Chapter 9: Passed Fear

I was originally going to write this chapter in present time, with a changing POVs between Max and Maggie, with just a short past story from Max's thinking. But his thoughts seem to run away from me and it ended up being as long as a chapter. Oh well, that just means the next chapter has been started! Hope you enjoy!

~Aeryn

Max’s POV

We had won 3-2 against the Blues, and now finally, after a 5 game road trip, we were headed home. Most of the guys had significant others that they were antsy to see. I knew a few of the guys, especially the unmarried but in a relationship guys, would not attend the optional practice tomorrow morning. They would spend the morning and most of the day in bed with their girlfriends, only to come to practice on Sunday morning standing a little taller and with more confidence. The “I-just-got-laid” look on their faces.

I sigh, putting on my headphones and hitting shuffle on my iPod. Looking out the window into the dark night sky, my thoughts drifting unintentionally toward a spitfire girl that was not a good relationship candidate. Never the less, she had managed to infatuate me. However, my mind couldn’t decide whether or not to be excited about our dinner tomorrow night because I was getting to spend time with the entertaining beauty, or to dread it with the inevitability of seeing her brother again. It wasn’t a date, it was just three old friends getting together. Yet even though I didn’t do relationships, I would much rather go on a date with Maggie than have to come face to face with Padraig Sutherland after what had happened almost ten years ago.

(8 ½ years earlier in Quebec)

“Maaax! We’re done, man! Finally we can get out of here, done with all that petty high school drama, all those stupid grades. We’re done!” Paul says, sitting down on the couch beside me and spilling his beer as he did so. The blonde in my lap that I was having an unimportant conversation with, giggles at his intoxication.

We had finally graduated high school and now we were off! No more schooling for me, I’m going to make it big. I’m going to play into the NHL!

I roll my eyes before taking a look around the room as he talks to the blonde on my lap, his words slurring together as he drunkenly tries to explain the last hockey fight he was in.

The party is at one of my teammate’s house, and of course his idiotic parents left him alone in the house a week after graduation. They were going to have a hell of a mess on their hands when they got home. It isn’t a huge house, but it is amazing how many people could fill the space. Anyone who is anybody is here, and the people were still arriving! The front door had hardly been closed all night.

I could smell the stale stench of cheap alcohol, wafting around the house and the numerous drunk people. Everyone was laughing, slurring words, and falling over before laughing even harder. Sloppy kisses were being thrown around like the beer cans and games involving cups were adding to the inebriation.

“Oh, look! The Sutherland boys are here… oh, and they brought their sister too…” one of the brunettes behind the couch says, her tone turning to disappointment when she sees the female Sutherland.

The Sutherlands were like gods in the school, but they weren’t the stereotypical popular crowd. They didn’t have crowds of people constantly hanging around them. Instead, there were only a few kids they seemed to be close with. They were the kids that didn’t have to show up to every party to be cool, they just were. With their tan skin, fine features, dark hair, and blue/green eyes, their native looks added a mysterious command and beauty. All were athletic and excelled in their chosen sports, mostly because their father demanded it. They weren’t snobbish or stuck up, instead very down to earth, but with boiling hot tempers and stubborn ways. They were like a pack of wolves in the school, everyone wanted to be with them, but few could be accepted fully

For years they had dominated the school, since Searn, Paddy, and Maggie had moved in 3 years ago. Sean had graduated last year, but because his two siblings had just graduated he was still around in the summers. The twins, Paddy and Maggie, both graduated, just like I had, last week. Paddy was a damned good hockey player, but he didn’t have what it took to go pro. Maybe his skills could progress enough, but he didn’t WANT to continue with hockey. He was off to some college or something in British Columbia. Maggie was a damned good soccer player, and her father wants her to go pro after attending college in Montreal.

“Paddy! Sean!” I yell, getting up from the couch, did I mention the two were not only my former hockey teammates and neighbors, but also my good friends.

“Mad Max!” They both say in almost unison, coming over to shake my hand.

“Congrats, man,” Sean grins at me, “Who would’ve thought you and Paddy would ever graduate.”

“Some how that congratulations lost its effect,” I chuckle rolling my eyes, making them boom out with laughter.

“Hey boys,” the blonde I was with says coming over to us,. She proceeds to hang off of me and size up the Sutherlands at the same time, letting her slightly blood shot eyes wonder over them as her nails drag across my shoulders. “You guys looking to get a lay tonight?” she giggles drunkenly.

It was no secret that every girl that had gone through our high school in the past 3 years had had a crush on one of the Sutherland boys. Two had gone through our high school and three others were around occasionally, all at least 6 foot and muscular.

“Awww… Marie, they don’t want anything you got. But Pauly on the couch over there has been trying to catch a disease,” a sultry voice says, handing the two brothers each a bottle of beer.

If ever girl had a crush on one of the Sutherland guys, almost every guy had a fantasy that involved their sister, Maggie. The Captain of girls Soccer was a spitfire that was for sure. Her plentiful raven waves swept back in a pony tail, showing off her rebellious feather tattoo. Her green eyes stare at me humorously, her pink lips smirking, as her hands rested on her hips that were clad in short cut off jeans.

The blonde lets out a bitter “humf,” and wobbles off.

I pout at the beauty that had scared her off, I could have gotten laid tonight.

“Come on Max, Marie? That girl is a walking STD,” Maggie chuckles, shaking her head as she takes a swig of her beer.

“No worries, Maggs, I’m always safe,” I wink at her.

She throws her head back, letting out a laugh that was even louder than her brothers’.

“Whatever, Talbot. I’ll see you guys later,” she smiles rolling her eyes before sauntering off elsewhere.

“Feels good to be free, eh Talbot!” Sean asks, toasting me with his beer.

I grin back, raising my beer bottle in return looking over to Paddy, who sends a suspicious look my way.

I quickly avert my gaze, playing it off as if I didn’t see it. It wasn’t a secret that I had a crush on Maggie, although she seemed oblivious to the fact. And it definitely wasn’t a secret that Paddy was the most protective of Maggie’s brothers.

(Later)

“Maxime Talbot,” she giggles, flopping down in my lap.

“Hey Maggs,” I grin, carefully taking the red cup of mysterious liquid from her hand and setting it on the littered coffee table in front of me.

“I’ll talk to ya later Max,” the guy I was conversing with says, giving me a sly grin that said ‘You lucky bastard.’

“Yeah see you Joe,” I nod his way as I feel her hands make their way around my neck and she presses herself into me. Making chills of pleasure go up my spine.

“So, rumor has it you got a lil’ thing for me,” she half slurs into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

“Oh yeah? Who told you that?” I ask with a grin, as she moves so that she’s facing me.

“Pauly. He said that even though you have all those girls, you really just want me,” she giggles biting her lip.

“What if he’s right?”

Her drunken grin drops as a look of seriousness passes onto her face. Suddenly her mouth is on mine, her tongue in my mouth in a sloppy opened mouth kiss. I try to tell myself that she’s just completely wasted, but I find myself kissing her back. Maybe it was the buzz I was feeling, maybe it was just male instinct, maybe it’s just that I can’t say no to something I’ve wanted for so long. I can taste the mixture of liquor and beer on her tongue as it dances with mine. Her leg swings around so that she is sitting in my lap completely, as she moves her hip slightly to rub her crotch against mine. I let out a groan at the feeling, God I could lay her down on the coffee table right now.

But it’s Maggie, why did it have to be Maggie. Any other girl I would, not caring about how she felt, after all it was only one night. But it was Maggie, I didn’t want that, I wanted to do this right or at least so that she would remember it.

“Maggs,” I groan, taking my lips away from her.

“What’s the matter, Max?” she purrs, her now swollen lips moving to my neck, “I thought you wanted me.”

I groan as she nibbles right below the corner of my jaw before passing her hot tongue over it.

“You have no idea how much,” I say, trying not to lose it right here, “But Maggie, you’re drunk.”

“Only a little,” she giggles against my neck, “But I can assure you, that you won’t be able to tell if you take me upstairs.”

I let out a groan at the thought of doing just that. Jesus Christ, I would love to do just that. Where did this conscious come from?!

“Maggie, I can’t…”

“Come on Max, I really want you,” she slurs, leaning in to attach her lips to mine again.

I put a finger up, stopping the connection, knowing that if I let her kiss me, my self control would dissolve.

“No, Maggs,” I sigh.

She pulls away, her green eyes beginning to water. Shit!

“So Pauly wasn’t right?” she whispers.

“Maggs…”

“Fine. I’ll go see if Joe wants some company,” she sniffs, before attempting to get up.

“No you won’t,” I say, holding her down, my blood boiling at the thought of Joe’s hands on her.

“Max, I don’t want to be around you now…” she whines.

“Maggie, you can’t go with Joe!” I say firmly.

“STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!” she shouts at me, making me cringe, “Everyone is always telling me what to do! I’m done, leave me alone!”

I look at her and see the tears begin to descend down her cheeks, there was more to this than just me. I look around to see if Sean or Paddy is anywhere near in hopes of acquiring their help.

“Come on Maggs, let’s get out of here,” I whisper pulling her into me and walking to the door, hearing her cry quietly into my shirt.

I walk with her to the playground down the road from the house and sit her on the steps to the slide. Her tears still descending down her cheeks, as her lip quivers. I pull her into me, her arms coming around my neck like before, but now it’s as if she holds on for dear life as a sob tears through her. I just let her cry, knowing that there wasn’t much more I could do. I wait as her sobs slowly slow into quiet sniffing.

“Maggs, what’s wrong? This isn’t like you,” I whisper in the darkness.

“I’m scared,” she whimpers back.

“Scared of what?!” I say taken aback, never in a million years did I think I would hear Maggie Sutherland say those words.

“I need to get out, I need to leave. Dad… I just keep disappointing him, and he keeps pushing me to go into the military or play soccer,” she begins.

“But I thought you liked playing soccer?”

“I’m out of here next week Max. I’m leaving. I can’t wait for August to go to college, and I’m afraid to be alone.”

Her confession caught me off guard. She was afraid to be alone? That was the reason I had never asked her out. She was so independent. She didn’t need a guy. She liked to be alone. And now, she’s afraid to go out on her own.

“What about that college your dad said you were going to? You were going into their soccer program?”

“I’m going to Pennsylvania State University in the United States,” she says shaking her head, “I got accepted and approved for aid. Dad doesn’t know yet. And I never loved playing soccer Max, my dad wants me to play soccer.”

“The U.S.?! Maggs what about your friends and brothers?” I say feeling as though someone just punched me.

“There’s nothing here for me Max. I don’t belong here. Hell, I haven’t felt at home anywhere in… in… ten years,” she murmurs quietly, paying with the necklace.

“Ten years?” I ask confused, and then it dawns on me, “Since your mom died…”

She just nods her head, more tears leaking out of her eyes.

“I can’t stay here, I don’t belong here and I need to get away from the Admiral and lead my own life. I don’t want to be a soccer star, I don’t want to go into the military. I want to travel the world, Max. I want to get to know it’s ancient secrets; I want to go to Italy and eat real Italian food. I want to visit my family in Ireland. I want to stand next to the pyramids at Giza. I want to paddle a canoe in the Amazon. I can’t do that if I stay with Dad. I need freedom!” she says, her voice becoming more powerful.

I had caught a glimpse of the insecure, depressed, and afraid Maggie Sutherland. A rare exotic creature, that was rumored to be extinct. I doubt that many others had ever had a glimpse, even within her own family.

“But I’m afraid that I’ll make mistakes. That I’ll just end up poor, getting married to a guy I hate because he knocked me up and I’ll be stuck in a life I hate all my life.”

I look down at her, as she leans up against me for support.

“Maggs, you need to do this. You are capable of so much more, and you’ve got the guts and fire to get you far,” I chuckle, “Look at me, I’m going to go to the NHL, or at least that’s what I tell people. But who knows if I’ll ever make it. Maybe I’ll get stuck and only make it as far as the AHL. Maybe I’m not good enough. But I have to try. I’ll never know if I can do it, if I don’t try. Which is exactly what you need to do Maggie. Don’t regret not knowing.” I say sternly, wishing I could listen to my own words and take the plunge with her. Maybe we could be something spectacular… but now I guess we’ll never know. After she left for college, I would probably never see her again. The thought tore through me and upset me more than I thought it would.

“Max…” she whispers up to me, her head on my shoulder, “take me home.”

“Sure thing, Maggs,” I smile, helping her up.

As we approach her house 15 minutes later, I stop at her door. Wanting to make sure she got inside ok, before I went to my house next to hers.

“Max, I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she says, trying to concentrate on the keys in her hands.

I take a deep breath, weighing my options. I wanted to, God did I want to, even if it was just sleeping next to her, I knew I might not get time alone with her ever again. But what if Paddy found out, he’d be so pissed.

“Please Max,” she whispers her voice cracking as she looks at me with watery green eyes, unable to find her keys because her mind was clouded with alcohol.

I sigh, finding her house key and following her in.

She leads me up to her bedroom on the second floor. It was small and painted a simple white, with a few posters of landscapes on the wall. Stark, clean line that looked military issue. Definitely not something I pictured as Maggie’s room.

“I have to pee,” she waves, wobbling over to the bathroom.

I kick off my shoes and stand awkwardly in the middle of the room, not sure what to do. I shouldn’t be here. If any of the Sutherland’s found out I was here, I’d be in for a broken nose and worse. I should just leave now, before she gets back in.

I hear the door to her bathroom open, signaling her coming back in. Shit, too late. Maybe I could make an excuse.

“Look Maggie…” I say my hand subconsciously coming to tug on my hair.

“Hmmm?” I hear her ask from the doorway.

I look up, to begin my excuse, but my breath hitches and my mouth goes dry at the sight in front of me. She stood in the doorway, in a pair of black striped boy briefs and the green t-shirt she was wearing before but without a bra. Her dark brown hair out of the ponytail it was in, tumbling over her shoulders.

“I … ummm… nothing,” I manage to stutter out.

She just nods in a drunken sleepy way, before crawling into bed. I watch as her hairbrushes pillow and she pulls her legs to her chest. Staring at the white wall, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

“Maggie?” I whisper in the darkness, only the moonlight illuminating the room.

“I feel trapped,” she sniffs, “I hate this room.”

I sigh, giving in completely, I had to stay. I take off my t-shirt before crawling into bed next to her. I cautiously reach out to her, touching her shoulder, feeling her flinch slightly.

“Maggie, come here,” I whisper.

After a few minutes of me holding my breath and waiting for her to turn to even look at me, she does just that. She turns, looking at me from brilliantly green eyes, tears still on her face. I find myself reaching out, to cup her face in my left hand, as I lay facing her, wiping tears off her cheeks.

“You’re going to make it Maggs. You’ve got what it takes to get out of here and succeed,” I whisper, before my thumb brushes along her jaw soft jaw line, Hoping that she remembers my words in the morning, but knowing she probably won’t.

Her head tilts at my touch, as my thumb drifts to her chin. I watch as her long lashes drift down touching her freckled cheeks. Here she was, in my touch. I could have had her all this time. I could have kissed her everyday. But instead, this was it.

I bring my lips slowly to hers, taking my time wanting to memorize the feeling of her lips next to mine. She was leaving in a week, and I would never see her again. I wanted her, God did I, but I couldn’t do that to her.

My lips move against hers, spurred on when she kisses me back. My hand drops to her slim waist, pulling her closer to me as her hand find it’s way to my shoulder, then my neck, and then her slim fingers found their way through my hair. My mouth opens at the feeling, my tongue poking at her lips, begging her to give me a chance and let me in, at least for a little while.

I hear her let out a content sigh as she slowly gives in, meeting my tongue with her own.

“What the fuck Talbot!” I hear a whisper yell, as a fist connects with my side.

I open my eyes to see Padraig Sutherland sending me a death glare, his cheeks reddening and his green eyes looking lethal.

I look over to see the one person that would make him burst into flame in a fit of rage. Her head rested on my shoulder, her hand across my chest as she slept obliviously with a small smile on her pink lips, lashes splayed on high freckled cheekbones.

“Get up Talbot, before I make you get up,” he growls quietly, apparently not wanting to wake up his sister.

I carefully move out from under the sleeping beauty and out of bed, grateful that I had decided to leave my jeans on. I pick up my t-shirt from on the floor and follow him out the door, looking back at Maggie one last time.

As soon as I walk out the door, Paddy’s fist collides with my face, making pain shoot up from my jaw.

“What the fuck do you think you were doing, Max?!” he speaks loudly, as I hold my jaw.

“Nothing happened Paddy, she was drunk, crying, and she asked me to stay. That’s it, nothing happened!” I growl back.

His fist collides with my face again, “Bull shit. Maggie doesn’t cry.”

“Look Paddy….” I say clutching my face.

“Get the fuck out of my house Talbot. And if you ever come near my sister again, I will turn you inside out and make sure you never play hockey again,” he growls pushing me down the hallway.

“Max let’s go!” Marc-Andre calls, motioning me off the plane. Apparently I had completely zoned out in my thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m on my way,” I respond, quickly gathering up all my shit.

Maggie hadn’t remembered anything about that night, or at least I didn’t think she did. I hadn’t talked to her again since I bumped into her at the Pig and Fiddle a few weeks ago. A week after I had spent the night in the Sutherland house, Maggie was gone, just like she said. And in fear of commitment and my own feelings (although I blamed the fear on Padraig Sutherland’s threat), I let her go.

Chapter 8: Lines and Boundaries

“Would you hurry the fuck up?” I grumble, looking at my watch again as I lean against the counter in her apartment.

“Shut it! It’s not my fault I’m not ready, you should have been more specific about the time!” she yells back from her room. I watch from the kitchen as she pulls a navy blue hoodie over her head, covering a thin gray tank top. Good thing, I might not have made it to practice with skin like that left showing.

She sighs, pulling her unruly mane out. “Alright, let’s go,” she grumbles, grabbing her keys off the counter and her messenger bag of the bar stool.

“You sure you don’t want to wait another 10 minutes? Hell, half an hour and you can see me do suicides for being late to practice,” I grit out.

“Look,” she says whipping around before we can get to the elevator, those emerald eyes glaring at me, her hands on her hips, “Next time, tell me when you are going to show up at my door step! That way, not only will I be showered and decently caffeinated, I will be ready to leave!”

“Fine! I just assumed that you got up before 9:30,” I sigh sarcastically.

“Well, you know what happens when you assume,” she sighs, pulling a tube of Burt’s Bees from her pocket and releasing it’s minty scent as she applied it to her full pink lips. I look to her with an eyebrow cocked waiting for the answer, my eyes focused on those luscious lips, “You have to deal with me.”

I sigh and look over to her, as she presses the button for the elevator and stands with her arms across her chest and an annoyed look on her face. I had told her yesterday that I was taking her to lunch and that I want her to watch our practice. I, however, forgot to mention practice was at 10:30. When I came to pick her up at 9:30, I woke her up.

“Eh, seeing you in your pajamas was worth it,” I smirk, remembering her opening the door in a sleepy haze with an oversized penguins shirt and black rimed glasses on, her raven mane a mess of sexy curls.

“It was on the floor, it was the first thing I picked up!” She says exasperated, throwing her hands in the air.

After I told her she had 10 minutes, she rushed away from me to get ready, giving me a glimpse of the number 25 on it and my last name on top of her t-shirt. I gave her just enough time to change into a hoodie and worn out jeans and spend 5 minutes in the bathroom doing the essentials. She just had time to put in her contacts and I watched in the mirror as she swiped on a coat of mascara, making fun of her “make up face” as she did so. She looked almost like a college kid on her way to class, dressed in an old beat up Penn State sweatshirt, tattered jeans, well worn black pair of low top converse, and her leather messenger bag that looked like it had gone through the war. Perhaps I should have given her more time to get ready. But she looked damned sexy as is.

“So what you’re saying is that you sleep naked…” I grin, this was fun.

She lets out a small laugh, before that sexy siren smile splashes on her face and her green eyes deepen mischievously.

“Yup,” she replies, boarding the elevator

My eyes widen and I have to suppress a groan as she chuckles and pushes the button for the ground floor. I could just imagine that tanned skin and curves against her blood red sheets. It was enough to make my cock twitch.

I was kidding! I didn’t think she would confirm it!

“Jesus, Maggs,” I let out a groan, tugging on my hair slightly as I follow her.

She chuckles and looks up to me with a smile, “What’s the matter Talbot? You asked and I gave you an honest answer,” she smiles widening her eyes innocently. But by the smirk on those sassy lips, I could tell she knew what she was doing to me.

“You better watch it Maggs,” I warn taking a step toward her, backing her into the elevator wall.

“Or what Talbot? What are you gonna do?” she asks, taking a slight step forward and almost closing the distance between us.

She has to tilt her head to look up to me with those mischievous green eyes and her hands on her hips challenging me. I look down to her, feeling my eyes gravitate away from her emerald eyes, to the pink sarcastic smirk she was sporting. Her mint and pepper scent was clogging my brain from being this close to her. The warmth from her small body radiating into mine as one delicate looking hand touches my chest lightly, making me jump.

“That’s what I thought,” she replies smugly, pushing back on my chest and forcing me to take a step back, “You’re all talk,” she laughs shaking her head.

Suddenly, I find myself reaching over to flip the switch to hold the elevator and before she can react, my hands are on her hips, pushing her into the aluminum of the elevator wall. Her head whips up, her eyes holding shock and a very pissed off look.

“Or, Maggie Sutherland...” I smirk at her, bending my head down towards hers.

I stop just before my lips touch hers, as I can hear her inhale, holding her breath waiting for me to close the space. As temped as I am to do just that, I hold it together, moving my lips as they hover over her jaw line, before reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ear.

“... You are going to get a lot more than you bargained for,” I whisper in her ear, allowing my warm breath to help me in the temptation.

I watch as she looks up to me with a heat lusty stare before it slowly diffuses out of her and she glares at me. Then I move away and flip the switch back up on the elevator to turn it on.

She exhales quietly before gathering herself and rummaging around in her bag. I stand smirking as the elevator doors open, thinking I had stunned her out of a smart-ass comment.

The elevator doors ding open as she pulls what she was searching for out of her bag.

“Tic Tac?” she asks with a smirk, holding out the little plastic box with the tiny mints inside.

I just stare at her, my mouth hanging open, what a little bitch.

Maggie’s POV

“Would you stop?!” I snap, batting his hands away from my neck.

“Your tag is out, I’m trying to fix it. “ he says frustrated.

“Maybe I want it that way,” I counter, shooting him a glare.

He stands in front of me and rolls his eyes, before reaching out again, to fix my tag.

“Stop!” I huff, stepping out of reach and pushing my tag back into my shirt again myself, “There happy? Now get to practice,” I growl pointing to the locker room door that is just a few feet away from us. Jimmy shaking his head and chuckling at our banter.

“I’m going, I’m going,” he grumbles, rolling his eyes at me, “I’ll call you as soon as I’m out of the shower. We’re going to the Pig and Fiddle for lunch, so be ready to go. And if some of the guys go with us, be nice.”

“When am I ever not?” I sigh dramatically.

He throws hid head back and lets his laughter echo off the walls of the arena. His laughter was kind of infectious, I think as I find myself smiling.

“See ya later, Maggs,” he says, pausing and looking down at me.

I look back up to him curiously; his blue eyes were a rather brilliant blue at the moment. I shake the feeling wondering if it was something on my face that was causing the look. I know I had gotten ready quickly; did I have toothpaste on my face? I was about to ask, when he suddenly bows his head down pressing his lips quickly to my cheek before walking off into the locker room. I felt the spot he his lips had brushed tingle and found myself trying to suppress a blush? What was that?! I resist the urge to touch the place where his lips just were and quickly brush it off.

“I hope you skate so hard you puke!” I clear my voice and call out to him sweetly, grinning at Jimmy before finding a place in the stands to watch the action.

I plop down in an arena seat situated higher up and looking directly at center ice. After balancing my coffee on the chair next to me, I pull my unruly curls back into a loose bun so that they were away from my face, I didn’t really have time to get ready today, but it wasn’t like I couldn’t handle it, to be honest I rarely had time to look gorgeous in the morning. My laid back attire was usual for my off days, like today, and not that different from my workdays. I pull out the new iPhone I had recently purchased (and one that I had been dreaming of on my stay in Egypt) and check my email for the day, reaching over to get my coffee and sipping it cautiously. Allowing my mind to wander.

What the hell was that in the elevator?! After we had gotten in the car, it was as if nothing had happened. But the warm spot between my thighs was a reminder that it had indeed happened. Max had been dangerously close, and I thought for sure he was going to kiss me. And the scariest thing was, I’m pretty sure I would have let him!

His blue eyes turned that stormy gray color and the musky smell of his cologne was a definite turn on. As soon as I put my hand on his solid chest I regretted it. The warmth of his skin through the flannel shirt he was wearing almost burned and the solid muscle made me want to sneak my fingers between the buttons. His lips ghosting along my jawline was enough to make my breath catch, and when his warm breath hit my ear, I almost lost my composure right there. Max Talbot was damned tempting.

I groan at my thought, they were wandering too much in the wrong direction.

I hated when he messed with me like that. I know I may have crossed over some line, but now that I knew where it was, I wasn’t going to cross it again. I couldn’t. Max and I were better off in the friend zone, and kissing was in a sure fire way to get kicked out of there. Besides, he was just fucking with me. It didn’t mean anything, right? I mean, come on, it’s Max! He can go get some chick at the bar if he wants a lay. He wouldn’t spend this time trying to get in my pants, right?

I sigh, trying to not let it get to me. I had to just put it out of my mind. God I needed to get laid. Get all this hormonal shit out of my system.

A few stands away from me I could see a group of girls that seemed to be only a few years younger than me. There were about 4 of them that had put a lot of effort into their appearance for today. Hair either perfectly straight or in tumbling waves, low cut shirts under winter jackets and jeans tucked into ugg boots. They weren’t fake, like the girl that was with Max the day I bumped into him at the pub. They were the perfect little snow bunnies, all bundled up to watch the boys practice. And although they were in an ice rink… it was the end of October, the winter apparel wasn’t needed. I watch as they all gasp and giggle with excitement as the boys take the ice, skating in circles to warm up their legs. Crosby takes the ice they all shriek with joy, causing my not fully caffeinated head to throb.

“Jesus Christ…” I murmur, pushing on one of my ears, those voices could break sound barriers.

I watch as Max skates out, a wad of bubble gum in his mouth. He looks up to the stands as he skates over to Crosby. He talks to him briefly, before pointing up in my direction and grinning like a buffoon. I just roll my eyes, choosing a small salute, thinking that flipping him off wouldn’t be very appropriate. He grins back before going to talk to his other teammates.

I see the girls giggle with excitement.

“Can you believe it?! Max Talbot looked up at us!” one of them gawks, the other girls squeal in excitement.

“Oy,” I groan as my palm hits my forehead, this was going to be a long practice.

Suddenly Flogging Molly sounds through the arena. I furrow my brows before I recognize the song, Swagger. I grin and pull my phone off the chair beside me, a picture of my second half and I looking back at me.

“Don’t know where I’m going. Don’t know where…” My ring tone sings.

“Paddy!” I grin excitedly into the phone.

Max’s POV

Sid steps foot on the ice and I hear a loud shriek go up in the stands, I chuckle and step out after him. I look up to them, thinking as I chew the sweet pink bubble gum. 4 little budding puck bunnies. I chuckle, knowing the kid wanted nothing to do with the little tarts, he was tied down by his life, he had to watch where he lays… or with whom he lays. Wouldn’t trade him for the world. I grin still looking in the stands, thinking that maybe I could have one of those tonight. I look further into the stands and spot the spitfire who had accompanied me to practice. She sat rolling her eyes at the other girls and drinking her coffee, no doubt cursing them in her head… hopefully it wasn’t out loud.

Before I walked into the locker room, I took a risk, taking a step further and kissing her cheek. I walked into the locker room quickly, afraid that she would come to her senses and break my nose.

“Hey Crosby, I see your posse is here!” I chuckle skating over to him.

He smiles slightly, almost shyly, but not looking up to the stands, knowing that it would set of their squeals.

“You jealous Max?”

“Of you?! Pfft, you wish. I got my own onlooker today,” I grin, pointing up to the raven haired beauty, next to them.

“Maggie?!” he asks following my hand, as she gives a small salute, “I thought you didn’t do relationships.”

“I don’t, we’re just friends.”

“Uh huh, I could say that and it would be true, but when you say it, it just means you want to get in her pants,” he replies rolling his eyes and taking a lap around the rink.

I grin, knowing he was right.

“So Max,” Letang says, “If why you spending so much time on Maggie, eh? You never work this hard to get a girl for one night.”

“Because Tanger,” I chuckle, “This is one that is worth pursuing. And I need to check her off my bucket list.”

“She’s on your bucket list? Max, that’s gross,” Marc says next to me.

“Not a bucket list. Just the one that got away,” I laugh, pulling off my elbow pad and chucking it in my bag, “I need a bit of a challenge every once in awhile.”

I finish my shower, putting on a flannel shirt and jeans before heading out into the lounge to pick up Maggie.

I find her grinning wider than a Cheshire cat, bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet.

“Hey Maggs, we have to wait for a few of the boys. You liked practice that much?”

“Eh, it was ok,” she waves off quickly, “But guess what?”

“What?” I ask grinning, her attitude infectious.

“Paddy is coming to visit!” She grins, almost bursting at the seams.

“Paddy?” I ask, furrowing my brow before they raise in surprise, “You mean your brother, Paddy?”

“Yup! He’s coming to see me for a few days next week! I told him you were living in Pittsburgh too and he said he wanted to see you,” she giggles, clearly excited.

I swallow the sudden anxiousness in my throat.

“He wants to see me?” I ask slowly.

“Yup! I know you have a road trip next week, but will you be back by Thursday?”

“Uhmm, I dunno Maggs, I’ll have to see…” I reply slowly.

The last time I saw Padraig Sutherland, he threatened to turn me inside out if I came near his little sister again.

Chapter 7: Yuengling and Chinese

I peel off my under armour, my hair no doubt standing up in all different directions. I rub my hands over my face; the tiredness starting to seep in after the press had left practice. I look down to my bag by my stall. I sigh and take out my phone, There was a text from Frank asking when Mom’s Birthday was, a text from “Anna” I think she was the blond that took my phone last night at the club and plugged in her number. Apparently she wanted to know if we would be at the club again tonight, and a text from Verizon, telling me about a new plan they offered. Still nothing. Not a text or a voicemail, or even a missed call. Nothing.

I sigh frustrated, throwing my phone back into my open bag and heading toward the showers.

3 week. 3 fucking weeks and I had still not heard from Maggie! I knew there was a chance that I would never see her again after I walked out of the apartment, but now it was bugging me that we lived in the same city and I had no one to pick on. Which wasn’t entirely true, I had a whole hockey team, but it was just so fun getting under Maggie’s skin. I missed her spit fire attitude and infectious laugh. I didn’t want to just not see her again for the next decade.

I step into the shower after turning on the water. My skin jumps and I let out my breath in a hiss as I come in contact with the extremely hot water. Soon, it numbs my skin, easing the tension out of my muscles.

I needed, no not needed… I wanted to see her. I groan, letting my head fall back against the tile in the shower as I think of her at the club, the white tank top, that slick golden skin, the thick mane of raven hair and those emerald green eyes. The way her hips moved to the beat, the gold buckle of her belt catching the light in the club. How her hands came up, running up the nape of her neck to collect her hair. I feel my cock twitch just at the memory. I couldn’t have forgotten how she looked if I wanted to, and it was a damned turn on. I was going to have to make the first move. Maggie was too damned stubborn to admit that she may have been wrong. It was a pointless fight. I turn off the water off, and step out of the shower, toweling off and wrapping the towel around my waist. I was going to go find her.

Maggie’s POV

“Ugh,” I groan in frustration. I wipe off my mud-covered hands on my jeans and pull my mass of wet hair back into a ponytail. Getting the annoying sopping strands out of my eyes. I bend back down into the shallow hole, scraping away more dirt as does the worker next to me.

“Maggie!” I hear a voice call.

“Yeah, what’s up Jeff?” I ask popping my head up and looking in the direction of the voice.

He motions me over to the other carefully marked hole he is digging. I nod my head and putting my hands on the dirt wall of my own carefully dug hole and hoisting myself out. I try to brush the mud off my jeans, but only brush more on. I let out a frustrated sigh as the rain continues to pelt down on me.

“Does it ever stop raining here?!” I grumble.

“Haha, it doesn’t seem to,” he laughs, “Maggs what do you say we pack up early today? I mean it’s Friday and everyone is miserable in this rain.”

He was right. It had been raining for the better part of a week but today was horrible. It was like Monsoon season on the African plains. Everyone was cold, wet, and miserable. Digging in the dirt was fun, but digging in cold mud was not only difficult, but also exhausting.

“Yeah, let’s pack up and get outta here Jeff. I’m beat and I think so is everyone else,” I nod.

He nods and walks off to inform his crew while I walk over to mine and tell them the good news. I wipe the water dripping off the end of my nose as the rain comes down harder and I suppress a shiver. I was soaked to the bone.

After a good half hour of getting everything squared away and making sure all the workers left the site, I make my way back to my jeep, only to find a nice looking little black sporty thing next to my car. I stop, in my head I go over who it could possibly be, when the front door opens and HE steps out.

I had to admit; he looked damned good in jeans and a hoodie, the heavy rainfall quickly marking a dot pattern on his broad shoulder as he smirked that cocky smirk at me.

“What do you want Talbot?”

Max’s POV

“Excuse me, is there a Maggie Sutherland, here?” I ask stopping some cold and pitiful looking guy.

“Yeah, she’ll be along in a minute,” he nods, heading to his car.

I mumble a thanks and go back to claim the shelter of my car. I’m about to turn on the car, and turn up the heat and music. But I spot petite figure headed my way. She smiles and waves to some guy, giving him a smile as she adjusts the strap of some old beat up leather bag around her shoulder. I watch as she pushes a soaked wet curl out of her face and tucks it behind her ear. I smirk as she walks toward me, trying to find her keys in her bag. The jeans she wore hug from her hips because of how saturated with water they were with brown patches of mud intermixed in the denim. Her khaki military style coat added soaking weight on top of a waterlogged dark red t-shirt. I chuckle at the sight; maybe I should have waited until it was at least a sunny day out. She pulls her keys out of her bag and her eyes connect with my car when she lifts her head. She stops her brow furrowing as I step out of the car, those green eyes widen slightly before narrowing on me.

“What do you want Talbot?” she asks lowly, continuing to walk over to her car.

“Hey to you too Maggs. How’s the dig?” I ask, walking over with her.

“Could be better, it’s pretty difficult to dig in the mud,” she mumbles, unlocking her car.

She throws her bag in the passenger seat before hopping into the driver’s seat.

“Maggs come on…” I begin, knowing that she was just planning on rolling out of their without saying a word to me.

“What Max?”

“Can we at least talk? I mean, I wanted us to see each other more than once ever decade,” I chuckle.

“Max, I’m cold and I’m wet…” she begins, her head wiping up to meet my amused smirk, “Don’t make that last one dirty.”

I fake shock, “Maggie, I would never.”

“Uh huh. Look Max, I just want to go home and take a hot shower and order Chinese and do nothing. I’ve been working in the rain for the past few days,” she grumbles.

“I’ll bring the beer,” I smirk, before closing her door and cutting off her rejection. She looks straight up pissed as I hear her muffled voice draw out my name in a warning. However, I ignore it and head back to my car.

“See ya there, Maggs,” I wave.

****

“Honestly, Talbot, you have nothing better to do today than follow me home?” she grumbles, shoving her key into lock and with a solid twist unlatching it.

“Nope, I’m all yours today Maggs,” I grin at her.

“Oh, joy,” she says, her eyes rolling skyward before walking into her apartment.

I walk in behind her and let my gaze wonder around the apartment. My jaw slightly slackens at the sight in front of me. In the 3 weeks since the shouting match of the century, Maggie had managed to transform her apartment into a one of a kind space. Pictures covered one of the walls in a mismatched abstract pattern of sorts, while the other wall was completely hidden by two bookcases that were big enough to make me wonder how Maggie even got them through the door. They weren’t empty bookshelves either. Each shelf was lined from end to end with an assortment of books. There were only two shelves that didn’t contain any books, instead were a few artifacts and then more pictures.

The actual wall space that was seen was a sage green color and a red worn-out Persian rug was nestled under the dark wooden coffee table.

“Wow, Maggs. I like what you’ve done with the place,” I say taking a look around.

“Thanks. I need a shower…”she sighs, running a hand through her drenched locks, after throwing her keys on the kitchen counter and hanging her jacket and bag on an oak coat tree next to the door.

“Is that an invitation?” I grin suggestively at her, setting the case of Yuengling down next to her keys.

“Hardly,” she snorts with an eye roll, “Are you gonna be here when I get out of the shower, or am I just going to find a note?”

“Oh, no worries Maggie, I’ll be here,” I chuckle, plopping down on the beat up brown leather couch.

“Fine, just don’t break anything,” she replies with a yawn before retreating to her room.

I watch as she walks into her room, and snicker at the brown smudge of a handprint that was on her ass. No doubt she had wiped off her hands on the back of her jeans. I listen to her opening and closing drawers and a closet door before she heads into the only bathroom with a towel in hand. I wait for a minute before I hear the shower turn on, telling me that she was in there for at least 10 minutes. Should I or shouldn’t I? I look down passed my hands and to the dark hard wood floor, searching for the answer.

“Why the hell not?” I murmur before hauling myself off the couch and into Maggie’s bedroom.

The walls were doused in a deep dark red color that screamed warmth and sex. The ceiling was painted a warm chocolate brown, closing the room in, not in a cave like way, but instead instantly giving the room a cozy feel. Small gold details were painted around some of the corners and edges of the room, giving it a Moroccan feel. The bed had a comforter that had an Indian or Moroccan design, but I couldn’t make out the pattern because it was in a crumpled mess on the one side of the bed, evidence that Maggie had flung it off herself as she stumbled out of bed this morning. Multiple deep colored pillows seemed to act as a cocoon, almost making the deep walnut headboard of the bed disappear. The bed looked comfortable and inviting, making me want to fall into the bed and sleep there for the rest of the week... Or throw the raven haired beauty in for a romp. I could just imagine how her tawny skin looked against the deep red of the sheets, her fingers clutching at them as her back arched off the bed. How her dark hair would spread out on the pillow. How those red sheets would outline her naked curves perfectly, one slim leg peaking out as she looked at me with lusty dark green eyes, biting her full lower lip.

I groan at the thought, I was getting Maggie Sutherland into that bed. It would happen and I would show her the time of her life.

I shake off the image I have just conjured up in my brain and continue looking around the room. The last thing I needed to do was have Maggie come out of the shower with me in an obvious state of need.

A dark weathered wooden dresser stood on the opposing wall, next to the doorway I had come in. A blue bra with three little rhinestones between the cups was hanging from the black iron knobs of the drawers. The closet doors rested open, showing the place where Maggie’s wardrobe lay. It wasn’t much, like one would expect from a woman, but that was Maggie.

There was an antique jewelry box from some middle eastern was placed on top of the chest of drawers, a silver Celtic cross hanging from one of it’s four corners. A deep red almost maroon sari looking fabric covered the windows adding to the dark mystic of the room. Clothing littered the floor next to the closet and a pair of wet leather boots had been kicked off at the edge of the bed. The smell of pepper and mint was faintly in the room, a smell that was uniquely Maggie.

A few pictures decorated the bedside table. One of Maggie and some guys standing next to the pyramids, her in a canoe in a river surrounded by a jungle, one of her with an elephant. I recognized her brothers in a few of them too, all had either green or blue eyes and surprisingly tawny skin coming of course from their father. There was one of Maggie on Paddy’s back, both laughing. They looked strikingly similar, except Paddy had his straight dark hair cropped into a faux hawk. There was one of her perched on the shoulders of Sean and Liam. One was of all 5 Sutherland boys and Maggie in front of a pub; Maggie was the shortest of them all. All the men were at least 6 feet tall, but I knew who was the wild child and the boss, the 5’2’’ beauty. There was a picture of all 6 of the Sutherland kids, Maggie in a white cap and gown with a huge grin in the middle of her brothers who were all causing a commotion around her. The admiral standing off to the side in his uniform, his arms crossed over his chest, and a stone lion statue crouched in the background.

The final one was in a silver frame, a Celtic knot in the one corner of the frame. In the picture was a redheaded woman hugging a raven haired little girl. Neither looked very much like the other. But the plentiful waves in their hair and the strikingly similar bright green eyes were the same.

“Snooping around my apartment, eh, Talbot?” a voice purrs from behind me.

I whip around to see Maggie padding toward me in a fluffy white towel. Her hair masked by a similar towel on the top of her head.

“Just trying to get a glimpse into Maggie Sutherland’s life,” I smile charmingly.

“Haha, right, just don’t go sniffing through my underwear drawer,” she chuckles, plucking the blue bra off the dresser knob.

‘Why hadn’t I thought of that one?’ I think, as I watch her walk away from me and back to the bathroom, black ink running from the nape of her neck and following the spine before disappearing into the white towel. It took almost all my energy to not pull her back to me, rip the towel off her, and have my way with her.

“So,” she says over a mouthful of Chinese food, “What did you want to talk about?”

“Why didn’t you call me back Maggs?” I ask, watching for her reaction.

She sits on the other corner of the leather couch, opposite of me, in a navy blue oversized hoodie and plaid boxer shorts. Her legs tucker under her, Yuengling sat in front of each of us on the coffee table.

She shrugs, pushing around her chicken and broccoli with her chopstiks.”I was busy.”

“For three weeks?” I ask skeptically, raising my eyebrow.

“Yes! I’ve been starting with the dig and then getting this place all set up,” she says motioning around the room with her chopsticks.

“Maggie, come on. You couldn’t have taken 2 seconds out of your busy schedule to say, ‘Hey, Max, good game?” I ask, I watch as she just shrugs and looks back down at her food, “Unless… unless you didn’t watch any games?” I half ask half state, my heart sinking with the realization that Maggie wasn’t even a devoted hockey fan. She probably had no idea what our record was, when I was at home or away, the goal I had scored a few nights ago, or the close encounter fight I had almost had.

“Have you watched any games Maggie?” I ask quietly, dreading her answer.

“Yeah, I’ve watched almost all of them,” she says quietly, not meeting my gaze, her cheeks tingeing a slight pink.

My mood immediately improves and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. She HAS been watching my hockey games!

Chapter 6: The Morning After

The rain comes down at a steady rate. Not quickening or slowing down. No thunder. No lightning. No wind. Just a dreary day. I look out into the city, feeling an immense amount of peace overwhelm me as my playlist specifically made for the rain plays it’s soft mellow tone in the background. I hug my white mug filled with coffee closer to me before taking another sip. The warmth slipping through my body as I let out a content sigh.

The grey sky outlined the contours of the city’s skyscrapers and reflected off the murky rivers. There was almost no sunlight shining through the thick grey clouds. I watch as the water drips down my high window, making small patterns. The light of the candles that I had lit gave a soft glow to my apartment. I had always loved the look of candles, they gave the room a soft natural glow, especially on a dreary day like today. Not bright and artificial like the ceiling lights or lamps. I always made sure to keep candles everywhere in my apartment, but I only had a few lit at the moment. Traveling so often had put me in many spots where there was no electricity. A candle was seemingly almost like a comfort of home; I could take one just about anywhere. Right now, the whole room smelled of warm vanilla from all the wax. It was a soothing morning, a much-needed soothing morning after the night I had had last night.

I look back into the stormy weather, my thoughts drifting. His eyes matched almost perfectly to the color of the sky, a blue grey. And like the sky they changed with his mood, sometimes a bright blue, other times a stormy grey. I’m pulled out of my thoughts when I hear his foot steps come from my bedroom. I turn to greet him and find that he is only in his grey dress pants from last night. The sight of him shirtless made my breath hitch for a minute as I trace the contours and lines of his muscles and broad bare shoulders. I could see the cross tattoo that marked the right of his rib cage, before my eyes make their way across his abs and up his solid torso and to the Talbot ‘T’ on his right bicep. My eyes finally make their way to his face; his eyes were a stormy grey color and clouded by sleep as he looked at me, pulling on his already messy short brown hair. I wanted to jump him right there, I had never felt so attracted to Max Talbot and he looked damned hot when he first woke up. Hangover and all. But it was Max and I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.

“Good Morning,” I say speaking first, it coming out more of a warm purr than I had wanted or expected it to.

“Morning,” he replies, his accent thick in a sleepy haze.

His eyes searching around the room and stopping to flicker over me. Suddenly I realized how short the robe I had brought back from China really was. I resist the urge to tug it lower, knowing it would give away my uneasiness. His eyes move over me, a heated look in them as they flicker up to my eyes. Confusion in their depths.

“The coffee is over by the stove and the aspirin is on the counter,” I murmur, not breaking his gaze.

He continues to stare at me for a moment, no doubt having trouble registering my words in his current state. Finally he breaks our silent staring contest and nods, his hand coming back up to tug on his hair before moving to the counter to get coffee and aspirin.

I turn my attention back to the view as The Weepies play “Gotta have You” softly in the background. I think back to a few minutes ago, replaying the picture of him walking in.

Fine, I’ll admit it, I wanted him. Perhaps a little more than I wanted to admit. He was strong, cute, funny. He could keep up with my sarcasm and dish it right back at me. He knew more about me and my past then most people I had interacted with over the past couple years, with the exception of my brothers. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t because I knew how strong my feelings were for him before, a little more than a simple high school crush. No I wasn’t in love with him, I knew that, even then I knew I wasn’t in love with him. But I could. I could fall in love with him and I don’t think it would take much. All the other guys I was romantically involved with were mostly for, well, sex. My longest relationship only had lasted 3 months, and that’s how I liked it. I had never been in love. I had loved, but I had never been in love and it never bothered me. I was not tied down to anything and that’s how I wanted to keep it. If I fell in love I couldn’t travel the world like I wanted. I didn’t want that. I wanted to travel the world, taste it, smell it, see it all.

That’s why I couldn’t be with Max, even if it was just sex. It would ruin what we had. I was here for the next 6 months and then I was leaving. If we remained friends we could keep in contact, the occasional letter or phone call before it eventually became too much and it faded away. No heartache, no obligations. If I got together with Max, there would be more attached to it. It wasn’t a random hookup, we had a past. It couldn’t be anything more than what it was now. No matter how curious I was to how good he was in bed. No matter how much I wanted to find out. I just couldn’t.

I feel an arm snake around my waist, making a warm and tingly sensation spread around my lower half and my heart lurch in my throat. He places a simple kiss under my left ear, the scruff on his face tickling my neck, his lips soft against me. His touch burned its warmth through my thin robe. My eyes close tightly, ‘No, no I can’t.’ I think, as I bite my lip to the feeling of his simple kiss lingering and the mixture of his musky cologne and the slight stale smell of alcohol hitting me.

“Thanks for letting me crash here last night Maggs,” he mumbles, his voice gravely in my ear.

I take a deep breath calming myself before opening my eyes turning around in his arms. I hadn’t realized how close to him I would be though and I subconsciously bite my lip nervously. Only inches where between me and his sexy smirk with the smell of coffee on his breath and mine. My eyes move up to connect with his stormy blue ones before I drop my gaze down. His bare chest almost touching me, making me curse myself for buying such a thin robe. He leans in a little closer, looking down to my lips.

I inhale quickly and take a step back breaking free of his arms. I hear him let out a rather defeated sigh.

“Sure thing,” I reply, looking down in almost empty coffee mug, gathering myself with a deep breath.

Clean slate, no emotions. Well, ok, emotion, just not the sexual charged one. I look back up to him, my eyes avoiding his dangerous ones that I know will pull me into a place that I just escaped from.

“So, how’s the jaw there, Ali,” I ask, turning his head with my two finger to view the side of his jaw.

“It’s fine,” he huffs, pushing my hand away, his own hand sneakily hanging onto my wrist.

“Really? It doesn’t hurt at all?” I say skeptically.

“I’m fine.”

“Huh, and here I thought that he really landed that punch. Max, why would you try to pick a fight like that? I mean I know you were drunk but come on!”

“I didn’t pick a fight,” he growls rolling his eyes.

“Oh right, him punching you after you stood chest to chest and said I was going home with you, wasn’t picking a fight,” I snort.

“I didn’t mean for it to be a fight, I just didn’t want you going home with that dirt bag,” he says frustrated.

“Why the hell not?! It’s not like you don’t do it, and yes I know about your reputation, I figure people out for a living,” I say holding up my hand.

“That’s different and don’t pull the job card. You figure out dead societies not living people.”

“Same thing… sort of,” I shrug, “Don’t change the subject. I wasn’t a fan of having to take you home and take care of you when I had a perfectly good… “

“Lay? And you didn’t take care of me, you told me to that you were sleeping on the couch and threatened to break my fucking hand if I objected. None of this would have happened if you would have just obeyed the damn rules,” he grumbles, his hand tugging on his hair while he mumbles something in French.

“The rules? Max, come on! When have I ever obeyed rules that were set for me?! And your fucking rules were shit and you know it,” I shout.

“Damnit it Maggie! They were so that neither you nor I would get in trouble. I’m so sick of pulling you out of trouble,” he shouts back.

“Then don’t! I already have 5 brothers that feel like it’s their duty to do so, I don’t need another one. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself!” I shout before walking off to my bedroom.

“Where the hell are you going?!”

“To take a fucking shower!” I shout over my shoulder before slamming the door to the bathroom. I walk over to the sink and brace myself on the cool granite counter, my head hanging low as I catch my breath and cool myself down in order to keep from punching the mirror. One I’ve cooled down enough I turn on the stereo I have in the bathroom, turning it up loudly incase ‘someone’ came knocking at the door wanting to continue our screaming match. Christina Aguilera ‘s “Fighter” blasts through the speakers, consuming my hearing and letting the anger roll around in me as the cool water from my shower cooled me down and slowly let my red hot temper flow down the drain. It wasn’t hard to get my blood boiling, but no one could heat it up as fast as Max Talbot, except maybe my father. But my blood was always boiling around him. No, Maxime Talbot was the only one that could make me go from completely mellow to a screaming match so quickly.

Max’s POV

She was so fucking infuriating! I set my coffee cup down on the counter a little more forcefully than I should have making the hot brown liquid jostle out over the sides and into a puddle on the grey counter. I come out and she looks so tempting in that short little red silky robe, tied ever so loosely around her waist giving me a peek at the tank top she was wearing last night, but this time no bra underneath. Her legs were just as I had remembered, surprisingly long on her small frame with lean muscle that danced at any slight movement. With her back turned to me, I couldn’t resist her. Her skin was so soft and warm beneath my lips, smelling faintly of pepper and mint. Then she turned around in my arms, those captivating emerald eyes told me that she was feeling the same thing I was. That sexual pull. Her breasts brushing my chest through the thin fabric of her robe made me want to lay her on the nearest flat surface. I wanted her badly. But then she abruptly pulled away, making me frustrated. And then it began. God why did she always have to be so… so …

“Ugh,” I grumble out loud as I hear music blast from her bathroom.

I sigh my headache spreading to right behind my eyes in stress, and I pinch the bridge of my nose in hopes of stopping the pain. There was no way that the conversation would continue after that spat, nope nothing was going to happen at all today with Maggie, sexually or verbally. I walk into her room and button my shirt up, tucking it into my grey pants and quickly tying my tie so as to get out of here before she got out of the shower. When I woke up in her bed this morning, this wasn't how I envisioned the rest of the morning playing out.

I walk back into the kitchen and somehow I’m able to find a Sharpie and a napkin amongst a sea of boxes, some empty, some still needing unpacked. I jot down a quick message to her, before putting the cap back on the Sharpie and heading to the door. Luckily, I had my car here. Her car was still at the arena, but I’m sure that she would figure out how to get it. If she was truly desperate she would call me and begrudgingly ask me for a ride to pick up her car. But Maggie I’m sure wouldn’t wound her pride like that. She would figure out how to get it on her own.

I sigh deeply, the anger had defused out of me making me feel the slight ache in my jaw and thank God for the creation of aspirin to take away the pounding in my head. However, I couldn’t help but feel a slight ache in my chest as I looked around the room. The walls were still bare, but I’m sure that would change, after all Maggie was a photographer. The only picture on the wall was a startling image of the sun, orange color contrasted the stark white bottom of snow. I couldn’t tell if it was a sunrise or a sunset, but it was stunning. I hoped that I could see the rest of her photos at some point in time, get to know more about what Maggie had become. But now, I was just hoping that she didn’t completely shut me out. I walk out of the apartment wondering when or even if I would ever see Maggie Sutherland again.

Maggie’s POV

I step out of the shower and towel off, I slip on a simple pair of boxers and a sports bra before walking out of the bathroom, just incase Max was there. Usually I wouldn’t have put anything on, but I wasn’t sure if I could stop him again if he looked at me like he had last night.

But as I walk into the kitchen, I see no sign of the overly confident hockey player, just a napkin with writing on it next to his coffee mug sitting in a puddle of coffee.

Maggie,

Call me when you’re ready to talk.

Max

“Ugh, drama queen,” I say rolling my eyes. Leave it to him to make this my fault and blow everything way out of proportion.

“Well, Max Talbot, if that’s how it’s going to be, then fine. I’ll call you when I’m ready,” I grumble.

Chapter 5: Itchy

“Fine. Let me just get my bag out of my car,” I growl, finally agreeing to go with Max in his car instead of taking my own. Probably not the best idea but if it would get him to shut up, … I run over to my new car, and by new I mean a 2007 jeep wrangler X in dark red, used with 35,000 miles on it. Not exactly everyone’s dream car, but it suited me and who knew where I was going after this.

I first take off my fleece jacket and pull the t-shirt Max gave me over my head. I shiver in the chilly weather my arms bare and my body covered by only my thin tank top, I quickly shove my arms back into my black Columbia fleece and zip it the whole way up, shivering to get the warmth back into my body. I grab my green canvas messenger bag out of the passenger’s seat and check to makes sure I have the essentials. My glasses, a book, Guns at the Forks by Walter O'Meara was my current read, and my wallet… I was good to go. I plop my cell phone in the bag and lock the car behind me, stuffing my keys into my bag as well before slinging the bag over my shoulder.

“Alright, let’s go,” running back to Max, who is leaning on his car waiting for me.

I had to admit; he looked good in his grey suit with a simple white dress shirt underneath and a black and grey-stripped tie. His arms were folded across his broad chest. My eyes wonder lower across a flat stomach and down to his lower half. I could see the signature hockey player thigh muscles through the fabric.

‘Powerful to say the least,’ I think as I subconsciously bite my lip.

My eyes drag up to meet his. His eyes were looking particularly blue at the moment as he smirked at me knowingly. I had been caught checking him out. But hell, who wouldn’t?! It’s not like I had the urge to crash my lips against his in what would be a very heated kiss. No, I didn’t want to feel that slight scruff against me as his lips worked over mine, nor did I want to run my hands through his still wet hair. Nope, maybe some girls… most girls, even… but not this one.

“Finally!” he says getting up and walking passed me giving me a whiff of his mouth-watering cologne and a good look at those broad shoulders. I bite my lip again, suppressing a groan. I was a sucker for strong broad shoulders. I swallow my thoughts, reminding myself that it’s Max, nothing can happen. I could go home with a guy tonight and get rid of the sexual tension that I needed to get rid of and it would all be good again.

He steps in front of me and opens the passenger door for me.

“My lady,” he says with a charming smile, gesturing for me to get inside.

I roll my eyes as I hop in, “I’m not your lady,’” I snort, before closing the door on my own. I watch as he just shakes his head and chuckles before walking to the driver’s side of the car.

The car starts with an immediate blast of warm air making me realize how chilly it is outside. Some sort of rock station plays on the radio as he backs out of the parking lot and out onto the open road, well the city road.

“Alright, here are the rules,” he says glancing over at me quickly.

“There are rules?” I ask, raising my eyebrow skeptically.

“1. Try not to get in trouble.”

“Pfft, no promises,” I mumble.

“2. Watch what you do with the team, especially if there are cameras around,” he says totally ignoring my previous statement.

“Aww, damn! And here I was going to jump the Crosby kid,” I say rolling my eyes.

“3. Try not to get into a fight with another girl, because quite frankly we all know the other girl doesn’t stand a chance…”

“Hey now, it’s not my fault girls are particularly catty around me. The tight clothing apparently allows less oxygen to get to their brain and they pick fights. I just defend myself,” I say defensively pointing a finger at him while he drives.

He lets out a snort of laughter, looking over at me.

“Well, if you decide to ‘defend yourself’ make sure you tell us so we can watch/ video tape it,” he grins at me.

“Oh please. You of all people should know I don’t fight like a girl.”

“But seeing a girl try to take you on - priceless!” he grins.

I just roll my eyes and shake my head with a deep sigh.

“And finally rule 4…” he says breaking the silence.

“There is a Fourth Rule?!” I say looking over at him in shock.

“Don’t go home with anyone unless it’s A. someone I know will just drop you off at your house and keep his hands off you or B. me, “ he says bluntly.

I’m taken aback by the 4th rule. The first 3 were understandable… well ok, maybe the first two were. But the fourth was utterly ridiculous! And if the thought I was going to follow the fourth rule he was dumber than I thought.

“Ok,” I say quickly and very sarcastically.

“Maggie, I’m serious,” he says slowly, giving me a look before quickly turning his attention back to the rode.

“Mmmhmm, I know,” I smile, “But Max, I have every intention of breaking the fourth rule, otherwise I wouldn’t have agreed to go with you guys”

His hands tighten on the steering wheel as he lets out an annoyed sigh, his stormy eyes meeting mine for just a second, warning me, before they flickered back to watch the road. I just smile back, honestly he should know better. When have I ever followed rules that were set specifically for me? And if you ask me, it was very hypocritical of him to make rule 4. I knew all about his reputation, “googling” is not a complicated process. I also knew that with that grin and those good looks, Max Talbot had the ability to charm the pants off of any girl he wanted.

Max’s POV

Loud. Hot. Dark.

Not only a good lay but a good nightclub as well. Maggie follows behind me, taking in the place. I look over my shoulder at her as her eyes scan the lights and the people on the dance floor. There was nothing on her face that said, ‘fuck this,’ or at least not yet there wasn’t. I smirk; maybe this was going to work out after all. I make my way over to the VIP section. As I approach the area I pull Maggie to my side, touching the small of her back lightly to indicate that she was with me. I feel her flinch at the initial touch, but a small annoyed huff told me she understood why I was doing it. I’m easily let in to the area where I can see that Jordan already has a girl with him and TK is working on another. Flower and his girl are together, pointing out whom they thought I would go home with tonight (they loved betting on that) and Sid was talking with Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang as they drank.

“Jesus Christ, it’s as hot as hell in here! Honestly you would think this is a club in Egypt, don’t you people know about air conditioning?” Maggie mumbles from beside me.

I roll my eyes, “then take your damned coat off Maggs,” I grumble.

She lets out a sigh as I hear the zipper being pulled down just as we approach the table.

“Hey guys, you remember Maggie,” I say gesturing behind me. The boys look up and I see a few jaws slacken before they mumble their hellos.

“Hey,” I hear her say back cheerfully.

I look back at her wondering why they were staring. My breath stops for a moment as the blood rushes through my ears noisily. When Maggie said she wouldn’t have any trouble competing in what she was wearing, I was doubtful. But looking at her now I should have known better. She had pulled off her coat leaving her in only a white racer back tank top. I could faintly see the black outlines on her ribs from her tattoos. The ink was noticeable enough to peak curiosity and concealed enough to make me want to strip her of her shirt and find out what was written there. The neckline plunged low enough so that I got a glimpse of tempting cleavage but stopped short of being racy. The shirt continued down to just below her belly button. Leaving a band of temping tanned skin for my eyes to feast on before it slipped back under her dark blue jeans, held up by the worn leather belt with the gold buckle. I had never seen a simple white tank top look so good on some one, nor did I think one could get me so hot. Her hair fell in waves of dark coffee brown down her back and framing her face. Her green eyes looked at me curiously as she cocked her head to the side.

“What?”

“Umm… nothing,” I sigh shaking my head and looking down to the floor.

There was no need to not look at her, the image of her standing there was burned in my brain… and she was fully clothed! I could only imagine what it would be like if everything else was gone. I risk it and look back up at her. She smiles a knowing smile at me and her clover green eyes sparkle. Now was when every other girl would let out a small giggle and close that step that stood between the two of us. Every other girl would wrap her arms around my neck and tell me we should get out of here. Every other girl would be in my bed in 15 minutes. But Maggie wasn’t every other girl. She just shakes her head with a smile.

“I’ll see you later Max,” she laughs before turning and making her way through the crowd and to the bar.

What the hell was she going to do at the bar alone?! I shake my head, I’d give her 10 minutes and then go save her and bring her back to the table. I walk back over to the guys grabbing one of the beers on the table and twisting open the cap. I chat with the guys for a bit, smirk at a few girls that I would normally take home on a night like tonight. But tonight, I was going to take Maggie home. I might not get her in bed tonight like I would like, but she would want to go home soon anyway. After all it was Maggie, she didn’t even like dancing.

“Whoa” I hear TK say slowly, looking wide eyed over my shoulder and onto the dance floor. The other guys also have their jaws touching the floor.

I follow his eyes and I feel my jaw drop as well. I never thought I would see the sight that I was seeing. And man was it hot.

It hadn’t even been 10 minutes yet and she had her back pressed up against some guy! I watch as they dance to the music, Maggie’s chest slightly glistening with sweat. Her brown leather belt caught the eye, accentuating the sensual movement of her hips as the gold buckle caught the dim lights every so often. Moving my eyes back up her torso I could faintly see black across her rib cage from her tattoos. Her hair was pulled up high in a messy bun; making it easy to see those two eagle feathers behind her ear. I realize that she was right. She definitely didn’t need all that other stuff the other girls had on. Maggie could probably have any guy in this club and you couldn’t even see her ankles. She was hot in jeans and a tank top, minimal makeup. Add her unwavering confidence to that and you had a hell of a catch. And I wasn’t the only one that thought so, as I looked around not only were my teammates looking at her, but other guys checked her out as the women that didn’t have the guts to come to a club dressed as Maggie had, sized her up, whispering behind their hands. But if Maggie noticed the attention, she gave no indication. Honestly, she was probably oblivious to the fact that all the girls wish they were her and all the guys wish they were with her. Maggie had no idea how gorgeous she was.

I watch as her hips move to the beat and the guy she was dancing with puts his hands on her hips. Those green eyes move up and catch with mine. She looks at me as her arms rise so that they are situated behind her around the guy’s neck. His hands move up from her hips, finding the space where her waist flared back in. She smiles wickedly at me, before grinding her hips into him a little harder. I can see the guys fingers dig slightly into her flesh at her movements and the sight made my blood boil. The son of a bitch moves his head down to her neck, his mouth moving over her, to which she answers by grinding into him harder.

“Jesus Christ, do you see her over there. It’s like they’re having sex on the dance floor. Get a room damnit!” I grumble, pounding back a shot.

“Oh please Max, you are out there all the time doing the exact same thing,” Sid says rolling his eyes.

I just grunt in response, my eyes still trained on the Maggie. I watch as his mouth moves up her neck to behind her ear, right where those feathers are. She bites her lip and closes her eyes, as his mouth works over them. Her white teeth barely showing out as they bite into her full bottom lip, making even me groan at the sight.

That’s enough, my mind seems to snap. I roughly push my chair back and stand up, taking a few steps over to them.

“Hey!” I shout so that they could hear me.

The guy looks up at me and upon seeing the source of the voice his eyes widen. Maggie sighs and slowly opens her eyes to glare at me.

“Something the matter, Talbot?” she purrs, making a shiver go down my spine as those emerald eyes have become a dark forest green.

“Step off her man, you’re done,” I growl at the guy while continuing to stare at Maggie, who just glares at me.

“Sorry, I didn’t think she was taken. Good goal tonight,” he says letting go of her and immediately backing off.

I nod in his direction before grabbing a hold of her arm and dragging her off the dance floor.

“Max what the fuck?” she hisses in my ear.

“I should be asking you the same question! You two were all over each other!” I growl back.

“Who the hell do you think you are, one of my brothers? Let me have my fun, Max,” she snaps pushing me off her and making her way back to the dance floor.

I let out a low growl as she comes to a group of guys by the bar. I did want her to have her fun, but I wanted it to be with me not those other guys. They could have her as soon as I was done with her.

There was no doubt about it, Maggie knew exactly how to land a guy. But I don’t think she realizes how good at it she actually is, she could get any guy in this club. I watch as she runs her hand up the nape of her neck, brushing a few unruly strands of hair that have escaped from her bun. She then takes a long swig of the beer in front of her. Her naturally pink full lips tightly around the beer as she drank, making me groan. Two guys follow her out on the dance floor, seemingly tripping over their tongues as her hips sway in front of them, I watch as they begin to dance, sandwiching her in the middle. Even just looking at the scene made me hot.

I go to the bar tender and down another shot before grabbing a beer, how many was that now? I spot a busty red head wink at me from across the bar as she twirls a strand of her hair around her finger and bites her lip. I take a swallow of beer and briefly look to Maggie, just as her eyes meet mine. My eyes flash as my mind growls, ‘two can play that game,’ and I walk over to the red head.

Maggie’s POV

I look over to the bar, to make sure Max won’t interrupt my decision making… err, I mean dancing. I spot him sitting on one of the bar stools, his stormy eyes immediately catching mine, making me shiver inadvertently at their intensity even with the current extreme heat I was pressed between. I watch as his gaze drifts to the end of the bar where a red head, whom had previously tried to pick up Crosby and Malkin, winks at him. His gaze snaps back to me and with a slight smirk he makes his way over to the red head. I watch as he whispers something in her ear, to which she responds with an eager giggle and nods her head. I roll my eyes as he offers her his hand and she giggles again, following him out on the dance floor where they begin doing exactly what I was doing, deciding. For them it was deciding if they were going home with each other, for me it was deciding which one of the two guys I was sandwiched between was going to scratch my itch.

I watch as Max snaps his gaze quickly up to me with a smirk and it hits me. Was he trying to make me jealous?! Please, if anything this girl was taking him off my hands. She could do what ever she wanted with her perfectly manicured hands and high heels. If she was with Max, that gave me the opportunity to take one of these guys home.

“Hey Synder, I’ll see ya later,” I hear the guy currently pressed against my back tell his friend that was pressed to my front. A man that takes charge that’s what I like, I think.

‘Snyder’ looks down at me, and I flash him that ‘sorry kid maybe next time’ smirk making him drag his feet as he leaves the dance floor. Letting his friend get some action tonight instead of him.

I can immediately feel the guy behind me straighten his posture in a more dominant manner, he had won his mate for tonight and I’m sure the victory had pumped up his testosterone and his ego. His hands come up to my hips, pressing me harder into him as he grinds into me, my hands move up to the back of his neck, pulling him closer to me. His lips come to brush my neck by my collarbone making me hum with pleasure. But then his lips venture higher and graze lightly against my tattoo, I tighten my fingers, pressing them into his neck more as I bite my lip and allow my eyes to close at the feeling.

“Oh, ya like that, huh?” he whispers gruffly in my ear.

He lets out a slight chuckle, no doubt getting another ego boost at the knowledge that he had found my weakness. His mouth moves over the spot again, this time giving it a small nip and then running his hot tongue over my skin. I let out a quiet groan before he spins me around so that we’re front to front. His lips almost immediately crash down on mine, his tongue forcing its way into my mouth. Like I said, I like a man that takes charge, but this guy was a little too high on his high horse. His ego was getting the best of him. As his tongue moves around in my mouth I feel his hands wonder up from my hips and under the hem of my shirt.

This guy was getting way too cocky; to be honest he wasn’t even that great of a kisser. I could tell this guy wasn’t going to last very long in bed if he kept it up. But right now, I wouldn’t protest to letting him take me home. I was damned itchy.

His thumbs brush the underwire of my bra and I pull away from his heated kiss.

“Whoa, hold on there Tiger, we’re still in public,” I purr, looking over his face. He was a little under 6’5’’ (well over a foot taller than me) and you could tell he spent a good amount of time in the gym. He had sandy blond hair and light brown eyes. He was definitely hot, just a bit too drunk.

“Well then what do you say we get outta here,” he rumbles back, his light brown eyes slightly glazed over from the alcohol he had consumed and the lust that was running through his blood.

I put on my best sexy siren smile and am about to agree when a voice growls behind me.

“Go find another girl to take home, ‘Tiger.’ She’s not leaving with you,” the familiar voice growls, his French accent coming out more in his anger and drunkenness. I groan inwardly, as I turn to face him.

“Max…”

“Come on Maggs, we need to leave,” he says lowly, his hand coming to my arm to pull me away from the guy.

“Hey, fuck off 'Superstar.' Go find a different trophy. She’s with me tonight,” my would-have-been -itch-scratcher replies.

“Excuse me, trophy?” I respond turning to look at him, but he doesn’t hear me as he and Max continue their staring match.

The guy is taller than Max by a good 5 inches and he had at least 20 more pounds on him. I sigh, there was no way this was going to end well.

“Sorry, but she’s already taken,” Max growls back as I’m some how pushed out of the way and they stand dangerously close to each other.

Taken?! Like hell I am!

Suddenly, I hear a solid thud as a fist connects with Max’s jaw.