Just Hold On.

I arrived at Max and Raven’s around seven as I had been told. I was greeted by all of the boys, Hartsy gave me a Hartnell hat trick shirt saying I may need a little orange down in North Carolina. Wayne made me laugh as he talked about surfing on the west coast. Danny was sad and really wanted me to stay. I hadn't really been able to hang out with him much since Claude and I had broken up, but he was always a phone call away.
“I think the last time I saw you was when you asked me to keep the boys so you could go out on a date.”
“I still owe you dinner for that.”
“You don't owe me anything.”
“Maybe one day, when we are in North Carolina the next time I get to take you to dinner.”
“ OK that's a promise.”
We laughed and drank as Max pulled out all of his dance moves. I had to give it to him he could move. He reached over pulling me up laughing. “You will dance with me.”
“Max, I can't dance.”
“Sure you can.”
He pulled me to him rotating his hips against me.”
“I pulled back looking for Raven, she was smiling and waving me on. I moved with Max, slowly feeling the beat.
“If I send you down there to Gronk, I want you to at least be able to dance.”
“Thank you.”
I was standing in the kitchen when i felt a hand against my back.
“Max I am tired and I have an early flight in the morning.”
“You’re leaving?” I heard from behind me.
I turned facing Claude.
“Claude, I don't want to fight again.”
“I don't want you to go.”
“I have to, I learned so much from you. Thank you for showing me what I really wanted out of life. Without you I wouldn't be where I am now. You gave me the strength to strike out on my own.”
“You aren't going to be alone, you are going to be with Jordan.”
“I am not living with him, and I started a new job, not one that I was handed. I want this to be done the right way.”
“I am a selfish bastard. I want you here, even if I can't have you.”
“Unfortunately for you, I don't want the same.”
“Run to Staal, hope that works out for you.”
“Even if I don't end up with Jordan, I will have done this on my own and that is more important to me than anything we ever had together. I will always have a very tiny place in my heart for you, but I have had to let go and move on. I wish you would do the same.”
Max walked in as I was finishing my sentence.
“You need to get the fuck out of my house, You were not invited.”
“Max it is fine. Claude was just leaving.”
He leaned forward and caught me on the mouth before I could react, the way my body reacted was different. I cringed as I felt his mouth move over mine. Before I could push him back, Max had him against the wall. I saw Danny, Wayne and Hartsy flood on the kitchen with Raven close on their heels.
“What the fuck, man.” Max said between his teeth.
“Max, please just let him down and let him go.”
“Gladly”, Max shoved him towards the front door.
I watched as Claude looked back one more time and then he was gone. I was surprised that I didn't want to cry, that my body had not reacted to him in any way. I guess it was finally over and he felt it too, by the look on his face as he closed the door.

I text Jordan that night just to let him know what had happened.

Hey party was fun, hope you are on the ground and getting some rest.
Ryan

Just laid down, glad it was fun
Jordan

Claude kissed me
Ryan

I didn't think he was coming
Jordan

He showed up and we talked, I think he knows it is over now
Ryan

Good are you OK?
Jordan

Yes I am better than OK
Ryan

Good, glad you had fun
Jordan

I danced dirty with Max
Ryan

Thank God he is married
Jordan

Does that make a difference?
Ryan

Yes it does. Ruutu, you can dance with him or Eric
Jordan

Oh telling me what to do already?
Ryan

Just being honest.
Jordan

:)
Ryan

Miss you
Jordan

Miss you too, get your beauty sleep
Ryan

I don't need sleep to be beautiful
Jordan

Well rest then
Ryan

I will, only dreaming of you
Jordan

Happy dreaming.
Ryan

I caught my flight back to North Carolina that morning and was excited to see Jordan.
“I am here, are you?”
I held my phone waiting for a text back. I felt his hands run around my waist as he spoke softly in my ear.
“Did you know that you are the most beautiful girl in this airport?”
I turned looking into his blue eyes and saw the beard that was growing.
“What is that?”
“No shave November.”
“It covers your dimples.” I stuck my lip out to show my displeasure.
“Wait till the playoffs.” he smirked.
“You grow a beard then too?”
“Yes, we do.”
“Like the whole team?”
“Yes the whole team.”
“I need to kiss you.”
He leaned in taking my head in his hand and kissed me softly.
“I missed you.”
“I missed you too, but December can't get here soon enough.”
“I will shave it if you don't like it.”
“No it is just different.”
“Different can be good.”
I had wondered why Max had a beard and it all made sense now.
We climbed into his car and drove to his house.
I reached for my bag but he pulled it out of my hand, taking mine with his other one as he walked. “You get the whole master suit to yourself, I am a little jealous that my bed gets to sleep with you before I do.”
“You already slept with me Jordan.”
“Yes, but not in here.”
“OK, I will give you that.”
I sat on the bed and I had to admit it was nice, when I laid back I got a whiff of Jordan. I didn't think I could tell Tanya that I was going to stay here the whole week, but I knew she would understand. His scent was everywhere, and I wanted to be covered in it.
“What are you smiling about.”
I looked up and he was smiling down at me.
“Just trying to figure out how you could smell like rain and fresh cut grass.”
“You think that's what I smell like.”
“A little.”
“Interesting.”
“Its a good thing.”
“If you say so.”
“What do I smell like to you?”
“Cheeseburgers.”
“What? Cheeseburgers? Really?”
“No, but that expression was worth it.”
“Fucker.” I grinned.
“No, really you smell like cupcakes, all the time. Is it your body wash?”
“I don't think so.”
“Well whatever it is don't change it.”
“You like cupcakes?”
“Yes and cherries.” his smile sealed the deal. I knew now, why I was moving, I knew that it was going to be good, but I had to make sure things didn't move too quickly.
“I have to leave for the game in an hour, do you want to ride over with me or go to Tanya’s?”
“Can I just go in with you? I have some research I need to do on a few apartment complexes in the area, that should keep me busy for an hour or so.
“It is fine. I can spend the thirty minute drive with you.”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
He laid down on the bed, pulling me against his chest, breathing deeply.
“You are here and I can't believe that I will get to do this more often.”
“I am not here yet and it won't always be here, although I think your bed is way bigger and more comfortable than mine.”
“We can try them both out, but only for sleeping.”
“Jordan, are already cutting me off?”
“Yes, for now.”
I smiled at his logic.
I dozed off in the comfort of his arms but was awakened by his lips on my neck.
“Its time to go sweetie.”
“ OK, can I change really quick?”
“Yeah I will see you downstairs.”
He kissed me quickly jumping from the bed.
I pulled my bag up and pulled the Max Talbot jersey over my head. I just had one little joke left to play on him.
“Hey...” He stopped mid turn mouth falling open, “Why do you have a penguins sweater on?”
“It is Max’s Sweater, I think I packed my J Staal one.”
“I have a sweater you can wear.” he turned his nose up in a playful disgusted look.
“That was worth the expression I just got.”
I pulled my Canes sweater from behind my back and laughed.
“You are going to make me have a heart attack one of these days.”
“Raven gave me a Staal Penguins sweater, that Stephanie had given her, would I get in a lot of trouble if I ever wore it?”
“You look better in red.”
“You too, Those white Penguins sweaters washed you out, Pale much?” I couldn't help but laugh as he walked across the room and scooped me up tossing me over his shoulder.
“Only red.” He teased.
“If you say so, but Stephanie made me promise to wear the penguins sweater when you guys played them.”
“Only red.” He said again
“Are you going to put me down?”
“Nope.” he opened the door and walked to the car with me over his shoulder.He stopped and placed me on the hood of the car. I was almost eye level with him, “I am glad you are here, you always bring me luck.”
He stood between my thighs and I thought I was going to die.
“Jordan...”
“I just want to hold you close for a minute.”
“I am sure that is it.”
“Are you questioning my honor?” He pulled back bucking out his chest, going completely still.
“Honor? Did you just ask me about honor?” I couldn't help but laugh.
“And now you laugh.” he frowned.
“Yes I am laughing, Jordan Staal has honor.” I couldn't control my laughter, I laid back on the hood of the car.
“I have honor.”
“Yes you do, but you were in no way being honorable five seconds ago.”
“I was...”
I just smiled at his serious face, I had to break him, I knew he was teasing.
“Are you telling me that you sat me on the hood of the car pushed between my thighs and that was honorable.”
“Well when you put it like that.” He busted out laughing.
“Asshat.”
“I try.” He kissed me quickly and pulled me from the car.

I settled into the big leather chair out in the room connected to the locker room. I had my laptop on my lap and was working away. I had no idea they would ask so many questions about a rental property.
“Hey, are you Jordan’s girlfriend?”
“Um, I don't know that I would call myself his girlfriend more like a really good friend.”
“I told you, Jordan is single, I might have a chance.”
I busted out laughing, I couldn't help it.
“Who are you?”
“His biggest fan.”
“Have you ever met him?”
“No, but he would never forget me if he did.”
“Oh well hang on, just stand there for a minute.”
I walked over to the locker room, knocked and Eric poked his head out.
“You OK?”
“Yes could you ask Jordan to step out for a second his new girlfriend is waiting on him.” Eric looked over my shoulder and laughed. “Yes, Jordan.” I heard him yell
Jordan stepped out into the room wearing only his lower pads. His chest was bare and I heard them completely fan girl out over him.
“You rang?”
“Yes I did, you see this young lady just told me that she was going to be your new girlfriend.”
“Oh she did?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Too bad you are my girlfriend.”
“I am not your girlfriend.”
“Of course you are. I mean we did sleep together this afternoon.”
I blushed full red at his words, completely sounding like we had sex this afternoon.
“Not on game days, Jordan.”
“Ok well I remember you being wrapped up in my arms.”
The two girls just stood there gaping as I moved my hand over Jordan’s chest.
“So I am your girlfriend?”
“Yes, you are.”
“OK, well go get dressed and score a goal for me, hot stuff.”
I swatted him on the ass as he disappeared back into the locker room.
I walked by putting my laptop back on my lap as I sat, looking up I said to the girls.
“I’m sorry I guess I am his girlfriend, better luck next time.” I watched her face turned red, and giggled as she turned and walked away.
I couldn't help but laugh. It was funny and Jordan had played along perfectly.

Tanya pulled me away from the laptop next, “Lets go sit down.”
“OK, let me just find somewhere to stash this.”
“Here give it to me.”
She opened the locker room door shouting “Girl on deck” and walked in.
a few minutes later she was back with me and we were walking towards our seats.
“Where did you put it?”
“In Jordan’s stall.”
“HA in Jordan’s Stall.”
“You think that is funny?”
“Yeah I kinda do.”
“It is pretty funny. It took my phone like a month to quit auto-correcting Staal every time I typed it. Nothing more embarrassing than misspelling your own last name.”
“Yeah I could see that that would be a problem.”
“It’s not anymore.” she smiled
We grabbed a couple beers then headed to our seats.

I watched as Jordan skated out stopping to stretch a little. There was nothing hotter than that, I felt flushed as he was doing his yoga on the ice.
“Do they always do that? I thought only goalies stretched on the ice.”
“He must be feeling a little tight. I have seen him do it before, but not every game.”
“Oh.” I watched him as he stretched. He looked for me and when he found me he winked.
“He is doing it on purpose.”
“Doing what?”
“Teasing me.”
“Ha.” she laughed out loud as she watched Jordan doing all kinds of stretching moves.
He smiled up at me then stood skating off and warming up with everyone else.
“That was pretty spectacular.”
“Fucking Dimples.” I mumbled
“Yeah they are pretty great.”

By the end of the second period the game was tied and it was getting a little rough.
Eric got smashed into the wall and Jordan took matters into his own hands.
I watched him mouth wanna go to the other guy and then the gloves were down.
The fight was quick and both guys were down on the ice in a matter of seconds, I watched Jordan yelling across the ice as he was sent to the box, and continued to yell through the box at the other guy.
I was adjusting in my chair, when Tanya spoke, “Guess having brothers on a team together may be a problem.”
“You think?”
“Its just the game.”
“I don't like that part.”
“I don't either but it is a brotherhood out there. They protect each other, it is how it works.”
“I know but I don't have to like it.”
“True.”

Dwyer put one between the poles with a minute left, causing the Lightning to pull their goalie, putting us 6-5 on the ice. Ward blocked 3 shots in a minute giving us the win.

“That was a bullshit hit Eric.” I heard Jordan saying as Tanya and I walked into the locker room after the game.
“It was clean, Jordan.”
“ Didn't look like it to me.”
“Well it was, stay out of the box.”
“If they hit you like that they are going down every time.”
“Just play smart.”
“Always do.”
I watched as they huffed at each other, guess he will always be a little harder on Jordan because he is his brother.
“Tanya.” Eric walked over giving her a hug, when Jordan followed her with his eyes they landed on mine
I watched his smile spread across his face, but I also saw the dark purple bruise forming under his eye.
“That’s nice.” I smiled touching his face, he winced and pulled back a little.
“Oh, sorry.”
“Just a little tender.”
“Maybe you shouldn't be fighting.”
I heard Eric chuckle under his breath.
“Can it Eric.”
He raised his hands giving up. “It was funny. Even your girl agrees with me.”
“Yeah yeah, whatever.”
“ When are you guys leaving?”
“We have to be on the bus in 20 mins.”
“Oh.”
“Do you have everything you need?”
“Everything?”
“Yes, everything?”
“I guess.”
“Oh here are the keys to the Rover, Just drive it while you are here. Eat whatever you like and don't worry about cleaning up, the cleaning lady will be there on Thursday.”
“You have a cleaning lady?
“Yes, she comes on Thursdays.”
“I can clean up, since I am going to stay there.”
“No, let her do it. I pay her a fortune to keep up with the housework, so leave it, not even a dish, hear me?”
“OK, OK. Geez”
He smiled softly down to me, Dimples showing slightly through the beard he had been growing.
“Make sure it is close.”
“What?”
“Your apartment.”
“I am going to live where I like it best Jordan.”
“I was just saying don't move to Cary, it is a bit trashy and I want you closer to me.”
“I understand that, but I have to live where I can afford.”
“Its free with me.”
“Jordan...”
“I was just saying.”
“I know you were.” I giggled.
He leaned down and kissed me softly on the forehead.
“You know why I am loving this road trip?”
“Why?”
“When I come home you will be living here.”
I smiled “Simple pleasures.”
“I wouldn't say simple.” He laughed as I swatted at him.
“I try to be...” Before I could finish my sentence, I was engulfed in his arms, his mouth was heavy over mine. I opened as he pressed and I got a kiss that was well worth the wait. I felt my body clench and knew then that he was it for me. No matter how much I thought I had loved Claude, he had nothing on this man.

Finshed