Chapter Four

     Five days later, she was at the “Little Penguins” camp. He’d been very specific in his instructions. The camp was not open to the public, only parents and family, so she was to meet Tony, his security guard, at the arena. He would have a pass for her and help her set up down on the ice. He had a carpet ready for her to do individual portraits and skates for her to take candid shots. She was a little worried about skating around the ice with her camera. She was not a very good skater. However, she didn’t have to go fast or turn too often, so things were going well. The children were delightful. They all had 87 jerseys either in black or white. The little ones were just as unsure on their skates as she was on hers. The way they responded to Sidney was amazing. She had seen the press on Sidney with kids and charities and was happy to discover that it was genuine. He loved skating with them and teasing them and he was a very good instructor. The kids just ate it up. And to be honest, so did she. Suddenly, she felt a soft jab from a hockey stick behind her and twisted quickly causing her to teeter on her skates. He caught her arms and steadied her.


“Sorry,” he laughed.

She grinned up at him clinging to his arm, “Don’t you make me fall! I’m not good at this.”

“Haven’t you ever been skating before?” he teased.

“Once.” She scowled at the scandalized look on his face. “Hello, from Texas here - not many frozen ponds where I grew up.”

“Do I need to get you a horse instead?”

“Oh, ha, ha. I’ve never heard that one before,” she sneered wobbling on her skates once again. She clung tighter to his arm. Skating arm in arm with him was making her nervous. He made her weak in the knees enough without skates on.

“Well, you really aren’t doing too badly for a rookie. I wouldn’t have known until now.” He gave her a knowing smile and skated her over to the carpet. He called all the kids and coaches together and they lined up for a big group shot together. He spent some time talking with parents and signing autographs. She started to pack up her equipment and Tony appeared at her side.

“I’ll take this out to your car for you, ma’am. Mr. Crosby would like you to wait for him,” Tony instructed. He took her keys and equipment and made his way out to the parking lot. She sat on the visitor’s bench and watched Sidney as he spoke with some of the coaches. He skated over to her and sat on the bench to remove his skates.

“Thanks for doing this today,” he said, grinning up at her as he unlaced his skate.

“It was a lot of fun.” She watched him pull his tennis shoes out of his gym bag and put them on. He couldn’t help but look handsome, even in his black and gold team sweats and jacket. He chatted with her automatically, laughing and smiling at her. She was beginning to feel completely comfortable with him again. The effect he had on people was amazing. He looked everyone in the eye and listened very well. He was thoughtful and funny. She could easily see why everyone loved him.

The arena emptied quickly while they were talking. He stood and offered her his hand. “Think you can walk?”

“Yes,” she stood and felt her feet and legs tingle.

“You’re feeling it now, aren’t you? If you skated more often, it would go away.” The sensation in her feet and calves subsided a bit and she felt comfortable again. It did feel a little odd to walk. She’d only encountered such a feeling once before, after jumping on a trampoline. Her legs felt slightly like jelly.

“Stop laughing at me,” she said with a playful shove. He laughed and led her toward the exit. He caught her staring with wonder above her at the banners.

“Haven’t you ever been here before?” he questioned.

“No.”

“Some fan, you are.”

“Hey!” she exclaimed, punching him in the arm. “None of my friends even like hockey. I just haven’t managed to get here all by myself yet. I watch the games on TV.”

“You need some better friends.” He changed direction and took her on a tour that started in the luxury boxes and ended in the locker room. She walked over to his locker stall. This was where he changed, where he prepared for the game, where he entertained the press. She ran her finger across his name plate and noticed him smiling at her.

“What?”

“You’re… very interesting,” he said moving closer to her.

“Interesting? How?” she asked.

“Your lips are very distracting,” he whispered in that low husky voice. “I can’t stop thinking about kissing them.”

He leaned in, his lips inches from hers. He ran his thumb across her cheek and raised her chin. Then he grazed his lips across hers. She caught her breath. He covered her mouth in a soft kiss. Then he parted her lips with his tongue. He kissed her deeply, thoroughly exploring her mouth, withdrew his tongue and then kissed her without. She thought he was going to pull away, but he pulled her close, lightly sucked on her bottom lip and plunged back in, over and over, taking her on a rollercoaster that made her delirious. She tangled her fingers into his soft, silky waves.

He kissed her neck and reveled in the soft whimper that escaped her lips. She didn’t smell of vanilla after all. It was more like the smell of the first snow back home, clean, fresh, like the crisp, cold air. How was that possible? Further down her neck he travelled, kissing hungrily. He was slightly disappointed that there were no buttons on her shirt today. Her fingers in his hair were tugging him back up, so his lips could reach hers.

She couldn’t believe this was happening. She was in his arms. His body was so warm and firm against hers. Her heart was beating so fast. She was having a hard time breathing. His kisses were driving her mad. When he kissed her neck, she just wanted to melt into him. She was completely intoxicated, at his mercy. His kisses slowed. No, no, no. He buried his face in her hair and held her close. He pulled away and looked down at her, his hand cupping her face. He smiled that dreamy smile.

“Have dinner with me tonight?” he breathed, trying to gain some self-control. This was not the time and certainly not the place to get carried away.

“Yes,” she gasped, closing her eyes as he ran his thumb across her lips.

“Good,” he grinned releasing her. “Come on. We better get out of here.”

He walked her to the car and found Tony waiting for them. He opened the car door for her and she got in. She was still stunned.

“I’ll pick you up at 7.”

She nodded to him and he closed her door and walked away with Tony. She couldn’t believe it. He turned and waved to her and she finally managed to start the car.