An Unexpected Something New

CH 8

I couldn’t hide my goofy smile as I walked anxiously over to Hannah. I couldn’t figure out why she’d do this—not that I was complaining.

“What are you doing here?” I laughed as I got closer to her. She stood up straight and moved away from her car in an attempt to meet me halfway.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged with a smile. “I thought you might want to grab lunch or a coffee or something.”

I stood in front of her and I could feel the tension between us. I wanted her. I wanted to feel her, and I had just come to that realization when I also realized I had lightly rested my fingertips on her waist. I didn’t even know I’d done it, it must have been a natural instinct, but I also realized that she hadn’t pulled away or pushed my hands off her.

“Really?” I thought it showed her sweetness that she came all the way over here to ask me to have lunch. She knew she could have asked me through a text and I would have been anywhere she wanted me to be.

“Yeah. I mean, I’m actually in the middle of moving my stuff. And I’m having a long day already so I got hungry and I figured you might be too.”

“Wait,” I wrinkled my brow. “Moving your stuff? Moving your stuff where?”

“Oh,” she didn’t mean to tell me that. I could tell by the way her cheeks turned a shade of pink. “Yeah about that. I’m moving. I told you that when I moved back to Pitt I moved in with my parents. I couldn’t stay there forever.”

My heart immediately started beating a little faster. The thought of her leaving made me uncomfortable. “You’re moving?”

A grin spread across her face and she let out a little giggle. “Yeah, but don’t worry I’m only moving a few minutes away. I got a new place. Well, my dad kind of gave it to me. He owns some realty and I guess he felt sorry for me after what I’d gone through with Derek so he gave me one of the properties he owns.”

“Wow. That’s extremely generous of him.” I wanted to shake his hand and take him to dinner for keeping her here.

“Yeah well he’s a great guy.” It was sweet how kind she spoke of her family. Everything about this girl was genuine and warm.

“Do you have anyone helping you move your stuff?”

“No. I didn’t want any help. It’s not like I have a lot of stuff to move. I just have to bring over my bed and then get some furniture but I mean other than that there isn’t a whole bunch of my stuff here.”

“I’d love to help you. Let’s get lunch and I’ll go with you and help you unpack.”

“Really?” She looked up at me genuinely appreciative of my offer.

“Of course. You’re a girl it wouldn’t be right to let you do it all alone. Why didn’t you tell me before now? You never mentioned anything about moving.”

“I don’t know, I just didn’t think it was important I guess. Let’s just go eat.” She opened the car door and got in her driver’s seat without waiting for me to say another word. I didn’t have much of a choice but to follow her lead and walked around to get in the passenger’s side.

“Well,” I cleared my throat once we got on the road. “I guess you aren’t the only one who forgot to mention something.” I hadn’t said anything before now because I honestly didn’t know how she’d respond but after this I was willing to take a shot in the dark.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. There’s this thing I have to go to next week and I was thinking maybe you’d wanna go too.”

“A thing?” She raised her brows and glanced at me with a smirk.

“I have this masquerade ball. It’s stupid. But most of the guys are bringing a girl with them just to have company so that they don’t have to dance alone. I mean, I like the guys but being with them all night, eating, socializing, I mean I’d much rather be sitting next to you.”

“You sure about that?”

“Definitely.”

“So it’s a masquerade ball, huh?”

“Yep. It’s kind of lame-“

“No! Not lame at all!” Hannah interrupted excitedly. “That sounds like so much fun!”

“So is that a yes then?”

“Yes, of course! I’d love to go Crosby. Who doesn’t want to get dressed up and put a mask on? It’s mysterious and kind of sexy.”

She thought something was sexy and she said it out loud. Hannah saying that it was sexy made me think it was sexy and I wanted to chase that feeling. “Yeah, it seems like it could be kind of fun. It’s a big production so the place will be all decked out.”

“Do I have to buy a mask?”

“No,” I shook my head as we pulled into the diner parking lot. “I mean you could but there really isn’t any reason for it. They’re going to be giving them out when we get there.”

“Oh that sounds like so much fun! Yeah Crosby, I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for inviting me.”

Hannah didn’t know it but there was never any question in my mind that she was the one I wanted to bring with me all along. If we hadn’t met I probably wouldn’t have wanted to go with anyone else but there was something about her I wanted to be around always.

After lunch she drove me back to the arena so I could get my car and follow her to her new place. My heart was beating a little faster than normal as we crept closer to home with every passing second. It was the first time we were going to be alone together, and I meant alone. Up til now we’d been alone but in public settings but now, being so close to her with a bed in the other room…it was hard to keep my mind from going to dirty places.

We pulled up to the small house and I had to say it was cute. It was ranch style with a decent amount of property. The thing I liked most was the seclusion. The house wasn’t sitting on top of another house, she had her privacy and I was sure she wanted it that way.

“Home sweet home,” she sung as she led me in the front door.

“It’s nice Hannah. I like it.” I looked around at everything she’d done so far and I was impressed. It was really nice. There was a fireplace in the living room where her tv was. It was really a homey, inviting little place. She needed a couch but she assured me that she’d have one by the end of the week.

“I just need you to set up the tv and maybe help me move my bed into the bedroom. That’s stuff I can’t really do on my own.”

I swallowed and felt the lump in my throat thinking about being in her bedroom alone. It was juvenile really but I couldn’t help it. “That’s no problem. We’ll get you settled in by the end of the day.”

“Good,” she smiled. “I guess I’ll owe you one.”

“You’re coming with me next week,” I flirted as I knelt down besides the tv. “We’ll call it even.”

*****

After a week of helping Hannah fix things up around her house it was time to pick her up for the masquerade ball. When I say I ‘helped her fix things up’, by the way, I mean she would ask me to do trivial things and we’d end up on the new couch together watching a movie. After three days of this little game she finally let me in a little and cozied up next to me. It wasn’t anything drastic, but it was something, and feeling her against me like that was indescribable.

I had on a suit and was anxious to see what Hannah was going to be wearing. She didn’t disappoint. She walked out in a tight black dress that hugged everywhere it needed to. I wanted to grab her and run my hands down her body but that isn’t something friends do. They help each other move, they go out to lunch, they sometimes even cuddle on the couch, but they definitely don’t start groping each other. Though I was guilty of breaking the friends rule in my head because all I wanted was everything she had.

“You look amazing,” I breathed out as she walked towards the car. I had gotten out of the drivers side to open the passenger door for her.

“Oh this old thing,” she teased. “Thanks.”

I couldn’t help stealing glances at her legs the entire way to the ball. She had to know what she was doing to me and if she didn’t, well I guess she was actually that naïve.

“You know, I should have just met you here and seen if you could find me with a mask on,” she said as we got out of the car and walked up to the front door.

“Hannah,” I looked at her as we walked inside, “I’d know you anywhere.”

The ambiance was pretty awesome inside. When we walked in it was dark and the light were down low. There were masquerade themed decorations everywhere and a table with masks immediately to our right. I picked a manly mask that covered only my eyes and Hannah picked a blue-jeweled mask with a flower in the corner that covered just her eyes.

“Lets go find the rest of the group,” I placed my hand on the small of her back as I led her into the dining room. Of course we were seated with Jordan and Geno and everyone I wanted to be seated with. I didn’t know the girls they brought but they seemed to be into them. Actually, there were a lot of people at this ball. I couldn’t believe how packed it was, but if one of the guys got bored of their dates there were plenty of options to choose from.

“Hannah, this is-“ I went to introduce her but she turned red and cut me off.

“I know. It’s a pleasure to meet everyone.” She turned to Jordan, “and I believe you and I have already met.”

He let out a laugh and nodded his head. “Yep. It’s nice to see you again. You take care of my buddy tonight.”

She turned and looked at me as she leaned her body into mine for security and I snaked my arm around her waist. “Of course I will.”

“Are you hungry?” I asked and she nodded her head. “Let’s go get in line for food. I’m starving.”

“It’s so funny to see everyone in their masks.”

“I know,” I agreed as I handed her a plate in the buffet line. “It’s kind of neat though.”

“Oh this is absolutely breathtaking. I’ve never seen a place so decked out before. It’s pretty sweet I’m so glad I came.”

“Yeah. It is fun isn’t it?” I let her go before me in line and as I followed I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Excuse me,” I heard someone say as I turned around to see a girl wearing a mask. “You’re Sidney Crosby, right?”

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that…. “Yeah,” I responded. “I am.”

A smile spread across her face, “Oh wow! It’s so nice to meet you,” she shoved her hand in mine. “My name is Robyn. I can’t believe I’m meeting you right now,” she gushed

“Well it’s nice to meet you too Robyn.” I wanted to turn my attention back to Hannah and start scooping food onto my plate but she wouldn’t stop talking.

“Are you here with anyone?” she moved closer. “Because I’m not. Maybe we can meet up for a dance or something later.”

At this point I knew she had Hannah’s attention as Hannah tried not to look but couldn’t help but glance at this girl. “Actually, I am here with someone. I’m sorry, but thanks.”

“Oh that’s too bad,” she shot back. “But here’s my card in case you ever need anything,” she purred as she slipped a card into my suit jacket pocket. I couldn’t deflect her move at this point as my hands were full.

“Right. Have a good night,” I didn’t want to give her any reason to hope to hear from me as I distanced myself from her as much as I could, inching closer to Hannah.

“Could she want you more?”

“So what. That kind of stuff happens a lot. It’s nothing important.”

“It happens all the time, huh?” We had gotten through the buffet line and were heading back to the table together.

“You know what I mean. It’s nothing I’ve ever cared about. I’m not into girls who are easy catches like that.”

“That’s fine. But if I can’t find you later I guess I’ll know where you are.” She didn’t mean to sound jealous but I knew that tone all too well.

I couldn’t help but laugh because, well, I thought it was cute she was jealous. “Hannah are you jealous or something?”

“What? No.” She was a terrible liar, but she didn’t give in as she put her plate down at her place. “Ya know what, I’ll be right back.”

“Wait,” I put my hand against her stomach to stop her. “Why?”

“I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Are you okay? Hannah, I’m serious, it meant nothing.”

She looked up at me and swallowed nervously. “C’mon. I’d forgotten about that already. I just need to pee!” I believed she needed to use the bathroom but I could see right through her. She was having a hard time fighting the feelings that were so obviously between us and she didn’t want to admit it.

“What was that all about?” Jord nudged me as I sat down.

“I don’t know. She went to the bathroom. Some chick hit on me in the buffet line and gave me her number. I think it bothered her.”

“Man, Hannah is into you. I mean really into you. I’ve been watching the two of you interact just in the short time we’ve all been here. She looks at you like the sun shines out of your ass.”

“Well,” I shrugged. “It does.”

“Okay jackass. I’m serious. She’s not on the ‘just friends’ rule and neither are you. You two can fight it all you want but you’re both in over your heads.”

“You think so?”

“Crosby man, her body language is telling. She trusts you and she wants you near her. Get her on the dance floor and you’ll see.”

“You’ll see what?” Hannah asked as she sat back down in her seat. That was quick bathroom run.

“Nothing,” I quickly responded.

I looked at Jordan who looked at me like I was an idiot. The music was soft and people were dancing slowly…it was the perfect opportunity for me to hold her the way I wanted to.

“Hannah,” I turned to her and put my hand on her knee. “Would you like to dance with me?”

She looked up and nodded her head. “Okay.”

I stood up and took her by the hand as I led her out to the dance floor. I pulled her close to me and wrapped my arm tightly around her waist as she held onto me equally as firm. Our bodies slowly swayed together and I let my hands roam her body. I rubbed her back tenderly and nuzzled my head against hers. I wanted her to know how lucky I felt to be in her arms in that moment. Her breath was hitched as was mine and I felt her dig her fingers into me. She had her head rested on my shoulder but she lifted it up and pulled back so that our noses were touching.

My heart was pounding. I wanted to kiss her but I didn’t want to cross that line just yet. Everything in my body froze, all I could do was nuzzle my nose against hers and right as I finally was about to lean and close the tiny space separating our mouths, the DJ started talking and startled us both.

“Alright, if you haven’t eaten yet make sure you get on line now because the dinner buffet will be closing in just a few minutes!”

We looked at each other unsure of what to do. “Let’s go eat, out food is probably cold.” Hannah’s voice was shaky but she’d broken the silence. I was mentally kicking my own ass for not kissing her.

“What happened?” Jordan asked so only I could hear when we got back to the table.

I shook my head adamantly. “I’m kissing her by the end of the night. Mark my words. I know she feels it too.”

I went through the rest of the party laughing and having a good time with Hannah. We danced and stayed together; I couldn’t even take the tension that just kept growing by the second. I wanted to leave, I wanted to drive her home and be alone, have that intimate moment and finally show her how I felt about her. It didn’t disappoint.
We joked around the entire way back to her house and she rested her head on my shoulder.

“I’m so tired,” she yawned. “But I had a great time. I think I’m going to wear this mask to everything I go to from now on.” Neither of us had taken off the masks because we had such a damn good time.

“You could rock it.”

“Well, I will, but only if you wear it for every game. It looks good on you.” She looked up at me from my shoulder.

“It’d be one hell of a distraction.”

We pulled up to her house and she leaned down to grab her purse. “Thanks for driving me home. I had a great time tonight.”

“Wait,” I got out of the car as she opened the door. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Okay…”

As I had multiple times throughout the night, I rested my hand on the small of her back and led her up to the front door. She unlocked the door and turned to look at me. “Good night Crosby.”

“Night Hannah.” My heart was racing. I wanted nothing more than to grab her and pull her into me but for whatever reason I couldn’t.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Good,” she smiled. “Thanks again for tonight. Be safe driving home okay?”

“Always.”

“Okay. Night.” She closed the door and I turned to walk back to my car cursing under my breath for being such a pussy. I got about four steps before I stopped and shook my head. I wasn’t going to leave like this; I turned back around and pounded on the door.

I waited the few seconds for her to answer with my adrenaline pumping. I had my arm above my head resting on her doorjamb and as soon as she opened the door I could see the confusion in her eyes. “Is everything okay? Did you forget something?”

“Actually I did.” I breathed out as I put my hands on her waist and hungrily pulled her body to me so the small gap between us closed. I crashed my lips down onto hers and let out a soft moan as she reciprocated the intensity of the kiss. Hannah opened her mouth and let me slip my tongue in-between her delicious lips as I continued to devour her until we were both completely breathless.