'Is it too soon to say that I miss you' Sid texts me.

'Because you've only been gone for 2 days?' I ask.

'I guess, sure, but we've only been seeing each for a few weeks'

He's the cutest thing. 'So we're seeing each other?' I ask.

'What do you call it?'

Looks like my question to tease Sid has backfired on me. How do I answer his question?

'We have been on a date so I guess you could say that we are dating' I answer him.

'It's been 2 dates, not 1'

'I don't count the night with my sick daughter where I fell asleep and you cleaned my kitchen as a date'

'I do! It was one of the best'

'Now I know for sure that you're on new dating behaviour'

'New dating behaviour?' He asks me.

'Yes, when you project your best possible self to the other person'

'Is that what you've been doing?'

'Yeah right Sid, a messy house, no make-up and sick child is my best'

'Hahaha you can do better huh?'

'Yeah, I can'

'Then you'll have to prove it. When I'm back, we'll go out to dinner'

Oh wow, out to dinner with Sidney Crosby. Didn't he tell me that our picture would get taken and there would be a lot of attention? I don't know if I'm ready for that; now or ever.

'You're quiet' he texts.

'Sorry, didn't you say we wouldn't go out in public'

'We can go to a restaurant with a private room'

'Oh, that's good' Shit. 'Sorry Sid, I mean that we can have privacy' I really hope he understands what I mean.

'I get it Cat, don't worry. I'm the one who mentioned it first'

'Good'

We're both silent for a moment.

'So?' He texts.

'So what?'

'So, will you go out with me for dinner?'

Yeah he's seriously cute.

'Yes Sid, I will go out for dinner with you'

'Good. I gotta go. Ttyl?'

'Sure. Have a good practice'

'Thanks'

I put the phone on the table and picture Sid getting ready for practice. Of course I quickly picture him naked and changing into his gear. That gorgeous, hard, smooth chest is never far from my mind. My body has been craving his ever since I saw it and even more since I touched it.

I give my head a shake and focus back on reality. My break is almost over so I gather my things and think about my next date with Sid. Shit! What am I going to wear?!

"What are you so happy about?" Duper asks me.

"What do you mean?"

"Sid, you've been whistling all day and that smile has been permanently on your face."

Oh, I guess he's right. "I'm just a happy guy Duper."

"Not that happy" Nealer yells across the locker room. "You getting laid?"

I don't answer but I can feel the heat come to my face. Fuck.

"Holy shit! Are you getting laid Sid?" from Duper this time.

I ignore them and beginning changing into my gear. They know that I won't answer their questions but I'm sure that's not the end of them.

Practice was fun. We've been winning so everyone is loose and enjoying themselves. Duper keeps yanking my chain throughout practice. Then others started asking and Neal heard the questions so both he and Duper filled everyone else in. The remaining time at practice, and into the gym, they keep up on me. I learned a long time ago to just take it. If you fight back then they give it even worse. I was always the youngest on every team, often by a few years, so I learned to laugh it off. It was a defense mechanism back then and now I just go with it as part of the team.

"Are you just going to lay there all day Sid?" Nealer calls to me.

I'm currently stretching out although I think my mind has been wandering for a while.

"Funny Nealer" I tell him and move away from the mats. The Bruins' visitor workout room is smaller than most. We don't have a lot of room for everyone to be in here at the same time. With the guys yelling after me, I leave for the showers. I have a phone interview before we head back to the hotel. Maybe I'll have time to call Cat afterward.

I shower and dress quickly hoping that the interview can start early too. Thankfully it does and we end it quickly too. The guys are still showering so find a quiet spot. Cat should be on the bus home now.

"Twice in one day?" She says answering my call.

"Yep, you said that you had the early shift today so I thought that you'd be on your way home now."

"Have I become predictable?"

I can't help laughing. "Definitely not Cat. Predictable would not be remotely close to a word I'd use to describe you."

"So I guess I'm supposed to ask what words you would use."

Hmmm "beautiful definitely. Sweet, funny, valiant, inspirational."

"Valiant and inspirational? I'm neither of those things Sid."

Is she kidding? Does she really not see just how incredible she is?

"I guess you'll have to take my word for it Cat. You are all of those things babe."

She's quiet for a little while and I wonder if we've been disconnected.

"Cat?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not really. I guess you see me differently."

"Maybe I see you as you are." How did we get here? Suddenly the conversation went from light to serious.

"We'll have to agree to disagree" she responds.

I decide to let her off the hook. I have a while to convince her; hopefully a long while.

"Ok, so we're still on for our date out?" I ask her.

"Of course. When is your schedule free?"

I go over the next few games and when I'm available. There are a few charity things and the game schedule is packed being a short season. All the nights that I'm available, Cat is working.

"Ok, this is really short notice but how about tomorrow night? I get home late after the game, then I'll have practice tomorrow and free after that."

"I'm off tomorrow. That's perfect."

"Did we just manage to align our schedules to have a night out?"

"I think we did. I'll need to see if Miss Sally can watch Lizzy but it should be ok."

Shit, I forgot about Lizzy.

"Maybe we should make it an early dinner and take Lizzy?" I suggest even though I really want us to be alone. I've never dated a mom before. How do I handle this right?

"Not on your life Sid. I'd love to have and adult night out. We can do something fun with Lizzy another time."

I can't help but smile at the phrase 'adult night out.' It has my mind going in a very dangerous direction given that she's thousands of miles away and I'm supposed to be going back to the hotel to nap before the game.

"I'll text you in the morning so we can firm up time and stuff."

"That's great Sid. So, how fancy is this place?"

"I don't know how to answer that; I'll make reservations at my favourite Italian place."

"Ok, what will you wear? Jeans, suit?"

Oh, that's why she's asking.

"Suit but no tie. Does that help?"

"Perfect."

I see some of the guys walking to the bus and hate that I have to hang up.

"I have to go Cat. Will you be watching tonight?"

I can hear the smile in her voice when she replies "is there something on TV tonight?"

"Funny, very funny."

"Of course I'll be watching. Lizzy and I will watch to the first commercial and then she'll go off to bed; but, I'll watch the whole game."

I feel a current go through my body knowing that she will be watching.

"Good. Damn, I really have to go."

"Ok, good game. I'll see you tomorrow."

We say our goodbyes and then I stare at the phone for a few moments.

"You've got it bad kid" Duper calls out as he walks past me. I don't need a mirror to know that I have a huge grin on my face. Talking to Cat puts a smile on my face every time. Shit, just thinking about her makes me smile. How am I ever going to fall asleep for my nap?

I think I'm going to hyperventilate. My hair and makeup are done, my dress is laid out and managed to get the stockings on without running them. Actually, since Tessa told about these 'stay up' kind, I'm a huge fan and they don't snag. She was so excited about my date with Sid that she wanted to hear about everything. She nixed what I was going to wear and insisted that I borrow a dress from her daughter. She's as short as I am so it's perfect but I'm not used to anything this nice. It plunges kind of low, Miss Sally told me to be quiet and live a little, and is very short. I dug out some very high heels I wore a lot in a previous life. Now that I'm ready to put on the dress and shoes, I'm very unsure of everything. So far, I've seen Sid in surroundings that I'm used to; even his apartment was a comfortable space. Going to this restaurant is more like going into his world and I'm feeling slightly unsure.

"Get dressed girl. He'll be here soon" Miss Sally calls from the living room.

I hear the buzzer and know that she's wrong because he's already here. As zip myself up I hear Lizzy yell "Sidwee" which makes me smile. She loves him so much. Ok, shoes on, dress on and one last look shows that I'm ready. Well, at least I look ready.

After a deep breath I head out to the living room and see Lizzy showing Sid her newest drawing. He is smiling and tweaks her nose. She giggles which makes me laugh causing everyone to look at me.

"Mommy" Lizzy calls and runs to me but I can't focus on her because my eyes are full of Sid. He's in a blue wool pea coat and I can see that he is wearing black dress pants and dress shoes. He smiles widely and I feel my lips curve in response.

"Hi" he says.

"Hi" I reply.

"Mommy?!" Lizzy tugs at my dress now to get my attention.

"Yes sweetheart."

"I showed Sidwee my piture. He said it was buteful."

"That's because it is" Sid says as he walks toward me. He kisses my cheek and whispers "you're beautiful too."

"Thank you" I whisper back.

"Sidwee!" Lizzy tugs at Sid's sleeve.

"Yes cutie."

"Me too, me too."

Sid looks puzzled so I tell him "she means a kiss."

His look changes to surprise but then he crouches down and kisses her cheek. Lizzy throws her arms around his neck and he hugs her close.

I kiss Lizzy myself and then we're off. When I hugged Miss Sally whispered "have fun. You deserve it."

Sid took my hand and held it all the way to his truck. It was sweet. It should have calmed me but I got more nervous. In the car, I feel like there is cotton in my mouth.

"What's going on Cat? You are very quiet."

What am I going to say or do now?

"I'm just, I don't know, I guess I'm nervous" I admit to him.

"If I'm honest, then I'm nervous too."

Wow, I'm surprised. I guess I always think of Sid as supremely confident. To hear that he's nervous tonight is reassuring in one way; but, it does make me wonder why he's nervous. Is it because we're in public together?

"Why are you nervous Sid?"

He glances over at me now since we're stopped at a light.

"Probably because this is our third date; this means that we like each other and it's getting more important, more serious."

I breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know why I doubted him before but it's great to know why he's nervous.

"Yeah" I reply. "Me too. Although I'm glad that we're still getting to know each other."

"Yeah, me too" Sid says back.

We smile at each other before Sid drives through the now green light but keeps hold of my hand.

When we're in Southside, Sid takes us down a back aisle and stops by a door.

"We're here" he tells me and gets out of the car.

As I'm getting out, Sid comes to my side and helps me. I smile up at him and we share a quick moment.

"Mr. Crosby?" I hear a man say.

"Right here Arturo" Sid replies and we turn to follow the voice.

We are led through a small hallway, past a kitchen and down another hallway. When we come out, there is a small room set up with soft lighting and a beautiful table for two. Wine is open and waiting.

"Oh Sid, it's perfect."

When I turn to him, he's smiling and replies "I'm glad you like it."

Arturo takes our coats and we sit. He's quickly back and pours our wine. After the whole smelling and tasting routine, we are alone again.

"Sid, this is truly wonderful. Thank you so much for arranging everything."

"You're welcome but I intend to enjoy myself as much as you do."

We chuckle and then settle in to look at the menu. I choose a pasta special and Sid has a steak.

"Why is this your favourite Italian restaurant?" I ask him.

"The food is great, they have private rooms for large and small groups and they know how to cook a steak." He replies.

We talk about food and our likes and dislikes. Sid shares that he's from the Maritime in Canada so he's always been a fan of fresh fish and lobster. He secretly prefers steak but doesn't tell many people. Apparently his image is so keenly formed that he changes his favourite food in order to support his home town. A part of my brain registers that this must be a very difficult way to live if you can't even share your true favourite food. Before I can voice my thoughts, our first course is brought to us. It's something that Sid ordered and we dig right in.

"Ok, this is seriously good. What am I eating?" I ask.

"It's their own antipasti. Grilled marinated peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms and other stuff I can't pronounce" Sid chuckles. I love how he's not concerned with not knowing everything. He doesn't think that he has to be a know-it-all to impress me. He's right.

"Well it's all really good."

We talk about the game last night, that they won, and a few of the great goals. One of those great goals was Sid's. He very self-effacing and downplays his own accomplishments while complimenting his team mates. This guy is too good to be true.

"Are you really this perfect?" The question flies out of my mouth before I can self-censor. Shit.

"What do you mean?" Sid asks.

"I didn't mean to say it actually; but, since I did, I guess I should explain. You are so different from all of the guys I've known before and I don't mean because you're a millionaire hockey player. It's who you are. Right now, I'm talking about your incredible goal and you bring up how great your team mates did. It's a really nice thing, that's all."

Oh God, I hope that came out right. Dating is so awkward. Looking at Sid, I can tell that he's embarrassed.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you Sid."

Now he chuckles. "I'm just uncomfortable with, you know."

He's so cute. He's really, really cute.

The main course arrives and it smells delicious. Then it tastes even better than it smells. We laugh and joke throughout the meal. I'm amazed at how much Sid can eat. It's incredible. He manages to eat his meal, which was large, and then half of mine because I would have exploded if I finished it. We decline desert, and coffee since Sid doesn't drink it, then the bill comes. I don't know what to do. I'm not able to pay or partially pay what this dinner cost; however, I am also not comfortable letting Sid pay for everything even if he can afford it. What do I do?

"I can almost hear the thoughts in your head Cat. I'm paying for dinner, ok?"

I simply nod, touched that he would know that I was struggling with this.

We are escorted out the back again where Sid's car is waiting for us, running. When we're inside, Sid turns to me and asks "where to next? Do you need to get home?"

What is he asking me? What are the options? Is he asking me if I want to, well, crap.

"I have an idea. If you don't have to be home right away, why don't we go to my place?" Sid says when I'm quiet for a few moments. "The view is incredible at night too. Even better than the day."

With some guys, I'd believe Sid wanted me back to his place for only one reason. Knowing Sid, and the fact that we've been at his place alone together before, I know that he's being honest and doesn't expect more than what I'm ready to do. My real problem is that I don't know what I want.

"Sounds great" I tell him.

On the drive, Sid asks me about Lizzy and I tell him about how she's introducing her 'Sidwee pengun' to everyone she sees because she has to bring it with her everywhere. We're still laughing when we enter his apartment.

"Wow Sid. You weren't kidding" I say as I walk directly to the big bay windows. It's an incredible view. I feel Sid behind me and then he helps me off with my jacket. He leaves for a moment and then comes back. His hands encircle my waist and pull me back so that I'm leaning against him. In my heels, I'm taller and my head leans back under his chin. I can't help the sigh that escapes me. Standing here in the dark, looking out at the bright lights of the city with Sid's arms around me, I feel ... I don't know what I feel except really good. I find myself craving more; much more.

I turn slowly and Sid's hands stay on my waist. I slide my hands up from his forearms up over his huge biceps and then muscled shoulders. He's taken off his jacket so I feel his warm skin through the thin cotton layer of his dress shirt. Looking up at his face I'm mesmerized by his lips. I remember the feel of them on my own. How he took tiny bites at my jaw and then the sensitive skin below my ear. His tongue darts out to moisten them and I can't hold back any more.

I slide my hands up to his cheeks and bring his face down to my own. At first, Sid lets me lead. I softly sip at his lips changing the angle slightly so that I taste ever bit of their pillow softness. When I part them with my tongue, I feel Sid's fingers slightly dig into my waist and I can't go slow anymore. I feel this deep need inside me that I've never felt before. I rise on my toes so that I can more fully fit my body flush with his. It helps but, before long, it simply isn't enough. I need more.