Jamie has spent the last week trying to get over Rylee. Trying to get over the way she smelled and the way she felt when she snuggled up to his chest that night. It was more difficult than he had expected. He threw himself into workouts and community service preparation. Anything to distract him. Jamie, also, has been avoiding Razor and all those guys, because he figures that Nieuwendyk has talked to all of them. When Jamie's not working out, he's at either Seguin's or Jordie's house. They both give him shit about Rylee, but it's better than being alone.

As Jamie getting into the shower, post workout, he gets a text from Seguin. COME OVER TONIGHT FOR DINNER. DRESS DECENT. Jamie is already suspicious of his friend. WHY? He looks at his bare chest in the mirror. He's worked hard to get where he is, not to say there aren't things he regrets. JUST BE THERE AT SEVEN. OK? Jamie rolls his eyes. FINE, CREEP.


Rylee hasn't talked to her dad for more than two minutes since the "Jamie incident", as she and her friends call it. She doesn't have school on this lovely Friday, and she plans to spend it catching up on hockey news. She wanders into the large kitchen of her house and makes oatmeal and coffee. With food in hand, she plops down on the couch and flips it to the NHL Network. An hour in to her hockey binge, Rylee's dad walks into the living room. "We need to talk." He looks serious. More serious than usual. So Rylee hits mute and hesitantly says, "Okay."

"You know I don't approve of you with him. At least no while you're underage."

"I know." Rylee picks at her fingernails, her go-to nervous habit.

"Tyler Seguin invited me to dinner at his house for current and past players. I want you to come with me."

Rylee's face lit up. "But," her dad continues. "This is not permission to flirt with Benn, or any other player there." "I promise, no flirting, whatsoever."

Nieuwendyk smiles at Rylee. "It's tonight. Do you have something to wear? Or do I need to give you the card?" Rylee arches her eyebrow, "I think it would be in your best interest to give me the card." "That's what I thought." Joe pulls out his wallet and sets the credit card on the couch in between them. "Be ready by 6:30." "Got it." Rylee says, pulling out her phone to call for reinforcement.


Jamie gets to Seguin's right on time. He steps out of his SUV in a while button down tucked into a pair of dark wash jeans. He walks up to the door and opens it. Inside, there are already a lot of people here. Most of the boys are here and a good part of the Stanley Cup winning roster are already here. He goes into the kitchen and finds Seguin directing a bunch of catering people to where things are in his expansive space. "Hey man, I've kinda got my hands full right now. Would you mind playing host for a few?" Jamie shakes his head, "I've gotcha, Segs." He starts in the living room, saying "Hi" to everyone and making sure everyone has a drink.

Jamie is just finishing up round one, when the door opens. There she is: stunning in a velvet black dress that hits her a few inches above the knees. Part of him want to press her up against the wall and put his tongue in her mouth; and the other part of him wants to run. He sees her father standing next to her. Shit, he says to himself. "Hey, Mr. Nieuwendyk, how are you?" "Just fine, I'll assume you remember Rylee?" Jamie turns bright red. "Uh..yeah..hi.." Is all that he can manage. "Hi," Rylee squeaks. Even though she was prepared, she's mentally blitzing. He looks so good. That button up accentuates his chest and shoulder muscles and it's making her want to melt.

For the majority of the night, Rylee tries her best to avoid Jamie. She tries to make sure they're not in the same room for too long. Fortunately for her, Joe decides to head out to the backyard to test out a new golf something or other. She sinks on to a sleek leather couch in the living room. On the flat screen is SportsCenter. Thinking everyone was outside, she finds the remote and flips the channel to ABC Family. Pretty Little Liars marathon it is, she thinks. As she settles further into the couch, she hears someone clear their throat behind her. Rylee turns to find Jamie standing behind the couch, watching her with big, brown eyes.

Rylee stands and says, "Jamie, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that to you."

"No, you shouldn't have; because now, I can't get you out of my head. My sheets still smell like you and I don't want to wash them, and I feel pathetic." Jamie couldn't take his eyes off of her.

"I'm so sorry." She whispers.

"Come here." He murmurs.

Rylee walks over to where Jamie is standing. He grabs her hand and leads her upstairs, to a guest room. The second he closes the door, Jamie has her pressed up against the wall. He looks down at her, wanting filling his bones. He tenderly presses his lips to hers. When Jamie pulls away, Rylee moans softly for more. He grabs her hips and more forcefully kisses her. He feels her starting to cry. Jamie looks down at her, concern filling his eyes. "Jamie, I can't. I'm so sorry, I want to, but I can't." He closes his eyes and presses his forehead to Rylee's. "I know." He chastely kisses her again, and then leaves the room.

She goes into the bathroom and collects herself. She then walks back down stairs. The second her foot hits the floor, Rylee feels eyes on her. She looks up and makes direct eye contact with Tyler-his brow furrowed. He looks at her as if to say "What are you doing to him?"

Notes

This chapter is a bit more intense. Thanks for the feedback! I'm so glad you all are enjoying this story!