35. Ottawa

Hard to write but got there eventually. WARNING - DO NOT READ IN A PUBLIC PLACE, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

PART ONE: Song - Toto - Africa


ELLA’S POV


I’ll admit I had been a little nervous to meet Jordan’s parents even though he had told me it would be fine. It had been the same with Jake two years ago, I’d been a jabbering mess, but somehow I’d managed to hold myself together. Jordan’s dad was chilled enough - I could see where Jordan had inherited his laid back attitude. His mom was different, but like Jake’s mom she was just playing the over protective mother, checking to see that I was good enough for her little boy. Jake’s mom had been ten times worse, she had mothered him throughout our relationship, so this time with Jordan’s parents, I felt I’d come out relatively unscathed.

After a 6-5 win against some New York team, Jordan ushered me out to his car and drove back towards my apartment. He was unusually silent tonight which was rare after a win, normally he’s the life and soul of the party. Right now I wasn’t sure what to do or say, so I followed him quietly. He’ll tell me in his own time.
“Thanks for meeting them,” Jordan said squeezing my hand as he finally broke the painful silence. I squeezed back, wondering where exactly we were going when Jordan pulled over. We had headed west out of the city – not in the direction of my apartment which was within walking distance of the Mellon Arena.

“Where are we?” I asked, looking around at the forest on either side of us. This was not somewhere I recognised. Jordan was exhausted after the mammoth match and my mind was tired of concentrating on the hockey and polite chit-chat with his parents. After the initial introductions I’d had a good evening, hearing embarrassing stories about a mini Jordan, laughing with Gina about the kiss cam on the jumbotron and people watching. However it had been a mentally fatiguing day and I only wanted to curl up in my bed and sleep.

“I need to ask you something,” Jordan said seriously. Something he felt he had to drive out into the middle of nowhere for?

“Go on,” I said, resting my feet on the dashboard, looking at him. Whatever it is, it’s really bugging him.
I watched him moisten his lips, resting his left hand on the wheel, his right hand fidgeting with his tie before he spoke up.

“Where are we going?” he asked me.

“You tell me Jordan, I really don’t know. I’ve no idea where we are. We’re in the middle of a track of what looks like a forest,” I replied, trying to remember if there were any reservations, national parks or forests right on the edge of the city.

“No, where are we going? I love you, but what happens when the season’s over. What happens to us? You said you were going back to Montreal. What about us?” Jordan said quickly, his tone showing his evident frustration with the issue. The way he spoke about Montreal was so final, as if I’d already made up my mind I was going to leave him for the summer.

I sighed. The future was something I’d thought about briefly when I’d sat in the bath one evening, but I believe in living in the moment. I prefer not to dwell too much on the past, I don’t believe in regrets, and I don’t put expectations on where our relationship will be six months down the line. I’m not a reluctant girlfriend, it’s just who I am. Gina used to plan out where she wanted to be, when and if he was going to propose, and she only ever got hurt or was surprised when the relationship came to an end. I never want to be like that so I try to keep my focus on the present and get the most out of right now. Obviously Jordan didn’t, he was worrying about what the future might bring for us.

“We’ll take that step when we get there,” I said, still holding his hand and planting a kiss on his knuckles, hoping that the physical link between us would reassure him a little. I liked what we had right now, and in another two weeks my exams would be over and I would be graduating. I might be being a little bit selfish, and burying my head in the sand, but I didn’t want to worry about our relationship during my finals.

“OK, but what if we get knocked out of the playoffs in four games, then I’ll be playing golf in T-Bay for weeks,” Jordan said. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief – we both knew that wasn’t going to happen. With Jordan’s attention span, he’d play golf, then play another sport the next week.

“Like I said, when we get there, we’ll deal with it.”

“Do you have to go to Montreal for the summer?” Jordan whined. I gave him a look. Was he really asking that? We’d been officially together for less than a month, already split up and got back together, and now he just said that.

“Seriously? Yes. I want this internship. What else are you suggesting I do with my summer?” I didn’t want to know what he thought I was going to do instead. Is he trying to tell me how to live my life?

“Come and spend it with me on the farm in the Bay.” Pfft. As if that’s going to happen? I’d rather spend the rest of my life in Montreal than spend even a week in Ontario.

“No, I have to do this for myself. It’s just a ten week internship. And what would I do in Thunder Bay all day?” I was beginning to get a little cross as the tiredness set in and I didn’t want to lose my temper.

“Just be with me,” Jordan replied, staring straight ahead. As romantic as that would have sounded, spending ten weeks in sunny fields with Jordan, I knew Thunder Bay would bore me senseless after a week or two, despite thinking about having sex with Jordan in fields. I didn’t know anyone there apart from the Staals and I couldn’t drop my ambitions for ten weeks of hot sex, as tempted as I am right now.

I could tell from the slump of his shoulders that he was, for want of a better word, épuisé. Jordan didn’t have the strength for this conversation right now and I knew this wasn’t the time or the place to talk about it. We would have to discuss the inevitable at some point, but just not tonight.

Couldn’t he at least be pleased for me? I’d got this incredibly competitive internship with a huge international company and Jordan was asking me to blow my ambitions and come and play farm with him. I suggested that we just go home, we were both tired and this sore subject was beginning to make me a little grouchy – plus Jordan whines when he’s tired and not getting his own way. We began the drive back in silence until I turned on the radio because the tense atmosphere was driving me nuts. I cranked up the volume as soon as I heard Toto come on and started singing along, getting Jordan to sing loudly too, before he broke out into his insane laugh. I knew the issue hadn’t gone away, but Jordan needs to live in the moment and not worry about what’ll happen tomorrow, next week, or next month.


PART TWO: DON’T READ IN A PUBLIC PLACE – YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.


ELLA’S POV


Jordan had just gone to Ottawa for game three of the play offs which allowed me to focus 100% on my exams. I’d nearly finished and I just had my last translation paper to do on the Thursday before I had finished school forever. I had been spending nearly ten hours a day in the library, working on past papers, emailing my tutors and immersing myself in the Arabic language. We hadn’t talked anymore about plans for the summer, but I knew Jordan hadn’t forgotten about it that easily. I’d been hanging out with Noah in the library which had been a lot of fun.

“Bored in the hotel room. Entertain me XX” Jordan’s message read. As I opened the door to my apartment, a little smile spread across my face.

“Just got in from underwear shopping… can never have too many lacy panties XX” I sent back. Earlier in the day I had gone shopping, I’d needed new underwear and Victoria Secret’s had seemed like a good idea. Noah with his exceptional taste had helped me pick out some hot things. Normally I go underwear shopping on my own, or with Gina, but she’s so cooped up with her work and her blooming relationship with Max that she hasn’t got much free time right now.

My phone buzzed loudly in my pocket as I made my way through to my bedroom, dumping my book bag and jacket as I stretched out on the bed. It was late and I only wanted to speak to one person right now. Crossing my fingers, I looked at the caller id before picking up.

“Ella, that’s not fair,” Jordan said, his voice sounded tight and high.

“What’s not fair?” I breathed back, wrapping a strand of hair around my finger.

“Sending me that! Can I have a picture?” Jordan demanded. His voice had that growl in it when he was turned on which was giving me shivers.

“Only if you ask nicely. I wish you were here next to me,” I said running a hand down my side.

“Me too. God Ells,” I heard Jordan say as there was a noise that sounded like he hit the wall in frustration. “What are you wearing?”

“Not a lot,” I said, lifting my dress over my head with one hand as I listened to Jordan’s heavy breathing on the other end.

“I need details,” he commanded.

“My purple bra, the one you like to rip off me with the matching thong and stockings,” I replied, slipping my shoes off. “I’m slowly undoing my bra, flinging it onto the floor.”

“I really want you right now, your voice is making me hard.” Jordan’s breath was more ragged as I felt my nipples harden as I lazily ran a finger over them.

“I can feel you taking me in your mouth, you’re hot and wet, and your mouth is moving slowly as your saliva feels like lava against my cock. I’m grabbing your hair as you look up at me; I want to spread your sexy legs far apart and rub my solid cock against your moist, soft lips and then enter you hard and deep until you scream for me to stop.” Jordan’s words were making me quiver with desire as I moved my hand lower, slipping into my knickers.

“I love it when you put your cock in my mouth,” I said. “I’m dripping wet as you slide into me.” I slid a finger inside of me. “I scream as you push your hard strong cock into my warm pussy as your hot sweaty body grinds of top of me.” I closed my eyes, imagining Jordan hear with me, his toned body sliding over mine.

Jordan growled as he spoke. “I want to screw you so hard you can’t walk. I want to cum across your chest as you scream into my ear.” I sighed. I was so close.

“I can feel you touching my walls as you pound me harder, HARDER,” I screamed getting to the point of no return. “

“Ellaa. God. Jesus!” Jordan breathed heavily down the line. I knew he’d just came as my fingers worked their way into a dizzying frenzy as I came moments later.

“Holy shit!” I screamed. I lay there panting, listening to Jordan’s breathing quickly resume back to its usual pace.

“Can’t wait to see you Wednesday,” Jordan said. “I’m going to have sweet dreams tonight. Wish you were here with me. Goodnight Ells, I love you.”

34. Parents

Thank you for all the comments - keep it up! It makes me so happy to see them.
So relieved to see Jordan back on the ice :)


So I wasn't sure about a song for this one but I welcome your suggestions for changes: Was-going-to-use-this-song-somewhere-else-but-here-seems-appropriate-for-now


JORDAN'S POV


After perhaps the best blowjob ever, I’m not exaggerating – I’ve had a lot of head - I told Ella I loved her. And it felt good to say those three words. I’d said them before to her, but right in the moment so technically that didn’t count. The only other person I’ve said those three words to is my Mom. Speaking of mothers, my Mom and Dad are coming to watch my last game against the Islanders. I wanted Ella to come to the game too, as my girlfriend. If she did come, it’d be the first game she’d come to as my girlfriend, the other times when she had been there, she had been supporting Parise or going to the Bell Centre with her brother. And, I wanted to introduce my girlfriend to my parents. It’s a big step; no other girlfriend has ever met my parents before. In truth the other girls I’ve had anything with weren’t suitable to take home, even if Dad might approve, Mom definitely wouldn’t.

“Ella? Want to come to my last game?” I offered playing with her hair as she snuggled against my chest.

“Sure, seeing as you’re not going to make the playoffs,” she teased. Like hell we weren’t going to be in the playoffs. At the moment we were in third position, just below Washington and New Jersey.

“Hmm,sure. My parents are going to be there,” I said. “And I want to introduce you to them.” I could feel Ella stiffen a little in my arms as she thought the idea over. “Sure, that’d be nice,” she replied as she relaxed a little. “Can Gina come?”

I guess the idea of meeting my parents was a little daunting for her, but I knew they’d love her. And if Gina was there too, maybe she’d feel more comfortable. Out of the four of us, Mom has always been the most protective of me but I really hoped she would love Ella. Ella’s funny, intelligent, ambitious and pretty and she has so much going for her. I know Mom would like a girl like that who cared about me and won my heart – which Ella has definitely done. My Dad would be easier. He’d like her if she was attractive and knew anything about hockey. I knew Ella didn’t know much about hockey, but to my dad, the fact she was Zach’s cousin would suffice. I think Ella knew the names of four or five players in total, but she didn’t pretend to know which was so refreshing. She took an interest and supported me and the team, but at the end of the day she wouldn’t know a clean check from a bad one.

“Yeah, I’ll ask Max and make sure you get seats together.”

I’m not sure if it was a good idea to put her and my parents next to each other at the game. According to my Dad, Mom is a nightmare to watch the game with, she gets really into it, cheers when I score or get a big hit, and freaks out if someone checks me. I’m a big guy, I know I can handle it, and with two other brothers in the league, you’d think that after several years she’d be better now – she’s not.



Ella had arrived back at my place before the game not knowing what to wear, though sadly she was wearing clothes. I wanted to give her one of my jerseys to wear but wasn’t sure if this would be considered as marking her. TK had freaked Kelsey out when he’d tried to force her to wear a jersey. And with my parents there it’d be obvious that she was my girlfriend. I wasn’t sure if Ella was ready to make the public step – sure we’d been snapped coming out of Diesel together but after some excellent PR, Ella had been made out to be a friend.

“Hmm do you want a jersey?” I asked, watching her rummage through her handbag for something, whilst I checked her out, looking at the way her skinny black jeans clung to her slim thighs.
“Sure, I might get cold,” Ella said, still rummaging. I might get cold? Did she not want a jersey for any other reason? For me this was a big step I'd just taken and I'm not sure Ella realised the relevance of it to me. For her to wear my jersey was her admittance into the girlfriends club. I didn't want to freak her out by telling her this so I disappeared into my bedroom searching for the jersey that I’d scored my first hat trick against Toronto in. This was one special jersey that I’d managed to hold on to and I wanted Ella to wear it tonight. Maybe she'd be my good luck charm tonight if she wore it?I wasn’t sure if I should tell her just how important it was to me – maybe she wouldn’t take it if I did, so I handed it over to her and she tied it around her waist. We always have to leave early otherwise I get in deep shit (again), and I wanted her to meet my parents and feel comfortable with them.


“Good luck, score a goal for me,” Ella kissed me as we got out of the car. Together we walked inside together, through the labyrinth of the underground corridors until we reached the players’ lounge. My parents were already there talking to Sid’s dad. I gave my mom a hug and shook my dad’s hand.

“This is Ella,” I said to both of my parents as Ella smiled graciously at them. I had already told them I was dating someone and would bring her to the game. My dad looked really chilled about the whole thing, he gave her a hug and went through all of the formalities, even saying to call him Henry. That was a good sign. My Mom on the other hand started off on twenty questions.

“Mom…” I warned, shooting her a look. I didn’t want her to grill Ella to see if she approved.

“C’mon J, you knew your Mom was never going to be easy about meeting your girlfriend,” Dad whispered to me. Eric had said exactly the same thing, as I was ‘Momma’s favourite’ but I didn’t want them to treat Ella any differently than if she was going out with Marc or Jared.

“So you’ve finished at university, what next?” I think Mom was searching for the major puckbunny symptoms (nothing else would make up for this intense Q&A session) to check that Ella wasn’t going to sponge off me. I know Ella was well-dressed and hopefully my Mom would understand that she wasn’t high maintenance and came from a good background, she doesn’t need my money.

“I’ve got an internship at KPMG in Montreal over the summer, so I’m moving back home for a little while,” Ella replied. She hadn’t told me about this, but then again, I’d never asked. We definitely need to have the discussion about summer soon, especially if she was going to Montreal and I was going to play on the farm again.

“Oh that’s interesting, and then?”

“Mom!” I warned again, trying in vain to stop her. Mom deflected my look, carrying on as if nothing had ever happened.

“I don’t know, I might try and see if there’s a place in finance for me in the Middle East and keep my Arabic up.” I knew Ella had won over my Dad, and Mom looked suitably impressed.

“You did well son, just keep hold of her,” Dad said in my ear, patting me on the back. I grinned knowing I had done well and I wasn’t going to lose her.

"See you after the game."

33. Bliss

WOW - thanks for the feedback, I hope I can get that many comments each time... This is a bit earlier than planned and a little on the short side, but I thought I'd update tonight as I was so impressed with all of the comments. Mont Royal really inspiring - I go up there to write and get away from the city, like today. I wish I didn't have to climb it every time I wanted some inspiration.

1. Wouldn't it be great if you could have a Jordan sent in the post to you, all done up in a bow?

2. Was tempted to sneak into the Bell Centre yesterday and kidnap Jordan, for game 6, anyone else game?

Aaaaanyways, here goes.


Song: Tim McGraw - When The Stars Go Blue


ELLA'S POV


Jordan's romantic candlelit dinner earned him major brownie points in my book. We fell asleep curled up in the blankets together after Jordan had tried (and failed) to tiptoe around and blow out all of the candles.

When I woke up I had a stiff neck and I was entangled in a mess of Jordan's large limbs. I tried to move, but his arms gripped tighter around my stomach. I kissed his arms watching him sleep. Again I tried to slip out of his grip by sliding down his body. He was definitely awake now - his eyes still closed, trying to suppress a smile as his morning glory pressed into the small of my back.

"Jordan, c'mon, I need to pee," I said. I really did need to go, as I tried to force his arms off me. A wicked smile crossed his face - the one that means he's up to no good. I've seen it before, in Acapulco when we were messing around in the pool, and it's that look he has when he's about to do a big practical joke.

"C'mon Jordan, I love you, but you have to move." His eyes flicked open in surprise, his smile still playing on his lips.

"You love me?" Jordan replied with a certain air of surprise, his eyes staring back at me. Now this is not how I imagined saying it, but I do, I guess. And now he knows. I've been falling for him for quite some time, ever since I met him at that villa on Spring Break.

"Yes I do," I whipered back, kissing the little cleft on his chin, tracing his jaw line and feeling the sfot stubble forming on his chin with my hands.

"I love you too," he replied lifting my chin with his forefinger, uniting our lips in a gentle kiss. I guess peeing can wait for now. Jordan released his grip around me, so whilst I could, I went quickly to the bathroom. On my return I noticed Jordan lying flat on his back on the rugs, his arms behind his head still showing off his hardness which created a tent with the draped blankets across his hips. He looked like my very own Abercrombie model and I couldn't help myself. I dropped down beside him and crawled over on top of him, stealing a kiss before working my way down his muscular chest, dragging my tongue across the ripped bunches of muscle on his abs, my finger running slowly down the line of hair running into his boxers. He was wearing boxers? Jordan grinned lazily, knowing exactly what I was up to. He sat up quickly and flung the boxers off, putting me between his legs in prime position.

I wasn't about to rush what I was doing, and Jordan needs to learn a little patience, so ever so slowly I ran a finger down the side of his cock, watching his abs tighten as he inhaled sharply. I kissed my way from the base to the top, gently cupping his balls as I watched Jordan's face. The look of pure concentration on his face was intense, as intense as on the ice, but I don't think this 'sex face' as I'll call it was debuted on the ice. This was different, it wasn't fierce, but he looked in pain somehow.

"Ella," Jordan cried throatily.

"Yes?" I whispered back, knowing exactly what I was doing. I licked my way up the underside of his cock, running my other hand along his groin before taking the head in my mouth. Jordan's head flopped back, his eyes closing, as he made light movements with his pelvis. I didn't want him to be moving, this was simply my way of saying thank you. And besides, I'd been told by Jake, my ex, most guys' morning erections are always a little delicate so gentleness is the key. I sucked gently until Jordan moaned for me to suck harder, so I did until he came.

"I love you Ells," he said drawing me into his arms. I was trapped in his arms again, but right now, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

32. Candlelight

I was a little disappointed I only received two comments on the last chapter, especially when I have over 40 followers. Was it especially bad? Please comment, it really helps me know if you're enjoying it and your opinions on the characters. It's really hard for me to watch the Habs - Pens series, my two favourite teams (I live in Montreal, so the atmosphere will be electric this evening). Here's to getting Jordan back on the ice soon.


Song:Griffin House - Better Than Love


JORDAN'S POV


I knew how stressed Ella had been recently with revision, finals and Sophie’s problem that I wanted to do something nice for her. I’ve never done anything nice for a guy in my life so I had no idea what to do. Max was no help, he was still trying to ‘woo’ Gina as he put it. TK told me to take her to a romantic restaurant – it had always worked for him and Kelsey. I wanted something more. Something out of the ordinary. So I turned to Flower.

“Something romantic?” Marc asked. “Vero is happy with me, I don’t do anything romantic.”

“And she’s still with you?” I asked wondering how Marc had managed to stay with her all this time, he’s such a goof.

There was a pause. “Err… yes. Maybe you speak to Vero, she will help you.” I listened to the phone being passed over, some rapid whispering in French before I heard Vero’s clear voice.

“Marc tells me you want to do something for your girlfriend. Why haven’t I met her?” Vero asked. I explained that she had enough on her plate with her finals that she hadn’t had time to even go to a game
though. Ella would probably like Vero.

“Anyway, I want her to relax, take her mind off things, she’s been so wound up over her work and I want an evening where she can take her mind off it. Something romantic,” I added.

Vero was too silent before she started asking me all of these questions about Ella to which I didn’t know the answer. I’m not sure I know her favourite colour – though I think it’s blue. Anyway Vero is a genius – problem solved!




I spent the afternoon buying candles, strawberries and a nice bottle of red. I don’t know much about wine but the label looks nice which is important. I went back to the apartment to clean, remind TK not to just drop by and called Max.

“Yo Gronky, what can I do for you on this fine day?” Max is always so cheerful even if someone pissed on his parade.

“Hey, you know those cushions and throws that Ella has in their living room, well, I need them. Go and see Gina, and just take them if you can. It’s important.”

“Going to have a pillow fight with Ella? Can I come?” Max asked all too eagerly. I could picture his sick puppy face lighting up at the thought of having a pillow fight with a girl.

“Nope, anyway, if you can get them, let me know, I don’t have time to go out round the shops looking for things like that.”

“You’re in luck, I’m at Gina’s now, can I tell her?”

“If you must.” I hung up to go and start clearing the lounge. Even though TK had moved out, my place was still the designated hang out, which I didn’t mind, but I did mind not having someone else to help me clean. After being satisfied that everything was tidyish, well in the cupboards, I went to take a shower. Tonight had to go perfectly, I just needed that. Ella needs a break from studying and she needs a bit of ‘R+R’ time.


Right on time, Ella knocked on the door. She looked hot, but I’ve decided she’d still look hot if she was covered in mud and hadn’t showered for a week. She had this radiance that bounced out of her personality and lit up the room around her. She is my very own personal star. I bent down to kiss her before taking her hands and leading her through. “No peeking,” I said, putting my hand over her eyes. I led her into the centre of the room, then through to the kitchen and back to the living room, trying to disorientate her. I picked her, up, spun her around over my shoulder and put her back down again, making sure her eyes were still firmly shut.

“OK, open your eyes,” I instructed. I watched Ella open her eyes, as her eyes widened in amazement at the hundred plus candles I had set around the living room. In the very centre of the floor was a large rug strewn with cushions and blankets.

“Wow,” Ella breathed, turning to me. She strung her arms around my neck, pulling my head down to her lips. “Thank you. This is the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for me. Aren’t those my cushions?” Me too, I thought. Thank you Vero. I’ve never done anything like this before. I sat down on the rug, gesturing for Ella to do the same.

“Yep, I had Max steal them from your place. Now this is the unromantic part, you know I can’t cook, so here,” I said pulling out about fifty take out menus from under the rug. Ella laughed.

“Right now, I couldn’t care if you cooked or not,” she said, taking a strawberry. I watched as she took a bite, watching the way her lips moved over the fruit. Seeing my look, Ella focused her huge eyes on me, with the fruit still between her lips. I couldn’t help but think about having those lips on my body.

“Maybe we should order food,” I said quickly, reminding myself again exactly why I was doing this for Ella. "How's Sophie?"

“Mmhmmm,” Ella hummed, with the strawberry still in her mouth. I know what happens when a girl hums when she’s giving me a blowjob - amazing vibrations. I forced myself to think of Sean Avery’s grinning mug as I opened the wine and poured two glasses. "She's in rehab in Utah, first day today. Her parents decided to send her there."

“Shall we just get pizza?” Ella suggested. Pizza is hardly the most romantic food in the world. Knowing Ella I’m sure she’d make it look sexy. Ella agreed and we settled on four cheeses and heaps of onion rings. To pass the time, I positioned myself behind Ella’s back, as I gently stroked her shoulders.

“Ohh Jordann,” Ella moaned, her head thrown back as I massaged her shoulders, my thumbs pushing out the knots in her back. I loved the way she moaned my name. I sneaked a peek at her face, her eyes were closed in pleasure. I moved my hands a little lower, applying pressure in small circles with my hands. I could feel her bra straps through the thin fabric of her dress and had to mentally try and remove the thought of Ella’s lace underwear from my brain. “Lower,” Ella instructed. Doing what I was told I moved my hands lower until they were massaging her lower back, every now and then my hands running up the sides, giving Ella physical shivers as her small shoulders moved up and down.

I swore under my breath, tearing myself away from her to answer the door for the pizza man, before dashing to the kitchen to cut the pizza and grab some plates. I wanted this evening to be perfect. Whilst I was in the kitchen, Ella came and stood behind me, linking her arms around my waist. From anyone else, I would have laughed about this position, but from her it felt so heartfelt and natural. “Thank you for all of this,” she whispered into my back.

“It’s OK,” I said, turning around and dropping a kiss in her hair. I need to find out what shampoo she uses, I want to smell like that, I thought. I’ll have a look in her shower next time I’m there.

We returned back to the candle lit living room, eating pizza and talking about her favourite films, our favourite music, childhood holidays; I found out she comes from a rich background – she goes to St Barts at Christmas for god’s sake. Anyway, all of the questions Vero had asked me earlier, I now knew the answers too. I felt like a good boyfriend.

“What do you want to watch?” I asked. I hadn’t bothered going to rent a movie because I wasn’t sure what she wanted to watch, probably not some action film.

“Whatever,” Ella replied. Helpful. “I’m really not fussed, I’m enjoying my perfect evening, so you choose.” Do not choose anything with too much action, do not choose anything sad or a chick flick, I don’t want to cry and look like a pussy.

“How about Scream?” I said looking through my collection. It’s a well known fact that chicks always like to get closer to guys when they watch scary films. Ella grinned.

“Perfect, we’ll see who screams first.” I popped the dvd in the machine before drawing Ella into the space between my legs - just where I want her to be - and covering us with a blanket. I blew out some of the candles that were further away to create more darkness.

Ella turned around and kissed me on the lips so I deepened the kiss, turning Ella around. As the kiss intensified and Ella began taking my t-shirt off, I hit mute on the remote. “Are you sure?” I wanted to check before I proceeded. She grinned a little which I took as my cue. Tonight I want to make sweet love to her and give her all the pleasure she’s given me.

31. Charlie

A/N: I can't believe I've reached thirty one already. I apologise for the quantity of dialogue in advance - believe me it is necessary.

And hooray to Jordan being at morning skate today.


I LOVE this song for this chapter too:Kyle Andrews - Sushi


ELLA'S POV


I heard Max’s words but I didn’t hear my reply. He had to be joking. “This is bullshit, right?” I asked, hoping he wasn’t confirming what I thought I’d just heard. Jordan kissed the top of my head again, reminding me that he was still there, soothingly stroking my back.

“I have to talk to Gina,” I said aloud, not meaning to, staring straight ahead as my eyes glazed over. I knew that Gina would have the rational answer to all of this. I felt out of my depth doing this alone. Jordan kissed the top of my head again. I know he was doing it because he wanted to help, but right now, kisses were not going to help me or Sophie for that matter.

“Do you want me to drive you?” Jordan offered, motioning to TK and Max to get the hell out of his apartment. I only nodded, not knowing what to say. Words didn’t seem appropriate, almost too much; but saying nothing wasn’t enough. I was still in shock, as I sat there, numbed by what I had just been told. If what Max and TK had alleged was true, that would explain why we hadn’t seen Sophie for a couple of weeks, why she came home to change her clothes and go out. Gina and I knew she’d been skipping classes, but we thought she was just stressed and letting it out her own way. Sophie had always been a free spirit, she always did things on a whim. She had that addictive personality and quickly got attached to whatever it was. But drugs? Sophie’s usually so moral. So why would Max and TK make something like that up? They didn’t know Sophie, I’m sure TK had never even met her, so it would have been Max who had recognised her. Gina will know what to do, I told myself again.

“C’mon, I’ll drive you,” Jordan said, scooping me off his lap.

“Jordan? Thanks,” I whispered as he carried me to the door. God knows why he was carrying me - he didn’t need to show me how strong he was and I’m more than capable of walking a few metres but his silent support spoke volumes.

He put me down, scooped up my books and buzzed the elevator. We rode down in comfortable silence, not like the last time where I’d been pressed up against the side when we couldn’t keep our hands off one another. The stark contrast reminded me that our attraction didn’t just lie in the bedroom. Jordan was reliable, well as reliable as you can be at twenty one. He held my hand as we walked through the underground car park to his car. I felt safe and secure sitting in the front as I put on some hip hop from Jordan’s iPod.

Part of me wanted to go back to the apartment, but I didn’t want to see Sophie and I didn’t want a reminder right now without seeing Gina first. Gina would know what to do. I texted Gina, letting her know where I was and to meet me for lunch or something.

“Are you sure you want to go and study?” Jordan asked me as he pulled up in front of campus, pulling his cap down more.

“My exams won’t write themselves, and I need to work more, I need distinctions,” I automatically replied. I sounded like a robot, chanting out the lines. I let out a little smile.

“Thank you.” I leaned in to give him a kiss and he pulled me towards him sealing my mouth against his in a searing kiss that left me with shivers and butterflies. I swallowed and pulled away, a smile gracing my lips. Despite the bad news, that one kiss alone had made my day.

“We have a game tonight, but maybe we can do something after? I’ll call you, and stay strong,” Jordan said as I closed the door, turning my back on him as I walked onto campus with a spring in my step.



“Hey Sophie,” Gina greeted her with as she entered the door. She looked gaunt and her clothes hung from her shoulders. Not the good skinny when you look alive – the bad skinny. Sophie’s skin was grey, her hair was lank and she looked like she’d spent time in a clothes dryer – the way her skin was stretched over her cheekbones.

“How was last night?” I asked assuming Sophie had been out partying. She shook her head, sitting down on the other couch across from us, folding one lanky leg over the other, showing off the ladders in her tights.

“Sophie, we know,” Gina said quietly. I watched Sophie for some type of reaction, but she just blinked. Gina continued. “The partying, the late nights, not attending school, the drugs…”

“What are you talking about?” Sophie said trying to feign innocence. I’ve known her too long to know when she’s lying.

“Quit it Soph. You were spotted, it doesn’t matter by who, but you were last night. Doing, selling whatever. Soph, why?” I demanded. I didn’t know if Gina’s ‘softly softly’ approach would work.

“Darling, you can’t party hard and not do coke, it’s practically illegal, plus everyone in Sean’s circle does it,” Sophie chirped. PAArty HARD. And if everyone got their butt’s tattooed or jumped off a cliff would you do it too?

“Um, Sophie, we don’t do coke and we can party just as hard as you,” Gina said, thinking back to freshman year.

“Besides, we don’t want to leave our nose with just one nostril. It’s not exactly attractive,” I added. I knew that wouldn’t help the situation but Sophie needed to know that if she continued to do coke and whatever else, there were going to be some irreversible effects to her physically and mentally.

“Soph, you’re one of my closest friends, but this is my apartment, and I love you to bits. But I want you to get clean… So you have a choice, either go to rehab or move out.” I knew I had to give her an ultimatum from her previous comment that ‘everyone does coke’.

I watched Sophie sit there in silence as Gina clutched my hand. A slow trickle appeared on Sophie’s face before another tear appeared and another. Instinctively I ran across to her and pulled her into a hug. No matter what she does, she still is one of my closest friends. We’ve been through so much together, and I won’t let this break us apart.

“Just get clean,” Gina whispered.

30. Addiction

A/N: Ohhh Jordan, how we shall miss you in the playoffs.


Song: The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work


JORDAN'S POV


After driving Ella home last night, Max sent me a message telling me to come to Diesel. I had declined, too much bad shit had happened there recently for me to go back – Lola, Sophie’s stupid kiss. I didn’t need to muck this up anymore, we were going well, slowly but I really like Ella and I didn’t want to spoil what we had going right now.

Some cretin was hammering on my door. What the hell? It’s only eight. Pulling on last night’s jeans I headed towards the door. Whoever it was better have some good excuse for this. I yanked it open seeing a sheepish Max and an apologetic looking TK standing there, reeking of alcohol, still dressed in last night’s clothes.

“This had better be good,” I said letting them into my apartment as Max punched my stomach as he walked pas - homo twat. I watched them flop down on my couches as I put some coffee on. Now I’m up, I might as well stay up.

“Who pissed in your cornflakes?” TK asked as I handed him a cup of coffee. You, but knowing there was a reason they were probably here, I’d keep schtum for a while. Knowing that TK had probably gone out last night without Kelsey letting him – he was whipped- and Max had locked himself out of his place, they’d come to mine before practice knowing I’d be here.

“So why are you here?” I said, sitting in front of the TV.

“Well….” TK began. “Max you say it.”

“We saw Sophie last night,” Max began. “And she was in this alley, and it looked like, I’m certain she was, but not enough to put my mother’s life on it, that she was doing drugs. I don’t know if she was selling or buying, but we, well we saw it, and now we’re telling you.”

“Because I’m supposed to know what to do? Sophie’s crazy,” I replied. “And what were you doing in an alley anyway?” I didn’t really want to know but I might as well know the whole story.

“Only passing, on the way to Blush, man, you should have come, you missed out, they were pure filth, this one had her clit pierced, she's new,” TK said grinning at the thought of last night's visit. The visit that always got us into trouble with Penguins PR. This coming from the guy who is in a serious relationship, Kelsey would have a fit if she knew he’d gone to Blush. It’s the one place Kelsey doesn’t allow him to visit. TK practically had a thumb print on his forehead from Kelsey’s thumb. He was pussy whipped.

“Anyway, you have to tell Ella, if she doesn’t already know, parce que, well, she has a right to know what Sophie’s doing,” Max said, looking disgusted at the coffee I’d made him. “Remind me never to have coffee here again, dude, you can’t cook let alone make coffee.” TK looked at his cup as if it contained some sort of poison and edged it on to the table next to him. It might not be Starbucks standard but it’s drinkable, the Frenchie can go screw himself or make it himself next time.

“So I have to tell my girlfriend that her best friend is doing drugs,” I repeated, clarifying what Max had told me. Max nodded, happy that I'd caught on so quickly.

“We can be here if you want when you tell her, if it makes it easier,” TK offered. It really would – I didn’t want to seem like a nutjob saying it, and having Max and TK would help as moral support. I suck in these situations.

“So you guys are official now?” Max asked. I grinned.

“Taking it slowly, but yeah, it’s gooood.” And it really was. I’m really happy right now, I’m playing well, I’ve been putting the points away, the team’s comfortable and I’ve got this great, intelligent girlfriend who makes me feel hot every time I see her.

I picked up my phone and searched for Ella, motioning for TK and Max to be quiet. Walking through to the kitchen I listened to the humming of her phone ringing.
“Hello?” she answered not knowing it was me. She sounded breathless.

“Hey, it’s me. Can you come over? It’s important, I know you have work but I need to tell you something.”

“OK, should I be worried? Do you need anything on my way over?”

“No, just come. See you in a bit.” I hung up. I didn’t want to give too much away on the phone but as Max had told me, I have to tell her. She’s living in the same apartment as Ella and Gina, and hopefully Sophie can quit before it’s too late.


“Do I tell Ella that Sophie kissed me at Diesel?” I asked. I don’t know if that would help matters right now or not.

TK and Max both shook their heads. “Why tell her what she doesn’t have to know?”

“What if Sophie tells her?” I asked. Jesus, insecure much Jordy?

“Deny, deny, deny,” Max said. “She was probably high. She probably thought you were something else. Stretch, chill.”


About twenty minutes later, Ella knocked on the door. She looked gorgeous in this flowery dress thing and a little jacket.
“This had better be good, I was en route to the library.” She dumped a bag of books and notes in the hall before following me into the lounge. She was a little surprised to see Max and TK spread out on a sofa, but she relaxed knowing that whatever was important wasn’t about our relationship. I pulled her into my body, planting a kiss into her hair. She smelt of coconut and flowers. She gave me a quick kiss on the lips which made me briefly think about sending the guys home and taking her on my couch.

“Umm, Ella, how’s Sophie?” TK asked.

“Good, I think, haven’t seen her for a few days, why?” TK had piqued Ella’s curiosity now. Maybe that wasn't the best way to start this conversation - either way it wasn't going to be easy.

“Well, we saw her last night, and she didn’t look too good. We were outside Diesel, on the way to Blush. We saw her and it looked like she was doing drugs,” Max said. I could feel Ella’s slim frame tense as Max said the last few words.

“WHAT?!” Ella exclaimed, her shoulders beginning to shake. "This is bullshit, right?"

29. Missing

SORRY!!!!

I've been a little busy with school work this week - and after yesterday's victory and Jordan's nice little goal I decided to post again. I should be back to posting more regularly soon, I'm a little stressed with school work, which is taking a priority at the moment, but there's plenty more to come... a bit of a fluffy filler... Fingers crossed Jordan's OK


Song: The Coral - Dreaming of You


ELLA'S POV


I rummaged through my wardrobe looking for my Chanel purse – the purse I wanted to use for dinner tonight with Jordan. I was almost ready and he was supposed to be here in five minutes. “Soph! Have you seen my purse?” Knowing Sophie, she’d probably been in my wardrobe again and not put it back. She means well but sometimes she’s a little scatterbrained.

“Umm,” Sophie began, coming in my room. I looked into the mirror, checking my hair and applying a coat of lip gloss. She looked more than a little guilty.

“About that? I had it, but I don’t anymore…” She doesn’t have it anymore? What?

“What do you mean?” my brows narrowing in confusion, as I put on a navy blue blazer - it finally felt like spring was here and I couldn’t wait, summer is my favourite time of the year = warm weather, pool parties and having a nice tan.

“I lent it to a friend…”

“Well, can you get it back, you know it's my favourite,” I said, grabbing the essentials and putting them into another purse, which didn’t really match. Jordan wouldn’t notice.

“It’s not that simple,” Sophie replied as I headed towards the door. How could it not be simple? If you borrow something, you give it back. I was cross that she’d lent my purse to someone without my permission, only to say it wasn’t easy to get it back? Why couldn’t she get it back?



I hopped into Jordan’s dark car, stealing a quick kiss before we drove off. I glanced across at him, taking in his light blue jeans and shirt, open at the neck. He smelt good, the heady scent of citrus fruits and morning dew clouding my head. I had no idea where he was taking me, but hopefully somewhere better than McDonalds where we ended up last time; tonight I was a little overdressed for there.

“Something’s bugging you,” Jordan said, as we sat across from each other in the back of a tiny Italian place I didn't even know existed. He was right – my conversation with Sophie was still on my mind. I took a sip of my sparkling water, deciding whether to tell him or not. It was such a trivial issue, it was hardly necessary, but I didn’t want him to think it was something he’d done either. I wanted this to go well since I had ‘taken control’ which I interpreted to mean going slow, one step at a time. Though we had already jumped into bed - several times - I didn’t want a relationship built on raw passion and lust, I needed something more, despite telling myself I didn’t need a boyfriend, I knew I was falling for him.

“Just a conversation I’d had with Sophie earlier. She borrowed a purse,” I explained, noting Jordan’s quick look of relief as I said the word ‘purse’. Was he worrying that he’d done something? So far this evening he’d been the perfect gentlemen, opening doors, holding out my chair for me. He wasn’t usually this chivalrous but I appreciate good manners as much as the next girl.

“When do your exams finish?” Jordan asked as the waitress fussed over him.

“May 10th and I graduate on the 31st.” I can’t wait until it’s over, I’ve spent every waking moment of this last week either in my bedroom or in the library revising, making notes and reading Arabic books. I was looking forward to having a life after exams and being able to enjoy the summer.

“Yeah? You can come to our playoff matches,” Jordan literally beamed at me. I let out a little smile. I don’t know about that. Whilst I like watching Jordan play hockey, I’m not sure that I want to go to every game he plays. I wasn’t into hockey before I met him and being with him hadn’t piqued my interest. Of course, I supported him and wanted him to win and do his best with the team, but I wasn’t going to religiously go to his matches or watch them all either.

“Hmm, who says you’re going to be in the playoffs?” I teased, my foot grazing slowly against his leg, pushing the bottom of his jeans up and down. Jordan swallowed hard, looking like I'd mortally offended him.

“Me! Last match is next Wednesday and we’re currently second,” he added. “How’s Felix?” That was a complete change of subject. I dropped my foot, watching the muscles in Jordan’s shoulders relax – who knew I had such an effect on him.

“Felix is fine, still seeing Rosalie, whom I’ve yet to meet.” God knows why Felix was still lusting after her, perhaps it’s because he’s always wanted the unobtainable and a stripper has that ‘look but don’t touch’ vibe.

“Hmm I still need to meet Felix,” Jordan stated still lost in thought. I moved my foot back to his leg instantly pulling him out of his thoughts, watching his jaw clench as my foot moved higher. Jordan stretched his legs out beneath the table, grinning lazily as I had more leg to play with.

“Ella, can we go now,” Jordan whined. I shook my head. Thank god for the long table cloth so no one could see what I was doing to him. I dropped my foot, before looking at the dessert menu.

“I think I want dessert,” I said scanning the list, watching Jordan pout from under my eyelashes. He could be such a girl sometimes. “Maybe crème glacée or the tarte aux pommes…” I could tell Jordan was desperate to leave the restaurant and go somewhere else for his ‘dessert’ but since I was now calling the shots, I didn’t want to head straight to the bedroom. I wasn’t going to play games with Jordan, but I was damn sure he wasn’t going to get everything he wanted just like that. And a little teasing wasn’t going to hurt him. He needed to learn some patience.

“Ellaaa,” Jordan murmured again, trapping my feet between his and squeezing. I smiled my sweetest and most innocent smile back at him then taking a slow sip of my drink. I knew exactly what I was doing – I knew I was driving him crazy but watching him was turning me on too.

“Jordannn,” I copied back.

As soon as my dessert arrived, Jordan pulled out his wallet and dumped a few bills on the table before grabbing my hand and the dessert plate, pushing me out of the restaurant. This dominant Jordan was such a turn-on, I wouldn't have minded if he'd poured the ice cream over my body, licked it off and had his way with me up against the front of his car.