Therapy is Good for the Soul

Bailey gave a quick knock on Emily’s door, “Lunch is ready.”

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

Bailey placed their turkey club sandwiches, a large bag of smart food, and two glasses of sweet tea on the table. She grabbed a couple of napkins and sat down with Emily.

“Mmm, it looks delicious! Thanks for making it; don’t know what I’ll do once I get married.”

“Pretty sure you can make a turkey sandwich without me. Besides I told you I’d give you cooking lessons as part of your wedding gift.”

“I know, but it just won’t be the same. You make everything look so easy and taste so good.”

“You’re too sweet, thanks! The good news is you’re stuck with me for five more months.”

“That is good news. Cheers!” Emily raised her glass and Bailey followed suit.

“Hey, what do you say we get some movies and hang out in our pjs and pig out on some Ben and Jerry’s tonight?”

“I’d love too but I already have plans with Stephen. Besides, doesn’t Tyler have a game tonight?”

“Yea, but I was kind of thinkin I wouldn’t go.”

“Why? I thought things were going well between the two of you. Did something happen?”

“No, that’s the problem; absolutely nothing is happenin between us.”

“The man basically got his team to pull off a miracle just so you would spend the night with him. You spent 2 nights in his arms so I’m pretty sure he still has the hots for you.”

“No, I’m tellin you that ship has sailed. I told you he was actin’ strange that night, I don’t know what was goin on but he just needed company and some comfort. As far as the other time, I don’t really remember how or why he ended up in the bed with me but it wasn’t a big deal. I was with him for 2 whole days and he never made a move and used the word friends more than once. I have to face it, I blew my chance and will forever be stuck in the friend zone.”

“Bailey, if you like him that much, why don’t you tell him? Be a modern woman and make the first move!”

“I’m not like you Em, I just can’t do that. I couldn’t handle the rejection. As hard as it is, I’d rather be just a friend, than not have him in my life at all.”

“Ok, but I still say he has the hots for you.” The two girls laughed as they continued to enjoy their lunch. After lunch they decided to watch TV. Bailey stopped flipping channels as soon as she came across Never Been Kissed one of their favorite movies.

Bailey’s phone rang, “It’s Christina, I better take this.” Bailey got off the couch and headed to her room, so Emily could watch the movie in peace. “Hey Christina, what’s up?”

“Are you sick?”

“No, where’d you get that idea?”

“Why else would you send a text saying you aren’t coming to the game?”

“Oh that; I just don’t feel up to being a third wheel tonight.”

“You know it’s not like that with Freddy and I; in fact you’d be doing us both a favor. You and Freddy can talk about the game, and you can keep me company by talking about anything else. Besides you promised Tyler you’d go to every home game; you’re the team’s lucky charm.”

“Tyler and the team will be fine.”

“Bailey you know how superstitious athletes are; do you really want to be responsible if the Bruins fall apart because you aren’t there? Please say you’ll come! Freddy already promised me we can go dancing afterwards and I need my partner in crime. PLEASE!!!!”

“Freddy hates to dance, how’d you manage that?”

“I know, but I hate sports so we’re even. What do you say, will you come with us?”

“Fine, I’ll go.”

“You’re the best! We’ll pick you up at 5 for dinner. Bring your clothes to go dancing and we’ll change at Tyler’s after the game. We’re going to have so much fun!”

“See you then.”

“Bye Bailey.”

“Em, it looks like I’m going to the game after all. Christina wants to go out dancin afterwards so you’ll have the place to yourself.”

“Great, I was kind of hoping for that. Maybe I can convince Stephen to get some take out and a movie. We could use a nice quiet evening alone. Plus you’ll get your chance to put the moves on Tyler. I have a feeling tonight’s going to be a good night for both of us.”

“You’re incorrigible!”

“Ah, but you love me right?”

“Yea, I do. Now lets watch the movie.”

Bailey and Emily took a nap after the movie was over. Bailey took a quick shower, threw on her favorite Bruins’ hoodie, a pair of skinny jeans, and her favorite black sketchers boots. She grabbed her purple sequin tank top, black pants, her Truth or Dare by Madonna mickle black and purple 3-inch heels, and her hairbrush in a bag. She quickly put her hair up in a ponytail and put on her Bruins hat before she headed downstairs to meet Christina and Freddy.

They ate dinner and grabbed a few drinks at Boston Beer Works before heading over to TD Garden for the game. Freddy and Christina were starting to panic; afraid they would be late. Bailey didn’t get what the big deal was, since they would only miss the singing of the National anthem and maybe a few minutes of the game, but she ran through the Garden with her friends just the same. They made it to their seats in the fifth row of section eleven just before they dimmed the lights. Freddy and Christina breathed a sigh of relief, gave each other a high five, and a kiss.

After Rene Rancourt sang the National Anthem there was a special ceremony for the puck drop. Bailey was shocked when she saw Alexis and her dad come out on the black carpet escorted by Tyler. She couldn’t believe her eyes and ears when she saw them and they were introduced as Tyler’s special guests. The announcer said that Tyler has started a new foundation known as Seguin’s Stars and was providing a suite to people who have suffered spinal cord injuries and their families at each home game. Alexis was going to be the poster child for his new foundation. Tonight’s 50/50 raffle proceeds would go directly to the foundation help cover the cost of medical expenses for the families.

Alexis was over the moon with excitement as she got to drop the puck between Tyler and Sidney Crosby. You could hear lots of “awws” from the crowd when Tyler kissed her cheek and Alexis squealed with delight. They went absolutely wild and roared for Alexis when she shook her head no and put up her hand to stop Crosby from doing the same. Tyler couldn’t help but laugh. Alexis had won over the entire crowd at the Garden with her Bruins loyalty. Tyler gave her one more kiss before he helped her off the ice. On his way back to the Bruins’ bench, Tyler found Bailey in the stands; she had a steady stream of tears running down her face. He smiled and gave her a quick wave.

“Y’all knew about this didn’t you? That’s why you made such a big deal about me comin tonight and we had to run to get here isn’t it?”

“Guilty as charged,” Christina replied with a huge grin across her face.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tyler wanted it to be a surprise. He made us promise not to tell you.” Freddy told her. “He was worried that Alexis would give it away; but that little firecracker took it as her mission to keep this a surprise. She and Tyler have forged quite a bond.”

“Well they did a great job; I had no clue.”

Bailey didn’t really watch the first period of the game; she couldn’t stop thinking about Tyler’s new foundation and specifically what he had done for the Marino family. Bailey sent Mr. Marino a text and made arrangements to meet them after the first period was over. She introduced Christina to the Marino family, as they already knew Freddy through Tyler. They ended up watching the second period from the box suite Tyler had reserved for Alexis and her dad. Mr. Marino filled her in on how everything happened; all Tyler has done for Alexis, and thanked Bailey for bringing Tyler into their lives. Bailey fell for Tyler more with each word Mr. Marino said. Before Freddy, Christina and Bailey returned to their own seats for the third period, Alexis said she needed to talk to Bailey privately.

“Ms. Bailey, you know how I said I was going to marry Mr. Tyler, well I’ve changed my mind.”

“Oh, are you sure?”

“Yes! I think you should marry him Ms. Bailey. He’s cute and you’re pretty and I love both of you.”

“I love you too! Alexis, even if you make this sacrifice it doesn’t mean I’ll marry him. Tyler has a say in this, and I think he’ll be crushed to hear you want to break up with him.”

“Oh but he likes you a lot Ms. Bailey, so you have to be his girlfriend!”

Bailey wasn’t sure where all this was coming from but it made her smile. “Alexis, you’re the sweetest girl I know! Think hard, do you really want to give him up; after all you’re his special girl?”

Alexis paused for a moment to think, “You can totally marry him, but would it be ok with you if I’m still his special girl?”

“Alexis, I don’t think Tyler would have it any other way!” Bailey gave Alexis a big hug.

“Ms. Bailey I think I’ll ask Mr. Tyler to introduce me to Quaider. He’s cute and likes to fight. Maybe I’ll marry him.”

Bailey couldn’t help but chuckle, “As hard as it will be for him; I’m sure he can do that.” Bailey gave Alexis another hug and a kiss on the cheek before saying goodbye to her and Mr. Marino.

Tyler was relieved to see Bailey smiling and in her seat again at the start of the third period. He was afraid that she was upset that he didn’t tell her about Alexis and made Freddy take her home when he didn’t see them during the second period. He was able to relax and his game settled down, so much so that he scored the game-winning goal. The Bruins beat the Penguins 2-1 and Tyler’s multi-point game streak continued with his goal and the assist he had on Bergeron’s goal in the first period. He honestly believed it was all thanks to Bailey.

Bailey was still reeling from all she learned about Tyler and Alexis tonight. She anxiously awaited Tyler’s appearance in the friends and family room. It took Tyler even longer than normal to meet up with Bailey, Freddy and Christina because the press wanted to not only discuss his game winning goal but his new foundation. He also kept his promise to Alexis giving her a tour of the locker room and introducing her to the team. By the time he was ready, they were the last ones in the family room. Once he entered the room, Bailey ran towards him, nearly knocked him over and gave Tyler the biggest hug she could muster. Tyler immediately wrapped his arms around Bailey and pulled her even closer into his chest. When they finally pulled away from each other he noticed Bailey was crying again. He gently used his thumb to wipe away a few tears and kissed her forehead, pressing his cheek against her temple. “We won the game, why are you crying?”

Bailey looked directly into Tyler’s eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me you were the anonymous donor that paid for Alexis’ surgery and all her post surgical treatment?”

“Because I didn’t want you to think I was only doing it to make you forgive me for the way I treated you and the whole Mandy thing. If you were going to forgive me and be my friend again, I needed to know it was because you wanted to and not because you felt you owed me something.”

“I wouldn’t have thought that, but I will forever be grateful to you for supportin me that day. I couldn’t have gotten through it without you! I should have told you before now, maybe if I had you would have been able to confide in me about what you did for Alexis. I’m sorry.”

“Bailey, you don’t owe me an apology. Even if you had told me, I’m still not sure I would have told you. Alexis and I had fun trying to keep it a secret and surprise you.”

Bailey smiled and laced her fingers with Tyler’s. “Please tell me what made you decide to save her.”

“ I didn’t save her, the doctors, the nurses, and her incredible team of therapists saved her. I just helped make it easier for that to happen. When we were at the hospital and the doctor said the surgery could save Alexis’ life I saw the hope in Mr. Marino’s and your eyes, only to see it completely slashed away when the social worker said insurance denied coverage. It crushed me to see you in so much pain. There was no way I was going to let that amazing little girl die; I knew I had to do something. You actually gave me the idea when you mentioned the hospital foundation. I spoke to the social worker and my accountant to find out exactly what I needed to do. At first I was just going to pay for Alexis’ medical expenses, but the more time I spent at the hospital and got to know Alexis and her dad, I knew I needed to do more. The Marinos have been through a lot and there are other families out there just like them. I don’t want any family to have their hopes for healing dashed because they can’t afford treatment for their loved one. I spoke to Patrice about how he got the Braveheart program started and then I met with Jessica to make what is now known as Seguin’s Stars a reality. Alexis and her dad are the true inspirations and I’m so thankful that you brought them into my life.”

With tears steadily flowing, Bailey stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed the corners of Tyler’s lips. He then cradled her to him with both arms. She decided at that moment, she was going to take Emily’s advice and make her move. Tonight, Bailey would get out of the friend zone.

Hating to end the moment, but he was already running late. “Bay, I have to go meet Alexis for ice cream. Do you want to join us?”

Bailey looked up to Tyler and smiled. “No thank you. Alexis worked very hard to get strong enough for this date and I don’t want to intrude on her special night with you. Besides I have to get ready to go out. I will see you on the dance floor later.”

Tyler took Bailey’s hand and waved for Freddy and Christina to follow. He walked Bailey to Freddy’s jeep and gave her a hug goodbye before he got in his Maserati to meet Alexis and her dad.

Bailey asked Freddy to take her to her apartment so she could get ready. He questioned her because she brought an outfit for the night over to Tyler’s before they ate dinner. Bailey basically told him she was on a mission to get Tyler to notice her so they could be more than friends and that outfit simply wouldn’t do. Freddy started to say she was being ridiculous because he was pretty certain Tyler was in love with her but Christina stopped him. She told Freddy that Bailey and Tyler needed to figure this out on their own.

Bailey and Christina ran up the stairs and into her apartment. Emily was lying on the couch with her head in her fiancé Stephen’s lap. Emily was startled when the girls came barreling into the room with Freddy following behind.

Bailey ran over to Emily and pulled her off the couch. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but this is an emergency! I need your help; I’m going to take your advice so I have to look spectacular for Tyler!”

“All right! Operation get out of the friend zone here we come!” Emily shouted as she, Bailey, and Christina all ran into Bailey’s room giggling like schoolgirls.

“Get out of the friend zone? I thought Tyler already likes Bailey.” Stephen had a questioning look as he watched his fiancé leave the room.

“He does, all Bailey has to do is tell Tyler she likes him and they’d be together. I tried to tell her, but Christina said Bailey needs to do this to believe it for herself and we can’t interfere. Sorry we interrupted your date.” Freddy replied.

“Not your fault; lets just hope Bailey and Tyler finally realize they both like each other so we can have our girls back.” Stephen grabbed two beers out of the fridge and gave one to Freddy. He turned the movie off and switched the TV to ESPN; they knew it would be a while before the girls reappeared. Freddy sent Tyler a quick text telling him the girls decided to get ready at Bailey’s and were going all out for the evening, so he’d probably get home before them.

“I need the perfect outfit. I don’t want Tyler to look at any other girl tonight.”

“Is Tyler a boob or an ass man?” Emily asked.

“I don’t know.”

“That’s ok, we’ll just accentuate both!” Emily responded as she started to go through Bailey’s closet.

Christina plugged in Bailey’s hot rollers and pulled out her make up bag. Bailey let her hair down, put on her robe and started to put on her favorite peaches n’ cream lotion.

“I’ve got it; this will be the perfect dress for you to wear! Tyler won’t be able to keep his eyes or hands off of you!” Emily exclaimed. She then ran to her room and pulled a dress and some heels out for Christina to borrow before she got started on Bailey’s hair.

Christina quickly changed into the royal blue halter style backless minidress and black heels. She only needed to touch up her hair and make-up for the evening. Once she was completely ready she got started on Bailey’s make-up.

“Va Va Voom! Just look at yourself; you look so hot!” Emily pushed Bailey in front of the floor length mirror on the inside door of her closet.

Bailey twirled around stared at her reflection in the mirror for a few minutes and smiled. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the woman standing before her in a short black dress featuring a plunging v-neckline with a flirty ruffle detail, open back with dual strap accents with a bit of rhinestone embellishment, and a curve hugging fitted bodice with a flattering straight hemline. Her hair was in a half-up style that was tousled and not too perfect, but definitely sexy. Her make-up was flawless; the look was natural highlighting her gorgeous hazel eyes and her lips.

On the verge of tears Bailey pulled her friends into a hug, “THANK YOU!”

“Oh no you don’t. You are not going to cry and ruin your make-up! Come on lets get out of here and go find your man!” Christina yelled and pulled Bailey into the living room with her as Emily followed.

“Well boys, what do you think? Will Tyler notice Bailey?” Emily directed her question to Stephen and Freddy.

“Damn Bailey, you look hot! Unless Tyler is blind he won’t be able to keep his eyes off of you.” Stephen said as he continued to check Bailey out.

“Tyler’s going to piss himself when he sees you in that dress!” Freddy added.

Bailey of course blushed at their comments. Christina and Emily gave each other a high five and then went over to hug Bailey again.

The girls were chatting and giggling when Freddy interrupted them. “It’s time to go ladies. I still need to change too you know.”

Bailey and Christina put their coats on and hugged Emily and Stephen goodnight. Freddy quickly drove them back to Tyler’s condo so he could change and they could get a taxi with Tyler. When they arrived Tyler was still getting ready. Bailey took off her heels and started pacing while waiting for Tyler to come out. She decided she better use the restroom before they headed out so she excused herself.

Tyler walked out about a minute later. “Where’s Bailey?”

“She’ll be out in a minute,” Christina explained.

Freddy had sent Tyler a text saying he wouldn’t believe what Bailey was wearing tonight. “The suspense is killing me!”

“Trust me, it will be well worth the wait.” Freddy replied.

Bailey walked out fidgeting with her dress while Tyler stood in front of her completely blank- faced. Bailey always looked beautiful, but tonight not a single hair was out of place; she looked like she should be on the cover of a magazine. Every part of her was smooth, polished perfection. Just the sight of her nearly knocked Tyler on his ass. All he could do was stand there, dumbfounded.

Freddy elbowed Tyler and he managed to form a single word. “WOW!” She smiled and looked down at her dress. Her sweet grin snapped Tyler back to reality. “You look stunning!” he said, still unable to take his eyes off her.

Bailey’s cheeks suddenly took on a bright, pink hue, and she smiled a shy grin. “You look really nice too.”

She bent over to put one foot into her shoe, and then the other. The skintight, black fabric moved slightly upward, exposing just half an inch more of her thighs. Tyler exhaled before he walked over to Bailey. He shoved his hands in his pocket, refusing to say, I might be falling in love with you, or any of the other stupid things that were bombarding his mind. He stuck out his elbow and Bailey took it letting him escort her. He grabbed their coats and draped Bailey’s across her shoulders before they hooked their elbows together again and headed downstairs to get a taxi.

Bailey huddled next to Tyler for warmth as they walked from the taxi to the entrance of club Aurora. The bouncer let the four of them in despite the long line. They checked their coats and Tyler took Bailey’s hand as they walked deeper into the club towards the VIP area. Tyler thought every head in the room turned when Bailey walked by. Some guys with their girlfriends were shamelessly breaking their necks or leaning back in their chairs to get a longer look at her. Tyler got a bad feeling in his gut and thought this is going to be a bad night. He tightened his hand around Bailey’s and they walked to the bar. Tyler ordered an amaretto sour for Bailey, a Bay Breeze for Christina, and a beer for Freddy and himself. They hung out there for a while chatting about the music and the crowd. Bailey kept touching Tyler and inserted clever quips at precise moments in the conversation. As the crowd grew, Tyler wrapped an arm around Bailey’s waist and pulled her closer to him so he could talk and hear her better.

After a couple of drinks Christina decided she wanted to dance, she pulled Freddy out onto to the dance floor and Bailey and Tyler followed hand in hand. Tyler didn’t hesitate and pulled Bailey into the middle of the dance floor. His eyes traveled down the dress that fit her like a glove, stopping on her hips. She had moves. A sexual thought popped into his mind and he had to look away and try to think of something else. Bailey started dancing with Christina, which gave Tyler the chance to order another beer. He chugged half of it and then set his eyes back on Bailey. Bailey and Christina were smiling and were just sweaty enough to be sexy.

Tyler grabbed Bailey’s hips and pulled her body tight against his leaving no room between them. Her body began to move against his in rhythm with the music. Tyler could no longer keep his hands off of her. The closer they were, the closer he needed her to be. Bailey’s hair would fly into his face and he loved every minute of it. The way her ass felt against him, the different directions and motions her hips made to the music, the way she leaned back against his chest and rested the back of her head on his shoulder were making him lose control. He wanted to pull her to a dark corner and taste the inside of her mouth and really touch her body.

Bailey turned to face Tyler with a mischievous grin. Her hands began at his shoulders, and then she let her fingers run down to his chest and stomach. Tyler nearly went insane, wanting her right then and there. She turned her back to Tyler and his heart beat even faster against his rib cage. He gripped her hips and pulled her closer to him. Tyler wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her hair. It was saturated with sweat and combined with her perfume. She smelled so good it was ridiculous; any rational thought disappeared.

Bailey leaned back and put her head against Tyler’s shoulder. Some of her hair fell away, exposing the glistening skin of her neck. All his willpower was vanishing. He had to get away from her for a bit to catch his breath and gain some clarity. Tyler didn’t want to make the same mistake he did the last time they were on a dance floor.

“I need to take a break for a bit; I’ll be at the bar.”

Bailey reached for Tyler’s hand, “I’ll come with you.”

“No, You’re having fun. Keep dancing with Christina; I’ll get Freddy to join me. He looks like he could use a break too.”

“Ok, but promise me you’ll come back and dance with me again.”

“I promise.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead before he grabbed Freddy and headed to the bar.

Freddy and Tyler watched Christina and Bailey as they danced and got carried away by the music. Both of them had natural rhythm and were excellent dancers; their hip-hop lessons clearly paid off. Every now and then, the girls would wave or blow a kiss towards Freddy and Tyler. Tyler noticed Bailey was drinking a blue drink of some kind but didn’t think anything of it, assuming she ordered it from one of the waitresses on the dance floor.

Bailey was having a blast, but she started feeling a little light headed and assumed it was from all the dancing and lights because she’d only had a couple of drinks spread out over the time they’d been there. She decided she’d get some water after the current song finished. Bailey closed her eyes to see if that would help and let herself get lost in the music again. Suddenly, she felt a couple of hands on her hips and she grinned. She was so excited that Tyler was back to dance with her. The hands slowly moved to her ass and started slipping lower, until they were hiking up her skirt. Bailey reached behind her to move his hands and noticed they felt different. They weren’t as large as Tyler’s and were hairier than his. She spun around and saw a strange man towering over her with a dark look in his eyes making her skin crawl.

Bailey screamed, “Don’t touch me!” over the pounding music.

“Come on sugar, you know you want me. Let’s have some fun.” His lips twitched into a grotesque smile, he got closer to Bailey and grabbed her wrist tightly. She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.

Christina turned to face Bailey when she heard the commotion. “Let go of her you bastard!” She too tried to step in and get the creep to let go, but it was no use he was way too strong. The man got pissed off when Christina wouldn’t give up and he abruptly pushed her away with great force. Bailey was now frozen with fear and feeling more light headed by the moment.

“Now where were we?” He breathed on Bailey’s neck. “Lets get out of here; you’re gonna feel real good in a minute and I plan to take full advantage of that. We’re gonna have lots of fun sweetheart.”

“The hell you are! GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF HER NOW!” Tyler glared and yelled at the stranger in the most menacing voice he could manage. He pulled him off Bailey and immediately cradled her in his arms.

The man laughed as his eyes darted back and forth between Bailey and Tyler. “You can have any piece of ass in here you want. I saw her first and have already primed her for a good time. Look, let me have this one and I’ll hook you and your friend up with some of my stash so you can have fun too.” The dark haired creep arrogantly pulled a baggie with some white capsules out of his pant pocket.

The rage in Tyler boiled over, “You fucking drugged her; I’m going to kill you!” He passed Bailey to Freddy who was now holding a shaken Christina.

Freddy told Christina to take Bailey with her and tell a bouncer what was going on. He told her to get their coats and he would meet her outside with Tyler. As soon as Bailey was safely out of the way, Tyler channeled his inner Thornton and started pounding on the son of a bitch. The man was no lightweight and got a few jabs in on Tyler that he would definitely feel in the morning. It took Freddy and two bouncers to break up the fight. A police officer arrived just as they broke up the fight. Freddy filled the officer in on everything that just transpired. The officer searched the man’s pockets and found the drugs immediately cuffed him and told Tyler and Freddy they were free to go.

Tyler used his shoulder to cut through the crowd, accidentally knocking into some innocent bystanders. Once outside, he pulled Bailey into his arms. Freddy hailed a cab and the four of them piled in the back. Tyler kept his arm around Bailey and had her pulled tight into his side looking at her with worry. “We need to get her to the hospital.”

“No, I called my mom and she called in a prescription we need to pick up at the CVS by your place. She’s going to come and check Bailey out for us. She said the press would have a field day if you bring Bailey in hopped up on roofies or whatever he fuckin gave her. It could hurt both of your careers.”

“But I didn’t drug her and she didn’t take it by choice!”

“I know, but you know how the media can spin things. Do you really want to take that chance? My mom said there isn’t much the hospital can do that she can’t do at your house. Tyler, my mom’s a great doctor and she loves Bailey like her own daughter. Please let her help!”

“Ok”

It didn’t take long for the cab to get to CVS. Christina and Freddy got out to get the prescription and told Tyler he needed to get Bailey to his condo in case Christina’s mom got there before they were back. Christina reminded Tyler that her mom said it was very important that they keep Bailey awake so they could give her the medicine.

Bailey had been playing with Tyler’s hand, tracing the lines in his palm, periodically glancing up at him and smiling. As soon as they were alone, a ridiculous drunken grin appeared. “You, Mr. Tyler Seguin are kind of perfect!”

“Uh…thanks.”

Bailey untucked his shirt, lifted it slightly and gently traced over his abs before she touched a palm to his cheek. “You’re beautiful!”

The cab pulled up to Tyler’s complex just as Bailey wrapped her arms around his neck and climbed into his lap. Tyler carried her inside and put her down once they were in his condo.

Bailey smiled and threw her arms back around his neck and seductively whispered into his ear. “You promised me another dance.”

Tyler pressed himself against Bailey as she slipped her hands up his back, pressing her fingers into his firm lean muscles. She smiled at the noise he made when she briefly tasted his neck.

“Bay, you’re killing me!” He said as his fingertips grazed her thighs.

She stared into his warm brown eyes for a moment, getting lost in them. The room was frozen in time as they stared at each other, so close she could feel his breath on her skin.

“What is it Bay?”

Her expression turned serious. “I could love you.”

Tyler watched her for a moment staring into her glazed-over eyes. She was drunk, high, or both, but for just a moment it didn’t seem wrong to pretend that she meant it.

“I might love you now.”

Bailey stretched up on her tiptoes, tilted her head, and pressed her lips against Tyler’s cheek. She meant to kiss him, but Tyler turned his head so she’d miss his lips. She was incredibly drunk/high and he wasn’t going to take advantage. Despite the alcohol in his system and raging hormones he couldn’t do that to Bailey. He finally understood what Bailey meant when she said she didn’t want their first kiss to be a drunken one. In all his life and with all the girls he’d been with he never cared before, but everything he felt for Bailey was different. Bailey was special and he wanted them both to be completely present and in the moment when they finally have their first real kiss.

Bailey pulled back and looked up at Tyler with a confused, then disappointed look. “I never should have let you go.” Then her head fell against his shoulder.

Tyler was a bit stunned by Bailey’s words, before he realized she was falling asleep. “Bay, no you can’t fall asleep!”

Tyler started moving with Bailey to help keep her awake. He took her into his bedroom and pulled out one of his long sleeve Bruins shirts and handed it to her to put on. He helped her with the zipper on the back of her dress and prevented her from losing her balance and falling as she stepped out of her heels and then the dress. Thankfully just as she finished changing Freddy and Christina were back and Christina’s mother had arrived.

Christina’s mother examined Bailey and took a blood sample she would run by the hospital to analyze. Based on Tyler’s description of her behavior and Bailey’s current state, Christina’s mom was pretty certain that she had been given a roofie laced with ecstasy. She said they needed to monitor Bailey’s breathing all night. She gave Bailey a dose of the prescription Freddy and Christina picked up, which was meant to induce vomiting. She then got her set up on an IV to push fluids in her and help flush the drugs out of her system faster.

It didn’t take long for the medication to take effect. Bailey moaned and then her body lurched. There was an awful groan that accompanied vomit and a splashing a sound. Bailey leaned over the toilet, emptying the contents of her stomach liters at a time. Tyler held her hair back and asked Christina if she had a ponytail holder. Christina came back from Freddy’s room with one that Tyler twisted around Bailey’s hair as best he could. Bailey’s body lurched again. Tyler wet a washcloth and then sat back down beside her, holding it against her forehead. Bailey leaned against the toilet and groaned. He gently wiped her face with the wet rag and then tried to sit still when she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Is she going to be ok?” Worry crept into Tyler’s mind, Bailey was so small and the amount of liquid she was expelling didn’t seem normal.

Christina’s mom assured him that she would be fine. She disconnected the IV as soon as it was done. She told them Bailey would probably vomit a bit more throughout the night and someone needed to stay with her to make sure she was ok and monitor her breathing. She said Bailey would probably have some memory loss in the morning and would feel like she has the worst hangover in the world. It would be important for them to make her drink lots of fluids tomorrow. She said she’d stop in to check on Bailey tomorrow, but not to hesitate if they needed her. Everyone thanked Christina’s mom for coming right away and helping Bailey before she left.

“Bay, you’re going to be ok, just let it all out.”

Bailey frowned, and then gagged, keeping her lips together just long enough to position her head over the toilet. She heaved again and more liquid splashed into it. Tyler asked Freddy to get a clean washcloth and run it under some warm water. Tyler wiped Bailey’s face again and let her lean on him to rest. When Bailey hadn’t vomited for a prolonged period, Tyler asked Christina and Freddy to watch her for a minute. He used the guest bathroom and then went into his linen closet and returned with a couple of towels, a sheet, three blankets, and several pillows in his arms. He fashioned the linens across the bathroom floor in a soft pallet, knowing they would likely end up spending the night in the bathroom. Bailey moaned over the toilet bowl, her body trembling; Tyler immediately took Freddy’s place behind her. Bailey fell back against Tyler and he promptly wiped her face. Freddy wet another rag and gave it to Tyler.

“Thanks. It’s going to be a long night. I’m not leaving her so why don’t you two go get some sleep.”

“You sure?” Christina asked.

“I’m positive.”

“We’ll just be down the hall in the living room. Holler if you need us.” Freddy said, recognizing the worry still in Christina’s eyes.

Tyler relaxed against the wall as best he could, and pulled Bailey against him. She sighed, letting her body melt into his. Even though he was uncomfortable and Bailey had been vomiting, next to her was the only place he wanted to be. Bailey was laying weak and sick in Tyler’s arms, depending on him to take care of her. In that moment he recognized that his feelings were even stronger than he thought. Sometime between the moment they met and holding her on the bathroom floor, he had fallen in love with her.

Bailey shifted her body to rest her head in Tyler’s lap. Tyler covered her with the blankets so she wouldn’t get cold in the night.

“Tyler?” she whispered.

“I’m here.”

Bailey didn’t speak again; her breathing gradually evened out, and her head fell heavily against Tyler’s legs. Bailey was comfortable and she would stay that way, even if he wasn’t. He watched her breathe for a half hour, parts of his body started to go numb and he eventually let his eyes close.

Notes

Y'all are the best! Thank you for all the nice comments, they mean a lot to me!. Here's another fairly long chapter. I was pretty excited to write it, not sure it turned out exactly as planned though. I would love your feedback!!!

*The Seguin Stars thing is a coincidence. I had the idea for his foundation and the name picked out as soon as I started working on this story. I laughed when he actually started a program using that name. I love that the real Tyler appears to have truly matured in Dallas and is letting everyone see he kind heart and generosity!