He sees me standing there and the smile that crosses his face only makes makes me more furious. He makes his way to me, his smile fading when he sees the defiance in my look. He raises his arm to brush my hair out of my face, but I move out of his reach, a concerned look crossing his previously blank face.



"Did I do something..?" he asks while tilting his head slightly, leaving the question hanging as if he has no idea what this could be about. I march past him, careful to avoid his out-stretched hand as I make my way to where the answering machine is and press the play button, crossing my arms across my chest as I glare at him while the message plays, the same voice and words I haven't been able to get out of my mind for the past few hours playing through the speakers. When the message is over, a little smile comes across his face as he makes his way to me.



"This is what you're upset about?" he asks while pointing to the answering machine before once again reaching out to touch my arm.



"Don't touch me.." I whisper while shaking my head and closing my eyes, wishing very much I had thought of leaving sooner so I didn't have to go through this. When I finally open my eyes again, I can see that he is still waiting for my answer. "Yes, this is what I'm upset about," I reply in a harsh tone, and once again the smile crosses his face. I want very much to reach out and slap that condescending smile off his face, but I know it's way to early to lose my temper yet.



"It's not what you think it is.." he says with a shrug of his shoulders, as if that should be explanation enough.



"Then what the hell is it? Who the fuck is Carrie," I snarl, clenching my fists where they are hanging by my waste.



"This really isn't what you think it is," he repeats, but by this point the tears are on the verge of falling, and I know its beyond my control and I have every right to let them fall as the first one slides down my face.



"Then explain. Please.." I say while wiping at the tears before he has a chance to.



"I shouldn't have to," he replies with a another shrug of his shoulders.



"I can't believe this," I say while shaking my head and lowering it, looking at the floor instead of him because right now it hurts to much to look into those chocolate brown eyes. "How could you do his to me.." I finish while raising my hand and rubbing at the pain in my head that's just starting to pulsate. I look up at him one more time, and I can't take it anymore. I head over to my bag, pick it up and head for the door.



"Ty," he sighs while grabbing onto my arm, "where are you going?"



"I don't know. I can't take this anymore," I sob before turning around to attempt to leave again, but he doesn't let go and his grip gets tighter. I turn around to look at him, and the fury I see in his eyes scares me. As if he has anything to be effing angry about... I finally pull away and make my way to my car. I sit in my car, starring at him as he stands in the doorway, almost daring him to make the first move and practically praying he comes rushing down to the car and pulls me out of it and into his arms, offering a perfectly good explanation. But he does nothing, just stands there and stares back at me, so I throw my car into reverse and head off to the only place I can even think of going right now.

I knock on the door, standing in the pouring rain waiting for him to answer. He finally does, and I'm relieved to see his face. I know I can always count on Kris..

"God, you look like shit. What happened?" he asks while moving out of my way, letting me step inside. "Ty, why do you have a bag with you?"

"He cheated on me.." I sigh as he leads me over to sit down on the couch. He sits down on the coffee table in front of me and just looks at me before he finally responds.

"And you have proof?"

"She left a message on our answering machine.." I say, dropping my eyes from his.

"Ty, that doesn't mean anything.." he chuckles, trying to be optimistic, but it's not changing my view point at all. I've been hurt to many times.. I'm done. I can't fight any more..

"Well, it's not like he tried to stop me from leaving." He looks at me, thinking for a moment before he speaks.

"Ty, you can't stay here." I look at him, to see if he is actually being serious or not. The blank stare I receive tells me he definitely is.

"What?! You're seriously going to kick me out..?"

"If you didn't have anywhere else to go, you know I would let you stay. But you need to talk to him, so yes, I guess I am."

Not knowing what else to say, I get up and grab my bag and walk out the door for the second time tonight. I get in my car, not really knowing where I'm driving to, just knowing I need to get away. I could go to Jordan and Jodi's, but they are suppose to be getting back from their honey moon tonight, and well, I couldn't dare impose on them, so I do the next best thing and make my way to the closest Holiday Inn Express, thinking this will have to do for the time being.