The Rookie

I was throwing clothes out of my closet left and right, frantically trying to find something to wear. Dan Bylsma, the Penguin’s coach, had invited both Millie and I over to his house for a team BBQ. He thought that it would be nice for us to get to meet the players. Well, it was mostly for my benefit anyways; Millie knew them all already.

I was kind of jealous of her in an odd way. I had seen her hugging on Beau Bennett when I had first walked into the locker room a couple days ago. Must have been nice growing up knowing all the players and getting to see them on a regular basis. Even if her dad had kept a close watch on her, I could only really imagine.

When we had been in the office trying to work, she hadn’t shut up about her infatuations with some of the players either. Yes, I was jealous that she had gotten to see these guys up close and personal all the time, but I was even more jealous that she had unlimited access to hockey games. I only made it to a Coyotes game a couple times a year, but Millie could go to a game any time she wanted. I’d kill for that.

After taming my hair, putting on some brown eyeliner to make my eye’s illuminate even more, and throwing on a simple, blue sundress I was ready to make my day view to the entire Penguin’s hockey team. While I was tempted to call Sal for a ride just so he could calm my nerves, I decided that taking my car would be a much wiser choice. Thank God it had come in yesterday!

I plugged my phone in to the AUX cord and let the soulful music of Train relax me. I prayed that this evening would end smoothly.

Beau’s POV

Coach had told us to be over at his house around six, but the girls wouldn’t be over until about seven. I guess he figured that an hour was enough to lecture us on our behavior for the evening.

“Now, I know Miss Shero can be a bit of a handful, but please boys… Don’t run off our other new CR. Be nice. Be courteous. Make her feel welcomed. I’ve heard great things about her and I’ll be damned if Millie is the reason she quits. If we can make her feel welcome, it may be harder for her to run off. Got it?”

We all agreed and went back to hanging out and drinking beers. I was sitting outside manning the grill with Kris and James when coach came out back with Sage at his hip.

“This is Kris Letang, James Neal, and Beau Bennett.” He introduced us all and we each shook her hand.

“Pleasure to meet all of you guys.” She said. I was surprised that she didn’t have a hint of nervousness in her voice. If I were her, I would have been slightly intimidated by us all.

“Mind if I grab a beer and come sit outside with you guys? It’s so gorgeous out.”

Coach shot us each a glare, but it wasn’t needed.

“A pretty girl like yourself doesn’t even have to ask.” James said. Kris and I each shook out heads in agreement. She looked absolutely stunning.

Coach gave us thumbs up as Sage moved towards the ice chest, grabbed a beer, and then took a seat. Maybe luck would be on my side after all?

Sage’s POV

The boys were all laughing hysterically as I told them about the time in high school when I had put glitter in the air vents of my arch enemy’s truck, cranked the A/C up to full blast, and watched from afar when she had turned on the ignition and glitter was all to be seen through her windows. Her dad was a judge though and she had tried to sue me for “vandalizing.”

“Oh, we got a wild one ‘er.” Letang said in his French accent and I laughed some more.

I don’t know if it was these guys’ welcoming hospitality or the fact that I was on beer number three, but I was really feeling comfortable around them. We had been outside a solid two hours just talking, eating, and having a good time. We were now playing a drinking game called “Never Have I Ever.” We went around in a circle saying something that we had never done, and if you had then you were forced to take a swig of your drink. Usually a story about whatever you had done ensued. The game was getting pretty interesting and a little dirty.

Beau had said he had never been in trouble with the law. Thus, I had to share a couple stories of my run in with the police.

“Okay, my turn!” I said and eyed all three of the guys.

“Never had I ever… had a one night stand.” This would be a good test of their character too.

Kris and James clinked their glasses together. “Cheers!” They added as they each took a sip of their drinks.

“And none for Beau Bennett?” I asked, as I looked at the only person other then myself not drinking. I knew hockey players and I had been pretty sure I would have gotten all three of the boys on that one. I was surprised.

“Nope, unlike some people…” He said giving his teammates a look, “I was raised to treat a lady right and with respect.”

I nodded respectfully in his direction and held up my glass to him.

‘Cheers to that.” I said as I tapped my glass against him. As we both took sips of our beers, I couldn’t help but see him blush slightly and give me a smile.

**2 hours later**

“I’m so drunk… Sidney drive me home.” Millie was literally latched on to Crosby and looking up at him batting her lashes. You could tell he was looking for an out to pass her off to, but none of his comrades were jumping to his rescue.

He sighed before asking where her keys were and saying goodbye as he walked out the front door. I couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy.

“What about you? You good?” I heard a voice from behind me. I turned and there was Beau, leaning on the archway that entered into the kitchen. I had to admit, the guy was cute and the position he was in now was kind of seductive in a very odd way. I had pinned Kris and James for being the comedians of the trio, but I was having problems reading Beau. He looked like such a tough guy, but I could tell underneath all that muscle he actually did have a much deeper side. It was intriguing.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have you drive. Rather be safe then be sorry.”

At my response his face seemed to lite up and he smiled. I made my way back into the kitchen and said goodbye to everyone as Beau grabbed my keys and we made our way towards my apartment.

We made small talk, but even with moments of silence it wasn’t awkward. For having just met, we were pretty comfortable with one another.

It was only a couple of moments later that we had arrived at my apartment. I invited Beau in while he waited for a cab, but he politely declined my offer.

Wow, I guess he really was a gentleman. Not that I would have tried to seduce him or anything, but I guess he didn’t want to feel guilty about anything considering the state of mind I was currently in.

I gave him a hug and thanked him before I turned to go to my suite.

“Hey, wait. Uhm, what are you doing tomorrow around one?”

I was half way up the stairs when he had asked.

“A whole of nothing.” I said jokily down to him.

“Want a tour of the Consol? I mean, I know you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time there and they’ll probably expect you to have the place memorized by next week. I could be of some assistance.”

It was amazing how serious he had turned in those last couple sentences. I think he was a little nervous that I may say no because when I began to walk back down the stairs, he relaxed and looked very relieved.

“Give me your phone.” I said and held my hand up.

I was trying to type my name in, but the beer was making it a tad difficult. Beau looked over the screen as I was typing and laughed.

“I thought your name was Sage, not Siege.” He tormented.

I rolled my eyes and corrected my mistake before shoving the phone back to him.

“See you tomorrow then, drunkie.” He said, giving me a wink.

I felt my face turn pink as I retreated up the stairs once more.