16. Toffee

A/N: I LOVED your feedback from the last chapter. Thank you so much and keep it up. India xxx


Song: Lonely Island - Jizz in my Pants


JORDAN'S POV


When my phone had gone off with another new message I’d just got out of a cold shower. TK was on the phone again to his girlfriend, no doubt having phone sex, which was the last thing I wanted to hear. Kelsey was smoking hot, but hearing TK talk dirty was like walking in on your parents having sex – just plain wrong.

I looked my phone again, rereading that message again. My eyes weren’t deceiving me.

“Got my fingers in my knickers thinking about you… when can I see you?X”

Holy crap! I had to grab hold of the towel rail to keep myself together as I pictured Ella touching herself on my bed. I quickly sent a reply, knowing I was going to have sweet dreams tonight. This was definitely overstepping any mark we’d previously set as friends. Had we really ever been friends? I don’t know. She tried but as I know, no chick can resist super Staal charm.

“What’s up?” TK asked as I stepped out of the bathroom, with a towel wrapped round my waist. I shrugged, trying to forget the mental image Ella had just given me. TK gave me an odd look. Normally I’m livelier in the evenings, the centre of the party, not quiet like this.

I tossed him my phone. TK just grinned his ape-shit grin at me.
“Dude, she’s hot for you, got any photos?”
Fuck you TK. I shook my head. Even if I did have photos, hell would have to freeze over before I showed them to him. Could Ella please send me a picture next time? And if I talked about Kelsey like that, he’d push me into the boards at practice at the very least. Not that the rest of us haven’t all talked about Kelsey when her and TK first got together. We did. A lot. TK can do one if he thinks Ella’s going to come locker room banter.

I opened my phone again and typed a new message. “Dinner at mine when I’m back?”
I had to see her. She couldn’t just send that, and then not expect to drive me nuts. I wished we were in Pittsburgh instead of being stuck in Atlanta so I could act on what she had sent me… Damn hole of a city. Then Carolina tomorrow for a match against Eric.

“TK can you go to Kelsey’s when we get back?” I asked. He nodded, still focusing on the TV, not questioning what I needed the apartment for. Is TK watching Oprah? Fag.

My phone beeped again.
“Can I bring anything? Wine, chocolate sauce?X”

Hot damn. I rolled over and lay on my stomach, trying to cover the growing bulge in my sweatpants, burying my head in the pillows. Chocolate sauce? Did she have any idea how much she was driving me crazy? How was I expected to go to sleep now? Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Normally I don’t mind playing my brothers. I’ve grown up with it so it’s all I’ve known. It’s not the easiest of things when you’re in the playoffs especially as we’re all fiercely competitive. It’ll be nice when Jared finally gets into the NHL instead of messing around - he needs to pull his finger out of his ass. No pressure or anything. Eric had already rung me once this morning, but it was the last thing I needed. I don’t speak to them on game days – the rivalry is too much and it distracts me from my game day routines. Today I wanted nothing except to be in Pittsburgh. With chocolate sauce.



Song: Lady Gaga - Love Game


The buzzer rang. She’s here early, I thought, giving the sauce another stir. Girls are never early. They always keep you waiting so you wonder if you’re going to be stood up and then they appear. Always the same excuse, traffic was bad, or I couldn’t find blah blah.

I opened the door to reveal a grinning Max, holding a six pack in his hand.

“Dude, now is not the time,” I said, as Max barged past me into the hallway wearing another loud shirt. Where the fuck does he shop?

“It’s always the time,” he replied raising his hands in the air like the crazy frog he is. “TK told me you were cooking, so I thought I’d come on over and start the party. What’s that stench?”
TK needs to learn to shut his fucking mouth, I’ll buy him some tape next time I see him. And that stench is dinner. The dinner I’ve just made. By myself. Max was nodding as he set the beers on the island and went to look at the pan. He swiped a finger along the work surfaces.

“Is it supposed to be bright orange?” he looked amused. “And you cleaned! Mon ami, je suis impressioné, who is she? TK said she was dirty.”

Remember to get TK tomorrow at practice too. Last time I ever show him any texts..

“It’s curry,” I replied, taking a beer out of the pack and sitting on a stool. I had cleaned the apartment from top to bottom, hoovered, scrubbed, febreezed and put fresh sheets on the bed. I’d even cleaned away all mine and TK’s Wii games. Next time I’ll just call in those people who do it for you, so much less work. Max strolled round the kitchen and open plan living room taking it all in, beer in hand.

“So do I get to try some Staalsie cooking?” he asked shooting me a wink, before leaning himself against the island.

“Not unless you want me to kick your ass in practice tomorrow.” Seriously Max, if you stay here any longer you’re gonna cockblock me and I WILL take you down.

Max let out one of those insane laughs before taking a big swig of his beer. Him, just being here was giving the place a bad feel.
“Not sure I want to try your cooking, you’ll never be as good as me,” he said with a laugh, before heading off down the hall as the buzzer went. Shit, I thought as Max opened the door.



“Who are you?” I could hear her asking Max, confused.

“Babe, I’m whoever you want me to be,” he replied, as I pictured his smug face, no doubt giving her a cheeky wink. “Superstar, or just for you, star. The question is, who are you?” he continued.

I rolled my eyes. So fucking typical. Better go take command of the situation, I thought.
“Max, out!” I said, giving him a little push out of the door, and grabbing Ella’s hand, leading her into my apartment, and closing the door firmly behind me.

“Nice meeting you – GO JORDY!” he yelled as I was closing the door.

“Who is that?” Ella asked, putting the bottle of red on the table.

“That, is Max Talbot, another Penguin and player of the greater Pittsburgh area. He’s French, and a prick.” I kissed the top of her head, trying to peek in her purse. Maybe she had brought the chocolate sauce. She smelt good. Fruity shampoo and this perfume that was clouding my head, acting like my own aphrodisiac.

I served up supper, thanking my mum she had taught me how to cook rice. Dinner looked good, and Ella seemed to be impressed, sitting herself down at the table opposite me. I took a bite. It tasted fucking rancid. I pushed the plate away from me in disgust as I watched Ella’s face contort. She was trying to be polite, but I could tell she was not enjoying it. She picked up her wine to wash it down.

“You don’t have to eat it, let’s just order in,” I said, picking up her plate and ditching my efforts in the trash. At least she’d dig my attempt at cooking, even if I had failed miserably.

“Thanks Jordan, I’m sorry,” she said, leaning against me, holding her wine glass in her other hand. She was hotter than I remember the last time I saw her - was that even possible? I took her hands and led her across to the sofa, pulling her down next to me, planting kisses on her neck. I wanted to ask her about those messages, now was as good a time as any.

“I, err, enjoyed your messages,” I said. I felt her tense up on my lap. She didn’t need to be embarrassed. It was hot. I wanted to let her know what she did to me.

“So did you bring the chocolate sauce?” I asked. The worst she could do was to shoot me down right now. And it’s not like she didn’t suggest it - she’d be a pricktease if she went back on her words.

“Toffee actually,” she replied, turning to kiss my collar bone. Oh God, I thought. Dgjsdfkascdsfnewxsjnfd, I didn’t know what to think.

I’m in trouble.

15. Salsa

Song: Manu Chao - La Vida Tombola


ELLA’S POV


“Thanks for bringing me out tonight,” I said, grabbing my vodka lemon and lime from the table. My one drink for the next few days. It did suck not being able to drink very much but I’d got finals and I needed to do as much work for them as possible, so being off the booze could only lead to no hangovers which meant positive results, right?

“No worries, I haven’t seen you for ages,” he said, taking my hands and leading me back to the dance floor. He led me, pushing and directing me, his hands entwined with mine as we carried on catching up about our last week or two. I needed a distraction from course work and this was a great way to forget about it. The overly bronzed instructor clad in his tight black shirt was barking out orders but no one was paying him attention since the class was over.

“Shall we get coffee?” I asked. Coffee meaning coffee, and not sex. I’m not the type of person to say coffee but mean sex. I don’t do double entendres.

“Sure, twenty four hour Starbucks? Or Caribou?” he offered.

“Starbucks, carrot cake,” I flashed a grin back at him.



Once we were seated in the warmth, Noah turned to me and told me what he’d been holding back earlier.
“I saw the newspaper article,” he said quietly, trying to read my expression.

I raised my eyebrows. Him and the rest of Pittsburgh.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea. How’s Jordan?”

“Good, um, I think? Thankfully they managed to stop the photographs being leaked. Just a shame they couldn’t keep my name out. I’m sure my tutors think I’m a puck bunny now.” I’d received a bit of attention from other students in my classes after the article had made the papers. Fortunately there wasn’t too much detail, and there wasn’t a lot of information on me, more about Jordan, the Penguins and Diesel and a comment about how he’d like to raise public awareness for epilepsy. He, had managed to come out of it looking like the knight in platinum armour.

“And Jordan? What’s happening there?” Noah pressed. Why was Noah suddenly so interested? He’d seen me wrapped around Jordan that night. Admittedly, I hadn’t seen Noah since Diesel, but we’d been busy since and he’d had a good night.

“I don’t know,” I began. There was more to come, and Noah knew it, looking at me. “He sees you as some kind of threat…”

Noah snorted. That wasn’t the kind of reaction I’d been hoping for - especially when coffee squirted out of his nostrils. Niiice.

“Honey, I’m gay. Is he blind?” Noah said. I’ve always had an inkling that Noah was that way inclined. He’d never shown any interest in me, but that didn’t mean anything. He wasn’t overtly camp, and he was on the football team, so I’m guessing it was something he didn’t shout from the rooftops.

“What’s stopping you?” Noah pushed. He was relentless and I knew I wouldn’t be able to get home until I told him. Where to begin…

“I like him BUT,” I began before reeling off the list I have gone through so many times in my head, “I have so much work to do for finals, I came out of a relationship not too long ago, and I’m enjoying being single, he has a busy hockey schedule, we met on holiday and he lied to me, not telling me he played here so it was a complete surprise when I bumped into him and I was a little bit cross, we said we were friends to the press after the incident until getting it on in his car and I’m graduating in two months, but I’m not sure if I’ll stay in Pittsburgh or go back to Montreal and urghhhhhh.” The last bit was my sheer frustration at the situation. I’d been thinking it over ever since that evening in his car.

I had wanted to go further with him. Hell, I’d have gone the whole damn way with that boy, but what would that mean about our friendship? Had I blown it by pushing the boundaries and then doing a 180? I hadn’t called him, just a couple of ‘Good luck’ texts on game days.

“Life’s too short for excuses,” Noah said. “If I lived by that, I’d be permanently single. He’s a Penguin, he can get any girl in this city, yet alone North America, and he’s interested in you. Don’t waste it. And if you don’t want him, hand him over,” Noah said, pinching a piece of my carrot cake. Not even Gina dared to do that, as I batted his hand away. The last person to do that, Jake, had incurred my wrath for about two days.

“So, text him now, or I’ll text him for you.” I rolled my eyes, trying to imagine the gushing fan text Noah would send him.

I pulled my blackberry out of my coat pocket and began typing a message. I deleted the first few words and then started again. And then again. I’d left things awkwardly between us since I hadn’t responded to his two calls or texts. What was I going to say? Noah reached across the table from and plucked my phone cleanly out of my hands. He quickly typed something with a grin on his face and handed it back before I could even think about protesting or getting it back – wrestling a 6’2 football player was not my idea of fun right now.

Bastard had deleted the sent message too. This could be interesting.

“Let me just say, if he doesn’t reply in the next five minutes, forget him,” Noah continued. Really? Now I was curious. I set my phone down on the table, not believing him. Almost instantaneously I got a reply:

“As soon as I get back from my road trip. Hold that thought XX” the message read.

Jordan.

A little smile flitted across my face. I owed Noah, BIG time.

“What did you tell him?” I asked, wondering what he’d concocted in his text to Jordan to get a reply that quick. Whatever Noah had written was good. And what was this thought he wanted me to hold?

“Just that you had your fingers in your pants and you couldn’t wait to see him again,” Noah said innocently.

My jaw dropped. I would never send that to a guy. Not in a million years. Maybe if I was drunk and horny. I’m not forward, well, not as forward as that, but I’m hardly shy and reserved either.

“As if he needs further confirmation I’m a slut!” The first time I’d met him I’d just had a one night stand with Ethan. Then I’d pulled his shorts down in the pool, flirted with him all night and then left without saying goodbye or leaving a phone number. The next time I saw him, I was with Noah. I knew what I must look like to him – another guy, when the truth is that Noah and I are friends. Then we’d left Diesel only to have the incident, and then the next time we’re alone together, we’re practically getting it on it his car. I’ve sent a ton of mixed signals, poor Jordan.

“Oh c’mon, you act like you’re the virgin queen of Economics, untouchable to the guys on the course. That Zach has wanted you since freshman year, I know because he told me. And just so you know, I don’t believe your holier than thou bull,” Noah said, trying to go for another bit of my carrot cake.

I didn't know whether to be offended by that or not. Virgin Queen I was not. Though I'd been surprised about the Zach news - I'd missed out on that, he was seriously cute.

“You do that and our friendship is over,” I threatened, pulling my plate away. Carrot cake is sacred. He’d better learn some respect, Aretha style. Noah pouted. He could give Paris Hilton a run for his money with a pout like that.

“I just want to know what he said,” Noah replied, putting on his best angelic face, clasping his hands together as if he was in prayer.

“Tabarnac,” I said, shooting him a filthy look, he’s clearly no quitter. Noah looked confused about the word that had just trotted out of my mouth. Of course he wouldn’t know about mots sacrés, he’s not a Quebecoise like me. I shook my head and gestured for him to get off his knees, once my blackberry was safely zipped inside my purse.

It was already half eleven, and my bed was calling my name along with the work I was now behind on. Jordan would be home in two days – things were going to get interesting.

14. Blurry Boundaries

Song: FrankMusik - Confusion Girl



JORDAN’S POV


“Friends?” Ella said. She had to be kidding me, right? I looked at the ceiling, pretending I hadn’t heard what she said. Why would she just want to be friends with me? I’ve never had any girls who are just friends. Either a girlfriend, fuck buddy or the puck fucks but never anything platonic. This was a first.

She gave me a hard nudge that nearly sent me off the bed. “Jordan?”
I blinked a few times before looking back down at her. Friends? You only decide to become friends with a girl when you either break up with them and pretend to be friends so you don’t hurt their feelings; or when you’ve had a one night stand and the sex was terrible so friends is a compromise, knowing you’ll never call them again. I might have to ask TK or Max for his advice on this one. Chicks are such a mystery.

“Yeah?” Ella looked wistfully back up at me.“Sound ok?”

I didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t just push me away. No one, no one could resist the Staal charm. I dropped a kiss on the top of her forehead before speaking up.

“No. Fuck that Ella. I don’t want to just be a friend of yours like that Noah guy who’s practically in love with your ass. Maybe we should give this a shot. You and me. There’s no way they can say with those photos that we’re ‘just good friends’ or whatever bullshit we throw at them… So how about it?” I trailed off feeling like a class prick that I’d just said that.

“You don’t have to worry about Noah,” Ella said trying to suppress a laugh. What the hell was so funny? This situation was not funny. Usually I’m the one cracking jokes but clearly she found me hilarious today.

“So…?” I pressed.

“So, what?” Ella demanded, looking at me, still with a grin on her face. That bugged me. I got off the bed, figuring she might want me to stop cramming her physical space. I’d stupidly just put myself out there emotionally and was feeling like such a goon.

“Give it a go?” I said, not looking at her, but finding the drip she was linked up to and the machines by her bed. She made me feel so small and pathetic and I could see the walls she’d put up earlier weren’t coming down. It was like trying to break down a stone wall with an inflatable hammer.

“I don’t know,” she sighed. What didn’t she know? “I don’t need a relationship right now, on top of everything else. Just because they took some photos, doesn’t mean we have to be… together?”
She practically spat out the last word as if it disgusted her. Was she afraid of commitment? I’d finally found a girl I actually liked and could see myself being in a relationship with and she was a commitment phobe? Way to pick ‘em.

She had a point. I, we, didn’t have to prove anything to anyone from those photos. I wanted to be with her, wasn’t that more important? And I thought she liked me? I’ve never been shot down by a girl before, like this. Oh, maybe the flowers and the lesbian incident, but not by someone who was actually straight.

“Fine!” I said, not looking at her, focusing intently on the closed blinds. “Fine,” I reiterated. It wasn’t just fine. How could she just be friends? So what? She had exams and school, but what excuse was that?! I had hockey.

“Can we go to dinner, next week, say Sunday, as friends?” I asked, mentally checking my schedule. Surely she couldn’t see a friendly dinner as a problem. I turned back towards the bed, perching on the end, not wanting to be pushed off again like last time.

“As friends?” Ella repeats, not sure that she’s heard me correctly. I look back down at her, her huge green eyes even wider, before they narrow. Is she trying to suss me out? She’d make a bad spy, she’s about as subtle as Inspector Clouseau. Not very.





“Dinner was amazing,” Ella said. “I should really get out of the city more often,” she said, finishing off her wine. I’d brought her to a busy restaurant west of the city. Here I knew there was no problem with camera flashes, puck bunnies and even if the waitress had recognised me, she was trying to be discreet.

Ella looked incredible. I was having a few problems adjusting to the ‘just friends’ thing but as Max had told me, “Charm her socks off and make yourself unforgettable, like an STI.” Since her incident in the hospital, she’d been to the neurosurgeon to have some sort of electrical treatment and her medicine had been changed. Sadly Ella couldn’t have more than a glass of wine or two per week whilst she adapted to her new prescription which she promised me she was taking religiously.

“I don’t want to go home yet,” she whispered to me as we walked out to my car. My car, because she wasn’t allowed to drive for another three months. It made me feel manly to be driving her around. And more like a date.

“Where to?” I said, knowing exactly where I wanted to take her to. My bed. The backseat would do, if she changed her mind. It’s not like I hadn’t used it before.
“Anywhere,” Ella replied. Helpful.

Without knowing where I was going, I headed back towards the city. I parked on a secluded hilltop overlooking the city. “I’ve never seen this view before,” Ella said, taking off her seatbelt and jumping out of the car giddily. I’ve brought girls up here before, it’s a good place if you want to get in there pants. She sat herself on the front of my car, whilst I leaned against it. It was a pretty warm night for March but I knew we couldn’t be out here long. Coach Bylsma would bench me if I got ill. Ella couldn’t take her eyes off the city light, mesmerised by the skyscrapers across the river.

“You ok?” I asked, glad I was wearing a sweater.
“Cold,” she said. Now I’d have to take the sweater off. Do the chivalrous thing. I handed it to her and she put it on over her clothes. I swear there is nothing hotter than a girl wearing your clothes. Well, maybe a girl wearing only your jersey in bed, or perhaps Ella wearing nothing in my bed. Friends. Just friends.

“Jordan? Mind if we get back in the car?” Ella asked a few minutes later, jumping off the front of the car. I opened her door which I’d been leaning against. Time to turn the heat on. I couldn’t help but look as she raised her arms in the air, pulling my sweater over her head, as her dress edged up to the top of her thighs. I instinctively put my hand out to run up her thighs, but fortunately stopped myself and grabbed the central console and started to fiddle with music. Nothing good on the radio at this time in the evening.

“Ella,” I half-growled, turning to look at her. I didn’t want to force her, but she’d been half flirting with me all night, holding my gaze just that little bit too long, licking her lips, flicking her perfect hair. I couldn’t take it anymore. It was all or nothing.

I leant to my right before pushing my lips against hers. She was surprised but she kissed back. After all her shite about being friends earlier this week, she wasn’t hesitating in kissing me back. I’d say that one (big) glass of wine she had not so long ago went to her head, as she climbed across onto my lap, trying not to break the kiss. My hands moved down from her hair and cheek to her thighs, rubbing on her stockings, pushing up the hem of her navy dress. She let out the tiniest of moans against my ear, telling me I could keep going. I nibbled her bottom lip, sucking it slowly into my mouth before painfully letting it go. Her fingers fiddled on my shirt, with the top button, then the next and a third, fourth, until her hands rubbed over my smooth chest.

I wanted to take her outside and lie her on the front of my car and do her. I could feel blood rushing southwards and if she stayed in that position she’d know about it too. Her fingers threaded through my hair until her lips grazed my neck, her teeth nipping the skin and teasing it between her lips before her teeth nipped the skin. Was she marking me?

She started rubbing herself against my growing erection. I don’t know how long I’d be able to stay with it if she kept on doing this?

“Wanna go in the back?” I breathed in her ear, my voice shuddering as I kissed the skin between her ear and her jaw, lazily drawing a circle with my tongue. Did she have any idea what effect she had on me?

Her eyes popped open as she looked at me in astonishment. She moved back on my thighs towards my knees until she bumped her back against the wheel.

“I’m not a back seat kind of girl,” she said. Too far Jordy. You shouldn’t have pushed her. Cold shower and a wank when I get home tonight, I thought miserably. She quickly moved back to the passenger seat.

“Can you take me home?” she asked, not looking at me, instead staring blindly at the steamed up windscreen.

“Sure,” I replied, turning on the engine. Didn’t she at least want to talk about that? I’m pretty sure we’d just crossed the ‘friends’ boundary. She had initiated the whole ‘friends’ thing - did she now want friends with benefits? But it seemed she had wanted it as much as I had, maybe more from the way she had been leading seated on top of me. And then she just… stopped?! Ella confused me.

Ella slid out of the car towards her building. I’d offered to walk her up, but she wasn’t having any of it. I knew if I had gone up there, I wouldn’t trust myself not to try it on again.

“I’ll call you,” she said as she closed the car door.


Another unsatisfied night. Another box of tissues for me.

13. Le Choix

Song: Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek


ELLA'S POV


I tried to sleep for the rest of the morning once my visitors had gone. I had tucked into my carrot cake, saving the icing (best bit) for last and stashing the other piece for later, hoping the nurses wouldn’t find it before picking out a rose from the vase on my table. I played that age old game: he likes me, he likes me not, he likes me, he likes me not…

“Hey,” Jordan said breezily almost running into my room. I was surprised to see him here already. He did mention he’d come back tonight but it was only midday. The more visitors the better - it's not like I'd got anything better to do with my time at the moment. And he’d brought flowers. Flowers? I know you usually bring flowers to people in hospital, but I’m not sick, I’m here because of my own stupidity.

However if a gorgeous guy is going to visit me and bring me flowers, I’m not going to stop him. He set them down on the table and brought a chair closer to my bed. I noticed how his dark denim jeans gripped his long thighs as the navy blue t-shirt revealed his tanned biceps and muscular forearms. His hair was still damp underneath his cap – he must have come straight from the shower. I wonder what it’d be like to wake up in those arms… Arrête Ella, I told myself.

“Thanks for the carrot cake,” I said smiling. He flashed his wronky grin at me before a more serious look appeared on his face. A look that could carry bad news?
“Um, Ella. We need to discuss last night. The papers want to release those images in tomorrow’s press.”

I felt numb. That was disgusting. How could anyone want to see pictures of me having a seizure on the floor? Was it because Jordan was involved? I looked towards the door and could see a lady in a suit hovering by the door. As soon as she knew I’d seen her, she glided into the room.

“Helen McNicholls,” she said austerely, holding out a slim, well-manicured hand.
“Helen’s head of PR for the penguins,” Jordan explained to me as Helen pulled up another chair next to Jordan’s and opened a notebook. “She’s here to explain our options.”

There were options?! I didn’t want to be plastered on the front page of the Pittsburgh papers, or indeed any of the pages inside. I didn’t want Jordan’s reputation to be tarnished by my mistake to take my medicine. I didn’t want him to have to dance around in the media circus I was sure to have created. I didn’t want everyone to find out I have epilepsy.

“There must be something you can do to stop them,” I began, looking between Helen and Jordan, trying to express my frustration. Helen sat forward, smiling at me, her hands pressed together.

“I have spoken to our legal team who have informed me that the press cannot lawfully print those photos because they caused your staticus epilepticus seizure and we will sue if they do. The Penguins’ organisation looks after the players, and I’m afraid we cannot fight your legal battle for you. However, the press may decide not to use the images but merely report on the story. They will want to know about your relationship, as friends or whatever you are, that you are Zach’s cousin-“

“-Do we have to bring Zach into this” I interrupted. He didn't need his name dragged through the mud because of me.

Jordan got up, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, putting a large arm around my shoulders as I leaned into him. He smelt clean and comforting. Damn him. I was trying as hard as possible to be immune to the effects Jordan was having on me right now, it was hardly appropriate.

Helen nodded. “Unfortunately, it is not up to me to decide what the press writes. Jordan is going to be involved no matter what angle the press takes - so we will have to adjust our statement accordingly. Hopefully we can try to sideline the issue and hope a more significant story will occur today.” I’d better start praying for something huge to occur in Pittsburgh this afternoon.

I decided I liked this Helen lady. She was doing her best to help us under the circumstances which must be a pain in the butt for her to be here on a Wednesday lunchtime. I’m sure she had better things to be doing than sorting out this fiasco.

“I'll give you some time to discuss a strategy whilst I call legal. Time is of the essence,” Helen said, standing up and straightening out non-existent creases in her immaculate suit.

Jordan smiled and nodded, still sitting on the edge of my bed. He kissed the top of my head, running his fingers through my annoyingly straight hair. I let out a little sigh. The last thirty six hours had been eventful to say the least. What was I supposed to do now? I wanted to call Gina for advice but I knew she had a class. So I had to rely on Helen to sort this out for me.

“So…” I said, looking up at Jordan and those lightning blue eyes. This was the best option I could think of...

"Friends?"

12. Bonding

A/N: Sorry for the delay for this update. The last couple of updates have been rather erratically written, I’ve been having a few problems with school, so my boyfriend took me to New York last minute to cheer me up. Things haven’t been so good and it’s showing in my writing. Hope this one’s better. Enjoy. India xxx


Song: Arcade Fire - No Cars Go


JORDAN'S POV


When I’d seen Ella convulsing and shaking like that I hadn’t known what to do. I’ve never seen anyone have an epileptic fit before so I took her to the hospital. Thank God I did. It was serious. I’d called Gina and Zach from her phone in the taxi and called Zach as well. I didn’t want to drag him into it, but he’s the closest family Ella has here and he’d be probably go nuts at me if he didn’t hear.

She’d peed herself in the taxi on the way to the hospital. Fuck. I didn’t know anything about epilepsy but I guess this had to be a side effect. Chicks didn’t usually pee themselves when they were in a taxi with me, no matter how excited they were.

The doctors had to sedate her as I watched her lifeless body through the hospital doors. I was supposed to be finally getting some pussy tonight with the girl I’d met in Mexico; not standing, watching her in a hospital bed. A petite brunette standing in front of me pulled me out of my thoughts.

“They’re taking her to her room,” Gina said. “How about you go get some breakfast, I’ve got it from here. Don’t forget Starbucks carrot cake.”

I needed a break from the hospital - I’m not very good with them. Zach accompanied me to Starbucks even though I wanted the space to be by myself.

“So, you and Ella?” he asked, handing me the orange juice. “Danish pastry and an orange juice, you can’t go wrong.” I shrugged.

What did he mean by that? Me and Ella? Sure, we’d sort of hooked up last night but hadn’t gone further than a kiss, because of the paparazzi. I needed to make sure those images didn’t get out to the papers.

“There’s no me and Ella,” I replied, the tone of my voice suggesting Parise better just leave the issue alone. I paid for breakfast, wincing as I forced back the double espresso.

Zach raised his eyebrows at me - that must be a Parise trait, Ella does that too, I thought. Except it looks cute on Ella - on HIM, he just looks nuts.
“Suuuuure, because you would still be here, if you didn’t care for her,” he prompted. I turned away, dumping the cup in the bin. What was I supposed to say to that? I felt guilty. That’s why I was here. I had asked her to come to Diesel, and it’s my fault she had come there and the paparazzi had scared her, triggering this.

“I had to check she was ok, you didn’t see her outside Diesel,” I said.

“I’ve seen her fit before - she hates it. She’s photosensitive to white blinding light. Camera flashes no, but if there were three or four that went off together, it’d be enough to trigger one. And the doctor said she hadn’t been taking her medication… you did the right thing. Thanks bro.” He patted me on the shoulder as we walked back into the hospital.

Did Parise just call me bro????




“She’s asking for you,” Gina said, as Zach came out from Ella’s room after our Starbucks bonding session. She’s asking for me? So she didn’t hate me.

I pasted a smile on my face. “I brought you breakfast,” I said, noticing her eyes lighting up when she saw the Starbucks bag.
“I’m sorry,” she began. I ignored it, it’s not her fault she’s epileptic.

“Jordan, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the end of your night, and I’m embarrassed,” she muttered under her breath. I hate people repeatedly apologising. I could see Ella building an invisible fortress around her, putting her knees up to protect herself from me. I got closer, pushing her chin up from behind her knees. I had to look into her green eyes to see if the connection we’d had last night was still there. She looked so vulnerable and down, and I just wanted to pull her closer and comfort her, and kiss her soft lips, but that might scare her away. I could see she was embarrassed, she wasn’t meeting my eye.

“I was scared,” I began. Well, I had been. So I thought I’d tell her. She fixed her huge, green eyes on me and I felt something run down my spine. “Promise me you’ll take your meds next time,” was the only thing I could say.

“There won’t be a next time,” she replied. So, so final. I watched her as she opened the strawberry yogurt and started eating it. I didn’t know if she was trying to be seductive, but even watching the way she was eating it was beginning to turn me on. She told me to go home and rest, seeing how tired I looked.




Inbox: One new message.
Max: Get yourself away from last night’s chick and get your ass to Southpointe pronto

Morning skate. Shit. Disco Dan was NOT going to be impressed.

I picked up my phone and called him. “Hold Disco Dan up if you can, be there in 15” knowing I was going to get shat on for this. I got a taxi to my car and drove like Max to get there in time.

“You look like shit,” TK asked with a smirk. “What did she do to you?”
“Nothing,” I scowled.
TK backed away holding his hands in the air. “Chill it Staalsie. I prefer you when you’re getting laid. Take one for the team.”

I didn’t want to tell him what had happened to Ella last night. If they didn’t already know or heard, I wasn’t going to tell them. And it’s not my place. Ella had been embarrassed talking to me this morning, so I don’t think she’d appreciate me telling my team mates that she’d had an epileptic fit outside Diesel.

“Jordo, Mario wants to talk to you. He’s in the equipment office,” Sid said striding over to me, already fully dressed.
Mario rarely comes to Southpointe.
Fuck.
Super Mario only ever wants to talk to you for three reasons: to motivate you, transfer you, or when there is something seriously, seriously wrong. I’ve been playing my ass off recently so I’m guessing it’s not the first two options.

I sighed, slinging my under armour off and heading out of the locker room. I made my way up the few steps and ran down the painted concrete corridor, praising myself for having the espresso earlier.
The door opened a smidge when I knocked on it. I felt like I was back in grade school and I’d been sent to the principal’s office for doing something bad.
“Jordan, come in,” Mario bellowed, smiling. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. “You’ve met Helen before? She’s head of PR here.”

I nodded, looking across at the smartly dressed grey haired woman. I’ve met her once or twice and she always meant business. I didn’t have much to do with the people who worked upstairs, only when I needed to sign a new contract, or talk about TV or sponsorship deals. This must be about last night. I moved over to the table where I could see several photos spread out.

“Oh fuck,” I said under my breath, my fists clenching and unclenching at my side. Ella looked so lifeless in the photos and I looked helpless and weak. There was one of me screaming at the cameras, another of us exiting the club hand in hand, another of me scooping her up, another of us getting into a taxi. I tore my gaze away only to be confronted with Mario's face.

“What happened at Diesel last night?” Mario asked. “We’re trying to get the press not to print these in tomorrow’s papers.”
I figured I was going to have to tell him the whole story; these things always come out one way or another. I’d start from the beginning.
“I met this girl on holiday, called Ella. She intrigued me, and she’s Zach Parise’s cousin. I ran into her before last night’s game as she was visiting Zach. I asked her to come to Diesel with me, and when we left, the camera flashes triggered an epileptic seizure, and she started fitting on the ground. I took her to hospital and she’s still in there now,” I said. “Parise is there too.”

Mario nodded. “Do you have feelings for her?”

I don’t know.

“Are you going to see her again?”

Again, I didn’t know.

“Maybe,” I said. “I don’t want this to be a big deal in the papers. I don’t want them finding out she’s Parise’s cousin and making this into some big hockey gossip story. It’s my fault that I brought her to Diesel in the first place.”

“OK, we’ll talk to legal and try and get them to sort something out,” Helen said. “What’s the girl’s name? I’ll need to go and see her, because she is as much a part of this as you are.”
“Ella Parise, I’m going back later today,” I offered. Helen nodded. I’m glad I have Mario and Helen to get me out of sticky situations like this. I needed to call my agent and see what he thought I should do.

11. Recovery?

Song: Placebo - Meds


ELLA'S POV


“Heartbeat stabilised. Breathing returned to normal. She should be waking up soon. One lucky girl,” I heard a voice say.


Where was I? I sat up, my head pounding, my eyes aching as I opened them.

Hospital?

I propped myself up against the pillows as Gina rushed to my side.
“Hey Ells, we were really worried about you,” she said, holding my hand.
“We?” I asked.
“Yes, Jordan and Zach are out in the hall. He called me from your phone saying you were fitting and he was bringing you to the hospital. Ella, we were so worried.”

I’m epileptic. I don’t tell people because I don’t think it’s necessary - “Hi, I’m Ella and I have epilepsy.” No thanks. I have never advertised it because I’d rather not have people pitying me. Oh God. This was my entire fault. I had taken my medication rather haphazardly over the last week and I felt so sorry for Jordan and Gina having to be here. And Zach. Shouldn’t he be back in New Jersey by now?

“Does Felix know?” I breathed.
“No, do you want me to ring him?” Gina asked.
I shook my head. He didn’t have time off studying and interning – and he’d only worry. Mother would treat me like one of her clients, trying to find out the reason why I hadn’t taken my medication. The medication which prevented me from having epileptic fits. Like this one.

“Thank you for being here. What time is it?” I said looking across at her.
“Seven in the morning.”
Christ. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol talking or the after effects of my seizure which has left me feeling like shit. I’d also peed myself, which has happened before when I’ve had fits. God, I’m such an embarrassment. I was surprised Jordan was still here. A few blinding camera flashes and I suddenly fall, have a fit and pee myself. What a joke.

A doctor came bustling back into my room. “How are you feeling?” I made a face. Did he really want to ask that question?
“You’re very lucky to be here. You experienced a status epilepticus seizure, which was aggravated by a lack of your medication and a high concentration of alcohol in your blood. We’re going to need to keep you in here for the next three or four days to monitor your progress and then we will talk about changing your prescription.” Fuck.
I wouldn’t be able to drive again for at least three months, until after graduation. The laws vary depending on which state you live in, but I knew I was going to be putting away my car for a good few months. I had my Arabic essay due in at the end of the week and I wanted a shower, because I’d peed myself. I looked down at myself. Couldn’t they make hospital wear at least a little more flattering? I’m not asking for haute couture but even pyjamas would be better than the paper bag style gown I’m currently wearing. Added to that, I was linked up to a drip. “To keep me hydrated.” Life just couldn’t get any better. And on top of that I’d wrecked Jordan’s night. He’d had to bring me here because I’d started convulsing.

I motioned over to Gina when the doctor had gone. “Can you call Felix and tell him I’m ok, whilst I take a shower. Can you close the blinds too?” I asked, looking up to see Zach and Jordan’s nervous faces peeping through. I made my way into the bathroom, taking the drip with me, thanking Gina so much that she’d thought to bring me a toothbrush, make up, shampoo and a spare change of clothes.



“Ella, how are you feeling?” Zach said as he rushed into the room.
“OK,” I lied. I didn’t want to worry him by telling him I felt like death warmed up, but that was probably the alcohol talking. I didn’t tell him the severity of my seizure – the worst one I’ve ever had. I’ve been hospitalised before for them, but this one was caused by my own stupidity not to take my medication. I’m only really photosensitive to blinding white light which can trigger a seizure if I can’t escape from it.

“I’m sorry you’re here and not back in New Jersey,” I said, biting my lip.
Zach shrugged. “You worried Jordan a lot last night. For about half an hour it was touch and go.”
Touch and go? I was so selfish. I promised myself I would start taking better care of myself and regularly take my medication.

“Jordan wants to see you,” Zach said.

I nodded, feeling slightly better that I’d had a shower and been able to wash away any last remnants of alcohol. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun and tried to look presentable. I don’t know why I tried – I’d pissed myself in front of him last night.


“I brought you breakfast,” he said, holding out a Starbucks bag. Inside I saw a Danish pastry, orange juice, a banana, strawberry yogurt and two slices of carrot cake. He’d remembered the yogurt?! This guy, was a star. Gina must have had her hand in this, especially with the carrot cake.

“Thank you,” I mumbled, embarrassed.
“Gina said you’d be craving it, and I need food too,” he said. Note to self: must thank Gina when she comes back in.
“Jordan, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the end of your night, and I’m embarrassed,” I muttered.

He looked at me incredulously, as if I was speaking Afrikaans and he didn’t understand a word. He moved from the chair and came to sit on the bed next to me. I pulled my knees up to my chest and tried to bury my head. I have the world’s worst headache and I have this cute guy bringing me breakfast – something is not right here. Jordan reached behind my knee and lifted my chin up so I was looking at him.

“I was scared,” he said.

“Thank you for saving me.”

Jordan had effectively saved my life. If he hadn’t brought me to ER I could have died. Any epileptic knows that a status epilepticus seizure longer than five minutes is serious and needs medical attention. Jordan must have freaked out when he saw me on the ground convulsing and probably screaming. I must have looked like I was possessed. I shuddered at the thought.
Jordan shook his head. “Promise me you’ll take your meds next time,” he asked looking me directly in the eye.
“There won’t be a next time,” I said. I explained what the doctor had told me and that I had to stay here for three to four days to see how I’m doing before I can go home. I noticed how tired Jordan looked. Had he been awake all this time? I sent him home to go and get some sleep. He didn’t need me to muck up his hockey schedule.

“I’ll be back tonight,” he said, kissing me on the cheek before he left. Why would he come back? Hadn’t I just proved to him that I was a mess who couldn’t take care of my self? He probably felt guilty.





For more information please look at: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/types/statusepilepticus.cfm

10. Shock

Please don't hate me after this chapter!


Song: Bran Van 3000 - Drinking in LA


JORDAN'S POV


I paced the corridors outside the locker room trying to escape Max, TK and Tanger’s vicious ‘tag’ game. I ran knowing if I wasn’t careful I’d end up in the visiting team’s area which was to be avoided at all costs especially when the Flyers were visiting. I could hear Max and Tanger hot on my heels, their babbling French giving them away. I turned a right and then a quick left, passing the doctor’s office and jumping down the three steps. I never came this way so it was pretty unlikely they’d find me. In front of me was a blonde head that looked familiar accompanied by a tall, broad guy with black hair who was wearing a Pen’s shirt. I stopped and leaned against the wall, my watch making a noise as it connected with the wall.

The guy in front of me whirled around. “Wow,” he said, staring at me. He didn’t even blink. Not a star struck fan, not now. Pre game is never the right time. He pulled the girl who was two steps in front of her round. My breath constricted in my throat.
Fuck.
Ella?!
What the hell?

“Jordan?” she said, taking a couple of steps towards me, as if not believing I was really there. The guy who she was with looked between us incredulously as if he’d just witnessed a miracle and I’d found a cure for cancer or something.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, pushing off against the wall.
“Visiting Zach,” she said, gesturing to the Devils t-shirt she was wearing. That explained her poor choice in team and t-shirt.
“Hi, I’m Noah,” the guy said, eagerly taking a step towards me, holding out his hand.
“Jordan,” I said, not offering mine, recognising the voice from Ella’s phone. So this was the jerk who’d answered. Her boyfriend. What a gimp.

I ignored him, walking past him to Ella. “Are you watching the game tonight?” I said, getting as close as I’d dare myself with this Noah guy behind me.
“Yeah, first hockey match ever! I wasn’t sure who to support, Pittsburgh because I live here, or Zach’s team.”
“Well, I don’t like the top,” I began. I didn’t. I wasn’t going to lie about it. “Whereabouts you seated?” Cut the crap, I didn’t have time for ‘how are yous’ since pre-game pep talk would be starting in a few minutes.
“Section 111, it’s awesome,” Noah interjected from behind me. I shot him a look. No one was asking for his input.

“I tried calling you,” I said, lowering my voice. “But your boyfriend answered.”
Ella looked confused, frowning, and looking out at me from under all that blonde hair.
“You did? He’s a friend, not my boyfriend. And why didn’t you tell me in Mexico that you played HERE?” she sounded upset and confused.
“You never picked up. Come with me after the game, come to Diesel,” I pressed putting my hand on her arm, getting a static shock as I did.
“Maybe I’ll see you there,” she said. “Have a good game.”

I watched her walk defiantly back down the corridor. “Dude, can I have your autograph?” Noah quipped.
“No,” I said and turning back towards to our locker room, completely forgetting about the game. Lord Luck was in the Igloo tonight and I knew exactly where Ella would be seated.


I played my heart out tonight, getting two goals and an assist. I brought my A game to the table and we won 5-1. I got a three point night which meant tonight was going to be good. I pulled on my street clothes before dealing with the media. I wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible and go celebrate with my team. “Drinks are on Gronk as he got the most points!” Max yelled once the media had gone. I shrugged. Typical, but I didn’t get the most points often so I didn’t mind paying. Tonight was going to be long, and messy.


I spotted her downstairs leaning against the bar with the same guy. She’d changed into a pink dress which showed off her holiday tan. She looked hot. Thank fuck she wasn’t still wearing that Devils t-shirt.
“Who the girl?” Geno asked standing next to me, looking over the balcony at Ella.
“Ella,” I said, not taking my eyes off her.
“You want her?”
“Yeah,” I said, wondering why I was standing up here in VIP without her.
“Go,” Geno simply said.

I headed down the stairs, towards the bar, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.
“You wanna come up to VIP?” I said.
“Sure,” she said. “Can Noah come?”
Did he have to? I didn’t want him to but I wasn’t going to play nasty. I nodded. Noah looked happy and followed us back up the stairs, as I nodded to the bouncer.

Fortunately Geno saw that Noah was a big fan and distracted him away from us leaving me with Ella. I owe Geno, I’ll get him a couple of beers later. I directed her towards the sofas, trying to hide her in the corner. I like this chick - she’s not getting away fast.
“Did you enjoy the game?” I asked her. She nodded.
“Nice goal,” she replied.
I got two - did she not see that? Ignoring it, I wanted to know why she never returned my calls.
“Why didn’t you call me back?” I demanded.
She shrugged, taking another sip of her drink before looking back at me; her green eyes drilling into me. I hoped she couldn’t read my thoughts with those eyes otherwise she’d know exactly what I wanted to do to her.
“I didn’t know it was you. We never exchanged numbers, how was I supposed to know it was you?” Fair enough. I’d gone for the pussy option of calling myself from her phone, instead of exchanging numbers.

“YOU didn’t even tell me you played in the NHL, or that you played in Pittsburgh! I had to ask Zach if he knew you!” she half-shouted back.
“I try to keep that quiet, live a normal life. If people don’t know, why tell them? Some people are only after one thing,” I said, “and I met you on holiday.”

“Let’s get a drink and go dance,” Ella said. I did not get this girl. She was just going to let it go, like THAT.
I frowned, whatever she wanted to do. I was happy to go dance, so I downed my drink before ordering tequila.

She downed her second tequila before grabbing my hand and leading me to the dance floor. I could already see Max and Kris dancing with a large group of girls. She led me closer towards the group so we weren’t dancing completely on our own but still exclusively. I pulled her back into me, not wanting her to dance with Tanger who was annoyingly close. Stop checking her out. Ella grabbed my wrist and led me back to the bar. Tequila time again?
No.

“What are we doing?” Ella asked. Too many questions - time to take control Jordy. I pulled her closer, she protested. Stubborn, that’s kind of kinky. Save it for later Ella.

“Trying to kiss you,” I divulged. Suddenly she reached up and just kissed me. Instinctively I kissed her back, sucking her tongue, nibbling at her lip as I pulled her against the bar, her hand toying with the bottom of my long sleeved t-shirt. She made my mind go blank as she urgently kissed me. I swear I could feel my eyes rolling back in my head.
“Why wait,” she breathed in my ear, taking my earlobe and sucking on it before dragging her lips painfully slowly down my neck to my collar bone. Ohhh God.

“You want to leave?” I asked, shooting my neck round to look for Noah. Geno had moved him on to Sid so Geno could focus on his latest flavour of the week. I looked back at Ella, who just nodded. I didn’t need any more persuasion. A month is too long in anyone’s book. She got her jacket from the coat check and followed me to the front exit. The club was now rammed and I could see we were attracting glances from the people around us. Ella laced her slim fingers through mine as she walked behind me out of the club.

Fuck.

Paparazzi.

Outside Diesel of all places?

Ohhhh. Sid was inside - made sense.


“Oh my God!” Ella screamed as blinding white light surrounded us, as her shoulders started to shake, her whole body quivering. Her knees buckled and she fell to the floor. I grabbed her, trying to break her fall. She was convulsing as the paparazzi continued to take photos, her eyes scrunched shut. One arm was thrashing around as if she was trying to beat something off; whilst the other covered her eyes.

“Stop!” I screamed at the paparazzi. Thirty seconds ago she’d been fine, giggling, kissing me, suggesting we go home. Now she was having a fit, or a seizure. I didn’t know what to do. People were staring, taking pictures with their cameras, phones. The doormen weren’t helping either so I picked her up, still shaking and crying and ran to the nearest taxi.


“Emergency Room!" I said, handing the driver a fifty note.