Can't Always Get What You Want

Caroline woke up still tangled up with Dougie. It was nearly 5pm. She had a few things she wanted to do before Danielle got there but she wasn't sure how get out of his grasp without waking him. Then again she could just snuggle him until McQuaid came and pulled them out. Both ideas had merit. She wiggled around trying free herself. How did one dislodge a 212 lbs 6'5" hockey player without disturbing him. She twisted on her side and Dougie pulled her closer to his body. She was laying there trapped spooned up against him. Caroline huffed and gave up and snuggled in closer and laid her head on his pillow. Dougie started laughing.


"Damn it Hamilton" said Caroline rolling over to face him "I was trying to get up without waking you."


"I've been a awake on a few different occasions." supplied Dougie "I fell back asleep watching you sleep."


"I don't know if that is really sweet or really creepy." sighed Caroline "I need to go get stuff started for dinner. And make sure this place isn't a complete wreck before Danielle and Jami get here. Plus we need to make sure Reilly is presentable."


"I'll make you a deal" smiled Dougie "You hang out with me for another 15 minutes and I will help with all of those things. I never seem to have you all to myself."


"Deal" said Caroline "But no whining when I put you to work." Dougie laughed and rolled over onto his back. Caroline noticed a bruise on his ribs. She stroked a finger over it. "I didn't notice this the other night."


"I did that at practice this morning. I collided with Bart." replied Dougie. He saw the expression on her face. Caroline wasn't happy. Dougie thought he had better explain before she ordered a hit on Bartowski.


"That's it me, KK, and Hads are going to kick his ass." replied Caroline "First he hurts Baby K and now he hurt you."


"It was more my fault than his Caroline"


"Nope I blame him" said Caroline as she kissed the purple blotch. She then assumed her favorite position laying with her head on the center of his chest one arm under his pillow the other across his abs stroking his hipbone.


"Sweetheart I hit him. We both went down and I got jabbed with a stick. It happens." replied Dougie "You can go around beating up guys who give me minor injuries. They will ban you from arenas."


"No they won't because apparently I am going to start hanging out with the WAGs."

"Really?" asked Dougie. Caroline saw the grin that broke across his face and almost laughed.


"Yes" answered Caroline "Baby K sicced Soupy on me. I promised one game with them. Brittany Lucic has promised to ride herd on the girls so that KK, Hads, and I can get used to everyone."


Dougie smiled at her again. He placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Thank you." he replied "It means a lot to me. I know you were not all about hanging with the WAGs."


"The things I do for you Hamilton" she laughed. Dougie rolled Caroline over on to his body. She was looking down at him. His hand found the back of her head and pulled her mouth down to his. He kissed her gently was few times before she nipped at his bottom lip. Their mouths fused together. Her tongue tangled with his. They kissed until they both needed room to breathe. Caroline sat up astride Dougie. She leaned down and kissed him squarely on the mouth. She then crawled off of Dougie and out of the giant bed. "Times up Hamilton. Pants on and help me get the apartment ready for company. Dougie was up on one elbow watching Caroline wiggle into her pants and bra. She walked back over to the bed."I mean it. Get up Hamilton." She squealed as he hauled her back into the bed with him. Caroline was beneath Dougie.


"I still had 3 minutes" teased Dougie.


"Nope" said Caroline as her phone chirped."Let me up I need to see who that is."

"Pay the toll" he answered. Caroline laughed and kissed his cheek. "Not good enough Rader"
Caroline looped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. She sank one hand in his hair and stroked the other down his neck. Caroline then licked the side of his face. Dougie rolled off of Caroline laughing. "Damn it Caroline."


Caroline leaned over and kissed his mouth softly. "Now I know how to get you off me." she smirked. Dougie just shook his head. Caroline looked at her phone. She read the text. "Move your ass Hamilton that text was from McQuaid they are on their way now." Caroline shot Jami a text telling her to come on over. She then made her way into the living room. Caroline was amazed the entire apartment was straighten. The guest bathroom was cleaned even though she was the only one who used it. Reilly's laundry was folded in the basket in the laundry room. She noticed that McQuaid's door was open and his bed was made. She carried the laundry basket to Smith's room and knocked.


"I'm up" called Reilly.


"Can I come in?" asked Caroline. She heard a faint yes. Caroline opened the door and looked at his room. It was disaster. Reilly was flopped face down on his bed. "Boxer briefs are not considered an appropriate form clothing when entertaining guests."


"I'll put pants on before dinner." said Reilly rolling over on his back "You didn't have to fold that."


"I didn't Quaider did" replied Caroline "Your date will be here in 20 minutes. I suggest you put on pants and clean this mess up in case you like her."


"Oh no, she isn't staying. I will be polite and then show her the door. No girls right now." answered Reilly scratching his abs.


"We'll see" smirked Caroline "Get dressed. Or don't either way makes a good impression."


Dougie walked in to Smitty room "Are you in here ogling Smitty in his underwear?" asked Dougie "The apartment looks pretty good."


"No trying to get his lazy ass to straighten up this hell hole and put some pants on." replied Caroline


"Smitty, I promise it'll be worth making the bed and wearing pants." laughed Dougie "And Danielle will be here in about 10 minutes. So I think that in order for McQuaid not to do bodily harm you will want to be fully dressed."


Caroline glanced at Dougie he had pulled on a long sleeve Bruins tee and a pair of track pants. Caroline was wearing a pair of yoga pants and one of Dougie's Bruins tees. "Casual" asked Reilly.

"Pizza and a movie clothes" replied Caroline as she left the room "And do something with your hair no ball caps."


"Yes Mom" called Reilly. Caroline laughed as she and Dougie went into the kitchen. Caroline pulled the cooked tomatoes out of the fridge and started it warming. She tossed in garlic, onions, and Italian seasonings. She pulled the dough out of the fridge and set it on the stove top to come up to room temp. Dougie was sitting at the bar watching her cook. He loved that she was at home in his apartment.


Reilly came out of his room in a UA tee and black ball shorts. He had obviously stuck his head under the faucet. It was damp and freshly styled. "What's for dinner?"


"Pizza" replied Caroline gathering veggies out of the fridge. "You all go pick a good movie"


Dougie watched her chop the mushrooms and other vegetation. She was sorting it all into small bowels. Reilly was also staring. "What" said Caroline. She pulled out some grilled chicken, pepperoni, and some ham.

"Nothing" said Reilly "I just thought we would order."


"How is that on plan" asked Caroline.


"It's not" replied Dougie "One week of rook sitting and she had memorized the food bible."

"Damn straight Hamilton" she sassed as she walked to the fridge. She opened a cherry Coke as the front door opened.


"Honey we are home" called McQuaid ushering Danielle into the apartment.

Caroline smiled at Danielle. "Dani Grace" called Caroline leaving the kitchen. "You look like a Suicide Girl. You are beautiful." Caroline hugged Dani Grace. "You make the dress?"


Danielle nodded "No one calls me Dani Grace anymore." laughed Danielle.


"Because you don't want them too or no one knows." asked Caroline "Adam why don't you put her suitcase away." Adam took the suitcase in his hand and put it in his room.


"No one knows. It's good to be Dani Grace occasionally." she answered. She said hello to Dougie. "Hey Adorable" she called at Reilly. He smiled and threw his head up at Dani Grace.


"He isn't adorable" said Caroline "He likes to sneak up on people and scare them during scary movies. Plus he frowns on people eating the marshmallows out of his Lucky Charms." Dani Grace through her head back and laughed. She then whispered to Caroline "I don't know his name he never told me."

"Dani Grace this is Reilly Smith. Or Smitty. Or pain in the ass" said McQuaid as her threw an arm around her shoulders "I think I like Dani Grace." She smiled up at him as they walked down the hall so they both could get into comfortable clothes.


The doorbell to the apartment rang. "That's your date Reilly boy" said Caroline "get the door." He took deep breath and went to the door. Reilly pulled it open prepared for the worst. He pasted on a big fake smile. When he got the door open all the air whooshed out of his lungs when he saw Jami standing in his doorway. Reilly stood there and stared at her for a few seconds.


"Hey Smitty" called McQuaid "Typically you let your date into the apartment. I guess we could start a new trend."

"Hush" said Dani Grace smacking him in the abs "Speechless is good when a girls shows up to a date." McQuaid started laughing and squeezed Dani Grace up against his large frame. She had stripped out of her retro pinup wear. She was wearing a USC tank top and red leggings. McQuaid wasn't sure which look he liked better.


Caroline and Dougie were watching both couples. "I'm glad no one was around to witness our awkward" said Caroline looking at him.

"What awkward?" asked Dougie.


"Never mind" laughed Caroline "It was all me I wasn't used to guys who were gentlemen."
Dougie leaned over and kissed her head. He started laughing. "I think Kevan said it best when he said you were a fucking gentleman." Dougie laughed harder. "Excuse me Hamilton I need to go let Jami in."


"Nope" said Hamilton looping an arm around her "let them figure it out." She muttered fine and started moving around the kitchen. They were joined by Dani Grace and McQuaid so that Reilly and Jami could have a little privacy. Instead of stepping inside with Jami Reilly had stepped into the hall with her. All eyes were on the closed door.


Jami was trying to figure out if Reilly was happy to see or her or if he was pissed off that she was there. He had pushed them both into the hall instead of inside his apartment. She wasn't sure what that meant. He was standing in the hall just staring at her. "I can go" said Jami breaking the silence in the hallway "Caroline apparently didn't tell you I was coming. It's not a big deal." She turned to walk away and Reilly grabbed her hand. He still looking at the tiny blonde trying to formulate what to say that didn't make him sound like a selfish asshole.


"No" he stuttered "Don't go." He was looking down at her. Jami was tiny like the other girls. It must be a cheer thing thought Reilly. She was beautiful. Her hair was hanging in waves with her bangs braided out of her face. Her green eyes were locked on him. "I don't want you to go. But I don't want either one of us to get in trouble. Me I will get bitched at you won't be allowed to be an ice girl." Her green eyes were boring into his brown ones. "I don't want people talking about you or treating you bad because of me Jami. But I am selfish and I want you to stay."


"Is it bad that I think I like you more than I like being an ice girl?" asked Jami "Caroline knows. You are the only guy I talk to other than Segs on occasion. I realize he isn't a selling point. But I like our text conversations, I like watching you play, and I just really want to get to know you."


Reilly pulled her up against her and wrapped his arms around her. She was so tiny that her head was in the middle of his chest. Jami was looking up at him from the circle of his arms. Reilly wasn't sure what to do. He knew that Dougie and McQuaid would give them time to sort it out before mentioning Jami to anyone. He had thought about having Jami in his arms numerous times. And not just when she was in her tiny ice girl outfit. Jami was funny and quick witted. She was a nursing major. He knew that she loved that the ice girls volunteered at the local hospitals.
He knew what she was giving up. "Are you sure?" asked Reilly looking down at her upturned face.


"Yes" she replied nodding "I could manage the ice girls and cheerleading maybe one more semester with clinicals starting in the spring. So it won't be just you Reilly."


Jami was nervous. She had a huge crush on Reilly since he arrived in Boston. She had been sad they traded Segs. He was one of her best friends in Boston. No one could believe that she spent time with him but never slept with him. She swore the hope that it might happen was what kept him coming around. She could remember when they first met the new guys. Everyone was going on about Loui, the new Swede, and the talent he brought. Reilly and Joe were an afterthought. Reilly however refused to just be an afterthought. He had clicked with Marchand and Bergy and quickly become a second line scorer. Jami had a poster of Reilly in her dorm from the agent Smith campaign. Reilly was handsome in the suit in the ad but Jami thought she might prefer this casual version more. She had worn a dress over and had a feeling that she was way overdressed for whatever Caroline had planned. Standing there with him holding her felt very natural but could see the indecision in his face. Maybe she should just go. She was thinking of what to say when Reilly moved.


"Good" he said as he tilted her face closer to his. His mouth found hers. He kissed gently a few times before he looked at her "You okay with this" he asked "Because I've wanted to do that since I laid eyes on you last year." Jami smiled against his mouth and nodded. Reilly's mouth found hers again. He felt her arms go up around his neck pulling him closer. Reilly deepened the kiss. He pulled away from her. Plan A was not mauling Jami against a wall in the hall of his apartment building. She pulled him back to her mouth. Her tongue darted out at the corner of his mouth. Fuck it, this was totally Plan A now. He tangled his tongue with hers as he walked her back against the wall. They continued kissing for seconds, minutes, hours, or until the door the apartment flew open. Reilly jumped away from Jami. He saw McQuaid's smirking face.


"She's staying" said McQuaid as he shut the door "I don't think he needs your help Caroline." Reilly laid his forehead against hers and laughed. He laughed harder when he heard both Dougie and McQuaid yell " She is fine Caroline." He kissed Jami one last time before looking at her. Jami reached up and wiped her lip gloss from his mouth with her thumb.


"Pink isn't my color" teased Reilly "You ready to face the firing squad."


"As ready as I will ever be." she answered. Reilly took her hand and led her into the apartment. Caroline and Dani Grace were in the kitchen. Dougie and Quaider were in the living room pretending to be looking at the movies on demand. Reilly walked her straight to the kitchen.


"Jami" he began "you know Adam, Dougie, and Caroline. But this is Dani Grace" He motioned to
the suicide blonde in the USC tank. "She has ventured down from NYC to visit McQuaid. She was a cheerleader with the girls but not at Kentucky."


Dani Grace waved at Jami "South Carolina" she replied "I'm a gamecock."


"Jamie cheers for Boston College" explained Reilly "Damn Quaider your girl has a potty mouth."


Dani Grace just winked at her "We can't all be SEC."


McQuaid started laughing "She says it a chicken. But she brought more than one shirt that just says "Cocks" across the back."


"Shut it McQuaid" sassed Dani Grace "You should see the UK USC signs on game days."


Caroline started laughing. "These hockey boys are sheltered. Only Krug comes close to understanding and he is from Michigan State." Dani Grace pulled a face that made the boys laugh.


"I guess they will learn" replied Dani Grace. "Come on" she said holding her hand out Jami "I have a ton of clothes something will fit so you aren't dressed up around us slobs."


Reilly stepped up and took her by the hand "I'll handle it" he said leading her through the apartment. They disappeared to his room.


Caroline and Dani Grace high fived and went back to making 6 individual pizzas. Dougie sat down on the bar stool nearest Caroline and watched her work. McQuaid stepped behind the counter and wrapped his arms around Dani Grace "You two are slick wingmen." he teased.
Dani Grace hip checked him "Don't you forget it."


Dougie was staring down the hall. He turned to Caroline "Think they are coming back" he asked.



"That's a year of sexual tension about to pop off" laughed McQuaid "He's been crushing on her since he got here."


"Leave them alone" said Dani Grace leaning into McQuaid "I'm not sure I would make it a year before jumping adorable. Definitely wouldn't make it a year with pretty boy here." McQuaid stole a quick kiss. She started laughing when Caroline told them to take it away from the kitchen.


Jami was standing in Reilly's room looking at the photos in the frames. She saw one that she had taken of him and his brother last year at home game against the Wings. Jami also noticed one of them skating at the Bruins Christmas skate. "I'm not a stalker" he said coming to stand beside her "Britt gave me that one framed."


"She guessed a long time ago that I had a crush on you" replied Jami "I guess this is where I confess I have one of your posters in my dorm."


"So we are both stalkers" laughed Reilly.


"I was so worried when you opened the door" she replied " I wasn't sure what you were thinking."


"Remember when you were a little kid at Christmas and you got an awesome present. Only to realize it needed batteries. And you couldn't play with it because you don't have the batteries." said Reilly "That's how I felt every time I have been around you for a year. You are best thing ever but I didn't have what I need to make it work."

Jami threw her arms and around him and hugged him. Reilly looked down at her. "That might be the sweetest and weirdest thing a guy has ever said to me."


"Way to make an impression right" laughed Reilly as he flopped down to sit on his bed. Jami walked over to him and stood in front him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in and kissed his mouth.


"It's perfect" she replied against his mouth "Are you going to be sad when I don't have the ice girl outfit?"


"Nope I won't miss that tiny jersey if you are in mine" he answered "Plus I hear rumors of a cheerleading uniform." She laughed. Reilly kissed her again.


Reilly went to the closet and was rooting around in his messy drawers. He managed to find one of his Miami shirts. He handed it to her and told her it was probably one of his smallest shirts. He told her to get changed and he would try and find her some bottoms.


"Caroline" called Reilly leaving his room "Can I borrow you for a minute."


"I'm not into girl on girl shit Reilly boy" she yelled across the apartment.


"Damn it Caroline" he laughed "None of my pants will fit her she is so tiny."


"And now you know why I only run around in Dougie's huge shirts." replied Caroline walking into Dougie's room. Reilly followed her into Dougie's room. She handed him a pair of black and red polka dot Nike Pros. "Do you hate me?" she asked.


"No" he answered "I needed a kick in the ass." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek "I owe you one." He headed across the hall to his room. Caroline laughed as he knocked on his own bedroom door. He disappeared inside and she headed back to the kitchen. She laughed at Dougie and Adam making pizza with Dani Grace giving instructions.


"Everything ok?" asked Dani Grace.


"Giant hockey boys have lots of great shirts not so much on the bottom front. These silly boys have made you have to wear pants rule." replied Caroline "I mean I flashed McQuaid twice. Oh and they are super quiet for big guys. We are going to get cat bells for them."


Dani Grace was laughing. Dougie smacked Caroline on the ass "Quit causing trouble." He leaned in and kissed her. "You like when I cause trouble, Hamilton."


Dougie didn't even bother denying it. He just smiled and continued throwing things on his pizza. Reilly and Jami reappeared holding hands in the kitchen. Caroline told them to top their pizzas and they would all be done in about 15 minutes. Once the pizzas were in the oven the boys opened a bottle of wine for the girls. Caroline noted they were all sticking with water. Dani Grace offered Adam a drink and he declined.


"Can't mess with the hockey juju" said Caroline.


After dinner was done and the dishes were in the dishwasher they settled in the living room to watch a movie. Dougie and Caroline were sitting in the recliner. Adam and Dani Grace were cuddled up on the love seat. They had been whispering at each other for the past 10 minutes.


"Movie choices" called Dougie "The latest Transformers, the new Capt. America, or the Fault in Our Stars. State opinions now."


Jami and Reilly were now sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Neither of them had an opinion. Caroline grabbed Reilly and pulled him into the kitchen. She handed him a few of KK's brownies and sent him back in to snuggle Jami. She killed the lights and headed back in. Dougie was cueing up the latest Capt. America movie. Caroline grabbed three throws from the hall closet and tossed them at Dani Grace and Jami. Jami and Reilly finished the brownies as the opening credits came on.


Caroline was watching Reilly more closely than the movie. She almost laughed when he gave up and stretched out on the couch. Jami stretched out in front of him and he covered them both with blanket. Reilly had an arm draped over her holding her hand.


"Now will you watch the movie" whispered Dougie "Or are you not done messing with the lives of mortals."


Caroline leaned in and kissed Dougie. She snuggled into his chest and yawned. Dougie shook his head and was stroking her back. Caroline was almost asleep. "Match making is hard" she whispered. Dougie kissed her again just before she drifted off against his chest. He debated on waking her up. He however decided to be selfish and just let her sleep. She would normally never be able to sit still and let him just hold her. He loved loud wild Caroline but he loved this version the most. The one that only he got a chance to see. Dougie realized that this was quickly evolving into a middle school make out party. He decided to call it a night for him and Caroline. He carried her to his bed and called good night to the others. Caroline wiggled around "I want to watch the movie."


"No one is watching the movie" laughed Dougie "You were asleep. And everyone was else was making out." Dougie laid her on her side of the bed and flipped the duvet up over her. Dougie was stripping out of his shirt and pants when Caroline said "Aww I want to make out."

Dougie started laughing. He climbed into the bed with Caroline. He pulled her over on to his chest. He leaned down and kissed her mouth. He kissed her until her heart was racing. "We can make out" he teased kissing her again. Caroline kissed him near his ear "I like the way you think Hamilton." His hand slid under her shirt as her hand found the waist band of his briefs.

Notes