Can't Always Get What You Want

Brunch with Hadlee's brothers was fairly uneventful. The brothers were now on the way back to Kentucky. Caroline was ready to kill them for telling him stories of her shenanigans in from cheer and college. The boys had everyone laughing. Caroline was glad to see that West had quit being a complete asshole to Brad. She was curious as to what the boys had said to Dougie when they pulled him aside. She was sure it was some macho bullshit about not hurting her. They were currently in Dougie's car trying to decide what they want to for the rest of the day. Leave it to Caroline to start actually dating a guy that is good to her and him have to leave immediately for week.

"Caroline" called Dougie "you completely spaced on me for a minute."
"Sorry" she replied "Just thinking."
"I was asking if you want to go out on a real date tonight?" said Dougie
"Can we just stay in?" she asked "I think I would rather just hang out with you. I am sure you need to pack and get ready."
"We can run by your place and get your things if you want." stated Dougie. Caroline nodded her agreement and they headed over to her place. "Want to order in or us fix dinner?"
"If we swing by the grocery I can cook. Do you want to call Adam and Reilly and see if they will be around?"

Dougie tossed his phone to Caroline so she could text the boys. She fired off a group text to the guys.

Caroline: Hey it's Caroline. Are you guys gonna be around this evening? I'm gonna cook.
McQuaid: I'm in.
Smith: Free food I'm there.
McQuaid: Smitty eats like a horse every thirty minutes.
Caroline: Got it any preferences.
McQuaid: Ask Dougie
Smith: I pretty much will eat anything that won't eat me first
Caroline: All right dinner at 7pm

Caroline related the general gist of the messages as they pulled into her apartment. Dougie flopped down on the bed while Caroline threw clothes in a bag. She was roaming from room to room gathering items. Dougie laughed because her things were all over the apartment. She might be more disorganized that Smith and he was a hot mess. Caroline was currently in the hall rummaging in the dryer for clean clothes.
"You and Smith are a mess" he called from her bed.
"What I know where my laundry is." she said as she threw the last of her clothes into the bag. She had left her room to go to Hadlee's room.
"It's a dryer not a dresser" he teased "I tell Smitty that at least once a week."
"Fine Reilly and I will put our laundry away at your apartment. Here I get to do what I want." retorted Caroline as she put a pair of shoes in her bag. Dougie was propped up on one arm watching her. She was throwing her makeup bag into the bag. "I'm ready" she announced. She walked around the side of the bed. Dougie snaked an arm out and pulled her onto the bed with him. Caroline landed sprawled out on Dougie's chest. "Um Hamilton, this is not us getting ready to make dinner."
"Nope" he said pulling her so that she was laying beside him with her head on his chest "this is exactly what you wanted. You want to spend the afternoon in. So we just hanging out. Once we go to my place the boys will be hanging out with us."
"I like the boys" she replied "I don't mind sharing you."
"Yeah, well I don't want to share you" he laughed "I want you all to myself for while. If we weren't leaving tomorrow I would just hide out here with you."
"You can hide here any time" Caroline replied. She kissed his jaw line. Caroline was snuggled into his side. Caroline had her arm and leg thrown over his body. Dougie was content to just hold her.
"You might get sick of me" he laughed. He kissed her forehead.
"Nah, it gets kind of lonely here with Hadlee with Kevan all the time. We made a rule Kevan has to sleepover at least once a week so I can see her." she explained "Plus you are a damn good cuddler."
"I aim to please" he smiled "My apartment is sometimes is crowded. I never know what I am walking into with Quaider and Smith. It's good to be somewhere quiet on occasion. It's all chirps, cusses, and yelling at the rink. Much better to hole up her with my girl."
"Your girl?" questioned Caroline.
"Yes we covered this Rader" he replied "You and me. Just you and me. So while I am roaming the country this week I plan on calling, texting, and missing you."
"I guess I will miss you." she laughed as he smacked her ass. She smiled at him. Dougie leaned into her and captured her mouth in a quick sweet kiss. "Well I will definitely miss that." She fastened her mouth to his. Dougie deepened the kiss. Their breaths became one. Dougie pulled her on top of her him. Caroline dipped her tongue into his mouth. They were completely tangled up in one another. Caroline broke free from the kiss and laid her head on his chest. She could hear his heartbeat. Caroline wanted to laugh. His heartbeat was just like him strong and steady. While hers was like a hummingbird speeding all over the place. The rhythms were like their personalities. The longer she laid against him the more hers calmed. Caroline was running her fingers through his unruly red hair. Her face was snuggled into his neck. She couldn't recall a time when she ever just laid in a bed with a guy with absolutely no expectations. Doug's only expectation was that she be with just him. She wasn't going to screw this up.

"I will miss all of you" he replied stroking his hand up under his IceDog shirt. Caroline loved his hands. They were large, warm and rough. He was rubbing small circles on the small of her back. One of his hands nearly spanned the width of her back. Caroline could be perfectly content to just lay in his arms, and that fact scared the hell out of her.

"I think we should just hide out here. You don't really need to go on the road trip. Right?" she laughed

"I could stick you in my suitcase" he replied kissing her head. She tipped her face up looking at him. Dougie smirked at her "Or my hockey bag."

Caroline smacked him "Are you trying to kill me? Those hockey bags reek." He started laughing. Caroline rolled off him and got to her feet. She grabbed him by the hand and pulled him to his feet. He wrapped his arms around her and held her "Just trying to figure out a way to smuggle you onto the bus" he winked at her. Caroline laughed.

"Come on, Hamilton we need to hit the grocery store." Dougie picked up her overnight bag and headed for the door. Dougie and Caroline made their way to Dougie's vehicle and headed to the local superstore. Before getting out of the SUV Dougie pulled a Red Sox's cap out of the back seat and pulled it down low.

"Taking up baseball?" she teased. Caroline pushed his longish red hair behind his ears. Dougie grinned at her.
"I can play baseball" he said " I play every year at Looch's Rock and Jock tournament. It will be later in the fall. If you are good I will take you with me, eh."

Caroline ran her hand up his thigh. "I can be very good." Dougie stilled her hand. She laughed at him.

"Not quite what I had in mind, Caroline" he laughed "But I have no doubt of your skills, sweetheart."

"You'd better not, Hamilton" she teased. Dougie got out and came around to open the door for her. She was still getting used to this dating a gentleman thing. They made their way into the store. Before they even had a shopping cart a little boy was tugging on his mom's hand pointing at Dougie. "Maybe I need to get you a UK hat to use as a disguise."

Dougie looked down at Caroline and smiled "I have one" he replied "March gave me your one from the hat trick. You'll have to watch. I might just wear it in warm ups this week."

"Did I mention I have thing for guys in UK blue." she joked.

"Remind me not to take you to a Toronto game" he deadpanned. Caroline laughed at his expression.
"Not the same Hamilton" she replied. She bumped her hip against his. Caroline noticed the little boy still looking at them and his mom trying to drag him out of the store. "Go talk to the kid." she said as she motioned for the little guy to come closer. Caroline noticed the kid had a Bruins tee on.
"Hey kiddo" said Caroline as he came closer "Are you a Bruins fan?"
The little guy nodded shyly. Caroline had Dougie by the hand. "This is my friend Dougie Hamilton" The little boy smiled up at Dougie. "Are you gonna tell us your name?"
"I'm Xander" he said looking at his mom. Caroline smiled at him "I'm Caroline." She shook his hand and then Dougie did the same. "I play hockey. But I am a goalie" said Xander.
"Are you better than Tuukka?" quizzed Dougie. The little boy laughed "No one is better than Tuukka"
Dougie started laughing "Tuuks would appreciate that Xander." Dougie took a photograph with the little boy. Caroline snapped one with her phone. Caroline pulled a sharpie out of her purse and handed it to Dougie. He raised an eyebrow at her.
"I use it at the bar."
Dougie signed Xander's shirt. One happy kid later they were looking around the produce aisle. Caroline had decided to make chicken spaghetti. She was gathering up salad ingredients. Dougie grabbed a few bottles of dressing and croutons. Caroline roamed through the aisle picking up the pasta ingredients. Caroline explained it wasn't chicken with spaghetti sauce but a casserole made with spaghetti noodles. Dougie told her they would eat whatever she wanted to fix. She got some French bread and picked up garlic butter. He grabbed a few different flats of Gatorade. Caroline looked at him quizzically.
"We got through a lot of Gatorade" he shrugged as he put a case of cherry Coke in the cart. She looked at him again. "You add cherry to everything."
She smiled at him and went on down the aisle. They made a run through the kitchen stuff because he wasn't sure they had a casserole dish. Dougie told her just to grab whatever kitchen stuff she needed because he was pretty sure there was a pot to make mac and cheese, a frying pan, and a maybe a griddle. Caroline tossed a box of Pyrex baking dishes and a few odds and ends into the cart. Dougie was roaming around the appliances. He came back with a Keurig machine in bright blue. He put it in the cart. She smiled at him.
"What you said you won't stay over if you don't have coffee. Gotta keep my girl happy." he replied as he leaned down an kissed her. "We still need to hit the coffee aisle."
"Yep, the way to my heart is definitely through coffee " she kissed him again "and cherry pop tarts."
"Cherry pop tarts?" asked Dougie "What's wrong with you American girls? Cinnamon brown sugar is the only way to go." Caroline stuck her tongue out at Dougie "What no maple flavored?"
Dougie laughed out loud. She threw a coffee and creamer in the cart. They finally ran down the ice cream aisle and grabbed a few pints of ice cream for dessert. She laughed when he tossed 4 pints in the cart. He explained they all 3 wanted their own pints of different flavors. He had Phish Food for Quaider, Americone Dream for Smitty, and Karamel Sutra for himself. He held up the 4th pint of Cherry Garcia. She nodded. As they were heading to the check out he grabbed a box of cherry pop tarts and tossed them to her.
"No excuses for not crashing at my place" replied Dougie.
"I guess Hadlee and I need to stock Gatorade and protein powder"

Dougie text Reilly so that he would come help carry in the groceries. They were met in the garage by both roommates. Before Caroline was even out of the car the boys had the groceries and were headed into the apartment. Dougie grabbed the cokes and Gatorade. The boys were unpacking the bags by the time they got to the apartment. McQuaid and Smith both tossed a $20 on the counter for Dougie. Smith pulled out the bright blue Keurig machine. Caroline snatched it and yelled mine. Reilly laughed. Dougie made room in a bottom cabinet for her pop tarts and coffee supplies.
"There you go. Now no climbing on the counter flashing Quaider" laughed Dougie. McQuaid smiled at her.
"Maybe I want to flash McQuaid" she retorted. Smith laughed "How come I'm the one getting no good out of this deal."
"Because you fussed at me for eating only the marshmallows out of the lucky charms." she replied. Dougie caught and whispered "Flashing McQuaid does not qualify as being good."
"Sounds good to me" said McQuaid as he winked at Caroline.
"Anyone in the kitchen in the next 5 minutes does all the dishes." said Caroline shooing the guys from the room. Dougie kissed her quickly. "Need any help?" he asked.
Caroline instructed him to fill up a pot of water for the spaghetti. He finished his task and asked if he could do anything else. She told him to go rest or pack or whatever. He stole a kiss and headed to the living room.
Caroline constructed the casserole and put it in the oven. She fixed the salad and put it in the fridge to chill. She set the timer on her phone and went to the living room. All of the guys were engrossed in a re-run of a hockey game from the 90's. Adam was flopped down in a recliner. Reilly was stretched out on the couch. Dougie was sitting in the second recliner. Caroline walked across the floor and Reilly tucked his feet up so she would have a place to sit. She however bypassed the couch and went over to Dougie. He scooted over and made room for her in the recliner. She laid her head over on Dougie's chest and watched the game.
"I see how it is." laughed Smith "You only like me for my marshmallows"
"Damn straight" she replied smiling at Reilly "I've told all of you I'm only snuggling with Dougie."
"You steal my marshmallows and flash Quaider. This is a very unbalanced relationship Caroline" snickered Smith.
"Umm I am also cooking you dinner" responded Caroline "Um are we gonna watch ancient hockey all night?"
Reilly tossed the remote to Caroline. McQuaid looked at him like he had lost his mind. "You feeling ok Smitty" he asked. Dougie laughed. Caroline just looked at them.
"Smitty is a bit of a control freak when it comes to the remote" said Dougie "I've actually watched Adam tackle him to the floor and him still not give him the remote. UFC cage match stuff. But he gave it to you willingly."
"McQuaid isn't a hot chick" explained Smith "Or cooking me dinner."

Caroline started to get up and looked at Dougie "Maybe I should snuggle Reilly." Reilly patted the couch in front of where he was stretched out. Before Caroline could tell Dougie she was going to check the casserole he snaked an arm around her and pulled her back into his lap. He locked both his arms around her. "I don't think so Rader." He started tickling her. Caroline squealed and tried to get away. She was laughing so hard she could hardly breathe.

"I'll tell them" she yelled "I swear...Hamilton. I'll tell them." Dougie's hands stilled.

"Tell us what" crowed Smith.

"Nothing" said Dougie "She knows nothing." Caroline bounced up and headed to the kitchen.

"You know nothing Dougie Hamilton" she replied in the sing song manner from Game of Thrones. Caroline went into the kitchen and started prepping the garlic bread. She pulled the casserole out of the oven and finished up the bread. She called for the boys about 10 minutes later. Dougie came up and wrapped both arms around Caroline. She turned in his arms so she was facing him. They kissed until Reilly began cat calling and telling them to get a room. McQuaid pulled bottles of water out of the fridge for the boys and handed Dougie a cherry coke for Caroline. They all sat at the table and ate dinner. Caroline enjoyed every minute of it. It reminded her of dinner with Hadlee and her brothers. The boys were telling stories about pranks and things that happen on the road. They both seemed to enjoy trying to embarrass Dougie. Caroline told him it was payback from brunch. The boys cleared the table and ended up loading the dishwasher. She had to promise Reilly that she would make this again on a game day. Caroline guessed she needed to learn more about their eating, practice, and game schedule.

Caroline heard her phone beep in the other room. She laughed out loud at the photo message on the screen. Apparently Kayleigh was trying to teach Marchand to bake. Brad was covered in flour or powdered sugar. Caroline wasn't sure who snapped the picture because Kayleigh was doubled over laughing at Brad.

Caroline: I take he should stick with hockey.
Kayleigh: He distracted me and I turned the mixer up too high.
Caroline: That'll teach him to keep his hands to himself
Kayleigh: We are making some cookies and a protein bar to send with the boys
Caroline: Do you have any lucky charm marshmallows?
Kayleigh: Yes

"Reilly" yelled Caroline "Brownies or cookies?"
Smith poked his head into the living room. "Brownies" he answered. Caroline showed him the picture of Brad. He started manically laughing. "Send it to me PLEASE" he begged. Caroline forwarded the pic to him and sent it to Segs.

Caroline: Will you make Reilly Smith a batch of brownies with lucky charm marshmallows?
Kayleigh: You stealing marshmallows again
Caroline: Maybe
Kayleigh: No problem. I might crash with you all this week while the boys are gone
Caroline: Yay we can watch reality tv and maybe some hockey
Kayleigh; Oh Brad's messing with the mixer talk soon

Caroline laughed and walked back into the kitchen as the boys were wiping off the counter. Caroline wrapped both her arms around Dougie and laid her head on his back. She would miss being able to do this whenever she wanted. "Movie or pack" she asked.

"You can help me pick out my suits and ties" he replied "Then we will apparently watch whatever you want."

Caroline followed him to his room. He started toward the closet and Caroline told him to sit on the bed. She tossed her phone beside him and waded into the closet. Her phone chirped and he picked it up to give it her. He noticed the message was from Seguin.

"Your phone chirped" he called to her.

"I'm busy" she called back "You actually have some nice suits and shirts."

"It's Seguin" he said
"Well answer him. I sent him a funny pic of Brad. Open Kayleigh's message and you can see it." she replied. Dougie immediately felt relief. He knew he was being a jealous idiot but that fact she had no issue letting him see texts from Tyler made him think she might really want to be with him.

Dougie swiped the phone and looked at the text. He saw that Caroline had sent a picture of Marchand covered in white powder. He laughed at Tyler's response.

"Tyler asked if Marchy was in a coke storm" laughed Dougie. Caroline poked her head out of the closet and laughed. "Tell him he is learning to bake." Dougie replied. Tyler sent a message asking when the fuck everyone got fucking domesticated in Boston. Tyler then asked how things were going with Dougie. Oh thought Dougie he doesn't realize it's not Caroline.

"Hey he wants to know how things are going with me?" Dougie called from the bed. Caroline waltzed out of the closet with 3 suits and winked at him "Tell him fucking awesome." She laid the suits on the bed and 6 shirts. "Ties" she asked.

Dougie opened a dresser drawer with ties rolled up in little slots. Caroline shook her head. He needed a tie rack. She started tossing ties at the bed. She heard her phone chirp again. Dougie walked over and handed it to her.

Tyler: Good deal Bae. Much better for you than me. Now you get to teach me how to be friends with a chick.
Caroline: Deal. By the way we are gonna help the BC cheerleaders want me to help you with Jami?
Tyler: She fucking hates me.
Caroline: Why?
Tyler: She talks to me and shit but won't fuck me. I thought it was because she is an ice girl. But even now.
Caroline: Not all girls are gonna fall for you buddy
Tyler: I am wounded. Chicks love me
Caroline: Yeah but for how long? Jami might be a really catch. She and Reilly get talk
Tyler: Fuck him he took my spot
Caroline: I stick with Dougie thank you very much
Tyler: You know what I mean. What are you doing?
Caroline: Helping Dougie pack. Can't have my man looking a mess at away games
Tyler: Good fucking luck. Maybe tame the ginger mullet
Caroline: By TY

Caroline smiled at Dougie. Dougie wanted to know what that look was about. She turned to him and asked him how much he trusted her. He told her enough.

"Enough that I can cut your hair." she asked. Dougie looked panicked then agreed. She needed grabbed her bag and pulled out a pair of hair scissors. She needed a pair of clippers with guards. Caroline instructed him to pack the suits and shirts and matching ties. Leaving the gray one out for him to travel in tomorrow. Dougie shook his head and threw those items along with his casual stuff into the suit case. He heard Caroline talk to the boys. After a few minutes she called for him to come into the kitchen. He saw the stool in the middle of the floor, the towel, scissors, and clippers. He pulled his shirt off as he crossed the kitchen.

"You know you are depriving a charity the pleasure of cutting my flow." he said as he kissed her. He noticed Reilly and Adam sitting at the bar.
"It's just hair it will grow back before Cuts for a Cause." she replied "besides you might like it." He sat on the stool and she threw the towel around his shoulders.
"As long as you like it" he said. McQuaid started laughing.
"Keep laughing Adam" Caroline smirked "You're next"

McQuaid got really quiet and Reilly shut his mouth. They watched her work. Caroline took some of the length off the top. She messed with the clippers and the guards and cut the sides and the back shorter. After a few minutes she looked at him again. She picked up random pieces and cut. Dougie watched his red hair fall around him. Caroline told him not to move. Caroline returned with some styling wax. She worked it in her hands. Then messed with Dougie's hair. She told him to go look. Dougie's hair was no longer shaggy and curling. She managed to tame the wildness of his hair and make him look more like an adult. She was standing behind him in the bathroom. She showed him 3 other ways he could style it. She maneuvered into almost a mohawk and smiled at him.
"I like it" she announced. Dougie had to admit it looked pretty good maybe he wouldn't have to keep his ball cap on all the time. She handed him the wax and instructed him to pack it. He kissed her. Caroline headed back into the kitchen.
"Over here McQuaid" she said pointing at the stool. He looked like he was going to gallows. Caroline laughed "I'm not gonna cut it. I just want to play with it." She got out some hair product and worked it through his hair. She worked on a few of his wilder curls. She liked the final outcome. Less fuzz and more definition. She sent him to the mirror. He approved. She laughed at McQuaid "The women of Boston would revolt if I cut those curls."
Reilly and Dougie were watching. "Sorry, kiddo" she said to Reilly as she cleaned up her mess "You actually have a decent hair cut."
They all laughed and headed to the living room. Caroline informed them that they were watching the Conjuring. She explained her love for horror movies but the fact that she is scare to death of them. She told them that her and Hadlee slept together for a week after watching the last blockbuster horror movie.
"And we are gonna watch this why?" asked Dougie.
"Because I have 3 big tough hockey players to protect me here and I can hide my face in your chest. It's a good reason to snuggle." she retorted.
"If he doesn't know horror movies are made so guys can mack on their girls you can come snuggle with me." replied Reilly. Caroline started towards Reilly only to be hauled back by Dougie. He settled them both in the recliner as Reilly started the movie. Caroline relaxed into Dougie. They were barely 20 minutes in before she hid her face. Dougie stroked his hand down her back. She jumped and squirmed closer. He noticed that Smith kept jumping on the couch. Caroline squeaked and hid her face.

"We don't have to finish this if you and Smitty are scared" said Dougie as he wrapped his arm around her tighter.
"No it's a good movie just creepy." she replied. He felt her flinch again. Dougie snickered and rubbed her back. She shivered. Dougie pulled the throw off the back of the chair and covered them. She relaxed into him again. He laughed as he heard her saying no non no to the character.

"So who are you going to cuddle up with when I am gone and you are scared because of this movie" he asked. She looked at him. She scrunched her face up. Then told him "I might hate you Hamilton. I hadn't even thought of that."

Dougie started laughing. She smacked him. He leaned down and kissed her. "Keep laughing" she said "Guess who gets to FaceTime me until I fall asleep?"

Dougie saw Reilly sneaking toward them. He was absolutely silent about Smitty. He was telling her that she could even shove the iPad under the bed and he would check for creepies. Caroline screamed at the top of her lungs when Smith came up behind her and goosed her and growled.

Notes

Sorry guys been crazy at work. Court has been a beast.