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"Wake up. Wake Up" said Addison bouncing on the bed beside Tori Lynn. Tori Lynn pulled the comforter over her head and hid. She now knew why Neal locked the bedroom door when he lived with Richie. Hyper active loud roommates sucked. "Up now!!! We have to get ready for St. Louis. How can you hide under the blankets when you will see Neal in about 4 hours."

"Because the game isn't until 7pm. And it's only 10." growled Tori Lynn "You've have jumped on my bed for the last 3 days and scared me awake. Why did I ask you to move in again?"

"Because you will promptly abandoned Colby once Neal is home." laughed Addi.

Tori Lynn glared at her. She had played at the bar the night before to a packed house. Brian was excited because he couldn't remember a night where they sold out. She and Colby were floored by the reaction people were having to them. She had talked to Chase and Sam. They had sent her a song. The minute she heard it she knew it was perfect. Colby loved it as well. Now they just needed to cut it. Carrie had already offered to help them so the demo could go out. Chase suggested that they video the process of them cutting the demo and put it up on YouTube and link it to the boys. This whirlwind made her tired. She wanted to sleep but she needed to get ready.

"I think I hate you" said Tori Lynn burrowing back into the blankets. "5 minutes"

Addi bounced off the bed "There is bacon. Not sure there will be bacon in 5 minutes."

"Eggs?" asked Tori Lynn

"Better" she answered "Colby made waffles."

Tori Lynn threw the blankets back and stretched "Colby is a good wife."

"Yep we need to find him a man." said Addi "But then he will make him waffles instead of us."

"Guess boyfriend will have to sleep over" laughed Tori Lynn as they made their way into the kitchen. Colby was busy pouring waffle batter into the waffle iron. He apparently was of the Cluner school of dressing philosophy. "I thought we agreed that we couldn't cook naked."

"I have on pj pants" sassed Colby "And I baked the bacon so it's all good."

"Well then I guess that makes it okay" laughed Tori Lynn snagging a piece of bacon.

"So while you are off gallivanting chasing hockey boys I am going to be up to my eyeballs in Tori Lynn fans at the bar."

"Neon Cathedral fans" smiled Tori Lynn "Make them love you. You are talented." She gave him a huge hug. "It's about to get huge."

"I know" he replied. They then both noticed Addi snapping photos. "What are you doing?"

"I'm documenting your meteoric rise to fame. So when they need crappy pictures for Behind the Music." she laughed "No smile and act like you like each other." Colby threw his arm around her. And just as Addi snapped the picture he licked the side of her face.

"Gross" yelled Tori Lynn.

"Perfect" said Addi

After breakfast Addi ordered Tori Lynn to get ready. Colby laughed "She doesn't know she can't get her hands on Ekholm until after the game. And even then he will be on the plane back."

"Don't burst her bubble" said Tori Lynn " We might get to see them before the game if we leave early enough."

"You better go get ready" replied Colby "What are you wearing?"

"I am going to wear jeans and one of Neal's away jerseys"

"And what are you wearing under that" he inquired.

"Perv" said Tori Lynn headed to her room.

"He has saw the skull corset. Pick a different one."

"Want to dig in my lingerie?"

"I will totally dress you" he answered."Feel free I am heading to the tub."

"No hoodie" called Colby "I am raiding the closet and the dresser."

"Hockey game" she yelled "Not bar wear. I'm not a puck bunny." She was settling into the tub when her phone started chirping. She contemplated ignoring it.

Neal: Heading to morning skate.
TL: I'm in the tub getting ready for a long day.
Neal: You are killing me.
TL: I haven't laid a hand on you James Neal
Neal: And that is the problem
TL: I'll see you in a few hours.
Neal: It will be late.
TL: It will be no time after the past 12 days
Neal: Still can't convince you to be in my bed.
TL: I promised Addi I would go on a short road trip with her.
Neal: I am totally going to pout if I get home and you aren't any where to be found.
TL: I promise I will see you soon
Neal: Humor me and drive my Rover. It's safe. Plus has every feature you could want. Please.
TL: Thanks Neal
Neal: Be careful.
TL: I will.
Neal: Miss you
TL: Miss you too.

Tori Lynn wrapped herself in a towel and ventured out into her room. She found and outfit laying on her bed. He was way better at this than her and apparently partial to black lace. She pulled the lingerie and the gold sparkly tank top. She wiggled into her jeans. Addi blew into the room. She was dressed in a long sleeve gold Preds t-shirt and skinny jeans. Her make up and hair were flawless. She gave Tori Lynn the once over and retuned with her make up and implements of hair torture.

Addi began fussing with Tori Lynn's hair. She teased, braided, and sprayed. She then did Tori Lynn's make up. When she finally let her look in the mirror Tori Lynn was pleasantly surprised. It was a natural look. She loved the way Addi had braided her hair never in a million years could she pull off a braided head band with her own hair. She shooed Addi out so she could finish getting ready. She pulled on the navy blue sweater careful not to undo Addi's hard work. She slid her feet into her beat up brown cowboy boots. Her sapphire earrings and she was ready. She laughed at Addi waiting like an impatient boyfriend in the living room. Colby hugged them good bye and wished them luck.

Once in the Rover Tori Lynn programmed the GPS and then set up her iPhone. Just over 4 hours and she would see Neal. They stopped outside the city for snacks and drinks. Now to make it to St. Louis. Addi was never silent so it kept them both busy. Miles were flying by and so was the time. They had left at around 1:00pm and the GPS said they would arrive at 5. It was around 2. She needed to find out what Neal's schedule was. Tori Lynn pushed a button and asked the car to dial Neal.

"Miss me already" he asked answering the phone.

"Nope" she replied just as she always did "Just trying to figure out your schedule so I didn't call you when you were napping."

"I am laying here trying to fall asleep." he answered "I'll go over to the arena around 5. Puck drops at 7. Then games over by 10. On the plane by 11:30. Home to you by 2 am. You'll be home right?"

"I'll try. We are road tripping it now."

"Will you at least watch it from somewhere. Or listen on the XM in the car."

"I won't miss the game Neal. Nap no worries."

"Can't help it. I just want home."

"See you in a few hours Jamie."

Tori Lynn disconnected the call. She laughed at Addi's expression. She couldn't believe Addi was quiet that entire time. "OMG I had to be quiet so I didn't yell we are on the way."

"You did good." said Tori Lynn. She then called Fisher and he told her to call Shea when they got to the arena and he would come get them and bring them back. Fish texted the number to her.

One gas stop, a hundred gummi bears, two Ski's, and a hundreds of miles later they parked in a public lot and walked over to the arena. She looked at her phone it was 5:30 pm. She called Shea. He told them to come to the side door closest to where they had parked. He promised security would bring them on back. They made their way to the door. She showed the guards the family pass and their tickets. He nodded and radioed someone. He motioned them in. A few minutes later an older gentlemen in a suit came to collect them. He welcomed them to the Scottrade Center and took them towards the locker room.

"They are eating right now. Mr. Weber asked me to take you ladies to the friends and family lounge."

"Yes Sir" replied Tori Lynn. She listened to him play tour guide as they moved in to the locker room area.

"Hey Ed" called a male voice "You picking up hot chicks. What's Mrs. Ella going to say."

"Mrs. Ella is my only girl. I'm helping the Predators WAGS find their guys." The guy came over to Ed and the girls. "Ladies this is our goalie Brian Elliot."

"Nice to meet you" replied Tori Lynn. Addi smiled at him."I'm Tori Lynn and this is Addison."

"You sure you girls don't want to hang out with the Blues."

"Not even a little" replied Tori Lynn. He started laughing. He winked at her.

"We need to meet Mr. Weber." said Ed

"Weber" questioned Elliot "Neither of you are his wife. Lack of caveman forehead says not related. So?"

Addi slowly turned so that he could see Ekholm across her shoulders. Elliot nodded. "Mafia girls." They headed down the hall with Ed. "Hey where you girls sitting."

"Beside the Preds bench" called Addi.

Tori Lynn shook her head at Addi. Ed led them to a small living room looking area. The NHL channel on the TV and lots of comfy couches. After a few minutes Shea came into the room.

"They are headed this way." he stated "Try not to get them in such an uproar that that can't play."

Tori Lynn heard the noise indicating the boys were heading their way or a gang of middle school kids were on the loose. Her stomach fluttered hoping he would be excited to see her. They didn't move as the boys filtered through to the locker room. She wanted to laugh. Shea was standing by the door totally blocking the view of the guys. When Matti walked past he pulled him into the room.

"What the fuck" he asked looking at Shea. Shea nodded his head towards the girls. Addi was off the couch squealing as Matti came into the room. Matti caught her as she jumped at him.

"Surprise" said Addi. Matti was just looking at her. Then his face broke out into a smile.

"Ja" he said shifting her so she was level with his face. Addi squeezed him in a hug. He flopped down on a couch with Addi. She was now sitting in his lap. Talking a mile a minute. Matti seemed to take Hurricane Addi in stride. He was answering her questions and smiling stupidly. He moved her so he could see the back of the shirt. He liked seeing his name across her back. "Let me see if I can find you a jersey that isn't dirty." Matti started texting someone. A few texts later he told her he would have a jersey brought to her.

Shea was still in the doorway "Where the fuck is Nealer?"

"He was going to hang back and give Tori Lynn a call" laughed Matti. Her phone rang as if cued.

"Should I answer it?" asked Tori Lynn. Shea shook his head no. She silenced it. It beeped.

Neal: Tried to call almost 6 got to get ready for warm ups. Text or call when you can.

Tori Lynn felt bad for not answering him. She was pacing around the room. Addi was still snuggled up to Matti. She hoped she would have time snuggle with Neal before he had to get dressed. Shea pulled Neal into the room. "15 minutes" said Shea "Then locker room." Shea moved and the world shifted. Tori Lynn was there. He was praying he wasn't still napping. Fuck it if he was dreaming he was going to enjoy it.

Tori Lynn didn't have time to speak or act before he crossed the floor in big strides. His mouth descended on hers. His hands tangled in her dark hair. She smelled and tasted like gummi bears. He didn't want to stop kissing her. Hell he wanted to find and empty room and show her how much her missed. He kissed her again gently before looking at her. Those icy eyes met his and he was lost. His mouth fused with hers again. They pulled apart when he heard catcalls, whistles, and few damn Nealer let the girl breathe. He didn't want the boys here. He wanted her all to himself. He then noticed Addi and Matti sitting on the couch across the room. He shooed them away from the door. She heard them chirping all the way to the locker room.

"How come I didn't get greeted like that Mattias Ekholm?" asked Addi laughing.

"Didn't know it was an option älskling" he replied "I'll make it up to you later. Let me go find Lavi and see if we can skip the flight and go back with you." replied Matti "You come with me. We will find the jersey and Lavi."

James pulled her by the hand to the couch that was against the same wall as the door. No one could see them if they didn't enter the room. He sat down and snuggled her against his side. Base layers didn't leave a lot to the imagination. He need to keep it all under control. "Road trip, eh." She smiled at him. "You should have taken a plane. You had my card. You didn't have to drive this far."
"Shut it Neal" she admonished "I want to be here. But you need to get ready for the game. Shea will ban me from the arena if you aren't ready for warm ups." He pulled her into his lap. His mouth found hers again. He stopped kissing her when he heard someone clear their throat. James looked past Tori Lynn and saw Lavi standing there.

"I suggest if you want to be in my good graces so that you may leave with Miss Hall later that you will get your ass in gear and win this damn game." stated the Coach "Ekholm was taking his date to her seat. I suggest you do the same."

"On it coach" he called as Lavi left the room. He smiled at Tori Lynn. "Don't want to let you go."

"I'm not going far. I will be in the first row near the bench." she replied

"I need more time." he said

"We have plenty of time Jamie" she answered. He led her through the halls and corridors. He delivered her to a security guard who assured him he would get her to her seat.

Ten minutes later Tori Lynn joined Addi in their seats. Addi handed her a soda and a huge bag of kettle corn. Leave it to Addi. Tori Lynn then realized that she was wearing an Ekholm jersey. It was obviously game worn and almost swallowed Addi. Tori Lynn looked at the jumbotron. It was counting down the minutes 20 minutes until the game. They would take the ice for warm ups in 5 minutes. She stood up and pulled off her sweater. She pulled on Neal's jersey.

"So Neal was a little excited to see you" said Addi "I'm not sure you two will make it to Nashville."

"We are going home I want him to see his apartment." said Tori Lynn.

"He isn't wanting to see the apartment" laughed Addi.

The music got louder as the home team took the ice. She heard a chorus of boos and saw the Preds skate out. She found Neal. Of course his helmet was off. His hair was more important than his brain. The boys started skating by and banging on the glass. She laughed at Neal when he banged the glass. He started pulling on his jersey and pointing at her. She turned around and showed him his name and number. He smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up. Dear lord that smile was lethal. He skated around and hit a bunch of pucks with the other boys. As he went off the ice he tossed a puck over the glass to her.

Tori Lynn spent the game teaching Addi about hockey. Addi flinched every time someone his the boards. The Blues scored first. They went to the locker room down by 1 at the end of the first. The second period was all Preds. Filip scored with an assist from Neal. The third began and both teams wanted the win. Neal scored in the third. He banged into the glass in front of her and Addi. That goal ended up being the game winner. They showed their passes and were led back to the lounge. She knew they had to deal with the media.

Neal and Matti finally appeared in suits. They each had their small carryon bags. James leaned in and kissed her.
"Take me home Neal" she said against his mouth. James liked the sound of that. Home. He wanted her in his home. He nodded. "You coming Matti?" asked Tori Lynn.

"We are going to stay the night here. I got us a room and rental car for tomorrow." he replied "You two have a good drive." He and Addi headed out of the lounge.

"Home?" he asked looking at her.

"I thought you wanted me in your new bed."

"You should have brought the Ferrari" he whined "It's faster."

Notes