~Kris's Point of VIew~

Tonight was the night I was to take Renee to dinner. The night where I would sit across the table from someone who was, in my mind, better than I was. I liked that she was so confident in herself and acted as if she didn't need a man. I needed someone like that, someone who wasn't afraid to be themselves and who would be fine on their own. I had had enough of those clingy fan girl types. I was ready to settle down and find someone worthwhile. I hoped that someone would be Renee.

I finished buttoning up my shirt, ran some mousse through my hair and did a once over. Good enough, I thought to myself. Grabbing my keys I shut the lights off to my apartment and headed out.

Pulling up to her apartment I cut the engine. Do I walk up to the door or do I wait for her to come out? I thought to himself. Wanting to make a good impression I got out of the car and walked up to the door. I couldn't recall ever be so nervous and being so cautious over every move I made. Reaching the door I slicked my hair back nervously and knocked.

~Renee's Point of View~

I had just finished brushing my teeth and putting my make up on when I heard a car door close. Looking out of my bedroom window I saw Kris making his way up the walkway. Giving myself one last look in the mirror I smiled at my reflection. I had to admit I looked good. I had decided on the black dress and a pair of heels. Reaching the bottom of the stairs I heard him knock. Opening the door I studied his expression.

I watched as he slowly brought his hand down from knocking, his eyes fixated on my legs. I knew at that moment, I had made the right choice.

"Hi, ready to go?" I asked scooping up my purse.

"Uh, sure," he said clearing his throat and ushering me to the car, opening the door for me to get in.

He drove a black Jeep Liberty with a leather interior, a mixture of cherry and aftershave filling the air as I sat down. I'd have to remember to make sure I didn't pull a Paris Hilton when I got out with my dress being so short.

"You look amazing," Kris said as he got in the driver's side and shut his door.

"Thank you," I said smiling and looking at him.

Turning the key in the ignition they made their way to Cafe du Jour.

~Kris's Point of View~

As I watched the door open I had to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor. There stood Renee with her hair falling down in loose curls, in a stunning black dress that showed off her long, tan legs. She looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her before. I could feel blood rushing, surging to my pelvic region and my face started to heat up. Luckily she interrupted me, "Ready to go?" she asked.

"Uh, sure," I managed to stumble. I let her lead the way towards the vehicle, allowing myself to calm down from what was happening in my nether regions. I opened the door for her and helped her in. Damn, she was gorgeous.

Getting in the driver's side I told her so, to which she replied "Thank you," and smiled.

"So, how do you like working for the Pens organization?" I asked, knowing she was new to the PR business with the team.

"I like it, there's always someone new I need to promote and Annlie is a great help. What about you? How do you like playing for the Pens?"she asked.

"I love it. They're a great bunch of guys and I love playing hockey, have ever since I was a kid. Me and Luc Bourdon used to play pond hockey every winter."I said thinking back to the days when Luc was still alive.

"You were a friend of Luc's?"

"Yeah, we grew up together, he was practically my brother. His death was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I don't wish that feeling of pain and heartache on anyone."

Renee grew silent and I could sense something was wrong.

"Everything okay?" I asked taking my eyes off of the road and glancing over at her.

"Hmm, oh, yeah everything's fine. Sorry I just got a little sidetracked."

I could sense that this was a cover but decided to leave it alone for now, I didn't want to seem to pushy on our first date.

"So, what did you want to discuss about Annlie's wedding?" she asked changing the subject.

"Oh, right. Well, I was wondering what you were planning on doing for Annlie's bachelorette party."

"I haven't even thought about it, is that bad?" she asked looking at me.

"No, no. I just figured we'd discuss it since well, we're both in the wedding party and yeah," I said nervously. She was going to catch on that that wasn't the reason I asked her out if I didn't watch it.

"Well, I was thinking about just having her and the rest of the bridesmaids come over and we'd sip some wine and pamper ourselves. Maybe a spa day."

"Yeah, that sounds like it would be fun for her and you of course. Ladies love to be pampered."

"Well, since most guys want a well mannered, prim and proper prized possession to hang of their arm, we are forced to look our best at all times. We do our nails and hair color to impress you boys. Seriously, if we didn't look the part no guy would ever have any interest in us at all."

"I don't think that's every man. That's a bit of a stereotype don't you think?" I asked feeling a little defensive.

"Stereotypical? No, if I were being stereotypical I would be saying that we all need to be size zero and bleach blonde with blue eyes. That is stereotypical. I'm just stating a fact. Men generally notice women for their outer appearances, it's an attraction. Without the added features, they tend to overlook them. Women just have to realize when enough is enough."

She had a point, after all I was eyeing her up and down when she first opened her front door this evening, but that was pure attraction. I wasn't all about lust and getting in her pants, although I wasn't opposed to the idea either. I loved how honest she was with me, it turned him on with how powerful and confident in herself she was. I could tell she valued her pride and dignity.

Pulling up to the restaurant, I helped her out of the car. She was careful as to not allow her dress to ride up, for which I was thankful. I didn't suspect she would be the type to let it all hang out.

As I was about to open the door I heard a group of girls scream my name. Turning around I saw a flock of teenage girls running towards me, all with their cell phones out. "Kris, Kris, can we get a picture with you."they asked as they came up to me.

"Sure," I replied posing for a round of pictures. I hoped Renee didn't mind. This was what came with being in a professional sport, a very public private life. Hopefully, she could understand that.

"Thank you, we really appreciate it," a petite blonde said looking at the picture she had just taken.

"You're welcome, anytime guys," I said turning around to find Renee standing there grinning.

"Sorry about that," I said as I placed my hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the door.

"It's okay, that was really nice of you to take the time to do that."

"It's part of the job. That's one thing about being a professional athlete, nothing is private and you are always in the public eye."

"I know, I manage public relations, I understand how important maintaining your fan base is."

"Right," I said smiling as I took a seat at the table, "So tell me more about you."

"Well, I live alone, my best friend is someone I met a month ago and I'm going to be in her wedding. I've never been in a steady and stable relationship and my family is almost nonexistent."

Smiling at her honesty I replied, "Oh, I see."

"Sorry, too straight forward?"she asked concerned.

"No, not at all. That's what I like about you Renee, you're honest and you speak your mind," I said reaching across the table to touch her hand.

She smiled and looked straight into my eyes as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear , I had never seen her look more beautiful.

"Renee, there's something I have to tell you."

"What's that?" she asked.

"I didn't ask you here tonight to talk about the wedding."

"Oh, you didn't?" she asked flirtatiously.

"No, I asked you here because I'm extremely attracted to you and every time I'm around you I get speechless and lose focus."

"You, get speechless around me?" she asked dumbfounded.

"Yeah, I do. Ask the guys on the team I've almost killed them a couple of times at practice with some of my wild shots," I said laughing at myself causing her to giggle.

"I'm flattered Kris, no one has ever said that to me before."

"It's true Renee, and if you'll let me, I would love to get to know you better and see where this goes."