Love at First Sight...?

Hello all.....

2011-07-04T20:45:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone.

How are you all??

So as most of you know I have a little soft soft for our Tyler Kennedy and when he was not signed before 1st July I was so worried that I would see my wee hunny go to another team so as you can imagine I was very happy to see that he has signed for the Pens for another 2 years!!!

Talking of signings though I cannot believe that Max has gone to the Philly! Of all teams to go to why would he choose them, I just do not understand.... I am disappointed Max, I really am.

Anyway... on a different note. I have written some more of Love at First Sight, if anyone still interested in this story or would you rather I just posted some more short stories.

I would love to know what you all think.

Hope your all having a good summer and the weather is better than it has been here is Scotland.

I looking forward to hearing from you all xxx

Oops!!

2011-04-15T15:24:00.002+01:00

I am so sorry that my posts have completely disappeared, life is just rather busy now that I am back to working full time and Charlie has turned 1 year old a couple of weeks ago so is running about the house and getting into everything.

However, I am off work sick today and was going through some documents on my laptop and came across a short story, it is very short and does not have much of an ending but I thought it may make up a little bit for the lack of writing.

Hope you all like it... As always, feedback is welcome and I hope you are all doing well.

I sit in my local Starbucks drawing the scene in front of me. I cant hear what is happening but it appears to me that the young couple are breaking up. The young male seems to be finding the situation difficult as he sits openly crying, his brown eyes shine brightly as tears fill them and quickly fall down his cheeks. His square jaw tense as he listens to the beautiful female, his lips pursed trying to hold back whatever he wants to say. His curly hair running wild as he continuously runs his hands through it.

The scene comes to an end as the beautiful young female gets up and leaves the café saying nothing further to explain her actions.

I carry on drawing as the males face is imprinted in my mind, the drawing quickly progresses showing the emotion in the males eyes when I hear an angry voice directed at me.

“What do you think you are doing?” The male spits out angrily at me as he stares down at me with a tear soaked face.

The only answer I had for him was “sorry”.

“I didn't ask for an apology, answer my question”.

“Sorry, I got carried away with my drawing, I didn't mean to offend you. Would you like to see it?” I spoke softly hoping that this may calm him down.

“Who gave you the right to spy on my private conversation, my life has nothing to do with you.” He was getting angrier by the minute.

“I am sorry. Would you like to see the drawing?” I asked again.

He grabbed it from me and turned to leave the café.

“Excuse me, can I get my work back please?” I ask still trying to keep my voice soft but shocked that he had tried to take away my art.

“It does not belong to you any more, it is of me after all so I think it is safe to say that it is mine!”

He turned and left and I felt it safer just not to say anything more.
***
I sat for a few moments drinking my hot chocolate when I felt a body sit beside me. I turned to look to see who felt it was necessary to sit beside me even though the café was practically empty. I was greeted by a pair of bright blue eyes glowing back at me. I studied the face, he had a square face, blonde hair and his eyes so very shiny like baby blue crystals.

“Sorry about my friend being rude to you a few moments ago, his girlfriend just broke up with him. I was aware that it was going to happen so I have been hiding here to make sure he was okay. He should not have spoke to you they way he did, I am sorry.”

His voice was sincere and gentle, I took an instant liking to him.

“Don't worry about it, I was in the wrong, some people get upset by it and some people don't care. I have experienced a few people tear up the drawings before but I have never had anyone take one away, what do you think he will do with it?” I ask trying hard not to be mesmerised by his watery blue eyes.
“To be honest I have no idea. My name is Jordan by the way, is there anything I can do to make it up to you for what my friend done?” His voice still soft.

“Nothing Jordan, seriously don't worry about it. How did you know she was going to break it off with him?” I ask thinking back to the upset young man, still being able to picture his face in my mind.

“Kelsie, his girlfriend is best friends with my girlfriend Heather, she had told Heather that she had found someone else and realised that she didn't love Tyler like she thought she did and I knew it would break his heart so I came down here in case things got out of hand. So I take it you are an artist?”

“I hope she did not tell him she found someone else. Na I just like drawing and I had a day off from work today so what better way to spend my day off than doing something I love.”

“Well you are very good at it. Where do you work?” He seemed to be genuinely interested in what I was telling him.

“I work for Star Publishing, they are building new offices in Pittsburgh so I have recently relocated.” I answered trying not to give to much away.

“Cool, rumour has it my bosses niece owns that company. Do you know if that's true? She might have the surname Shero.” Excitement grew in his eyes as he waited for my answer.

“Yeah that's right, he is my uncle... I best be going home, I have some things to do, it has been nice talking to you.”

I saw the look of disappointment on his face. “Okay, it has been nice talking to you, can I take your phone number because Tyler will probably want to apologise for earlier?”

I look at him unsure of what to do and then he smiled at me and I remembered Tylers face, tears running down his cheeks and I handed over my business card.

“Bye Jordan, take care.”
***
“Hey Heather, what a bizarre afternoon I have had.” I lean over and give her a kiss on her soft lips before I get ready to tell her about my afternoon.

“Why, what happened?” She asks me in her soft sweet voice that I never get fed up of listening too.

“Well I went to the café like we talked about and I watched my best mate get his heart broken, it was horrible, I knew there was nothing I could do but it was still so hard. He was just about to leave when he noticed a young woman watching him, she had paper in her hand and looked like she was drawing, he went berserk at her and took her drawing away with him. I managed to get a quick glimpse of it and it was great. Well I thought I better apologise on his behalf so I approached her. She was cool about him loosing his temper, explaining that it was not the first time. I asked her about being an artist and she explained that she was wasn't an artist, she was on a day off and participating in a hobby. I found out that she works for Star Publishing, the company that is building beside the new arena and the Mellon, well I took the opportunity to ask her about the rumour's being true and it turns out that she is Shero's niece. I couldn't believe it, she is so nice, I think you would get on great with her.”

I looked back at Heather again after finishing my story to see her laughing lightly at me.

“What is so funny?” I ask getting up and walking to the kitchen.

“I don't think you took a breathe the whole time you told that story.” She answered following me through the house.

“Was Tyler okay? I hope you got this girls number because you do know that Tyler will want to apologise once he calms down.”

“Yeah I got her business card. Tyler was pretty gutted, I will phone him soon.”

“I think I will give this woman a call and see if she wants to come to the party on Friday since you seem to like her so much.”

I handed her the business card just as the door bell rang, Heather went off to make the phone call as I went went to answer the door. To my surprise Tyler was standing there with what looked like the drawing in his hand and he looked like he had been crying again.

“Hey mate, you alright?” I ask gently as I let him in the house and guide him through to the living room.

“Not really, she finished with me Jordan and then I went mental at some woman in the café because she was drawing my picture, I took it from her and now I feel really bad about it and my heart is broken and everything is so wrong.”

He handed me the picture and put his head in his hands and sobbed. I sat looking at the drawing for a moment. It was amazing, she has captured the emotion in his eyes perfectly and there was one solitary tear rolling down his cheek which somehow shone silver.

I placed the drawing down on the coffee table and moved over to where Tyler was sitting and rubbed his back letting him cry, I had no idea what to say to him, he is my best friend and I hate knowing that there is nothing I can do to take his pain away.

A few moments later Heather came into the room with hot drinks for us. She spoke to Tyler and seemed to be able to calm him down and she too admired the drawing.

“This drawing is great Tyler, it is so much like you, she has captured everything about you perfectly including the pain that is so evident in your eyes.”

“I know, I didn't really look at it until I got back to my car and when I did I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I need to find a way to get it back to her.”

He looked into his coffee as if it held all the answers so I placed the business card on top of it.

“What is this?” He asked looking at me, his brown eyes clearly confused.

“Its Gills business card, she is the girl that drew the picture. You see, I knew why Kelsie wanted to meet you today so I sat at the back of the café to make sure you were okay. When you left I apologised to her on your behalf. She was lovely and I took her number because I knew you would want to apologise once you calmed down.

“Thanks Jordan, I think I will go home now. Thanks Heather, you are both so good to me.”
***
I went home after I left the café and thought about phoning Uncle Ray to tell him that the team will soon know that the rumours are true but decided against it, I am never going to see any of them again so it shouldn't matter to him about my run in with Jordan and Tyler.

I tried to busy myself with work but I couldn't seem to get Tyler out of my mind, I kept picturing him, seeing how heart broken he was, it reminded me of when my ex broke my heart before I left Scotland.

I was just getting into some work when I heard my phone ring, looking at the caller display I see a number that I don't recognise.

“Good Afternoon, Gill Shero speaking.” I answer professionally.

“Hi Gill, my name is Heather, I am Jordans girlfriend.”

“Hi Heather, can I help you at all?” I answer still trying to sound friendly, I am really not in the mood for a conversation with a jealous girlfriend who probably does not even know how to spell her own name.

“Jordan told me about his afternoon and he seems to really like you and seems to think I will too so I was wondering if you wanted to come to the party that we are having at our house after the game on Friday night?” Her voice was soft and much to my surprise she seemed genuinely nice.

“I am not sure that is a good idea but I really appreciate the thought, thank you.” I answer feeling slightly disappointed.

“I am not taking no for an answer, you can bring a friend or a boyfriend. I would really like you to come. I am guessing you go to the games so I will meet you there and give you directions to the house.”

“Friends are something I am lacking at the moment since I am still new to the area and boyfriends are also a bit non existent but yeah I will be at the game.” I answer quietly feeling quite embarrassed.

“That is even more reason for you to come to the party, I will phone you at the 2nd intermission and will come and meet you. See you Friday, take care Gill, it was nice talking to you.”

“Thanks Heather, see you later, take care.”

I ended the call and had to smile despite myself, am I doing the right thing, I am not sure that Uncle Ray will think so.

I quickly got back into my work again when I heard my phone ring yet again, another unknown number was on the caller display.

“Hello, Gill Shero speaking.” I answered again.

“Hi Gill, my name is Tyler. I wanted to phone and apologise for the way I spoke to you in the café and to arrange to get your drawing returned to you.” His voice was cracking and I could tell he was near to tears.

“You have nothing to apologise for, I was the one in the wrong. I did not mean to upset you or invade your privacy. The drawing is yours if you want it.” I was not really sure of what to say to him.

“Thank you but I still should not have shouted at you or taken your picture without asking, can I please make it up to you?”

“You just concentrate on mending your broken heart and you never know when we may run in to each other again, thank you for your call Tyler, I appreciate it.” I heard a sharp in take of breathe and then a slight sob escaped his throat.

“Would you like to meet somewhere to talk Tyler, it may do you good to talk to someone who does not know you or your girlfriend, I can meet you at a place I love just a few streets away from me.”

“Thanks Gill, I would really like that.”

I told him where to meet me and I left my house, leaving my car behind thinking that the fresh air would do me good.

I reached the café at the same time as Tyler drove up in his huge 4 x 4 with Harley Davidson signs all over the back of it.

“A fan of the great Harley Davidson motorcycle are you?” I asked as we approached one and other.

“Yeah I love them, I will get my own one eventually.” He answers giving me a weak smile.

We sit down and wait for the waitress to come over and I can see that he is very unsure of what to do or say.

“Would you like to get something to take away, we can go back to mine and you can talk openly without the worry of breaking down in public?”

“Thanks, that is a good idea.”

We ordered our drinks to take away and then climbed into the giant 4 x 4 and reached my house within minutes.

“Wow, nice house.” Tyler commented as we walked through the front door into my gigantic living room.

“Are you ready to talk?” I ask as he makes himself comfortable and I put some background music on to break the silence. I chose to put the latest Daughtry album on, a band that I have become overly obsessed with and hope one day that I will see them perform live.

“I guess so... Kelsie and I have been together for about 3 years, she moved to Pittsburgh with me and I thought everything was perfect until I met her for coffee this afternoon. She told me it was over because she had met someone else, she has been seeing him for a couple of months now and said that he makes her feel different, that she has realised that a she never really loved me. It was such a horrible feeling to hear her tell me that.

“I feel so empty, like she has ripped out my heart and thrown it away with the garbage. I don't know how I am going to get through this.”

He was still clutching to what I guessed was my drawing as tears started to stream down his face again. I moved over to where he was sitting and I held him close to me letting him cry. He leaned into me and cried like a baby, his body was shaking as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Once the tears dried up and I leaned back and looked at him placing my hands on his face.

“It will get easier Tyler, it may not be today or tomorrow but you will gradually feel better. I have had my heart broken before too and felt like my life was no longer worth living but gradually I started to feel better. You have so many things working in your favour, you have hockey, a great friend in Jordan and I am sure the rest of the team and if you want I will be there for you too.

Tyler stayed with me for a few more hours talking about various things. He seemed to relax more as the evening progressed and I even managed to get a few laughs out of him. I think he will make a quick recovery.
***
Friday was here before I knew it and I stood in front of my closet wondering if my outfit was suitable for the company that I would be in after the game. I had chosen to wear fitted navy jeans with my black knee high boots over the top and a black fitted shirt and I wore my little Penguins fleece. I don't know why I am so concerned, I cant see this being a regular occurrence. I brushed my long blonde hair once more before leaving the house and heading for the arena.

The game against the Flyers got off to a good start with the score being 3-1 to the Penguins at the end of the 2nd period. I fished my phone out of my bag just in time to get Heathers call.

“Hi Heather, how are you?” I answer trying to sound as happy as possible when really I was feeling unusually nervous.

“Hi Gill, I am good thanks, how are you? Good game so far, lets hope it keeps up. We have decided not to wait around for the boys tonight, we are just going to head home to get the party started, would you be able to take some of the girls in your car?” She sounded really excited.

“I am fine thanks, yeah it it is a good game. That is fine, I am parked in the players car park. I will meet you all there.”

We hung up and it wasn't until the next period started that I realised I had no idea what any of the girls actually looked like.

The third period went well with the game ending at 5-2 to the Penguins. I made my way out to the players car park and saw Tylers ex Kelsie standing with a group of girls I assumed must be the players girlfriends and wives. I slowly made my way over to them and as I approached a young beautiful blonde stood out of the crowd.

“Hi Gill?” She asked softly and I recognised the voice immediately as being Heathers.

“Hi Heather, yeah I am Gill. It is nice to meet you.” I extended my hand for her to shake and she took it straight away while sending a very warm smile in my direction.

She introduced me to the other girls, some of them seeming friendlier than others. Heather came with me in my car along with Petr Sykora's wife and Marc-Andre Fleury's wife. They talked like they had known me forever and I felt relaxed and like I might actually be able to make a strong friendship with these girls.

“Is Kelsie coming to the party?” I asked as we pulled into their driveway.

“Yeah” Heather answered. “I asked her not to until Tyler was feeling better about things but she wouldn't listen, she seems to think she knows best but I think it will be really hard for him, I will try and keep her away from him.”

We entered the house and got glasses of wine and soon after the guys started to arrive. They all introduced themselves to me and were very nice to talk too.

I was standing in the kitchen laughing with some of the girls when Tyler walked in and saw Kelsie there, so far we had managed to keep them apart. He stopped in his tracks and just stared at her. I could see his eyes quickly fill with tears so I grabbed a bottle of beer and my wine glass and headed over to him. Placing my hand on his back I guided him out of the room. I handed him his bottle of beer and he drank it pretty quickly.

“Are you alright?” I ask as we find somewhere quiet to sit.

“I was just shocked to see her, it still hurts. Why is she here?” He looked at me as if I could answer all of his questions and somehow make it all better.

“I don't know” I answered simply and cuddled myself into him. I felt his body relax and we stayed like that for a long time. Eventually the conversation picked up and we ended up having a laugh.

Feedback request!

2010-11-02T11:27:00.003Z

Hello readers how are you all?

I feel really bad that I am not getting this story updated so therefore I have a few suggestions that I would like your feedback on.

1. Would you like me to bring this story to an end so that you are not left hanging?

2. Would you like me to continue the story even though I there may be a few months between each post?

I have some ideas for short stories so maybe this is the line I should be going down?!

All feedback is welcome, maybe you have some other suggestions.

I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for all your support and patience.

Take care and best wishes from Scotland.

Info Again!!

2010-10-07T09:52:00.002+01:00

Hi all.

I feel like I do nothing but post apologies to you all but my laptop is still not working great so not been able to access my story.

Also been fairly busy of late, Charlie is teething and has been a bit grumpy, he is also nearly crawling so I have to watch him at all times.

Paul and I have been full of the cold so been feeling a bit under the weather. I have also been getting ready to go back to work. :(

I don't mean to sound like I am full of excuses and I feel so bad that I have been unable to post further chapters. I hope you can all be patient with me for just a little longer.

Thanks all and enjoy the start of the season.

Info!

2010-08-31T20:13:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone!

Are you all well? Exited for the new NHL season starting?

I just wanted to apologise for the lack of updates. The reason for this is mainly because the story is saved on the laptop and at the moment the laptop charger is broken so until I can get it charged I will be unable to update.

I am also kept very busy with Charlie who is 5 and a half months all ready and is very nearly on the move! He has crawled backwards (!) a few times already. He is a wee darling and such a happy baby! He has grown out of his Penguins baby grow already so I am trying to find him either a bigger baby grow or a Pens jersey!

Anyway... I promise that as soon as the laptop is working I will get another couple of chapters posted!

Take care all!

Chapter 41

2010-08-02T14:34:00.001+01:00

Sorry for the long wait! Charlie tends to keep me very busy!!

-----

Soon it was time for Tyler, Jordan and myself to head to the airport and to say that I was nervous was an understatement, I could feel my palms were clammy against the rubber of my crutches and it was making it so hard to hold them steady.

We waited at the arrivals and I found myself pacing back and forth checking the arrivals board every minute or so and rubbing my hands against my jeans every time I stopped.

“Gill you already know that the flight has landed, they will be here in a few minutes. Will you please stop pacing you are making me nervous and you are going to tire yourself out.”

“Sorry” I answer quietly and I stand beside Tyler letting his arms wrap around my waist and pull me close to him.

“Why are you so nervous Gill?” I see Jordan smiling down at me, his blue eyes glistening.

“It is a long story, I will tell you another time, just be prepared for some hostility.”

“Oh ok” He answers as the smile disappears from his face.

“Here they come” I announce as I stand forward so that they notice me.

“Hi” I start nervously. “How are you all? How was your flight?”

Andy, my brother is the first to answer.

“We are all fine thanks, how are you? Why are you on crutches? The flight was fine, it actually went really quickly, we were pleasantly surprised.” I could hear young Cameron making random child noises in the background and I wanted him to know who I was and it hurt that he didn’t.

“I am fine thanks, I broke my foot a couple of nights ago so these 2 will be driving you all back to my house.” I point back to them. “This is Tyler, my boyfriend and this is Jordan, one of our best friends.”

I introduce everyone to the guys and then start walking to the cars with Tyler and Jordan taking some of the luggage. No one spoke again until we reached the cars.

“So who would like to go in what car?” I ask pointing to Tylers giant 4 x 4 and my smaller 4 x 4 that Jordan is driving.

“Rosie, Cameron and I will go with Tyler.” Andy answered and immediately set about putting Cameron’s car seat in place so my Mum and Dad put their things in my car and climbed in.

“I will go with Mum and Dad.” I tell Tyler before leaning up and giving him a small kiss and a reassuring smile. “See you at the house.”

The car journey started off quiet so I decided that I should be trying to break the ice, it was so hard to believe that the atmosphere could be so uncomfortable with my parents.

“So how are you both?” I ask as I turn to look at them the best I can. “You both look really well.”

They looked at each other before answering and much to my surprise it was my mum who spoke first. My dad was always slim although like most older men he had a bit of a beer belly and much to my surprise this was totally gone and he looked very handsome, he still had thick brown hair and he was looking healthy. He suffered a work related injury a couple of years before I moved away which left him with a permanent limp but even his walking had improved although it was still not back to normal and I knew it never would be. My mum was small with a rounded figure and although she was still plump she to had lost a lot of weight and her hair was darker which suited her round face.

“We are fine thanks, actually the flight was much better than we expected. How are you?” Her voice was soft and friendly and I realised then how much I had missed them both. My mum and I used to be so close, we knew everything about each other.

“I am fine thanks apart from my foot. I have missed you all so much and I am so looking forward to spending time with you.” She smiled softly back at me and I knew that somehow we could get past all that has happened and they did not hate me like I had always assumed.

Soon we reached the house and Jordan and Tyler helped us into the house with the luggage and then Jordan left giving me a hug and a reassuring smile on his way out.

“It was so nice to meet you all” Tyler started as I stood in the kitchen with him “but I will leave you all to catch up and I will see you later on. I will come back for dinner if you don’t mind.”

“Tyler stay, we would like to talk to Gill and we figure that you are both very close so we think you should here this too.”

I began to get very nervous as I finished preparing drinks and asking Tyler to take them through to the living room.

“It is ok hunny, I have a good feeling about this.” Tyler tells me as he gives me a quick kiss before heading to the living room.

Chapter 40

2010-06-03T10:48:00.004+01:00

Before I post the next chapter I thought you all might like to see an updated picture of my baby Charlie...

Ok... on to the next chpater, hope you enjoy xx

The following morning I woke in pain, instantly I was reminded of the previous night and knew that I would no longer be able put off talking with Lorna and Sid.

I got up from bed leaving Tyler to sleep, washed the best I could, dressed and headed down to get some breakfast and face the inevitable phone calls.

I knew that Sid would be at the rink so I phoned him first having no idea what he had told Lorna.

“Gill, are you ok? I tried to call you last night but you didn’t answer.” His voice was panicked and he sounded genuinely worried.

“I didn’t answer your call because I was at the hospital getting my foot put in plaster so that the 4 broken bones and 2 fractured bones can heel…

“I am so sorry if I missed your call, stupid me not making you a priority.” My voice came out a lot angrier than I had intended on.

“I… I am sorry.” He stuttered.

“Do you think saying your sorry is going to make this go away, you are lucky that I have good powers of persuasion, I had to convince most of the team not to beat you to death. That is twice now you have hurt me, well I am not lying to Lorna this time, you pushed me in public and broke my foot. You are extremely lucky that I am not going to press charges, I could quite easily give you a criminal record.”

“Gill” he interrupted. “I know you’re angry, you have every right to be. Lorna knows that I hurt you because I was angry with her, we are going to work through this and I have decided not to drink again because it is apparent that I cannot control my anger, especially around you. I promise you Gill, this will not happen again. I hope you will let me make this up to you somehow.”

“Just don’t let this happen again and make sure that you never lay a finger on Lorna.”

I ended the conversation and phoned Lorna.

“Hey sweetie, how are you?” She asks in a soft voice.

“I am ok, in quite a lot of pain but I have been given strong pain killers, hopefully they will kick in soon. How are you?” My voice was still quite harsh but Lorna knew my anger was not directed at her.

“How bad is it Gill?”

“My foot has 4 breaks and 2 fractures, the doctor thinks it will be in plaster for at least 6 months. I have to go back and see him next week.” I answer, my voice slowly getting back to normal.

“Gill, I am so sorry. I am so annoyed with Sidney for hurting you but he is even angrier with himself, he is beating himself up over this and I couldn’t believe that I blamed Tyler for hurting you before when it was really Sidney that had done it. He is not going to drink again Gill so he will not hurt you. I am so very sorry and we will make it up to you. I know I should be scared of him but I love him to much and I don’t want to be without him. Please understand.” She was talking quickly, her softness disappearing and the panic taking over.

“I don’t expect you to finish with him because of this, I have managed to calm the guys down and they have agreed not to get involved, please just promise me that you will be careful, if he ever lays a hand on you Lorna…” My voice was becoming angry again and I knew I had to end the call.

“Gill, he won’t hurt me but if he does…” Her voice was soft again and I knew she was close to tears.

“Look, this is not going to come between us Lorna, you have been my best friend for far too long, you are like the sister I never had, please don’t let this cause a rift between us.

“I have to go Lorna. Can you give me a lift to work on Monday please?”

“We will be fine Gill nothing will cause a rift between us. Yeah, I will get you at about 0830 on Monday, take care. Bye Gill.”

“Bye Lorna.” I hung up and made my way back to the kitchen just as Tyler made his way down the stairs.

We talked for a while before he left to go and see the team doctor so I took the laptop from the office and sat out in the conservatory with a nice glass of wine after having a quick lunch.

I checked my emails and suddenly it occurred to me that my family were arriving on Sunday and I could no longer drive to the airport to get them. I decided to phone around the guys to see if anyone could help me out, just as I picked up my phone Tyler came back in without his crutches and it occurred to me that I had been sitting there for hours, I just don’t know how time can go so fast without me noticing.

“Hey hunny, it is not as bad as they first thought, I can walk normally and can drive my car but it will still be a couple of weeks before I can play again.” He was really chipper, I was pleased for him.

“That is good gorgeous, the weeks will pass very quickly and you will be back on the ice before you know it. Since you are allowed to drive can you do me a big favour?” I smiled mischievously at him.

“Where do you want to go?” He answered sitting down beside me.

“I don’t want to go anywhere but I have to collect my parents from the airport on Sunday and I can’t drive at the moment, there are too many people for one car but if you can take some in your car I will phone Jordan and see if he will help us out?” I ask as I cuddle into him.

“Of course Gill, that goes without being said.”

I phoned Jordan and he agreed to help us so we arranged a time etc. and said our goodbyes.

I was very anxious about them arriving so I decided that we would watch a movie to take my mind of my aching foot and the fact that my family would be here in a few days.

Chapter 39

2010-05-24T10:29:00.002+01:00

The days began to pass in a blur, the Pens won most of the November games and before I knew it December was here. It was already 11th December and I was at the game watching the Pens play against the Islanders when Tyler got a bad hit, he went off the ice and did not return so I made my way down to the locker room to find him with the team doctor. They ran various tests on him, took x-rays etc. before he was told that he had injured his knee in a bad way and would be put in the injured reserve list for the next few weeks. I knew tonight would not be good.

The Pens won the game 9-2 so needless to say they wanted to go out and celebrate and despite being told to stay at home and rest Tyler insisted on going out too.

We all made our way to Diesel and went straight to the VIP, the guys all went straight to the bar except Tyler who gave his order to Sid and came down to sit with us girls, he was given crutches so he was hobbling about and he managed to get his leg up when we found somewhere to sit, I knew he was in pain but he was so angry with himself for getting hurt.

As the evening progressed the boys all got drunker by the minute, Lorna was up dancing with some of the people from the office, one of the guys was flirting with her and I could see Sid getting really annoyed so I went over to him to calm him down, every time I see him drunk I am reminded of the night he hurt me and I am so scared of him doing the same thing to Lorna.

I stood in front of him as he stood looking out at the dance floor, the dance floor is set lower then the remainder of the room so I stood just at the top of the few steps leading down to it.

“Hey Sid, how are you?” I ask in a friendly tone. This music is loud so he leans down to speak in my ear.

“I was great until my girlfriend decided to flirt with some bloke right in front of my face.” His voice was even angrier than his expression and I could smell the alcohol on his breath, this was not going to turn out well.

I turned to look at Lorna who was laughing as she ran her hands through her hair. I could tell she had had too much to drink but she was enjoying herself, she would never cheat on Sidney, she loves him so much.

“Sid, she is having fun, she would never do anything to hurt you, she is drunk just like you are.” I put my hands on his arms which turned out to be a very bad idea.

“Gill for fuck sake, why do you insist in sticking your nose in everything that has nothing to do with you, do you not remember that we had this discussion before and I told you under no uncertain circumstances to stay out of my business.”

I took my hands off him and went to turn away, “I really don’t like the person you turn into when you are drunk Sidney, if you dare lay a hand on Lorna you will not even know what has hit you.”

I turned my back to him and before I could react he pushed me with full force, I fell down the steps and landed awkwardly and instantly knew something in my foot was broken. I looked up at Sidney and could see that suddenly he was very alert and knew exactly what he had done, the music stopped and people were coming to help me.

“Gill” Sid said as he leaned down to me. “I am so sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Just get away from me” I growled as I tried to stand up and failed miserably. Suddenly I saw Tyler there handing me his crutches.

“Here, take these, I have only had one drink so I will take you to the hospital.” I shook my head no.

“You need them Tyler, I will not be responsible for your injury worsening because of me, get Geno and see if he will help me up and out to the car.”

Someone got Geno and I watched as Tyler spoke to Sid, I could not hear what was being said but I knew that he was threatening him, the look on his face was pure hatred and it scared me, I had never seen Tyler so angry and I cannot be responsible for causing a rift between him and his team captain.

I felt a presence beside me and noticed that Geno had appeared.

“Hey Geno, can you please help me up and support my weight until I get to the car, it is just parked down the street.” I ask as I look into his big brown eyes.

“You no walk Gill, I carry.” His broken English gets me every time even through the escalating pain. He picked me up bridal style with no particular effort and carried me out of the club, as soon as I was off the dance floor the music started up again as if nothing had happened.

Once we reached the car he placed me in the passenger’s seat and went round to Tyler who was getting in the drivers seat.

“I drive TK, you hurt, I no want you in pain, I no drink.”

“Thanks Geno.” I hear Tyler saying before climbing in the back of the car.

“Gill, what happen?” Geno asks and before I got a chance to answer Tyler spoke.

“That fucking idiot Sid pushed her, that is the second time he has hurt her, I let it go the last time because Gill made me promise not to hurt him saying that she could handle it herself but he is not getting away with it again, this time he pays.”

They both discussed it further, each getting angrier so I switched my mind off, closing my eyes I drifted in and out of sleep not sure if I am in shock from the excruciating pain or if I am just tired, soon we arrived at the hospital. Again Geno carried me into A&E and I was seen straight away, I am guessing that was to do with the fact that Tyler Kennedy and Evgeni Malkin were in my company.

They x-rayed my foot and they confirmed my suspicions that indeed it was broken, there were actually 4 bones broken and 2 fractured bones and they estimated that I would be in plaster for approximately 6 months. ‘Great’, I thought to myself.

They plastered me up and handed me some crutches and I instantly started laughing. I hobbled out to the waiting room to Tyler and Geno and was still giggling to myself.

“What on earth can you be laughing at?” Tyler asks as he hobbles over to me.

“Look at us” I answer. “You get injured and need crutches, a few hours later I end up with a broken foot and also end up on crutches. We are some pair.”

Geno and Tyler too started laughing as they see the funny side of us both getting hurt.

Geno took us home and said that if we needed anything to give him a call. He is a good guy.

I switched on my mobile phone to see that I had loads of missed calls and messages from everyone asking if I was ok.

I called most people back with the exception of Sidney and Lorna, I didn’t know how to deal with that so I decided to wait until the morning.

Tyler and I curled up the best we could in bed.

“I am sorry I wanted to go out tonight Gill, if I had not been so stubborn and just went home to rest like I was told then this would never have happened.” Tylers eyes were full of worry and I knew he was blaming himself.

“Tyler, don’t be silly, you wanted to go out and celebrate with your friends, I understand that. I never for one moment expected this to happen. While we are talking about this I want to say something…

“Please don’t get angry with Sidney, he is your team captain and no matter what he does to me you cant let that get in the way of your game and the way you play with him. I know it hurts you a great deal to see him hurt me but believe me it would hurt me a hell of a lot more if this hurt you and your game. Please just leave it and let me deal with it.”

“It is not going to be easy Gill but I understand what you are saying, Geno and I talked about it when we were waiting at the hospital and we need to swallow our anger and keep being professional, I am going to tell him that I am not happy with him but because he is the teams captain I will keep my anger at bay but if he dares to hurt you again Gill I am not sure how I will react.” His voice was raising and I knew he was going to have a hard time controlling this.

“You can talk to him about it, I don’t mind that but please keep the threat off the end of it.”

We changed the subject and somehow managed to fall asleep and let me tell you, sleeping with a cast on has to be one of the most uncomfortable ways to sleep.

Chapter 38

2010-05-13T10:04:00.002+01:00

As I sit in my home office I hear my mobile phone ringing, I follow the noise as I could not remember where I left the phone and when I eventually find it the ringing has stopped and it beeps to signal I have a message.

“Hey hunny, so I guess you are not talking to me, I am not sure what I have done wrong but I would really like to see you, if I don’t hear from you in the next half an hour I will just see you after the game tomorrow but I would like to come round tonight. Anyway, talk to you soon hunny, love you.”

I called him back laughing at him being so worried for no apparent reason.

“Hey” he answered almost immediately “is everything ok?”

“Everything is fine, I could not find my phone and once I did you had already left a message. If you are coming round can you bring some food with you, I can’t be bothered cooking and my guess is you have probably not eaten all day.” I ask trying to sound cheery.

“Na I have not eaten, sure I will go and get some pizza and head round, can I sleep at yours? Are you angry with me?” His voice is still worried.

“I am not angry, I just don’t take very well to people who feel sorry for themselves when they are ill due to their own stupidity and I had to look after you all last night, take everyone back to their hotel rooms and put them to bed even after I had a busy day at work and still had to get up early and do another long day while you guys slept it off not even remembering the fact that I got very little sleep because I was so worried that you would all choke on your own vomit! Right, rant over, I will say no more about it, go and get some pizza and I will see you soon.”

I felt bad for having a go at him but drunk and hungover people are something that I can just not cope with very well, being someone that does not drink a great deal it is hard being a round people who do.

Tyler soon arrived with pizza and we sat and ate and when we had finished Tyler turned to face me.

“Gill I am sorry, I never realised just how bad we were last night, I never meant to be an arse and I am sure that if the other guys knew about you looking after them they would be so apologetic too, I never meant the night to get so out of hand, I think it all just came back to us about the cup being taken away from us by Detroit after we were so close to making our dreams come true. I am so sorry Gill.”

“Look Tyler, please don’t worry about it, it is in the past.

“I never got the chance to tell you that my family is coming over at Christmas, I don’t know all the details yet but they will most likely be staying here.” I try to push to the back of my mind about the night before, I was not angry as such, I guess I am just too much of a worrier.

“Oh wow that is cool, I can’t wait to meet them, I will meet them wont I?” His eyes are wide with anticipation, his infectious grin spreading across his face.

“Yeah, you will meet them, I will probably try to get them tickets for a game when they are here but if I were you I would not be getting too excited, they don’t exactly approve of me.” I settle down into him knowing that it will probably be a long night as I explain my history with my family.

“Why do they not approve of you, is it because of me?” His face is full of worry again.

“No, they didn’t even know about you until today, we don’t exactly keep up. When I was still back in Scotland I had a long term boyfriend when I was at university but he cheated on me and it broke my heart, he tried to get me not to break up with him but I couldn’t stay with someone who did that to me, well my Mum and Dad sided with my ex and they could not understand why I did not want him back, they were really angry with me and things were pretty tense. To take my mind off my broken heart and unsupportive parents I looked into starting my own company, I spoke to some advisers and they told me that if I was to open a publishing company in Britain they would be very surprised if it was to make a profit and therefore I could not find anyone to fund the business. I looked into the publishing industry in more detail and realised that if I wanted this to work then I had to come to America so I re-wrote my business plan, went back to the advisers and they agreed that this was the best way forward, ideally they wanted to me go to New York but as much as I liked the city I didn’t want to stay there, when I first said Pittsburgh to them they initially shot me down but after they looked into it a bit more they agreed and we set the ball rolling. I went to my parents house that night and explained to them what we were doing and asked them if they would like to move with me if everything worked out.

“My brothers girlfriend was pregnant at the time and everyone was pretty excited and so I was accused of trying to steal the lime light from them, they went completely mad at me and said some pretty horrible things so I packed my bags, spoke to the my advisers and left for Pittsburgh without telling anyone or even getting in contact and no one looked for me until a few months later when my visa was accepted and my the offices were getting built.

“I wrote a letter to everyone and told them that the company was to open within the next couple of months and that I hoped that they could see things from my point of view. I set up a trust fund for my nephew and sent over some things for him, I eventually got a letter in return telling me that he was fine and they gave me a picture of him. I had never heard from them again until I checked my email the day we arrived in Detroit.

“It breaks my heart to think that they hate me, I never wanted things to be like this, they are my family and I love them but they hurt me so badly and I am dreading seeing them. Little Cameron is already nearly 2 and I have never seen him, we all used to be so close, my mum knew everything there was to know about me and they took it all away from me.”

I looked up at Tyler, tears streaming down my face and he was looking at me with so much emotion, I knew that he was hurting for me.

“Gill, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to dredge up the past, I hope everything will be ok when they are here. The fact that they are coming over at Christmas is a good sign, maybe they want to make amends.”

We talked for a while longer before heading off to bed for a good nights sleep but my night was riddled with nightmares, I needed to stop thinking about the up and coming visit or it would drive me insane.

Chapter 37

2010-04-15T16:05:00.001+01:00

The wait is finally over...

Enjoy...

I enjoyed my day in the office meeting the staff and getting to know them all, I organised lunch for everyone and had a conference with them to explain how things would work and explained that the next day I would hold individual meetings with everyone to make sure that they were happy with everything and to answer any questions they may have.

Tyler had given me some extra tickets to the game tonight so I asked everyone that was interested in getting tickets to put their name in a hat and I would pull out names so needless to say most people were overly excited about this and those that got the tickets were extremely happy.

The day flew by and before I knew it I had to leave to go to the game, I had not even been back to the hotel to change so I just gathered my things and headed to the game. I sat with the others that came from the office and the game started fairly quickly after we arrived.

The game was good and the Penguins won, I knew they would be so excited and I couldn’t wait to get down to the locker room so see them all. I managed to get the people from the office down past security and they all couldn’t thank me enough for taking them to the game and allowing them to meet the team.

“Hey gorgeous, that was such a good game, well done, you must be so pleased that you beat the Red Wings.” I said to Tyler as I approached him.

“It is amazing, I am so happy, lets just hope that we can beat them again but on home ice the next time, just to give ourselves peace of mind after losing the cup to them at home, we will never get over that but we need to prove to ourselves that we can do it and it is strange playing against Hossa after he betrayed us like that then denied it all to the press. You fancy heading out for a few drinks with the team?”

I knew that it was strange for them playing with the likes of Hossa again and playing against the team who broke their dreams so I had a feeling tonight may be a rather drunken night. And that is exactly what it turned out to be, the whole team were wrecked and I had to look after them all and somehow get them all back to the hotel in one piece and back into their own beds, alone may I add!!!

Max being Max wanting to take a girl back to his room with him but I would rather not be involved when he was cheating on his girlfriend.

Eventually once everyone was settled in bed I made my way to my own bed to find Tyler already passed out, I sent Michel a quick text to say that he may have a bit of difficulty getting everyone up in the morning and if he needed me I would be at the office.

I quickly fell asleep only to be wakened up a few hours later to get ready to go into the office. Tyler was still out cold so I kissed his forehead and left him to sleep.

I spent roughly half an hour with each member of staff, each of them asking questions about the changes I have made and complementing my managerial skills saying that everyone is already enjoying work much better and know that they are now much more appreciated. It was nice to hear that my staff were happy. I promised them all I would be back again soon.

I left the office at about 3pm so that I could meet the guys and get a flight back to Pittsburgh before the game against the Flyers tomorrow hoping that they would all be recovered from the previous night. I did not fancy flying home with a hungover bunch of guys.

When I reached the hotel I found the team already waiting in the reception area, most of them with their heads hanging low, faces white and unshaven, I shook my head as I approached them.

“Hey guys, I take it you are all feeling a bit rough today? Well I have no sympathy for any of you, I hope you are all pleased with yourselves.” I didn’t speak to anyone in particular choosing instead to talk to Michel and the other coaches.

I sat on my own at the back of the flight as the guys continued to feel sorry for themselves, as I was working on some documents I decided that I better email my brother back and see when exactly they would be arriving.

‘Hey Andy, how are you? Rosie and Cameron doing well?

So I got your email explaining that you were coming over for a visit, that is cool. Let me know your flight details and if you would like I can collect you all at the airport. Please don’t book hotels, you can stay at my house, there is plenty of room for you all.

Things have been good here, the company is doing well, I have expanded by taking over another company and it is all working out, we are hoping that once all figures etc. have been announced it will make Robertson Publishing the biggest publishing company in the world, it is unbelievable, I will give you a tour of the office etc. if you are interested.

I have also got a boyfriend now, his name is Tyler and I think you will like him, he is a couple of years younger than me but we are like 2 peas in a pod.

Look, I know we have not always seen eye to eye but I am looking forward to seeing you all, hopefully you can understand why I moved away once you get here and see how happy I am.

Anyway, talk to you soon Andy, take care.

Love your little sis. Xx’

I closed down the laptop knowing that we would be landing soon. Once we landed the guys all headed off in their own directions and Tyler told me that he was going to head home and would call me later.

“Sorry sweetie, I don’t think I would be very good company at the moment and since you have come no where near me since you finished at the office I guess I am in the bad books so I am going to go and sleep this hangover off and will call you when I get up.”

He leaned in and gave me a small kiss on my cheek and left without saying anything further.

Baby Charlie

2010-04-01T10:26:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone.

I feel like all I do is apologise to you all for not updating the story I am so sorry for that.

My baby was born on Friday 19th March 2010 at 0112 AM, we called him Charlie Thomas Robertson and he weighed 8lb 11oz.

Both Mum and Baby are well and settling in at home well. Just trying to get into a routine and get everything packed up ready to move house next week.

I promise once we get into the new house and I get my routine sorted I will get the story updated. I hope you can all be patient with me.

Info

2010-03-02T14:47:00.002Z

Hello everyone.

I am so sorry for the lack of updates, my baby is due in less than 2 weeks and I am so uncomfortable and sore, I have a lot of problems with my joints as I suffer from arthritis and due to the pregnancy I am unable to take my medication. The baby is really big so I am in a lot of pain but I just keep telling myself it will all be worthwhile when I get to see my beautiful baby boy. My fingers are just some of the joints that are sore so that is part of the reason for the lack of updates.

Also we have sold our flat and are moving to a bigger house which I am very excited about. It is a brand new house bought straight from the builders, the baby will have his own room, there is a nice garden for him to play in when he gets bigger. The kitchen is brilliant and I cant wait to start cooking in it. Also it is really close to Paul's work so everything is working out well. We have been packing so many things away as we have figured that once the baby comes we will want to give all our attention to him.

As you can tell I am very excited about everything. My new house and the imminent arrival of my beautiful baby boy.

I will try to get a chapter posted before the baby is born but if not as soon as I get into a routine I will get back to posting chapters regularly.

I will also be sure to let you all know once the baby is born and if any of you are every in Scotland please come and visit.

Anyway, thanks very much for all your support, I hope you are all enjoying the story so far and I promise not to leave you all hanging for to much longer.

Keep in touch everyone, I love hearing from you all.

Take care.

xxxxxx

Chapter 36

2010-02-05T12:55:00.001Z

The meal went well and I felt completely relaxed with the guys. I had no need to worry after all, after the meal was finished we all made our way to the lounge area and got a round of drinks. I sat down at a table with Tyler, Flower, Max, Jordan, Tanger and Geno.

The evening was filled with hilarity, it was so good to be in their company again, I had missed them so much more than I realised when Tyler and I were not together.

I was nominated to go to the bar to order the next round, I made my way to the bar and stood next to a very familiar looking man. I was standing looking at him when suddenly he turned to me.

“Can I help you?” He asked with a big grin.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare at you, you just look very familiar to me.” I looked away but it was bugging why I knew this guy.

“Miss Robertson, wow it is a pleasure to have you standing next to me, you are in inspiration.” His deep voice sounded excited as he continued to look back at me.

“Eh, thanks, it is not often I am recognised” I smile as I look round at Tyler.

Suddenly it occurs to me who the man is that I am talking too.

“Oh my god, I suddenly realised who you are, I am a massive fan. You have an amazing voice and I love your songs. You are very talented.”

We talked for a few moments longer and I gave him my business card telling him that if he wanted to come into the office if he was in town he was more than welcome too. I ordered the drinks and headed back to the guys with the biggest grin.

“Who were you chatting up?” Max asked with that devilish grin of his.

“That is Chris Daughtry, I am a massive fan of his. I am so excited.”

“It is who?” He asked looking confused.

“He is the lead singer of one of Gill’s favourite bands” Tyler answered. “The first time I heard her sing, she sang one of their songs.”

“You didn’t tell me you could sing?” I heard from a voice behind me that sounded like Chris.

I turned round only to be met by his big dark brown eyes. “I like to sing for fun, nothing serious.”

“Don’t listen to her” Jordan pipes up, “she is an amazing musician, she has a wonderful singing voice, she can play the piano like an angel and she is also fairly talented when it comes to playing guitar.”

“You fancy showing off your talents, there is a perfectly tuned piano in the corner looking rather lonely, I have my guitar down here too?”

“Oh no no I don’t sing in public.” I answered feeling my face getting redder by the moment as I become more and more embarrassed.

All of the guys started pleading with me to sing and I knew that I would not hear the end of it until I agreed.

“Ok fine, I will do it, let me just warm my hands up, think about what song you want to do.” I turned to Chris then made my way over to the piano. He left me for 10 or so minutes and then approached to ask if I was ready. I had never played in front of so many people and I was nervous, and I had certainly never sang with anyone as good as Chris before, what if I ruin his song?

I took a deep breathe, exhaled and told Chris I was ready. He decided that we would sing ‘It’s Not Over’ after Tyler told him it was my favourite.

The lyrics are as follows:

I was blown away what could I say
It all seemed to make sense
You’ve taken away everything
And I can’t do without
I try to see the good in life
But good things in life are hard to find

Blow it away, Blow it away
Can we make this something good
Well I tried to do it right this time around
Let’s start over
I tried to do it right this time around
Its not over
There’s a part of me that’s dead and in the ground
This love is killing me, but you’re the only one
Its not over

Taken all I could take and I cannot wait
Were wasting to much time
Being strong holding on
Cant let it bring us down
My life with you means everything
So I won’t give up that easily

Blow it Away, Blow it Away
Can we make this something good
Cause its all misunderstood
Well I tried to do it right this time around
Let’s start over
I tried to do it right this time around
It’s not over
Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground
This love is killing me
But you’re the only one
It’s not over

We can’t let this get away
Let it out, let it out
Don’t get caught up in yourself
Let it out

Let’s start over
I tried to do it right this time around
It’s not over
Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground
This love is killing me
But you’re the only one
It’s not over
Let’s start over
Its not over, Oh yeah, yeah!
This love is killing me
But you’re the only one
It’s not over.....

“Fuck Gill… How can you even try to say that you are not very good, that was amazing. I have never sang a duet like it, I want to work with you again!”

“I don’t know about that. Thank you, I am glad you liked it.”

We talked for a while longer before calling it a night, I promised Chris I would think about singing with him again and that I would see him soon.

Tyler and I made it up to our room and cuddled into bed together.

“You are amazing Gill, you never disappoint me.”

We quickly fell asleep and before I knew it it was time to head to work.

Chapter 35

2010-01-27T16:10:00.001Z

Time continued to pass at lightening speed and before I knew it we were leaving for Detroit.

“So I will see you when I get to Detroit, I can’t believe Michel is letting us stay together while we are there, its going to be great. Have a safe trip hunny and I will see you in a few hours.”

Tyler left for the arena and he still had no idea that we would be flying on my aeroplane. I finished packing and then left for the airport.

I headed off to my own private waiting room, opened my laptop and busied myself until I heard some noise outside. I looked up and noticed the team were arriving so I switched the laptop off and packed it back in its bag. Moments later they burst into the room.

“You great girl, I love you.” I heard Geno announce to me as he walked over and hugged me.

“Thanks Geno, I love you too but what is with the show of emotions?”

“You have aeroplane for us to fly so I love you.” His broken English makes me weak at the knees every time I speak to him. I think he will become a good friend of mine.

“Gill, you never fail to amaze me, I can’t believe you never told me about this?” Tyler kisses me and then sits down beside me.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.”

A short while later we boarded the plane and almost straight away the team took out their PSP’s and started play Call of Duty, occasionally you would hear raised voices as someone killed some else, it was very amusing to watch but very distracting as I prefer to work in peace and quiet.

About half way through the flight I heard a shout from the front of the plane.

“Gill is there food on this thing, I am so hungry.”

The air hostess arrived moments later with snacks for everyone much to the guys delight.

We soon arrived in Detroit and filled the bus that was put on for us. The short ride to the hotel was uneventful until we pulled up outside to see that some fans were waiting. I left the guys as they signed autographs to check into the hotel, I made my way up to my room and switched my laptop on again.

I undressed and climbed into the shower to unwind some before doing some work for the remainder of the day. Moments later I was joined by Tyler.

“Hey Sexy any room for me in there?” He asks as I see him undress through the frosted glass doors.

I remain silent as he opens the door and joins me under the scolding hot water.

“Wow” He comments as he stands looking me up and down, his hand reaching out and touching my waist with the tips of his fingers.

“I never get fed up of seeing your body, I swear it gets more beautiful every time.”

I lower my head trying to hide the embarrassment from being complimented only to have him place a finger under my chin and lift my face to look at him.

“You are just going to have to get used to me complimenting you because it is going to happen on a regular basis forever more.”

He leaned in and kissed me and what started gentle soon heated up. Soon our tongues were fighting for possession and our hands were exploring each others body, before I knew what was happening I was pinned against the wall with TK working his magic. We climaxed together, enjoying the hot water run down over us we stayed in each others arms for a few moments longer.

“Right Mister, sorry to disappoint but I am here on a business trip so therefore I have work to do. And you need to go and meet the team, I will see you in a few hours for the evening meal.

I dressed in a pair of fitted shorts and a vest and lay down on the bed with my laptop.

“Gill, you cannot dress like that and expect me to keep my hands to myself.” I feel TK come over and run his hands up and down my back and I wanted nothing more than to have a replay of what had just taken place in the shower.

“Sorry gorgeous but you need to get down and meet the team, I will see you soon.”

We kissed passionately but gently, full of emotion and moments later Tyler left.

I logged on to my emails and found that I had mail from my brother telling me that him, his girlfriend, his son and our parents were coming over for Christmas, ‘great’ I thought to myself, ‘more disapproval from the people who are supposed to love me the most, I am certainly not looking forward to the festivities now.’

I spent the next couple of hours working and eventually switched off the laptop to get ready for the meal that I was asked to attend with the team. I was the only girlfriend on the trip and was a bit concerned that I would feel out of place or like I was intruding.

I looked through the clothes that I had taken with me and decided on a pair of baggy hipster jeans, a fitted V neck jumper and flat sandals. I knew that we were not leaving the hotel tonight so I threw my hair into a messy ponytail leaving a few stray bits down around my face, grabbed my phone and room key shoving them into my pockets and made my way down to the restaurant.

Chapter 34

2010-01-06T09:48:00.002Z

Once again I am really sorry for the long wait between the chapters. I am now in my 3rd trimester of my pregnancy so I am tired all the time. Hope you all had a great festive period and 2010 brings all you could hope for.

______

We spent the next few hours talking, discussing what we had been doing the last month with both of us admitting that we had shut our friends out, I decided to be fairly honest with him about the pain that I had been in but didn’t go into to much detail so that I could spare him the guilt that I knew he already felt and I definitely did not tell him about the nightmares.

“Why don’t I phone Jordan and tell him to invite everyone round, we don’t need to tell them about us yet, it can be a surprise when they get here.”

“That would be great hunny you are a star.”

I went to the kitchen counter to pick up my phone and I dialed Jordan’s number, he picked up after 2 rings.

“Hey Gill, good to hear from you. How are you?” He asks in his usually bubbly voice.

“I am not too bad thanks. I have decided it is time to get out of this rut that I am in and invite everyone round this afternoon, I miss all you guys. Are you free?” I ask trying not to sound to happy.

“Yeah of course I am free especially for you, what time do you want me round?”

“Any time Jordan, could you please phone the guys? I will phone Vero, Lorna and Clair.”

“Yeah of course, do you want me to call TK?” He asks as his tone of voice changes.

“Yep, he is part of the team and we can’t avoid each other forever.”

“Ok cool, he probably won’t come, he never does anything any more and we miss him. How did your talk go with him last night? I was not sure whether to leave you or not.”

“There was a lot of shouting going on, we both got a lot of things of our chest but that’s about it.”

“Ok Gill, I will talk to you more soon, I will get to phoning everyone and will see you in a couple of hours.”

Next I phoned Lorna.

“Hey Gill, it is good to hear from you.”

“Thanks Lorna, do you and Sid fancy coming round for a while today? I have asked Jordan to ask everyone.”

“Oh that would be great, I am so excited. See you soon.”

Good, no questions means no lies I thought as I hung up the phone.

Next I phoned Vero.

“Hey Lovely how are you?” She answers the phone sounding as cheery as always.

“Hey V, I am ok thanks how are you? Would you and Marc-Andre like to come round today? I have asked Jordan to ask all the team.”

“We would love too, we have missed you so much Gill, I can’t wait to see you.”

We finished up the conversation and lastly I phoned Clair having pretty much a word for word conversation with her as I had had with Vero only moments before.

Shortly after Tylers phone rang.

“Hey Staalzy, what is up?” He answered trying to sound solemn.

“I don’t know, it probably is not a good idea, I don’t want to ruin it.” He smiled at me when he was not talking. It was amusing only hearing one side of the conversation although I could only imagine what Jordan was saying to him.

“I miss you guys too, I might come down for a while later, I’ll see. See ya later, have fun.”

We sat talking for a while and soon it is was time for everyone arriving, we decided that Tyler had better hide until everyone arrived so he locked himself in the basement and I said I would text him when it was safe to come up.

Many of the guys started arriving helping themselves to bottles of beer out of the fridge and telling me they were so pleased to see me, it felt good to be in their company again.

Soon Jordan arrived giving me a big hug as soon as he saw me.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again” He says as he held me close to him.

“I have missed you too Jordan” I laugh as I pull away from him.

“Go and get yourself a drink.” I say as I walk off to answer the door again.

I open the door to see Vero, Marc-Andre and a large ‘Me to You’ Grey Bear Teddy.

“This is for you Gill to cuddle on the cold winter nights, I know he won’t replace Tyler but he can look after you.” Vero hands him to me and gives me a big hug.

“I have missed you so much Gill, please don’t ever shut me out like that again, you are one of my best friends and I have hated not being able to help you.”

“Thanks V, I am sorry for shutting you out, I know it was wrong.”

I sat the big teddy on the stairs and he looked adorable, he stood about 4.5 feet tall and wore a lilac jumper with the words ‘Always Friends’ sown into the front of it.

Soon everyone had arrived and I was so happy to have them all back in my company again, I had been such an idiot to shut everyone out, especially Lorna, V and Clair, I have missed them so much.

I went into the kitchen and when no one was looking I sent Tyler a text telling him that everyone was here. I poured myself a glass of wine and heard the basement door open. He managed to make his way over to me without anyone noticing and gave me a quick kiss.

“I am going to knock at the door, let someone else answer it. I will go out the back, I can remember how to get round without being noticed.”

I started laughing to myself when I heard a voice behind me.

“What can you possible be laughing at in an empty kitchen?” Vero asks as she approaches me with an empty wine glass.

“I was just thinking about the last time I had you all round here and I surprised Jordan with the basement.” I answer as I hear the door bell.

“Jordan, can you answer that please?” I ask as he is enters the kitchen right on cue.

“Yeah but you have to open me another bottle of beer as way of repayment.” He jokes as he places his empty bottle down and heads for the door.

“Oh hi TK” I hear a shocked voice come from Jordan.

“Hey Staalzy, how’s it going?” Tyler answers sounding cheery and I hear his footsteps on the hall floor.

“Eh yeah things are good and you?” Staalzy answers.

“Good, why do you look like a stunned rabbit caught in the cars headlights, you invited me here didn’t you?” By this time they were both in the kitchen and I was trying to carry on with my conversation with Vero and I noticed Jordan shaking his head as if snapping out of his state of shock.

“Sorry I am just surprised to see you here, it is great that you have decided to come, we have all missed you mate.” Jordan gives him a manly hug and I see Tyler give me a sly smile behind both Jordans and Vero’s back.

I refill my glass of wine and head to the living room with Vero so that we can sit with everyone else. Vero sits down on Marc-Andres knee and I sit down at the piano as there are no seats left. Moments later Jordan and Tyler come through and I avoid eye contact with Tyler so that no one suspects anything.

Jordan sits down on the rug in the middle of the floor and Tyler looks about unsure of where to go. I eventually make eye contact with him giving him a little nod as if to say to come to me.

He came and stood behind me putting his arms around my shoulders, I looked around the room, many people not noticing but there were a few gasps and shocked faces. Suddenly Max turned round when he saw the look on Vero’s face.

“Tyler what are you doing?” He asks almost angry getting up from his seat.

“I am giving my girlfriend a hug Max, is that alright with you?” Tyler replies as he sits down beside me on the stool.

“Do you think after the way you treated her that you can come back in here and act like nothing has happened, you broke her heart for fuck sake. You are my friend TK but so is Gill and I hate the thought of you hurting her.” His accent is adorable and concern strongly evident in his voice, Max tries to be the hard man but he really is just a big softy.

I got up and walked towards Max as he strides across my large room and as I reach him I place my hands on his shoulders.

“Please calm down Max. Thank you for your concern, I really appreciate it.

“Tyler and I spent hours yesterday and again today talking and shouting at each other, trying to work through what happened.” I explained as I look around the room. “I am never going to forget how he made me feel, how my heart has been broken ever since that night he came back from Sweden but I know now that he did what he did because he thought in the long term it was the right thing to do. He knows now that was not the case.

“We both love each other so much and have been so lost without one and other so we have decided to give our relationship another try, we are going to work at it together and see if we can make things work this time.

“I realise a lot of you will probably not agree with what we are doing but the love we share is to strong just to give up on and I would really appreciate if you could all support us.

“We are both really sorry for shutting you all out over the last month and we will do what we can to it make it up to you all.”

I looked back at Max, my hands still on his shoulders.

“I guess I just don’t really understand Gill, I have never had someone look at me the way you look at Tyler and I guess in a way I am jealous. If you both want to try again I for one will support you.” He leaned forward pulling me into a hug.

“Right enough of this, lets get this party started.” Max pulls away and turns to the guys.

“Gill I better not stay as I have left Eric alone in my house and since he has come to visit I actually better spend some time with him.” I hear Jordan speak to me as he gets up from the floor.

“Why didn’t you bring him with you?” I ask looking at him confused.

“He was not invited.” He answers sounding serious.

Without saying anything more I reach into his pocket of his jeans and take out his phone, I scroll down his call list until I find Eric.

“Hey Bro, what’s up?” He answers sounding exactly like Jordan.

“Eric its Gill, I am one of Jordans friends and all of the team are at my house having a party just now. Would you like to come?” I ask.

“That would be amazing, thanks Gill, see you soon.”

The rest of the party went well, it was so good to be in everyone’s company again, I had missed them all so much. It was also unbelievable how much Eric and Jordan were alike I can’t wait to meet the other two.

Chapter 33

2009-11-30T20:56:00.002Z

Sorry for the long wait folks but the wait is now over, hope the chapter was worth the wait...?

----

I awoke the next morning still wrapped in Tylers arms and I actually felt refreshed after a very good nights sleep. I managed to get out of his arms without waking him and went for my morning run, when I returned and went to my room to go for a shower Tyler was awake.

“Morning hunny, did you sleep well?” He smiles as he lies on his back, the sheets sitting just above his waist band.

The butterflies in my tummy danced and I got shivers down my spine hearing him call me hunny again. It was a feeling that I had not felt since before he went to Sweden.

‘I still have no idea what to do, should I trust my instinct and get back with him?’

“Good Morning. I slept well thanks and you? Do you want to come for a swim?” I asked as I tried so hard not to stare at him, he looked amazing and I just wanted to lie back down beside, hold him close and tell him everything was ok.

“I had a great sleep thanks. Yeah I will come with you, I have been practising so I should be able to keep up with you now.” He smiles at me as he gets up leaning in to give me a kiss on his way past but I turned away.

I showered quickly and headed down to the pool making a start to my normal routine when Tyler came and joined me. It was clear that he had been practising and was looking much stronger in his swimming but he still stopped at about 70 lengths.

“What do you want for breakfast?” I ask him as I climb out of the water making sure not to make eye contact with him.

“Can I have some bacon and eggs etc. please? I will help to make it.” He asks climbing out of the pool and moving to put his arms around me but I quickly move before he gets the chance too.

‘I know I can’t avoid this forever.’

I went for a shower and left it on for Tyler to go in after me, although I have more shower in the house that is really the only one that is used and like me Tyler likes the water to be scalding hot.

Making a start on breakfast I think to myself about what I want to do knowing that I can’t lead Tyler on any longer. I must have got lost in my thought because before I knew what was happening Tylers arms were around my waist and he was holding me close to him. I could feel his strong chest against my back, his heart beating fast and the warmth of his breath on my face. Those butterflies insisted on dancing even though I prayed they wouldn’t.

“Let go Tyler” I warned him.

“No Gill it is about time you stopped running from me.” He turned me round to face him and switched the cooker off removing the pans from the hot hobs.

“I love you with all my heart and I am so sorry for all the hurt that I have caused and I have told you that I will make it up to you somehow.

“What else do you want me to say Gill. I am not going to get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness, I know I was wrong and I admit that but I am not going to keep saying it…”

His voice was raised and his eyes were red from anger but I still could not find the right words to say so I just lowered my head and continued to say nothing.

“That’s it Gill, I have had enough.”

He stormed off and instead of leaving like I expected him to he went up the stairs. I sat down on the floor and cried, I must have sat there for about half an hour holding my knees to my chest and he was still up there so I decided to go and see what he was doing and try to talk to him.

“What are you doing Tyler?” I ask as I enter my bedroom to find him looking out some of his clothes and other items that he still had here.

“I am getting my things together Gill, I can’t take this any more. I am hurting too you know. I thought last night that we had made a breakthrough but now you are throwing it back in my face and I can’t handle it.” His eyes were red from anger and I knew that the pain he was feeling was too much to bear.

I sat down beside him on the floor and held his face in my hands knowing that I could not let this continue any longer.

“Please don’t leave Tyler, I love you more than words could possibly explain and I can’t face life without you in it.

“Before I met you I was so independent, I didn’t need anyone in my life but I let you in and I got used to having you with me. Since the day you left me I have felt empty, as if someone had torn my heart out and left it to rot. I can’t feel like that forever more. Please come back to me again Tyler, I am so sorry.”

He sat in silence for a moment looking into my eyes searching for emotions and the truth about my feelings.

“I love you Tyler, please let’s try and make this work.” I said again as if trying to reassure him.

“Oh Gill, I love you too, I know we can get through this. I am so very sorry, I promise to never ever do that to you again, I promise I will never hurt you.” He leaned in pulling me into a big hug, we held each other so close enjoying the feeling of each other again. I took a deep breath and exhaled allowing my body to relax into him.

Finally we pulled away and looked at each other again, I could see he was unsure of what to do so I leaned in and kissed him deeply on the lips, my tongue requesting entry into his mouth. I savoured his taste wanting to make up for so much lost time.

We eventually pulled away again and Tyler looked at me with his cheeky smile and it finally looked just how I remembered it.

“What?” I asked smiling back at him.

“Can we have breakfast now hunny I am so hungry?”

I laughed taking a hold of him hand and standing up to head back down to the kitchen.

So sorry!!

2009-11-09T20:29:00.004Z

Hey everyone, just wanted to say so sorry that I have not updated in so long. Been so busy getting ready for the baby arriving (baby is a little boy which we are very excited about - if you want to see the scan pictures feel free to add me on Facebook!) and our flat is for sale so that has been taking up a lot of time. Hoping it will be sold any day now and we will be able to put in an offer for a lovely house that we have seen.

Work has also been so busy and I have therefore been so tired all the time.

So please be patient for a little while longer and I promise to get a chapter posted soon.

Hope you are all well and enjoying watching the Pens, the games are always on in the middle of the night here because there is such a big time difference and there is only ever a couple of games from each team on a month but I am trying to watch as many games as I can.

Take care everyone and talk to you soon xxxx

Chapter 32

2009-10-10T18:01:00.002+01:00

Tyler appeared about half an hour after I got home letting himself in and heading straight to the kitchen with the food.

“I opted for Italian, is that ok? I went to that place that we love so much.”

I looked at him dishing out the food and getting drinks from the fridge carrying on as if everything was ok, I allowed it to pass for the moment and sat down to eat.

‘I love this guy so much, do I really want to take the chance and let him back into my life? On the other hand do I really want to let him go and risk losing him forever?’

I sat staring at him as he ate his pasta and he looked up at me when he noticed giving me that infectious smile I had missed so much.

“What?” He asks with a mouth full of food.

“Nothing” I answer trying so hard not to smile back at him.

We wash up the little amount of dishes that we have used and then head to the living room.

“Why did you not open the envelope I left you?” He asks as he picks it up.

“I couldn’t bring myself to see what was in it.”

He put it in his jacket pocket and then threw his jacket over the arm of the sofa.

“Maybe I will give you it back again if we can ever get through this.”

I sat down at the piano knowing that if I sat playing we would not have to talk, I didn’t know what else to say and I didn’t know where I want to go from here. I keep hearing Mario’s words over and over again.

‘What do I do now? Do I follow my heart as Mario suggested?’

“Can you sing something please Gill?” He asks looking hopeful after we had been sitting for a while.

“I miss hearing you sing, the last memory I have of hearing you sing is the night that I left.”

“What would you like to hear?” I answer, too tired to disagree.

“Anything will do.”

I think about it for a few moments trying to find something with a lot of meaning, something that might start to explain how I am feeling because I just can’t seem to find the right words to express it.

I eventually chose ‘What Do I Do With My Heart’ by The Eagles and the lyrics are as follows:

You don't have to say a word
I can see it in your eyes
I know what you want to say
It's so hard to say goodbye

I can hold back my tears
And try to be strong
While our love is falling apart
I know what I'll say
If you walk away
But what do I do
What do I do with my heart?

I'm not gonna say a word
I know I can't change your mind
You know where you need to go
I know I'll be left behind

I won't hold you back
I won't stand in your way
If you need to make a new start
But I still want to know
When my arms let you go
What do I do
What do I do with my heart?

Oh, girl, don't you remember?
It was not so long ago
We were making plans for two
Just me and you
Now you tell me that you've found somebody
Someone who loves you better
No one could ever love you
The way I do

Tell me you're not leaving now
Tell me you're not leaving
Tell me that you're gonna stay
Please say you'll stay with me, baby
Tell me that you love me still
Say you love me still
For this and this alone I pray
Fall down on my knees and pray

I'll do anything
Yes, I would
To save what we have
To keep you by my side
I'll love you 'til death do us part
But what do I do
What do I do
When I'm still missing you?
What do I do
What do I do with my heart?

I closed the piano lid and sat there with my eyes closed, tears beginning to fall again. After a moment I felt Tylers arms wrap around my shoulders, I took a deep breath taking in that familiar scent that I had missed so much and decided not to push him away.

“I am so so sorry Gill, please let me try to mend your broken heart.” His voice was barely above a whisper and I could tell he too was crying again.

“I am tired Tyler, lets go to bed.” I answered as I got up from the piano stool and turned to look at him, his face confused. “Stay with me tonight, I can’t promise how I will feel in the morning but I want you to hold me. I don’t think I have had a proper night sleep since I was last in your arms.”

I got ready for bed deciding to wear cosy pyjamas with little polar bears all over them and Tyler stripped down to his boxer shorts. We climbed into bed and quickly fell fast asleep without saying anything further to each other.

Chapter 31

2009-09-24T15:42:00.002+01:00

Sorry again about the wait for the chapter. I am still recovering from the flu but I am on the mend. I never figured out how to post the picture of my scan onto blogger. If you wants to see it let me know and I will see what I can figure out.

Anyway, the wait is over. Enjoy folks and thanks again for the comments and support.

...

I looked up when I heard the door open to see Tyler come in. I didn’t have the energy to tell him to go away. He said something to someone outside the room but I didn’t hear what it was and then he came over after closing the door and put his hand on my shoulder. Instinctively I pulled away from his touch.

“Don’t touch me Tyler” I growled back at him, my voice hoarse from crying, I moved further along the wall so he decided to sit down a couple of metres away from me.

“I miss you Gill.” He said softly breaking the icy silence.

I eventually turn my head to look at him, tears still flowing from my eyes.

“What do you want me to say Tyler? You broke my heart and I can’t stop feeling the pain, it just won’t go away and I want to hate you for it.” My voice was soft and calm, my mind racing a million miles an hour.

“I am sorry Gill for making you feel the way you do, if it is any conciliation I am hurting as well.” His eyes were finally full of emotion, I could see the pain, the love, and the want, so many mixed emotions that I knew he wanted to put into words.

I let out a little laugh. “You brought this on yourself Tyler, you finished with me remember and as far as I am aware I never did anything to initiate it.” I stood up and starting pacing the room. I had so many emotions running through me, I wanted to shout and scream at him, I wanted to hate him but most of all I wanted to hold him close to me and feel his strong arms around me again, to that feel safe secure feeling that always came over me when I was in his company.

“I know this is all my fault Gill, I take full responsibility for this but I want you to know how sorry I am and I want to make things right, I want you to love me again and trust me enough to let me back in your life. I want you back and I will do everything I can to make that happen.” His voice was pleading, evidently full of pain.

“Do you think I don’t love you any more?” I snapped at him, my voice getting louder. “I have never stopped loving you and have never stopped thinking about you. I miss you like crazy and I want nothing more than to hold you and tell you that everything is ok, that we can try again but it is not that easy. I can’t just forget the pain you have caused me. I can’t forgive you for it.”

I sat down on one of the large window sills looking out at the night, darkness was beginning to fall and people were starting to go home from work, the car parks busy with people desperate to get away from their working life.

“You know the one thing I hate about living in the city Tyler? I hate not being able to see the stars. I grew up in a little town on the coast and I was always going down to the beach and watching the stars. I would sit there for hours lost in my own world. It was always the one place that I could go that would allow me to forget my problems. I don’t know if you have ever been out to my out house at the bottom of my garden?” I turned to look at him and he shook his head no. His eyes are red from crying and his curly hair wild from running his hands through it.

“Well it has a glass roof so that I can relax and watch the stars, I make sure that there are no outside lights on so that you get a good view. I have only ever once seen a shooting star and I was amazed, hopefully one day my wish will come true. Do you like the stars Tyler?” I looked back at him again.

“Yeah, but I have never really seen them properly, I have always lived in the city.

“I love the snow though. It makes me feel like a child again.” His eyes were beginning to look hopefully that maybe this conversation meant that we had made a break through.

“Maybe I can show you the stars sometime.

“I too like the snow, it is beautiful to watch, very relaxing.”

We sat in silence again for what felt like an eternity but was only a few moments when there was a faint knock at the door.

“Come in” I said loudly as I turned to the door. It was Ray and Mario.

“Sorry kids” Mario started “but they are about to lock up the arena.” He always called us all kids just like Don Cherry does on Hockey Night in Canada. I sometimes think he actually does think of us all as his children. He would do anything for each and every one of us especially Sid.

“Ok, just give me 5 minutes to gather my things together, sorry if we have been disruptive.” I answered.

“Don’t worry as long as everything is ok. Let me give you a hand down to your car with your bags.” Mario continued.

The 3 guys grabbed a couple of bags each and I locked up the room behind us and followed them down to my car. Mario slowed down and started walking next to me.

“Are you ok Gill?” He asked quietly so that Tyler did not hear but loud enough for me to hold a conversation with him.

“Yeah, I am alright thanks Mario.” I answer giving him a small pat on the back so that he knows I appreciate his concern.

“I am just going to say one thing to you,” he says in his soft fatherly tone as he stops to look at me. “Follow your heart and do what is going to make you happy in the long run, don’t worry about what anyone else has to say just do what is best for you and if that means getting back together with Tyler and trusting him then that is what you need to do. Live for today as you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

I leaned in and gave him a small hug.

“Thanks Mario.”

We said nothing further until we reached the car. I unlocked it allowing the guys to put my stuff in the back.

“Thanks guys, see you all soon.”

Ray and Mario walked off leaving Tyler and I alone again.

“Can we talk some more Gill please, maybe at your house?” He asks avoiding eye contact with me.

“I don’t know, I don’t think I can take any more arguing.”

He looks up at me, his eyes saying so much as I spend a few moments just staring back at him.

“Ok, you can come up for a while but I am still not making any promises. Can you go past the take away on your way, I can’t be bothered cooking.”

I turned away without waiting for an answer and got in my car and began to drive home unsure of what to expect of the night ahead of me.

So very sorry.

2009-09-21T16:04:00.001+01:00

So sorry that I have been rubbish with the updates, I have not been keeping very well so I have spent so much time sleeping, want to make sure I don't harm the baby. As soon as I am better I will make sure to get a couple of up dates posted.

So sorry guys and thanks for your patience.

Take care xx

Chapter 30

2009-09-07T10:54:00.002+01:00

(TKs Prov)
As I stand under the hot water of the shower I think about the couple of hours that have just passed. Feeling Gill touch my skin again, seeing her look in my eyes has just enhanced the pain that has never really gone away since the minute I left her house. The pain I have felt in my heart has been excruciating, much worse than I could have ever imagined and the look in her eyes has enhanced the pain making it worse, she looked at me with hatred, with anger and I am not sure that their was any love there any more.

“Oi TK! Are you going to stand under that shower all day?” I hear Flower shout at me from the locker room breaking me from my trance.

“Na, I was just thinking.” I answer blandly switching off the shower and wrapping a towel around my waist, running my hands through my hair to try and keep the unruly curls at bay knowing that I am probably just making them worse and am in need desperate need of a hair cut.

“Will you sit down for a minute Tyler I would like to talk to you?” Flower asks me sounding very serious.

“What is this about?” I ask as I sit down opposite him on one of the benches in the middle of the locker room, he looked into my eyes as if trying to see what was going on in my mind.

“I know you probably won’t want to hear this but please listen to me…

“When you broke up with Gill we thought you must have been doing it for a reason that we did not know but the more I watch you the more I see how unhappy you are. You barely talk to us any more and you never come out with us after a game. Although your game is still good you are just not yourself any more and it worries me.

“Let me tell you a little secret. When I first got called up for the 1st team and started travelling with them Vero and I found it really difficult being apart from one and other. Growing up we were practically inseparable and then suddenly we were going for a week at least without seeing each other but you know what got me through it? The fact that I would see her smiling face when I got back home, that her bright eyes would only see me and her arms would hold me like I was the most important person in the world. I knew that I had that to look forward too and it held me together. She is my world and I would rather deal with the pain of missing her for a week than finishing with her and never feeling her touch again, never seeing her look in my eyes again, maybe never seeing her at all ever again, that thought for me is just to much to handle.

“Gill loves you Tyler and she has been feeling just as bad as you while you have been apart, probably feeling even worse than you do. Vero has not seen her in over a month and is really worried about her. Please at least talk to her and see if you can be civil to each other. We miss you both.

“I saw the way you looked at her at kung fu this afternoon, the emotion was starting to appear in your eyes again and I know that you felt something when you were working with her. Don’t be afraid of it, embrace the feelings and follow your heart.

“You are a very good friend of mine Tyler and I am worried about you. I hope you can find away to sort through this, please come and talk to me if you need someone and don’t shut us all out, I know Kris and Jordan miss you a lot and are very worried about you too.”

With that said he got up and put his hand on my shoulder, gave it a little squeeze and left the room without saying anything further. I sat there for a few moments longer with my head in my hands thinking about what he had said. His relationship with Vero is so strong and it is hard to believe they have ever had troubles, they are so happy together and a complete inspiration.

I eventually decided that I needed to talk to Gill.

I finished drying myself and got changed into jeans and a top instead of my usual training clothes, heading out to my car I noticed Staalzy and some others were still in the gym but instead of stopping and talking to them like I knew I should I headed to my car to drive to Gills.

As I reached my car I noticed hers was still parked next to mine. Hmm, I wonder where she is. I phoned over to her office to see if she had gone in to do some work. I rang her direct dial but got through to Lorna.

“Good afternoon, Robertson Publishing how can I help?” She answers in her usual bubbly voice.

“Hi Lorna its Tyler, is Gill in?”

“No, is she not over with you guys? It is good to hear your voice again Tyler.”

“Thanks Lorna, it is nice to hear yours too. We will have to try and meet up soon. She was here but we finished up about 40 minutes ago but her car is still out front. I will call her on her cell. Thanks Lorna, take care.”

I hung up and called her cell getting straight to voicemail, I left a quick message asking her to call me.

I went back into the Melon and tried the door handle to the training room where we had our kung fu class and it was locked but I swear I could hear something from inside so I headed down to Ray Shero’s office.

“Ray, have you seen Gill this afternoon?” I ask getting more worried by the minute.

“No, not since she finished up the kung fu class, you haven’t gone and upset her again have you?” He asks trying to lighten the mood.

“Not that I am aware of. Do you have the keys for the training room?”

“Gill still has them, she must have forgotten to give me them back.”

“I think she is still here, her car is still outside and she is not in her office, I am really worried Ray. Can you sign out the spare keys for me? I think she may have locked herself in the training room.”

Ray got the spare keys from reception for me and we went up to the training room just as Jordan came out of the gym.

I unlocked to the door to see Gill curled up in a ball rocking back and forward, tears spilling from her eyes.

“Thanks guys, I will take it from here.” I say to them both as I throw the keys at Jordan.

“Gill…” I reach down to her putting my hand on her shoulder.

News.

2009-08-30T19:59:00.002+01:00

Hi all.

Just a quick note to say thanks for continuing to read my story I hope you are all still enjoying it. I will get a new chapter posted in a few days. We were on holiday last week and have been pretty busy since we got back, still off work for another week so will get a chapter posted soon,

On another note I have some news, I am 12 weeks pregnant and very very happy about it.

Thanks again for your continued support, I much appreciate all the comments.

Take care all xx

Chapter 29

2009-08-20T18:27:00.002+01:00

Days began to pass in a blur and I busied myself in the office. I avoided spending time with anyone. I would speak to Vero, Clair, Lorna and Jordan on the phone occasionally but refused to go anywhere with them or do anything that meant leaving the house other than to go to the office or hold kung fu practice. I would never have anyone round at the house and I became a bit of a hermit.

I stopped going to all the hockey games and kept a strictly professional attitude when conducting the kung fu lessons. They has all passed their first grading and it was soon time for their second one and Ray had said he would organise another instructor to help with the gradings, these had to be supervised by another qualified instructor.

I still felt empty and completely heartbroken, I missed Tyler more than words could explain and I continued to love him more each day. I wanted to hate him, I wanted to hurt him but I couldn’t, when I was honest with myself what I really wanted was to have him back, to hold him in my arms again. Not only did I miss Tyler but I missed the team, in such a short time they had become such good friends and now I have no one.

I had not had a good nights sleep in so long, every night was riddled with nightmares and I woke up in a cold sweat almost every night, I got to the stage that I was to scared to even go to sleep. I would cuddle up with Tylers jumper, letting his scent soothe me until I had no choice but to close my eyes and let sleep take over.

I still had not opened the envelope that Tyler had left the night he finished with me. I couldn’t bring myself to find out what it contained and for once the feeling of curiosity did not over power me.

I tormented myself by watching all of his interviews and such like, it was the only way to know that he was still ok and I could tell that he was not very happy, when he smiled it never reached his eyes and the contagiousness of his smile was missing, I wanted to make it better but he was the cause, he brought it on himself and for all I know that may not even be the reason of his unhappy face.

A month had passed and Tyler and I had still not spoken and soon it was time for him to be my volunteer at kung fu again and I dreaded it.

“Right I believe everyone has had their turn at being my volunteer so we shall start at the beginning and work in the same order as we did the last time so if my memory serves me right then it is your turn Tyler.” I announce as I stand in front of the class, the heart beating ridiculously fast.

I heard a few gasps and could see the look of worry on everyone’s faces but Tyler still just looked with no emotion, his eyes still cold.

We completed our warm up and then carried out our leg stretching. I could feel that when he felt my touch he was shaking. I could feel his body quiver and emotion beginning to appear in his eyes but instead of making me feel better I seemed to get angrier by the minute.

“Ok guys, we are going to do some self defense again today.” I announced to everyone.

I was pretty forceful with Tyler and managed to get him to the floor several times without any effort. I knew my limits and I knew what I could do without hurting him as we had practised kung fu and strengthening exercises when we were still together. I did not want to hurt him I just want to humiliate him, to make him see how much he has hurt me, to make his feel weak in front of his friends. He didn’t really put up much of a fight and I knew that I was getting to him. I got a few concerning glances from the guys but at the moment Tyler was my only focus.

The class was over soon enough and when the last of the team were gone I locked the door, curled up in a ball and broke down in tears, holding my knees to my chest I cried so hard still feeling completely heartbroken and hurt beyond words. I knew that I should have waited until I got home but I was hurting so much, the pain was to much to deal with any more.

‘I know that I have got to him today, I thought it would make me feel better if I hurt him but I think it has made me feel worse. I didn’t think I could possibly feel any worse but the pain is just unbearable.'

Chapter 28

2009-08-14T17:54:00.002+01:00

I woke up feeling completely empty and sick to the bone but I got up and changed into my running gear, putting on my MP3 player I left the house for my usual morning run.

When I got back to the house Jordan was walking down the stairs.

“Morning Gill, how are you feeling?” He asked sleepily looking like he has only had about an hours sleep. He walked towards me only wearing boxer shorts and socks giving me a kiss on my forehead before heading past me to the kitchen.

“To be honest I feel numb, completely empty and sick to the bone all at the same time but I have to get on with my normal routine or I will drive myself insane. How are you? Would you like to join me for a swim?” I ask following him into the kitchen placing my water bottle and my IPod down on the kitchen counter.

Jordan helps himself to fruit juice and starts to boil the kettle as if he was at home.

“I am fine thanks other than having very cold feet, I love your house but you really need to consider getting carpets, I hate having cold feet, it is the one thing in this world that frustrates me.

“Have you not just been for a run? I suppose I could join you in the pool.”

“I don’t need carpets, I have under floor heating so if your feet are cold switch that on and you spend most of your time on ice so I thought your feet would be immune to the cold. I have just been for a 5 mile run and now I will swim 100 lengths. I am just going for a quick shower so I will meet you in the pool.”

I swam my 100 lengths and Jordan stopped at about 70.

“Jesus Gill, I can’t believe you are so damn fit, I don’t think TK was joking when he said that you were fitter than us all put together.”

I felt my eyes stinging again as I heard his name knowing that I will have to stop that if I am to hold a kung fu lesson this afternoon. I am dreading it, I don’t know how I am going to get through the 2 hours.

“I am so sorry Gill, it has become habit so quickly to associate you with Tyler. I wish I could take your pain away.”

We left the pool fairly quickly and Jordan very kindly made pancakes for breakfast and shortly later I managed to convince him to go home.

“I promise I will be ok on my own, I won’t do anything stupid and I will see you at kung fu this afternoon.”

I sent Lorna a text to let her know what has happened.

‘Hey Lor, don’t say anything to anyone but Tyler has broken up with me, I am completely broken hearted. I will see you tomorrow.’

I got a reply when she was on her lunch.

‘I am so sorry Gill, if you want me to do anything please call me, day or night I am here for you.’

The rest of the day the passed fairly quickly as I busied myself with work that I had taken home and before I knew it, it was time to leave for the arena.

I busied myself in the training room when I heard all the boys coming along. I swallowed hard and forced away the tears that were forming determined not to show emotion when everyone was here.

“Right guys, who is going to be my volunteer this week?”

Most of the guys raised there hands so I decided to choose Jordan, I knew that I could be comfortable with him and that he knew about Tyler and I, I was very unsure if anyone else knew. I made a mental note to try and keep the news out of the press, I can’t handle the jibes and such like that were inevitable.

The class went well but when I was giving my instructions for the next lesson I accidentally made eye contact with Tyler, his look was so cold, how could he have no feelings left for me, how could he act like nothing has happened? I suddenly had flash back to when the girls were round and I sang Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, that song is so fitting for this moment.

Chapter 27

2009-08-02T19:45:00.002+01:00

I heard my phone ring over and over again but I just couldn’t bring myself to answer it. I didn’t want to talk to anyone and definitely did not want to see anyone.

I don’t know how long I had been sitting on the cold marble floor crying for when I heard the front door open. I jumped up from the floor getting such a fright at hearing someone in my house and opened the living room door to see Jordan walking towards me.

I just stood there staring at him, tears still flowing constantly from my eyes, I felt like a completely helpless child unable to move.

“Oh Gill what has he done?” Jordan reaches me and pulls me into him and as he does I once again break down, my whole body shaking as I feel my heart breaking further. He guided me back through to the living room and sat me down on one of the sofas letting me cry into his chest for as long as I needed him. His body was warm and it felt strange after sitting on the cold floor for so long.

“What has happened Gill? I just got a text from TK not long after I got home saying that he thought I should come round because you may need a friend at the moment. Talk to me, please. Why is he not here comforting you?”

I eventually sat up and looked at him, tears still flowing freely from my eyes.

‘I must look awful.’

Eventually I managed to find my voice after unsuccessfully trying to explain things a few times previously.

“He finished with me Jordan and I don’t know why. He told me he loves me and missed me when he was away but it is too hard and he thinks it is the right thing to do. I don’t understand Jordan, I know we have only been together a couple of weeks and I never expected to fall in love with him especially this quickly but he has broken my heart, I feel empty and sick, it is such a horrible feeling and I feel so stupid being this torn apart over the relationship since it was all still so new.”

I broke down again, unable to contain my emotions. Jordan pulled me close to him again, holding me against his strong body, I took a deep breathe taking in his scent.

‘He is going to make someone very happy when he finds the right woman. He has become like a little brother to me even though I have not known him for long, I feel like we have a connection.’

“I don’t understand either Gill. All he talked about when we were away was you and how he couldn’t wait to see you again. He does love you please believe me when I say that and I will do everything I can to make this better.”

“Thanks Jordan, you are so good to me. I am so sorry for dragging you out when you just got home, you must have so many places you would rather be.”

“Don’t be silly, we are friends Gill and as you told me not so long ago I am here for you any time you want and my shoulders are stronger than yours so I can carry more tears.” He answers trying to make me laugh.

I lay on the sofa with my head on Jordans lap for what felt like hours, he stroked my hair while I stared into space, eventually the tears drying up. ‘I feel so empty and alone, I cant believe I was so foolish to fall in love with Tyler so quickly but he made me so happy and I want nothing more than for him to walk in here and tell me that he was joking and that he takes it all back...! Stop being an idiot Gill, if he is going to treat you like that then he does not deserve you. I wish I could hate him but I can’t.’

“Gill sweetie, come on, lets get you up to bed. If you don’t mind I am going to sleep in your guest bedroom tonight just in case you need me.” Jordan didn’t bother to let me answer he just picked me up in his arms bridal style and carried me to my bedroom laying me gently on the bed.

“Goodnight Gill, try and get some sleep.”

I curled up under the covers without even changing my clothes and much to my surprise I fell fast asleep.

Chapter 26

2009-07-27T18:20:00.002+01:00

Thanks for all your comments, just a short chapter and I will try and post in a few days time.

(TKs prov)

‘After I closed the door to Gills house I sat down on the doorstep, hot tears ran down my face and I heard her start to play the piano, she sang a song that I did not know and the lyrics made me feel like such an idiot. She has such a beautiful singing voice – she is like an angel. Before I met Gill I never really paid any attention to the words of a song but she does, she really listens to them and remembers songs that have a lot of meaning and she has got me doing the same thing.

Maybe I am being selfish finishing with her but it hurt so much being away from her and I missed her more than I could ever explain, it is better to do it now rather than having her hate me in the long run for never being there for her.

Once she finished the song I heard her sobbing, in fact she was doing more than sobbing, she was crying uncontrollably and I wanted to go back in and tell her it was ok but I cant, I need to walk away.

I will text Jordan and see if he will go round and make sure she is ok, I know I can trust him with her, they have built up a good friendship over the last couple of months.

I got up and sat in my car, the hot tears still rolling down my face, burning my cheeks before they fall to my lips leaving the taste of salt lingering – am I really making the right choice?

As drove home I just felt empty, like everything good in my life was gone and it was my fault entirely. I don’t want to live my life without Gill, god I was even thinking about the day we get married and have children but the way I felt in Sweden was horrible, I cant even describe the feeling properly but I know I never want to feel it again and I never want Gill to feel it either. I know that if their were children I would feel even worse. It has to be this way, this is for the best.

Who am I trying to convince, I am such an idiot. I have just thrown away the best thing that has ever happened to me and I have no way of getting it back...’

Chapter 25

2009-07-22T21:26:00.002+01:00

The pens won there first game against the Sens with Tyler scoring the first goal of the season.

The next few days passed in a blur and it was soon time for Tyler to come home, I was so relieved as I had spent the last few days missing him like crazy and counting down the hours until he came home.

I heard the door open and I almost ran to him, pulling him into my arms and holding him tight but he just didn’t seem himself, he was distant almost, he barely even hugged me back before he let go.

“Is everything ok Tyler?”

“Fine” I got his one word answer then he walked off without kissing me or saying anything further.

‘I am really worried, I have such a bad feeling.’

I sat down in the living room and picked up my book again unable to concentrate enough to read any of the words on the page when eventually Tyler came and joined me but instead of sitting curled up to me like normal he sat at the opposite end of the room.

“Gill we need to talk.” He stated as he looked at anything but me as he fingers started picking apart the cushion that he had picked up so I knew straight away that he was nervous.

“You are worrying me Tyler, I don’t like this.” I wanted to get up and sit beside him but I couldn’t seem to find the strength to move.

“I think we should break up…”

I was completely stunned, I couldn’t bring myself to comprehend what he had said to me. My eyes were stinging as I tried to hold back the tears, I felt physically sick.

“I missed you so much when we were away. I love you so much more than I ever bargained for, more than I ever knew was possible but it is just too hard Gill. I can’t feel the way I did in Sweden every time I go away. It hurts too much to be away from you so I think it is best just to end things now before it gets harder.”

“You are making no sense Tyler.”

“Gill just stop it” he interrupts before I get a chance to say anything further, his voice hard and cold. “I can’t do this to you, it is easier this way. I have to go I will get my things another time.”

As he left the room he placed an envelope down on the coffee table then left the house without saying anything further.

‘I can’t believe he has done this to me.’

I went to my piano and without thinking of a song my fingers immediately started playing ‘Unbreak My Heart’ by Toni Braxton. The lyrics are as follows:

Don't leave me in all this pain
Don't leave me out in the rain
Come back and bring back my smile
Come and take these tears away
I need your arms to hold me now
The nights are so unkind
Bring back those nights when I held you beside me

Un-break my heart
Say you'll love me again
Undo this hurt you caused
When you walked out the door
And walked out of my life
Un-cry these tears
I cried so many nights
Un-break my heart
My heart

Take back that sad word good-bye
Bring back the joy to my life
Don't leave me here with these tears
Come and kiss that pain away
I can't forget the day you left
Time is so unkind
And life is so cruel without you here beside me

Un-break my heart
Say you'll love me again
Undo this hurt you caused
When you walked out the door
And walked out of my life
Un-cry these tears
I cried so many nights
Un-break my heart
My heart

Don't leave me in all this pain
Don't leave me out in the rain
Bring back the nights when I held you beside me

Un-break my heart
Say you'll love me again
Undo this hurt you caused
When you walked out the door
And walked out of my life
Un-cry that tears
I cried so many, many nights
Un-break my

Un-break my heart
Come back and say you love me
Un-break my heart
Sweet darlin'
Without you I just can't go on
Can't go on....

I broke down in tears just as I finished the song, I cried for hours feeling my heart breaking further each second. I sat on the floor leaning against the wall feeling cold and so alone...

Chapter 24

2009-07-15T22:23:00.002+01:00

The next morning Vero, Clair and I went for breakfast and then headed out shopping. The day past so quickly with us all spending far too much money.

“Right girls we have somewhere to be, let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” They ask in unison.

“It is a surprise.” Thankfully they never asked any more questions.

We soon arrive at the beauty parlour that I picked out.

“They are going to do our hair, make-up and nails.”

“Wow, Gill you are amazing. Thank you.”

We all got dolled up and couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to put our lovely dresses on that we had bought today.

Just as I got back to my hotel room my mobile phone started ringing and once again I was happy to see that it was Tyler.

“Hey Gorgeous”

“Hey hunny”

We chatted for an hour or so about what we had been doing for the day and we wished each other luck for tonight. Tyler’s good luck is for the friendly game that has been organised and mine for possibly winning the publishers award and for presenting two awards to my favourite authors James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.

“Right gorgeous, I need to go and put my lovely dress on before the girls get here. Love you lots and will talk to you tomorrow.”

“Remember to send a picture of you all. Love you too hunny. Bye.”

I put on my dress and I looked at myself in the mirror.

‘I wish Tyler was here to see me’.

The dress that we chose for me was mid-calf length, fitted in all the right areas and floated out at the bottom. It was silver silk, my shawl was also made from silver silk with diamanté's scattered on it and it shimmered pink, my shoes and bag were just simple and they were a darker shade of silver.

Knock, knock.

The knock at the door signalled that Clair and Vero were here.

I opened up and immediately smiled at them. “You both look wonderful, come in. TK has requested that we take a photo and send it over to them.”

“You too look stunning Gill. I bet Tyler wishes he was here with you.”

I looked at them with almost sad eyes. “I wish he was here too, I miss him so much more than I could have imagined but I know that it is something I have to get used too.”

“You will get used to it, it took us time to adjust too but we are all going through the same thing so we just need to support each other and be there for one and other.”

We took a few pictures of us on my camera, one of us all individually and a couple of group photos. I linked my camera up to my laptop and emailed them to Tyler then text him to tell him to check his email. Within minutes all of our phones were ringing.

“Hey Tyler, I take it you got the photos?”

“You girls look amazing. Looking at you makes me miss you so much more.”

“Thanks Tyler, I miss you too and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday. I have taken Monday off so that I can spend some time with you.”

“Great stuff, I can’t wait. I will let you go and have a great night tonight. Love you.”

“You have a good night too, take care.”

We finished up our calls and then headed out to the awards. My company won best publisher of 2008 which I was over the moon about and I got on really well presenting the awards to James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell. I was so pleased that they were indeed lovely people and they both gave me signed limited edition books for my collection.

We all had such a good night and got back to the hotel at about 0200 so we crashed out immediately.

The next day we went home about midday and we all promised each other we would go away together again soon.

Chapter 23

2009-07-12T13:44:00.001+01:00

The next morning I completed my usual routine of running and swimming followed by eating some fruit for breakfast and then heading into the office.

I had my normal meeting with Lorna before doing an hours work and soon it was time for Vero and Clair to arrive.

“Hey girlies how are you both?” I ask as they enter my office and I give each of them a hug.

We chatted for a while when Clair asked if she could see the library like I promised.

“Of course you can, just follow me.”

We got the lift down to the basement and I tell Clair to go in first.

“Wow, now this is my idea of heaven, I love it.”

The only way I can think of describing my library is it is very much like the one that the beast presents to Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with the high roofs and rows upon rows of books.

“Have you ever written a book Gill?” Clair asks as she looks about her in awe.

“Why would you ask such a strange question? Have you ever written a book Clair?” I reply as I smile at her.

“No but I would love too, however I would have no idea where to start. You have studied English and Publishing so I thought maybe you have tried your hand at writing your own book.”

“I have actually written a few books but I have never had any of them published although I did get a couple of them printed. This is my first attempt at writing, it started off as a fanfic about the Penguins, I wrote it when I was still in Scotland but before I put it to print I changed a few names so that it was less obvious who the characters were.” I took a copy from the shelf and handed it to her.

“It is called American Dream, let me know what you think of it.”

“Thank you so much.

“Why is this section behind glass with locked access?”

“Because it is all First-Editions, signed books or rare copies, all books with a high value that nobody gets to touch. I have never read those copies and never plan too I will just leave them there to gain value.”

We talked for a while longer before heading to the airport to catch our flight. When we arrived at the airport I walked off in a different direction to the other two.

“Hey Gill, you are going the wrong way, the gate is this way.” Vero shouted back at me.

“No, you are going the wrong way, come this way please.” I answered mischievously giving them a cheeky smile.

We approached the private check-in desk when I was greeted by a lady from the airport staff.

“Good afternoon Miss Robertson, your plane is waiting for you and we have all your requirements ready. Your pilot today is Captain Smith and your staff are Zoe and Matt. Do you have you and your friend’s passports?”

I handed my passports over and turned to Clair and Vero who had stunned expressions on their faces, their eyes wide and their mouths open.

“Do you have your passports girls?” I asked as I clicked my fingers in front of their faces breaking them from their trance.

“Yeah sorry” They both answer at the same time.

We complete our check-in and are escorted to my plane. The staff ask us to get seated and fasten our seatbelts and they would bring us refreshments after take off is complete.

“So Gill, why did you not tell us that you had your own plane?” Vero smiles at me.

“I wanted it to be a surprise. I am forever going on business trips and I got to the point that I was so annoyed with the service I was getting that I eventually bought my own plane. I let local schools and guiding associations and the likes use it too and I have also said to Ray to mention to the travel desk that they can use it if they want too. We are all actually heading to Detroit at the same time. I just accidently on purpose forgot to tell Tyler and the guys that they are going on my plane with me.”

After the smooth take off was over the flight staff came out with some food for us and a bottle a wine. We chatted for a while and before we knew it we had arrived in New York.

After we left the airport we got a taxi to the hotel.

“I have a couple of hours work I need to do ladies so how about you come up to my room in about 3 hours and we can head out somewhere to get some food and some more wine?” I asked as we waited to get checked in.

“Sounds good, we shall see you soon.”

Once I reached my room I went for a hot shower allowing myself to spend a bit longer under the water. I love the feeling of steaming hot water running down my skin.

‘I wish Tyler was here with me right now, I miss him already.’

I switched off the shower shortly after and heard my mobile phone ringing as I left the bathroom. I looked at the caller display and smiled to myself when I seen that it was Tyler calling.

“Hey Gorgeous, how are you?” I ask sounding excited to hear his voice.

“Hey hunny I am good thanks how are you?” He answers sounding tired.

“I am good thanks, we arrived in New York about an hour or so ago. You sound tired, I hope jetlag is not going to bother you to much.”

“I hope not, I slept most of the flight so I should be ok. We have just checked into the hotel and it looks nice, I am sharing with Jordan so that is cool. We are just going to nap for a bit then go out and explore. We have a skate tonight then training tomorrow morning before the scavenger hunt and then a friendly game against a local team at night.”

“Sounds like you have a busy time ahead of you, just remember to have fun. I just have a couple of hours work to do and then we are going out for food and will take it from there. Tomorrow we are going shopping and then I have a surprise for the girls, we are all getting our hair and make up done before we head down to the awards ceremony.”

“I hope you have fun too hunny, I am missing you so much already, I will bring you back something nice, something to remind you of Europe.”

“There is no need for that. I miss you too but I am sure the week will pass quickly.”

We chatted for about 30 minutes longer.

“As much as I hate doing this gorgeous I really need to get some work done before the girls come down to the room. Call me again soon, I love you lots.”

“I love you too hunny, bye.”

I spent the next while doing work and got really carried away because I was still in my dressing gown when Vero and Clair knocked on the door.

“Hey sorry girls, come in. I won’t be long. TK phoned and then I must have got so engrossed in my work because time just ran away with me.”

“That’s ok don’t worry. Why don’t you dry your hair and we will look out something for you to wear? How is TK? Marc said they had a good flight and they have a lot planned for the next few days.”

“Thanks. TK said much the same.”

I blow dried my hair and then quickly straightened it, I am lucky enough to have straight hair anyway but if I use the straighteners it shows of the layers slightly better. I got changed into the outfit that the girls had chosen for me so I ended up wearing skinny black jeans, brown knee high stiletto boots and a light brown v-neck fitted jumper with my brown suede cowboy style jacket.

We went out to a lovely restaurant and had the most delicious meal of course accompanied by some wine.

“I started reading your book Gill when you were working this afternoon, I am guessing the female lead is based on you and I think the male is Sid. It is really good and I can’t wait to read more, I want to know if they will eventually get together.”

“I am saying nothing. Once you have finished it I will email you the link to the original fanfic that it was based on because I published it on the internet a while back.”

“Cool.”

We stayed out for a few more drinks before heading back to the hotel. We agreed our time to meet and then all went our separate ways.

I lay in bed reading for a while when I heard my phone beep signalling a new text.

‘Hey hunny, miss you lots but having so much fun. Love you and will talk to you tomorrow.’

‘I am glad you are having fun Tyler. I miss you too, more than words can explain. Love you lots too. Take care xx’

At that I put my book down, switched off my light and quickly fell fast asleep.

Chapter 22

2009-07-08T11:01:00.002+01:00

After arriving home I went for a swim until Tyler arrived home but I must have got carried away because I was still in the pool when he came in.

He took his shoes off and pulled his trouser legs up so that he can dangle his feet into the water. I finished my length then swim over to him where I massaged his feet.

“Did you sort things out with Sid?” He asks me as he strokes my wet hair.

“Yeah we made a lot of progress and I think we can be friends, I just hope that he never lays a finger on Lorna in a violent manner but I have agreed not to tell her about what happened, I hope I am doing the right thing.”

I eventually climbed out of the pool and made a meal for us both.

“I cant believe how things have worked out between us Gill, I am so happy when I am with you and you have done a lot for my game too, I feel more comfortable on the ice because I know that you are watching me.”

“I am happy too and I am glad that you feel I am helping your game.”

We went to bed relatively earlier than usual since TK was to be at the Mellon early and we quickly fell asleep in each others arms.

I woke up when my alarm beeped and decided to take a day off from my normal routine so that I could spend some more time with TK before he left.

We had breakfast and then I drove Tyler down to the Mellon.

“Well Gill, the time has come for me to leave you for a while. I will phone you when we get there and then everyday thereafter, I will be thinking of you all the time and will never stop missing you.”

I sat holding his hands as our eyes never left one and others.

“The week will pass so quickly that you will be back before you know it. I will miss you too and will look forward to talking to you on the phone. I will also watch your games against the Sens. Good luck gorgeous and have fun.”

We leaned in and kissed each other deeply, neither of us wanting to pull away even though we knew we had too. We eventually pulled away looking at each other in the eyes once again before TK left the car without saying anything further.

I spent the rest of the day in the office trying to get as much done as possible since I was leaving for New York the next day. I still left early to go home at about 1630 and took Lorna with me.

“Can you come up to my room please, I need to pack for going away to New York and you are so much more fashionable than me so you can keep me right, I don’t want to feel out of place when I am with Vero and Clair.” I said to Lorna after we finished up our dinner.

“Gill, what on earth have you done to your wrist?” Lorna asks as I reach up to get my suitcase.

“Oh its nothing, I tripped when I was out running the other morning.” She took a hold of my arm as I tried to move away.

“You did not do this by falling over, that is clearly a hand print.

“I hate asking this but is Tyler hurting you?” She looks so sad and worried as she stares at me. ‘I can’t tell her that it is her boyfriend that is violent and not mine.’

“Tyler would never hurt me, it bruised when I fell during my run the other morning.”

I could tell that she didn’t believe me but we both changed the subject.

We soon picked out some clothes for me and spoke some more about work as well as Tyler and Sid and many other things.

Lorna left a while later and I headed to bed with a book and a hot chocolate knowing that I would not hear from TK until tomorrow as they are on a long haul flight and they will lose time. ‘I hope they don’t get affected with jetlag too badly.’

Chapter 21

2009-06-28T18:06:00.001+01:00

I get up the next morning and follow my usual routine, as I am swimming I feel my wrist begin to hurt and when I look at it I find it badly bruised. I decide to talk to Tyler about my run in with Sidney and see what he suggests I do.

After my shower I head down to the kitchen to find TK and Jordan already there cooking a fry up.

“Morning boys, sleep well?” I ask as I give Tyler a full kiss on the lips then give Jordan a peck on the cheek causing him to blush.

We sat and ate breakfast and talked for a while before Jordan decided to go home before afternoon skate and kung fu practice.

“Are you sure you will be ok Jordan?” I ask as I stand in front of him, looking into his bright blue eyes, concern evident in my voice.

“Yeah, I will be fine Gill, I don’t know what caused me to get so emotional last night. Thanks for everything.”

We said our goodbyes and he left moments later.

“TK, can we talk for a moment?” I ask as I return to this kitchen.

“Yeah of course, is everything ok?”

“Will you promise to keep your temper at bay?”

“You are worrying me Gill, what is wrong?”

“Promise me Tyler please.”

“Ok ok I promise.”

I pulled up my sleeve to reveal the bruise on my wrist and I proceeded to tell him about my run in with Sidney.

“I cannot believe that guy, who does he think he is? I will kill him when I see him this afternoon…!!” Tylers voice is raised and his face is red as he gets up from the table clenching and unclenching his fists.

“Tyler I made you promise for a reason, I can handle him myself but I want your advice on what to do next. Will you please sit down.”

Tyler eventually calmed down and we sat talking about various options before it was time for him to leave for afternoon skate.

“I will go home after kung fu and get my stuff for the trip and then come back here.”

We say our goodbyes and then I call Vero to see if she can recommend anything for the Sidney situation and we decide that it would be best for me to talk to him again before I mention anything to Lorna.

“Thanks for your help Vero. I shall see you on Tuesday for our trip to New York. Take care.”

“Anytime Gill, I am glad you feel you can talk to me. See you Tuesday I am really looking forward to it.”

I spent the rest of the afternoon doing some housework before it was time to head to the arena for kung fu.

The class went well with Marc-Andre being my volunteer and everyone putting a lot of effort into learning. It was clear that most of the guys had been practicing as I asked.

“Well done guys, you all done well. If you keep this up for the next week or so I think you will all be ready for your first grading. I have been in touch with a local kung fu instructor and he is happy to come along for the grading.

“Have a great time in Sweden and I will get you all up to the house again when you come back.

“Take care.”

I turned to walk away when I asked:

“Sidney, will you stay back a moment please I need to talk to you.”

The guys all left and Sidney sat himself down on one of the large window sills so I went and joined him.

“Did you have a good night last night Sidney?” I asked as I sat watching him staring out the window.

Finally he turned to look at me.

“I don’t really remember much about it, I was pretty drunk. Why do you ask?”

I pulled my sleeve up and rested my arm on his leg.

“Do you remember doing this to me?” His eyes widened and he had a genuine look of shock on his face.

“No, why on earth would I do that to you?” He takes a hold of my arm and gently rubs the bruise as he looks me in the eye searching for an answer.

“I asked you not to hurt Lorna and you lost your temper with me.”

“I am so sorry Gill I do not remember this at all. Please tell me what I can do to make things better.”

“You can start by promising me that you won’t hurt Lorna, she is like family Sidney and I can’t face anything happening to her.”

“I am falling in love with Lorna and I don’t plan on hurting her, I know I don’t show my emotions very well, I have never been good at explaining how I feel to people but I really like Lorna and want to be with her.”

“Are you sure you won’t hurt her if she says something that you don’t like the next time you are drunk?”

“I won’t hurt her Gill.”

We sat talking for a while and my feelings for him softened, I still didn’t trust him fully but I was beginning to come round and he assured me that he would never be violent with Lorna. I really hope I am doing the right thing with trusting him.

Chapter 20

2009-06-25T22:54:00.002+01:00

We arrived at Mario’s house a short while later and were greeted immediately by Mario and Nathalie, they are such a great couple to spend time with. I had been in their company many times before at sponsorship lunches and such like.

We gradually made our way to the kitchen where we knew we would find the rest of the team. We spoke to many people on the way through, most of them I had no idea who they were.

“Hi Gill, Hi TK” Jordan shouts as he gets up to give me a hug, I feel his strong arms wrap around me and I wonder why such a nice guy is single.

“Hey Jordan how are you?” I ask as I hug him back.

As the party continues the guys become quite tipsy, allowing themselves to let their hair down as the party is closed to press and public and they don’t have a game until Thursday.

I end up sitting with Sidney at one point so I take the opportunity to do a bit of fishing and see if he is trustworthy.

“So Sidney, you and Lorna seem to be getting along well.” I say to him as I search his face for some emotion.

“Yeah, she is a great girl, I really like her and enjoy her company.” His face is cold and expressionless as he talks to me.

“I am going to cut to the chase here Sidney. Lorna is like family and I will not have you hurt her, I don’t trust you and am not sure that I like you. Please prove to me that I am wrong Sidney and treat Lorna well.”

I turn to get up so that I could find TK or Vero but I feel Sidney grab my wrist and pull me back down.

“Who gives you the right to tell me what I can and can’t do?” He continues to grab my wrist and look me in the eye.

“I am not for one minute trying to tell you what to do, I am just warning you that you will be sorry if you hurt Lorna. Please prove me wrong and treat her well.” I again turned away from him as he gripped my wrist tighter.

“What happened to the good boy image you have for the press, I really didn’t realise you were quite so fake.”

I turned to see TK and Lorna approaching with drinks for us all and when Sidney noticed them he quickly let go of me and starting laughing as if we had been having a good time so not to initiate any questions.

The remainder of the night went well and without any further dramatics. The boys were all pretty drunk so Vero asked if I could take her and Marc-Andre home. Of course I agreed as it was not out of my way.

“Let me just talk to Jordan before we leave Tyler, he looks upset.” I kissed Tyler then walked over to Jordan.

“Hey lovely, what is wrong? You look really sad.”

“Hello Gill” He says as he pulls me down to sit on his knee. “I am sad. I look around me and see you and Tyler happy, Flower and Vero, Clair and Petr, the list goes on and I have no one. I hate hearing everyone saying that they are going home to their girlfriends and wives and I am going home to an empty house. I hate to say this but I am jealous. I don’t want to be like Max and some of the others and just have whatever girl takes my fancy. I want someone to love me.” A single tear falls down his face, his sad eyes shining like bright blue crystals and it breaks my heart watching him as he holds me tightly.

“I am so sorry Gill I shouldn’t be pouring my heart out to you.”

“You have nothing to say sorry for I am your friend so you can talk to me anytime.

“Lets get you home Jordan.”

I stand up and take a hold of his hand so that he comes with me and nod to Tyler as I make eye contact with him so that he knows just to go along with everything.

We dropped Vero and Marc-Andre off first.

“Would you like to stay with us tonight Jordan, as you know I have plenty of room?” I ask as I pull away from Vero and Marc-Andres house.

“Would you mind? I don’t fancy being alone tonight. I am so sorry for imposing Tyler I promise I won’t bother you.” His voice is quiet and we have to strain our ears to hear him.

“You are no hassle Jordan you can stay as long as you need. Would you like to play the Xbox for a while when we get home?”

‘He just called my house home, I like that.’

The boys head to the basement as soon as we get in and I head to the kitchen to make hot chocolates. I decide to treat them and I make them with milk putting cream and marshmallows on the top.

I take all 3 cups down to the basement placing 2 on the table in front of the boys and I take the 3rd with me to the chair in the corner of the room, I eat the cream and the marshmallows and then place the cup down in front of me and pick up my guitar.

Quietly strumming away while lost in my own world Tyler and Jordan play computer games and I am completely oblivious to anything around me.

“Gill, you are such a talented musician. You should show off your talent instead of hiding it away.” Jordan stands wide eyed in front of me breaking me from the trance I was in.

“Na, I am happy just playing for fun, I wouldn’t have time to add anything else to my busy schedule, anyway, I want to make sure I have time to spend with you guys…” He smiles at me then stifles a yawn.

“Come on, I will show you to the guest room.” I take his hand and lead him away. Tyler is still sitting on the sofa playing games, I run my hand across his broad shoulders as I pass him.

“I will be up to bed in a few minutes honey, I will just finish this game and then wash up the cups.”

I took Jordan up to one of the guest rooms and showed him where to find things.

“Make yourself at home Jordan and we are just along the corridor if you need anything.” I say as I turn to leave the room.

“Wait a minute Gill” He holds me arm gently and turns me to look at him, “Thank you for tonight, Tyler is so lucky to have you in his life. I appreciate everything you have done for me.”

“Jordan, you are my friend and I am here for you anytime you need me, I have 2 strong shoulders for you to cry on or even if you just want to hang out then call me, please don’t feel like you don’t have anyone.

“Try and get some sleep and I will see you in the morning.”

I give him a hug and leave the room, heading to my own bed to try and get some sleep and find Tyler waiting on me.

“Hey gorgeous, I am sorry about tonight, I just couldn’t leave him on his own.” I take my clothes off and without bothering about Pyjamas I climb into bed next to him and hold him close.

“You have nothing at all to say sorry for, you are an angel and I appreciate everything you done for Staalzy tonight, he is one of my best friends.

“I am so lucky to have you as my girlfriend and I would be so lost without you.” He pulls me closer to him and kisses my forehead.

“I love you Tyler so much.”

We soon fall fast asleep while still in each others arms.

Chapter 19

2009-06-17T22:15:00.002+01:00

Before I post the next chapter I just want to congratulate the Pens on winning the Stanley Cup. I am so excited about it and think I have told so many people about it. I am gutted about missing all the celebrations so if anyone has pictures please please please email them to me. Thanks.

Ok to the chapter!!

The following day was Saturday and the Pens had the day off so Tyler joined me in my usual morning routine trying to keep up with me in the swimming pool and failing miserably.

“I was thinking that maybe we could go away somewhere for the day, I have no idea where and I don’t really care, I just want to get away with you for a few hours before the party tonight and before I go away on Monday.”

‘Mario Lemieux is holding a pre season party at his house tonight so I don’t imagine we will be able to get much time alone together.’

We went for a drive and had lunch at a small village close by and then for a walk around the surrounding area.

“I told Marc and Jordan last night that we had told each other we were in love and they were so happy for us.”

“I spoke to the girls too and they are over the moon.

“I hope you didn’t mind me singing last night when you all came back?”

“Are you joking, it was beautiful. You let us express how we all feel when we were away without having to say anything.

“We all get quite lonely and upset when we are away because we know we have left you all alone.”

“You girls are what keeps us going and I am so glad that you have become good friends with the others, especially Vero and Clair. They have both always been there for me and they are very good friends of mine.

“I love you so much and can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me in the short time I have known you.”

We walked about for a while longer before heading back to Pittsburgh to get something to eat and get ready for the party.

Tyler made up a salad for us while I had a quick shower dressing only in my dressing gown leaving my hair straight and wet until I had eaten so that I did not get food down my outfit, I can be a bit of a klutz some times.

I went back to my bedroom to get changed after we cleaned up the dishes.

As I stood looking in my closet for something to wear TK came up behind me and undid the tie on my dressing gown and quickly pulled it off my shoulders letting it fall to the ground.

“What are you doing Mr Kennedy?” I ask as I shudder at his touch, his hands moving around my waist and his kisses moving around my shoulder blades.

"Helping you get ready...", he answers mischievously.

“I love you so much Gill. I was really looking forward to Sweden until I met you and now I want to stay here with you, I am going to miss you more than I can explain.”

I lift my head up to look at him.

“I am going to miss you too but we knew this was going to happen. We love each other Tyler so we will be fine, being apart will make us stronger and allow us to appreciate each other more. Everything is going to be fine.

“Now Mr Kennedy are you going to help me find a dress for this party or shall I just go like this?” I ask as he places me back down at ground level.

“Ha, I would love to see you going to the party dressed in your birthday suit but I wouldn’t want the guys seeing what I get to see. Let’s go and find you something pretty to wear.”

He picked out a lilac dress which was fitted around my bust and then flowed out, it was cut just above my knee and had thin straps. I picked out deep purple high heeled shoes and a deep purple clutch bag. Since it was getting colder I also choose to wear a deep purple silk shall.

Tyler wore his black pin stripped suit with a lilac shirt and a deep purple tie and we laughed at how we wore matching colours.

I looked at us in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile.

‘I am so happy.’

Chapter 16

2009-06-12T21:14:00.002+01:00

Right Tiifany, hear goes chapter 16. Let me know what you think of it. Hopefully I will get some more comments, hearing everyones feedback does a lot for my confidence. I will try to get the new chapter up on Sunday.

Oh and I have so much faith in the Pens tonight, I dreamt last night that they won the cup and I am looking at that as being a good omen, I really think they can win! LETS GO PENS!!

So back to the story...

I decided to park my car at the office and walk over to the arena, the 2 car parks were almost joined but my designated space was far enough away that Tyler wouldn’t see my car. Even if he does he will probably just think I have gone into the office for something. On game day my office car park gets opened up for the fans to use because their own car park is always full.

I made my way over to the Mellon with my gear and met Ray at the reception where he escorted me to the training room where I would take the class.

I got myself set up and put on my kung fu clothing and my black belt. I tied my hair up into a high ponytail and busied myself in the corner with the pads as I heard the boys coming along the corridor.

I kept my back to everyone as I listened to Ray and Michel Therrian gather everyone round.

“Right guys, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer… Gill will you come over and tell the guys what we have organised.”

I turn round and see the look of shock on everyone’s face especially Tyler but soon his look of shock turns to one of happiness and relief.

“Good afternoon guys, hope you are all well after the game last night.

“Ray has asked me to do some specific training with you all… somehow he has found out that I am a qualified kung fu instructor and he would like me to do some classes with you all to build on your strength. I will also incorporate some self defence techniques which eventually we will take out onto the ice so that you can use it when getting into a fight during a game.

“Any questions anyone?”

I looked round everyone to see them all shaking there heads.

“Last night you were all so loud and now I can’t get a word out of you… anyway let’s start with a warm up.”

I put them through a rigorous warm up and then asked for a volunteer.

“You go TK.” I heard as everyone pushed him forward.

“I will let you pick on TK today but I will look for a different volunteer every session.

“I am going to start by showing you the best way to stretch your legs before doing kung fu and then I will demonstrate the 3 basic kicks that you will need as you work through each grading.

“Before any of you ask you will all get graded and if you’re good enough you will get your belts as your progress and right now you are all working towards your white belt.

“Ok Tyler, come here please and if you can lean against the wall with both of your legs straight.”

I hear some giggles come from the guys but chose to ignore them for the moment.

“Ok, lift one of your legs letting me take a hold of your ankle and control where your leg goes.”

I cup my hand around his ankle making sure that both of his legs are still straight.

“I am going to start lifting your leg up and when you feel these muscle pulling tell me to stop.” I run my hands over the muscles in the top half of his leg pointing out the ones I need him to work on and can tell by the look on his face that I am sending him over the edge.

“Stop” he quickly replies.

“Ok tense and relax the muscles continuing to do this until they feel looser.”

I pull his shorts up slightly letting the guys see what I am talking about and then we work on the other leg.

“Right, now it is your turn to stretch my legs and then we will work on the side muscles of your legs.

“Let me take these baggy trousers off for a moment so that everyone can see what they are meant to be looking for when stretching each others legs.”

I look at Tyler and see his eyes widening in shock and I hear a cheer from all the guys. I always wear fitted ¾ length trousers when wearing my kung fu outfit as it is very baggy due to the style of martial arts clothing.

I place my trousers on the floor and then stand against wall as TK had done moments before.

He lifts my leg up and I keep him right, when I tell him to stop and I flex the muscles to stretch them when I hear Jordan in the background.

“My word, she can lift her legs higher than you can mate.

“You are one lucky guy TK, she has amazing legs. I wouldn’t mind running my hands down them and then seeing what is underneath the rest of those clothes.”

“We went out for a 5 mile run this morning and then Gill swam 100 length of the full size swimming pool she has in her house, I swear she is fitter than all of us put together.

“but please stop think about what is under her clothes Jordan although I can assure you it is just as nice as it looks, in fact better.” TK answers without even thinking about it.

“Come on guys remember that I am here and can hear everything you are saying about me.”

We finish off the stretching and I put my trousers back on much to everyone’s disappointment.

The guys all have a shot at stretching their legs and then I show them the kicks taking the kicking pad around telling everyone to kick the target as they practice all three kicks.

“I not kick lady” Geno explains to me with his adorable broken English accent.

“I can handle it Geno.”

“No, I not kick lady.”

“Ok Geno, you take the pad” I show him where to hold it, “and tense your body then I will prove my strength to you.”

He does as I ask and I quickly do all three kicks, kicking him hard but not with my full strength. I don’t want to be responsible for hurting the Penguins.

“Gill you kick hard. Tyler you no upset Gill or she beat you.” He laughs that cheeky laugh as he hands me the pad back and gets ready to kick.

I work round all the guys and they have a go at kicking the pad.

“You are all picking this up well so I am going to move on and show you the etiquette that again you will use throughout your training and then I will show you number one hand block. If you pick that up well I will show you a bit of self defence and then I will show you something that I want to you to practice along with your kicks before the next session.

“TK if you will come forward again.”

I show them what we discussed and again they picked it up fast so I decided to have a bit of fun and show them some self defence.

“TK come here, if you start by doing the etiquette and then moving into left fighting stance.

“Good, now I want you to step forward with your right foot while punching out with your right arm, I want you to aim for my nose. While we are still practicing wait until your partner nods their head to signal they are ready.

I nodded and he did as I asked, I proceeded to step back with my right foot and block his arm with my left hand, instead of carrying on with the number one hand block I grabbed his arm and pulled him down towards me bringing my right elbow up to hit his jaw (which I intentionally missed), the motion of the right arm following through and wrapping itself around the back of his neck while continuing to hold his arm. I brought my right knee up kneeing him in the stomach with very little force (again so not to hurt, we are only practicing after all). Bringing my right arm back and my right leg back down, my left hand still holding on to his arm I placed my right hand on his shoulder and pushed him away making him fall to the ground.

When doing this exercise it flows together and is over in seconds so TK never knew what hit him. When he landed on the floor the guys all cheered and clapped as TK looked at me with that look of hunger that I had previously seen in the restaurant.

They practiced for a while before I gave them some exercises to practice before the next session.

“So guys, did you have a fun?”

“Yeah” Max pipes up. “We loved seeing you beat up your boyfriend.” He says laughing.

“Seriously we all had a good time, thanks Gill. I certainly feel like I have had a good work out and think I am going to get a lot out of it.”

“Good stuff. Well remember to try and find some time to practice and I will see you all when you get back from Toronto. Good luck for the game and have fun.”

The guys all left leaving TK to say goodbye again.

“You have no idea how much that turned me on, I so wish I could take you home and show you just how much I enjoyed the class.” TK leans in kissing my lips passionately before moving down and kissing my neck, his hands wondering trying to find his way under my martial arts jacket without much success.

“As much as I hate saying this you have to stop. The bus is waiting for you.”

I walked him down to the bus and gave him a kiss before I waved them all off.

Oops.

2009-06-08T19:47:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Tiffany I have noticed that somehow when posting this story I have missed out a a chapter, apologies for the confusion. When the hubby returns with the laptop I will get this posted along with the next chapter.

I am really pleased that some of you are still reading the story and enjoying it, as I said all comments, good or bad are welcome and much appreciated.

And once again LETS GO PENS!!! I know you can still do it boys, I still have faith.

Chapter 18

2009-06-07T11:12:00.002+01:00

Before I post the next chapter I would just like to say that despite last nights terrible loss I still have faith in the Pens, I still think that they can win, the definitely will win game 6, there is no way they will let those Red Wings beat them on home ground again, especially after a loss like last night. I know they can do it. LETS GO PENS!!!

Also, if anyone is still reading this can you leave me a comment to let me know what you think of it, my confidence in the story is a bit low just now because I am not sure that anyone is even still reading it. All comments are welcome, good or bad. Thanks.

And now for the next chapter!!!

I got up at my usual time to go for my run and swim before heading off to work knowing that I will have so much do to, I guess it serves me right for taking a day off.

Right enough my day was constant. I had so much to do and was so glad when the girls started appearing at about 1630.

“You look stressed Gill” Clair tells me as she gives me a hug.

Clair is Petr Sykora’s wife and she is lovely.

“I have had such a busy day, there is still so much going on with regards to the company takeover and I have a never ending list of people wanting to talk to me. I love my job but on days like this I wish I could run away and hide. I am glad it is Friday.”

“Why don’t you employ someone to do your job and then all you have to do is spend the money?” I hear Max’s current bimbo ask.

She is one of the girls that Vero told me is not faithful but then again I can’t imagine Max ever being faithful either.

“I love my company and I love working here, believe it or not, not everything is about money.

“Clair, I hear you are a big fan of books?”

I change the subject before Tracey (Max’s girlfriend) gets a chance to answer.

“Yeah I love them, I am always reading.”

“I am going to a book awards ceremony next week in New York when the guys are away, would you like to come to the office and see the library in the basement and then come to the awards with me? You will get good food, be able to meet some great authors and most likely get to take some never to be published books home with you. I will also put us up in one of the nicest hotels I have ever seen. I was thinking about asking Vero to come along too even though I know she is not a book worm like us.”

“That would be amazing, we will have to go out shopping before hand and get beautiful dresses.” She answers sounding so excited.

“Cool, well why don’t we go to New York on Tuesday so that we have most of Wednesday to shop before the awards at night?”

“Great I can’t wait.”

We went out for a meal and then some of the girls decided to go out on the town so Lorna, Vero, Clair and I decided just to head back to mine to watch the game. We all text our men and told them to meet us at my house when they got back.

I opened a couple of bottles of wine and put out some nibbles and we settled down to watch the game. The Pens won again so we knew they would be in a good mood when they got back.

“Gill, can you sing us something?” Clair asks once the game is finished.

“I don’t normally sing in front of people.”

“But you have great voice Gill, please?” Vero pleads.

“Come on Gill, I have never heard you play or sing before.” Lorna adds her comments.

“Ok, Ok, what do you want me to sing?”

They all look at each other and if reading each others mind all at once they ask for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

“Ok, no bother.”

I sit at the piano and play cords for a moment or two warming up my hands.

“Ok girls this is ‘Like we Never Loved’ by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill"

You never looked so good
As you did last night
Underneath those city lights
Then walking with your friend
Laughing at the moon
I swear you looked right through me
But I'm still living with your goodbyes
And you're just going on with your life

How can you just walk on by
Without one tear in your eye
Don't you have the slightest feelings left for me
Maybe that's just your way
Of dealing with the pain
Forgetting everything between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all

You, I hear you're doing fine
Seems like you're doing well
As far as I can tell
Time is leaving us behind
Another week has passed
And still I haven't laughed yet
So tell me what your secret is
Just to let it go let it go like you did, like you did

How can you just walk on by
Without one tear in your eye
Don't you have the slightest feelings left for me
Maybe that's just your way
Of dealing with the pain
Forgetting everything between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all

Did you forget the magic…
Did you forget the passion…
Did you ever miss me…
Ever long to kiss me

How can you just walk on by
Without one tear in your eye
Don't you have the slightest feelings left for me
Maybe that's just your way
Of dealing with the pain
Forgetting everything between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all

The room was quiet as all the girls took in the meaning of the song, each of them thinking about their lives and the love they have for their men hoping that they will never feel they way that Faith Hill does in this song.

“I am going to sing one more song that makes me think of Tyler, I am not sure if you will know it or not, it is called ‘Home’.

Another sunny day
Has come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
I want to go home

Maybe surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
I just want to go home

Oh I miss you, You know
And I’ve been keeping all the letters
That I wrote to you
Each one a line or two
I'm fine baby how are you
Well I would send them but
I know it's that it's just not enough
The words were cold and flat
And you deserve more than that

Another aeroplane
Another sunny place
I'm lucky, I know
But I want to go home
I've got to go home
Let me go home
I’m just to far
From where you are
I've got to come home
Let me come home
I've had my run
Baby I'm down
I want to come home

And I feel just like
I'm living
Someone else’s life
It's like I just stepped outside
When everything was going right
And I know just why you could not come along with me
'Cause this was not your dream
But you always believed in me

Another winter day
Has come and gone away
In either Paris and Rome
And I Want To Go Home

I miss you, you know
Let me go home
I've had my run
Baby I'm down
I want to go home
Let me go home
It'll all be alright
I'll be home tonight
I'm coming back home

I again looked around the room as the girls sat with distant looks on their faces knowing that the men they loved all had to face these feelings every time they were away, that although they all loved their jobs they hated leaving their women behind.

“Is everyone ok?” I ask as I close the lid on the piano and went back to the sofa.

“When the guys come round can you sing that song again Gill, it describes what they feel so well and I think it will mean a lot to them.

“Have you told Tyler you love him?” Vero asks.

“Yeah I will play the song.

“What makes you think I love Tyler? I have only known him for just over a week?”

“It is written all over your face Gill, the emotion is your eyes is so strong and we have all seen how you are together. It is ok, we understand and are so happy for you both, you are good together and we have never seen TK like this before, you make him feel like he can be himself, he doesn’t need to pretend anymore.”

“We talked about it the night before last and we told each other then how we are feeling. We admitted that we have fallen in love but are really scared because everything has happened so quickly.”

We all talked for the rest of the evening about our feelings for the men, each of us admitting our fears and insecurities but also smiling about how happy these guys make us.

We completely lost track of time and before we knew it we heard the front door opening and the guys laughing hysterically about something.

“What is so funny?” I ask Tyler as he dumps is stuff and sits down on me giving me a quick kiss.

“You would think that I don’t have enough seats or something.” I say as I see everyone laughing at him.

“We just had a pretty mad journey home everyone has been hyper for some reason.” TK answers as he leans down to kiss me again.

We all sit talking for a while after the boys get themselves something to drink and eat the nibbles that I had put out for the girls.

“We have asked Gill to sing you all a song.” Clair tells the guys as she cuddles in to Petr, “We think it sums up the way you all feel when you are away.”

Tyler moved off me so that I could I get up giving me a reassuring smile as I walk away.

Again I sit down at the piano and warm up my hands.

This song is called ‘Home’

…I’m coming back home.

As I close the lid on the keys I look around everyone again to see all the couples holding each other close, all of the guys except Sidney sobbing slightly, I felt Tyler come up behind me and as I stand up he turns me round and pulls me into him holding me tight.

“I love you so much Gill,” he whispers into my ear.

“I love you too.”

I look at him and wipe his tears away.

‘I know now that I am doing the right thing. His reaction to that song has proved to me just how much he loves me.’

‘I really don’t trust Sidney though, I think he is just using Lorna and I am really worried.’

We all sat talking for a while longer with everyone leaving about an hour later.

Tyler and I went to bed without saying much, both of us content just to be with each one and other. We curled up in each others arms falling fast asleep within minutes.

New Blog!!

2009-05-25T09:05:00.001+01:00

My husband has started writing a blog. It just has a few random posts at the moment, please have a look and post a couple of comments for him. Thanks everyone. The link is as follows:

http://thinkingoutsidethebrain.blogspot.com/

Chapter 17

2009-05-24T19:18:00.001+01:00

My phone rang as I was driving home and since when I am in the car my phone is always on hands free I answered it. I did not recognise the number so I answered politely in case it was a business call.

“Good afternoon, Gill Robertson speaking.”

“Hey Gill, it is Vero, how are you?”

“Hey V, I am good thanks, how are you? I am just heading home if you fancy coming over.”

“I am fine thanks. Yeah that would be good. I was just calling to ask if you fancied meeting tomorrow after you finish work, I thought we could all go out for a bite to eat and then watch the game.

“Sounds good to me, you want to just tell everyone to meet at the office and we can go somewhere from there?”

“OK, can I get Lorna’s phone number and I will ask her if she wants to come?”

I gave her Lorna’s phone number and Vero said she would phone the girls and then head round to mine for a bit so I said I would heat up some pasta and sauce for us.

About an hour later Vero appeared at the door with flowers and a bottle of wine.

“Aww, thank you Vero, you are an angel.”

“A lot of the girls have gone out on the town tonight, they usually do when they guys are away but I don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as them.” Vero tells me as she follows me to the kitchen.

“Are they not faithful to the guys?”

“Most of them are but a few of them are just puck bunnies, they are out for all they can get and I am not like that. I have known Marc all my life and I love him more than words can explain. I can see that you too are genuine and I can trust you, I think me and you will make a good team.” Vero smiles and gives me a big hug.

“You are a good lass Vero, I too think we will make a good team.”

The conversation continues about many things when Vero asks:

“Do you know why the guys had to go into the Mellon before they got the bus today? Marc said it was some sort of strange surprise for them, did TK say anything? I have not spoken to Marc since he left the house and he probably won’t call until later tonight.”

“Ha, no he never said anything but I have known for a couple of days what the plan was.

“Ray phoned me the other day when I was at work and he told me that an unnamed source told him that I am a qualified kung fu instructor. He then continued to ask if I would do some training with the guys. Eventually I agreed but for some reason he did not want me to mention to anyone.”

“Wow, so do you have like a black belt and stuff? Did the guys enjoy it?”

“They actually seemed to have a great time, they especially liked me using TK as a volunteer for self defence and getting him on the ground with little or no effort but I have told them that they cannot pick on him every week, they will all take it in turns to be my volunteer. Oh and yes I have a black belt.”

We carried on talking, getting to know each other better when she said she better go home and that she would see me the next day.

“Goodnight Vero, see you tomorrow.”

I spoke to Tyler briefly on the phone before settling down for a good nights sleep.

Info.

2009-05-18T09:37:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone.

I will not manage to get another post up until the end of the week, my story is saved on my laptop which my husband has taken away with him on a business trip so I promise when he returns I will post the next chapter. I hope you are all continuing to enjoy the story.

So I am loving the fact that the Pens are still in the playoffs, game 7 was amazing!! I know they can do well against the Canes too.

Well, on another note, I was made redundant a couple of weeks ago but have managed to find a new job really quickly and start next week so I am very excited about the new challenge, I am going to be working in the insurance industry so it is something completely different to what I have been doing in the past. Fingers crossed that it all goes well, I have a good feeling about it.

So thanks again everyone for your continued support in my writing, I appreciate it. Please remember to leave comments, good or bad, I love hearing your feedback.

Last of all - LETS GO PENS!!!!!!!!

Chapter 15

2009-05-07T14:56:00.002+01:00

“Oh Gill” He puts his arms around me so tightly sobbing into my shoulder. “I love you too, I really do and I wanted to tell you but I didn’t want to push you away, Oh Gill hunny you have no idea how much this means to me. I love you so much.”

We sat talking for a while longer about our confessions until we eventually settled down to sleep.

‘I can’t believe how fast this is going I really hope I am doing the right thing.’

Once again I woke up before TK so before I woke him up for him to come for a run with me I got changed into my running gear and put all of my kung fu equipment and clothing into the car as to not initiate any questions from TK later.

When I got back to the bedroom Tyler was lying awake with tears running down his face and he was sobbing like a child.

I sat down beside him and wiped away his tears.

“What is wrong hunny?” I ask as I lean down and kiss his forehead.

“I got scared when I woke up and you were not there. I thought maybe you regretted last night.”

“Will you please look at me Tyler” He sits up leaning against the headboard.

I put my hands on his face wiping away his tears with my thumbs.

“I am not in the habit of telling every guy I meet that I love them. To me love is a very important thing and not just a word that can be used casually. I meant what I said, I love you and want you in my life, don’t ever forget that.”

I leaned in and kissed him deeply, my tongue gently massaging his, the taste of salt coming from his tears. I pull away still holding his face and tell him again that I love him.

“I love you too Gill I guess like you I am just scared. I have never been in love before and I just want to do it right.”

“Stop worrying and just go with the flow. I think we should both stop being scared and just help each other and take each day as it comes.”

Tyler eventually got up and I went for my morning run with him, I again went for a quick shower before heading for the pool. “Are you coming for a swim Tyler?”

“Yeah I suppose so.”

I swam my usual 100 lengths with Tyler stopping at around 50 and just messing about until I finished.

“Wow Gill I think you are fitter than me and that is not allowed, I am a professional hockey player.” He jokes as he puts his arms around me.

Tyler and I begin kissing deeply before things get carried away.

‘We fit together so well as if our bodies were made to be one’.

We eventually leave the pool after having some 'fun' in the pool and head for a shower and fix up some breakfast spending the next few hours together before I got ready to head to the Mellon.

“Right TK, I have to go now. When do you get back from Toronto?”

“We are coming back on Friday night before heading to Sweden on Monday, I really wish you could come with me?” Tyler stands holding me close to him.

“You will be too busy having fun to think about me, I have plenty of work to be getting on with here and will be here waiting for you when you get back.

“Oh and I forget to tell you, my next business trip is in November to Detroit and I was checking your schedule that you put on my fridge and you are there at the same time so I will try and get a ticket for the game. I have booked my hotel and flights so I will give you a copy of my agenda when you get back. Just come here again on Friday when you get back from Toronto.”

We said our goodbyes and thankfully there were no questions as to where I was going.

Chapter 14

2009-04-30T13:30:00.002+01:00

Work went quickly as I have so much to do now that the takeover is official, dealing with new clients, re-issuing contracts, making sure that everyone is happy and arranging business trips to the new locations to meet my new staff and assure them that nothing will change.

I left work around 1630 taking Lorna with me. We stopped off at the nearest supermarket to my house to buy plenty of drink etc. for the guys tonight.

Lorna and I quickly ate our dinner before heading to the Mellon for the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game went well with the Pens once again winning.

As Lorna went off to meet Sidney I made my way home to make sure that everything was ok for everyone arriving. I sat down at the piano as I waited for everyone and once again started singing Daughtry, this time I sang a song called ‘Its Not Over’. The lyrics are as follows:

I was blown away
What could I say?
It all seemed to make sense
You've taken away everything
And I can't deal with that
I try to see the good in life
But good things in life are hard to find
We'll blow it away, blow it away
Can we make this something good?
Well, I'll try to do it right this time around

Let's start over
I'll try to do it right this time around
It's not over
'Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground
This love is killing me
But you're the only one
It's not over

Taken all I could take
And I cannot wait
We're wasting too much time
Being strong, holding on
Can't let it bring us down
My life with you means everything
So I won't give up that easily
I'll blow it away, blow it away
Can we make this something good?
'Cause it's all misunderstood
Well, I'll try to do it right this time around

Let's start over
I'll try to do it right this time around
It's not over
'Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground
This love is killing me
But you're the only one
It's not over

We can't let this get away
Let it out, let it out
Don't get caught up in yourself
Let it out

Let's start over
I'll try to do it right this time around
It's not over
'Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground
This love is killing me
But you're the only one
It's not over

Let's start over
It's not over, yeah...
This love is killing me
But you're the only one
It's not over

I must have got carried away because when I looked up TK, Jordan, Marc-Andre and Vero were standing just inside the living room.

“Sorry guys I didn’t expect you to be here so quickly.” I get up walking towards Tyler and wrapping my arms around his waist giving him a quick kiss.

“That was amazing Gill, you are a great singer.” Vero smiles giving me a hug.

“Thanks.” My face glowing bright red from embarrassment of being caught.

“If you want to follow me to the kitchen you can get a drink, do you want me to order some food?”

The rest of the team quickly arrived with their girlfriends / wives and made themselves at home.

We ordered pizzas and the guys ate like they had been starved for a week.

“Jordon” I shouted across the room after all the pizza had been cleared away, he turned his face to look at me, his hair the perfect shade of blonde, his eyes bright blue in colour and that square jaw, well I don’t even know how to describe that. I can see why so many girls fancy him ‘he certainly is one hot guy’.

“Gill” He shouts back.

“Catch” I say again as I throw him the basement keys.

“What are these for?” He asks looking a bit confused.

“Go and open the door to the basement, I need you to have a look at something for me, I will come down in a minute. It is that door over there.”

He walks over to the door, unlocking it and running down the stairs after he switches the light on.

“What are you up to Gill?” TK asks as he stands beside me with his bottle of beer in his hand.

“You will see in a minute.”

“Guys, come down here, it is heaven.” Jordon shouts up to everyone sounding like a child in a sweet shop.

TK looks at me having no idea what is going on but follows all the guys down to the basement.

I motion for the girls to come and see what all the commotion is about.

I let the girls go down first so that I am the last to go down. I sit on one of the bottom steps watching everyone having fun.

When I moved in and my company started making a healthy profit I decided to turn my basement into a bit of a fun area, somewhere that I could escape from my life and be a kid again. There is a large flat screen TV on one of the walls with surround sound speakers placed all around the room, all the top of the range games consoles with a good selection of games. A full size pool table, a football (soccer) table, dart board, etc.

Jordan found his way back over to me, “Wow Gill, this place is a dream, I could and probably will spend hours and hours down here. Your house is amazing. Thank you for taking us all in and making us feel so welcome.”

“Anytime Jordan” I stand up on the step so that I am at the same height as him, he is a very tall guy and heavily built and I can imagine that it is all muscle and not an ounce of fat, he pulls me into a giant hug lifting me off my feet and carrying me over to where TK was sitting playing one of the games consoles. He lifts me like I am as light as a feather.

“This place is great Gill I can’t believe I never knew about it.” TK says as he pulls me down to sit on his knee.

The rest of the night passed quickly and everybody seemed to have a good night which I was glad about.

“Gill, can we come here again?” Jordan asks as he gives me a hug.

“Of course you can, you are welcome here anytime, even if the other guys are not here.”

‘I have a feeling that Jordan and I are going to be good friends.’

Everyone said their goodbyes and soon TK and I were on our own again.

“Thank you for tonight hunny, it has been great.” TK says as he stands hugging me in the hallway.

“Anytime TK, your team mates all seem lovely and the girls have all made me feel welcome.

“It has been a busy couple of days so I am going to go to bed, are you joining me?”

“Yeah, I think I will.”

We filled the dishwasher and tidied away some of the empty bottles and such like and then headed to bed.

“I am going to miss you so much Gill when we are away in Sweden.”

“I am going to miss you too I have got so used to having you around here.

“Do you think we have jumped into this relationship too quickly?” I ask as I lie close beside him.

“Things have gone quick, quicker than I could have imagined but it feels right, like we are meant to be together so to answer your question I would say yes but I wouldn’t change anything Gill, I want to be with you.” TK strokes the side of my faces as he looks at me with so much emotion in his eyes.

“We have known each other less then a week though TK, what if what we are feeling is not real, it is just infatuation and in a few weeks time we are fed up of each other. I really don’t want that to happen but you have girls throwing themselves at you. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t go out and enjoy yourself because of me. You are only 22 years old and I don’t want you to think that I am taking your youth away from you.”

“What has brought this on Gill…? Do you not trust me? I don’t want any of those puck bunnies… you know that. I like how I feel when I am with you and I don’t want give up on that. I can’t promise that I won’t get fed up with you in a few weeks but I really can’t see that happening. I am only 3 years younger then you so it is not a big deal. It is not as if I am immature for my age. It sounds to me like you are looking for excuses not to be with me.

“Please don’t give up on us before we have even gotten started… please Gill.” TK grips me closer to him as his voice pleads with me not to leave him or give up on what we have, his eyes getting redder and tears forming.

“I am sorry Tyler I didn’t mean to upset you. I do trust you and I remember how you looked at me when I first called you TK and how you backed away from me, no longer trusting me. I really like you and feel safe when I am in your arms. I guess I am just scared, I have not let myself get close to anyone in a long time. Everything with us has happened so fast and I just don’t want to get hurt. It is all so surreal, I just had all of the Pittsburgh Penguins in my house, it is almost as if I am dreaming and when I wake up I will realise the past few days have never happened.”

His tears fall from his eyes as he lets go of me and sits up holding his knees to his chest.

“Do you want me to leave?” I hear his voice which is barely above a whisper.

I sit up and pull him close to me again.

“No, I don’t ever want you to leave I guess that is what is scaring me so much. I have known you less than a week and already I am falling for you.”

He face quickly lifts up and he looks me straight in the eye as if trying to see if I meant what I said.

“Tyler it scares me senseless to say this to you and you certainly don’t have to say it back… but…

“I have fallen in love with you.”

Chapter 13

2009-04-22T09:46:00.001+01:00

Lorna and I quickly got a bite to eat before we headed into town to meet Vero and the other girls.

“Hey girls” Vero gives us both a hug.

“I was watching the news before I came out and they cut over to the press conference. You must be so happy Gill that is big stuff. Robertson Publishing is huge. I am so pleased for you.”

“Thanks Vero. I don’t think it has sunk in yet but I am over the moon, this could lead to Robertson Publishing being the biggest publishing company in the world. I can’t believe that my company is this big in less than a year of trading.

We all shopped for a few hours and all I bought was a t-shirt for Tyler, before going our separate ways we agreed to meet up before the game tomorrow and I said that everyone could come back to my house this time.

I started to head home when I remembered that I should be going to Tylers, I am so stupid sometimes, I think that is why I was born blonde.

I rang the door bell but walked in before TK answered.

“Hey gorgeous, where are youuuuu?” I shout as I wonder through the maze of rooms.

“I am in the kitchen preparing dinner, come to the back on the house.” I hear him shout from the distance.

I follow his voice as I look about the rooms seeing photographs and trophies everywhere, I spend a few moments looking at the different things that he has done while growing up, ‘he was such a cute child’.

“Hey hunny, how are you?” He asks as he leans over the kitchen work top to give me a kiss.

“I am good thanks how are you?” I place my bags down on the kitchen table kicking my shoes off and sitting on one of the bar stools.

“I am good thanks, I am making lasagne for dinner, is that ok?”

“Yeah fine thanks.

“I have asked everyone to come round to my house tomorrow night after the game, hope that is ok?”

“That’s brilliant thanks Gill, you are a star.

“We are doing some extra training on Thursday afternoon before we catch our flight so I was wondering if you would like to take the morning off work and spend some time with me before I go away.”

“I have actually taken the day off anyway I have something I need to do in the afternoon.”

We sat talking about the take over and the press conference and about his training and game day regime and such like. We ate his delicious home made lasagne and I washed up.

We spent the rest of the evening talking before heading off to bed.

The following morning Tyler woke up as I was getting out of bed.

“I don’t know what to do this morning Tyler, I usually go for a run and a swim but I don’t know the area and you don’t have a swimming pool.”

I start to move away from the bed when Tyler pulls me back down and starts kissing me passionately, his lips soft against mine, his tongue gently massaging my own. I pull away but his kisses move down my neck.

“Hey hey TK, remember the one condition you gave me…”

“Hmm, I know but I find you so irresistible.”

“Well you gave me the condition so I am going to stick to it.” I laugh as I manage to break free from his grasp and get up heading towards the bathroom to take a shower.

“Can I at least join you for a shower then?”

“As long as you behave” I answer laughing at him.

The one condition TK gave me was that we don’t have sex on game day so I am determined to abide by that.

We went for a shower together and I got dressed for work while TK made breakfast.

“Good morning again gorgeous.” I say sitting down at the dinner table with the fruit salad and yogurt that Tyler handed me.

“I forgot when I came in last night that I bought you something when I was shopping. The receipt is in the bag if you don’t like it, I just thought it was cool.”

He grabs the bag from the table and pulls the t-shirt out and smiles when he looks at it.

“Thanks Gill, that is great.”

We talked for a while longer before we both head off to work agreeing that he will just see me at my house after he finishes with the press after the game, I wouldn’t bother waiting around for him.

Chapter 12

2009-04-20T15:53:00.002+01:00

Lorna and I carry out our morning meeting and I ask Lorna to join the girls and I for the shopping trip this afternoon and soon Mr Hammond arrives, suddenly my stomach is in knots and I am very nervous.

“Miss Robertson, I am going to cut straight to the point. I have reviewed the contract you have offered me as well as the information I have on Robertson Publishing as it stands and I would like to take you up on your offer. You will find everything signed and dated, you may start the ball rolling and release a press statement as soon as you wish.”

“Thank you Mr Hammond, I promise you won’t regret this.”

I took the paperwork and shook Mr Hammonds hand before he turned and left the office.

My phone rang almost immediately signalling that Lorna had someone on the line for me.

“Hey Lor”

“Gill, I have Ray Shero from the Penguins on the phone for you.”

“Shit, did he say what he wanted? I hope TK is ok.” I answer sounding panicked.

“He would not say Gill, sorry. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Yeah put him through.”

I heard the click on the line signalling that the call had been transferred.

“Good morning, Gill Robertson speaking, how can I help?”

“Miss Robertson, my name is Ray Shero, General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Do you have a moment to talk?” He asks politely.

“Yes, is everything ok? Has something happened to Tyler?” My voice still full of panic.

He laughs as he hears my worries over Tyler. “As far as I am aware TK is fine.

“I would like to discuss a different matter with you. A source of mine tells me that you are a qualified kung fu instructor and I wondered if you would be interested in doing some training with the team.”

“Can I ask how you found out about that?” I ask with a slight annoyed tone.

I have never mentioned to anyone since I came here about kung fu, not even Lorna.

“My source will remain unnamed, you will find out when the time is right. We will of course pay you for your services of course. The coaches and I were thinking that maybe you could spend 2 hours with them 3 times a week, the days changing depending on when the games are played and road trips etc. and obviously we will take your work into account too, I imagine you are a very busy woman.”

“Erm yeah you could say that…

“You have caught me off guard and lucky for you and I ‘m also in a very good mood today, I have just received some good news so I will agree to do this for you.”

We discussed details of what he wanted to do, what I would be paid and that I would not tell Tyler. For some reason it was to be kept a secret from everyone until we started our first lesson which has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon before the guys leave for Toronto.

I phoned the PR department and asked them to arrange a press conference for as quickly as possible so that I could tell the world about the takeover and they quickly called me back saying that the press would be here in half an hour to start at 1130.

I decided to phone Tyler before hand.

“Hey hunny is everything ok?” He answered slightly panicked.

“Yeah, I just wanted to tell you some news before you found out some where else.”

“What is wrong Gill, you are making me worry.”

“You have nothing to worry about. Remember I told you I had an important meeting yesterday morning?”

“Yep”

“Well the meeting was with the owner and director of Headline Publishing, they are the second biggest publishing company in the world.”

“Ok, sounds exciting.”

“It is more than exciting. The thing is Tyler I had managed to find out that he was going to sell his company so I have managed to convince him to sell everything to me including all of his current contracts, as of this morning Headline Publishing has been bought over by Robertson Publishing. This is such a big deal and will hopefully make my company the number one publishing company in the world!!”

“I am so happy for you Gill, you deserve this, you have put so much work into the company.”

We finished up our conversation and I headed down to the conference room, all of the staff was there waiting in anticipation as to what could possibly have happened.

“Good morning ladies and gentleman, thank you for attending at such short notice.

“Early this morning Mr Hammond of Headline Publishing sold his company. As of that meeting Robertson Publishing began proceedings for a take over and the 2 companies are now one with myself still being sole owner and director. All Headline Contracts will continue as before…”

The conference continued for about an hour as I fielded question after question from the press when eventually the question I had been waiting for was asked.

“Will this company takeover have an affect your relationship with Tyler Kennedy?” I hear a voice come from the back of the room.

“My personal life and work life are completely separate. Tyler and I both have very busy work schedules but because we have a strong relationship this does not get in the way. We have only been together a short period of time so we would appreciate if you all could allow us to have our privacy and work on our relationship together. I am aware that we are both prominent faces in the public but we would still like to have a private relationship.”

The press conference eventually finished about half an hour later. I quickly went up to my office and phoned TK again to tell him about what I had said about him and I at the press conference and I phoned the accounts department to ask them to fax over my personal bank details to Ray Shero to enable him to pay me for the Kung Fu training.

Chapter 11

2009-04-14T10:36:00.002+01:00

I feel asleep quickly much to my surprise and when I awoke Tyler was curled beside me with his arms tightly wrapped around my waist.

I kissed his forehead and he smiled back at me.

“Morning hunny, how are you?”

“I am fine thanks gorgeous how are you? Are you still coming for a run with me?” I ask as I try to unsuccessfully pull away from his grip.

“Sure thing but I just want to hold you for a couple of minutes longer, I missed not having you in my arms last night.”

He tilts his head up slightly kissing me deeply on the lips, his tongue immediately requesting entry which I granted with pleasure. As our kisses become more passionate he rolls over so he is lying on top of me, his hands wondering up my top and massaging my sides.

I pull my leg up and he grabs a hold of it as his kisses move down my neck. I allow my hands to explore his perfectly toned body, my heart beating faster each moment and my breaths become short and anxious. I tilt my head back as he moves his hand across the bottom of my stomach sending shivers down my spine.

He eventually looks up at me and speaks softly.

“I know I have known you less than a week Gill so if you want me to stop I will. To me this feels so right, like we are meant to be together, you make me so happy.”

I lift my head up and kiss him passionately on the lips.

“I want this just as much as you do Tyler...”

I relaxed down on top of him feeling his breathing returning to normal after the most enjoyable morning excerise I have had in a long time.

“I am speechless Gill…”

We eventually got up and went for a shower. I went for a quick swim since we no longer had time to go for a run while Tyler made breakfast and then went for another quick shower and got ready for work.

Tyler and I agreed that I would go to his house after I had been out with the girls to see if he could get up any better seeing as it was game day again tomorrow.

I quickly packed a bag and asked TK to take it to his house with him, I gave him a quick kiss then left for work excited to hear what Mr Hammond had to say and over the moon about the morning I had with Tyler.

“Good morning Lorna, are you ready for our meeting?” I ask as I place a warm bagel from the local baker on every ones desk and continue to walk into my office.

I see her out of the corner of my eye quickly get up with her things and pick up the bagel. She comes into my office and closes the door behind her.

“Have you heard from Mr Hammond already, you look as high as a kite?” She asks as she bites into her breakfast.

“No, he will be here shortly. I am just happy.” I answer trying hard to stop smiling.

“I take it things are going well with TK?”

“Erm, yeah you could say that, he came back to mine when they got in from Tampa and I am staying at his tonight.”

“You did what I think you did – you sly dog!” She squeals almost as happy about it as I am.

“I sure did and it was amazing but I will be a lady and reveal no more!!”

Apologies to all.

2009-04-09T11:35:00.002+01:00

First of all I would like to apologise for the lack of updates since I returned from holiday, I am still trying to recover from jet lag and therefore I am very tired all the time. I have also been very busy with my work, things are not going very well just now due to the recession and we are currently trying to fight to keep the companies head above water so it may come to the stage that I dont even have a job to go to in the near future... my fingers are firmly crossed that it wont come to that!!

The office is closed tomorrow and Monday so I am planning on spending my long weekend recovering and trying to get myself back into a normal routine!! I will also try to post a short blog telling you all about my trip to Pittsburgh and will post some game photos if I can figure out how too!!!

I have been reading American Dream the last few nights when I have been unable to sleep and it was not until I finished that I realised how awful a read it is, there are so many mistakes and contradictions so I would like to apologise to all of you that read it and I hope I am doing better with Love at First Sight...? I hope that you are all enjoying the story so far, all comments and suggestions are welcome and I will try and post another chapter soon.

Thanks to all of you who do read my story, I appreciate the support!

If I can also take this opportunity to say well done PENS on making the playoffs again, I know you can do it!!

Have a good easter everyone and thanks again!!

Chapter 10

2009-04-07T13:40:00.001+01:00

The next day I arrived at work at about 0800 and had my usual meeting with Lorna and we agreed to go for lunch at about midday providing that the important meeting I had at 0900 was finished.

My company lawyer arrived a few moments later and we discussed what we were wanting out of the meeting that was about to start.

I was about to meet with the director of Headline Publishing who was thinking about selling up and I was hoping to convince him that his best option was to let me buy him out. Robertson Publishing has already been named as one of the top five publishing companies in the world and hopefully if I can pull this takeover off I will become number 1 which will be amazing, a dream come true. I won’t accept a merger, this is my company so I either buy him out or do nothing at all. Headline Publishing is also in the top 5 publishers, it would be an honour to turn it into Robertson Publishing.

The meeting went well but it lasted for hours eventually finishing at about 1500. Mr Hammond, the director of Headline Publishing seemed impressed by my presentation and promised he would look over my offer and come into the office to see me tomorrow before he left to go home to Washington and would give me his answer then.

‘I am never going to be able to sleep until I know what his answer is.’

I heard a faint knock at the door and without waiting for an answer Lorna came in with lunch for me.

“I took it upon myself to order you something to eat since the meeting was going on for a while, I hope you don’t mind.” She hands me a brown paper bag and sits herself down after closing the door behind her.

“Thanks sweetie, you’re a star. Is everything ok?”

“Yeah, everything is fine, I am just curious about how the meeting went, I know you want it kept top secret until you have an answer. Oh and Tyler called reminding you to talk to PR about releasing a statement.”

“Damn, I forgot about that.” I scribbled a quick note in front of me and took a bite out of my sandwich.

“God, I am hungry.

“The meeting seemed to go well but Mr Hammond has gone away to look at the offer and is coming back tomorrow at 1000 to let me know his decision. I am so nervous there is no way I will be able to sleep tonight, I really hope TK comes round when he gets back, he does not know about the takeover but he will still take my mind off things.”

“Well, I shall keep my fingers crossed that Mr Hammond likes the contract and will put in your diary that he is coming back in the morning.”

I called my PR department and asked them to release a statement about Tyler and me, giving them the relevant details and who the statement should be issued too.

I went home and made some food and it was soon time came for the game starting so I switched over to FSN Pittsburgh to see the guys finishing their warm up.

The game went well with both TK and Sidney taking a couple of points each. Shortly after the game finished my phone beeped just as I was crawling into bed.

‘I will get dropped off at your house when we get back after the game, I miss you. Wake me up and I will come for a run with you and will probably go back to bed when you leave for work. I will try not to waken you when I come in. See you soon hunny, sleep well.’

‘I like when he calls me hunny.’

‘OK gorgeous, see you soon. I have missed you too. That was a good game by the way.’

Chapter 9

2009-03-17T12:11:00.001Z

I woke up before TK and did my normal routine of running, showering, swimming and showering again before getting ready for the day ahead of me.

“Wakey, wakey, rise and shine” I open the curtains letting the sun shine through on to TK hoping that he will wake up… nothing, he is still sound asleep.

‘That boy could sleep through anything.’

I sat down beside him and watched him sleep for a while, he looked so peaceful.

‘I can’t believe I am thinking this already but I am falling in love.’

I leaned down and kissed him softly on the lips.

“Come on Tyler, you need to wake up. You only have a couple of hours before you need to be at the Melon.”

“Hmm, is it time to get up already?” He sleepily rubs his eyes and sits up to lean against the headboard again.

“How long have you been up for?”

“A couple of hours, I have been for a run and a swim and now it is time for breakfast. What would you like?”

“My god Gill I didn’t realise you worked out so much.

“I never sleep like this when I am in my own house but when I am here with you I seem to sleep like a baby, maybe you should stay at mine the night before the next game to see if I can get up better in my own house.

“Let me go for a quick shower and then I will make pancakes for breakfast.”

He leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips letting it linger, that familiar tingling sensation forming all over my body again, those butterflies determined to keep on dancing every time he touches me.

I left the room letting TK get up to have his shower. I went into the kitchen and put on some background music and started looking out some things that TK will need for making his pancakes.

He soon came down to the kitchen wearing his winter classic training top and bottoms from last season, he is looking very gorgeous yet again.

“Thanks hunny, I will take over now, you go and sit down and relax, I will get breakfast ready, is there anything you don’t like?”

“Nope, just do your thing and shout if you need some help.”

I sat down at the kitchen table with the newspaper that I had bought when I was out on my run. Normally I would read the paper in the order it comes in but today I made an exception and skipped to the sports section to read the report on the Pens game which I immediately started reading aloud.

“…Tyler Kennedy admitted in his post game interview that the blonde he was seen leaving the club with on Thursday night is indeed his girlfriend. They have only just begun seeing one another but he was quoted saying that he believes they have a good and long future ahead of them. Her name is Gill Robertson and she is the owner and sole director of the multi-million dollar profit making Robertson Publishing which opened less than a year ago in Pittsburgh…”

Soon Tyler was finished making the pancakes and he brought over the plates.

“Mmm, these taste delicious.”

We spent the next hour or so talking before I took Tyler down to the Melon for their trip to Tampa for the 2nd leg of last nights game.

“We are flying back after the game tomorrow so won’t be back until late, I will get Ryan to take me home because he lives near me and I will come and see you when you finish work on Tuesday, is that ok?”

“Yeah, that’s cool. If you decide you want to come to mine when you get back you know where I am. I will be going into the office for about 0900 on Tuesday so if you were to come to mine I would just leave you sleeping. Let me know what you decide because if you decide to come see me I will leave the front door unlocked.”

“Ok hunny, I will let you know after the game. See you soon, take care.”

We both lean in for a kiss letting it linger for as long as possible before TK left to get the bus.

I sat in the car and watched him approach the guys, seeing him laugh with his friends made me smile.

‘I can’t fall in love yet, it is too soon but it feels so right.’

Before driving off I phoned Lorna to see if she fancies meeting for a coffee. We agree to meet in an hour at a coffee shop we go to often for lunch during the week.

I parked the car at the office and then headed into town for a short time then headed to the coffee shop, finding a quiet table in the corner our usual waitress tells me she will take our order once Lorna arrives.

“Hey girly how are you?” She asks in her usual chirpy tone as she bounds into the café, her thick strawberry blonde hair bouncing up and down.

“I am good Lor how are you?”

“I am good thanks.”

The waitress comes over and takes our order, both of us ordering large hot chocolates and large pieces of caramel shortbread. Although I am very fit I still have such a sweet tooth.

“Did you have a good night with Sidney last night?”

The waitress appears by our side with our order but grants us our privacy and does not mention what has been in the papers and all over the internet. We have been coming here several times a week since I opened the offices so she knows us well.

“Yeah thanks, I had a great time. He ended up staying over at mine but I promise you nothing happened. We talked for hours and both want to see each other again.”

“That is good but please be careful, I was talking to TK and he says that Sidney can be a bit of a ladies man. I can’t face the thought of you getting hurt and I will hold myself responsible if you do.

“I know you are a big girl and you can handle yourself but you are like a little sister to me and I am just trying to look out for you.”

“Thanks Gill, I know you are only looking out for me and believe me I am being very cautious, I don’t want to be classed as a puck bunny.”

We sat talking for a while longer in the café before deciding to head back to mine for a work out and then get something to eat.

Lorna left early in the evening so I read for a while before heading to bed. I sent TK a quick text:

‘Hey gorgeous, miss you already. Hope your having a nice time. Goodnight.’

I quickly got a reply back:

‘Hey hunny, miss you too. Goodnight, sleep well and take care. xx’

News.

2009-03-13T13:01:00.002Z

I am sorry for the lack of updating recently, I have been so busy and just dont know where time has gone.

My holidays start on Wednesday night and we fly on Thursday so I will try to get an update in before then, it will probably Tuesday if all goes to plan.

I will try to get some good pictures when I am at the Pens game and post them for you all to see (if I can figure out how to do it).

On another note I just want to thank you for your comments, I hope you are all enjoying the story and if you have any suggestions / comments I would love to hear them.

Thanks again and take care everyone.

Chapter 8

2009-03-06T10:54:00.001Z

TK gave me directions to Jordans house and we arrived within about 10 minutes. His house is quite compact but is still very nice.

Jordan let us in almost immediately after we rang the door bell, he shook TKs hand and gave me a hug before telling us to go to the kitchen and get a drink.

“You know the drill TK, make yourself at home.”

We headed to the kitchen and got a drink before going to the living room and finding a seat on one of the smaller couches. There were not enough seats for everyone so I sat on TKs knee. I was leaning on the arm of the sofa looking about me, one of my hands playing with Tylers hair and the other holding my wine glass.

I noticed Lorna and Sidney over in the corner flirting with each other.

“TK, is Lorna ok with Sidney? I am very protective of her and I don’t want to see her hurt.” I whisper into his ear, letting my breath linger on his face.

“Yeah, she should be fine, he has been known to have a few one night stands but he generally would never be an arse about anything, if we think things are getting out of hand then we can intervene.”

We sat talking for a while longer when a beautiful dark haired woman entered the room.

“Who is that Tyler? She is gorgeous.”

“That is Flowers girlfriend Vero.

“Hey Vero, come and meet my girlfriend.” TK motions for Vero to join us. “Vero this is Gill, Gill meet Vero.”

I reached my hand out to shake her hand. She took a hold of it with her long slim fingers and perfect lightly polished nails.

“Hey TK, hi Gill, it is nice to meet you. I was curious when I heard that Tyler left the club with a girl, it is so unlike him. I was excited when Marc-Andre said you would be here tonight.

“Would you like to come and meet the girls?”

‘Her French accent is adorable.’

“It is nice to meet you too Vero. That would be nice.” I answer getting up from TKs knee.

I turn and smile at TK and nod my head, a silent understanding between us that if either of us wanted to leave just to ask and I knew that he would keep an eye on Lorna for me.

Vero introduced me to the girls and we all started chatting immediately. We spoke about various things and they asked about my company and moving to America most of them showing a genuine interest.

I found out that Vero is indeed French and not French-Canadian like I assumed.

We got along really well and chatted for a while agreeing that I would take the afternoon off on Tuesday and we would go shopping. I have an important meeting on Monday so I will be glad to get away from the office for a while.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Lorna.

“Hey Lor, what’s up? Are you having a good night?” I asked.

Vero jumped up before Lorna got a chance to answer.

“I am so sorry I did not know that you were here or I would have introduced myself and asked you to come and sit with us, I am Vero, pleased to meet you?” She answers as she out stretches her hand.

“Hi Vero, I am Lorna, it is nice to meet you too.” Lorna answers as she shakes Vero’s hand.

“Gill, Sidney is going to take me home. I will see you on Monday at work. Thanks for tonight.” She says as she turns to hug me.

“Be careful Lorna.” I say as I hug her back.

I sit back down and look around the girls for some reaction.

“Don’t worry Gill, she will be ok, we won’t let anything happen to her.”

We chat for a while longer when everyone starts to go home, Vero and I are still chatting when I see Marc-Andre and TK approaching.

“Girls, I think it is time for us to be heading home.” Marc announces as he reaches the table we are sitting at, he kisses Vero on her forehead before sitting beside her and I can tell that they are so in love.

TK stood with his arms around my shoulders and I reached up to hold his hand.

“Well you better call a cab then Marc.” Vero smiles lovingly back at him.

“You don’t need to do that” I answer, “I will give you a lift home.”

We said our goodbyes to those that were left and thanked Jordon for having us round and I promised that I would return the favour sometime soon.

It turns out the Marc and Vero don’t live far from me so about half an hour later after leaving Jordan’s I pulled into the driveway of my house.

As we enter my house I catch sight of TK yawning.

“Are you tired Mr Kennedy?” I ask as I push him gently against the wall running my hands down his sides and resting them on his waist, leaning myself against him slightly.

“Yeah but you are making me want to take you up to your bed and do so many naughty things to you…”

I stand on my tip toes and kiss him passionately, our tongues fighting for possession, my hands finding their way under his shirt, my fingers roaming all over his toned torso. His hands running down my back and down to my thighs grabbing legs, pulling me up putting them around his waist so that he could carry me up the stairs.

As he carries me I gently kiss his neck knowing that I can’t do this to him when he is so tired.

He lays me down on the bed laying himself gently on top of me, his weight heavy but comforting, his eyes look deep into mine, the different shades of brown lighting up as he smiles at me.

I take his face in my hands and kiss him gently on the lips.

“Let’s get ready for bed gorgeous.”

TK continues to look deep into my eyes as if trying to see what I was feeling.

“Believe me Tyler, I don’t want to stop what I started but I know it is wrong for me to do this the night before you leave for a game, we can pick up where we stopped again soon, I promise.”

I put my hands on his neck, pulling his face down to meet mine and kissed him deeply, showing that I meant what I said.

“Thanks Gill, you are an angel.”

We quickly got ready for bed and cuddled up together under the duvet falling asleep quickly.

Chapter 7

2009-02-17T14:59:00.001Z

I collected Lorna and on the way to the Mellon I told her about last night with Tyler and she was so happy that things were working out with him.

“I am so excited about meeting all the pens tonight.” She announces.

“Please just be careful Lorna, you are a beautiful girl and I don’t want any of these guys taking advantage of you.” I tell her, concern evident in my voice.

We continue to chatter all the way there and I was so grateful that I don’t have to hunt for a parking space.

As we sat down to watch the game I heard a group of girls giggling and laughing trying to make me feel intimidated but I couldn’t care what they have to say, I live my life the way I want to, not the way other people want me too.

The game was tense with the Penguins winning in overtime, although it is only a friendly game it would not do much for the guys confidence to lose right now.

Lorna and I stayed in our seats for about half an hour before heading down to the locker room and the security guard told us just to go in.

‘My god I am so nervous.’

I opened the door and focussed by attention on finding TK as I looked around the room and found him standing smiling at me from the far corner. I walked over to where he was buttoning up his shirt making sure only to make eye contact with him.

“Hey Tyler, that was a good game, very close edge of the seat stuff but good all the same.”

I reach up and give him a kiss. I am a noticeably good few inches smaller than him as I am wearing flat soled boots.

“Thanks hunny.”

He put his hands on my shoulders and turned me around.

“Everyone, this is Gill my girlfriend. I wont introduce everyone to you Gill, I am sure you know who everyone is already – oh and this is Lorna, Gills friend.”

I shyly smile at everyone and take a moment to look around the room as they all mutter hellos and nice to meet you. Some of them are still changing while some are all suited and ready to leave for Jordan’s house.

‘These guys make up one hot team, if only to be a fly on the wall during shower time. I bet I am the envy of so many girls right now.’

Lorna was standing staring at Sidney Crosby unsure of what to do or who to speak too.

I nudged TK and whispered “Can you introduce Lorna to Sidney Crosby, she is looking at him like she is trying to under dress him right there and then, I think by the look of things she has a little crush on him.”

“Sid, Gill and I need to go to my house to get my bag for tomorrow before we go to Stalzies as I am staying at hers tonight so would you be able to give Lorna a lift?” TK says to Sidney as he picks up his bag and takes my hand.

“Yeah of course, I need to stop in at my house before hand but if you don’t mind coming with me Lorna?” He asks while looking her up and down, his eyes finally settling on hers.

‘I don’t think I have ever seen Lorna look so shy, she usually has so much confidence and nothing phases her.’

“Yeah that is fine thanks.” Lorna answers her voice barely above a whisper. She turns to me and smiles as TK and I walk towards the door, her face has turned almost as red as her jumper.

“See you soon guys.” TK speaks to everyone as he leaves the locker room still holding my hand.

“Do we really need to go by your house?” I ask as we leave the arena and head to my car.

“No, but I wanted to be alone with you before we headed to Stalzies and I thought Lorna would like to get to know our Sid the Kid a bit better.”

We went and parked the car at the local park and got out to go for a walk, TK took my hand as soon we got out of the car. We walked silently for a while before TK stopped and looked at me, holding both my hands in his own.

“Gill, I know we have only known each other for a couple of days but you have made me feel happier than I have ever done before. I feel comfortable and safe with you and I know that we have a great future ahead of us.

“I just wanted to let you know that I am planning on sticking around, that you are not going to be able to get rid of me very easily.”

He pulled me into him and held me close so I rested my head against his chest listening to his heart beating fast and strong, taking in his scent allowing myself to enjoy the moment.

I stayed there for a few moments before pulling away and looking at him.

“I am glad you are not going anywhere because I want you in my life. I like how I feel when I am with you, I feel secure and I know that I don’t need to be scared anymore.

“Did you get asked at your interviews about the pictures of us leaving the club?”

We continue talking while heading back to the car, again Tyler was holding my hand tightly as if in fear that if he lets go I might run away.

“Oh yeah I meant to talk to you about that, I wanted to talk to you before the game to see what you wanted me to say but because sleepy head over here was not up in time so it slipped my mind until the interviewer asked me about it so I was kind of put on the spot.”

“OK so what did you say?”

“Please don’t get angry with me.” He pleads, gripping my hand tighter.

“I won’t get angry, I promise.” I reply as I climb back into my car and start the engine. My car is a manual as I could not get used to driving an automatic when I moved here.

“Normally I would talk to my agent and ask what his recommendation is but as I said it slipped my mind so I decided to go for it and I confirmed that we left the club together, you dropped me home and left. We then went out for a date and we are indeed a couple now, is that ok?”

“Yeah, that is cool. I will speak to my PR department on Monday and ask them to release a statement saying the same thing.”

“You are amazing Gill, I am so glad I found you.”

Chapter 6

2009-02-12T15:49:00.001Z

When I awoke Tyler was still asleep, he was lying on his back and my head was resting on his shoulder with his arms around my waist.

I lay and watched him for a while before I quietly got up and got ready for my morning run.

I put my MP3 player on and then left the house for my usual 5 mile run and when I returned to the house I went straight to the bedroom to find TK still fast asleep. I decided to let him sleep as I did not know what his morning routine was on game day and I went for a very quick shower before going for a swim, I swam my usual 100 lengths of my full length swimming pool.

Finishing up I wrapped a towel around me and went back to my bedroom knowing that I couldn’t let TK sleep any longer or he would be late for training and I didn’t want things going wrong for us before they even started.

I sat gently on the edge of the bed stroking the side of his face with my thumb. He had turned from being on his back to lie on his side curled into a little ball.

I leaned down and kissed his cheek, a small smile spread across his face and he sleepily opened his eyes.

“Good morning gorgeous, would you like some breakfast before training?” I ask as I got up to go for another shower.

“Hmmm, thank you. Can I just have some fruit?” His sleepy face looks amazing, his voice husky evidently still full of sleep.

“Ok gorgeous, I am going for a shower and then will get something organised for you. Make yourself at home and do whatever you would normally do.”

I lean down and give him another kiss before turning to go for my shower.

‘I certainly could get used to having him here.’

I showered quickly and got dressed into a pair of fitted jeans and a deep purple fitted t-shirt with a v-neck showing just the right amount of cleavage, I popped my slippers on and went back into the bedroom while I combed my hair to find Tyler sound asleep again.

I sat down on the edge of the bed again this time being less gentle, I kissed Tylers forehead. He was again lying on his back with the covers lying just above his waist. His body was amazing.

He stirs but still does not waken so I run my fingers over his abs and round his sides and start tickling him ever so gently.

“Wh-What’s happening?...” He asks as he sits up getting a fright and wondering where he is, a look of confusion on his face.

“Its ok gorgeous it is just me but you need to get up or you will be late for training.”

He stretches and sits up to lean against the headboard and rubs his sleepy eyes.

“Sorry, I am usually so good at getting up in the morning but I am so comfortable here, I had the best nights sleep, better than I have had in a long time and I am so content being with you.

“It won’t matter if I am slightly late as optional training is first although I have never missed it but I can handle being a bit late.”

He leans in and gives me a very passionate kiss, his tongue massaging mine, his lips soft and somehow his breath still tasting of toothpaste. He runs his hands through my still wet hair and speaks into my mouth, “you smell amazing.”

“Thank you” I answer as I pull away from him, I have just been for a shower and that is where I think you should go. Come down to the kitchen when you are ready and I will have a fruit salad waiting for you.”

About 20 minutes later TK enters the kitchen wearing his jeans and a black pens t-shirt, his hair still wet and he looks amazing.

“Morning Gill, we are playing our first pre season game tonight against Tampa Bay Lightening as I am sure you are aware. Are you coming?” He asks as he sits down at the kitchen table with his fruit after giving me a small kiss.

“Of course I am I never miss any home games, I will have to go out and buy my ‘Kennedy’ pens shirt this morning.” I answer with a smile.

“Ha thanks, there are not many of them going about, next time we are at my house I will give you one of my game worn jerseys, if you are lucky I might even give you a Stanley Cup one.

“Will you come down to the locker room when we have finished? We will have the usual post game interviews but I am usually finished and showered within about half an hour. I think we are then going out to Jordon Staals house and I would love for you to come with me.”

“If you would like me to come to the locker room and then to your team mates house then I will come with you, it is not a problem. It will be great to meet all the guys.

“I go to all the home games with Lorna so can I bring her down to the locker room too?”

“Cool, thanks hunny. Yeah of course, she can come to Stalzies too if she wants.” He smiles finishing the last of his fruit.

“We best get going. I will arrange a parking permit for you for the players car park and will drop it off on the way home before my nap. I will leave the car at home and get one of the guys to pick me up and maybe I can stay here again tonight as we leave for Tampa tomorrow mid-morning?”

“Of course, come on then gorgeous lets go.”

TK dropped me off at the office and I went into town briefly to get my new pens shirts, I got both the black and white one with ‘Kennedy’ and ‘48’ on them. I sometimes try to time my business trips in with away games and I will be more inclined to do so now that I am with Tyler. I was going to get the Winter Classic top too but I think I will wait until they release it as their 3rd choice jersey.

I got a few more pairs of jeans and some tops and eventually headed home for some lunch.

I phoned Lorna and told her about the plans for tonight.

“So wait a minute, let me get this right. We are going to the locker room and then to Jordon Staals house.

“I take it your date went well?” She asked sounding like an excited little girl.

“Yeah, the date went well thanks, in fact it was amazing. I will tell you all about it tonight but TK and I are a couple now and I am very happy and yes we are going to the locker room and to Jordan Staals house.”

I spent the next few hours doing some work that I had taken home, well when I say I was doing work I was reading a new novel that had been sent to me. I love reading and I could never even think about putting a number to the amount of books I have read.

TK dropped off my car park pass and also a pass that would allow me to get to the locker room. He gave me a quick kiss then headed home for his nap.

‘I wish I could nap with him.’

I went to the master bathroom and straightened my hair and put on my new ‘Kennedy’ top, I didn’t change my jeans but I did put a thicker jumper on underneath my hockey top so that I did not need to wear a jacket. I have never really been one for caring about my appearance but thought I better make a slight effort for Tyler’s sake so I wore my knee high brown boots over my jeans.

Chapter 5

2009-02-04T12:09:00.001Z

“Would you like to go to one of my favourite restaurants? It is a small Italian, one of Pittsburghs little secrets.”

“That sounds great, I love Italian food.”

We headed to the restaurant which was hidden away, it was small and looked like it actually belonged in Italia - it was perfect. The staff was actually Italian and the atmosphere was amazing.

Tyler was greeted by name and we were escorted to a table in the back which was lit only by candles and a bottle of rosé wine was placed on the table in a silver wine chiller. There were no other tables near us and it was very romantic.

The conversation started up immediately and we were getting along very well. There was no nervousness or expectations between us, it was very relaxed. The food soon arrived and it tasted amazing, when we were eating was the only time we were quiet.

For dessert I had ordered hot chocolate fudge cake and TK ordered vanilla cheese cake with fresh cream.

We were both quietly eating our desserts when TK mischievously asked:

“Gill, can I have a taste of your dessert?”

I stuck my fork into the soft sponge making sure to get a big amount of pudding and lots of chocolate sauce. I lifted the fork to his mouth and as he took it the look of hunger appeared in his eyes and I am not talking about hunger for the food.

‘Wow, he has no idea how much he is turning me on right now, Gill calm down, just look and act normal.’

Once he took the sponge from my fork I dug it into his cheesecake and ate it while smiling a cheeky smile at him.

“Hey Missy that’s cheating and by the way that chocolate cake is amazing.”

He paid the bill not allowing me to give him any money and we left the restaurant. We had left my car at the office and TK had promised he would pick me up in the morning and take me to get it before he went to training.

“Would you like to come in for a drink?” I asked TK as we approached my house.

“Erm, yeah that would be nice thanks.” He answered nervously, again his fingers fiddling with the closest thing possible. ‘Looks like I found his nervous habit.’

He parked his car in my driveway and we went into my house. I lead him into the living room and he stood with his mouth open at the door way as I took my jacket and shoes off.

“Why are you looking at my room like that TK?” I asked rather confused.

“Gill wow just look at it. It is gorgeous I would love a room like this.”

The room is large with marble floors, a large cosy rug in the middle, cream leather sofas, a large fireplace and beautiful furniture.

“Thanks sit down and make yourself comfortable, what would you like to drink?”

“Just whatever you’re having thanks.”

He took his shoes off and made himself comfortable on one of the larger sofas, once again he sat with one of his legs underneath him.

I went to the kitchen and boiled the kettle, put some hot chocolate and a little milk in the cups and then filled them with boiling water and carried them back to the living room where I sat beside TK and handed him his drink.

“Can you play the piano?” TK asked looking at me with those gorgeous eyes.

I have a grand piano set up in the room which is always kept in pristine condition and tuned to perfection.

“Yes, I can play, I can also play acoustic guitar and I like to sing a little too but not normally when people can hear me.”

“Would you sing and play your piano for me?” He asks with a large cheeky grin on his face.

“Normally I would say no because as I said normally I only sing for myself, I use it to relax but since you have given me such an enjoyable night I will sing for you. I have not sung in front of anyone since I left Scotland so you may need to bear with me. What would you like me to sing?”

“You can choose.”

TK looks on with anticipation as I opened the lid that covers the keys and warm my fingers up by playing cords.

I decide on playing a reasonably new song, the accompanying music would normally be done with the guitar but I think it sounds just as good, if not better with the piano.

“The song is called ‘Home’ by Daughtry.”

‘I hope I don’t mess this up… I really want to make a good impression on him.’

The lyrics are as follows:

I'm staring out into the night
Trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain

Well I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home
Well I'm going home

The miles are getting longer, it seems
The closer I get to you
I've not always been the best man or friend for you
But your love, remains true
And I don't know why
You always seem to give me another try

So I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old

Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all
And then some you don't want
Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all, yeah

Oh, well I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
I said these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home
I'm going home

I finish off the song and close the piano lid. I remain seated where I am with my eyes closed feeling such a wash of emotion come over me.

‘I don’t know what is happening to me, why do I like TK so much. I am independent and don’t need a man in my life but for some reason I want TK to continue to be around me, I am just not sure if I should continue to pursue things or not. I can’t handle having my heart broken, it has happened to me before and I never want to feel that pain again.’

I opened my eyes when I felt TK come up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders.

“Are you ok Gill? I wouldn’t have asked you to sing if I thought it would upset you. You have a beautiful voice and you made the song sound perfect, you sang with so much emotion.”

TK sat down beside me on the stool and put his arm around me, I rested my head on his shoulder.

“I am not upset, sorry. Thank you for the compliment, I am glad you liked it.”

TK sits round on the stool, putting a leg on either side of it and placing his hands on my face.

“From the minute I saw you in the bar last night I knew I had an attraction to you. I like you and want to get to know you better. I don’t normally let myself like girls but with you it is different. We both have busy schedules and have our own lives but I really think that we can make this work, that we can be together and make each other happy…

“Gill will you please be my girlfriend?” He asks sounding very hopeful, the light in his eye sparkling.

I stared into his eyes and I could see him searching for some sort of reaction in my eyes.

“Yes, Tyler I would love to be your girlfriend.”

We both sighed with relief hugging one and other both happy that we had taken the chance with each other the previous night in the bar.

I gave TK a tour of the house and we sat curled up on the sofa for a while talking as the rest of the Daughtry album played quietly in the background.

“I guess I better get going home since I have a game tomorrow and I need to come and pick you up to get your car before hand.”

“Well… I was thinking that you could stay here, I know this may sound very cheesy but I would like to fall asleep in your arms and wake up with you still there but if you don’t want too I will understand.” I ask looking deep into his eyes, hopeful that I had not just made a fool of myself.

“I would like that, let me go and get my bag out of the car and we can go and get ready for bed.” He replies sounding very excited.

He went and got his things and then we headed up to my room.

I looked out a pair of Pyjamas, I chose short fitted light pink hot pants and a light pink vest, something that would look revealing and show off that I was reasonably fit without looking desperate. I don’t want to give the wrong impression but I want to look good. I am not one of these skinny girls, I am curvy but still in good shape. I went into the bathroom to change and when I came back into the room once again TKs jaw hit the floor.

“Wow, you look amazing!” He says as he comes over to me putting his hands on my waist and kisses me passionately, his tongue hot against my own as it fights for possession.

‘I really don’t want him to stop but I have just met him and he has a game tomorrow, I have to behave.’

“TK, remember that you have a game tomorrow?” I say to him as his kisses travel down my neck and his hands wonder down my thighs leaving a trail of tingles.

“Hmmm…” Is all I hear as he continues to kiss me, his breath warm, his hands gripping hard but gentle enough so not to hurt.

His kisses travel back up to my mouth before he pulls away and looks at me.

“I know but I don’t want to stop even though I know I have too, I am so attracted to you.”

He kisses me again before turning away and taking off his clothes.

As I curl up in bed and he stand in front of me only wearing a pair of black fitted boxer shorts.

‘WOW, look at that body, he is hot!!!’

By the way the pre-mentioned tattoo is a tiger.

“Looking good Mr Kennedy” I tell him as my eyes take their time looking at him from head to toe causing his face to turn a darker shade of pink.

“What are you waiting for? Are you not coming to bed?” I ask looking mischievously at him.

He pulls the covers back and curls up beside me our bodies fitting perfectly together like jigsaw pieces.

Soon we fall fast asleep still holding each other close, both of us completely content and comfortable in each others company.

Chapter 4

2009-02-03T14:04:00.000Z

Soon it came to 1500, I was starting to get excited but very nervous, ‘what if he does not show…’

I spent the half an hour before he was due to arrive on the internet checking personal emails and such like.

I tend to check a lot of blogger sites scouting for talent. One regular site that I look at is called ‘Hockey for the Ladies’, the lady who writes it, Stephanie, is a big fan of hockey and posts a lot of informative articles and she also keeps up to do date with some good fan fiction stories that I can use for scouting. When I was still back in Scotland she bought a hockey top for me and posted it over because most websites would not post them internationally. I still sometimes post under my username that she knows me under but I also have another one that I can use for scouting. This site is where I first met Lorna when I tried to get her to publish her story which still by the way remains unpublished.

The title of the post that Stephanie had done today was ‘TK has a good night on the town!!’ and it read:

“Bonus points will be offered to the first reader who can tell me who the lucky lady is that was pictured leaving a local club with our one and only Tyler Kennedy. Someone has managed to catch the eye of the young man who has not previously been pictured with a girlfriend. He has previously been quoted saying that he finds it difficult to trust girls and that he will not be seen with a puck bunny. All thoughts and information welcome on who our mystery lady is.”

Beside her statement was a picture of TK and I holding hands and smiling for the camera as we left the club.

I read the comments and they varied from very good and very bad, some saying that I was just another blonde bimbo, some saying that I was very pretty and they wished they were the ones in the picture with TK.

One comment read:

“You girls better not bitch about this lady – she is Gill Robertson, the owner and sole director of the multi-million dollar profit making publishing company Robertson Publishing and rumour has it she uses this site to check out fanfics, the rumour mill also says that she has already offered contracts to some bloggers. She is beautiful, smart, extremely physically fit and I think she will be so good for TK, I think she will make him very happy.”

The post was made anonymously and it actually made me smile.

Knock Knock!!

“Come in.”

The door opened and TK walked in wearing a navy suit with a light blue shirt and a blue silk tie and in his hand was a gorgeous bunch of yellow roses.

‘WOW he looks amazing! Say something Gill, say something, stop staring, Gill say something.’

“Hey gorgeous, how are you today? How was training?” I ask as I smile at him and get up to go around the other side of my desk.

“Training was good and I am very well thank you, how are you? These are for you.” He hands me the flowers and gives me a small kiss on the lips, once again I got tingles down my spine, no other guy has managed to have this affect on me before.

“Thank you, they are lovely.” I say as I take the flowers from him. “I am very well thanks.”

“You look stunning Gill.” TK announces as that nervous look crosses his face again.

“Thank you, you scrub up well yourself.”

“I thought your receptionist was going to faint when she saw me coming through the doors, it was quite funny, she had to balance herself so as not to fall off her chair. I hope you don’t mind but I autographed a photo for her.”

I gave TK a tour of the office block introducing him to some of my staff and we ended up back at my office again.

“This place is great you have done so well for yourself. I did as you suggested and did some research on the company and you are huge! It is great – well done.”

“Thanks, I still sometimes can’t believe how things have turned out but I am very pleased.”

Chapter 3

2009-01-30T13:19:00.001Z

I drank the rest of my hot chocolate and settled down to sleep. I must have fallen asleep quickly because the next thing I heard was my alarm clock.

I went for a quick swim in the pool that I had fitted in my house and then went for a shower.

I looked through by wardrobe to find something suitable to wear because TK made it sound like he would be taking me out straight from the office so I wanted to look good for him. I needed something that looked professional but something that was sexy.

I eventually decided on a white trouser suit with a black shirt, black stiletto shoes and a black clutch bag. I left my hair down again but put a few loose curls in it, I am sure Lorna will drag me shopping on her lunch break if she thinks that I am not wearing the right thing.

I ate a small fruit salad and drove my usual 20 minute drive to the office and told my receptionist Tina that Tyler would be coming to see me at about 1530 and to just send him up. I don’t think she realised that I meant Tyler Kennedy – the Pittsburgh Penguin, I would love to be a fly on the wall when he walks in as she is a big pens fan. I swear she will be that excited that she will fall off her chair.

I took the stairs today instead of the lift since I did not go out for a run this morning even though my office is on the 20th floor. I like to keep myself fit and hate missing out on my normal routine.

“Good morning Lorna, can you please come to my office when you are ready for our daily meeting.”

“Good morning girls, hope you all had a good night last night and are not to hungover this morning.”

I entered my office without stopping and closed the door behind me, my door is normally open at all times unless I am in a meeting but I need to talk to Lorna about last nights events.

Knock Knock!!

“Come in Lorna close the door behind you.” Lorna closed the door and takes her usual seat in front of my large desk. She had a look of worry on her face as my meeting with her is never behind closed doors unless we have confidential information to discuss and I normally have a very open policy about everything. We have a meeting every morning just to go over what is on the agenda for the day.

“Don’t worry Lorna I just need to talk to you about my news from last night. I know it should really wait until lunchtime but I can’t wait until then…” I say as that smile creeps back onto my face.

“What are you smiling about and why are you so dressed up today?

“If you are so excited about it we can talk about it now, you are my boss after all so I will do what you say.” She answers while laughing.

“The short version is that after I gave up looking for you all last night I headed to the bar, I was going to get a soft drink then if you had not appeared I was going home. Well, as I was standing at the bar I felt someone come up close to my side and ask if I would like a drink, I remember thinking that he smelt amazing and when I turned to look at him I saw the most adorable face smiling back at me so for once in my life I accepted a drink.

“We went through and sat in one of the other rooms and were getting to know each other a bit better when I accidently called him something I shouldn’t have and I thought I had blown my chances. We soon managed to sort things out and we kissed… I gave him a lift home and he is coming up to the office to see me this afternoon and then we are going out on a date….”

“What did you call him that could mess up your chance…?” Lorna asked looking somewhat confused.

“I called him TK…” I said as my smile once again spread across my face, I must have looked like a Cheshire cat.

“You mean… you were with Tyler Kennedy?” Suddenly Lorna was looking very excited. Lorna too has a season ticket and goes to all the home games with me.

“Yep, I spent most of last night with Tyler Kennedy and I am going out on a date with him tonight. He has managed to get under my skin Lorna, this is so unlike me.”

We talked for a while longer then completed our meeting.

Soon it was time for my first proper meeting of the day with a potential client. I only had the one today since it was Friday and it went well.

Chapter 2

2009-01-26T13:04:00.001Z

We left the club together and I drove TK home since I had only had one alcoholic drink. We stopped outside his house and agreed that everything that stood in front of us we would deal with together. He took my phone number and promised he would call.

“Gill, can I come over to the office tomorrow and see where you work? You have seen where I work plenty of times so I think it is only fair?” He asks while continuing to grin at me. We sit holding hands like teenagers out past curfew.

“I would like that, I will make the receptionist aware that you will be coming over and to just send you up. I will also mention to my Personal Assistant to expect you and to show you into my office.”

“Cool, I will be over about 1530, I will just shower and change after training and come over. Maybe we could go out for some food after you finish?”

“Are you asking me out on a date Mr Kennedy?” I ask through what could possibly be the biggest grin possible.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that I am Gill, will you go on a date with me tomorrow?” He asks again after rethinking his wording, he looks so shy, his cheeks turning red and his adorable smile becoming more of a nervous one, again his hands finding something that he can distract himself with.

“Yes Tyler I will go on a date with you tomorrow.”

We moved closer together again, his arms moving around my waist and my hands going around his neck, my fingers playing with the ends of his soft curly hair, we looked at each other for a moment before leaning in to enjoy another kiss, this time we let it linger, his tongue requesting entry which I gladly granted. Our kiss was long, passionate and so full of the emotions that neither of us could put into words. Again those butterflies danced and my body tingled at his touch.

‘I could get used to this, there is something about this guy that I really like and want to pursue, I want to know all there is to know about him and explore every part of that gorgeous body. I know I have only known him a few hours but I want him in my life, I have a really good feeling about this. I hope he does not prove me wrong.’

We eventually pull away still looking at each other, neither of us really knowing what the right thing to say is.

“I have had a great night tonight TK.” I say trying to break the silence.

“I know what you mean I am glad I took a chance and came and spoke to you.

“I better let you get to bed since we both have an early start. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, goodnight Gill.”

“Goodnight gorgeous, see you tomorrow.”

We kissed again and then TK left.

The whole way home I was smiling, ‘I know I am taking a chance but TK has really gotten under my skin and I can’t wait to see him again tomorrow. What I am doing? This is so unlike me.’

Once I got home I made a hot chocolate and got ready for bed. I lay under my covers and text Lorna:

“Hey Lor, where did you guys go, I lost you all as soon as we got in the club, hope you got home ok. I have news for you. See you in a few hours.”

I quickly got a text back.

“On way home cant wait 2 hear ur news hope u had fun!”

‘Agh, I hate text talk.’

Lorna is my Personal Assistant, we are very close and she is like my little sister, we know everything there is to know about each other so I can’t wait to tell her about my meeting with TK. She will be so excited for me as she is always telling me I need to find a man but I am only 25 so I don’t think there is any hurry.

I really want to text TK but I don’t want to look desperate so I am going to fight temptation.

Chapter 1

2009-01-14T16:21:00.000Z

We have a very long chapter to start us off - hope you all enjoy. All thoughts are welcome!!

‘I don’t know how the girls have talked me in to this’ I think to myself as I stand alone at the bar of one of the local nightclubs. I had arranged a meal for some of my immediate staff as a good will gesture because they had worked so well throughout a busy period and we had left for the restaurant straight from the office. I am not a big drinker or party lover so I was hoping to have a quiet meal, a few laughs and then head home but somehow they managed to talk me into coming to this club and now I cant find anyone. They all seemed to spread out as soon as we came through the doors and I have walked around the whole club about 3 times feeling like a complete idiot.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

I hear a male voice ask pulling me out of the trance that I was in. I could feel someone standing very close to me, the music is loud so his face is close to my own and I can feel his warm breath on my face. My first thought is ‘mmm he smells good’.

I turn round to see the most adorable young man smiling at me, his hair brown and curly, his eyes a gorgeous shade of caramel brown, a prominent jaw line and his smile has to be the cutest thing I have seen, how could I say no to him?

“Yes, actually that would be nice”, I hear myself answer as I smile back at him, almost flirting which is very unlike me, it was like someone else was controlling my every move.

Normally when guys flirt with me I back off straight away, I find it hard to trust anyone but this guy is extremely cute so why not have a bit of fun for once. I guess I keep myself to myself a little to much but I have been hurt in the past and I really don’t want it to happen again so I shut everyone out.

“What would you like?” He asks as he turns to lean on the bar still smiling that adorable smile at me which by the way is very contagious, I couldn’t stop smiling back at him.

“A rosé wine would be nice, thank you.” I answer as I run my hand through my hair tucking it behind my ears.

He gets the bar mans attention and buys my wine and a beer for himself.

“Would you like to go and sit down somewhere a bit quieter?” He asks still smiling at me and placing his hand on the small of my back sending shivers all over me. ‘Why is he having this affect on me?’

I nod at him and we head through to another room in the club which is much quieter than where we were a moment ago. We find a seat on a soft leather couch which is set back a bit from a small dance floor with just a couple of people on it dancing slowly to some seductive music.

I was still dressed in my suit from work. It was a plain black suit, an ‘A’ line skirt, a deep red shirt, a black fitted suit jacket and relatively high heals which complimented the shape of my legs. My long naturally blonde hair was straight and left down, normally I would tie it back in a loose ponytail for work but I made an exception since we were going out.

My newly found friend was wearing a long sleeved beige top with his sleeves pulled up slightly revealing what looks like the start of a tattoo on his right arm. ‘I wonder what the tattoo is.’ It was fitted just enough to show that he looks to have a very nice body. He was also wearing light coloured jeans and training shoes.

‘This guy is hot stuff’

I sat slightly facing this gorgeous guy and he too sat slightly facing me with his left leg tucked up underneath him. His posture reminded me of a child but somehow he was still remained completely adorable.

“So… my name is Tyler.” He announces and I can now hear his strong Canadian accent.

“Hi Tyler, pleased to meet you, I am Gill.” I say as I extend my hand for him to shake.

He holds my hand firmly but still manages to be gentle his hands are large making my own look even smaller and he is still smiling at me, ‘I really love his smile’.

“Do I hear a Scottish accent?” He asks, looking extremely excited, his hand releasing mine and starts playing nervously with the label on his bottle.

“Yeah, I am Scottish, I moved to Pittsburgh about 10 months ago.”

“Why did you come to Pittsburgh when Scotland is meant to be such a gorgeous country?” He asks looking genuinely interested in my answer.

“Scotland is a beautiful country but I came here for my career, there were no prospects where I lived…”

We sat talking for a while, slowly the space between us getting smaller and smaller. The connection between us was amazing, we hit it off immediately and were talking like old friends.

“So TK, where are your friends tonight?” I ask as I continue to flirt with him.

“What did you just call me?” He replies with such a look of confusion on his face and a slight hint of annoyance in his voice, his cheeks turning a dark shade of red.

“Come on Tyler I have been in Pittsburgh long enough to know who the Penguins are, I am lucky enough to have a season ticket for the up and coming season and the company I work for is one of the biggest sponsors of the penguins.”

“Oh…” He answers suddenly backing away and diverting his eyes to the young loved up couple on the dance floor, his gorgeous smile quickly disappearing.

I shuffle towards him and put my hand on his face and force him to look at me.

‘I could spend forever looking into those eyes, they are filled with so much emotion and his skin is so soft.’

“Tyler, will you please look at me…

“I am not a puck bunny and I am not sitting here to see what I can get from you. I am sitting here because I like what I see and would like to get to know you better. I think there is a connection between us.

“Your money or celebrity status is nothing to me, you are who you are and I am who I am.

“I can imagine that I have probably made more money in the past year than you will in 10 years, my company has made record breaking profits before it has even finished its first year of trading or really gotten its feet off the ground.

“I like you TK, please don’t back off because I know that you are Tyler Kennedy.”

I looked straight into his eyes and could see that he was confused by what I had said.

“I am going to the bathroom, if you are here when I get back then hopefully we can work at getting to know each other better, if you are gone… then well good luck with everything.”

I went to the bathroom, washed my face and brushed my hair, I don’t wear make-up as I don’t believe in the stuff so I didn’t need to worry about re-applying after washing my face, I am who I am and if people don’t like that then tough.

I decided that if TK was gone then I would head home, I wasn’t even going to try and look for the girls again.

‘I really hope that TK is still there, there is something about that guy that has gotten under my skin.’ I think to myself as I leave the bathroom. I head back over to the couch to find that he is thankfully still where I left him.

“Hey gorgeous, I am glad you are still here, I was not sure if you would be.” I say to him as I sit back down beside him.

He slowly starts to smile again but continues to hide it, his eyes still filled with confusion.

“I am confused Gill… I think you need to explain some things to me.”

“What would you like to know?” I ask being completely prepared to be open about everything.

“Who are you for starters?”

“OK TK, I am Gill Robertson, the owner and sole director of Robertson Publishing. I own the big shiny building that is beside the Mellon with the blacked out windows. If you Google the company when you go home tonight you will find out whatever you want to. Any other questions you have I am happy to answer them.”

“I am sorry Gill I just find it hard to trust girls in case they are just after one thing, I don’t tend to have the same thought process as some of the other players, I can’t just use a girl to get what I want and I wouldn’t want anyone to do that to me.”

“I know the feeling TK, a lot of guys know how much money my company makes, they see that I have a fancy car, they read in the papers that I have a big house so they try to come on to me so that they can get my money etc. I am so wary. Somehow you have managed to get under my skin so I want to pursue it. It is not often I let myself like someone.”

As the night went on the space between us had decreased again, TK had put his arm round my shoulders and I had placed my hand on his thigh, I could feel under my touch that his muscles were strong. We talked some more about my company and we discussed hockey and everything else varying from favourite colour to most embarrassing moment.

Soon the space between our faces decreased too, we were looking deep into each others eyes as if trying to see if we were doing the right thing. As we got closer we both closed our eyes just before our lips touched. The kiss was soft, slow and passionate. It was perfection. The butterflies that lived in my stomach were dancing and my body tingled as he held me.

‘CLICK’

‘CLICK’

We both pulled away knowing exactly what we were hearing, resting our foreheads together we smiled, held each others hands and got up. Smiling at the cameras, we left the club together knowing that we would be in the papers in the morning and all over the internet in hours.

Introduction

2009-01-14T16:20:00.000Z

This story starts at the beginning of season 2008-2009 and is 100% fiction. Some characters may have some resemblance to those in real life but this has no bearings on reality. Everything is completely false.