As I pulled away Marc's eyes opened. Noticing it was still dark he asked what time it was.
“5:45. Go back to sleep.” I said slipping my jeans on.
“Where are you going?”
“I need some air. Don’t worry I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll come with you.”
"NO! Go back to sleep." I replied.
"You sure?" He asked groggily.
"I'm sure."
Marc didn't argue which I attributed to him getting less than 2 hours asleep so far that night.
I put on my jean's and a New York Ranger's t-shirt. I whipped my hair into a sided ponytail and headed out the door. I drove toward the airport hoping to arrive before Eric, but rush hour traffic had other plans. I was blessed with yet more time to think about what was about to happen, my conversation with Hank and the stupid feelings I was having for Marc.
I pulled into the airport and up to the hotel around 7:15. As I walked into the lobby, I caught sight of Eric leaning against the counter checking in. I just stood and watched him. It only took a second for thoughts of Hank to leave my head. While thoughts of Marc lingered slightly longer, watching Eric made them fade fast. Soon I could feel my body getting ready for him. I saw him grab the key cards in his hand, and I could hear him say my name, making sure I'd be able to find him. As he turned he caught me staring at him which made his crooked smile grow, and even from the other side of the room I could feel his thoughts.
He made his way to me through the small crowd of people. Our bodies and lips connected in a fashion that resembled a collision on the boards in the arena. He kissed me furiously, but it was no trouble matching his intensity. I was thankful he didn't head straight for my neck, this made our intentions slightly less obvious to the travelers that filled the lobby. I felt his hand slip slightly under the back of my t-shirt as he guided me to the elevators. We stepped inside, and I could see the disappoint on Eric's face as an elderly couple also entered. Patience was not one of Eric's virtues. As the doors opened he guided me out of the elevator using the hand that was still tucked under my shirt. The feeling of him on my skin gave me goosebumps, and I could feel my own anticipation as we made it to the door. Instead of opening it Eric pushed me hard up against it kissing from my lips to my jaw and down my neck. He reached my spot, and I let out a small moan signaling him I was ready for the rest of this adventure. His next move shocked even me as he pulled my t-shirt over my head right there in the hallway. In my mind I was begging him to just open the door, but the rate at which I was breathing wouldn't allow me to speak. Only after his hand roamed my body did he slide the card into the door allowing us to enter.
We laid side by side naked and dripping sweat when we finished. I could feel sleep taking over my body as my eyes closed.
I felt Eric turn so he was facing me, but I didn't open my eyes.
"You're beautiful," he said. I felt a blush come to my cheeks, but I just gave him a small smile. "I have to leave soon," he whispered breathily into my ear.
"Mmhm." I said with my eyes still closed currently hungering only for sleep.
His fingers found my shoulder and trailed down my arm followed by a line of goosebumps. I wondered what he was thinking, but his next words surprised me. "Tell me about the goalie," he said leaning over to kiss my neck again.
My eyes sprung open; why was he asking me about Hank? "Nothing to say." I replied. Eric was the last person I wanted to talk to about him.
He was nipping at my skin now and my body was starting to tingle again. "I think you're hiding something from me Caitlin. Marc told me you took him with you to Costa Rica."
Now he rolled on top of me bringing his face down to my neck and letting his hands roam. My eyes closed, and I let out a small moan. "Do we have to talk about this now?" I asked softly barely able to choke out the words.
"Oh do you want me to stop?" he asked, moving his hand away from the intimate places they were currently caressing.
"NO!" Please don't stop, I thought.
"Then tell me about Hank," he demanded biting down on my skin releasing sensations of pleasure and pain.
So this was the game he was playing. He wanted to hear about me and Hank. He was actually getting turned on.
"He's in Sweden." I replied trying to give him something.
"Tell me more; tell me about Costa Rica." His hands moved faster and harder.
My back arched at the feelings he was stirring inside me, and my mind clouded as I gave him details. My mouth said words and phrases that I never expected to say revealing intimate details of my time with Hank that I never expected to say out loud. I soon discovered that every word was worth uttering as Eric gave me the most incredible experience I'd ever had.
I collapsed onto the pillow, my eyes closed once again in exhaustion. Eric's lips came down on my forehead.
"I'm going to get a shower. Do you want to join me?" he asked.
"Umm, I'm good right here," I said not even attempting to look at him.
"You are good. I'll give you that." I could imagine the smirk on his face as mine blushed, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of opening my eyes. "When am I going to see you again Caitlin."
"I'm thinking of maybe coming to Boston for game 5."
"Come to Boston for game 5," he replied and walked into the bathroom.
Sleep overwhelmed me, but I think I felt Eric kiss my forehead as he left.
Around 2 in the afternoon, I woke up and for the first time in my life I wished I had a best friend that was a girl so I could tell her about my morning. Wow! I sat up in bed, yawning and stretching, wondering what I should tell the boys I'd been doing all day. Something caught the corner of my eye, and I looked over to the pillow that Eric's head once laid on.
There was a little white box tied in a red ribbon. There was no note, so I untied the ribbon and slipped off the box lid. There was a beautiful silver bracelet inside that held two charms. One was a small horseshoe, a symbol of good luck. The other was a small silver disk with tiny little writing. It read "you're my good luck charm." Tears came to my eyes and for the briefest of moments I became that sentimental girl I fought so hard not to be.
Looking at the time and figuring Eric was probably back in Raleigh, I pulled out my phone. I also knew he was probably with Tanya so a conversations wasn't in the cards. I sent him a simple text that read: Thank You.
A couple minutes later he texted me back: No, Thank You!
---------------------
On my way home I realized that being with Eric was like a drug for me. He was a strong enough force that he made me numb when I left him, which was exactly the drug I needed. I'd crawl out of his bed and be completely incapable of feeling anything toward any man. As much as I tried to convince myself otherwise, I loved my times with Eric. I was kidding myself even thinking there was a chance I capable of breaking it off with him. This brought me to the realization that being the type of person who would continue this with Eric, made me the last person that could ever be with Marc Staal. Marc would never forgive me if he found out, I'm not sure he would even forgive me if we were just friends. I looked down to my bracelet and tried to hold on to the numbness that Eric offered me, and it worked.
I walked into the apartment and was attacked by three very tall boys. "Where were you, we were worried, why didn't you leave a note," were some of the phrases I heard shouted in my direction.
"I needed some girl time. Would you three like the details of my bikini wax?" I asked crudely.
"Eww" they said in unison and dropped it.
My eyes caught Jared's as I was stepping into my bedroom. He knew where I was and he hated it. I just closed the door behind me and got ready for the game.
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Round 2, Game 3
Marc, Jared and I sat on the edge of our seats as Jordan and the Penguins took game 3 into overtime. The score was tied 2-2 during OT intermission and I listened as Jared and Marc shared glowing reviews of the way Jordan was playing. I smiled wishing Jordan could hear what they were saying. With 11:23 left in overtime Kris Letang scored the winning goal for the Pens, and we sprang from our seats along with 17,000 other fans.
My eyes fell to the out of town scoreboard, and I pointed out the score of the Carolina game to Marc and Jared. Carolina beat Boston 3-2, also in over time. Yet another way to celebrate!
In the locker room we joined the celebration. I got my sweaty hug and kiss from Jordan, and his smile was priceless. I couldn't help but feel it was a little brighter having Marc and Jared here to share it with him. I smiled seeing how happy Marc was for Jordan despite the previous loss of his NY Rangers. I wondered if the situation were reversed, if Jordan would be as happy.
I was pulled away from Jordan, as Geno's arms slid around me and pulled me backward. "Where my kiss?" Geno said looking down at me. Geno was particularly excited tonight after scoring and breaking his slump.
"I was saving it for you Geno." I leaned up and gave him a quick kiss right on the mouth.
Geno's face pinked up, and as I turned away I noticed a set of eyes on me, Marc's. Before I could get to him, I was grabbed away by yet another set of hands. Kris Letang pushed me into his locker. "Where's mine?" Kris asked. "I scored the game winner."
"That was never our deal," I said in a sexy voice.
He leaned in pressing me softly against the back of the locker and our lips connected. I let him kiss me and was about to offer him my tongue, when I felt Kris's body ripped off of mine. "Get off of her Letang," I heard Marc's voice say. He took my hand in his. "We'll meet you outside," he said to Jordan and pulled me out the door.
I was mad and getting madder by the second as he dragged me down the hallway toward the exit of Mellon Arena. "What the fuck are you doing?" I yelled at him.
"I just don't want you getting carried away."
"That's not your decision Marc. You can't drag me out of there like that. How many times do I have to tell you I'm not a child!"
"Maybe until you stop acting like one!" he yelled back at me.
"Oh lover's quarrel." I heard the Russian accent and cringed. Marc's reaction was similar.
"Shut the fuck up Ovechkin," Marc spat.
"So you're not denying you are lovers. I wondered how long it would take you to tap that." His eyes looked me up and down.
"I'm warning you," Marc said, and I could feel how angry he really was.
"When you're done with her, send her my way. I'd love to get some of that."
Marc's fist came back hit him square in the jaw. Alex fell to the floor. Knowing how close we were to the visitor's locker room and trying to avoid a brawl, I grabbed Marc's hand and pulled him down the rest of the hallway and outside of the arena.
Marc stepped away from me, and shook his hand. His knuckles were red, and while I didn't think it was serious, I could tell they stung. I didn't know what to do. I could hug him, thank him for sticking up for me, apologize for being so difficult, nothing seemed appropriate. I followed my instincts and walked out in front of him. I stepped up close to him and when he didn't back away leaned up and put my lips softly on his. I pulled away keeping my face close, but my lips found their way back almost magnetically. His arms wrapped around me as our lips moved ever so slightly. There was no escaping the butterflies this time. This kiss was sweet and sensual, almost innocent, not hot like our other kisses yet not like the kisses a brother gives his sister. I blushed as it ended. Marc just smiled when he looked at me, and I looked up at him smiling back, hoping he understood how much I liked it.
