Nicole's P.O.V.

December was my favorite month of the year. I loved snow, damn I sound so Canadian. But seriously snow, hot chocolate, Christmas and December is in the middle of hockey and football season.

One day after practice I was walking out of the rink to my truck when I was stopped by Evgeni Malkin.

"Hey, Nic. I have ticket to Steelers game tonight. You want to go with me?" He asked.

"Yes! I'd love too." I said maybe to quickly.

"Cool. Text me address. I pick you up at 7." He replied, as we parted ways.

I drove back to my apartment and started to get ready for the game later that night. I pulled on my jeans and then slipped on a FOB T-shirt and according to the weather forecast it was going to be about 35 degrees at the game I put on my black hoodie before I slipped on my favorite players jersey (besides my dad) Troy Polamalu.

I had only finished half of my bowl of ramen I decided to have for dinner when Evgeni was knocking at my door. I didn't want to keep him waiting so I opened the door and laughed as he stood there in the same jersey as mine.

"Nice jersey." I said as I closed and locked my door behind me, terrible towel in hand.

"You too." He said as we made our way down the stairs of my building, "you look great."

"Thank you." I replied as we made our way to his car, "who we playin tonight?" I asked.

"Umm, Ravens I think." He said.

I almost choked when he said that, "The, the Ravens? I fucking hate them! This games gonna be awesome!"

"Ya. I have box seats." He said as if I'd be mad at that.

"Really? This night just keeps getting better and better." I smiled.

We arrived at Heinz Field and we went to our seats right away. I take it he didn't want to get mixed up in the crowd. Me on the other hand wanted to take in all the sights, smells and sounds of an NFL game.

The first half was a blast! Even though we were losing that could change at any moment. I went down to the main concourse and grabbed a bottle of water and some sour patch kids, because I can.

I was waiting in line when a very cute little girl walked up to me and lightly pulled on the sleeve of my hoodie. I quickly squatted down to her level.

"Hi sweetie. Can I help you?" I asked taking in her tiny Roethlisberger jersey and Steelers ribbon hair tie.

I noticed her mom walk up behind her and took a sigh of release knowing that she wasn't all alone.

"I love the Penguins. You're my favorite player." She said sweetly.

"Oh my gosh. Thank you." I said, honestly surprised she picked me over Sid.

"Can I have your autograph?" She asked, handing me a notebook and pen.

"I would love to. What's your name?" I asked, taking the lid off.

"Ashley. I play soccer. I wanted to play hockey but my dad wouldn't let me." I love how open little kids are.

I signed the little sheet of paper- To Ashley, good luck with soccer. And the I autographed it.

"Well Ashley, it was nice meeting you." I said giving her back the paper.

"You too! Good luck this season." She said walking off back towards her mom.

I smiled and got back in line before ordering my $4 water and $5 sour paths kids. God I hate stadium prices!

I went back to the box seats and sat down in my seat smiling really big, because of that cute little girl.

"Why you so happy?" Evgeni asked.

"This little girl came up to me while I was in line and told me I was her favorite payer on the Pens and she was the cutest kid." I replied while the Ravens kicked off to start the second half.

"That awesome!" He agreed.

"Ya."

"Sooo Nic I wondering if you'd like to go on a-"

"OH COME ON THAT WAS A FUMBLE!!" I interrupted him.

He just sat there in shock. I hate how guys always think girls just pretend they like football.

The game ended and of course the Steelers won, 22-20. I hate how all the games between these two end within 5 points of each other.

Evgeni dropped me off at my apartment building and walked me to my door. He was awkward all night and I wondered what was up. I soon found out why he was all awkward when he asked me on a date.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go on date with me?" He asked.

"Thanks but no thanks." I said walking into my apartment and closing the door.

***

I woke up in the morning and went for my morning run before I went to the optional practice I was planning on going to.

When I got back from my run I went to practice and although out practice I was getting weird looks from the guys. So I decided to ask Jay what the hell was going on.

"Hey Jay. Why is everybody giving me weird looks? Or am I just crazy?" I asked while we walked out to the garage.

"You haven't heard?" He asked.

"Noooo..." I responded.

"Well... People are thinking that you and G are dating." He said that last part really fast.

"What!?" At this pony I was pissed, "I'm gonna kill that guy!"

"No, no it's nothing of his own doing. He took you to a Steelers game right? Well, people are thinking that that was a date." He told me.

"Ok. I gotta straighten this out. I don't want anyone thinking I'm dating a teammate." I said walking away, my palms sweating from the anxiety. Nervously I ran my fingers through my hair as I tried to think of a way to straighten this all out.

"But you are!" He yelled at me, stopping me in my tracks.

"What?" I said turning around.

"You're dating Olli." He said simply.

"No I'm not!"

"Oh please! He mumbles your name in his sleep and the screensaver on his phone is a picture of you guys." He told me.

"Ok. We are. If you tell anybody, you'll have hell to pay." I told him.

"Fair enough." He said, "but Olli wanted me to ask you if he could come over later?"

"Tell yes. He can come over when ever."

After that we parted ways and I drove back to my apartment and took a shower I was just wrapping a towel around body when I heard a knock at the door. I figured it was Olli so I answered the door in my towel.

"Hey how's it..." He started before he realized what I was wearing.

"Oh stop staring at me." I teased him.

"Well, how can I not?" He replied as I led him to my room.

He stood in my door way as I faced away from him and dropped my towel so I could put on my sports bra, underwear and sweatpants, basically my everyday apartment wear. I turned towards him, quickly kissed him and and made my way to the kitchen.

"Just so you know, I'm not mad about what people think about you and G." He said.

"Ok. Good. I got on Twitter and I think I cleared that up. Plus I called the PR rep and she sorted it out too." I said.

We finished up lunch and sat on my couch while we played some Call of Duty. That was before we started doing something much more interesting on the couch.

Notes