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Jamie had to wait until the plane reached cruising altitude before he could connect to the wifi to text again. The message waiting from Elle made his heart hurt.

Elle: Already crossing them off my calendar.

The sight of her at check-in, with a gauzy bit of white fabric parading as a tank top and her hair artfully curling around her face had made his pants tighten.. When she’d given him a grin and a deep look behind those glasses he knew he was walking a treacherously fine line. He could fall for this woman so very easily.

He thought to himself that he’d handled their check-in well. And he’d had the balls, or at least the gumption, to return her impromptu hug that he was sure should have been a kiss. Surely he hadn’t misread the intent in her expression. He filed away the memory of her soft curves pressing along his length in all the right places. That was such an unexpected moment he was glad to have been a part of, and even more glad that no one else had seen them besides Coach. He’d be revisiting that material in the future.

Me: I’d like to lodge a complaint against your airline.

He fidgeted in his seat while he waited for her reply. He was riding next to Spezza, still amped from the win and talking animatedly with Jordie and Demmer in the row behind them. At the bounce of his knee, Spezza glanced at Jamie and gave him a calculated look.

“You texting Elle?”

Jamie almost dropped his phone. He stuttered out a negative response, feigning ignorance. His petulant tone caused four rows in either direction of him roar with laughter. So, he supposed, the team had seen him and Elle hugging. Or at least enough people that the word had spread to everyone. Joy.

Segs leaned over his shoulder, giving puppy dog eyes. “Benny, you guys are too fucking cute. Promise me you’ll fly her down when she’s got some time.”

“Um, whatever. I don’t know-“

“Promise, Benny! Or else I’m going to make this trip hell for you.” Jamie pushed at Segs, palm to his forehead. The smaller man fell back in his chair, clucking his tongue. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He was not worried about any possible tomfoolery Segs could get up to. His phone had just buzzed in his hand, signaling a new message.

Elle: All complaints must be lodged through proper channels but I’m happy to pass the word along if you’d like.

Damn, that looked like an official response, like she really thought he had an issue.

Me: That would be awesome. Could you let your gate agent know she has terrible timing? Because, I was sort of in the middle of something when she made her final boarding call.

Elle’s response was lightning quick: a string of laughing faces. Jamie was pleased to know that he could inspire humor in her so easily. Everything with Elle kind of felt easy, actually. At least it had once they’d gotten over the weird messages from her friend or whatever.

“Oh my god, Chubs. Eakes was right! You do look like a love struck puppy from the Juniors texting his first crush.”

Jamie hide his phone from his brother immediately. Jordie had an irritating habit of reading over his shoulder; it had been going on for years now. His phone tucked away, he gave his older brother the finger. Jordie was running a comb placidly through his beard. “Why don’t you focus on grooming your facial hair Jordie?” Another weak come back. He needed to work on those in the off-season.

“Oh ho ho ho, good one Chubs. Seriously though, are you texting Elle and if you are can you give her my number?”

“What? Why the fuck would I do that?”

“Because I’m the superior Benn, of course. Well, minus Jenny because she’s not here to mount a defense for herself.”

Jamie scrunched his nose up and turned back in his seat. “You’re such a fucking weirdo. And you’ve got a girlfriend, who loves and adores you. Fuck off, alright?” He was moderately sure that Jordie was going to let things lie. He pulled his phone back out.

Elle: Could have hugged you longer if I hadn’t wasted so much time checking you in.

Elle: And checking you out.

Elle: That’s a really nice suit, Jamie.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. His phone buzzed and he was already smiling in anticipation.

Segs: So, Elle says you guys have been texting a lot. I wondered why you’d been half chubbed today.

“What. The. Fuck. Segs?!” He turned to glare at the row behind him. Segs had a wicked grin on his face and just shrugged at Jamie.

“Don’t worry. When I told Elle you’d been adjusting your pants all day she found it kind of funny.”

Oh god. The blood drained from Jamie’s face. He turned forward again. “I swear, Segs. Not another word.”

Behind him, the blond laughed. “Oh come on, I was her friend first. You can’t dibs someone I was friends with first. That’s not how this game works.”

Jamie muttered under his breath, “I’ll show you how this game works.”

-------

So far, Elle’s night once she’d gotten home had involved changing into pajamas and pouring herself a large glass of wine. She’d gotten her couch throw arranged around her feet to keep warm by the time Jamie texted her from the plane.

She’d initially thought that he’d honestly had a problem with the flight or the airport. And then she remembered that he had been so stuck on looking at her that the terminal could have fallen down around them and he wouldn’t have noticed. She wouldn’t have either. She still sent back a professional response though. When he replied that their hug hadn’t been nearly long enough she groaned.

Jesus fucking Christ. If it hadn’t have delayed their flight any more she would have dragged him off to a closet. He was for sure giving her the ‘kiss me’ eyes.

She sent him a message about checking him in, and out, and that damn suit. Perhaps it was best that their time had been cut short earlier. She couldn’t guarantee that suit would make it out in the original two pieces. She’d be willing to bet it wouldn’t last more than 5 minutes before it was ruined.

Tyler: Heeeey buddy. How’s your night so far? Sorry your hockey team lost or happy you got to see my smiling face?

Elle snorted, barely managing to move her wine glass away from her lips before she read Tyler’s message.

Me: More like happy you brought your captain with you. I mean, it’s always nice to see you Tyler. But. You know. His hair was on-point tonight.

As were his arms and his ass and his thighs and his smile. And his . . . everything. She was glad this wasn’t a phone call. She’d never be able to stifle the groan at the memory of Jamie walking up to her desk.

Tyler: Benny has been grinning all day. Was that your doing?

Me: Probably. Lots of texting today. Thank, again, for the pick up yesterday.

Tyler: I got you, girl.

Tyler: You should know, however, that he uses fancy conditioner on his hair and he snores when he sleeps.

Elle’s faced burned in second hand embarrassment for both the men currently texting her. First for Jamie, getting thrown under the bus, and second for Tyler, for doing the unnecessary throwing.

Jamie: Whatever you do, Elle, do not believe anything Segs says. I swear he’s just trying to wind me up.

Oh jeez. They were probably sitting right next to each other on the plane.

Me: It’s okay. I figured as much. Weird that you’re both texting me at the same time, though. Is it true you use special conditioner on your hair?

She got up to pour herself another glass of wine while she waited for Tyler or Jamie to respond.

-------

Segs was so full of shit. Jamie stared at the insinuation that he was some sort of metrosexual. He liked his appearance, okay. But not enough to put in that much effort.

Me: Nah. Some two-in-one that’s kinda cheap. Segs is the master of product. I swear it takes a half hour to get out the door with that one because he’s got a dozen different things he uses on his face.

Me: I caught him plucking his eyebrows once too.

That’ll teach Segs to not be a douche. Thirty seconds of waiting after his text was sent, Segs shoved his shoulder so hard he rocked forward. “Fuck you, Benny. You do too have special conditioner and I only have like three things I use.”

They’d attracted the attention of a lot of the guys around them. Mainly because it was going on one AM local and they’d just finished a hard game. The constant swearing and shoving was keeping some awake. Jamie looked shamed when Coach actually stood up and glared down the center aisle at him. “Fucking keep it down, Segs. People are trying to sleep.”

Horcoff threw a pillow back at him, seething, “Says the ass currently trying to hide the crush he’s got on a woman and acting like a teenager about it.”

Jamie took a deep breath, so ready to defend his honor and shame Segs into giving up the texting war, but thought better when he caught the angered looks of his team mates. He should be acting like the damn captain. Horcoff was right.

He muttered some apologies before glaring back at Segs again. “Seriously. Stop. Everyone is tired.”

For once, Segs seemed just a little cowed by Jamie’s reprimand. It didn’t stop him from sending a text though, punctuating it with a kick to the bottom of Jamie’s seat that made him growl.

Segs: I’ll just keep bugging you technologically. And dishing dirt to Elle.

-------

There was a lull from both men and Elle wondered if they weren’t engaging in fisticuffs at thirty thousand feet. She’d had enough wine that the thought made her giggle like crazy. She settled on the mental image of Jamie getting Tyler in a head lock, giving him a noogie. Tyler’s hair was so curly it would go everywhere.

Tyler: Did you know Benny’s favorite player growing up was Kariya?

She wasn’t quite sure where Tyler was going with this. Why would it matter who his favorite player was? Jamie’s favorite did make sense to Elle. Kariya was local for both her and Jamie, having been raised in Vancouver. She knew his sister and had always like the family. He was a good player, a good captain too. Someone Jamie could have easily idolized.

Me: That’s adorable. I was more of a Pavel Bure fan. Something about Russians gets me excited.

She tried to imagine how Jamie would react to the news of her love for Russians. She figured she couldn’t be faulted for loving Bure as a child. He was an institution in Vancouver, an institution that she’d grown up worshiping.

-------

Segs: Did you know that her favorite player growing up was Bure. Wasn’t he yours too? That’s s’cute, right?

Me: stfu Segs.

Segs laughed softly behind him.

Elle: Seriously, though, it’s kinda weird texting you guys at the same time. He’s like right behind you isn’t he?

Me: Yup. Kicking my seat for emphasis. That’s how I know when he’s texting you.

Another kick.

Elle: Aww, he’s just being irritating because he’s adorable.

Elle: I’d tell you not to take it to heart but I feel like you probably know this behavior better than anyone.

Jamie actually nodded along with her text. Segs had three main gears: happy puppy, annoying shit, and intense hockeying. He could switch between all three effortlessly and when Jamie had first met Segs, it had made his head spin a bit. The baffling changes had only confused him for about a week and then he’d figured Segs out. They were almost closer than he and Jordie by now.

Me: He’s pretty harmless.

Kick.

Segs: You better not be telling her to ignore me.

Me: Seriously, fuck off.

Segs: Come on, dude. I’m bored. And you are two of my favorite people.

Me: Yesterday was the first time you ever said her name around me. I didn’t even know you knew her outside of the airport.

Segs actually leaned forward, whispering in his ear so none of the other players could hear him. “As soon as I realized she was into you I was a total wingman. Come on. You know I got your back.”

That was true. Him and Elle did have Segs to thank. She was even going to send him a fruit basket. He quickly typed out a message to remind her and then promised to send him flowers too. Elle sent back another line of laughing smiley faces.

A huge yawn strained his jaw. He was suddenly horribly exhausted. He leaned back in his seat fully, not wanting to stop texting Elle but desperately needing a nap.

Me: I’ve gotta call it for the night. I’m moments from falling asleep while texting.

“Did you mean to send that to Elle?” Segs sounded full of gleeful joy.

Jamie just sighed, retyped his text in the right box, and hit send. A soft giggle erupted from behind him. Jamie rolled his eyes so hard he could have strained something.

Elle: Tyler just said the adults were finally going to bed and us kids could talk.

Elle: Does he know I’m older than both of you?

Elle: Wait. You didn’t know that. Shit.

Jamie laughed a little hysterically. He could almost see the consternation on her face, frustrated with herself that she’d let that gem slip.

Me: It’s all good. I don’t think he knows which makes it funny and I honestly don’t care. You can’t be that much older than me.

Elle: And that’s a conversation for another day. Get some sleep.

Jamie’s fingers hovered over the keys on his phone for a minute. He knew what he wanted to ask but he wasn’t sure if it’d still be a welcome question. After a moment he thought fuck it.

Me: Can I still call you in the morning?

Her answer came so quick he could have laughed again in joy.

Elle: I’ll set an alarm so I know I don’t miss you.

Me: Sounds good. Night Elle.

He waited until her final message came through before settling himself for a nap. They had at least an hour and a half before their descent started and Jamie figured if he got good sleep now, he wouldn’t be dragging ass when he called Elle in the morning. The thought left a smile on his face as he drifted off.

-------

When Jamie signed off, Elle picked up a throw pillow, covered her face with it, and screamed for all she was worth. It was two o’clock in the morning, she’d been up for far too long, she was half to shit-canned on some cheap merlot, and she’d spent the better part of two hours talking to Jamie Benn.

Life was pretty fucking all right.

She drained the last of her wine and made a beeline for the bathroom to prep for bed. The sooner she went to sleep the sooner Jamie would be calling her in the morning. She mentally debated a good time to set her alarm. Eight seemed a little too expectant. It’d be three before they got back to Dallas, four before he got to bed.

Ten. Ten seemed late enough, yet early enough that it’d still be morning. She had some more forethought and grabbed a glass of water for her inevitable unfortunate wake up in the morning.

Her alarm came much too early the next day. She was face down when the shrill sound shocked her out of a fairly pleasant dream involving Jamie and a hidden glen. Elle almost pulled a muscle in her shoulder slapping at the offensive noise, quieting her phone. She sighed contentedly, settling back in her blankets. Her bed was epic. Tons of pillows. A couple of comforters. The epitome of losing yourself in the softness.

The ringing came again seconds later. Which was weird because she had an eight minute snooze on her phone. The particular tone playing finally filtered through her sleep-fogged brain and she scrambled to answer the incoming call. It had been Jamie, rather than her alarm that had awoken her.

“’Ello. Hi. I’m here.” She was slurring her words and frantically rubbed at her eyes to clear her head.

The low, sleepy chuckle on the other end of the line was enough to jolt her to full consciousness. Fuck, he sounded like he’d just woken up too. Like he’d opened his eyes and the first thing he’d done was pick up his phone and call her. From his bed. Where he was hopefully naked and just as comfortable as she was. “Morning, Elle. Did I wake you?”

She contemplated lying for a hot second but realized it didn’t matter. “Yeah, but I absolutely don’t care. Wanted to hear your voice first thing, and I got my wish.” Maybe she wasn’t as awake as she hoped. That sounded awfully sultry.

“Hmmm, I like that. The thought of getting to hear your voice first thing kept me up long after I laid down to sleep this morning.” And that phrase set the butterflies in her stomach off again.

“Fuck, Jamie. You can’t just say things like that to a girl.”

“I could say the same thing to you, but we both liked it, so why not?”

She stretched, remembering their hug from the night before. “Because it’s not fair. You’re in another country.”

“Oh, trust me. I’m aware.” He was silent for a second, thinking. “Is it weird that I regret not spending every free moment of my day yesterday and the day before with you?” He paused again and rephrased. “Is it weird that we texted that whole time when you were like a half hour away? And now you’re thousands of miles away? And I would have really liked to have this conversation sharing a pillow. I dunno. I guess I’m just kicking myself for- whatever.”

Elle sighed deeply. “That was a really good hug. I do kind of regret we didn’t meet up while you were here. Not a ton of time though.”

“No, but it would have been worth it. Now I’m not gonna see you until April.”

She grinned. “Only 79 days.”

He snorted, the sound muffled meaning he probably buried his face in a pillow. “Only 79 days.”

They were both quiet for a long time, listening to the other one breathe. Jamie had steady inhales and exhales, almost like he was halfway to falling back asleep. She could almost imagine he really was in the room with her, lying in bed next to her with the easy and steady noise.

“I’ve never laid in bed and talked to someone on the phone before.”

She giggled at the confession. “I’ve never had a morning phone call date before, that’s for sure. Weird, but I like it.”

“Is that what this is? A phone date?”

She contemplated her ceiling before answering, “Well, I think so. I hope so. If not, then we’ve run into a serious miscommunication.”

“No, yeah. I hope so, too. If you haven’t caught on yet, I’ve been basically flirting with you like non-stop since we started texting yesterday. Because I like you.”

She wanted to bury her face in a pillow and scream again. Instead, she gulped down some air and remembered that she was an adult. “Yeah, me too. I mean, I’ve been flirting too.” She bit her lip.

“And? Or is that it?”

“And I like you too.”

“Good.” He sounded extremely pleased with himself. She had a stupid little smile on her face and she reflexively stretched again, star fishing on the bed. The cold corners of the sheets felt like heaven under her skin. “Oh my god, what are you doing?”

She froze. “What? Nothing. Just stretching. Why?”

She heard the rustle of sheets on the other end of the line. “Because you just made the most amazing little sound.” When he mimicked her, she laughed. She hadn’t even realized she was making noises. He made the sound again and this time she could hear sheets rustling more on his end.

“Oh wow, that is an amazing little sound.”

“Yup.”

It seemed like the thing to do, continuing to stretch. Elle gave up on any pretense of not being in bed and lying down. She stretched her whole body, arms over her head and legs straight with her toes pointed. Her phone got trapped somewhere between her cheek and her pillow, the speaker much closer to her mouth than normal.

“God, Elle. You’ve got to stop. You’re killing me with those noises. I bet you look amazing right now.”

Her chuckle was low and carefree. It was so easy to flirt and tease Jamie, so easy despite the brevity of communication time. “I have my own little nest over here. The kind you can just lose yourself in.”

"Hmmmm, sounds comfy. I bet a perfect way to wake up on a cold, winter morning."

She hummed an affirmative. "It really is. The windows in here face the west so the light isn't too bright but the view is amazing. Beautiful sunsets."

“What color are your sheets?”

“White. What color are yours?”

“Dark blue. Do you want to know what I’m wearing right now?”

Instantly, the image of Jamie, bare-chested with dark blue sheets framing his pale skin flooded her thoughts. In her head he was propped up on one arm, looking down at her. “If you’re wearing anything I’m going to be very saddened for the female gender.”

“You got me there. I sleep commando.”

She couldn’t help it. She moaned. His answering groan shot straight to her core. Fuck, she was getting wet. When had this conversation taken such a sexual turn?

Really, though. Why did she think it would end up any other way? They were two attractive adults in bed talking on phones.

“Are we about to have phone sex, Jamie?” She had to ask. Because she was an adult. And that sounded like a great idea. Just vocalizing what she’d already felt was coming made her realize she’d been absently rubbing her stomach with her free hand. Each pass was raising goose bumps on her skin.

“Maybe. Do you want to?”

“Sort of. Yeah.” Her palm flattened around her hip, fingertips close to her core. She felt wicked in a way. She’d only been talking with him for a few days. Yeah, he’d been an acquaintance for years but she hadn’t really known anything about him other than what a few short meetings and the media had taught her. But, again, they connected so easily that it just seemed . . . right. It seemed like the natural progression of things.

“God, Elle. I do too.” There was some regret tinged with his words.

“I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming.”

“But,” he drew out the vowel. “I have to be at the rink in an hour and if I don’t get moving I’m going to get caught in lunch traffic.”

She pushed her head back in her pillow, stilling the wanderings of her hands. “All right.” She knew she sounded disappointed.

Another silence fell over them. Elle rolled to her side, looking out at the lovely, crisp winter morning. She knew it was going to be chilly in her apartment. She thought Jamie would have been a better space heater than all the bedding in her place combined.

“I- um- I hadn’t really. I mean, I didn’t call you for that. I don’t want you to think I did.”

She could have cried at his earnest tone. “I didn’t expect it either. I just- I guess I can’t really control myself around you. I mean. I would have never just randomly hugged some guy like I did last night. But it felt right. Does that make sense or am I crazy?”

“I don’t think you’re crazy. It did feel right.”

Elle knew that line she was worried about crossing, that one where she fell head over heels in love with Jamie Benn, was probably a good 50 meters behind her now. She had the distinct impression that Jamie had also crossed that line, probably at a sprint. The thought made nervousness eat at her stomach and she asked, “Is this okay, then? How fast we’re moving?”

She could almost hear him shrug. “I don’t know, but I hope so.”

Notes

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