Hadlee's alarm went off and she quickly silenced it. She didn't want to wake Kevan. He had came to bed sometime in the middle of the night. He was still asleep his legs tangled with hers. She managed to disengage herself from him and sat up in the bed. Hadlee looked at Kevan's face in the morning light. His lip was split and had scabbed over. He had a bruise on his cheek bone. The comforter was tangled around his waist. Hadlee could see the bruises blooming on his rib cage. She ran her hand over the worst one that at the bottom of his rib cage.

Kevan cracked an eye open but stayed still as Hadlee took inventory of his bruises. She was tugging the blanket up his torso when he spoke. "Morning, Babe."

"Sleep Miller" she replied kissing his mouth gently "I've got to get ready for court." Kevan started to sit up in the bed. Hadlee slung his jersey at his head. "I mean it Miller. Rest." With that being said she walked across his bedroom to the bathroom in a tiny pair of red lace panties. He contemplated following her then he heard the shower start up he looked at the clock. It was 7:45 and she had to be at court at 9:00. He laid her jersey on her pillow. Kevan rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. He smelled the lime smell he associated with Hadlee drifting from the bathroom. No point in trying to sleep until after she leaves for court.

Kevan padded into the kitchen and started the Keurig. He dropped one of the little cups Hadlee had brought into the machine and shoved a mug under it. While her coffee brewed he popped a bagel into the toaster. Kevan after her bagel popped up he covered one side with peanut butter and the other with strawberry jelly. He put it together like a pbj. He would never understand Hadlee's love for all things peanut butter and jelly. Hadlee came out of the bathroom in a towel. Kevan grabbed her and kissed her.

"No way, Miller" she said "I just came out to grab my bag. Got to be at court at 9"
Kevan kissed her again. "I know" he replied. "Towels are no fair." She laughed. "Seriously you are trying to kill me. First you throw your jersey at me, then you strut around in a tiny pair of panties, and now you are all warm and wet and wrapped in a towel."

Hadlee kissed him quickly then darted away to grab her bag. "You're on to me" she smiled "Got to keep thing interesting."

Hadlee went back through the apartment to get ready. Kevan stuck her bagel down in a ziploc bag and put the lid on her coffee. He then started throwing things into the blender to make himself a protein shake. He sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV. It came up to the NHL channel. It made him stupid happy that Hadlee and the girls had watched the game at his place. Maybe they would keep it up as the season went on. He watched as the announcer talked about the game. They showed Marchy and Carl's goals. Then went on to talk about the rivalry between the Habs and the Bruins. They showed the Looch Weise fight and declared Looch started it in the handshake line at game 7. Kevan smirked at the TV well Looch had finished it last night. They then showed Plekanec roughing Marchand all night. Finally, they showed his fight. Prust had been badgering him all night. Kevan watched the fight and realized why his ribs hurt. The announcer declared Kevan won the fight. The boys had all been tapping their sticks on the boards as he went to the box. The announcers were then talking about the gun show in Montreal as he had slung off his bloody stretched out jersey. Maybe he shouldn't have stripped in the box.

"The guy in the time out box is hot" called Hadlee. She was standing behind the couch putting her earring on. Kevan turned around and looked at her. Hadlee had on black wide leg slacks, a bright red blouse, and shoes that matched the shirt. Her hair was in another complicated knot. Her makeup was flawless. All Kevan wanted to do was grab her and muss her all up.

Kevan stood up and walked over to the counter. He handed her the bagel and the coffee. "Penalty box" he replied as he walked towards her. She dropped the bagel he fixed in her giant purse. She accepted the cup of coffee. She then motioned for him to lean down. Kevan leaned down and she kissed him.

"Got to go" she said "Text me if you aren't busy later." She left. Hadlee had no more than cleared the door when his phone chimed in the other room.

Brad: Want to get breakfast before practice.
Kevan: Had a shake. You need a wingman to see Kayleigh?
Brad: No but I am taking her a jersey over to wear to tomorrow nights game.
Kevan: Yeah come pick me up
Brad: Just passed Hadlee I'm in the garage
Kevan: Give me 5 minutes.
Kevan threw on a shirt and shorts. Grabbed his gear bag and shoved his feet into flip flops. Kevan threw his gear in Marchy's back seat and settled into the passenger seat. Brad greeted him. Brad hated mornings so he must really like Kayleigh to be willing to give up sleep.

"How you feeling" asked Kevan

"Sore, I think Pleky was trying to kill me." replied Brad.

"You told an entire charity event you hated the dude" laughed Kevan

"He didn't have to take it personally." sighed Brad.

Kevan laughed at Brad. Brad was zipping through Boston traffic. He finally came to a screeching halt in the parking lot of SugarBaker's. Brad grabbed 2 jerseys out of the back seat. Kevan raised an eyebrow.

"One of mine for her. Plus I grabbed one of Dougie's for Caroline." replied Brad " Didn't want Caroline left out plus Dougie is too damn stubborn to give it to her since she and Tyler had a thing."

"I'm not sure Dougie can handle Caroline" laughed Kevan

"Well she handled Seguin and Blacker." smirked Marchy.

"Both" said Kevan shaking his head walking in the door.

"Yep" replied Brad "I worry about Dougie too."

The guy at the counter yelled "Good game at Marchy. Nice goal." Brad nodded at the guy. "I'll go get Kayleigh." Brad shook his head and walked around beside the counter. Kevan ordered a coffee and took as seat. He held his phone up to Brad. Brad realized he was going to sit and play with the phone. Kevan fired off a text to Hadlee as Marchy headed into the kitchen.

Kevan: At SugarBaker's with Brad. What do you want for dinner?
Hadlee: I'm waiting on the judge. Thanks for breakfast. You cooking dinner?
Kevan: I can grill, dial, or take you out.
Hadlee: I have stuff at your house to make fajitas. If that sounds good?
Kevan: You don't have to cook for me all the time.
Hadlee: No worries you are helping, Miller. Got to go judge is coming. See you around 6pm.
Kevan: K

Brad walked into the kitchen and watched Kayleigh dance around while she making something in a giant mixer. No really it was the biggest mixer he had ever seen. It might be a riding mixer. Kayleigh hadn't noticed him at all. Brad then realized she had her iPod on. Brad called her name. Kayleigh continued dancing to the beat and putting things in the mixer. Brad called her name again. He then walked around the stainless steel counter and put his hand on her shoulder. Kayleigh jumped about 3 feet in the air and managed to smack Brad across the chest with a spatula coated in buttercream.

Kayleigh jerked the earbuds out of her ears. She was blushing a furious red. She ran over to the sink and grabbed a dishcloth. Kayleigh was apologizing while wetting the cloth.

"I didn't know you were there. I am so sorry." cried Kayleigh "Oh your shirt is gonna have oily spots from the buttercream if we don't soak it."

"No problem" replied Brad as he pulled the shirt over his head. Kayleigh blushed even harder. Brad walked over to the sink and hand the shirt to Kayleigh. She could feel the heat radiating off his chest because he was crowding her. "Hey don't worry about it. I have probably like 20 of these shirts. It's a practice shirt. No big deal. I'm just glad we saved the jerseys."

Kayleigh turned around and was now face to torso with a very naked Brad Marchand. Brad wasn't used to being taller than many people. But Kayleigh like Hadlee was very petite. He liked that she was smaller than him. In fact if he pulled her into his arms her head would lay perfectly against his shoulder. While he was pondering that. Kayleigh put a hand out and wiped a spot of frosting off his face.

"Jerseys" she asked "I hung the one you brought up in the cafe."

She was still blushing and was about to overflow the sink that was currently stopped up with his shirt. Brad pushed her up against the edge of the sink. He reached around her body and turned the faucet off. He stayed there with his body pressed up against Kayleigh. Oh hell, she is beautiful thought Brad. No time like the present. Might get smacked or Hadlee might beat the hell out of him. But he had no choice it was like he was on autopilot as he lowered his mouth to Kayleigh's.

It's like slow motion thought Kayleigh as Brad placed his mouth on hers. The first kiss was sweet and very gentle. She put her hand around his neck and kissed him back. "Brad" Kayleigh whispered and that was all it took. He took that as an opportunity to deepen the kiss. Brad's tongue snaked into her mouth. She tasted like cinnamon and sugar. They continued to kiss for seconds, minutes, or may years she wasn't sure. She had her hand tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck. She had never been kissed like this in her life. They were both gonna go up in flames. Kayleigh pulled away just as Caroline walked into her kitchen.

Caroline looked from Marchand to Kayleigh. Kayleigh turned even redder if that was possible. Marchand tipped his chin at her in a what's up gesture. He still had Kayleigh up against the sink with his arms around her. Caroline was impressed for a little guy Marchy was cut. Not a bad way to start a day getting to ogle a Bruin in low slung shorts. "Uh, K. I'm pretty sure that isn't up to health code."

Marchand started laughing. Kayleigh laid her head against his shoulder hiding her burning face. Yep, perfect fit thought Brad. He pulled his keys out of his pocket and flipped them to Caroline. "Caroline will you ask Kevan to get me a shirt out of my hockey bag in the car." Caroline caught the keys "Seriously, don't tell Hadlee what you were up to. She will make you bleach the kitchen."

"Caroline" squealed Kayleigh as Brad laughed. "Want to try your cupcake?"

Brad kissed her lips again. "I thought that was what I was doing." Kayleigh then laughed. She walked over to the counter where she had various cupcakes on a rack. She pulled out one and handed it to Brad. Brad peeled the liner off the cupcake and took a bite.

"How did you do that" he asked as he took a second bite "It really does taste like cinnamon toast crunch."

Kayleigh smiled at him. "I played around with it for about 3 days. I think I am going to call it sixty three."

"Hadlee says you only name things after people you like" replied Brad as he moved closer to Kayleigh. He jerked her back up against him. "Do you like me Kayleigh?" Kayleigh had no chance to answer because his mouth was on hers. He kissed like he played hockey completely reckless with total intent. They jumped apart when Kevan cleared his throat at the door. He tossed a tank on the table and shook his head as he walked out reminding Brad they had 45 minutes until practice.

Brad let go of Kayleigh and grabbed the tank. He pulled the shirt on and turned back to Kayleigh. He had the jersey he brought in his hands. "this is one of my game jerseys." he stated "I thought you might want to wear it tomorrow. It won't be gigantic like Millers so it shouldn't be so bad."

Kayleigh took the jersey from Brad. She held it up to her body. His brain short circuited. He felt like those birds on Finding Nemo that yelled mine. Kayleigh thanked him for the jersey and promised to wear it the next day. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the kitchen. She kissed him on the cheek and ran back into the kitchen. Kevan stood up and told Caroline he would get tickets for Hadlee's birthday. Caroline smiled at Brad.

"Hurt her Marchand" threatened Caroline "Not only will I and Hadlee kick your ass but Court will disembowel you."

"Got it" replied Brad "On that lovely shining note we have practice. Caroline I left a jersey for you in the kitchen with Kayleigh."

"Not enough Marchand jerseys for your ego" asked Caroline

"I said I left you a jersey. Didn't say it was mine. Keep it up and I will swap it for a Carron jersey."

Caroline stuck her tongue out at Marchand. The boys laughed and head to the practice arena. Caroline waltzed into the kitchen and picked up the jersey that was laying closest to the door. She shook it out and looked at it. It was obviously a game worn Hamilton jersey. Of course Dougie would let her wear a jersey. Dougie would want her to fit in. He was too damn nice. He was also fun and really hilarious.

"Brad left it here for you so you would have a jersey tomorrow night." supplied Kayleigh.

"He told me. Right after I threatened him if he hurt you."

"Caro, I know he isn't serious. But I like him and I guess we will see how long it lasts." said Kayleigh

"Looked serious to me" said Caroline digging through the cupcake rack until she found a chocolate covered cherry one. "I mean you aren't the type to usually have half naked hotties in your kitchen. I'm proud of you by the way. Marchand is cut."

"It wasn't like that" she blushed "I got frosting all over him. I told him we needed to soak it or it would get grease stains. Next thing I know he strips and brings it to the sink. I got all flustered. He was so close. Then he had to turn the sink off because I flaked. You saw the aftermath. I am so screwed Caro."

"Nah, you got me." she smiled "You done baking?"

"Yeah" said Kayleigh "Why?"

"We are going shopping for something to wear under that jersey."

"I have a Marchand t shirt." replied Kayleigh.

"Kayleigh we are going lingerie shopping" laughed Caroline as Kayleigh's eyes doubled in size. "You happen to know your boys favorite color?" Kayleigh shook her head. "Black lace it is. Let's go. We'll call Hadlee and meet her for lunch."

All and all it had been a great day. She had the judge approve all 4 of her motions in court. Met the girls at the mall for lunch. Found some new underwear. Got a surprise for Kevan that matched his jersey. Managed to find a cute work dress at Ann Taylor. So she was leaving the office and heading straight to Kevan's. Not a bad days work.

Hadlee unlocked the door to Kevan's apartment. She called for Kevan but got no response. Well she was almost an hour earlier than she said. She took her bags and went to Kevan's room. She stripped out of her work clothes. She pulled on a pair Nike pros and her Rask shirt. She pulled her hair loose from the twist it had been in all day. She threw it up in a high ponytail and headed for the kitchen.

Hadlee docked her iPhone and turned it on. She gathered the ingredients for the fajitas and brought them to the counter. She was chopping veggies and preheating a skillet. She was dancing around to Smalltown Throw Down. Hadlee continued bopping around the kitchen singing with the music. She was cooking the chicken. She began adding the veggies. She poured in a little chicken stock and added the spices. She put a lid on the mixture. Home Sweet Home by Justin Moore was pouring out of the sound system. Hadlee was putting the tortillas on a plate and covering them with a damp paper towel when Brad and Kevan came in the door.

"Is that Motley Crue" asked Kevan kicking off his flip flops.

"Yes, country cover" she replied "Justin Moore is awesome." She turned the music down as Kevan came around the counter and kissed her. "You're late."

"Nope, you are early" he laughed

"I can leave and come back later if you and Marchy need alone time." she said as she looked at Brad "You keep your clothes on in this kitchen mister."

"Talked to Kayleigh or Caroline" he asked as he kicked his shoes off and sat at the bar.

"Both" she replied "We met for lunch and quick shopping trip. We needed a few things before tomorrow nights game."

"Do you all not have enough black and gold for the night" teased Brad

"We do but Caroline decided that Kayleigh needed date night lingerie. Since the caveman over there seems to think that my lingerie is disposable we decided to shop." Kevan stopped washing his hands and turned towards Hadlee. "Don't give me that look Miller." laughed Hadlee "Brad's here and he is staying for supper. Right, Bradley."

"Umm sure," replied Brad "So what exactly did Kayleigh buy?"

"Wouldn't you like to know." she said. "So where are you taking us tomorrow after the game."

"Wouldn't you like to know" replied Kevan as he smacked her ass.

They all sat down to dinner and talked about random topics from TV, to Hadlee's cases, and finally what concerts they would each like to see. Hadlee's short list was Florida Georgia Line, the Rolling Stones, and Brantley Gilbert. Kevan said he was using the power of veto on Brantley Gilbert. Hadlee took her plate to the sink and told him that only worked on Big Brother. Brad asked why he was vetoing the dude. Hadlee told Brad he was jealous. They heard a knock at the door. Kevan answered the door. Caroline and Kayleigh were standing there.

"Sorry, we were looking for Hadlee." said Caroline." Her phone kept going to voicemail."

The girls walked in the apartment. "You missed me, Eh?" said Brad to Kayleigh. She blushed. That still amused him every time she did it. She didn't answer the question, instead she held out a box of cupcakes. Brad untied the UK blue twine and looked in the box. Caroline swiped the box from him and declared the chocolate cherry ones hers.

"Uh guys what did you want" asked Hadlee.

"Well Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Farr, and Jason Aldean have a concert coming up at the end of the month." replied Caroline between bites of cupcake. "They are releasing about 100 more tickets to the sold out show. So we need to set an alarm and get up and get tickets."

Kevan laughed as Hadlee bounced up and down. The girls were here to help him with Hadlee's birthday surprise. He had no idea that she wanted to see this band so bad. He and Marchy had managed to get 6 tickets and backstage passes by just asking the event people at TD Garden. Granted they would be volunteering for signing events until hell froze solid, but if it makes her happy. Plus they were going to take some Bruins swag down to the bands to make sure Hadlee had a great night. Kevan knew it was completely sold out. He knew she would be upset in that there weren't tickets in the morning. But he knew it would be worth it in the long run.

"What time" asked Hadlee still bouncing. Caroline told her 10 am. Hadlee frowned "I have a deposition in the morning."

"We'll get them" volunteered Kayleigh "I can call from the bakery." She then shyly asked Brad if he wanted to go. He was now standing with an arm slung around Kayleigh "If you are there I'm there."

"Oh gag me" yelled Caroline "I hate all of you."

They all laughed. Caroline didn't know it but that concert was going to be her and Hamilton's second date.

"Keep laughing Tall, Hot, Sweaty" smirked Caroline "Hadlee would climb Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line like a tree if given half a chance."

"Babe" said Kevan laughing at Hadlee's expression.

"I promise I will try and be good" she said. Kevan laughed harder at the fact that she didn't deny it. "Caroline I'm going to take out a billboard of all your dirty secrets."

"Just one" said Kayleigh everyone laughed because being snarky was not something Kayleigh usually did. She then put both hands over her mouth. Caroline was laughing the hardest of all. After about 20 minutes of making plans to get tickets and 2 hours of watching random TV. The girls were getting ready to leave. Brad announced that he wanted ice cream and asked Kayleigh if she wanted to go. He then proceeded to tell her that this was their predate date. They headed out the door together. Caroline reminded Hadlee that they were all getting ready for the game at their apartment.

Hadlee looked at the clock and it read 9:15pm. She looked at Kevan. As if he read her mind he asked if it would be horrible to just head to bed. She laughed and said she was thinking the same thing. He was running on 4 hours of sleep and she knew they would be out late the following night. The snuggled up in his bed. Hadlee insisted they watch Chicago PD. Kevan actually enjoyed the show but decided those people liked the Blackhawks a little too much. Hadlee picked her up iPad and pushed the button. She was answering emails. Kevan had looked at the wallpaper. He hadn't noticed it before. The wallpaper was a picture of the guy from Florida Georgia Line. He asked her about the picture. Hadlee asked him if it bother him. He said no and kissed her. She laid the iPad on her nightstand.

"Like a tree huh?" asked Kevan teasing her as she snuggled up to him.

"Depends" said Hadlee. He laughed and asked on what.

"Did I meet him before or after you?"

"After" he replied.

She rolled over and faced Kevan. She kissed his mouth on side that wasn't split. "Then definitely no."

"Good answer, Hadlee" replied Kevan kissing her soundly. "Night Babe"

Notes