They floated towards a remote area by a waterfall. Her legs hooked around his waist, her arms linking around his neck. Flush to him, she could feel his arousal. She smiled goofily. Skinny dipping was something she would never do. Even just a few minutes earlier the mention of it freaked her out.

But now?

Now it didn't seem like such a bad idea. But he was going to have to do it she thought slyly.

"What's that look?" Sid asked smiling. Their faces were only inches apart. His curls plastered to his forehead, drops of water lingered in his lashes causing them to lump together in dark spikes. He had a flush to his cheeks that added to his boyish handsomeness and Caroline just wanted to freeze this moment.

"I'm thinking skinny dipping doesn't seem like such a bad idea," she said, biting her bottom lip playfully.

His smile changed from curious to knowing.

"See, I told you so," he said with a tone of mock arrogance.

Caroline's face turned solemn. "There's just one problem…" Her fingers played at the damp hair at the nape of his neck.

Sid frowned.

"I don't think I can reach, I need some help." Caroline gave a pretend pout and Sid's eyes darkened.

"I'm very helpful," he replied.

Caroline smiled, "I know you are."

His fingers worked deftly at the clasp of her bra and Caroline reluctantly let go to let the undergarment float in the cool water. His hands came to her hips and with her assistance, the panties soon joined the water's surface. She resumed her position wrapped around him and smiled nervously.

Instinctively Sidney drew her closer, knowing despite the excitement of this, she was still a little shy.

"You do realize this is highly unsanitary," she said only half joking.

But Sid didn't care. He took in her wet hair and dripping nose. Her light bruise and small scrapes and began trailing his lips lightly over her face. He brushed his mouth across the bruise on her cheek, the scrapes above her eye and on her chin. Caroline's smile grew small and intimate. She closed her eyes, feeling weightless in the water and in his arms. Sid moved his lips down to her neck, a peek of his tongue tracing the veins along the slender column. Caroline was sure she must taste like river water and told him so.

"No," he said. "You taste delicious. He buried his face into her neck and spoke lowly into her skin. "I love tasting you, touching you, making love to you. I love everything about you."

Caroline felt her face go aflame and she suddenly became flustered by his words. Sid pulled back at looked at her. His eyes bottomless, his lips swollen. "You're perfect," he said, brushing a thumb across her cheek.

Embarrassed, she wanted to look everywhere but at him, but knew she couldn't.

"Nobody's perfect," she said quietly, her eyes searching his, challenging him to take back the declaration, but his gaze was unwavering.

"You're perfect to me," he replied. And then he kissed her.

It was nearly dark when they left the park. After some various forms of fooling around in the water they'd gotten dressed, both choosing to go commando as putting on wet underwear on a late afternoon that was quickly cooling was not appealing to either party. They made plans on the drive home to have dinner at a little Italian place in Sewickley. A mini date Sid called it. Something simple but special to end what was turning out to be a flawless day. Caroline dropped him off at his place then drove home to get ready.

An hour later there was a knock at her door. Caroline had just applied the final swipe of mascara when she heard it. Smoothing her hair down, she bounced excitedly to the door to greet him. He was casually dressed, his hair gelled in efforts to calm the unruly tangles that his longer hair was prone to. He returned her wide smile and leaned in to kiss her.

"You didn't have to knock," Caroline said after his lips brushed against hers. She'd worn a simple navy printed wrap dress and flats, her hair blown dried straight and flowing down her back. She wore her makeup a little heavier than usual covering up her injuries.

"Well, I wanted to make it official," he replied easily, presenting a small bouquet.

She giggled, taking the flowers and letting him into the house. Gathering her things, he dropped off his. They'd agreed Sid would spend the night, seeing that Caroline had an early morning tomorrow, a morning that Sid wanted to be around for in case she became nervous or apprehensive about going back to work.

The place he'd picked out was a favorite. Located downtown, the small modest restaurant was quiet on a Tuesday evening, although Sid called ahead to make reservations. Upon greeting the couple, the hostess led them to a quiet corner of the restaurant where not many tables were occupied. The owner soon came out to say hello and Caroline smiled politely as the older Italian man fawned over Sid and his "bella donna." The restaurant was sweet. Red and white checkered table clothes, large black and white images of Italy hung on the walls. Wickered baskets of Chianti on the tables along with a votive candle lighting the dim restaurant. The menu was classic Italian. No bells or whistles. Sid ordered his usual spaghetti, while Caroline went with the chicken marsala. A few diners approached the couple while they waited for their food. It wasn't terribly invasive, just a few autographs but no pictures and of course everyone wished him good luck on the game tomorrow.

When it was just the two of them, Caroline spoke, "Are you nervous about tomorrow?" she asked.

Sid shrugged, "Yeah, I mean there are always nerves, but I'm used to it."

Caroline felt like she was getting the canned answer he'd give to any regular joe that met him on the street.

"Sid," was all she had to say.

He gave a wry smile. "No hockey talk today, remember? Today is just about us. I don't want to bother you with that stuff."

Caroline reached out across the table and took his hand. "Please bother away. It's a big deal. Just because today is your day off you can still talk about it. Its important." She looked at him, urging him to open up.

Sid conceded. He'd promised afterall, not to be closed off when it came to pressures and expectations.

"It's stressful," he said honestly. "Winning tomorrow would make things a lot easier. If we lose, we go back to New York and that arena is tough, the Islanders are physical and are really good for an eight seed. There is a lot of pressure on this series. We havent gotten out of the first round the past few years and after last year...well, we have to get past the first round. The expectation is to go all the way and anything less..." he trailed off, not wanting to finish that sentence.

"You guys are playing them really well though." Caroline replied, her heart going out to him. "Your power play is really making the difference and they've been racking up the penalty minutes with some stupid mistakes. They are physical but it seems to work in your favor with all the time they spend in the box. You just can't take their bait." Caroline spouted everything she'd remembered from the announcers last night and the people at the bar analyzing the game.

Sid gaped at her, completely flabbergasted by her analysis. "How did you...nevermind. You're right. We just have to stay focused and stick to our game, then it will all fall into place."

Caroline nodded and gave a reassuring look and a cheeky smile, "Piece of cake."

Sid barked out a laugh, "I like your confidence." he replied.

They were interrupted with the arrival of their food. Picking up her fork, Caroline quirked an eyebrow, "Well, from what I've heard, that Crosby is pretty good."

Sid just laughed and dug into his dinner.

They ordered a tiramisu to share for dessert. While waiting Sid excused himself to go to the restroom. Caroline noticed a teenage girl at a table across the restaurant sending anxious looks in Caroline's direction. She looked no older than thirteen and was at a small table to with an older couple. Caroline locked eyes with the girl and gave a friendly smile. She was used to the looks, usually she tried not to make eye contact but this girl seemed pretty safe. The girl shot out of her chair and was to Caroline in a few quick strides.

"Hi," the girl said nervously. She was tall, gawky, awkward as adolescence had reared its ugly head. She wore her bushy hair in a pony tail and her glasses were large and thick and not in that cool hipster way. She wore a Sewickley Academy Panthers sweatshirt and wiped her hands against her jeans.

"Hello," Caroline said brightly trying to put the poor girl at ease. Immediately the teen began to fidget and Caroline couldn't help but see the fourteen year old version of herself staring back at her.

"Um, I didn't want to bother you when you were eating and I don't want to bother Mr. Crosby, but I was wondering if you could ask him for me for an autograph...for my brother." The girl thrust a pen and a torn part of a paper place mat.

Caroline smiled and took the pen and paper, "I'd be happy to. If you wait just a moment he'll be right back." Caroline said kindly.

The girl's eyes grew wide. "Oh no, that's ok. I don't want to disrupt his dinner. My brother is a really big fan. He thinks Sidney is going to win the Hart this year, he leads the whole league with points and that's even after the bad start and the games he was out with the wrist injury. And I...he, thinks the Penguins are the favorite to win it all. If you could just have him sign this I can come back and get it when your done. I mean if that's ok. I just don't think I could ask him." the girl looked pleadingly at Caroline and it was obvious she was painfully shy and nervous to meet the superstar.

"I understand, but I know he'd like to meet you. You seem very knowledgeable," the girl looked slightly panicked. "But," Caroline continued. "I'd be happy to ask him for you. You know, for your brother." Caroline took the paper and pen. "What's his name?" The girl stared back dumbly, then her face and neck flushed. "Ma-Mallory." she squeaked out.

Caroline raised an eyebrow.

The girl's eyes darted towards the bathrooms. "I'm sor-"

Caroline put up a hand, "It's ok, Mallory. I'll take care of it." Caroline reached out and patted the girl's arm comfortingly.

Mallory gave a grateful look, then her eyes darted to the bathrooms again and her eyes nearly bulged out. "Thank you," she said hurriedly, then before she turned and left blurted out, "He's really hot, you're so lucky." Then she was gone, just moments before Sid returned to his seat.

Sid watched the retreating back of the girl as he sat down. "What was that all about?" he asked.

Caroline grinned, "You have an admirer."

Sidney gave a curious look and Caroline filled him in on her visitor, but left the "hot" part out. Writing a brief message on the paper, he excused himself and headed towards the table. Caroline watched as he approached the family. He placed a hand on Mallory's shoulder and handed her the paper. Shaking the hand of the couple he chatted easily with the trio. Mallory looked like she was going to lose it. A few minutes later he came back, sat down and began digging into the dessert that arrived while he was gone. Caroline just stared at him.

"What?" he asked his mouth full.

"She said you were hot and I was lucky." Caroline blurted out.

This time it was Sid whose cheeks tinged pink.

"And she was right," Caroline continued. "I am lucky, but not because your hot...I mean you are hot too, but you're the kindest man I've ever known. And I love you and I'm the luckiest person in the world because you love me back." She didn't allow herself to be self conscious of her words. It was the truth and he needed to know that.

He looked uncharacteristically bashful at her words. Then his eyes softened on hers, "I'm pretty lucky myself, I love you too, Care."

They stopped at the Sewickley house after dinner. Sid wanted to check in on his parents and say hello. They'd barely gotten out of the car when Troy came storming out into the driveway.

"Where have you been?" he roared. Caroline had always thought of Troy as a typical mild mannered Canadian. Sure he'd get super concerned over Sid and hockey but she'd never seen him raise his voice or even show any aggression. It made her uneasy.

Sid seemed equally taken aback from his dad's behavior.

"We just finished dinner." Sid said dumbly as Caroline came around the Range Rover and stood next to him.

"Everyone's been trying to get a hold of you," Troy said loudly, a vein in his neck looking like it was about to burst. Trina came into view, standing in the doorway.

"Troy," she said. "Let's not wake up the neighborhood, come inside." she looked worried and Caroline had to wonder what on earth had happened. Had someone died? Was someone hurt? Guilt washed over her knowing Sid had turned off his phone when they'd left for their picnic. He'd promised not to turn it on all day as he promised no distractions. She should have known there'd be a fallout to this.

They all filed into the living room and Troy rounded on his son. "Tanger is out. Torn ACL. Dan, Ray, Mario, they've all been trying to get a hold of you. But your phone went right to voicemail. No one could find you. They called a meeting to rework the power play and you weren't there." His voice was harsh and accusing. "What were you thinking?"

"It was an off day," was all Sid could reply. Caroline watched the father and son interact. Troy cast an intimidating presence. He wasn't a big man, but he was solid. It was a big deal that Sid had missed this information. She understood he was the captain and the leader of the team. It was his job to know everything immediately. But was it worth this attack?

"Sid you don't get off days," Troy said sternly. "You know that. This is the playoffs. We need complete focus at all times, there is no room for distractions." His eyes briefly glanced in Caroline's direction before boring back into his sons.

Caroline felt the dread wash over her. She got along quite well with Sidney's parents and she knew they liked her, cared for her. She'd felt like part of the family these past few months and now she was being downgraded to a distraction? She desperately worked to keep her emotions in check.

"Troy." Trina said quietly.

But Mr. Crosby was not to be deterred. "Son, you have obligations. You know that. Do you want these things to happen? To lose tomorrow because you weren't prepared to play without your number one defenseman? Then all you have is Saturday. That goes wrong and a week from now you'll be fishing on Grand Lake wondering what happened to your season. Is that what you want?"

"No sir," Sid said quietly. His complete demeanor had changed. The strong confident easy going guy had disappeared. He looked tired and defeated. His body taking his father's words like a punching bag.

"Then why on earth did you think it was a good idea to turn off your phone and disappear for the day without telling anyone?" his father yelled, clearly losing what little cool was left.

"Stop yelling at him!" Caroline exclaimed rushing forward. Sid shot an arm out in front of her, blocking her from going any further.

"Caroline, don't." his voice was low.

She didn't listen. "It's not his fault. It's mine. I told him to turn off the phone." It wasn't necessarily true, but kind of was in a roundabout way. The three Crosby's just stared at her. "It was only for a few hours." she said lamely. "He didn't know this would happen."

"Well it did," Troy cut in. "I'm getting calls from every member of the Penguins organization looking for you and I have to tell them that I don't know where you are or how to get a hold of you." His eyes were back on his son's, Caroline's words not making any difference to him.

How could he talk to Sid this way? Like he was some kid? Sidney was the best player in the entire NHL. He wasn't a slacker or irresponsible. He'd disconnected himself for a few hours, it was some fluke that something had happened in that short time span. Caroline couldnt wrap her mind around this reaction of Troy's. It was completely unfair. And Trina. She just stood there and didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry," was all Sid could say.

Troy looked from Sidney to Caroline and back to Sidney. His eyes like darts. Then his face softened just a fraction. "They've made a lot of concessions for you this past week. They understand what happened with..." He awkward gestured to Caroline and then cleared his throat. "They are willing to work with you when circumstances call for it, but this, this was just completely reckless and I know you know better."

Caroline wanted to tell Troy that Sid wasn't some teenager that had stayed out too late or took the car without asking. She hadn't thought that there'd be any backlash to him coming to her when she needed him. But the truth was they had made allowances for her and the harsh reality was that Sid was on call 24/7, no exceptions. And then there was the fear that Troy could be right. In just a week could Sid really be gone? Back in Nova Scotia, while she was here, alone? But it wasn't about her right now. She couldn't think about that.

"I'll call Dan right now," Sid replied. "I'll fix it."

He cast an apologetic look at Caroline then left the room quickly, leaving her alone with his parents.

Troy was rubbing the back of his head and spoke lowly and animated to his wife, who worked at calming him down.

"You shouldn't talk to him that way." Caroline said shakily.

The Crosbys stopped talking and turned to look at her. Caroline was scared but she needed to say this. She was so angry at Troy and frustrated with Trina for just letting it all happen.

"He's under a lot of pressure. He took one afternoon off. It's not the end of the world. And even if it was, he doesn't deserve to be treated like that."

"Don't talk about things you don't understand," Troy shot back.

Caroline stood her ground. "I understand that he needs support, especially from his family. He's killing himself out there for this city, for you, for this" she gestured to their lavish surroundings. "I know I haven't helped matters lately but he's doing everything he can to make everyone happy. Just...just cut him some slack. You're his parents."

Troy and Trina stared at her. Caroline couldnt stand to be there any longer. "I'll wait outside, excuse me." she said her voice wavering and she dashed out of the house.

They didn't come after her. She didn't expect them to. She'd crossed so many lines. She couldn't help it. He was their son. She climbed into the Range Rover and waited for Sid to return. About 20 minutes later he emerged from the house. His face blank.

He climbed in the car and turned it on, not saying anything. She kept quiet, watching him from the corner of her eye. His jaw was set, his eyes trained on the road. He kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other on the gear shift. Tentatively, Caroline took his hand in hers and squeezed gently.

Sid sighed. "I should have known. Tanger's knee was killing him last night. But they thought if he took it easy for a day it would be ok. I didn't think it was this bad."

"It's not your fault." Caroline replied. "You were just trying to make me happy. You deserve a break."

Sid gave Caroline a sad smile. "I don't get paid to take breaks, not now. I get a whole summer. Right now I need to be one hundred percent dedicated."

"And I'm a distraction." Caroline said softly, looking away.

"No," he replied immediately. "Absolutely not. He shouldn't have said that."

"And he shouldn't talk to you that way," Caroline replied. "You do so much. Like that girl tonight. You made her night. She'll remember that for a long time. They should be more understanding."

Sidney shook his head. "I owe them everything," he replied. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. My dad has a responsibility to keep everything running smoothly. I get to play and he figures out the rest. I let him down."

Caroline felt a road form that she didn't want to go down. So she kept quiet.

They were both exhausted when they got home. Silently they got ready for bed too tired to do anything else. Laying in her less luxurious bed, Caroline snuggled up to him and pressed her lips to his, "I love you. You are perfect to me too, no matter what."

He smiled a genuine smile and pulled her close. Sleep came quickly and sent them off to a place where expectations and disappointment didn't exist if only just for a little while.

***author's note: Thank you for all the awesome reviews from the last chapter. It's so much more fun to write happy Sid and Caroline. Some drama here, needed to express the stress Sid is under and how I envision a family whose personal and professional relationships blur the lines. I don't know anything about the crosby family, but I've always assumed troy plays a part in Sid's intensity to always be the best. Anyway, it's all pure fiction. btw, how enjoyable was seeing mega hot Sid with his summer tan and well trained body. Mmmmmm.***