Chapter 27

The second round of the playoffs started and it was against Montreal. Karen never liked the Canadiens for the reason she thought they always played dirty and went after Sidney more than the other teams. He tried to tell her she was just overprotective of him when he played but she knew what she was watching unfold on the ice. She was thankful they were going to start at home to have Sidney with her for a few more days.

On Friday afternoon, Sidney had gotten home from the arena and was waiting for Karen to get home from work. He loved the routine of taking her to bed with him for his pregame nap and with his uneasiness of wondering if the team was strong enough to repeat again, she was his reassurance that it wasn't over until it was over.

Soon her heard a door shut then the front door slam shut with muttering of cuss words soon followed. Sidney stepped out from the kitchen and leaned up against the doorframe watching her.

"Do I dare ask how was work today?" he asked cautiously. Karen just dropped her keys and purse and glared at him "maybe I shouldn't."

Karen didn't say anything and just went into the living room, slinking into the couch. Sidney walked over and sat beside her "I really don't know how much more I can take."

"What happened?"

"It's not one significant thing. Its the petty drama shit that is continuous day after day. I swear when I leave here in the morning I'm heading to kindergarten and not a job that adults work at."

"Baby..."

"Don't say it Sid."

"I wasn't going to but you can't keep letting this get to you."

"Will you please just invite the douche bags to a game then tie them to the goal posts and shoot pucks at them?"

"Is that all you want?"

"Yes."

Sidney just smiled at her as he caressed her cheek "baby, you need to decide what best for you."

"I need a nap" she said with a pout.

"Then come on" he said standing up and reaching out his hand for her "I can definitely make you feel better." She stood up and was face to face with him letting their lips meet. Karen pulled back and smiled at him as Sidney kissed her forehead before leading them upstairs.

After a few hours, Karen was waiting for her friends as Sidney got ready for the game. She replayed what happened at work and wondered what to do. She loved her job but hated her coworkers. She looked up and smiled when she saw her three best friends approach her.

"Whaddup homey?" Sheril said to get her to laugh.

"Please don't ever say that again."

"I won't but come on round 2 of the playoffs, it can't get any better."

"It can if they win" Karen said as the others agreed. Soon they headed inside and settled in for the game. Her instincts were right as the pens won 6-3 and Sidney had two assists. Karen and Natalie headed down to the locker room after saying bye to Sheril and Diane. They went to the lounge and waited until they guys were done with the media but Karen loved to sneak a peek seeing everyone huddled around Sidney. She had to laugh at poor Max not being able to get to his stall or get crowded out because of the media hounding Sidney. She quiety called Natalie over to watch with her and they couldn't stop their giggling as Max got pushed down further and further that he just gave up and left.

"Your man is so cruel to my mine" Natalie said as they went to sit down on the couch.

"Please, it ain't Sid's fault. Blame the media that always hounds him. Poor guy can't even forgot a bad game if he wants too."

"True but still, Max deserves better."

Karen began to laugh "well he has a perfectly good lap right here if he needs a place to sit" she said patting her friend's leg.

"Oh shut up you." They sat there talking until their men came out and they left going their separate ways.

On Sunday, it was game 2 and Karen loved when they played afternoon games. To her, she either got to savor the victory or helped with the defeat afterwards and didn't have to hurry to bed for work the next day.

Sidney went in by himself as the girls met up for lunch before the game. Karen had to laugh at Sidney's pouting when she wanted to go in with the girls on some game days. All she had to tell him was he had his game day routines and she had hers.

After lunch, the girls got to the arena and waited around to go in. Karen stood and just looked at the Igloo and remembered all the fun times they had coming here for games and concerts. But one memory came flooding back without really thinking about it.

Flashback

"Damn girl, you still have it after all these years."

"What are you talking about Stac?"

"That play. Schooling professional hockey players or should I say Sidney Crosby himself."

"And that boy couldn't keep his eyes off of you when you were playing against Mario."

"Or when you were sitting and talking to him. I think someone is in love."

"Guys stop it. He's just dazed and confused with the play I made. He'll forgot all about me once the next game comes along."

"Yeah, we'll see."

End of flashback

Karen just smiled realizing what all transpired after that. She was brought out of her dream when the crowd starting moving to head inside.

The game started and 4 minutes in, Matt Cooke scored. Of course that would be the only goal the Pens would get. The Canadiens won the game 3-1 and the frustration of not getting any past their goalie was evident as he slammed his stick against the net. Karen didn't want to think that this could be the team to ruin their run for a second consecutive Stanley Cup but if the rest of the series goes like this game, they just might.

"Man this sucks" Sheril stated as everyone around them agreed.

"You going to head down and wait for Sidney?"

"I think I'm only going to go and tell him I'll see him at home if you guys would wait for me outside. I know the media will hound him and I can predict a work out after." Karen headed down as the others went outside. She got to the locker room and saw Dana asking him to get him before the media did. He left and a couple minutes later, Sidney appeared.

"Hey."

"Hey stud. Didn't want to take up too much time, just wanted to say I love you" and with that she leaned up and kissed him not caring who was around "I'll see you at home." She kissed him once more then left. Sidney's bad mood lightened up and he smiled before letting out a huge sigh and going back in to deal with the media.

Karen was watching highlights of the game when she heard Sidney pull up. She turned on something else so he wasn't reminded from earlier. Sidney walked in and went over to her on the couch, sitting beside her.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, its just frustrating when out of every shot, none go in."

"I'm sure the net knew of that frustration when you took it out on it."

"What did you expect me to do, start a fight?"

"Hell yeah. I love watching you scrap around. Makes an already sexy hockey player sexier. Just think back to how many times I'm turned on after a game when there's a fight. Add you and god help who would walk in on us."

Sidney smiled and knew she had a way to make him feel better even when he didn't want to "thanks baby."

Karen moved and got on his lap straddling his legs and facing him "you know I can really make you feel better."

Sidney put his hands on her ass and squeezed making her grind into him "I know you can. It's what I look forward to after a game like this."

Karen leaned in and attached her lips to his in a soft yet searing kiss. She moved her hands down his chest and back up, unbuttoning his shirt as she went. "I think we need to move this upstairs. Don't want to wrinkle the suit." She got off his lap and brought him with her.

After they got upstairs, Sidney took off his jacket and hung it up. He made a move towards her but she stopped him. He knew what she wanted and obliged her. Sidney began to undress as did Karen. When Sidney was completely naked, Karen was only halfway undressed. She made a move to take off her jersey but instead moved her hands underneath and only took off her bra, bringing it out and throwing it to the floor leaving the jersey on.

"Why do you do this to me?"

Karen walked over to him seductively "what am I doing?" she said as her hands roamed over his naked body.

"You're turning me on beyond belief baby."

"I can tell" she said as she looked down and watched his cock begin to grow. She looked back up into his eyes and pushed him towards the bed. He laid down on his back and reached for her hand to pull her to the bed. She crawled up and straddled over him, sitting there and just stared at him. Sidney made a move to sit up as Karen wrapped her arms around him. Their lips met again but this time it was slow and sensual. Neither wanted to rush anything yet as the need and want was very overwhelming as Sidney reached inbetween them and guided his hard cock inside of her slick opening. Karen broke the kiss and looked deep into his eyes as her hips began to move upward on him. They never broke the stare as their movements picked up the pace and the intense feeling got bigger between them.

"Baby..."

"Relive your frustration stud" she said kissing him again "take control."

That was all Sidney needed to hear as he felt her stop her movements so he could roll them over onto her back. Karen pulled the jersey out from under her butt and stretched her legs out as far as her hips would let her. Sidney leaned down for a kiss before raising himself on his hands, hovering over her as he started to pound into her. He came out all the way then drove back in with such force, making a whimper sound release from her lips. The slower he went made it seem like he was replaying his shots on goal.

"Faster Sid...don't make me wait any longer" she whispered. Karen gripped onto his biceps as her peak was nearing its end when he did what she wanted. As soon as her orgasm made itself known, Karen arched her back and screamed her release as her body shuttered. Sidney felt the tightness and thrusted a couple more times before letting loose inside her. Karen left his biceps and grabbed his ass holding him against her until he was done. Sidney got off his hands and laid his body onto Karen's bringing his hand up to caress her cheek.

"I love how you can make me feel better after a loss."

"Its one of my many special gifts that I have to offer you stud."

"Just don't ever stop offering it baby." Sidney leaned in for another searing kiss before rolling off her body and laying beside her. Karen watch his facial expression change and smiled.

"You need to learn to let the bad games go and stop replaying every shift."

"I wasn't" he said but the look she gave him made him smile "ok I was, but I can't help it."

"You said it yourself that every loss needs to be forgotten so you can focus on the next game. You can't reverse time and replay the game to make it come out in your favor everytime. Forget it and move on Sid." She heard him sigh and sighed herself "sorry."

"No, you're right" he said turning to look at her "if it keeps bothering me then I won't be on top of my game for Tuesday." Karen moved to curl up to his side and he just smiled as he wrapped his arm around her and laid there content.

The next two games were in Montreal and got split between both teams. The Pens came out to win game 3 but the Canadiens took game 4 to tie the series. After watching game 4, Karen knew this was going the distance of a game 7 but had an uneasy feeling about the outcome. Of course, that feeling would be kept to herself.

Game 5 was a Saturday night game and Sidney pleaded with Karen to go in with him. Not like he needed to ask cause she would have anyway. He tried to tell her that everytime she went in with him they won and as she thought about arguing that fact, she realized she better not to upset his thinking. As they drove to the arena, Sidney never let go of her hand and she loved how her touch reaffirmed more then her love for him. They got to Mellon and pulled into the parking lot. Before Sidney went to get out, Karen pulled him closer to her and she planted a huge kiss upon his lips.

"Whatever happens tonight, I love you."

"I love you too baby" he said then kissed her again. They got out and headed inside with Sidney acknowledging the fans as he went in.

Sidney went to get changed as Karen went to sit in the lounge to wait for him to come out for a little bit before the routine kicks in. She wasn't waiting long before a visitor came to sit with her.

"Hey Maxwell. Nat come with you?"

"She got stuck at work a little later so she'll come up with Sheril and Diane."

"Ah" she said turning back to the tv. A minute later she looked at Max who just sat there "something else on your mind there?"

"Is Natalie happy?"

"At work? Everyday? In general? I need a little more to go on."

"With me? Does she really seem happy with me?"

"Are you asking me if she still loves you and wants to marry you?"

"Yeah I guess."

"What's wrong Max?"

"We had a huge fight the other night and I guess I made some statement about how I might not be the man she wants to be with and she just looked at me like I couldn't believe I said that."

"Did you mean it?"

"NO! Of course not. It just slipped out in the heat of the arguement. I love her more than anything but was curious if she said anything to you."

"She hadn't. We have this thing that if something is said, if we don't discuss it then we pretend it was never said. Maybe by not telling me about it she's making it nonexistent. If she wants it to be over Max, she would have said something."

"True."

"Have you apologized yet?"

"Many, many times. I've called, text, sent flowers...you name it I did it."

"Did you show up at her house and actually begged for forgiveness?"

Max just looked at her like she grew a second head "that I didn't try."

"Always revert to the begging for forgiveness Maxwell. It works for the guy everytime."

"Really baby" Sidney said walking over to them "I don't ever recall having to do that to win you back after a fight."

"That is true stud, but I get you begging another way" she said getting a surprised look from Max.

"Thanks baby, that really needed to be said in the locker room."

"It was only Max who heard and if he ever wants help with Natalie in the future he won't repeat any of what was said."

"Cross my heart and hope to die" Max said as he got up and walked away laughing.

"You will die if you say anything" Sidney yelled after him. He turned back and looked at her as she sat there with a huge smile on her face "what?"

"Am I wrong? I have never made you beg for forgiveness. You have always tried to win me back by seducing me but I always make you beg in the end anyways." Sidney smiled then kissed her but was interrupted by more players coming in.

"Well alright, I'm second in line" Jordan said standing behind them on the couch.

"I'll take thirds" Geno said smiling.

"What are we lining up for?" Tanger said as he walked in.

"Karen giving out good luck kiss for team before game."

Kris just shrugged and stood there beside Geno "sounds good to me."

"Would you look at the time? I think I better go meet my friends so you guys can get focused." Karen stood and kissed Sidney again before walking around the couch to head out. She heard sighs of disappointment and shook her head before turning around and walking back over. She gave Jordan, Geno, and Tanger a kiss on their cheeks before walking back out.

The three of them smiled but soon all smiles faded when they looked at a not so happy Sidney staring at them.

"Be glad there's a game tonight boys or there would be pucks flying at your head" he said as he walked away.

"Don't blame us Darryl" Jordan said "she didn't have to come back in."

"Yeah, she wanted it as much as we did" Geno said only to have Sidney come running out to chase him around.

"I'm beginning to like that girl more and more" Tanger said laughing as Jordan just nodded in agreement before going to get ready.

Chapter 26

Karen and Vero had both had their hair cut and styled. They each had a massage and got groomed for their men. Now, they were getting their nails done.
"Have you enjoyed yourself today?" Karen asked.

"I have and thanks again for inviting me."

"Oh you're welcome."

"But I still have to wonder, why did you ask me and not one of your other friends?"

"I like you Vero. The few times we've gotten to sit and talk at the arena, I knew you would be a perfect friend. Besides, you understand a lot of things I go through with Sid that my other friends wouldn't."

"Really?" she said almost on the verge of tears.

"Plus, I've seen your face when you leave the lounge to go to sit with the other wives and girlfriends. Its like you dread going there. This was my way of reaching out and opening a friendship with you" she said smiling at her new friend. Vero smiled back and they finished getting their nails done.

A half hour later, the girls were sitting in the comfy chairs getting their feet done.

"Marc never really tells me much. How did you and Sidney hook up?"

"He never told you?"

"Well he said that some girl faked him out in an impromptu game but that was it."

"Ah yes, memories" she said as they laughed. "A few of my friends came in for a visit from out of town and we went to the Igloo to see if we could play around. Sid, Marc, Geno, Staalsy, and Whit were still around when we came in. I guess we interrupted them" she said rolling her eyes "and they obviously noticed we had skillz so they felt threatened and decided to challenge us. It felt pretty good to score on Marc though."

Vero laughed "he's not really giving in that department. If we play at home, he gets so mad and sulks if I score on him."

"I think all hockey players are like that. But they liven up when you make them feel better later on."

"I know Marc will certainly liven up when he sees what I did" she said laughing.

"You've never done that down there before?"

"Not like that. I mean I keep it groomed like all women but I have never, I mean never ever done that. It's all gone, there's nothing left. And let me tell you...I am cold" she said as Karen busted out laughing.

"I know, but think about Marc's reaction and you'll warm up. Then you'll definitely make more and more trips to Brazil." The girls sat there laughing and having fun "can I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure."

"Do you think Marc's going to propose at any time?"

"We've been together for so long, it already feels like we're married. But I don't know. We're both still young, so I don't know if he's been thinking about it or not."

"You guys haven't talked about it?"

"Off and on. Maybe seeing Sidney married and Max engaged will spark something. Do you know anything about it?"

"No, I just wondered. Marc seems like a stable guy and I see you and him joining the Penguins marriage group."

"Why did you marry Sidney?" Vero asked as Karen looked at her "I don't mean it to be rude but you are older than him."

"I'm guessing a lot of talk has been around with the other wives/girlfriends?"

"There had been some. I haven't been one of them, but its what a lot of us had been thinking."

"That I married him for his money or just because he's Sidney Crosby?"

"Karen, please don't think I'm only asking to get information for the others. If you want to be friends, I would like you to know what I've been wondering and get the truth from you."

Karen saw a sincerety in her eyes "when I first met Sidney, I was awe struck by how sexy he was in person" she said with a light laugh. "After I asked him out that night we met, there was this connection like I'd known him for years. It felt right to be with him in that atmosphere of just being two normal people. He wasn't Sidney Crosby the Penguins hockey phemon, he was just Sidney."

"Wow."

"Yeah, he knocked me over with a ton of brincks. But it wasn't me pursuing him, he wanted to be with me."

"Really?"

"I fought tooth and nail about being with him. I was hung up on the age difference and he made me realize that we both had feeling for each other and to look at it through that and not how much older I was."

"I could tell how he felt about you when he would talk to Marc about you. It wasn't an image thing or to get people off his back because he never really went out and dated or had a girlfriend since he's been here. I guess since you're the first one and older at that, of course there's been talk." Karen sat there quiet and staring at her feet "I'm sorry if you're angry for me bringing it up."

"I'm not, I guess I've just been ignoring the whispers all this time to think that the talk was actually real. What's funny is I fought to be with him when his parents were against it, I guess I forgot about the other wives and girlfriends."

"Well I knew your love was genuine from what Marc had said and what I saw for myself."

"To be honest I don't care what others think. I love him and he loves me no matter what lifestyles we live or how much it costs to live it."

"I think a couple are just jealous because he's turned down their offer to fix him up with their friends."

"Well I know what he's up against and I think that made a perfect match. He doesn't have to explain the game to me or why he's feeling down after scoring 5 goals but yet they lost. I understand every pressure he goes through or will endure. He can come home and just stay quiet yet I know what he's thinking. I won't badger him to find out to piss him off more."

Karen looked over when she heard Vero snicker "I learned that lesson the hard way. When I first started dating Marc, he was upset over his game yet he won. I kept asking question after question until he screamed at me. After that, I just watched his mood and learned from that. Knew when to speak and when to listen."

"Good girl" she said as they both giggled.

"I hope you're not mad I brought this up."

"I'm not. I faced the firing squad of my friends, his friends and teammates, Mario, and his father, I'm over it. If someone wants to have an opinion when they see us, so be it. Sidney and I know what we have and that's all that matters. I'm glad you asked so you know and it doesn't have to hang over us as we're working out this new friendship" she said smiling. They finished up at the salon and headed out for lunch. Karen invited Vero over to watch the game with her and her friends but she had other plans. After lunch, they headed their separate ways and Karen went to the store for a few things before the girls got there later that day.

As the game went on, the girls were doing their normal ritual of eating, drinking and commenting on the sexiness of hockey players.

"Can I ask you guys something?" Karen said muting the tv "What were your true thoughts when you found out Sid and I were together?"

"You know we were happy for you" Diane retorted.

"I know you guys were happy for me for finding someone the opposite of Rick, but I mean, what were you really thinking about it?"

"I thought you were crazy for wanting to get involved with another hockey player" Natalie said.

"But I think she means about Sidney in general" Sheril said getting Karen to nod. "I didn't want to see you get hurt by the media or fans because of the age difference. I know how protective you are about your life that I didn't want to see that destroyed."

"I wondered if Sidney would truly be able to make you happy with the way his life goes. I didn't want to see you sitting at home alone and wondering if he was cheating on you" Diane added.

"You know we all want the best for you Kiki" Natalie started "we just didn't want you to get hurt in any way. And when he did break up with you for those few weeks.."

"I did get hurt. But that was his parents doing, not his."

"But he did what they wanted."

"Where is all this coming from all of the sudden?"

"I told you guys that I invited Flower's girlfriend Vero to go to the salon with me."

"And she brought this up?"

"She wanted to clear the air and get the truth about why I'm with Sid. I guess there had been talk among all the other wives and girlfriends of the other players and she told me her first impression of me. That's why I asked you guys of yours."

"Karen, we told you the truth about him when you first told us about dating him. Nothing has changed since then" Diane said as the others shook their heads in agreement.

"Love is rare and you need to not worry about what others think and just live your life with who you want."

"Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I'm never the one to care about what someone thinks of me but I've always been curious about what they've said."

"And we've all been ready to kick some ass to whoever can't shut up and just let you two be happy" Sheril said to make everyone laugh.

"I knew we were friends for a reason."

They all clinked their glasses and finished watching the game. By the time the 3rd period started, the Pens were down 3-1 and Karen wondered if it was going to be a short post season. Soon, a couple goals were scored and the Pens tied it 3-3, staying that way as regulation ended sending the game into OT.

As OT began, Karen felt nervous. She wouldn't have minded a game 7 at home, but she wanted Sidney to move on to the next round. She saw in his eyes that he wanted the chance to repeat even if he had reservations. With almost have of OT gone, Karen's nerves left as she saw Pascal take a shot from Jordan and netted the puck for the win. The girls cheered and celebrated thankful the team lived for another round.

The girls left soon after the post game interviews as they didn't want to intrude on Karen's celebration with Sidney. She got things cleaned up and settled on the couch watching a movie until Sidney came home.

Sidney got home a few hours later and walked in to a dark house except for the flickering light coming from the living room. He put his bag down and went into the room seeing the tv on. He peeked over the back of the couch and saw Karen laying there with her eyes closed. Sidney smiled as he walked around and sat on the coffee table, brushing a stray piece of Karen's hair from her face.

"Congratulations stud" she said sleepily.

"You didn't have to wait up baby."

"It's Saturday night, of course I had to wait up" she said opening her eyes.

"Why don't we head upstairs so you can fall back asleep?"

"You don't want to celebrate?" she said sitting up.

"We can celebrate after we're both better rested" he said standing up and bringing her up to him "I can't have you falling asleep on me."

"I have never fallen asleep on you stud."

"Can't risk it baby" Sidney said leaning down for a kiss. "Did you get your hair done?"

"In more ways than one." Sidney knew that smirk and kissed her again before they headed up to bed.

Sunday morning and Karen woke up to the sunlight coming into their bedroom. She felt Sidney's arms around her and smiled as she turned around to be face to face with him.

Bringing her finger up and lightly touching his nose, Sidney stirred "wake up studly."

"But its Sunday and my day off."

"All the more reason to wake up so we can enjoy this day off together."

Sidney slowly opened his eyes "you do remember what time we went to bed last night?"

"Well remember I'm good to go on 4 hours so that's why I'm ready to get up. If you want to stay in bed, be my guest" she said kissing him and getting up. Karen walked into the bathroom and decided to get a shower.

Sidney laid there trying to fall back asleep when he heard the shower start up. He rolled onto his back and smiled "damn her." He threw the covers off and went into the bathroom, stripping off his boxers and opening the glass door, stepping in behind her.

"Thought you weren't getting up yet."

Pressing his growing erection into her ass "apparently picturing you in here all wet and naked, gets me up every time."

Karen turned around "I think its a proven fact that you get up every time you see me." She kissed him before turning back around and finishing her shower. Sidney grabbed the soap and began to wash himself, but also Karen's back. He moved his hands to her ass and then in front, cupping over her mound.

"Um baby?"

"Yes."

"Is this what you meant when you said you had your hair done in more ways then one?" he said feeling the hairless mound.

"Figured you would like a present to help celebrate your win last night." She said as her breathing began to quicken from him rubbing over her clit and sneaking a finger inside. "And you would have seen it last night if you weren't too tired to celebrate."

Sidney turned her back around "it seems like it was worth the wait to me." He pushed her up against the wall and attacked her lips. Karen felt him lift her up and instinctly wrapped her legs around his waist. Sidney reached inbetween them and grabbed his cock, finding her entrance and sliding himself in as slow as he could stand it. Karen broke the kiss and let out a gasp as she felt him stretch her to the fullest. The look in their eyes told each other what they wanted without words. Karen gripped on to Sidney's biceps as he began to move inside of her. Sidney moved his hands to under her thighs for better leverage as his thrusts got faster and harder. He felt Karen's fingernails dig into his skin as her orgasm rocked through her body. As the tightness took over his cock, Sidney moaned out his release before dropping his head down to regain his breath. When he could lift his head, he looked up and kissed Karen's lips. Sidney removed himself and let Karen down but kept his lips on hers until she let go.

"Now that was definitely worth waiting for" she said leaning in for another kiss. After a few minutes, they reluctantly let go of each other and got out of the shower. Karen went to get dressed eventhough Sidney kept trying to prevent her but she swatted him away so she could. She blew him a kiss before heading downstairs to fix them breakfast and to figure out what to do on their day off.

Chapter 25

Before long, the series was 3-2 and the Pens were heading to Ottawa to hopefully end the series and keep it from coming back for a game 7.

Thursday night, Karen made a special dinner for Sidney and wanted to make herself the dessert. After they ate, Karen told Sidney to go relax as she cleaned up. Twenty minutes later, she joined him in the living room and they sat cuddled up watching tv. Sidney had flipped through the channels and landed on NHL Network which got a look from Karen.

"I just want to hear what they say about game 6 then we can watch something else."

Karen looked at the time and smiled "how about you watch to see what they say then head upstairs to join me." Sidney just nodded and watched her walk out of the room before turning his attention to the commentators. He was thankful they talked about his series early so he could head upstairs.

As he reached the bedroom, he saw a flicker light coming out of the room and he smiled knowing what awaited him inside. When he walked into the room, he looked towards the bed and saw Karen sitting on her side. He scanned her body noticing the lace bra and panties she had on. He felt himself start to grow inside his jeans and knew he needed to remove them soon.

"I just wanted you to leave for Ottawa with the best luck knowing you're going to close out this series Saturday night."

"Of course, all I needed was you giving me a good luck kiss before you left tomorrow morning. That would've helped too."

"If you'd rather have it that way instead, I could go change and we could just go to sleep. Then in the morning before I leave, wake you and give you the best good luck kiss ever."

"Well if I say I wanted that tomorrow, could you still wish me luck tonight?"

"I am already dressed for it."

"That you are" he said getting out his cell phone. "Mind if I preserve this moment for a reminder tomorrow night in my lonely hotel room?"

"No, go ahead." Karen laid there as sexy as she could as Sidney snapped the picture, saving it to his phone. "Why don't you put that far away and get a little more comfortable."

Sidney walked over to the dresser, away from the bed and placed his cell phone on top of it. Karen scooted up towards the pillows and laid down. He then got undressed except for his boxers and walked back over to the bed climbing up and kneeling inbetween her legs that were conviently open for him.

"So is this new or have I just been oblivious to your bra and panties collections?"

"Oh it's definitely new. And it has a special feature just for you" she said bringing her hand down and showing him the surprise.

"Um, is that...are those?" he asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"Crocthless?" she said nodding her head yes "I know how much you love to have certain nights with me wearing my bra and panties, so I found a perfect set for that purpose." Sidney couldn't resist sticking out his finger and running it between the fabric's opening. Karen's hips made a small bucking move upward when she felt his finger graze her sensetive lips. She felt him continue rubbing and adding a couple more fingers "I guessing you're enjoying this."

"Absolutely but you know I always need to double check that you're ready for me."

Karen moved his hand away and brought him down to her "I am definitely ready for you" she said finding the top of his boxers and pulling them off his ass, springing his hard cock from it's prision. She got them down to the middle of his thighs before Sidney moved them down a little more. Karen spread her legs open as wide as she could giving Sidney full access. He guided himself to her entrance and slowly entered her until he was buried deep inside. As Sidney began to move, he felt the fabric tickle his shaft which turned him on even more. His rhythm was a steady pace and Karen lifted her hips to match each and every thrust as her orgasm began to build. "Faster Sid...oh god, go faster" she breathed out.

"Anything for you baby" he said as he got up on his hands and picked up his pace. Karen reached up and pulled the fabric off her breasts, exposing herself and massaging them as the feelings took over her body. Sidney couldn't stop the excitedness he felt watching her touch herself and it made himself pound harder into her core. Karen felt her orgasm rise  and let go of her breasts grabbing Sidney's ass, helping him push deep inside of her as she moaned out her pleasure. Hearing her release, Sidney continued pumping his cock in and out until he let out his own moan and gave one last deep thrust, spilling his hot juice inside her. Karen arched her back as she felt him milk himself dry by pushing his cock deep into her until he was done. Sidney leaned down and captured her lips for a searing kiss before rolling off to her side and regaining his breath. "This might sound somewhat fetishly, but you might need to wear those every night or at least get a few more pairs."

Karen just giggled "first of all, fetishly isn't a word and second, do you really believe I would have walked out with only one pair of these. I bought the whole rainbow."

"Good girl" he said as she laughed before curling up to his warm, sweaty body.

At 2am, the alarm rang and Karen got up heading to the bathroom for a shower. As she finished washing her hair and started lathering her body, she felt a presence behind her.

"I thought you were still asleep" she asked turning around.

"I was until I laid there thinking how a kiss just wouldn't be enough."

Karen stepped back under the water to rinse off the soap "what would keep you satisfied then?"

Sidney stepped to her and in one swift motion, picked her up and pinned her against the wall. Entering inside of her quickly, he pounded into her just as quick. He knew they didn't have time to prolong their romp and gave her what she yerned for. Karen dug her fingernails into his shoulders as Sidney brought them both to their peaks together. He held her against the wall for a few minutes before letting her down and finishing their shower. When Karen was done, she stepped out and got dried off, eyeing the time before getting dressed. Sidney emerged a few minutes later and wrapped a towel around his body.

"You haven't woken up with me in a long time stud" she said putting on her make up.

"Maybe we need to revisit that once a week." He walked over and kissed her "I'll go get the coffee started and meet you downstairs" he said leaving the bathroom. Karen finished and headed downstairs 10 minutes later seeing Sidney in the kitchen. "I made it exactly how you like it" he said handing her the travel mug.

Taking a sip she smiled closing it back up "mmm, exactly how I love it. Thank you." Karen put the cup down and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist "I'll miss you until late Saturday night."

"I'll miss you too baby."

Karen leaned up and captured his lips in a slow, passionate kiss pouring every ounce of feeling she had for him. "Good luck tomorrow night and when you come home, we'll celebrate you guys advancing to the second round."

Sidney brought her back in for another mind blowing kiss "thank you" he whispered for kissing her again. He felt Karen start to pull away "I know you need to go and I will call you tonight once I'm settled in the hotel."

"Ok. I love you."

"I love you too." They smiled at each other before Karen reluctantly got out of his arms and grabbed her coffee, leaving for work. Sidney let out a sigh before turning off the coffee maker and heading back to bed for a couple more hours.

Friday night and Karen was watching NHL Network and hoping to see if they would do a story about the Pens-Sens game tomorrow night. She smiled when they said coming up was the preview of all the games for Saturday and she settled in the couch waiting to see what they say. They got to a couple other match ups before the Penguins and she smiled when they showed Sidney talking to the media. After they got done, she decided to make an unexpected phone call.

"Hello."

"Hi Vero. Its Karen Crosby, Sid's wife."

"Hey Karen. Didn't expect to hear from you. What's up?"

"I wanted to ask if you had any plans tomorrow."

"Not really. Just planning on going to the store than home to watch the game tomorrow night. Why?"

"I was hoping you would be free to join me for a salon day. I had plans with another friend but she's unable to go. So instead of cancelling both appointments for another time, I wanted to see if you wanted to go with me."

"What all were you going to have done?"

"Manicures, hair cut, and a little grooming but you can just get a manicure if you wanted."

Vero wondered if there was a reason she was asking her to go but played it off "sure, I would love to go with you tomorrow. What time is the appointment?"

"10a so I can come pick you up by 9:30."

"I can just meet you there if you tell me where to go." Karen told her where the place was and she knew where it was. "Ok, I will meet you there around 9:45a."

"See you in the morning then. Have a good night Vero."

"You too Karen" she said as they hung up.

Just as Karen put down her phone, it rang just again just that quick. "Hello" she said picking it up.

"Are you ok baby? I tried calling for the past 5 minutes and it just rang and rang."

"I'm fine studly. I was on the phone with Vero, just got off before you called back."

"Thank god. You don't want to know what horrible things I thought of when you didn't pick up."

"I'm fine Sid and nothing bad is ever going to happen to me as long as I'm with you. How was your flight?"

"It was good. Got to kill Max in our SOCOM game."

"That must have been the highlight of the flight."

"Highlight of my life anytime I get to kill Max before he kills me." He heard her laugh on the line and smiled "how's your night going?"

"A little lonely but I'll survive."

"I think I gave you enough to dream about until I get home baby."

"That you did stud" she said hearing voices in the background "what's going on?"

"The guys are yelling at me to hang up so we can go out for dinner."

"Well don't let me keep you. Go have fun with the guys."

"Ok. I'll call you before bed."

"I will be counting down the minutes until I hear your sexy voice again. Love you."

"Love you to baby" he said before they both hung up.

Saturday morning and Karen was on her way to meet Vero. She parked her car and walked to the salon where she was outside waiting.

"Morning Karen."

"Morning Vero. How are you?"

"I'm good. Thanks for the invite today."

"It was my pleasure" she said starting to walk in.

"Before you go in" she said stopping her " why did you ask me to join you?"

"Because I thought we could use this time to find out about each other a little more than both being attached to Penguin players. Marc and Sidney as great friends, why shouldn't we be."

"Wow, none of the other wives or girlfriends ever asked for that."

"I'm not like any of them. I thought we've already established that" she said smiling.

"We did, I just figured it was just talk like the others had done."

"Nope. Come on, let's go get pretty for our guys." They both laughed and headed inside for their day of beauty.

Chapter 24

After all was said and done, the Pens lost game one to Ottawa 5-4. Karen had high spirits and knew they could bounce back for game 2. When the crowd dispersed, Karen walked down to the locker room with Natalie in tow. She smiled when she saw her friend run up to Max and just hugged him. She knew she'd do the same exact thing when she saw Sidney. Karen walked towards the make shift media area and waited outside for Sidney to get finished. About 20 minutes later, Sidney came out to a smiling Karen standing at the wall.

"Hey baby" he said as Karen hugged him "mmm, I needed that."

"You guys played a good game, they just got one more goal in the end."

"Hmm, never thought about saying that to the media."

"Maybe I could be your publicist and take over your post game media responsibilities."

"How about we head home and you can take care of my post game disappointment."

"I believe I am the perfect woman for that job."

"You definitely are in my eyes" he said leaning in to capture her lips for a sweet kiss.

"Alright, is this where the lines starts?" Marc said standing behind Sidney with Jordan behind him.

"What line are you talking about Flower?"

"Well, it appears Karen is making you feel better so I figured this was the line to make all of us feel better."

"Yeah Darryl, share the woman to make us all feel good."

"Don't ya'll have your own girlfriends?" Karen asked not letting go of Sidney.

"Well yeah, but we like you better."

"Ouch, hope they don't hear that."

"So are we taking a number or what here?" Jordan asked.

"You both are taking a walk to the locker room for a very cold shower then home to your own girlfriends" Karen said. Marc and Jordan just looked at each other before walking away mumbling. "Um, I think from now on I'm going to wait for you outside by the car."

"Not a chance baby, I will go out and drag you back in to wait for me."

"Alright" she said dejected "but you just missed the chance to always take a shower at home...and with me."

"Can I retract what I just said?"

"Nope."

"Damn" he said getting her to laugh "come on, the quicker I get my shower the quicker we can head home." Sidney took her hand and led her back towards the locker room and left her to go into the lounge to sit with Natalie until he was done.

A half hour later, Karen walked inside the house with Sidney in tow. She took off her shoes and headed into the kitchen for a glass of water.

"I can quench your thirst better baby" Sidney said walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist as his lips attacked her neck.

"That my dear husband is a different kind of thirst" she said turning around in his arms "all the beer I drank leaves my mouth dry for water."

Sidney watched her finish the water in the glass "ready to go to bed now?"

Karen just looked at him before smiling "I think I can fit you into my schedule between getting ready for bed and falling asleep."

"How about you just let me fit into that hot, wet, tight opening that I love so much."

"You need to quit hanging around the guys after practice."

"Well, you girls have your time to gossip about us. We have our locker room time."

"Oh god, will telling you to take me upstairs make you shut up?"

"Never" he whispered before kissing her. He took her hand and led her upstairs. Karen let go of his hand and went into the bathroom to change for bed. She came out a few minutes later completely naked to Sidney's surprise "um, baby?" he said pointing to her body.

"Figures it saves time" she said crawling onto the bed. Sidney smiled and went into the bathroom. He came out just as naked and Karen was the least bit shocked knowing he'd do that. He walked over to the bed seductively making Karen's insides churn for him. She sat up on her knees and reached for him, bringing him closer so she could attack his lips.

Sidney was getting turned on immensely and pulled back a little "let's take this a little slower, shall we." Karen just looked at him and let him set the mood, which she knew he loved to do.

Sidney made Karen move back so he could crawl up on the bed. He sat in the middle with his legs out, motioning for Karen to sit on his thighs. She wrapped her legs around his hips and they sat there staring at each other lovingly.

Karen looked deep into his eyes and saw something rare "what's wrong?"

"Its not because of the loss tonight, but I just have this feeling that we're not going as far in the playoffs as we did last year."

"What are you talking about Sid? Everything just started. How can you be so sure?"

"I don't know, the feeling is just there."

Karen brought her hand up and ran it through his hair "don't sell yourself short Sid. It could just be the loss throwing you off."

"Maybe" he said kissing her "but tonight's not the first time I've felt this." Karen just offered a sincere smile and caressed his cheek before their lips met again.

The kiss heated up as did their body temps. Karen loved the seduction from him and knew it would be worth the wait. Sidney began to roam his hands over her body, stopping to massage her breasts and pinch at her nipples getting a moan from Karen's lips before moving on. Karen moved her hands all over his back, feeling every muscle. She made a move and brought her hand in front to his stomach and wandered down to his cock. One touch and Sidney jumped, removing her hand.

"What?"

"I am so turned on by you right now that one touch is about to send me over the edge."

"Sorry, but this need for wanting to feel you inside me after all this foreplay is overwhelming my senses."

"Then by all means, let me give you what you want." Sidney grabbed her ass and pulled her more onto his thighs and closer to him. He reached inbetween them and took ahold of his aching cock, finding her entrance and pushing himself inside. He felt the heat, then the wetness coat him that made him go wild. Karen made a swift move and got on her knees for better leverage before she started moving her hips to feel him move inside her. The close proximity made it near impossible to not hit their peaks before they each wanted to. Karen would slow down to prolong her release, but with Sidney controlling her ass and pulling her into him it made it that much more harder. Karen felt a tingle and knew her orgasm was near. She thought about stopping them to swtich positions to have Sidney take control but her orgasm had other plans and came with vengeance making her scream out. Sidney felt the tightness and couldn't hold on any more, spilling out everything he had and releasing a moan himself. As their erratic breathing began to slow, Karen slipped off Sidney's cock but stayed locked in his arms. "You didn't need to move baby."

"To slow us down, yes I did."

"It's after midnight and you need to get some sleep for work tomorrow."

"I've worked tired before" she said with raised eyebrows "besides, we haven't made love in a certain way for a while and I have been waiting all night for it."

"Which way is that baby?"

Karen didn't answer with words but instead she showed him. As she got on her knees and grabbed the footboard, Sidney knew exactly what she wanted. He got on his knees behind her and bent down licking her already swollen lips sending a shiver of want and need through her body. He sat up, scooted closer and plunged his cock deep inside her. Sidney stayed still for a minute and Karen grew impatient "oh god Sid."

"What baby? Tell me what you want?" he said with a stint of huskiness in his voice.

"I need you to fuck me. I want you to pound into me hard like its our last night together" she said with desperation.

Sidney could have reponded but instead he ran his hands over Karen's back before grabbing her hips and digging his fingers into her skin. He pulled himself almost all the way out before slamming back inside of her. He did it again and again, making each thrust harder than the last making Karen whimper. Before long, Sidney got a rhythm going and pounded his cock deep into her. Karen's knuckles were as white as the sheets from gripping the railing on the footboard so tight as the sensations were overbearing. She couldn't stop all the moans from escaping from each hard thrust Sidney was putting upon her. He loved it when she would let his animalism take over and be as rough as he wanted to be without hurting her.

Karen tried to take one of her hands and move it to her mound but the force of Sidney made it impossible to keep her steady and not fall to the mattress. He saw her attempt and reached his hand around, covering her mound and rubbing feverishly over her clit bringing her over the edge. He let go and grabbed her hips as the last few hard, deep thrusts sent his orgasm racing out and coming fast until he gave her every last drop he had. Karen felt the weight of Sidney collapsing on her back and her head just dropped down as she tried to catch her breath. Sidney regained his strength and sat up, pulling her with him and letting her lean against his chest.

"Ok..yeah...we have seemed to neglect this position that last few hundred times we've had sex. Was that how you pictured it baby?"

"No" she shook her head still trying to catch her breath "that was definitely much better than I pictured it." Karen turned her head and met Sidney's lips for a kiss to end their night. Sidney broke the kiss and moved back to slide out of her. He made another move and Karen laid down, letting Sidney get comfortable beside her. They curled up against each other and fell asleep.

What had appeared to be two hours but felt like 20 minutes, the alarm rang and Karen jumped up turning it off. She groaned and got up going into the bathroom. She managed to get a shower to wake her up and it did wonders when she was done. As she came out of bathroom to get dressed, she silently giggled to herself as Sidney hadn't even moved from when she got up 15 minutes ago. Karen dressed in record time and carefully kissed his cheek before leaving the bedroom. She made a quick cup of coffee and headed out the door for the drive to work.

About 8:15, Karen went on break and grabbed something to munch on sitting at the table. She ate her snack but could barely keep her eyes open. She took a drink of her Mt Dew before putting her head down on her arms and closing her eyes.

Natalie and Diane had finished putting away their belongings in their lockers and went into the break room to grab something to drink before going out to the floor. Diane was about to walk out the door when Natalie stopped her. They walked over to the table and laughed seeing Karen asleep.

"Wake up sleeping beauty" Diane said lightly shaking her until she stirred.

Karen jumped up "oh god, what time is it?"

"8:40" Natalie said.

"Shit, I need to get back."

"What time did you get back here?"

"8:15."

"I take it you made the captain feel better about the loss last night?"

"Yeah and if it wasn't for me, I would have gotten four hours instead of two" she said getting up and grabbing her drink walking out with them.

"What does that mean?"

"It was midnight after our first romp but I had to mention I had pictured him a different way during the whole game and he proceeded to obliged me. I shouldn't have said anything and waited until this afternoon to get the other way."

"Well you're halfway through your shift so keep busy and 1 o'clock will be here before you know it."

"You might just need to come check on me periodically throughout the morning to make sure of that Di."

"Sure thing. I'll just throw something at you from across the way."

"Thanks girl, knew you'd help out anyway you could" she said making them all laugh before heading to the store's morning meeting.

Karen had let out a sigh of relief when she looked at her watch and it told her it was 1:05. She smiled and got her stuff put away then headed to clock out. She saw Diane coming back from lunch and they talked for a few minutes as Karen got her purse from her locker. They said goodbye and Karen left heading home, praying she could stay awake for the drive back to Pittsburgh.

As she got home, Sidney wasn't there and probably still at the arena. She went to get something to drink before leaving him a note and going upstairs. About 25 minutes later, Sidney got home and didn't see Karen anywhere. He walked into the kitchen and saw a note on the counter.

hey stud. you wore me out last night that I had to go take a nap. damn you and your animalistic urges...but I love you anyway.

Sidney just laughed and put the note back down, heading upstairs to find her curled up in bed. He took off his shoes and got into bed beside her, lightly grazing his finger over her cheek.

"You just couldn't let me sleep huh?"

"I had to wake you up to argue about the note you left."

"What was there to argue about?"

"It wasn't my idea for the second time around baby. I was content with round one, YOU were the one that needed me to forcefully fuck you and satisfy your urge."

"You could have been the voice of reason and restraint and said we could have waited until we both got home today."

"You know I'm not the one to disappoint my wife when she wants something" he said kissing her "especially when it comes to fucking the life out of you for the night."

Karen just shook her head laughing "were you tired for practice?"

"A little, but I did get at least 4 more hours of sleep."

"Shut it smartass."

Sidney leaned in for a sweet kiss "get some sleep baby and if you're not up on your own by dinner, I will wake you up and take you out for an amazing dinner."

"I love the idea and I definitely love you."

"Good. Love you too baby" he said giving her another kiss before getting off the bed and leaving her alone. Three hours later, Karen got up and freshened up before going downstairs. They decided where to go for dinner and headed out for the night.

Chapter 23

Karen jumped out of bed when the alarm rang "what the hell?" she yelled startling Sidney. "Why is the alarm going off at 2:30?"

"You set it before you fell asleep last night, you know to get up for work today." Karen sat there stunned and confused "you ok baby?"

"Yeah" she said shaking her head "I guess I just dreamt today was Saturday or something and didn't need to get up. Sorry for waking you" she said leaning over to kiss him "go back to sleep." Karen got up and went to the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror "did I set it by habit or was it just a dream?" She decided to get ready and if her dream was true, she'd see when she got to work.

After Karen got to work, everything seemed normal. No one questioned why she was there or brought up that she quit. She shrugged it off as a dream and went to work. At lunch, Diane and Natalie had taken theirs early to go with her.

"Are you ok Karen? You seem distracted today" Diane asked her.

"Not really. I had a very realistic dream last night. I was here like any other day but had a blow up with the queen B and quit" she whispered the last part. "I went home and told Sidney and it just seemed right and natural to want to stop working and be his wife. I woke up with a jolt when the alarm rang at 2:30."

"Well apparently it wasn't true since no one seems to be talking about it" Natalie added.

"I know" she chuckled "I figured if I came in and people questioned why I was here, then I knew it was true and just out of habit set the alarm."

"Besides, you know you'll never quit. You can't stay away from me or Di everyday."

"That is true. Its sad that I can count on one hand my true friends here at work" she said as they all laughed and went back to their lunch.

After work, Karen went home and saw Sidney on the couch watching tv.

"Really, NHL Network?" she said sitting beside him.

"Its the playoff previews babe. Have to see what the media says about our match up with the Sens."

"Well that's easy...will Ottawa be able to handle Crosby and Malkin? What about Jordan Staal who's had a great year and steps up big this time of year? What do the Pens need to do this round to make a strong run to repeat?"

"Funny baby" he said as she kissed him before heading upstairs and changing clothes. After she left, they started analyzing the Pens-Sens game and Sidney smiled when they said exactly what Karen just mocked. He loved when she did things like that and knew she could predict the future if she tried hard enough.

Karen came down 20 minutes later and sat back down beside Sidney "so what'd they say?"

"That if we, as a team, stay healthy then they see us being a force to reckon with in the finals again."

"So basically what I said, you just don't want to tell me I was right."

Sidney looked at Karen and smiled "you were absolutely right baby" he said before kissing her. "So let me ask, what was with this morning?"

"I had an all to real dream that I was at work and had a blow up with my lead then quit. You came home from practice and saw me still sitting in my car and I told you I quit." Sidney sat shocked not knowing what to think "when I went into work today, nothing seemed wrong and people didn't question why I was there so I had to put it as a dream."

"You know, some of your dreams do have a way of coming true."

"I know."

"Karen?" he said softly.

"You know I still struggle with this everyday Sid. I want to stay home and be the wife you deserve, but I don't want to stop working unless something tells me it's time to."

"What told you in your dream?"

"That they revoked my vacation for August and they tried to write me up for disrespect of my lead. I got fed up and just quit."

"Karen, the wife I want and need is what you provide for me everyday. Whether you're a stay at home mom with kids, or working while I'm at practice everyday doesn't mean you're lacking in the wife department."

"I know and I love you for being patient and not pressuring me to quit. It will happen one day Sid."

"And when that day comes, you will be the happiest you have ever been."

"Really?"

"Yes, then you can really taste what being a hockey wife is all about." Karen just shook her head and laughed before she cuddled up into Sidney's side and they finished watching the playoff previews.

A couple days later, the first round of the playoffs started and didn't know what to expect with Ottawa. They've had some pretty good rounds with the Pens and she saw this series could go either way.

"You seem nervous" Sidney asked as they ate dinner.

"Why would I be nervous, I'm not the one playing."

"You're nervous for me I think."

"I don't get nervous for you. You've done this enough times I just sit back and become a proud wife watching her husband do what he does best."

"You must feel that way when we have sex too."

"Oh god, you did not just say that?" she laughed as Sidney just shrugged. They continued to eat so they could get ready to head into the arena for game one of the playoffs.

After they got to the arena, Karen went to the lounge as Sidney went to change. He started doing that so he could spend the most amount of time with her before falling into his pregame ritual. When he came out, he sat beside Karen who was talking with Marc and Vero.

"If I can talk this one into it, I would love that."

"Talk me into what?"

"That during August we could head to Montreal and meet up with these two and go somewhere for a weekend."

"I wouldn't mind that baby."

"Thanks honey" Marc said smiling sweetly at Sidney "I knew you couldn't stay away from me for the whole summer."

"You know, when you two make plans without me, I get jealous and sad" Max said coming over.

"It could also be that we see you more often then everyone else too Maxwell."

"You love seeing every bit of me Kiki" he said that got Karen to smile "see, she's remembering."

"Baby?" Sidney all but yelled.

"Sorry, but after the inital shock wears off the visions do seem to come back." Sidney was about to protest but was interrupted when Coach Dan came in and told them to start getting their heads in game mode. "I guess that's our cue. Shall we go Vero?"

"You're not getting off that easily baby. We will talk about this tonight at home" Sidney yelled as they walked out. Karen just turned around and blew him a kiss before walking out laughing.

"You guys are so cute together."

"I know, its sickening."

"So what's going on with Max?"

"He's engaged to my best friend and when they started dating it was kind of rocky at first. Well, they were over at the house one day and Sid and I went for a walk. Needless to say, when we got back, I saw Max's bare ass on the living room floor."

"Ah. So how was it?" Vero asked smiling.

"It was...nice" she said smirking to get them laughing. They went up to meet the others and to wait for the start of the game. They went into the Igloo club and got some beers. "I can't wait until next year when we have our suite. It'll be so much nicer to come in earlier and wait around there then what we have now."

"The team's going to have a family room for all the player's families, wives and girlfriends to watch the games next year" Vero stated.

Karen heard the somberness in her voice "well you know, anytime you want you are more than welcome to come sit in our box and watch the game."

"Thanks Karen, I appreciate that." Soon, Vero left the four friends and went to the section designated for the families. Karen knew she hated being there as it seemed the others were only there in spirit and not too much into the game as she would like to be. Fact was, out of all the player's wives or girlfriends, Karen could see implanting Vero in their little group. She was soon brought out of her thoughts as they heard the crowd erupt for the teams coming out for warm ups. They grabbed their beers and headed to their seats to watch the guys get ready for the game.

Chapter 22

The next few days passed and with the Pens starting the playoffs at home, that gave Sidney and Karen more than enough time to spend together.

The team had a late practice one day and Sidney would get home about the same time as Karen. He had not stayed to talk or work out extra so he ran out of the arena and headed home. As he pulled up to the house, he noticed Karen's car and smiled to himself as he parked beside her. His smile soon faded when he saw he just sitting in her car. Sidney got out and almost ran to the driver's side, lightly knocking on the window. Karen slightly turned her head and moved to roll down the window.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Sidney asked seeing the wetness on her cheeks.

"I couldn't take it anymore."

"Ok, that could lead to a lot of possible things that happened. Why don't you get out of the car and we can head in to talk about it?'

Karen just noddded before rolling up the window. Sidney opened the door and helped her out, bringing her into his arms.

"I quit Sid" she whispered.

Sidney pulled backed and looked into her eyes "what?"

"Oh I know you're happy and want to jump around so you might as well go do it and get it over with" she said wiping her eyes.

"I think I'll reserve it for after you tell me what happened" he said leading her inside the house. They walked into the living room and sat on the couch "so, what happened and at what time did you quit?"

"I waited until after my shift. Made them pay me for the whole day" she smiled.

"Understandable."

"Well for starters, they said that I had taken way too much time off and they were revoking my vacation I had put in for August to spend the month with you in Canada."

"Can they truly do that?"

"Yeah apparently. Then when that bitch was telling me about it, she couldn't contain her smile as she told me which pissed me off more. Then they tried to tell me that I wasn't getting all my work done in the alotted time, which was bullshit. I had never left anything undone before leaving for the day. Then they tried to make me sign a write up saying that my not getting along with the bitch was being disrespectful towards a fellow outfitter and my attitude was a problem within the group."

"Ok wait, didn't you tell them how rude and disrespectful she's been towards you?"

"Yeah but they tried to play it out that when she was like that she was having a bad day and shouldn't be counted as her fault."

"You didn't sign the write up did you?"

"Hell no, I'm not THAT stupid."

"Never said you were baby" he said rubbing her back.

"So I picked up the paper to read it, then I ripped it up and threw it up in the air. Told them to kiss my ass and went to grab a few things off my cart that was mine and left."

"Do you regret it? Is that why you were still in your car crying?"

"I don't regret it Sid. I was crying because I was so pissed as I drove home, it just hit me after I parked the car." Karen let out a long sigh and turned to look at Sidney "I want to be your wife Sid. I want to stay in bed in the morning curled up to you until you have to get up for practice. I want to be here when you get home. I want to be able to head to Canada with you when the season ends and not manage my time to only see you from two weeks to a month out of three. I want to start our family. I want..."

"...to be the wife you think you should have been from the beginning" he said as she nodded. "I don't want you to end up hating me in the long run when you get bored and think you should be working."

"I would have only hated you if you forced me into quitting. I got fed up with all the drama and bullshit and favortism that went on and on for years. You said it yourself that I haven't been happy about getting up and going into work for the day. I was ready to leave, I just needed the push and they decided to push to far."

Sidney took his finger and moved her hair behind her ear "I'm proud of you baby. And not only am I proud of you for standing up for yourself, I love you for wanting to be my wife and get things going to start our family. That means more to me than you bringing an income into the house."

"Besides, I may not be done working at all. I think I just need a break to concentrate on what's more important to me and my life...and that's you." Sidney leaned in and met his lips to hers for a soft kiss.

"I think we need to celebrate. How about I take my beautiful wife out for dinner?"

"Well my sexy husband, I think that is a great idea." They shared another kiss before relaxing for a little bit then got ready to head out to dinner.

They sat in a back booth at Olive Garden and Karen felt better about what happened earlier at work.

"I'm glad you guys got home ice for the playoffs. I get you home for a few days."

"Yep, and you can go in with me and hang around until I'm ready to leave afterwards."

"With no obligations to need to only get an hour or two of sleep before getting up the next day."

"Well, that might still happen if we win and celebrate after we get home until dawn."

"That happened whether I had to work the next day or not."

"True" he said getting her to laugh "besides if you're itching to work, there's always my foundation you could help out on."

"Yeah I could. If I start to feel suffocated, I can just plan autograph sessions to get you out of my hair for a few hours."

"Or...maybe I could talk to Ray and see if he needs an extra set of hands to help him out in his office. Maybe even Coach Dan could use a secretary on some days."

"Trying to get rid of me already?"

"Yeah, forgot how peaceful it was from when I got home until the time you did. I guess I saw that fade away and panicked."

"Well that was painfully funny...no wait, that was just painful." Sidney just smiled at Karen who returned the same smile back. She knew everything was going to be alright and couldn't wait to see everything else fall in place.

An hour later, they got home and Karen went to check the messages off the machine. There were 8 new calls and she hit the play button.

"What the hell happened today? Call me" Diane said in a shocked voice.

"Why aren't you answering your cell phone? I want details about today" Natalie said.

"Get off Sidney and answer your damn cell phone" Natalie left another message to get Karen to laugh at.

"Yo Siddo. Heard you finally got the old ball and chain back in the house. Way to be the man. You can tell me the details at practice tomorrow." Max's voice rang out and Karen shot Sidney a look.

"I know, I will kill him for you tomorrow" he said kissing her head.

"Congrats Kiki. Diane called and said you gave it to that bitch. Too bad you couldn't kick her ass before you left. More time to spend with that sex machine you call a husband...yum yum." Karen laughed as she looked at Sidney rolling his eyes.

"I'll kill Sheril the same time you kill Max."

"Then we'll meet back here and give all the details."

The next two were from his dad and agent and the last one from an another person at work who wanted to know what happened. Karen grabbed the phone and first called Natalie before putting it on conference and dialing both Sheril and Diane. The four friends talked and Karen told them what happened. Diane of course told them what the rumors were flying around to still perceive her as the bad guy but the majority knew better and knew Karen was the victim. They made arrangements for the first game of the playoffs before hanging up.

"So, what did the girls have to say?"

"They were proud that I finaly stood up to them and Diane told me all the things a few people were saying. She said that when she went to work tomorrow, she would set people straight. But I really don't care, a lot saw how she treated me so if she needs to feel all big and mighty let her. Just shows how pathetic she is."

Sidney wrapped his arms around her waist "I've missed that smile."

"Its been out, what do you mean you miss it?"

"You have a range of smiles baby but this one shows how truly happy you are."

"Because I am home with you."

"How about we head to bed and I keep that smile on there for the rest of the night?"

"I like that idea." Their lips met for a kiss and Karen squirmed out of his grasp, running upstairs. Sidney locked up before following her and showed her how truly happy he was that she was where she wanted to be.