Round 1 Game 5

Wow - I'm kind shocked anyone is reading this. Thanks for your comments. I posted two chapters - so don't miss the last one. Going on vacation - be back on the 9th. Thanks for reading


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Walking into Marc's apartment felt so good. I was so sick of bouncing from hotel to hotel. I had only been home briefly before heading to Philadelphia for Jordan's last game.

Marc walked over wrapping his arms around me and looked out the window with me. "I'm so glad you're here," he whispered.

"Me too." I said leaning back into him.

"Hey Caity, why are you here? I mean by my calculations you should be with Eric in New Jersey."

"Ya, but New Jersey isn't Manhattan."

"Ok, if you say so. I'm just willing to bet you're showing up here has more to do with the fact that your phone hasn't stopped ringing then that Manhattan is the center of your universe. Are you running away from some guy?"

"Mmm something like that," I replied. Marc dropped it which I was thankful for and ordered us Chinese.

My phone was ringing about every 20 minutes, each time it rang Marc would just look at me, but not say anything. Finally his phone rang and I held my breath. Please don't let that be Eric, I thought.

"Hey Eric." I heard, and knew I was done for.
"Ya she's here."
"She was at the game tonight."
"I don't know?"
"Why are you so pissed off?"
"Hang on...”

“He wants to talk to you." he said holding the phone out to me. I just shook my head no. Marc rolled his eyes.

"Sorry Er. she doesn't want to talk to you."
"Ok I'll tell her," Marc said as he hung up the phone.

He was giving me that look. Like I must have done something really bad. “What did he say?” I asked.

“That you are going to have to talk to him sometime, and he hope’s it’s before his game tomorrow." I could see Marc putting it together before he said. "So you were running away from Eric?”

How could I explain this? “Not really, well kinda. Would it be OK if we don’t talk about Eric?”

“Sure.” I was sure he figured whatever happened between Eric and I was my fault. He probably thought I was sleeping with one of Eric’s teammates, and that’s why he was so pissed.

The Chinese food arrived, and we took turns feeding ourselves and each other with chopsticks. The noodles were the most fun. We laughed and talked about old times like when the boys buried me in a mountain of snow. Jordan sat on me while Eric and Marc shoveled mountains of snow on top of me. When the snow was heavy enough to hold me down the three of them walked away and left me. “Thank God for Jared, or I’d probably still be in that snow bank.”

“No way Caity, we would have gotten board without you and come back.”

“Right.” I said doubtfully, getting up to look out the window again.

"I'm so jealous of you, ya know?"

"What? Jealous of what?" Marc asked.

"I love New York City. And here you are living in the heart of it."

"Well you can move in anytime, besides you've been living with Jordan long enough. He's had a bad influence on you."

"No he hasn't. I've had a bad influence on him." I winked at him. "I'd move in with you Marc, but I don't want to cramp your style. I'm sure this new girl of yours wouldn't take kindly to your hot, sexy, beautiful neighbor from Thunder Bay moving in."

Marc laughed at me. "You crack me up Caity."

"So how is miss sunshine? Have you told her that you loooove her yet?" I teased.

"No. I don't get to see her as much as I'd like to. I'm actually probably not going to say anything."

"Why not?" I asked like he'd said the dumbest thing I'd ever heard.

"Because she's complicated. I can't read her. I'm afraid I'll just make an ass out of myself." I could tell by the look on his face that this girl really had him wound up.

"God Marc, why don't you just sleep with her. It's so much less complicated."

This was not the response he was looking for cuz he walked away and went to sit on the couch. I watched him sit down sulking then ran over and jumped on his lap.

"Caitlin!"

I gave him my, I'm sorry I'm just a stupid girl look, which made him smile. "Come on Marc, you know you love me." I said.

"You got me there," he replied.

I figured it was time I try to be sensitive. Marc was obviously head over heels for this chick. "Ok, I'll pretend to be a real girl for a minute." Marc rolled his eyes at me again. "So you don't think this girl is into you?" I asked.

"I think she's afraid of relationships. Probably has something to do with the way she grew up."

"Marc you're such a charmer. I don't know how any girl can resist you. She has no idea how lucky she is that you're in love with her."

Marc was having trouble looking at me. I figured he wasn't used to me playing 'girl', and it made him uncomfortable. "I've tried to hint around and almost told her a couple times, but I just can't. You have no idea how insane she makes me."

"Since I'm being a girl, can I be completely honest with you?" Marc nodded. "You falling in love scares me to death." Marc finally looked me in the eyes, his expression was shocked, so I continued to explain. "It's just I'm afraid there are only four men in this world that I am capable of loving. Their last names are all the same. I know you are all going to fall in love one day, and that's when you won't need me anymore."

I stood up and walked over to the window watching the lights of New York City again. I was mad at myself for saying that. Marc's in love with someone and wanted to talk about her. I turned it around and made it about me. Marc's hands wrapped my waist. "Caity." he whispered.

I caught him before he could speak. “Marc, please don't say anything. I don't want you feeling bad for me. I'm going to get changed." I moved out of his arms and walked toward the bedroom.

After a minute, I ran back to the living room. “It’s a beautiful night. Let’s go for a walk.” I was already pulling on his arm to yank him off the couch, but he wasn’t budging.

“Caity, It’s 1AM. We’ll get mugged.”

“Look, you’re a big bad defenseman from the NY Rangers you can protect us. Besides if you don’t get up I’m calling Hank, he’ll go.”

Marc gave me a dirty look, but got off of the couch. I grabbed his hand and smiled up at him. “Come on cranky.” I teased.

“You make me crazy Caitlin!” He yelled at me as I closed his apartment door.

We walked and walked, and I knew he was tired but I just needed to clear my head. I couldn’t have gone at that time of night by myself. He kept hold of my hand, and I was glad that he did; it helped me to forget my Eric drama and the fact that Marc was love sick over some chick. Why couldn’t he be more like Jordan? That thought made me giggle. I bet Jordan doesn’t hear that very often.

“What are you giggling about?” Marc asked.

“I’m not sure I could translate it from my head to my mouth. I said smirking.

“What I wouldn’t give to get in that head of yours,” he said as we made the last turn back toward Marc’s apartment”

“Nothing interesting going on in there.” I assured him.

“Ya, but you’ve never really shared with me or told me secrets; you’ve always been closer with Jordan and Jared that way.”

I noticed someone sitting on the steps in front of Marc’s apartment, but blew it off to continue our conversation. I wrapped my arms around Marc’s waist, and his arm went around my shoulder. “That’s cuz I never wanted to annoy you with my feelings. I’ve always been just a silly little sister to you. I mostly wanted to stay out of your way so you didn’t decide to kick me to the curb.”

“Caity is that really what you thought?” Marc said, but my attention went back to the man on Marc’s step who was now standing and looking at us. Marc continued talking but I wasn’t listening. The man on Marc’s step was tall and built a lot like Marc.

I cut him off. “Wait Marc, please tell me that’s not your brother.” I said pointing.

“Ya, I think it is.”

Eric started walking toward us and when he reached us he didn’t say anything to either of us, but grabbed for me pulling me away from Marc. Marc looked angry and pulled me back to him. “What are you doing here?” I said nastily.

“Newark is just over the bridge, can’t I come to see my brother?” he asked.

“You can give whatever excuse you want, but it’s 2AM, and we all know the only reason you’re here is to see her. I told you she didn’t want to talk to you.” My eyes widened, and I looked up at Marc in shock. I was completely taken back that he was defending me.

Eric gave me a death look. “Did you tell him? You fucking told him!” Eric shouted.

“Told me what?” Marc demanded.

“No I didn’t tell him!” I yelled back.

I turned so I was only looking at Marc, and I had no view whatsoever of Eric. “Marc, I’m really sorry, but I need to work this out with Eric. Can you give me us some time?”

I could see in his eyes that he wanted an explanation. He kissed my forehead and walked past me and up the stairs to his apartment building. I noticed how Marc’s eyes lingered on us until the door closed. I wondered if he suspected. If it had been Jordan or Jared I would have known if they suspected, but Marc wasn’t as easy to read. I turned my attention back to Eric.

“Nice romantic walk with my brother?” Eric asked smugly.

So this is how it was going to be, I thought. “Is that what you think?”

“I don’t know what to think.” Eric snapped.

“You think I’m fucking Marc now? What about Jordan and Jared? Am I sleeping with them too?”

“So you aren’t sleeping with Marc?” he asked ignoring my Jordan and Jared comment.

“This is priceless! You’re jealous of Marc? You kill me, you just kill me. Go back to New Jersey.” I said trying to walk away, but his hand reached for my wrist and he pulled me back.

“Ouch!” I cried out. Eric had grabbed the same wrist that Alex Ovechkin grabbed earlier that night. It was now purple and swollen.

“You used to be so much tougher when you were a kid,” he teased, trying to let me know he didn’t mean to hurt me.

“I’m still tough Eric, otherwise how could I put up with all your bullshit. I just hurt my wrist earlier.”

Eric took a step closer to me and grabbed my hand so he could look at my wrist in the street light. “Who did this to you?” Eric asked looking like he was going to kill someone. “Did Marc do this?”

“NO!” I replied. “It happened at Marc’s game. It’s not a big deal.”

“I want to know who’d put a mark on you like this,” he demanded.

I liked the fact that he was being protective of me, and I could feel the anger I had toward him slowly evaporating. All I wanted was for him to care about me. I mean care about me as more than a ‘Great Fuck’ (his words not mine). “You put marks on me all the time.” I said pulling my sweatshirt down to reveal the latest one.

He didn't think it was funny. “Caitlin James. Tell me now!”

He was looking into my eyes, and I just couldn’t lie to him. “I had to walk through the visiting team’s side to get to Marc’s locker room. So I thought I had made it without anyone recognizing me, but I wasn’t so lucky.”

“Who did it!”

“Alex. Alex Ovechkin. I guess he thought I liked it rough.” I said the last part trying to make light of the situation.

“Caitlin, quit joking. It is not funny. Did you tell Marc?”

“No actually Sean Avery of all people showed up and saved my ass.”

Eric did something completely unexpected. He grabbed me and pulled me into him. At that moment I had forgiven him. This was all I ever wanted from Eric, for him to show me he cared about me. He tilted my chin up so our eyes met. “I love you Caitlin,” he said. My eyes closed and tears came to them. He wasn't telling me he was in love with me, I got that, and I didn't want that. I just wanted to know he cared about me and that's what those words meant.

"I'm going to fucking kill him. Wait until Marc hears about this." Eric said.

"No Eric. Please don't tell Marc."

"What, why not?"

"Because he's still playing the caps. The last thing I need is this becoming personal for Marc. He needs to focus."

"Fine I won't tell him, but you have to come back to NJ with me." Now Eric was behaving the way I was used to. His lips went to my neck.

I wasn't ready to go back there with him, the place where we had casual sex as often as we could get our hands on each other. "Down boy. How's that going to look to Marc if I up and leave tonight? If he's not suspicious, he will be if I leave with you."

"OK point taken. You stay here with Marc tonight. Will you meet me in the morning?" I gave him a look like I wasn't sure, and he responded with more kissing. "Come on Caitlin. Marc's gonna have to leave for DC anyway."

"Eric it's such a bad idea," I said his kisses starting to affect me.

"Mmm hmm. Terrible idea," he said knowing I was starting to weaken. His lips came to mine. "Meet me tomorrow Caitlin," he said kissing my lip softly.

I gathered all my strength and pulled away. "Eric, Can I come as your friend, and not, well whatever it is that we've become?"

"Yes. I just want my good luck charm with me."

Maybe we were actually making some progress. I smiled at him. "Ok, I'll be there. But you better go home and get some sleep. How else are you going to win tomorrow?"

Eric kissed my lips softly, and I turned to go back to Marc's apartment.
Marc was already asleep. I was relieved that I was going to get to avoid his questions for the rest of the night. I put on my boy shorts and tank and crawled into his bed.

"Caity, I have a guest room," he said obviously pissed off at me.

"You want me to go?" I asked sweetly.

"Nooo," he replied like a six year old. I nuzzled under his chin and his arms came around me, but his body stayed rigid. "Did you get everything worked out with Eric?" he asked.

"I think so."

"You gonna tell me what's going on?"

"I wasn't planning on it," I said honestly.

"I didn't think so."

I leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. His body relaxed, and he pulled me in tighter. I hoped not to have to resume this conversation in the morning.
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"Morning Jordan." I said into the phone.

"Hey if it isn't my absent room mate."

"Is that all I am to you Jordan?"

"No you're my soul mate Caitlin. The only other person in the world that can keep up with me."

I smiled. "That's more like it."

"Hey what's up with Eric. He called me yesterday wanting to know if I knew where you were. Didn't you got to NJ to meet him?"

"Ya, but I decided to go to New York instead. I'm here with Marc."

"That's great and all, but when do I get you back?"

"I'm going to NJ today to see Eric's game. If you win tonight, I'll meet you in Pittsburgh to celebrate. If not than I'll meet you back in Philly, to celebrate. Either way, I'm sure a party will be in order."

"That's my girl."

"Kiss all your girlfriends for me." I teased

"Love you Caitlin."

"Love you too Jordan."

I heard the door to Marc's apartment open and close. I bounded to the living room.

"There you are. I was beginning to think you were a one night stand."

Marc's cheeks reddened. "No way baby," he replied. "I brought you a chocolate croissant, and coffee." I was glad his mood had brightened.

"OK Marc. If miss sunshine doesn't want you. I'm single. Just keep bringing me sweets." I said sticking the giant pastry in my mouth.

Marc gave me a crooked smile. "So Caity, do you have any interesting assignments this summer?"

"Well, I'm hoping to go to the Stanley cup." I teased.

"Me too actually," and a smile spread across his face. "Maybe after we go to the Stanley Cup, I can go on another assignment with you this summer. Maybe some island or Europe."

"Are you looking for a free vacation Staal?" I asked.

"Ya, something like that," he gave me an odd smile.

"I think I can arrange something." I flung my hand back spilling my coffee. "Oh crap," I said and ran to the kitchen for paper towels.

Marc was already sopping it up with napkins when I walked back into the room. "I got it, I got it," I yelled running back toward Marc. I wasn't watching where I was going; my foot hit the spilled coffee and my legs went right out from under me. It must have been his hockey player reflexes, Marc grabbed for me and cushioned most of the blow.

We both laid there on the floor, me sitting on top of him, laughing hysterically. "Thanks Marc." I said looking into his eyes, still laughing. I didn't realize how close our faces were, but as he turned to look at me I could feel his breath on my lips.

I don't know if it was him or me that closed the small gap, but out lips met, softly at first, which should have startled us apart. When neither of us pulled away, the kiss grew more heated and so did the butterflies I was feeling. Both of his hands moved to my a face and his tongue poked my bottom lip. Our breathing heated up as our tongues collided. No, no, no my mind kept telling me, but my body wouldn't listen. One of Marc's hands moved from my face, down my arm and found the small of my back pulling my whole body into his. God Marc knows how to kiss... Marc... Holy crap, I can't kiss Marc like this. The realization of the moment hit me like a brick wall.

I pulled away with no warning and jumped off of Marc. He just sat on the floor looking up at me. I ran my hand through my hair and turned toward the door. My bag was sitting beside it. I needed to get out of there NOW!

Marc watched me walk toward the door pick up my bag and turn around to face him. Had it been almost anyone else I would have just left. Who am I kidding if it been anyone else I probably wouldn't have stopped. Anyone else who would have kissed me like that would have woken up with me the next morning, but I just couldn't do this. "I'm so sorry Marc." I said, and I closed the door behind me.
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I leaned my head against the window of the train. What have I done I asked myself over and over again. I could still feel Marc's lips on mine and that only convinced me more that I had ruined everything. What would he think of me now? I couldn't get over how much I liked kissing him, and the way it made me feel. Only one other person was capable of making me feel like that, and even with him it took a lot more than one kiss.

By the time I got into the cab, my mind wandered to why Marc would kiss me back. I mean, he has that other girl, and Marc just isn't like that unless..unless he's more like Eric than I realized. I couldn't have that kind of relationship with him. I just couldn't.

I walked into the hotel lobby and up to the front desk. I just need things to get back to normal I thought.

"Can I help you miss?" The woman at the counter asked.

"Yes, I'm Caitlin James. Eric Staal left a key for me."

She gave me a funny look, went to a box behind her and pulled out a room card. She slipped it into a tight fitting envelope. "Here you go Ms. James." she said handing me the card.

I walked to the room and looked at the outside of the door, pulled out the card and slid it into the slot. I just wanted to feel normal again... I walked into the room expecting to find Eric, but I didn't see him. I could hear the shower running...I just want to feel normal. I dropped my bag on the floor slid off my flip flops. Oh, I just want everything back to normal. I pulled off my clothes and let them drop following the sounds of the flowing water. This was the only thing I could think of that would make me feel normal. I opened the door to the bathroom and then the shower door. All I was doing was getting back to normal.

Eric was startled at first, but his expression softened when he saw me standing naked in his shower.

"Oh Caitlin," he whispered the longing in his voice obvious. He pulled me to him. "I thought this wasn't what you wanted."

"Make me feel normal again Eric."

He didn't ask me what that meant or why I said that but things progressed, just like I thought they would. His lips hit my neck, it was normal for him to kiss my neck first. His hands wandered my curves; it was starting to feel more normal. As Eric pressed me up against the shower wall, I let go of all of it. No more thinking about Marc, and the amazing kiss or what he thinks of me now. I was lost in Eric, which was normal.
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Game 5
I cheered on Eric from my seat on the glass as he and his team won game five.
I comforted Jordan, after his game five loss.
I avoided Marc's calls, deleted his texts, and the Rangers lost game five. I know it wasn't my fault, but I felt like it was.

Round 1 Game 4

"Damn, did you see that check?" Jared asked. He was referring to Jordan's hit on Mike Richards.

"Ya my little boy's growing up. I'm so proud." I feigned tears.

Jared and I jumped up and down as Tyler Kenned scored a goal increasing the Pen's lead 2-0. It was so nice having Jared with me. It's hard to be a Penguins fan in Philadelphia. At least with Jared here, there was less of a chance that some chick would take a swing at me.

Carcillo managed to score a goal on Fleury who played better than I'd ever seen him play and believe me I keep my eye on my goalie friend. I breathed a sigh of relief when Max scored an empty netter and brought what would be the final score to 3-1. The people in Philly hated Jared and I that night as we screamed our head off.

We waited outside the dressing room for Jordan and I told Jared the whole Eric story. Jared looked relieved. I think it wore on him keeping my secret.

"I'm just glad you two aren't going to be...well you know anymore."

"What having sex, fucking." I said laughing and trying to make his face turn red, which worked.

"Are you talking dirty to the children again?" Kris asked standing in front of the dressing room, making Jared's face even brighter.

"Kris Letang, you know I save my dirty talk for you." I said giving him a quick hug. "Glad you showered for me baby."

"I'd shower with you if you'd give me the chance." he teased.

"I bet you would. Is it Ok to go in?" I asked. "Ya Jordan sent me out here to get you."

I flew through the doors and ran into Jordan's arms. He twirled me around and kissed my cheek. "I knew you made it tonight."

"I did, and I brought you a present...Come on in" I yelled.

Jared walked through the door and I watched Jordan's face as it brightened. I knew when Jordan realized Jared had seen the game, he would be thrilled. He loved having his family at his games. I hoped that would make up for me missing his last game. They gave each other a brotherly hug and I sat down in Jordan's locker smiling at them.

Kris came and sat next to me. "You love those Staal boys, don't you?"

"Of course I do." I said turning toward Kris.

"What's this I hear your dating Lundqvist? What's wrong, you can't find one of us to go out with?"

I wondered how he'd heard that. I guessed that Marc told Jordan. "I'm not dating Hank exactly. I mean we might go out sometime. You know me, Kristopher; I'm not a one man woman."

"Plus he's not a Staal." Kris said smiling at me.

"Good point." I smiled back.

My phone buzzed, when I saw who it was, I excused myself and walked out of the locker room. My stomach felt like it has a rock in it. I had seen the score of the Carolina game, they lost 3-2. "Hello." I said like I didn't know who was calling .

"Caitlin."

"What do you want Eric?"

"To say I'm sorry."

"For what?" I asked wanting him to say it.

"For putting you in such a bad position."

"Hrm. Which one did you think was a bad position, cuz I kind of enjoyed them all." I teased trying to keep our conversation from being serious. Eric laughed with me. "Right, well I'm over it Eric. It's not a big deal." I lied.

"I miss you Caitlin." I rolled my eyes. "We lost our game today. I didn't have my good luck charm with me."

"Well I never come to North Carolina remember, it's safer that way."

"Caitlin, please I'm trying here."

He was trying which he rarely ever did. "I'm sorry I screwed up Eric."

"Meet me in New Jersey. I'll be there tomorrow morning." I guess he was asking, but he wasn't really was he?

"Oh Eric, I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Caitlin, I need you."

I hated when he said that. It made it impossible for me to say no. I didn't answer, I just hung up, but he knew I'd be there.

I took a deep breath as Jordan and Jared came out to get me. "There's my girl." Jordan said He wrapped his arm around me and walked me out of the arena. I instantly forgot where I was going in the morning and felt happy to just be with two of the four men that I really loved.
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"What do you mean your going to New Jersey?" Jared asked the next morning.

"Jared." I said giving him a look that he should shut up.

"What's the big deal, Eric lost last night of course she is going to hang out with the big fat loser." Jordan said sticking up for me and taking a jab at his brother at the same time.

"Caitlin." Jared said trying to scold me without giving any details.

"What am I missing here?" Jordan asked.

"I don't know what your missing Jordan, but I know what I'm going to miss; my plane if I don't get out of here."

I sat on Jordan's lap, gave him a light kiss on the lips and a hug and walked to Jared.

Jared stood up and wrapped his arms around me, and whispered, "Please don't do it." I kissed his cheek and walked out of the hotel room, waving good-bye to two of my favorite people. I really didn't want to leave them. They loved me for me. I really should have gone back to Pittsburgh with them, but what was I going to do, Eric needed me.

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I walked into my New Jersey hotel room. The last two weeks had been crazy. I didn't know how I'd keep up this pace if the boys kept progressing through the playoffs. I had no idea when Eric would be here from North Carolina, so I decided it would be ok to take a little nap. I kicked off my shoes, pulled off my jeans and crawled into the freshly made bed.

I didn't hear the door, but I felt his lips on my neck and his hand slip under my t-shirt. "Mmm I missed you." I heard as I opened my eyes.

"Eric." I turned over to look at him. "Look maybe we should talk about this." I whispered.

His hands kept moving and his lips moved to my ear. "Let's talk later," he moaned.

"Eric," I pleaded in a final weak attempt to stop what was about to happen.

"Caitlin, I need you," now he tugged on my underwear. "I need you," he told me again as I kicked them off with my toe. "I need you," he said again as I began kissing back. "Oh God I need you" he said as we started making love. He knew those were the magic words, I wondered if he knew he only needed to say them once.

We laid in bed, looking up at the ceiling. It was no surprise that Eric didn't hold me after we had sex. It was his way of pulling away, making sure I didn't become too close. The fact that he didn't hold me was one of the ways I made what we did OK. I'm sure he held Tanya after they had sex. Tanya just seemed like someone that would need that. No, him not reaching for me and pulling me into him didn't bother me, at least not on this occasion. What bothered me is that I knew we had to talk about this. We needed to stop doing this. My mind raced as Eric began to speak.

"Thanks for meeting me here," he said. I wondered if he had been laying there thinking of something nice to say, something that would be nice, but not romantic.

I wrapped the sheet around me. "Eric we can't keep doing this."

"Sure we can we just need to be more careful." He rubbed his hand down my arm and a trail of goosebumps followed his fingers.

"Come on Eric," I said sternly looking into his eyes. "What if your brothers find out? That was so close this week."

Eric was getting irritated with the conversation, I could see it in his eyes. The irritation transfered to his tone. "It's always my fucking brothers with you. What about my wife, what if Tanya finds out? I'm taking risks here too."

"Sounds like we're making the same case here. It will just hurt everyone."

"Damn it Caitlin. The reason we do this is because you don't nag me afterward, you don't want to talk about it or analyze it."

"Right. That's me Caitlin, just a fuck." I turned away from him. It was useless.

His hands snaked my waist and pulled me into him. So now he wants to hold me I thought for a second until he spoke. "You're not just a fuck Caitlin... you're a great fuck." His lips went back to my neck and for the second time in a week tears came to my eyes. He didn't notice the tears as he yanked on my sheet or as he left a fresh new mark on my collar bone. By the time he crawled on top of me, my tears had dried up. I was stronger than that, and I was determined that this time when we made love it would be hot, I mean over the top amazing, because this would be the last time.
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Eric left for practice. The second the door closed, I threw the few things I had unpacked into my bag. I didn't leave a note, I just left. As I walked I thought of my options. I could go to Pittsburgh or Thunder Bay. I could go back to work and visit some island or Europe. Somehow none of those options made sense. Not when I could almost see where I should go, it was so close. There was just something about NYC and being there with Marc that made it seem like where I needed to be.

Marc had a game tonight, game 4 against the Washington Capitals. He had no idea I was coming, so I didn't have a ticket. As the puck was getting ready to drop I paid a scalper $400 for a standing room only seat. It was a great game and Marc and Hank both played like they were on fire. It felt so good to be there and have no one know it. By the time the Rangers won 2-1, I couldn't control my excitement, and I didn't want to be anonymous anymore. I wanted to get to Marc.

I didn't have my pass to get to the locker room, but I'd been there enough that the guard should know me. As I got to the hallway, I realized the guard wasn't the guy who was usually there. Crap, I might have to wait to see Marc at home. I decided to try one other option. I went to the hallway to the visitors locker room, and that's where I saw a familiar face. "Hey Vic."

What are you doing over here trading sides?" I smiled.

"I could ask you the same thing. Does Marc know you're here?"

"No it's a surprise, but I forgot my pass. Can you let me through here?"

"Sure beautiful...and hey, tell Marc I said nice game."

"Will do Vic. Thanks."

I walked down the hallway quickly, I did not want to have to bump into anyone from the capitals team on my way to see Marc. I was just feeling relieved as I passed the locker room door unnoticed when a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed my wrist. I looked up. Oh Crap, Alex Ovechkin.

"Oh if it isn't Caitlin, did you come to see me?"

"Fuck off Ovechkin." I spat.

"Oh right you save yourself for the Staal boys. That's kind of kinky you know, you and all four brothers."

"You're disgusting!" I said trying to pull my arm away from him.

He only gripped tighter and pulled me into him. His mouth went to my ear. "I can be kinky; it would blow your mind."

"Hey Ovechkin, what the fuck are you doing." I'd never been so happy to see Sean Avery in my life.

Alex's grip loosened and I was able to pull away. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know he rattled me. "Don't ever touch me again." I said, as I walked over to Sean.

Sean slipped his arm around my shoulder. "Are you Ok?" he asked sweetly. Yes Sean does have a sweet side, and I also know if there was a problem, he would have went after Alex to defend me. He took me back to the Ranger's locker room. I stood in the door way my eyes searching for Marc, but I didn't see him. Sean pointed to Marc who had just turned to see me. He was standing on the other end of the locker room in his dress pants and his shirt hanging open.

"Caitlin!" he yelled, as I ran to his arms. "Caity" are you Ok?" he asked as I gripped him like my life depended on it. "Caity?"

He put his hand under my chin and brought my eyes up to meet his. "Caity?" he said again "Are you Ok?"

"I am now."

Round 1 Game 3

"What the fuck Cailtin? Call me as soon as you get this." Was the message Eric left me.

"Caitlin, I thought you were going to be here today for the game, and why did Marc call me and ask me if we were sleeping together? I need you to call me when you get this." That was the message from Jordan.

"Hey Caitlin, I wanted to know where you are going next. I might meet you. Call me." That was the message I received from Jared.

--------------------

"Jordan, I'm so sorry. I over slept. I wanted to be there." It was my turn to use the balcony for a phone call.

"I really wanted you here Caitlin. I hate playing in Philly." Jordan whined.

"There's nothing I can do now Jordy. I'll be at the next game. I promise."

"Whatever." Jordan said like a spoiled child. "So what's up with Marc thinking we sleep together?"

Now I had to act shocked and deal with the crap. "I have no idea."

"Well there's got to be a reason Caitlin."

"I'll talk to him about it." I said pouting. "Hey Jord, I'm really sorry about today. I wanted to be there. You know I love you."

"I know."

He must have been really pissed at me; we hung up without him telling me he loved me. I was screwing up so much. I hated the direction everything was going. I know I couldn't avoid Eric either, but I couldn't possibly have that conversation while I was with Marc. I figured I'd get a chance sometime today.

I walked into the hotel room and Marc was all packed and ready. "So what's the plan?" I asked smiling at him.

"Who gave you that? I guess that's what Sean was talking about last night."

He was pointing to the hickey at my collar bone. I was wearing a tank top, and there was no way to totally hide it, plus I just didn't have the clothes with me that would cover it. "Damn Marc, interested in my sex life much?"

"I just worry about you?" he replied.

"You don't need to worry about me Marc, I'm a big girl,” I said immediately getting defensive.

"I do think you need someone to take care of you Caity. You can be a little wild."

I sat down on the bed really close to him. "What's wrong with being wild?" I said looking up at his eyes.

He was obviously uncomfortable with how close I was sitting to him cuz he stood up and started pacing. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

There he goes again with the big brother bullshit. "I'm not going to get hurt."

"You could Caity, you could get hurt."

I stood up and wrapped my arms around him. "You’re so sweet." I kissed his cheek. "Look, if you’re talking physically hurt, then sure, I guess there’s a chance, but I'm a smart girl Marc. If you’re talking about emotionally hurt, that's just not going to happen."

"How do you know?" he asked innocently.

"Well, I don't get close enough to anyone for that. That's why they call them one night stands." I let go of him and flopped down on the bed. He just stood there looking at me like I didn't get it. I didn't like that look. He used to do the same thing when I was a kid, and it brought back the same feelings. I was just a stupid girl, and I would never get it, or be able to keep up, or be strong enough.

"Why do you do that? Why do you look at me like that?" I said harshly. His expression immediately changed. "I'm not a kid anymore Marc, and you do know you're not really my brother right!" I was getting angry. "And why the hell didn't you just ask me if I was sleeping with Jordan? Why did you call him and get him jumping down my back." I jumped up and walked out on the balcony where I was hoping to get some privacy and cool off. I didn't get it.

Marc was out there right behind me. I had my hands on the landing looking over. I could feel him standing right behind me, really close, uncomfortably close.

"I'm sorry I didn't ask you about Jordan. I'm sorry that I even thought it." He put his hands on my arms and turned me to face him. "I know you’re not a kid, and I know I'm not your brother." He said softly. He lifted my chin so my eyes were looking in his. "Believe me, I've known it for a long time."

I gave him a puzzled look, and I could tell he knew I didn't understand. He pulled me in close and kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry Caity. I don't want to fight. That's the last thing I want to do." He looked back down at me and smiled. "Let's go get lunch, I'm starving."

Until I got showered and ready, It was frightfully close to 3:00, game time for Jordan. Marc had talked to the front desk and found a sports bar that would be carrying the game. He normally wouldn't watch his brother's game, that was sort of a rule they had, but he was going to make an exception since he knew I'd freak if I couldn't watch it. As we were getting ready to leave the room, my eyes connected with someone down the hall. I recognized the face as one of the few men in the world that was capable of making me blush. It was Henrik Lundqvist. The guys exchanged pleasantries, but I couldn’t help but think Marc was being particularly cold to him. He explained that he stayed around so he could spend more time with his brother, Joel, who was in town to see his game, and had left this morning.

"We're going to some bar to get food and watch the Pittsburgh/Philly's game. Why don't you watch the game with us?" I asked.

Hank looked unsure, so I elbowed Marc who assured him he was welcome.

The game was not going well and no one on the Penguins was playing well including Jordan. I couldn't help but feel guilty. Hank went to the bar to get us another round of beer. "There's something about that guy." I said to Marc when he walked away from the table.

"You really like him?" Marc asked.

"I don't know if I'd say that, but let's just say, if you’re looking for someone to look after me, I pick him."

"What makes him different than the other guys in your life?"

“I don’t know. Maybe it's the accent, maybe it's the way he plays, maybe it's the fact that he's one of the few hockey players I know that hasn't tried to sleep with me." Marc didn't say anything, and he looked like he was irritated with my response. “Ya, the only problem is his last name isn’t Staal,” I added winking at him. His expression still didn’t change. "I don't get it. I thought you'd like me to be with someone that's good for me. You don't think Hank would be good for me?"

"I guess if I had to pick someone that would be good for you, he’d be great." Marc tugged on his hair, just like his brother's do when they are frustrated.

My phone rang again. I wanted to ignore it, to ignore Eric, but I had already ignored it the other eight times that he called. I didn't know how long I could ignore the conversation. I figured I could go outside and get it over with. I excused myself and ran out of the bar.

"What!" I shouted into the phone.

"Damn it Caitlin! Why don't you answer your phone." Eric replied, obviously pissed off.

"I've been with Marc! What do you want me to do Eric?"

"Well it sounds like you've done enough all ready. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

I was so mad and getting madder by the second. "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? If you could just keep your dick in your pants, I wouldn't have anything to say when I'm drunk would I?"

I knew he was just as angry as me now. "Well guess what Caitlin, that's not going to be a problem anymore!" he shouted at me.

"It's not like you can break up with me Eric. I'm not a fucking Puck Bunny. I couldn't care less if you don't want to fuck anymore."

Eric held the line for a second and then hung up with a loud click. I could feel my eyes burning, and although I almost never cry, this was going to be one of those moments. I stood there trying to compose myself but it was no use. I turned around to sit on a bench and there was Hank standing behind me. Oh great I thought.

"Marc sent me out here to check on you. Are you Ok, Phoebe?" Only he could make such simple words sound like poetry.

"No, not really." I answered honestly for once in my life. "How much of that did you hear?" I asked the question, but knew if he had heard even the last 2 seconds I was totally screwed.

"Enough." He wrapped his arms around me. Despite how horribly I felt, there was something about being wrapped in his arms that made me feel better.

“I know it’s none of my business, but no one should treat you that way. Especially not him.”

“So you know who I was talking to?”

“I think I have a pretty good idea. Unless you tell me otherwise.”

“How about if I just don’t say?” I knew full well he knew it was Eric Staal. It’s not like it was a secret how close I was with the four boys. And for whatever reason, I just couldn’t bring myself to lie right to his face.

Hank didn’t push me to tell him, and was very sweet. In his efforts to cheer me up, we ended up on the bench talking and laughing. I guess I lost track of time, because soon Marc was standing over us looking pissed off.

“Well, it’s almost the third period, the Pens are losing so you’re going to want to get off of your new boyfriend here and call Jordan.”

Hank excused himself and went back into the bar. Marc just stood there staring at me with his hands on his hips. “What the fuck Marc?”

“Nothing forget it,” he said and turned to walk away.

I grabbed his arm. “What is going on with you?”

“With me? Look at you out here all over him.”

“We were just talking. Dear god what is wrong with you Staal boys today?”

“You know what Caitlin, I’ve got to get back to New York. I just need to clear my head.” He turned and started to walk away.

“I’m sorry Marc. Don’t leave mad please.” Though I didn’t feel that I had done anything wrong, I couldn’t stand the idea of Marc being mad at me too.

Marc froze where he was, but didn’t turn around. “I don’t know what I did wrong, but I don’t want you to be mad.” I walked in front of him and gave him the ‘I’m just a girl’ look.

A smile cracked on his lips, and I reached up and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back, and we stayed that way for a few moments.

“You going back to New York to see your girl?” I asked.

“No, My girl doesn’t live in New York.”

“Really? Thunder Bay?” I was trying to be nosey.

“Never mind Caity,” he said still smiling at me. “I really should go but I’ll miss you. Come to New York soon.”

“I will. I promise.” He lifted my chin and kissed me softly on the lips. There was something about the way he kissed me that seemed different and made me uneasy, but in a good way. “I hope this girl deserves you.”

Marc turned and started walking away. “She does; she just doesn’t know it yet.” I watched him as he walked down the street. I miss him already, I thought, and headed back into the bar and Hank.

Game three wasn’t good for anyone. Jordan and the Pens lost to Philly (6-3). Carolina lost to NJ (3-2). New York lost to Washington (4-0).