Young & Wild & Free

“Must be rough walking around with that raging hard on you have for Horcoff’s billet.” Sam Gagner called to Taylor who was slow getting out of the locker room that Tuesday afternoon.

“You’re cute, Gags, how are you still single?” Taylor asked, pelting his glove at the fellow forward.

“Thought she was going with Nugie? Didn’t they go out this weekend?” He asked, sitting down and slowly taking his skate off.

“Not a date.” Taylor shook his head. “She doesn’t know anyone here obviously so Cap had Nugie hang out with her for a bit. Make some friends. They came over to our place afterwards.” He explained.

“Ah, so she got to see the Hall and Eberle love-nest. Well then at least she got to see your master bedroom together and knows that you’re not interested in the fairer sex, eh?” That earned another glove, this time to the head. “I just think it’s better to break it to her all at once!” He called, stripping off the last of his clothes and walking into the showers.

Taylor quickly dressed back into his street clothes, packing up his gear back into all the right spots as he heard her voice echo down from the rink. He couldn’t stop himself from slipping on his royal blue Croc’s and heading to the ice.

“Drop a shoulder on me again and I’ll sic the twins on you, old man!” Blake called, a wide smile across her face, showing off her straight, white teeth as she circled past Shawn who was laughing hysterically. “You’ll get to explain to my coach why my ass is all bruised up and I’m moving like a blockhead.” She elaborated, turning to round the net, Taylor could see that one of her sides was covered in snow from the irritated ice.

It usually looked unnatural to see someone out on their skates in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt along with a big pair of gloves, but the contagious smile on her face drew him away from that. She just looked straight gorgeous. She was a mystery to him. She was young, beautiful, so very aloof, and he had a hard time figuring her out. Taylor always considered himself to be a good judge of character – sure, he was a little mouthy, but he was an observer, too. And he had a good time observing Blake… He didn’t even know her last name.

“Don’t get lazy!” Shawn called as more of an order than anything else, something that Taylor was used to hearing. He watched as she took shots from the red line. He was feeding her pucks and Taylor rather enjoyed watching the way her body flowed and formed when she slapped the puck. Taylor stood behind the open door on the bench, pretending to only be half-watching and half on his phone.

“Nice shoes there, Taylor, you going gardening later?” She called, skating by him as she assisted Shawn in shagging pucks. Taylor’s cheeks turned bright red, not having a comeback as he looked down at his rubber clogs. All the best guys wore Crocs, it wasn’t weird.

“What’s wrong with my wheels?” Taylor asked.

“Those things are ugly as sin.” Blake laughed, “didn’t know you were a middle-aged single woman with four cats.” She elaborated, making him huff loudly.

“Don’t make me take you down, rookie, I’ll do it.” Taylor warned, pointing a finger in her direction.

“You and your rubber shoes?” She asked, laughing wildly and making Shawn laugh as well as they picked up the remaining pucks in a white utility bucket before making their way off the ice. Blake had no reservations about hip-checking her way past Taylor.

“Ready for your hot date?” Blake asked Shawn, catching Taylor’s attention as they moved down the hallway to the locker room.

“It’ll be fun.” Shawn nodded, “I’m excited to go out to dinner and not have to worry about getting high chairs and certain foods for Jack and certain foods for Tommy.” Shawn listed off.

“Well you guys stay out as long as you want. The boys are just gonna stay up, play some mini-sticks, watch some movies, throw back some brews, hit the club.” Blake listed off, making Taylor grin at her sense of humor. “But really, don’t worry about us. I mean, if you want, you can stay out overnight, that would be okay.” She reassured the guy who was essentially keeping her in hockey. Her parents were already so reluctant about footing the bill for her association fees. That was really the only thing they were paying for – the Horcoff’s were covering more than eighty percent of her expenses.

“Not too bad of an idea.” Shawn weighed his options. “I’ll text you before ten if we end up staying out or coming home.” He replied.

“Sounds like a plan.” She nodded.

“Big night, Cap?” Taylor asked, pretending to fuss around with a few things in his stall as Blake changed out of her skates and into her Toms. She looked so good today, he wondered if she was one of those girls that took forever to look that way or if it was more of a natural look for her. He didn’t mind girls that were a little high maintenance as long as the product was worth the wait.

“Taking Phoebe out for dinner, maybe hit a movie and some dancing. Blake is watching the boys.” Shawn nodded.

“Do it up.” Taylor nodded, “well I’m out. Have fun tonight. See ya, rookie.” Taylor exited, causing Blake to shake her head.

“He’s something else.” She commented.

“You wouldn’t think that he’s older than you.” Shawn began, “I mean, I know I’ve only known you for a few weeks, but you’re for sure lightyears beyond him.” He finished.

“That’s normal. Girls always mature faster than boys.” She laughed, “You’ll notice when you and Pheeb pop out that next one.” She added. “You know, Blake is a great name for a girl.” She winked, making him laugh loudly. “I mean, it’s got a rep as a boy’s name, but let’s get real.” She commented. “That’s so exciting for Jack and Tom Tom, I always wanted little siblings.” The smile disappeared from her face, something that didn’t go unnoticed by her cohort.

The ride home was quiet and quick, it was relaxing for black Blake because she was rather tired. She hadn’t slept well the night before and Jack was set loose in her room early that morning. She was planning to take a nice nap while Shawn and Phoebe got ready for their night out before spending the evening with the boys.

“Hi Blake!” Tommy smiled as he saw his pseudo-sister enter the house. She tied her hair up into a ponytail before swinging the little boy up onto her hip.

“What up Tom Tom?” She asked before he could let out a long, dramatic yawn. “Ready for a nap?” She asked, bouncing him softly as he set his white-blonde head down on her shoulder. “Me too, buddy. I’m going to go take a nap.” She moved to set him down on the counter but he whined loudly, causing her to hike him up higher on her hip. “Come on, pal, Blake needs to sleep.” She sighed.

“I sleepy, too.” He whined out, his voice taking a soft whiney undertone. She knew this could turn into a meltdown fast, so she took the situation into her own hands. Kicking off her Toms, she walked over to the plush, comfy couches in the family room, laying down across the loveseat. Tommy settled himself against her chest, sticking his thumb into his mouth as she pulled one of the many throw blankets over the two of them. It wasn’t the solitude of her bedroom or the comfort of her mattress but it would have to make due. It felt like only minutes, but almost an hour later, Phoebe was gently waking Blake up.

“Hey sweetheart, sorry to wake you, but Shawn and I are going to take off.” Tommy was long gone and Blake rubbed her eyes as she sat up on the couch.

“Phoebe, you look sexy!” Blake grinned, making the mother laugh. She was wearing a tight, expensive looking black wrap dress with a pair of nude pumps, diamond earrings and a diamond drop necklace.

“You don’t think it’s too much?” Phoebe asked.

“Not at all, you look so old Hollywood glam.” Blake reassured her billet mother who obviously spent a lot of time on her smokey eyes and perfect red lips. Her perfume topped it off, making Blake wish that she could look as beautiful someday as well.

“There’s money on the counter if you want to order in some dinner for yourself, the twins have eaten but they can have some frozen fruit for dessert before bed.” Phoebe began. “I left out some take out menus on the counter, including that one Thai place.” She reminded Blake of one of her favorite places in the area. Blake’s favorite restaurant back home was a Thai place and it was a little slice of East Lansing to have Thai food so close in Edmonton.

“You’re the best.” Blake smiled as she got up from the couch. Shawn walked downstairs in black pants, a black shirt and shiny black shoes, looking rather dapper himself. He swung Phoebe into his arms, making her giggle as he whispered something into her ear. “Yeah, yeah, go have fun.” Blake shooed them towards the door.

“Don’t wait up!” Shawn called as he ushered Phoebe into the garage.

“Don’t count on it.” Blake grinned, shaking her head as she walked over to the kitchen counter. It was a little after six and she was starving. It would be nice to have a relaxing evening.

•••

“Food!” Blake grinned, power walking to the front door from the basement, not wanting the doorbell to wake the twins. Cranking the door open, her face turned from pure joy to confusion. “What are you doing here?” She asked, cocking her head at Taylor Hall.

“Just seeing if you need help with the twins,” he grinned. “I brought drinks.” He added, holding up two purple Gatorades, the kind that she had to drink at his apartment the other night.

“I guess I can let you in.” She sighed with a small smile as she stepped to the side, letting him pass. “But if you wake up Jack and Tommy I will be one seriously angry woman.” She warned. She turned in time to see him drag his fingers across his thick lips in a sealing motion. “I’ve got dinner coming in a bit,” she warned as she showed him to the kitchen, opening the fridge and watching as he set the two drinks on the shelf.

“What kind of food? You gonna share?” He asked, eyes trained on her ass as he followed her to the family room past a small rink for mini-sticks. If there was anything better than yoga pants, it was white yoga pants.

“Thai food, and no. I only ordered enough for me.” She stuck out her tongue. Before she could even sit down, the doorbell rang again. “Fuck, fuck, cut me a some slack!” She bounced out of the family room, grabbing the two twenties from the counter top and raced to the door. He could faintly hear her from the doorway utter a thank you to the deliveryman. Taylor watched as she entered the kitchen with two white bags, setting them on the counter and pulling up a barstool to the kitchen island. “You gonna sit over there?” She asked. Taylor grinned at her, getting up from the couch and grabbing one of the nice, high-backed stools on the other side of the island.

“You ordered just enough food for you?” He asked, cocking an eyebrow at the four take-out boxes in front of her as she started loading noodles onto a plate.

“I will literally eat every last bit of this,” she insisted before sticking a forkful of noodles in her mouth. “And then I’ll probably poke around the freezer for some of Shawn’s cookie dough ice cream.” She finished, making him laugh. “But if you’re going to be a whiner, there’s plates in that cupboard.” She nodded to the shelf beside the fridge. Taylor took his chance, grabbing a plate and taking one of the plastic forks that came in the bag.

“So what is this?” He asked as he helped himself to a noodle and vegetable dish.

“Pad Thai.” She informed. “Pad Thai, the best eggrolls you will ever eat, cranberry curry cheese puffs and sliced beef with potatoes.” She explained all the boxes.

“Women who can eat are sexy.” He nodded, looking down at her as both of her cheeks puffed out with noodles.

“Oh yah.” She replied with her mouthful, making him laugh. He had a nice smile. Those lips were looking rather plump that day. It was obvious through dinner that there was a tension in the room, but Blake was much better at handling it than Taylor who fidgeted when he would watch her practically lick the silver from her fork.

“Blake?” The two turned their heads to see Jack standing in the doorway, one hand holding his blankie and the other closed in a fist rubbing at his tired eyes.

“Hi sweetheart.” Blake instantly switched into Nanny mode.

“I had a bad dream.” He whimpered pathetically, making Blake hop down from her stool and scoop the little boy up into his arms. “Hi Taylor.” He mumbled out before she could carry him back up the stairs.

“Want me to read you a story?” She asked softly, running her hand through his little bowl-cut. Jack nodded against her shoulder as she walked him back to their big, shared bedroom, Tommy dead asleep in bed with his thumb tucked in his mouth. She quietly read him his favorite Dr. Seuss book, and he was already asleep again after page six.

“All tuckered out?” She turned to see Taylor in the doorway. She put a finger to her lips, taking his hand and holding it at the small of her back as she lead him back downstairs. She pretended not to notice the way his fingers would brush against her butt.

“Just got him to sleep, don’t need you flapping your gums waking him up again.” She insisted, dropping his hand when they got to the kitchen just in time for her cell phone to vibrate.

“Captain?” Taylor asked.

“He and Phoebe are staying out tonight, rented a room at the Fairmont.” She relayed the message. “Get it in, Cap.” She laughed, typing back a response that she would see him tomorrow.

“I can’t believe you said that.” Taylor laughed as he grabbed their two plates and loaded them into the empty dishwasher.

“Hockey player, eh?” She teased, sticking out her tongue for a moment in a move that already made her look even less like a hockey player. She was too pretty, too effortlessly beautiful, too sexy. He didn’t care if he was being sexist, but he just couldn’t picture her under all the gear, skating with the guys and spending time in the box.

“So I didn’t see room for you upstairs…” Taylor trailed as he leaned forward against the kitchen island. The sleeves of his cardigan were rolled up, showing off his muscular forearms, his shoulders rounding over.

“That’s because I have the basement.” She explained. “Want a tour?” She asked, twisting her body in a way that made her heather-grey t-shirt conform to her body and cling to her breasts.

Yes I would like that very much. He thought, but replied with a silent nod and a grin. He followed her obediently down the stairs.

“Entertainment room,” she ushered to the main room filled with leather couches, a projection-screen TV complete with every media player. “Bathroom right there,” she pointed down the hall. “Backyard through those doors, and this is my room.” She opened the door to a fairly large bedroom. The bed was made but mussed like she had been napping on it or maybe doing homework. A Mac book sat on he comforter and there were a few shoes lined up beside the closet. Other than a few medals and trophies, and a framed Patrick Kane jersey on the wall, there wasn’t much for personal artifacts.

“I like it.” Taylor nodded, walking over to her dresser to see a few pieces of jewelry as well as a framed photo of she and another girl. “Sister?” He asked.

“Neighbor.” She replied. “No siblings, no cousins, no nothing.” She continued, popping a piece of gum in her mouth before handing him one as well. “Nothing’s worse than Thai breath.” She grinned, making his pulse jump in his neck. Her teeth were so nice – and he knew about nice teeth.

“Thanks,” he replied, crossing the big room with plush carpet to her closet, peeking his head inside. She had a lot of clothes, but that was to be expected. “Kaner fan, eh?” He asked, tugging on the sleeve of her jersey that hung in the closet.

“The biggest.” She replied. “He’s… he’s just fucking awesome.” She sighed, sitting down on her bed. “Unreal skater, silky mitts… sexy.” She finished laying back and looking at the ceiling with her legs hanging off the bed, her toes barely grazing the carpet when she pointed them. She didn’t even flinch when Taylor stepped up to her, positioning himself between her knees.

“Sexy?” He asked, lowering himself over her and catching himself with his hands on either side of her head, his arms looking rather large as they loomed over him. “Sounding a bit like a puck bunny.” He grinned.

“Last time I checked, you’re the one that showed up here and decided to poke around in all my stuff… you’re the one looking like my own personal puck bunny.” She countered with a wicked smirk that made his cock jump in his jeans.

“Maybe I am.” He replied shortly before pressing his plump lips to hers. She fought a smile to keep the kiss in tact and laced her fingers behind his neck, letting her thumbs rub at his hairline. She didn’t break when he dropped his body down to the mattress, not even room for a piece of paper to slide between their bodies as one his arms slithered up her front, catching under the hem of her soft t-shirt.

She wasn’t going to let him get away with that so easily. Smacking his hand away, she nibbled on his lower lip as she let her own fingertips slip under his white tee, feeling the grooves and ridges of his abdomen. Letting one nail trace the line where his skin met the top of his jeans, he moaned right into her mouth.

“Too easy,” she chastised, making him shudder under her touch.

“Not.” He sighed, resting his cheek against hers, heaving puffs of breath into her ear, which made her squirm under his thick, warm body.

“Hate to break it to you, but I’m not blowing you with the twins in the house.” She patted his ass twice as he groaned loudly.

“I bet you’d blow Patrick Kane.” He commented, making her brown eyes sparkle with a laugh.

“I’d do much more than blow Patrick Kane.”