Chapter 13

Cindy

The week rolls on and Tyler and I keep up our texting charade. Well, it beats nothing at this point. I know the next games coming up are important for them in the conference finals, so I don't want to distract him too much, if that's even possible.

Though, from our kiss in the car before he left, and when my eyes wandered down to his crotch, I could see the effect I had on him. Grabbing him suddenly and kissing him in the car wasn't exactly what I was expecting to do that afternoon. But I was in the moment and boy, it felt good. I wanted to jump across the seat and straddle him, but that would not have been a good idea in our workplace car park.

I know I want more from him, and that the connection we have is real.

His entire being has everything going for it; that sexy smile, those devilish lips, dark eyes where I can't quite tell the depths of his thoughts. His body and height are on a whole other level.

He evokes everything that my mom would disapprove of, but it's everything that I find exciting and gets my adrenaline running. And that's all that matters, right?

Is it because Tyler Peterson is the forbidden fruit in this scenario?

I think we both like the part where it's a little risky, and I know I like the part where it feels a little dangerous. Though I've never done anything remotely risky or dangerous in my life.

This is all an entirely new experience for me, and it's probably not before time.

I'm used to playing things safe. And now it's like I'm walking on the wild side.

He lights something up inside me. All my nerve endings seem to vibrate at once. And I've never needed to use my bullet more than I have this last couple of weeks while we've been sneaking around.

I gulp at the memory of him waiting for me to come out of work. That act alone is so sexy.

He was leaning against the wall like he had no cares in the world.

I have to do some more research on this fraternization thing, and quickly. I know it.

It isn't like I don't know the policy, but I need to read the damned fine print.

During the next few days at work, before Maddison and Em arrive, I'm furiously going through the terms and conditions in the players' contracts. And the more I look into it, the more I can see it isn't exactly a non-fraternization policy like we both thought.

A clause exists between management and the workers below them, along with several pages of conduct, and what is classified as a romantic and non-romantic relationship.

If any two co-workers are starting a relationship, it needs to be put in writing to the team board. And again, certain conduct measures are required to not interfere with work purposes. It's a whole different avenue for team doctors and the like, but I skim past that. I'm needing to know how that relates to players and administration staff.

It takes me a second before I see Andrea clicking her fingers in my face and I snap out of my trance, jumping back in my seat.

"Wakey, wakey," she says with a giggle.

I sigh, flipping my glasses up on top of my head, running my hands across my face.

I'm so damned bug eyed from reading so many pages over and over. But it comes as a relief that I'm clarifying things for myself. It's not like I've studied these policies in-depth before. I've never needed to until now.

"Sorry, I've been up to my eyeballs in this paperwork."

"Are you still dancing around the fact that seeing Tyler might not be the worst thing in the world to happen to you?" She gives me a pointed look.

"It's a little more complicated than that. Tyler's the captain. There are expectations," I say in an ultra-low whisper. "But it's getting harder, Andrea. I have to admit."

"I don't know how you stand it," she says. "He can practically make a girl melt from one glance alone. Not that I've been looking, but come on already!"

"I know, right? And I think he wants to date me."

"Don't sound so disappointed."

"I'm thinking of the implications, not for any other reason, trust me. I have to think of my family, my dad especially, and what the press would do. I'm sure the gossip would circulate pretty fast."

"But who cares if you really care about each other? Unless you just wanna bone him?"

I gasp and stare up at her. "Andrea!"

She waves it off. "Oh, come on. Like you haven't thought about it."

I feel the heat in my cheeks. Of course I have. I want him, there's no doubt about it. But it's a scary thought letting anyone in, given my past.

He's so big and manly, and everything I've been warned about my entire life.

"We just have to be careful," I say. "And if we are going to date, we need to sit down with my dad and talk to him first. He wouldn't appreciate finding out about us from someone else. "

Andrea sighs, sympathetically. "Well, good luck with that."

"Thanks," I groan. "But surely my dad, of all people, knows Tyler is a good guy."

"You have a point. Maybe it won't be so bad?"

It's good to know my friends are gung-ho.

Susie, Maddison, and Em are no better when we meet up at Piccolo's restaurant on the waterfront overlooking Elliot's Bay a few nights later. I haven't seen Em in a while. After she moved to Florida six years ago when she split with Taylor, our visits were a little scanty, but we've always kept in touch.

Maddison has always been fun to be around. She has a good energy, and is sporty looking with a classic Miami tan, and golden blonde curls. Em is the tallest out of all of us, and she always has been through college, standing at five ten with flaming red hair. She hasn't changed a bit since college. We settle into a booth and Em fills us in on what's been happening since we saw her last.

I know she's nervous about going to the game on Friday, because of Taylor and their past, but we try to assure her it'll be fine. Taylor and Em were always on another level of their own altogether. I'm interested to see how everything plays out when they see each other.

"There's another reason Cindy is so inclined to drag us all along to the game…" Susie chortles as we tuck into our meals.

I give Susie a nudge, feeling a little nervous now she's brought that up from nowhere.

I haven't had a chance to even talk to Em about the whole new Tyler thing.

"Hey, that's a secret, remember!"

"What secret?" Em probes after her and Mads share a look.

"Are you holding out on us Cindy?" Mads giggles over her wineglass.

I don't know why I'm flushing, but I cover my hands over my face and shake my head. I smooth my hair down and then take a deep sigh. "Okay… maybe I have some news," I whisper.

"News? Like what… are you seeing someone?" Em is equally interested and excited.

Susie is looking decidedly giddy next to her.

"What?!" Maddie urges. "Tell us, for god's sake!"

I pause for a moment, but I figure they're my closest friends, so what the hell. "Okay… so you all know Tyler Peterson, right?"

It's probably only Maddie that doesn't, as she's not a fan of ice hockey.

"Well… it all started a couple of weeks ago…" I whisper, but I can't keep the smile from my face for long. God, is it obvious? If it wasn't before, it sure is gonna be now.

"What started?" Em prods.

I give them as best a rundown as I can from me sloshing coffee all over him that day before the meeting, and then him giving me eyes across the meeting room the whole time.

I can't wipe the stupid grin off my face. It's not hard to see that I'm happy. But I know as well as they do I'm playing with fire.

"It's a scary prospect," I tell them. "You guys know my dating life hasn't been the best over the years."

Em looks over the table at me sympathetically and reaches over to squeeze my hand.

They know about my upbringing. Damon and my trust issues. The near-mugging in college.

And the fact I've only ever been with Joel the jock, and that didn't exactly turn out great.

"Ty seems like a nice guy," Em says. "And you've always got your dad to bust his ass if he isn't."

I laugh despite the situation.

"I think they make a good couple," Susie says, casting me a smile as she sips her wine.

"And I have no idea who you're talking about, but the powers of google should set me right!" Maddie declares as we all giggle like schoolgirls and raise our glasses in a toast.

I know for a fact if Mads goes probing, then she's going to see his modeling campaigns, and that should certainly shed some light on the situation.

"Here's to that!" I exclaim with a laugh. I'm all lit up inside with my three besties here. Things couldn't be going better at work, and now I'm throwing Tyler into the mix. It's by far the most exciting thing to happen to me. I can't wait for Friday night to come around.

* * *

I meet up with Simon and Andrea before the game for a quick bite and a drink before I quickly go home and change. I'm meeting the girls not far from the stadium at Periwinkle Cafe.

"If I didn't have a date tonight, I'd be all over this game," Simon says.

"How are things going with Jose, the artist?" I muse.

"Surprisingly well. He lives on a funky houseboat, too. Not that I've seen his house yet, but I thought that was pretty cool."

"Sounds interesting." Andrea waggles her eyebrows. "Well, if you need a wing-girl, I'm it. You know that."

"I'll be fine," Simon chortles. "I told you, we already sort of had a meet-cute over the kebab thing. He seems perfectly normal." They were both at Turkish Delight downtown and ordered the same kebab. Causing a bit of a ‘hello' moment when they both went to the counter to reach for the same one.

"You know if kebabs are anything to go by, I'd say this is a winner, Simon. And he's an artist. What do you want? That's almost as HOT as a hockey player." Andrea eyes me.

She knows I've been trawling through my contract on work time, reading each sentence to make sure I don't miss anything.

"Now wait a minute!" Simon flings his arms out toward me. "Nothing but nothing could compare to a HOT hockey player. Jose is cute, but girl, you get all the luck."

I can't help but smile. "You know we're just talking, that's all it is." I have to maintain this facade, even to them for a while.

"Pfffff." Andrea rolls her eyes. "Famous last words."

"You two hot and heavy yet?" Simon asks.

They don't know the depths of my past like my best friends do, just the surface stuff. But they know I haven't dated in a while, and they put it down to me being conservative because of my early upbringing in our church.

"Not yet." I sigh. And I don't mean to, but they both look at me. "Hey, I'm only human!"

"Touche," Andrea agrees. "I don't know how you're keeping your hands off the guy. I know you don't want to lose your job, but I'd be all over him like a rash."

Simon and I laugh at the way she says it so straight faced.

"Okay, maybe that's not the best analogy." She facepalms herself, but she's laughing too.

"Well, time will tell," I say. "The season will draw to an end soon. Hopefully, we can both get together a little more before pre-season training starts." I'm hoping beyond hope he gets to come to Florida. I need to talk to him about that now I'm thinking about it. Marcy sent me all the details. Some star players from across the NHL will attend the charity event, which is set for a few weeks after the Stanley Cup final and will be held in Miami. It's pretty exciting.

"If I didn't have to rush off to meet Jose, I'd be drilling you for all the info. Monday I wanna know all about Tyler Peterson and what he's like behind closed doors," Simon tells me in no uncertain terms.

I hold up my hands. "Hopefully, I'll have something to spill before then."

"You better." Andrea points a finger at me.

I'm still chuckling over my conversation with them as I walk to Periwinkle Cafe just around the corner, where I'm meeting the girls before we go to the stadium.

We planned to grab a quick coffee and then head over to get our seats.

I'm pumped for the game and can't wait to give the girls their surprise goodie bags waiting for them when we get there. Each bag has a little stash of Hawks merch; a team hat and scarf, a flag, a ball-point pen and their famous logo on a sticker, plus a stash of other memorabilia.

Maddison has already declared she's going to find a Hawks jersey when she gets there and wear it over her dress as she wants the full Hawks experience.

It's busy when we get there. I weave them through the VIP entry. The atmosphere in the stadium is always something else. The excitement of the crowd is half of the fun, and the noise with the buildup to seeing the players and the first period starting, only adds to the anticipation.

I'm glad the cat is out of the bag with my besties about Tyler. I can't wait to give him the good news with my contract deciphering. I wonder if he's had a look over it himself. I guess we'll see.

I know Em is apprehensive about being here tonight and seeing Taylor. It can't be easy.

Of course, my eyes are glued to Tyler the moment he steps on the ice. He's like a brick wall during the game, blocking plays and driving his poor opponent into the barrier on quite a few occasions.

Tyler has a very calculated kind of play, and I know from what my dad has said in the past that Tyler likes to study the game. He makes it his job to observe the opposition and find their weak spots. I know his role as captain is very important, which is another reason I don't want to jeopardize anything for him or cause any distractions during these finals. I'm happy to watch every tactical move he makes from the sidelines. Every push through the ice of his skates.

He gives me butterflies again just from his presence alone. And when he looks up at me and smiles during the break, I can't keep the reciprocating smile off my face.

I'm in awe of him both on and off the ice. He's different from how they always portray him in the tabloids. It makes me wonder if he didn't get a bad rap in the past. I guess there's always going to be players that are controversial, and ones that the press love to hate, sometimes the commentators too.

There's no way I'd want the attention that being famous like that brings.

That leads me to question if I could handle being in the spotlight somewhat if we took things further? I mean, it's not like he's a famous actor in Hollywood or anything. So I get the fact that it's not the same thing.

And he stayed out of the news until he broke up with his girlfriend, Stacey — I think she was called that, anyway.

I wonder if he's dated since then, and if his preference is for casual sex. Am I the only one he's seeing right now? I don't want to come down heavy asking him all these serious questions, but I need to know.

I'm thrilled by the end of the third period when the Hawks win over New York, and the crowd goes wild. Me included. It's then that Taylor decides to skate his way over and bang hard on the glass to get Em's attention. We all jump and then shriek. I can't even imagine how she must be feeling when Taylor notions for her to meet him down at the player penalty box. We all encourage her to go and talk to him. Now is as good as any. I also can't help but muse at Maddison wearing Ashton's jersey, not really realizing who ‘Rivers #13' is. She's heard of him, of course, because he's best friends with Taylor, and Em has talked about them both over the years. But she's never met the guy.

I'm more than happy to guide them through the stadium to the after-drinks when Em and Taylor have exchanged words on the ice. We meet Marcy backstage and she takes us all to the players' lounge, where she pours us all a glass of champagne.

Jay Jefferson makes his way over, of course, and tries to smoozle my friends. It's all in good fun and they don't seem to mind. Everyone is in great spirits as my eyes scan the room to find Ty.

When they do, I swallow hard. He's leaning in one of the archways with his arms folded across his chest, his eyes fixated on me. I smile. He does too, in that sexy way he has.

It's so dark and stirs those nerves again inside me. He has my body tingling just with eye contact alone.

I decide to walk on over there to say hi. Talking to a colleague right now shouldn't be frowned upon, surely. Everyone else here is. As I approach, he nods towards the players' lounge right off the common area. This thing developing between us is all so hush-hush, and that sparks something inside me again. Something exciting, dangerous and forbidden.

Does a part of me want to get caught?

"Hey," he says, taking me by the arm as soon as we're out of eyeshot from the rest of the people mingling. Amazingly, there's no one else in here, everyone is out there having a good time with the free alcohol.

"Ty!" I squeal as he pulls me toward him.

He chuckles darkly and my core throbs from the vibration it makes. "What?" He grins, wrapping his big arms around me and lifting me slightly off the ground.

"There are cameras in here." I try to wriggle free.

"That's nothing new, babe. There's cameras everywhere. I'll tell them it's a friendly gesture, being hyped about the win."

"Not just about seeing me, huh?" I laugh as he sets me back down on my feet.

"I'm always hyped about seeing you."

"Dad wants me to go to that charity game after the Cup is over," I blurt out. I figure in a few weeks' time, if things are still going well, this might prompt him to come to Florida.

"Yeah, Ashton was talking about that. I mean, he and Taylor are going as far as I know. I guess there's no reason I couldn't come along for the ride, even if I'm not playing in the event."

"That sounds awesome. Ooh, and I have some news on the contract situation," I say, hushing my tone even more.

He smiles again and sucks his bottom lip under for a second with his teeth.

"Did you look into it, too?" I ask.

"Sure did. Though, you can probably make more sense of the fine-print jargon I signed than I can."

"We would need to put it in writing, more or less asking permission from the team officials," I whisper. "That's about the size of it. I mean, that's if we decide to take things further."

He tilts his head then, his dark eyes never leaving my face. "What do you want, Cindy?"

I swallow, looking up at him. No one has ever asked me that before. I don't know how to tell him it's him I want. So I dodge and throw it back at him. "What do you want?"

He doesn't even seem to hesitate before his lips move. "You," he says simply. "I can't stay away from you anymore, Cindy. I want you."