Swipe

Elle’s phone roused them out of a midday nap. She reached for it blindly, arm knocking off an empty cup from her coffee table. She pushed Jamie’s arm aside with her head and answered.

“’Ello?”

If she’d taken the time to check the caller ID, she could have at least braced herself for the overly grumpy voice Rob, Operations Manager for Jetz.

“You called in sick today? You know we’ve got three different chartered flights bringing players back. And on top of that, there’s two other VIPs you were supposed to handle tonight.” She pulled the phone from her ear, sparing herself some volume. Jamie’s arm tightened around her as he came awake to the yelling.

He muttered something about noise and she put a hand over his mouth to keep him quiet.

“I’m sorry Rob. I know we’re busy today but I can’t get off the couch right now.” It really wasn’t a lie. Jamie was covering 70% of her body, the other 30% so tightly wrapped up with him that it would take a disaster to part the two of them. Jamie moved a bit more, rotating her against the back cushions. She was half afraid he was going to throw her phone across the room in sleepy disgruntlement.

“Really poor timing, Elle. You’ve always been on top of shit. I expect you to be at work tomorrow afternoon.” She didn’t get a chance to reassure her boss before he hung up on her. She swore softly under her breath and dropped the phone on the floor.

The arms around her were tighter than before, Jamie fully awake finally. “That didn’t sound good.” His face was buried in her hair from behind. The words were quiet, but she heard them loud and clear.

“My boss will get over it. This is the first time I’ve called off in four years. The airport will survive 24 hours without me.”

“Hmmm, if that’s all I get I’ll take it.”

She smirked a bit, pleased at the warmth in his voice. They missed their weekend. She was okay with 36 hours. Jamie nuzzled at her ear and stretched behind her. Their bodies aligned. Elle half expected to feel a hard on pressed into her hip like every other time they’d ended up in this position. Jamie was just solid behind her though. He absently rubbed an arm up her side and she shivered.

“Jamie?”

“Hmmm?”

“I’m really glad you came.”

His movements stilled, freezing her in his hold. “Me too.” Again, he was quiet but pleased sounding. She was completely unsatisfied with hearing him but not watching his face. Her body twisted until they lay nose to nose.


She repeated her earlier statement and his expression softened. “I couldn’t leave it like that. Three days traveling and never getting to see you first thing in the morning. Never getting to hold your hand when you tell me crazy airport stories. I couldn’t leave us like that. Because April is a really long time from now.” There was a truth in his eyes and his words. Jamie had feelings for her. It hit her like a punch to the gut and she didn’t want to think about it.

Elle pressed a slow kiss to his lips to distract herself. There was no real urgency to it. It was a thank you, a happiness. Shit, she thought. It was a way to tell him to stay forever. Or to take her with him. She pulled back rather quickly, sucking in a breath at the thought. Seriously, if he had feelings and she had feelings then they were in for a world of trouble. She couldn’t start thinking like that, not right at that moment.

“Elle?” He tipped her head back to look at her face. “What’s wrong?” He’d physically been in her life less than 24 hours and he could already read her body language.

“I’m worried.”

“About what? Nothing could possibly go wrong right now.”

She bit her lip and nodded. “Not right now. But what about tomorrow? The day after? Next week or month? This is really like living on borrowed time.”

He watched her carefully for what felt like ages. Elle noted the furrowed brow, the frown, and his shoulders slowly drifting towards his ears. He was upset.

The fact that she could also read his body language after only hours did not escape her notice.

He opened his mouth and Elle waited patiently. He said nothing, instead brushing another soft kiss to her lips. She shook her head because, no. This was not the time to make out. He’d asked the question. He’d opened the box and this was serious. Her hand pushed him back. “Jamie-“

He kissed her again, swift and fierce. She wanted to protest, wanted to tell him that although she was totally down with sex, she also needed to get this problem out in the open. It wasn’t acceptable to half unwrap it.

Thankfully, Jamie understood. He pulled away, breathing deep. “I’m sorry. I just- fuck, Elle. You say borrowed time like this ends when I leave. Like it meant nothing.” Her heart could have broken with the sadness in his voice. “But the truth is-,” He trailed off, looking unsure.

Elle’s heart was racing. She stared up at him as he tried to form words. When he was silent for long minutes, she said his name softly, hoping to break him out of his thought loop.

Jamie blinked a few times before sighing deeply. “The truth is I had the feeling this was always going to mean something. Ever since we both swiped right.” His chuckle was almost rueful and she laughed a little too. She couldn’t say that she would have always known they’d end up here, in this place, talking about feelings on her couch. She was smart enough to admit the circumstances were strange but the intention was expected.

“I wanted it to mean nothing.” He looked startled at her words, jerking his head back. She instantly realized how awful that sounded. “No, no. Hear me out. I didn’t want it to mean anything because this, us, is impossible. Right now, this is impossible. We both called off work today. I suspect you do that about as often as I do. That’s no sustainable in any long term fashion. For Christ’s sake it’s not even sustainable in the short term.” Her hand flopped helplessly towards her phone, referencing her talk with Rob.

He just pulled her close, his heart beat calming her. It was steady and comforting and just what she needed at that moment. It slowed down her racing heart and her concerns about distance, about jobs, hell even the fact that the bulk of their relationship was digital. And it was a relationship. They both seemed to be on the same page with that one.

Jamie gave her one tight hug before he pulled his arm out from under her head. They adjusted and poked each other with elbows until they were sitting. Elle felt infinitely more exposed, not having a chest to hide in anymore. She pulled her legs up, resting her chin on her knees.

Jamie leaned forward, elbows braced on his thighs. He sighed again. “I don’t want to think about anything but you right now. I had three really awful days. I feel like we both deserve to take this time and yeah, the situation is a little impossible. But, maybe not forever?” He finally looked back at her.

“What? Like you want to give up your captaincy and get traded to the Canucks?” He made a funny face at that suggestion and she pressed on. “Or not forever like I realize that I’m madly in love with you and run off to Dallas? Give up a great career? We’re nowhere near that stage, Jamie.” She was moments from panicking just thinking about that life choice. He pulled a face at that too.

“No, not like giving up anything. But this time with you has been great. And it’s got me thinking that we’re really good together, even when we’re not together physically.” Bare honesty filled his face. “Some days the best thing that happens is you send me a text. Just a silly sentence. And it makes me so happy.”

Elle had to reach out to him. She shuffled forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He clung tight, awkward as the side hug was. “Every time you text me I don’t stop grinning or blushing for hours. It’s ridiculous Jamie. I feel like a teenager again.”

He laughed and kissed her forearm, the only skin he could reach with his lips. “Me too.”

Elle wasn’t in love with Jamie Benn. But she almost was. “Where does that leave us?”

His answer was swift. He pulled her forward into his lap. She laughed as he handily maneuvered her with his upper body. And then he kissed her long and deep. There was a longing in this contact. For the first time that afternoon Elle felt the spark that’d been just under the surface since he walked through her apartment door the day before set fire to her body. He took his time exploring her mouth but didn’t allow his hands to roam. He just held her close and kissed her for all he was worth.

“One day at a time. The same way we’ve been doing this thing all along.”

-------

Jamie hadn’t stripped Elle bare and taken her on the couch like he’d wanted to. Their emotional exchange had left him feeling antsy but exhausted. Too tired to take her properly but too geared up to attempt to nap again.

Instead, he left her on the couch and rustled through her kitchen for materials to make a late lunch.

He had the makings of a delicious meal simmering on the stove when there was a knock at the front door.

He leaned his head out to the living room. Elle exchanged a look with him; she clearly had no idea who’d be visiting. He was about to join her when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Segs: Duuuude, I am so sorry.

Jamie frowned down at his phone. What the fuck would Segs be sorry for? He and Nicole basically maneuvered him and Elle into each other’s arms. He could hear Elle greeting someone in the entry way and two women laughing as he typed.

Me: For what?

Segs: I may have accidentally told someone that you were in Vancouver.

Jamie’s heart froze. His half of this whole ruse depended on his team thinking he was at home sick.

Me: What the fuck, dude?

Segs: IM SORRY. Eakes stopped by your place to make sure you weren’t dying. When you didn’t answer he came over to my house. I didn’t mean to, I swear. I just- he asked and I didn’t even think about it. I told him you were off having a sleep over.

Jamie swore under his breath. Eakes could connect dots faster than most hockey players Jamie had ever met. The team knew he had a thing with Elle. They also knew he was absolutely not seeing anyone in Dallas.

Me: How bad is it?

The typing icon floated next to Segs’ name for far too long. Elle came into the kitchen and immediately wrapped an arm around his waist. “Hey, is everything okay?”

He stared at his phone, mentally cursing Segs and Eakes and every single moment of his life that made him a hockey player; every path that lead him to a moment where he was about to get in serious trouble for a woman he was really serious about. “Segs did something stupid.”

“That one dude did something stupid? Stop the presses.” Jamie’s eyes snapped up from his phone to find Nicole standing in the entryway with her arms crossed. He hadn’t officially met her yet, but Elle had posted enough pictures of the two of them that he recognized her immediately.

He tried to give her a smile. She was Nicole’s best friend and he had to introduce himself. He couldn’t muster the effort though, especially not when Segs responded.

Segs: I tried to do damage control. You know Eakes won’t rat you out to management but you also know what he’s like when he gets a juicy piece of gossip.

Segs was totally right. The Ginger Ninja loved to get ahold of team drama and discuss it with everyone.

Segs: He’s gonna tell Golly and he’s gonna tell Rouss Rouss is gonna tell Spezz, Spezz is gonna bitch you out.

Segs: Seriously, I am so sorry. :((((((

Elle’s arm tightened, drawing him back to the present. “What’d he do? Spill the beans.”

Elle had once told him that Nicole and Tyler were cut from the same cloth. He could really see that. She was cheerful but persistent. “He accidentally told one of our teammates that I was up here.”

Both women sucked in sharp, wounded breaths. Nicole immediately started typing frantically on her phone. Elle wrapped her other arm around him. He put his phone in his back pocket and hugged back. This was bad, but it wasn’t the worst thing ever. As long as no one told Coach or Nill where he was, he’d be fine. He’d just have to talk to his guys and let them know why he’d ditched them.

His guys loved him. He loved his guys. They would totally understand. After he explained the situation, even Spezz and Jordie wouldn’t be mad. Everything would be fine.

Jamie was finding it easier than it should be to justify his actions when he was touching Elle.

“I’m going to give him so much shit.”

They both looked over at Nicole. She had an evil glint in her eye. “You weren’t joking. She really is like a female Segs. Heaven help us if they ever meet each other.” Elle laughed and nodded.

“Yeah. First time I met Tyler I had that thought. Never in a million years did I think they’d actually be texting each other. Life is weird.”

When she glanced up at him, he bent and kissed her quick and hard. Everything was going to be fine.

Nicole looked almost malicious, which wasn’t quite Segs’ vibe, before she stowed her own phone. She stepped forward with a hand extended. “Hi Jamie Benn. I’m Nicole. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

He shuffled his grip on Elle so he could return her handshake. “Just Jamie will work. It’s nice to meet you too.”

She nodded like he’d settled some sort of internal dispute. “Sounds good Just Jamie. I came over to finally say hi, because Elle usually has about a 20 hour battery life for sex. Knew you’d be napping or something. I was also going to offer to cook something, but it looks like you’ve got dinner for two going. So, I’m going to leave you guys alone.”

Jamie’s head felt like it was swimming as she finished her speech and spun on her heel. Elle called out an amused goodbye to Nicole’s retreating back. Jamie couldn’t even form words. That was something Segs would never do. He’d talk your ear off, sure, but he’d always stick around to hear what you had to say too.

“You get used to that. She gets bored easily.” Elle shrugged like it was no big thing. She squirmed out of his arms to check dinner. Jamie’s eyes tracked her movement across the kitchen and just leaned against the counter as she finished up the food. He hadn’t told her what he was making but it had to be pretty obvious. He only had a few tricks; pasta was one was his best. She expertly plated the noodles and sauce, pulling some parmesan out of her fridge.

“This smells amazing Jamie. Thanks for cooking.” Her smile was gorgeous when she brought over the meals.

His smile was blinding in return.

As they sat down to eat at her kitchen island, he enjoyed the moment. He was right when he said this couldn’t possibly work out the way either wanted it to now. But April was right around the corner. And after the Stars played the Canucks one last time summer would be next. He hoped he’d be playing well into June, but shit happened and life never worked out exactly like he expected it to. If the Stars or the Canucks didn’t make the playoffs, halfway through April they could be seeing each other all the time.

Lord help him if the Stars ended up playing the Canucks in the playoffs. That might kill both of them. The standings would suggest that was unlikely and he was inclined to agree. His team had a 60% chance, he figured. The Canucks much less.

Elle rubbed a hand up his forearm, pulling him from his thoughts. “Are you really worried about Tyler?”

He shook his head and gave her a reassuring smile. “Nah. It’s not going to get to management. I just gotta deal with endless chirping when I get back. Which will probably have to be tomorrow.” He captured her fingers when they wandered close to his. He could feel her pulse under the thin skin of her wrist. “I wanted to spend all the time until we play next here but that’s just irresponsible.”

Her smile was sad. “Yeah. I really do have to go back to work too.” They stared at each other for a beat. “Real life sucks.” She pouted and sounded acceptably petulant.

Jamie laughed, loud and unexpected. “It is, but that’s life.”

Her eye roll was glorious. “That’s a lame line.” Her fingers traced up and down his palm. “You’re only going to be here for a night, then? What do you want to do?”

A multitude of scenarios shot through his mind of all the places in her apartment they hadn’t christened yet. He looked over to the chaise lounge sitting in the sunlight from her patio door. Glancing back at Elle, he noted she was trying to hold in her laughter. He gave her the smarmiest look he could.

She couldn’t hold back the giggles and they both lost it. “If you’re going for a record of surfaces I have to mention that my kitchen and my closet are the only two places that I’ve never had sex in here.”

Jamie’s eye brows shot to his hairline. “Seriously?”

She nodded around a bite of pasta. After chewing and swallowing she gestured with her fork. “I used to have an arm chair over there. It didn’t make it through the night.” She pointed at the far corner that did look like it would hold a piece of furniture. “So, I suppose that would negate one of the two virgin spots.”

He gave her an impressed nod. “Nice. You know that does sound like a challenge, right?”

Elle grinned. “It was meant to.”

He sincerely hoped that Nicole had left the building because he was going to make Elle scream at least a dozen times before they went to sleep.

Notes