Brad Marchand woke alone in his bed. He ached all over. He was pretty sure he had bruised his spleen or some other necessary internal organ. Plekanec was apparently hell bent on reminding Brad as to why he hate him. He would heal up and they had beat the Habs. Brad knew exactly what would make him feel better. He wanted to see Kayleigh. Brad had been texting Hadlee's friend for the last few days and had been kind of stalking her at her bakery SugarBakers.

Kayleigh was smoking hot but didn't seem to realize it. She was shy and kind of reserved. She was his exact polar opposite. She seemed to be into him but it wasn't just because he was a Bruin. Kayleigh had texted him while he was in Montreal. He knew she was coming to his game with Hadlee Thursday night. Then afterwards they were going to take the girls on a real date. Somewhere with silverware and no stripper pole. So the polite thing to do was take her a jersey to wear, give her and Dougie's jersey for Caroline, and get a cupcake.
Brad didn't bother with a shower he hadn't done anything but fly and sleep since the game against the Habs. They had practice at noon. He threw on some shorts and practice t-shirt and shoved his feet in flip flops. He started driving towards Millsy apartment. He knew Kevan would probably at least be semi-awake as Hadlee needed to be in court by 9. His console showed it was 8:40 am. He texted Kevan at the first red light.

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 night's 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.

Brad walked into the kitchen and watched Kayleigh dance around while she was 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 butter cream.

Kayleigh jerked the ear buds 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. She looked at the amount of icing cream colored icing smeared across his broad chest and realized nothing short of soaking the shirt then putting it in the washer would save it.

"I didn't know you were there. I am so sorry." cried Kayleigh "Oh your shirt is gonna have oily spots from the butter cream 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. Brad used every ounce of self restraint not to pull her fingers into his mouth.

"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. Kayleigh always smelled like vanilla and something he couldn't quite pin point. She smelled like cookies. 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 maybe 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. He 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 ticket 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."

The girls met at the local mall. They had a quick lunch at a little sandwich shop. Hadlee was currently sitting in chair at Victoria's Secret answering emails. While Caroline was busy handing Kayleigh things she would need if she planned on dating Brad Marchand. Hadlee shook her head. She had picked up a dress and some new lingerie. At the rate she and Kevan were going she might ought to invest in Victoria's Secret.

"No" said Kayleigh "I'm not some stripper puck bunny. It's too much."

"No such thing as too much" said Caroline holding up a black lace something. Hadlee giggled that outfit had more laces than Kevan's skates. Hadlee could imagine herself tangled up trying to put it on. She laughed at loud and both Caroline and Kayleigh turned towards her.

"What?" asked Caroline

"That's you Caro not Kayleigh." she remarked "Come on Kayleigh." She and Kayleigh ventured over to the PINK side of Victoria's Secret. Hadlee helped Kayleigh pick some cute things out that didn't make Kayleigh cringe. They found a really cute pair of black and gold polka dotted boy shorts. Hadlee got the same pair. Kayleigh handed a pair to Caroline as well. Caroline told her she thought she would rather have them in victory green.

"I thought we weren't waiting on Seguin?" said Hadlee

"We aren't but when he rolls up I want to be ready." smiled Caroline.

Kayleigh sighed. She knew from Brad and Hadlee that Dougie Hamilton wanted to get to know Caroline better. But she knew Caroline well enough to know that smoking hot and not available was her type. Maybe their triple date would show her what a great guy Dougie was.

Kayleigh had went back to SugarBaker's that afternoon and was working on the Sixtythree cupcake. She thought she had it just right. Maybe on game day she would put a few in the case. She packed up a few different flavors of cupcakes to take to Kevan's when they interrupted dinner. She and Caroline were helping set up Hadlee's birthday surprise of Florida Georgia Line tickets. Caroline was supposed to pick her up at 6:30. She was horrible at lying and didn't like keeping secrets from Hadlee. However it was for a great cause. She hoped Kevan was right and he could get tickets for the show. She heard her phone chime.

Brad: Hey got the tickets for Hadlee Belles' birthday. Got 6 want to be my date?
Kayleigh: Yay! I wanted to see them too.
Brad: Kevan thought all of you like them. I'm headed to his place. You guys are coming over right.
Kayleigh: Yes. I am horrible at lying.
Brad: It's not lying it a surprise. Like Christmas. You are a birthday elf
Kayleigh: I'm picturing elves with balloons and party hats
Brad: Kevan and I are here. See you soon.
Kayleigh: K

"Texting Brad" asked Caroline.

"Yeah" said Kayleigh grabbing the cupcakes.

"Thought so you had a dopey look on your face." replied Caroline " Marchy might get lil cheerleading hockey babies yet."

"He was just making sure we were set to surprise Hadlee. Plus they got the tickets. Brad asked me if I wanted to be his date to the concert."

"You and Hadlee can double date for that one" she snarked.

"They got 6 tickets I am sure one is yours." Kayleigh laughed "Brad said Kevan knew we all wanted to go."

"I am going to be passed along like a party favor" replied Caroline.

"Maybe you might like one of these boys if you would quit texting Mr. I'm Too Sexy for Boston."

"I am totally rubbing off on you" laughed Caroline.

The girls made their way to Kevan's apartment and knocked on the door. Kevan answer the door and acted perplexed. It was all part of Operation Hadlee's Bday.

"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. 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 Hadlee 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. Caroline reminded Hadlee that they were all getting ready for the game at their apartment.

Brad didn't really want ice cream he had sat there and ate a cupcake. He was pretty sure he wasn't going to make weight if he didn't start seeing Kayleigh in a capacity that didn't involve sugary snacks. He however wanted to spend more time with Kayleigh. She was standing beside him in the elevator holding his hand. He tried to think of the last girl he just held hands with. He was drawing a complete blank. No wonder that Hadlee and Caroline had threatened him over the little brunette standing at his side. Once inside the lobby he spoked to Greg the doorman. Greg thanked Kayleigh for the cupcake she had given him. She had mumble thank you and blushed. He wanted to know how in the world this shy girl went from her normal persona to her cheer persona. He had watched quite a bit of video footage on the internet of Hadlee, Caroline, and Kayleigh. However, at the time he watched the film he had no idea that Kayleigh was even in Boston. It had just been something to torture Millsy with. She changed into a tumbling machine. Then again he turned into the Lil Ball of Hate on the ice.
Brad opened the door for Kayleigh and settled her into his SUV. He started the vehicle and pulled out of the garage into traffic. It was mid September in Boston so it was cool but not cold yet. He headed towards the river.

"Any place you want to go to get ice cream?" he asked.

"No, I usually make my own so I have no idea what's even around." she replied.

"You make cupcakes and ice cream" he groaned " Are you sure you won't marry me?"
Kayleigh laughed. It was like a bell ringing. He absolutely loved that sound. It wasn't a fake forced laugh of a puck bunny vying for attention. Brad had asked her to marry him within minutes of meeting Kayleigh. She kept saying no. It was a good sign though. He wouldn't even joke with most of his dates about marriage. His eager puck bunnies would be picking out diamonds before he could say he was kidding.

"Nope, not until we at least have our third date." she replied.

"So I am counting my stalking you at SugarBakers as 1, this ice cream date at 2, and then after the game tomorrow will be 3." Brad winked at her. She laughed again. He pulled into the public parking lot near river. "So we grab ice cream and take a walk along the river?"
Kayleigh agreed. Brad grabbed a lightweight Under Armor jacket for himself. He pulled a hoodie out of his bag. He hoped it didn't reek. He came around the car and opened the door for her. He held up the hoodie "It might get cold. Since you don't have a coat it's better than nothing. It doesn't smell too bad. Only like the locker room after a game."

Kayleigh took the hoodie from Brad and slipped it on. It was big on her but it was warm. She smiled at him. Maybe he could convince her to only wear his clothes. "It smells like your cologne not the locker room. " She pushed her hand out of sleeve and put her phone in the pocket. Brad took her hand and head up the RiverWalk.

"Well at least it doesn't smell like my hockey gloves" he replied "Not sure even you as polite as you are could say it wasn't horrible."

"It can't be that bad" she said

"Britt won't let Looch bring his hockey bag in the house. She makes him store everything in the garage that can't be washed in the washing machine." He led her to the Emack and Bolio's ice cream shop. "They have one of these on the second floor of the Garden. My lil sis is an ice cream freak so she loves it."

"It looks like a hippy exploded" she murmured in awe. The shop was amazing thought Kayleigh. She was busy looking at all the colors and the decor. Brad was smiling at her.
They walked over to the counter and looked at the flavors. Brad ended up with a chocolate bourbon. Kayleigh was in love with the dark chocolate orange she had ordered. They headed back out towards the river. Kayleigh couldn't really believe that she was strolling around eating ice cream with Brad. She couldn't believe how calm and relaxed he was. It wasn't the normal Brad show this was something completely different. She liked this Brad even more than cocky Brad. Okay so she liked shirtless in her kitchen Brad the best but this one was a very close second.

"You mentioned a sister. Do you have any others?" asked Kayleigh

"2 sisters and a brother" he replied "How about you?"

"I have one little sister. She is 12. She is coming to visit at Christmas break. I can't wait to see her."

"My bunch come down a lot. Melissa will love SugarBakers. She's the one who loves ice cream and all things sweet. They will be down opening night so you can meet her." She hoped that Brad was serious and they would still be seeing each other when his siblings came down.

"I will have to take Kaelyn to see you all play. I think she would enjoy it. She is my opposite. She is loud and outgoing. She is a soccer player. Decent. Mom and Dad are hoping she will get a scholarship from soccer." said Kayleigh proudly.

"If she is soccer kid she needs to play with Tuuks and Millsy. Either one could have played pro soccer. I can play around but not like them. They make our lives hell during the World's cup."

"She would love that. She is a goalie so I am sure her and Rask could find some common ground." Kayleigh was licking the drips on her ice cream cone trying to keep it from splattering on his hoodie. Brad was watching her tongue rasp against the sugar cone. Brad's brain was thinking very naughty things. Then again every time he saw Kayleigh he thought naughty thoughts.

The lights were shining across the River and Kayleigh was staring out over the water. She was still absently licking at her ice cream cone. Brad tossed the remainder of his ice cream cone in a nearby trash can. He walked up behind Kayleigh and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him. Vanilla and sugar filled his nose, but with hints of orange.

"You always smell like cookies" teased Brad

"Professional hazard" she joked. She continued to look out at the water.

"Whatcha thinking doll?" asked Brad

"The water makes me miss the rivers down in Georgia. We spent most weekends that I didn't have cheer competitions skiing, tubing, boating, and swimming. It would still be warm enough to get in the water there."

" I get that I grew up on the lake. We spent a lot of time jet skiing, boating, and throwing each other off the dock. Come on" he said.

He tossed her ice cream cone. Brad grabbed her by the hand and led her into the grass beside the edge of the river. Brad kicked off his flip flops. He turned and gave her that maniacal smile. The one he gives opponents when he was absolutely up to no good. That smile that might be the most devastating part of Brad Marchand. Kayleigh wasn't sure if she should run for cover or move closer. When he looked at her like that it was almost like a gravitational pull.

"Kick your shoes off, Kayleigh" he whispered.

"No way" she said trying to free herself from Brad "You are insane. It's cold up here."

"I'm Canadian, Georgia. It's not cold here by a long shot." He said drawing her closer to him.

"Take them off."

"No we bust out jackets in Georgia at 67 degrees" she laughed. He turned her so she was facing him.

"You're gonna freeze when I take you home to Nova Scotia." he sighed "Last chance Kayleigh Doll"

She didn't have a chance to comply or refuse. Brad swept her up in his arms and walked into the water. Kayleigh wasn't sure what he planned to do. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Brad" she said into his neck "Don't throw me."

"Hadn't even thought about that." he said rocking her out away from his body. She was clinging to his neck. "I won't drop you or let you fall."

Kayleigh looked down he had her tightly secured to his body. She took her toms off and tossed them to the shore. Brad slid her down the front of her body until her feet hit the water. The minute her feet hit the frigid water Brad's hot mouth descended on hers. She shivered and pushed closer to Brad. His mouth ravaged hers. His tongue swept into her mouth and he tasted like bourbon, chocolate and she would swear pure mischief.

Kayleigh shivered. Brad pulled her closer and continued the assault on her mouth. Their tongues were moving against one another in a primal dance. She shivered again. Brad picked her up out of the water and locked her legs around his waist. He started towards the shore with her mouth still fused to him. Kayleigh disengaged his mouth from his. He placed little kisses against the edge of his mouth and long his jaw.

"We're gonna get arrested or end up on TMZ" said Kayleigh breathlessly. People were starting to notice the crazy people in the river. Brad put her down. He leaned close and gave her another lingering kiss. He pulled the hood of his hoodie over her hair and face. He pulled his hood up. They grabbed their shoes and sprinted towards Brad's SUV. Laughing the entire way.

Notes

Alright gang here is the first chapter of Brad and Kayleigh! Hope you like it. It will weave in and out of The Wall.