Heat Lightening

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Harleigh had called in and taken the day off work. She wasn't sure what time Steven was landing, but she knew that she didn't have a lot of time. She decided that the best case scenario was to do all his favorite things tonight. That took a lot of prep work. She had already been to his house and stashed ice cream, pizza, and gummi worms. Plus, she had stopped by the marina and borrowed a boat for the night. It's amazing how willing people are to help cheer up Stammer and to keep it on the DL. She was heading over to Fleming's when she heard her phone chirp.


Bish: Please tell me you are going to handle this morose asshole!
Harleigh: Nope he's y'all’s problem.
Bish: He is a miserable son of a bitch right now.
Harleigh: And that is my problem how?
Bish: Har, he is still drunk! Just so you get the full picture, he has on slacks, a black V neck, sunglasses, and a ball cap.
Harleigh: He is drunk.
Bish: Umm yeah. Soo… about Stammer duty. I can totally count on you right?!?! Cause I have plans with Andrea that don’t include sobering a sulking Stamkos.
Harleigh: I promised him I'd be there. I will be there.
Bish: He is currently growling at anyone who has the audacity to look at him!
Harleigh: He better straighten up or I'll dump him at his house and run.
Bish: I’ll warn him. But no promises. He almost made the triplets cry! ALL OF THEM!
Harleigh: I'll handle it just make sure he gets off the plane without destroying a child's dream of seeing Steven Stamkos.
Bish: IMPOSSIBLE
Harleigh: Make it happen. BTW, Dr. Ira just sent me his notes on your fun zone problems and you're mine the last month of summer.


Harleigh wheeled into the parking lot of Fleming’s. She had called and they had promised to help her out. She knew he wouldn't want to eat out, but he loved Flemings. So they had agreed to fix his usual order plus Harleigh's. They were wrapping everything so all she had to do was reheat. Harleigh tried to pay for the meal but they insisted that Stammer would be mad if they let her pay. She now knew why he made reservations under his mom’s maiden name. Harleigh ran by the liquor store and grabbed beer, bourbon, some soda, and wine. As she headed to the check-out she grabbed a few Gatorade for good measure. Making a quick stop to drop everything off at the boat. The captain assured her that he would be ready to leave by the time she got back. She wasn’t concerned about the boat. Steven had spent the better part of last summer making her his first mate.


Harleigh stopped by the player lot and had one of the Lightning’s interns follow her in her car to Steven's house. She knew better than to let the intern drive his Mercedes. But at least it was home now. She looked at her watch, and smiled. Stammer had bought the watch from Tiffany and Co as a gift for getting him back on his feet. No amount of arguing would change his mind. She was pretty sure she could sell it and feed a third world country for a day. It was the closest thing to jewelry she wore besides her earrings. It was already after Noon, she needed to get her ass in gear. She texted Bishop as she walked into Steven's living room.


Harleigh: What time will you land?
Bish: Around 2pm
Harleigh: I'll be waiting.


Harleigh started stripping out of her clothes as she walked towards his room. She tossed all of her clothes in his hamper. She grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom. Steven always laughed at her love for his giant tub. Harleigh had been known to sit in this tub with Steven after particularly bad days. She laughed remembering Tyler Johnson walking in. Poor kid had no idea she had a swimsuit on. Stammer gave him hell. She finally took pity on him and stood up and showed the kid he hadn’t interrupted anything more. He had turned even redder and looked at the ceiling until Stammer had banished him. Now bath time with Steven might be even more fun. She turned on the faucet and filled the giant tub. He would bitch about her making his bathroom smell like Victoria's Secret. She knew he didn't mind, but he liked to tell her she was ruining his game. It was in Mr. Stamkos' best interest to stop that running game. She was pretty sure after tonight he would only be playing with her.


Harleigh washed and conditioned her hair and wrapped it in one of his t-shirts. He also bitched about that. In fact, he bitched a lot and she took great pains in tormenting him. Harleigh finished the rest of her bath. As the giant tub drained she sprayed sea salt spray in her hair and twisted it into its waves. Boat equaled no straightening iron. She didn't bother with make-up, just sunscreen, lip gloss, and a few swipes of mascara. Harleigh grabbed her new bikini. One of the perks of Florida was that wearing bathing suits was permissible at all times. She fastened the new white bandeau and straighten it so the monogram was centered. She then pulled on the new white bottoms with the matching monogram on the hip. Steven teased her about her need to monogram everything. She pointed out those beautiful 91's on his cuffs were his monogram. Harleigh stuffed all of her things back in her bag and sat it next to the tub. She headed back into his room. She quickly dressed in white shorts and topped that off with the button down she had “borrowed.” She fussed with it for a few minute before she got the sleeves rolled up and it tucked in enough that she didn't look like she was playing dress up. She threw on her starfish earrings and placed her watch back on. She shoved her feet in her favorite flips flops.


Harleigh quickly put the top down on the Mustang. She tossed her bag into the backseat. Seatbelt on and IPhone paired, she pulled out of his neighborhood with Miranda Lambert blaring. Harleigh headed for the Jet Center. She looked at the car clock, it was almost 2pm. At the first red light she texted Bishop.


Harleigh: On my way
Bish: Deplaning at 2:30. He's still being a dick.
Harleigh: Driving. Your problem until delivery.
Bish: I think I hate you.


Harleigh laughed and gunned the engine. She was singing along with the radio. Part of her was nervous that Steven would throw a wrench in her plans and demand to go home. The other part was terrified that she would go this far for Steven only to have him whore his way through Tampa and Canada this summer. She had to take him at his word. He promised to be her parachute, and damn it she had jumped. She couldn't wait to see him. She wasn't sure what his reaction was going to be. She wanted to grab him and hug him. She wanted him to grab her and kiss her in front of everyone. A small piece of heart ached that their first public kiss wouldn't involve Lord Stanley. Nope, no helping him mope. This was Operation Get Over It.


Harleigh wheeled her Mustang to a stop. She notice several girls decked out in Stamkos gear. Wow, there was a lot of bedazzled women in Tampa. Harleigh climbed out of her car. She grabbed the Lightning blanket out of the back seat and threw it on her hood. Sitting down cross legged on the hood she pulled her phone out of her pocket.


Harleigh: I'm here. By the way there are 2 tweens arguing over who’s gonna to marry you. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Bish: You really are evil. We’re getting off the plane now. Gotta walk the carpet. Come get your asshole.
Harleigh: If I were evil I would give Raggedy Ann over there your cell number. Nope, he’s your problem until he is delivered to me.
Bish: Fastest blue carpet ever. You and Andrea are never allowed to meet. World ending alliance.
Harleigh: No worries, Legs. I’ve already started my plans for me, you, and Baby J. World domination eminent.
Bish: Gotta go smile and say we'll get ‘em next year.


Harleigh sat on her car with her sunglasses over her eyes. She was behind the crush of fans in the player parking area. From the screaming and chanting she could only imagine meant that Bish, Hedman, and Steven had just came off the plane. The high pitch squealing meant the Triplets were on the ground. She saw Callahan come towards her and waved.


"He's in a fucking foul mood, Mississippi!" called Callahan "I think you should let him sleep it off."


"He passed out on me last night." she replied "Made me promise to be here. So, here I am."


"Good Luck, Mississippi." laughed Callahan "I’m pretty sure the Triplets are ready to cry."


"Hey, Reb!" yelled Boyle he came closer to Harleigh holding a little blue bundle "I think I would duck and cover."


"Dear lord," said Harleigh "He can't be that bad."


Boyle held his new son like a football "He’s growling and cursing, general Stammer sulking. Cooper is pissed, but Stammer doesn't give a fuck. I’m hoping the fans don't realize he smells like a distillery."


"My boy is in mourning. Not a good look for him, but it's hasn’t even been 24 hours." explained Harleigh "I'll fix him." Boyle gave her a salute and headed towards his wife.


Harleigh saw Bishop and Hedman before Steven. Then again they were ginormous. Steven was following behind them. They had obviously been sacrificed as human shields. Hedman headed to his SUV. Bishop led Stammer to the parking lot and went for his truck, apparently done with Stammer sitting. Steven was turning in circles looking for his Mercedes. Harleigh waved at Ben as he started his truck.


"Hey, 91!" yelled Harleigh. She laughed when he put his head down. "You lose somethin’, Stamkos?"


Steven's head was exploding. He just wanted to go home and pass out. Well, he wanted to go by the hospital and see Harleigh, then pass out. But hung over and reeking of bourbon that might be a bad plan. Why was this chick so loud? Steven finally looked over at the current source of his headache. His face broke out in a smile when he saw her sitting cross legged on the hood of her Ford.


"My Cup, my favorite shirt, bit of dignity, and maybe a few teammates after that plane ride." he replied walking towards her.


"Anything else?" she asked.


"Where's my car, Harleigh?" he said as he scanned the lot.


"I'm kidnapping you. Plus, you're drunk. So I took it home." she answered "You are at my complete mercy."


"Harleigh, does your mercy include a nap?"


"Umm…we might be able to work something out." she said sliding off the car. Steven stopped in front of her. He wanted to grab her and kiss her until his heart stopped hurting. He came to a halt before he hauled her up against him.


"I am trying not to upset the balance of the force by kissing you senseless on the hood of that car. Only because I know you don't want that type of publicity. So, I suggest you move your cute ass and get this kidnapping started." he snarled opening the passenger door and climbing.


"You're still bossy, Stamkos." she replied climbing into the driver's seat.


"Harleigh, please." he said leaning his head back against the seat. She grabbed her purse and handed him 4 Motrin and a Gatorade.


"That equals one prescription strength." she explained "Drink the entire bottle, and the water in my purse. Gotta get you back hydrated."


Steven swallowed the pain killers dry and drained the Gatorade. Hockey player skills. Then drained half the water in three swallows. Harleigh hit the road. She was headed to the VA. Maybe she needed to check in. He drank some more of the water, slower this time, and leaned back against the seat. Harleigh flipped on Ed Sheeran. It was a win for her and him. Harleigh pulled into her spot at the hospital and Braxton rushed over to the car.


This fucking guy again. Stammer wanted to growl but he wanted to sleep more. Braxton handed her the small black case. "Is this like Weekend at Bernie's or is he alive?"


"He's alive. He's just a miserable son of a bitch right now." she replied "He'll be good as new by morning. Thanks, Brax. Oh, piece of advice, Tiana in prosthetics has been asking about you. Ask her out." Steven turned to look at Harleigh and Brax. "She is cute."


"No more match making, Harleigh." admonished Brax "Go tend to the Prince of Tampa Bay."


Harleigh's face broke out in a grin "I have it on lockdown."


"Now I'm afraid for Stamkos." he winked at Harleigh "Have fun."


"Bye, Brax!" she called as she pointed car towards the marina.


Harleigh looked at Steven who was passed out in her passenger seat. She turned up the radio and headed to the boat. His hangover wasn't going to ruin her surprise.


Thirty minutes later they arrived at the docks. She put up the top to the mustang. Harleigh nudged Steven. "Hey 91, wake up." she said. He continued to snore. "Steven" she said a little louder. He didn't move "Wake up, Stamkos!" she yelled. He was startled awake and nearly lost his sunglasses. Harleigh chuckled. Hungover Stammer wasn't his usual suave self, she kind of liked it. "Come on Steven, out of the car."

Harleigh grabbed her purse and the bag of things she’d liberated from Steven's house. She pulled Steven from the car. "If you’re miserable in an hour we'll go home and you can wallow, Deal?" He nodded and then took the tote bag from her. She grabbed his hand and led him to the slip with their boat. The Captain was standing by the boat.


"She’s ready" said the Captain "Take care of my girl and our boy there. Everything is ready if you want to take her out."


"Thanks, sir." she replied nodding at Stamkos "Not sure we’ll be leaving the dock, but we'll use the boat until tomorrow morning either way."


"Yes, Miss Harleigh." nodded the Captain "It was a good run. Practice for the win next year."
Steven nodded as they climbed on the boat. Harleigh kicked off her flip flops and pulled Steven into the sleep quarters. "Strip!" she demanded.


"Jesus, Harleigh Quinn." he teased "Buy me dinner first."


Harleigh gave him an evil smile. She tossed his ball cap and sunglasses on the bed. Followed by the shirt. She then instructed him to lose the pants. Steve complied. "Okay, sit. But first answer one question."


"What's that?" he asked sitting on the lone chair.


"Clean shaven or trimmed?" she responded as she put the small black box on the table. She produced a pair of clippers and a few guards. "I know nothing, so you can do it yourself or teach me. No more Viking overlord."


Stammer held his hand out for the clippers. He fitted it with the proper guard. "Go with the growth, babe." Harleigh accepted the clippers. "Try not to kill me." Harleigh went to work. Blonde fuzz hitting the floor. After she was satisfied with her shave job she swept up while Steven showered and changed.


He returned after a few minutes in just navy board shorts. Harleigh loved his preppy board shorts with the small anchor pattern. His blonde hair was dark from the shower.


"Um, I packed you a shirt." she said acknowledging his semi nakedness. Steven crossed the room to where she was standing.


"I don't want that one." he said pulling her up against him.


"What's wrong with that shirt?' she asked.


"Not a damn thing," he answered honestly "But I have really missed this one." He said untucking his shirt that she was wearing. He freed it from the tiny white shorts. He slowly started unbuttoning it. "It's one of my favorites." he slipping more buttons free "I fact, I want it back right now." He slid the last button free from the hole. He pulled her even closer by the sides of his shirt. Harleigh was looking up at him.


"Then take it." she pushed. He pushed his shirt free from her body. His mouth crashed into hers. It wasn't a slow burn, it was a total domination. His kiss was punishing and promising. Harleigh's hands found their way into his overly long hair and she kissed his jaw and down his corded neck.


"Fuck, Harleigh." he said pulling back "Not wild like this." He kissed her again "I fucking missed you."
He looked her over. She was wearing a tiny monogrammed white bikini top and those white shorts that he had a love hate relationship with. He loved them, but hated the idea of anyone seeing her in them. "You are fucking perfect, Harleigh. Wanna take this boat out?"


Harleigh nodded. Steven picked up his shirt from the cabin floor and slid it on. He didn't bother buttoning it. Harleigh followed him topside. She had purposefully chosen this smaller boat so they could sail it. Thirty minutes later they were sailing. Harleigh peeled the tiny shorts off and tossed them on the seat. She walked towards Steven who was focused on the boat. Harleigh wrapped her arms around him from behind. She laid her head against his back. Steven turned his head and looked at her. "Better?" she asked.

"Always," he said "I've got you."

Notes