We Are Here and Now

"Okay, I will be there tomorrow," Sid said into the phone. He was pacing around the living room as he spoke with his agent about the upcoming meetings planned with sponsors and where he will need to be over the coming week.

CiCi flipped through her magazine as she sighed, slightly disgruntled that their time away from reality was coming to an end so soon. She managed to have Sidney's complete and undivided attention for two full weeks. He didn't speak once about hockey or training. Instead he was attentive and insatiable all at the same time. She was relieved that their private villa was well stocked with necessities to last for the duration of their stay, so that they could remain secluded on their own, private part of beach.

During the days they would go exploring, snorkeling, climbing mountains or enjoying the beach, in the evening they would find local restaurants to tide them over or choose to cook in their gourmet kitchen. But they let their nights be spent together, alone and completely naked.

Now they were back in Pittsburgh, preparing to leave again for Sid's training to get underway. It was funny to CiCi how easy it was for Sid to just flip the switch and be focused on hockey. It scared her in a way too. She rose from her position on the couch, and escaped to the kitchen for a glass of water and a chance to get away from the stress Sid was already starting to bring into the house. She managed to get out to the patio, and anchor down in a lounge chair in order to soak in some more of the sun, a rarity in Pittsburgh.

She positioned her sunglasses over her eyes, took a small sip of water, crossed her tanned legs and laid back against the warm cushion. She let her eyes close as the bright sun was still bothering her protected vision, and let her mind wander to those two glorious weeks in Hawaii.

It felt like CiCi was outside for hours when she heard the French doors open and close behind her. She didn't move, instead she remained in her position with her eyes closed absorbing the sunlight.

"You're going to burn," Sid said in a sweet, yet matter-of-fact sort of way. He straddled the lounger and bent to sit at the edge facing CiCi with her bare feet in his lap.

"I've got enough of a base from the honeymoon," CiCi kept her eyes closed, but tried to pull her feet back when Sid's fingertips grazed the bottom. Her weakest spot. He knew how ticklish her feet were.

"Are we ready to go for L.A.?" He asked quietly as he went from tickling her feet to messaging them gently.

"If by ready you mean packed, then yes you are."

"Why won't you come with me?"

"Sid."

"Please? I know it's a work trip, but we could still have fun."

"I thought we agreed that I would just head up to Cole Harbour and meet you there next week?"

"Yeah, but that just sounds stupid. We just got married, we should be together."

"You came up with this plan!"

"Yeah, well I say and think stupid shit all the time. Come with me! I'm not going to be inundated with work and training at all hours of the day. Hell, I'm going to make a safe bet that Andy will even let me take it easy a day or two so I can be with you. We could go to Disney Land!"

CiCi lifted her sunglasses to get a good look at Sid, who was watching her tentatively. Finally, she spoke, "You drive a hard bargain Crosby."

"I can't help it that I want you with me all the time."

"Thankfully I already packed and Pat changed my flight plans before you could pitch your argument."

"Wait...what? I was just on the phone with him!"

"Yeah, he's clearly good at keeping secrets. I emailed him yesterday. There were still plenty of available seats on your flight since it is so damn early in the morning."

"First one of the day! It's the best time to fly."

"According to you. According to your incredibly sexy and amazing wife, it's entirely too early." She pulled her sunglasses back down over her eyes and tried to ignore Sid and his wandering hands on her legs. "Stop! I'm trying to imagine Hawaii and you're blocking my sun!"

"Imagine Hawaii? What about it?"

"I'm not telling," CiCi felt a blush spread across her face.

"Come on! What was your favorite part?" Sid asked. He sounded like a little kid excited for Christmas morning.

"Obviously sitting on the beach," CiCi chided. She studied Sidney's movements as he stood, then knelt on the lounge chair. He clearly wasn't believing her. He grabbed hold of one of her legs, lifted it to his shoulder and began trailing soft, pliant kisses along her calf, over her knee cap, and the inside of her thigh. His movements made her breath catch in her throat and she immediately was drawn to their first day on their secluded beach. It was their first full day of their honeymoon, and both threw caution to the wind and enjoyed spending hours pleasuring one another on their private piece of land under the warm glow of the sunlight.

"You know what is nice about telling me your favorite part? Maybe we could reenact it. Just to keep the memories alive," Sid suggested between kisses and soft caresses along CiCi's exposed abdomen.

"This is my favorite part," she gasped, her fingers twisted in his hair. She gently tugged to pull him up to her face.

"What?" Sid asked as he obliged. He could feel his large bulge against his shorts, and eyed him eagerly. He pressed his body against her, her sensitive body craving the intimate touch. Yanking at his t-shirt, she managed to get the offending clothing off his body all the while he moaned uncontrollably. Once the shirt was off, CiCi massaged his hard torso while he stood from the lounge chair and she knelt in front of him. Nipping at his earlobe, CiCi felt a shudder run through Sid’s body and grinned against his neck. Her mission was to get him to forget work and live in the moment with her.

Licking his jaw teasingly, CiCi trailed kisses from his mouth to his chest, then slowly to his stomach, and stopped at his shorts. She looked up at him innocently, but the hunger in her eyes was unmistakable. Sid groaned in frustration. He wanted her, but was nervous to let it happen in the backyard in the middle of the afternoon.

Smiling against his bulge, she ran her hand slowly along his shaft, and his breathing quickened to short, shallow breaths. All thoughts of stopping her or moving into the house was gone. Pulling the string to his gym shorts loose, CiCi proceeded to push the offending material down over his hips and butt letting them fall to the ground. Painfully slowly, she pulled down his boxers, and his cock sprang up, eager to receive. She kissed the tip and her hot breath against his shaft caused him to pull her hair. Her mouth enveloped him, lips tight around his length, tongue swirling around. Her hand pumped up and down and played with his balls, and Sidney groaned loudly. His hand gripped her hair forcefully and started to rock back and forth. She took his length whole, enjoying every second of it as she beckoned Sid to remove her tank top. He did so without hesitation and was delighted that she wasn’t wearing a bra. His free hand roamed her smooth, tanned chest, causing her to moan into his length, sending vibrations through them. Sid gasped loudly as he further pushed toward his climax. CiCi, groaned loudly, she reached up to play with her hard, pink nipples, and Sid could not take it anymore. He released with a growl, throwing his head back. CiCi smiled smugly as she sat back on her calves and looked up at her husband.

“Your turn,” his voice a low, throaty groan.

Sid pushed CiCi down onto the lounge chair, panting heavily. Her eyes flashed with lust as he attacked her long neck, nipping at the sensitive skin. She gasped at the contact and his hands roamed her smooth stomach as his lips found the hollow of her clavicle. His hands found her thighs and he tightened them around her tender muscles, his lips making their way to her full, succulent breasts. They bounced slightly as she arched her back, and Sid began to suck on them. He found her boobs heavenly, and they were all his.

CiCi erupted into uncontrolled gasps and shouts of his names, as Sid removed her shorts and made his way to her sensitive area. She gripped the iron armrests as he pushed her legs wide open, and winked at her, tentatively giving one long lick down her wet slit. Her hips buckled with pleasure. Her lips were pink and delicious, and he spread them open to play with her clit with his tongue. Sid slipped in two fingers without hesitation and CiCi cried out in ecstasy. She was wet and warm, and Sid licked up her juices eagerly. CiCi was soon riled up to the brink of her climax, and released, jerking uncontrollably as she gripped her breasts.

Their lips found each other and their tongues swirled in synchrony and union. Their breathing was heavy and they pressed their sweaty bodies against each other. Releasing the passionate kiss to breathe, Sid laced his fingers with CiCi’s and guided her body as he positioned himself at her entrance. CiCi growled with impatience, and he pushed his whole length into her. They both rock back and forth as he countlessly hit her most sensitive spot, and he groaned as he felt her walls contract against his shaft, hot and slick. CiCi’s fingers raked down his back, and Sid was certain there would be scratch marks left behind. He palmed her full breasts with his hand and she arched her back up off the lounge chair. She moaned for him to go faster, and he swore he was scraping the concrete from the rocking of the chair. CiCi screamed Sid’s name continuously and threw her head back as he pounded into her. Her fingers furiously rubbed her clit while her other and played with her nipple. Sid grunted about climaxing, and with a contract of her walls, they both came together, Sid spilling into her and CiCi rocking and writhing, hips buckling and they both cried out.

He slowly pumped in and out of her as they catch their breaths, and they lay in one another’s arms, content and sated for the time being. Looking up at him shyly, she pecked his lips and he held her small body closer.

“I quit. I’m calling Jim tomorrow to tell him Geno can be captain,” Sid said breathlessly making CiCi shake with laughter. “I don’t think I can get enough of you and I cannot endure another season of being away from you.”

“Sid, be real.”

“I’m not ready to leave our little bubble.”

“Me either babe. Unfortunately responsibilities await us.”

“Tomorrow. Today we have a couple more places to cover.”

“Oh? And those places are?”

"Let's start in my office, mm and the basement rink, c'mon!" Sid jumped up from the chair, forgetting his clothes and dragging CiCi with him.

*****
"What do you mean I can't board the flight?" CiCi asked the following morning as she and Sid were checking their bags for the cross country flight.

"It says here Sidney Crosby and Cesira Crosby. Unfortunately your name isn't listed as such on your ID."

"But I have my marriage license! We just got married two weeks ago. We got home from our honeymoon Friday night. When would I have time to go get everything changed?"

"Ma'am you should have booked the flight in your maiden name and not your married name."

"Sidney!" CiCi wheeled around to see why Sid hadn't piped in to her defense. She found him on the phone speaking frantically to what she could only assume was Pat.

"Ci hasn't changed her name and now she can't get her boarding pass. If I miss this flight then you'll have to make arrangements to change the dinner meeting this evening..." Sid paused and listened to a response, looking just as frustrated as CiCi felt. "No, I'm not flying out without my wife..." "Never mind, Pat. If we can't get another seat booked then we will catch a later flight. And no, I won't be reimbursing you for the ticket that you booked incorrectly." Sid hung up, stepped closer to CiCi and the counter to find whether they could book another seat.

"We have one available in coach."

"No," Sid said just as CiCi piped in.

"That's fine," CiCi was used to flying coach and if that was the only way they could get on the early flight then that was the way they were going to go. Sid turned to her with a look of agitation. "Babe, if it puts us on this flight then I'll take it. No big deal."

"Fine." Sid pulled out his wallet and handed the airline attendant his credit card. "For the record, I will be filing a complaint with this airline. Completely absurd that we have proof of my wife's name and you still won't accept it."

CiCi was only slightly embarrassed by Sid's actions, but she couldn't blame him. They finished getting the new ticket, checked their bags and rushed towards the security check-in and their gate. They made it just as their flight was being called to board and Sid went ahead of CiCi onto the plane. She waited for her row to be called and as she approached the airline attendant, the captain of the plane approached.

"Mrs. Crosby, I want to personally apologize for the confusion with your ticket. You are more than welcome to take your original seat and we will see to it that your coach seat is refunded to you. We are also comping both your and your husband's flight back to Pittsburgh."

Well, that was fast, she thought to herself. "Thank you, it will definitely be the last time I rely on my husband's agent to book my flight for me. Did Sidney speak with you about this?"

"Yes, actually. When we heard he was on the flight of course we got awestruck and had to meet him. Then he explained the situation and I personally took a vested interest in seeing that this be resolved. He's on the plane waiting."

"Thank you so much! We both really appreciate it."

"Not a problem miss," the captain said and led CiCi onto the flight where she found Sid sitting on an aisle seat so that she could have the window. He smiled, relief flooding his features as CiCi placed her carry on in the overhead and climbed over him to get to her seat.

"Thanks dude," CiCi said as she buckled her seat belt.

"That was easier than I thought it would be," Sid said as they settled in for the five hour flight ahead.

"This flight isn't even full. That woman wasn't going to let me have a first class seat!" CiCi noted as she glanced around the cabin. There were only five other people in first class.

"Those tickets may have been sold though," Sid tried to reason.

CiCi sighed and leaned back against her seat. She let her eyes drift close in the hopes to catch some sleep on the flight. It was something she had been lacking sleep since returning home from their honeymoon. She couldn't be upset though, after Sid confirmed his week's plans with Pat he didn't touch his phone the rest of the weekend. They spent their weekend home secluded in their home.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Your naked ass running from the patio into the house on Saturday."

"You need to get me a new desk chair."

"What? It took two of us to break that thing!" CiCi giggled at the memory. She had been a bit more aggressive when she was on top of him and before either of them finish the back of the chair gave way and Sid tumbled backward taking CiCi with him.

"I wonder what we can break in our hotel room in LA?" Sid asked nonchalantly. He stroked his fingers along CiCi's palm before taking her hand in his.

"Want to join the mile high club?" CiCi asked jokingly.

"Sure."

"I was kidding."

"Oh...oh yeah. Me too." Sid winked at CiCi and reclined his seat. CiCi moved the armrest between them to curl into sid's side. His arm instinctively came around her and as the flight gained momentum the newlyweds drifted off content to be flying together.

*****
"How's it going out there?" Caroline asked when she received a random phone call from CiCi in the early evening hours on Thursday.

"Well, let's see. It's two in the afternoon and I am sitting in my hotel room yet again. I'm bored of sitting by the pool, I'm not into shopping at fancy, expensive boutiques and aside from sleep I've barely seen Sidney. He should have let me just stay home."

"I thought you were supposed to. We wanted to get together and discuss the sexy details about your honeymoon!" Caroline said. CiCi sighed and flopped back against the bed.

"He didn't want to come out here without me. I figure what the hell? I thought we'd actually get to spend time together."

"But he goes there every year, right?"

"And the last two summers he came here without me. I guess I wouldn't be so bummed if I were at home."

"Where is he now?"

"No clue. We were supposed to meet two hours ago for lunch in the lobby. Made me feel like a fool when I sat in the lobby waiting for him until about twenty minutes ago."

"Awe sweetie, I'm sorry! If I were living your life though, I'd probably say fuck it and go out without him."

"Yeah?"

"You have access to his money, go buy some expensive little getup at La Perla and show him what he is missing."

"I've never heard of that place."

"Oh dear lord, it's a lingerie store. Expensive lingerie, so just ignore price tags." CiCi considered what her friend said.

"Alright, fine. The man makes over 35 million a year. What is a couple thousand on panties he will probably rip off me?"

"Ah, that's my girl!" CiCi laughed, said her goodbyes and located the store Caroline told her to go to on her phone. Of course it would be located on Rodeo Drive.

When her cab dropped her off, she had no idea what she was doing. She climbed out, secured her shoulder bag on her shoulder and looked around. The infamous street was busy with shoppers going through high end stores. She began walking slowly, looking through the windows when she stumbled upon the store Caroline had mentioned. With a shaky breath, she walked through the entrance to be bombarded with so much see-through lingerie. She was overwhelmed. What was she doing?

"May I help you find anything?" A woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties approached CiCi. She had a fake smile and was clearly giving CiCi the once-over.

"Oh, I am just looking for some new lingerie. I'm here visiting with my husband and we don't have anything like this where we live."

"And where are you from?"
"We split our time between Pittsburgh and Canada."
"That's interesting. Yes, we aren't in Canada yet. So, are you from Canada?"
"No, my husband is. His job brought him to Pittsburgh. That's where we met."
"And what does he do?"
"What...does this have to do with me buying underwear?" CiCi couldn't understand why this woman was being so nosy.
"I'm just trying to gauge at what we should look at."
"He's a hockey player."
"Hmm, okay. Come with me. What is his favorite color?" Looking around, CiCi couldn't find any different colors but soft creams, black, and white. An occasional blue appeared, but for the most part it was pretty neutral.
"Probably black. Oh wow," CiCi stopped in front of a delicate lace halter baby doll that she was certain would make Sid's jaw drop.
"That is from the winter 2014 collection. It's beautiful, but I feel like the creams would look amazing on your skin tone. You have a fantastic tan."
"Oh, thanks. We actually just got back from our honeymoon."
"Newlyweds! Oh then we need to check out the honeymoon collection as well. You are a four, right?" CiCi was impressed that the saleswoman was able to guess her size perfectly. She nodded silently. "Your body will fit perfectly in a small in this black lace. Let's take this with us." CiCi smiled and followed with the black lace nightie in hand.
Within an hour she was satisfied with what she had purchased. She ended up not getting the black lace number, instead a flowing cream baby doll with a lace thong that cost nearly $1500 was wrapped in tissue paper and handed over. She wandered into Tory Burch, found a few dresses and determined it was time to go before she blew nearly ten grand.
Spending Sid's money didn't make her feel any better, and finally CiCi decided she just wanted to go home. She guess going back to the hotel would have to do.
*****
"Andy, I was supposed to meet Ci three hours ago. You realize how pissed she is going to be with me?" Sid stopped and leaned over with his hands on his knees. John Tavares sidled up next to Sid and emulated Sid's actions.

"Sorry lover boy. Guess we lost track of time," Andy said.

"Yeah, well this was the third time I managed to lose track of time or get pulled away from a private dinner to do something. I should have let her stay home like she wanted."

"Yeah, I'm sure three weeks in she is seeking out ways to file for divorce already," John chided.

"Don't kid like that," Sid deadpanned. He knew his friend was just joking though.

"Whoa sorry dude. Didn't think your relationship was that fragile."

"It's not." Sid laughed when John pushed his shoulder.

"Alright, alright. Let the lover boy go. If I were married to her I wouldn't be able to leave her alone for as long as he has this week."

"Thanks, I may not bother coming in tomorrow." Sid grabbed his bags and started out towards the parking lot where his rental car. He tried calling CiCi, but she didn't answer. Not that he blamed her. She was most likely pissed at him. He determined that he would get back to their hotel, shower and hopefully make this up to her.

When he got to their suite, CiCi was nowhere to be found. Her purse and cell phone were gone, so he assumed she was out shopping. Something he knew she despised doing to begin with. Anything to not be here when he finally showed up. The least she could have done was leave a note or answer his phone calls so that he could know where she was and what time she would be back.
While he showered, CiCi returned feeling almost guilty for splurging the way she did. But she was proud of herself for not going overboard, and even found a couple flattering dresses she could wear for any sort of occasion. She heard the water running, and instantly felt anger boil. This wasn't the way this week was supposed to go. Sid's obligations were to shoot two commercials, train in the mornings and have a few dinners with his agent and sponsors.
When CiCi heard the water shut off she was waiting for him in the doorway to the bathroom. Sid didn't notice her standing there at first, but when he finally did he nearly screamed and lost his balance in the wet shower stall.
"Fuck, Ci! A little warning would have been nice!" He yelled as he regained his balance and moved over to the double vanity.
"It would be nice if you took your own advice once in awhile," she said smugly with her arms crossed.
"I'm sorry, the commercial shoot ran longer than it was supposed to and Andy was adamant in getting my full workout in. I couldn't call you to tell you I was running late."
"Just like yesterday, and the day before. You should have just let me stay in Pittsburgh so I wouldn't be so damn bored!"
"You should have answered your damn phone. It would have been helpful knowing where the hell you went."
"Well you would have known if you didn't blow me off again!"
"I didn't blow you off! You knew coming with me that my schedule is set."
"No, what you said to me was that you only had a few obligations and training in the mornings. That I should come out to be with you."
"You changed your flight plans without me knowing, so clearly you wanted to be here anyway."
"Yes, because we just got married! We had two weeks to ourselves and now it's right back into hockey! I don't ask for much from you Sid, but I would have hoped you'd be able to balance all of this without pissing me off!"
"I'm trying to damnit! I'd appreciate it if you'd answer your phone or at least text me. I was panicking here when I got back."
"We're just going to go rounds because clearly we aren't going to settle on who is at fault here."
"So someone has to be at fault for us to fight? That's the most asinine thing I've ever heard."
"Are you calling me stupid?"
"No, what the fuck Ci? Can't we just forget about all of this? This isn't how the entire summer is going to be. Just this week!"
"I should have just stayed behind."
"Yeah, maybe you should have." Sid turned back to the sink and began applying deodorant and brushing his teeth. He didn't turn to see CiCi bound out of the bathroom, but he did hear slamming of drawers and a zipper opening. He secured his towel that was slipping from his waist and walked out of the bathroom to see CiCi furiously throwing her clothes into her suitcase.
"You're just going to leave then. Our flight is two days away."
"I can't stay here and be miserable. Never fucking get traded to California. I won't go with you." Sid rolled his eyes at the dramatics. CiCi was really putting them on.
"Because of one week where you had to entertain yourself? So every time we get into a fight are you going to pack your bags and leave?"
"You know what, Sid."
"I think it's a valid question," he said as he crossed his arms over his chest, "I need to be prepared. I don't even know what we were originally fighting about."
"You ditching me for the third time this week."
"You knew this was a work trip! I swear to God Barsi!"
"And you said 'I bet I can even get Andy to take it easy on me,' or did you forget that?"
"I remember what I said Ci." Sid sat on the edge of the bed, defeated. "I just wish you would have let me know where you were so I could have met up with you or something. That's all. I don't want to fight." He ran his fingers through his damp curls and fell back against the mattress. CiCi watched the muscles in his abdomen ripple as he brought his arms up over his head and sigh. The towel around his waist loosened and she could see the slight trail of hair leading from his belly button to below the towel.
CiCi bit her lip because no matter how mad she could be, she was incredibly attracted to Sid and fuck if she wasn't still in honeymoon mode. She tiptoed over to where he was lying back and straddled his waist. "I went shopping on Rodeo Drive. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman."
Sid brought his hands to her thighs and rubbed along the soft, exposed skin. "Like pre-Richard Gere joining her or after?"
"A little bit of both. Once the women saw my honkin' ring on my hand they figured out I had money to spend."
"What did you buy? Anything for me?"
"No. You need to be with me to buy clothes, your ass and thighs are too big."
"Thanks."
"I love them. Makes the sex so much better." She squealed in delight as Sid flipped her onto her back and he hovered between her legs.
"You drive me crazy woman."
"I keep you on your toes. You said so yourself."
"All forgiven?"
"Maybe. Are you taking me to Disneyland?"
"Tomorrow. All day."
"Seriously?"
"You're such a kid at heart. Yes, seriously."
"We can go through Sleeping Beauty's castle? And we can meet Mickey Mouse and ride through the Haunted Mansion and everything?" She was beyond giddy. She had always been fascinated with Disney and had been wanting to go to either of the theme parks her entire life.
"I already have our tickets and a couple fast pass tickets for the big rides too. And dinner will be at the Blue Bayou. I tried to get us in Club 33, but even my elite athlete status couldn't get us in there in such a short amount of time." CiCi gripped his forearms and squealed in delight. She got serious very quickly.
"Am I forgiven?" She asked before she tried to pull him down to kiss her.
"What did you buy?" Sid asked before he succumbed to her advances.
"The most expensive underwear I have ever seen in my life. Like one pair of panties cost more than my wedding dress."
"Mm, I bet it's sexy as hell." He brushed his nose along her cheek.
"It goes with a little teddy that I contemplated you ripping off me, but it's just too expensive for that. You can just fuck me while I wear it." Sid grunted and thrusted against his wife at the thought.
"All is forgiven. And baby, sexy panties are most definitely a gift for me."

Notes

Here's a little update on this snowy Sunday afternoon. And maybe a bit of a distraction from this struggling team. Enjoy!