Sunday, September 25, 2011

Chapter 6-Two Can Keep a Secret

Kara looked down at her ringing phone as she walked around the Best Buy store searching for a new laptop. Hers decided to die that morning on her way to work. Craig was the furthest thing on her mind as she answered the call while the sales associate finished scanning her purchases.

“Hello,” she finally answered as she loaded the MacBook Pro into her trunk.

“Hey,” James replied, “Are you busy?”

“Nope, I’m just leaving Best Buy since my laptop broke this morning, “Why?”

“I need a ride home from the airport, my flight landed about an hour ago. I tried calling some of the guys but they’re all still home from the summer and taxi fare from the airport to the house is so expensive.”

“Shut up,” I’ll pick you up. Just wait outside of the main entrance of the airport.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all, give me ten minutes.”

Kara was ready to pull out of the parking space when she received a text message.

Where are you?


Kara threw her phone in her purse and sighed. Craig didn’t give up and Kara was at her wits end with him. She hadn’t seen him in a month but he called and texted her nonstop for the past month. The only time she finally saw him; Anne called her and told her that Craig was rushed to the hospital with appendicitis and Kara went to the hospital to help Anne with the kids.

Kara pulled up in front of the airport and saw James waiting for her. She noticed his hair was shorter and smiled when he hugged her.

“I hope you don’t mind me staying with you again this year,” James said as Kara pulled out of their hug.

“Not at all,” she smiled, “We’re both hardly ever home anyways.”

James laughed adjusting the hat that he was wearing, “True.”

“I love your hair,” Kara said as James ran his hand through it before placing the hat back on his head.

“Thanks, it was getting way too long and out of control.”

“Did you bring me home Gary?”

James rolled his eyes, “You wish.”

“He better come and visit Pittsburgh this year, if he does, I’m cooking a nice dinner.”

“Do I have to hide your roofies that day,” James joked as Kara shoved him playfully.

“Such a jackass,” she said as they pulled out of the airport and onto the highway.

“Are you hungry? Plane food always sucks and I’m starving.”

“Looks like you get to go to IKEA with me to get furniture too.”

James groaned causing Kara to laugh, “Hey you can always walk the parkway home.”

“Why IKEA though? Why not Macy’s or something?”

“I love all things that are Swedish. Swedish furniture, Swedish fish, Sweden, and last but not least Swedish men.”

James scoffed, “Really,’ he asked, “Swedish men?”

“Have you seen some of the hunks on TV and your opponents? You should totally get me the hookup with Brunnstrom.”

“No dating my former teammates or any of my teammates. I’m going to be like Gary and his daughter’s dating rules.”

“Ugh,” Kara growled as they arrived in front of IKEA.

“Do I get a say so in what furniture you get?”

“It’s your house too; you pay half of the rent.”

“Good, because I like this leather set,’ James said pointing to the black leather set with the brown wood trim.

“I don’t like the brown; it clashes with the black,” Kara replied, “What about that set?”

James turned and saw the black leather set with gold studs on the bottom of the bases, chuckling to himself, he turned back to Kara, “Really?”

“Not just because I like all things black and gold but the set looks very vintage.”

“It looks like something you’d see in the Godfather, I like it.”

“We can look at another place for a bigger selection if you’d like. I just thought IKEA would be reasonable.”

“Watch out,” James said as he wrapped his arm around Kara’s waist and pulled her out of the way from the palette that a sales associate was pulling. Neither one of them noticed the cell phone cameras of teenage girls snapping the innocent picture of James wrapping his arm around Kara’s waist.

“Thanks,” Kara said smiling.

“He almost pancaked you with a dresser,” James laughed.

Kara laughed as an associate came over to help them, after deciding to buy the black leather set and paying for everything, both Kara and James headed home. Since it was still early, James apologized for going to take a nap. He was jetlagged from flying since the early morning.

Kara was cleaning the house when her phone rang, without looking at the caller ID, she answered the call, “Hello,” she said pinning her phone between her ear and her shoulder as she breaded the chicken that she was planning on making for dinner later.

“Don’t hang up,” the voice said causing Kara to freeze in her tracks and almost drop the iPhone to the floor, “Just meet me somewhere.”

The phone went silent and Kara didn’t know what to reply, “Kara, are you there?”

“I thought I told you to only call me when you needed me to watch Rhys and Francesca,” Kara was ready to hang up when she heard Craig sigh on the other end of the phone.

“I just needed to hear your voice. Please don’t hang up.”

“Craig, you have a beautiful wife and two beautiful children, I told you before that I was done.”

“Kara, you say that every single time that we have sex and you feel like I use you. I’m not using you, Kara,” Craig said below a whisper, “I love you, Kara.”

Kara felt her cheeks flush and she remained silent. This was the first time that Craig had ever told her this. She didn’t know whether to believe him or not, how could a married man be in love with her? He had a wife of his own that he was supposed to love and two kids that worshipped the ground he walked on.

“Kara,” his voice said finally breaking her out of her thoughts, “Are you there?”

“Craig, I don’t have time for this, just leave me alone.”

Kara hit end on her cell phone and placed it on the counter next to her. Sitting in the stool at the island in the kitchen, she put her head in her hands and she felt the rush of guilt that she always felt wash over her. There was nothing that Craig could say or do that would change her mind for how she felt.

So what if he loved her, everyone told her that every single day. Why was Craig any different? Kara knew she would regret this but she had to find out for herself whether or not Craig really meant what he said, grabbing her cell phone off of the counter again, she dialed Craig’s number.

“Hello,” he answered.

“20 South 10th Street, three o’clock, it’ll be under K. Bender.”

“I’ll be there,” he promised.

Kara went into her room and packed the bag that she would need for the night, writing James a note, she placed it on the bed next to him before heading to her destination. The short drive felt as though it went on for hours. Kara’s heart raced faster as she parked her car in the garage and headed into the Holiday Inn.

She never thought she’d do this but after Craig told her he loved her, she knew she had to go against her better judgment and do what her brain told her was right and what her heart told her was wrong.

Kara finished curling her hair in the mirror when there was a knock on the door. Lighting one last candle on her way out, she took a look at herself and sighed. Looking through the small peephole on the door, she unlocked the chain and stepped back behind the door.

Craig smiled when he saw that she opened the door, “Hey,” he managed to get out when he turned around and saw her.

“Hi,” she blushed as Craig looked over her body. Kara noticed how nervous he was and she knew that maybe he wasn’t used to someone dressing up in lingerie for him.

“Wow,” he said completely speechless, “I don’t know what to say. Kara, you look…”

“Like a whore,” she said going to walk into the bathroom but Craig stopped her.

Craig placed his hands on her hips and silenced her with a kiss before saying what he wanted to say, “You look beautiful, so beautiful,” he said placing his lips on her collarbone and it wasn’t long before the backs of Kara’s knees met the bed.

Craig’s stubble brushed against Kara’s skin and she shuddered. Laughing slightly, Craig sat up quickly, stripping himself out of his shirt before resuming his attack on Kara’s neck.

Kara gasped as Craig untied the string holding the lingerie together, her nipples instantly hardened at the cold air suddenly hitting her hard skin.

“I meant it Kara,” he whispered burying his face in her chest, “I love you.”

“If you do,” she managed to get out as he nipped at her chest, “Prove it.”

Craig stood up and removed his pants while Kara stripped herself out of her panties. Lying back on the bed, Craig hovered over her before pushing himself into Kara’s hot core slowly.

Kara’s back arched in pleasure and Craig took it as his cue to push himself all the way in. Their hips rocked together slowly before Craig picked up his pace while whispering sweet nothings in Kara’s ear.

Kara flipped them over so that she was on top of Craig. Craig smiled as he watched her breast bounce up and down. Craig felt himself fall out of Kara completely but she slammed back down earning a string of profanities from him.

Kara collapsed on top of Craig moments later. Brushing the sweaty hair out of her eyes, Craig placed a sweet kiss on her lips, “I don’t want this to end, ever.”

Kara couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of her mouth as she replied, “Neither do I, it’ll be our little secret.”

“It is one worth keeping, that’s for sure,” Craig smiled suddenly feeling victorious that his ‘I love you,’ made Kara give into temptation.

Nothing perfect lasts forever and things were about to take a huge U-turn, can two really keep a secret before something changes their lives forever?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Chapter 5-What the Hell?

“What’s wrong,” Kara asked James who had a look of discomfort on his face.

“Nothing,” he replied, “One of the muscles in my back is real tight.”

“Lay down on the floor.”

“What?”

“I’m an athletic trainer, remember? Just lay on the floor.”

“You don’t have to, it’ll go away. I probably slept on it the wrong way.”

“Shut up and just lay down."

"Where exactly would you like me to lie down?"

Kara growled, "Lay the fuck down on your stomach, on the floor."

"Yes boss," James saluted lying down on the floor.

"I'm going to sit on your ass, let me know if I'm suffocating you."

"You weigh like 5 pounds, I'm sure I can handle it," James joked as Kara handed him a pillow to put his head on.

"Show me where it hurts," Kara said sitting down on James' ass.

"Right here," he replied pointing to his tailbone and then to his shoulders.

Kara pressed her fist into his tailbone working her way up to his neck causing him to groan.

"God, Kara," he groaned, "That feels so good.

Craig stood outside of Kara's apartment with Rhys and Francesca. He was ready to knock when he heard James groan.

Clenching his jaw, he grabbed the key from the top of the door frame and was about to allow himself in when he heard James grunt.

"Damn Kara, you're good with your hands."

"It'd feel even better if you'd take your shirt off; your muscle is really hard."

Kara gulped as James gave her permission to take his shirt off. She gently placed the shirt on the couch and began massaging James' well defined back once again. She had to admit she was turned on by the noises he was making.

Meanwhile Craig had heard enough and as he opened the door, he told his son to watch his sister while he went to see if Kara was touching James the same way that she touched him, "Rhys stay right here with your sister while I see if Kara's home."

"Okay daddy," the toddler replied.

"What the fuck is going on here," Craig asked seeing Kara sitting on James' back rubbing her hands all over.

"Hey Adsy," James greeted, "Kara was trying to loosen the muscle in my back that's been bothering me."

Craig never took his eyes off Kara who stood up and glared at him, "Calm down, Craig. You act like we were fucking or something."

James laughed as he stood up from the floor sliding his t-shirt back over his head, "Where are the kids?"

"Outside the door," Craig replied.

"I'll go get them," James volunteered going to get the two toddlers leaving Craig and Kara alone.

"You never gave me a massage," Craig smirked causing Kara to roll her eyes.

"Fuck you," she spat.

"Name the time and place and I'll have you screaming my name. You're a drug to me, Kara," Craig whispered seductively stepping closer to her, "I jack off in the shower thinking of you, it's been so long."

Kara shuddered as Craig ran his hands over her collar bone up the side of her neck before kissing her.

"Stop it, Craig," she whispered when she heard Rhys giggling and James' voice threatening to tickle him.

"We'll finish this later. Alright guys, give daddy a hug," Craig said to his two children who were running from James, "I'll pick you guys up later,"

"Bye daddy, love you," they said in unison hugging their father.

"See you later, man," James said sticking out his hand to shake Craig's.

"Kara, no ice cream before dinner," Craig said shaking James' hand, "No matter how hard they try to sweet talk you, don't do it."

"WHO WANTS ICE CREAM,” Kara shouted smirking at Craig as both Rhys and Francesca ran into the kitchen.

“Real nice,” he replied sarcastically as James chuckled walking over to the TV stand and setting up the Wii so that Rhys and Francesca could play, “I don’t think it’s funny.”

“Calm the fuck down and go get your parents from the airport,” Kara smiled walking towards the door with Craig following her.

“Don’t let him around my kids.”

“Don’t be such a fucking dickhead, you’re jealous of him.”

“Why would I be jealous?”

“He lives we me, we spend every hour together when I’m not at work. We hang out all the time and we’re good friends.”

“You’re fucking him, that’s why.”

“I’m not fucking anybody and if I was it’s none of your damn business.”

Craig laughed sarcastically, “It is my business when you fuck me too.”

Before Kara even had time to react, she saw the red hand print on Craig’s face from where she slapped him.

“Craig, oh shit, I’m so sorry.”

“I’ll be by to pick them up later,” he replied walking down the hall rubbing his cheek.

Kara closed the door feeling guilty about slapping Craig and walked into the kitchen where Rhys and Francesca were sitting at the table as James stood at the counter, “Can we have ice cream,” Rhys asked.

“Daddy said no,” James replied sending Kara a smile, “We’re going to eat first.”

“Pizza,” Rhys asked.

“If you want pizza, I’ll walk down and get it for you.”

“I’ll go, you stay here with them,” James said, “The Wii is hooked up and the game is ready to go.”

Kara smiled slightly as Rhys and Francesca ran into the living room and sat down on the couch.

“COME ON KAYRA, I’S WANNA PLAY,” Rhys shouted.

“You okay,” James asked stepping forward and Kara forced a smile on her face.

“I’m fine,” she lied.

“Are you sure? You know I’m here if you need to talk.”

“I know, thank you.”

“Anytime,” James said kissing her forehead, “I’ll be back.”

“My wallet’s in my purse by the door.”

“I got it.”

“James.”

“Shut up, Kara.”

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t,” he replied smiling.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“Whatever,” James laughed rolling his eyes, “Plain for the kids? Pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms for us?”

“Plain for the kids and yes pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms for us; I’m shocked that you remembered.”

“That’s all I eat on my pizza and I remember you said you liked it the same way.”

“Where are you going to get the pizza?”

“I was going to walk down to Pizza Hut.”

“Go to Rosa’s, as soon as you leave the apartment walk go towards the shopping center and it’s right on the main string of restaurants.”

“Never knew it was there,” James said.

“It’s literally right underneath us.”

“Alright, I’ll go there. Is it decent?”

“That’s the pizza that I brought home from work last week.”

“OH! That was really good pizza.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“KAYRA,” Rhys shouted.

“Let me go turn this game on before this kid loses it.”

“I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

James walked out of the apartment grabbing his keys since he needed to get back in the house and he didn’t want to bother Kara since she’d be with the kids.

“I’m coming Reese Cup,” she said walking into the living room.

“I don’t know how to play,” Francesca whispered.

“Sit on my lap and I’ll show you what to do.”

“Okay,” she replied sitting in Kara’s lap leaning her head back against Kara’s shoulder.

Rhys sat close to Kayra and he was winning without Kara even trying to let him win. He may have been four years old but the kid was an expert when it came to video games.

James came back with the pizza, “There’s a Dairy Queen down the street too,” he asked.

“Such a newbie to the city but yes there’s a Dairy Queen down the street.”

“Want to take them there after they eat?”

“I’ll do you one better, have you ever had Rita’s Italian Ice?”

“Italian ice, that sounds good.”

“We’ll go when their done. It’s a Pittsburgh summer hot spot. You’ll enjoy it.”

“Gary is going to kill me when he finds out I’ve been eating junk food.”

“Gary will kill anyone at anytime any place. He’s the only forty year old man I know that will take on a whole hockey team and not give a rat’s ass.

“Did you fan girl over him too,” James smirked.

“Shut the fuck up,” Kara replied, “You’re a dickhead.”

“What? They way you acted with Kovy, I’m just wondering if you fangirled over Gary when he came here.”

“I’ve never met Gary; Craig was traded here a couple of seasons after Gary left.”

“Oh, that’s right,” James said.

“I’d love to meet him though; he’s one of my favorites.”

“Am I one of your favorites?”

“No,” Kara smiled, “I’ll tell you who my favorite is.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Adam Burish,” Kara smiled, “I’m so fascinated with that man.”

“Bur, really,” James laughed, “One of my former teammates?”

“Last time I checked he was.”

“You’re such a whore,” James joked.

“Fuck off, Neal,” Kara laughed.

“Kayra,” Rhys said coming over to her on the couch, “We done.”

“Did daddy bring you guys a change of clothes?”

“I ‘on know.”

“There’s a bag by the door that Craig left,” James said taking a drink of his water bottle, “I don’t know if there’s clothes in it or not.”

“Watch them while I check if there’s an extra t-shirt in there or not for the both of them. Italian ice can get very messy with these two.”

“RITA’S,” Rhys shouted.

“You created a monster,” James said as Rhys sat down next to him.

“Hi Nealsy.”

“Hi buddy,” he replied ruffling Rhys’ hair.

“You Kayra’s boyfriend?”

“No,” James laughed, “We’re friends.”

“Oh cause mommy thinks you and Kayra would be cute together. What’s that mean?”

James smiled looking at Kara who came back into the living room holding at team Canada t-shirt and a Dora t-shirt.

“What’s so funny,” she asked.

“Anne apparently thinks we’d look cute together and she’s been bragging about it to Craig.”

“Rhys,” Kara said, “You have a big mouth.”

“Do not,” he said sticking his tongue out.

“Do too,” she replied laughing.

“All done,” Francesca said running up to Kara wrapping her arms around her legs.

“Good girl, did you eat it all?”

“Mhm!”

“How about you Reese Cup, did you eat all of your food?”

“Yes!”

“So if I go in that kitchen right now, there’s no food on either one of your plates.”

“Yes,” Rhys replied.

“Damn Kara,” James said, “You sound like a drill sergeant.”

“Bite me,” Kara replied covering Rhys’ ears.

James laughed, “Who wants to go get Italian ice.”

“I DO,” Rhys and Francesca shouted in unison.

“I’ll clean up while you put their shoes on,” James said standing up.

“Okay,” Kara said grabbing the two pairs of shoes while stuffing the extra t-shirts in her purse with wet wipes from the bag.

James returned as Kara and the kids were standing by the door. James locked the door behind them as Kara held on to both of the kids’ hands.

Anne called Kara letting her know that she and Craig were on their way to pick up the kids to take them back home so that they could see their grandparents. Kara made sure the kids were both cleaned up and ready to go back home.

Kara was at work the next day when she got a last minute appointment that she had to stay an hour longer for. She was supposed to leave three o’clock but the receptionist insisted that this client was someone important and that Kara had to stay since no one else was available.

“Looks like you’re closing down today, don’t worry about locking up the cleaning crew is coming in,” Melissa, one of Kara’s coworkers said.

“Alright, who’s this client that’s coming in?”

“I honestly couldn’t tell you. They just said they were coming in and that they were on their way.”

“Wow, leaving no name is real safe,” Kara said, “You are leaving me alone too.”

“We’re not leaving you alone,” Melissa said, “Bryan is going to stay and make sure that it’s nothing shaky then we are leaving you alone.”

“I feel ten times better,” Kara replied sarcastically and Melissa laughed.

“You’ll be fine.”

Kara went back to her cubicle and pulled out her phone and started playing Angry Birds while waiting on the client.

“Kara, you’re appointment is in exam room 1,” Melissa said coming around the corner, “Bryan said not to worry; it’s one of the city’s well known athletes.”

“If it’s Roethlisberger, I want Bryan in the room with me. I do not want to be the third rape victim.”

Melissa laughed, “It’s not Big Ben.”

“Good,” Kara said, “Anything I need to do before I leave.”

“If he needs another appointment, write it down in the book then put it in the computer. If not, you’re good to go.”

“Alright,” Kara said standing up and walking into the room.

“Good to see they gave me you,” Craig said turning around.

“Craig,” Kara said locking the door, “What the hell are you doing here?”

“My shoulder’s been acting up and I needed to come down here since the team doctors ordered me to see an athletic professional and well I figured since you’re in to giving massages, I’d come here.”

“You came here to make my life miserable is what you did,” Kara mumbled, “Lay down on the table.”

“Will it feel better if I take my shirt off, according to what you said to James, it does.”

“I’m trying to be professional here but since you want to act like you’re four years old, get the fuck on the table.”

“Feisty,” Craig said pinning her against the door, “I like it.”

“Craig, don’t.”

“Why don’t you let me give you the massage? It’s been a while Kara,” he said putting his hands under her shirt, “I want you so bad.”

“St-stop,” Kara stuttered as Craig’s lips sucked on the soft spot below her ear.

“I don’t think so,” Craig said pushing her shirt up even further and before Kara knew it, it was on the floor.

“I’m not doing this,” Kara tried to argue but Craig cut her off by kissing her and she lost all sense of control as his tongue entered her mouth.

“That’s what I thought,” Craig said unclasping her bra before slowly sliding the lace material down her arms, “So beautiful,” he whispered placing a kiss on each breast causing Kara to moan.

“Craig,” she moaned as he started to suck on her left nipple while running his hands over her right breast.

“God Kara, you taste so good.”

“FUCK,” she hissed as he bit down causing her to let out a scream that he silenced by reaching up and putting his hand over her mouth.

“We don’t want your coworkers hearing what a dirty girl you are,” Craig said, “Dirty girls deserve to be punished.”

“Fuck you,” Kara spat.

“Trust me, baby, I intend to,” he replied removing his own shirt as he went back to kissing Kara. Kara fumbled with the zipper on her pants as Craig removed his own. Before she knew it, both of them were naked and Craig had her lying on her back close to the edge of the table. Kara didn’t have time to resist as Craig thrusted into her with one large thrust.

“You feel so good,” Craig whispered as he removed himself before slowly slipping back into Kara.

“Faster,” Kara panted and Craig picked up his pace.

“You like that,” he whispered huskily as Kara moaned.

“FUCK YES,” she shouted as Craig began going faster before pulling out completely then thrusting back into her.

“You’re such a dirty girl, Kara.”

“Shut the fuck up and fuck me,” she demanded as Craig lifted her up before sitting down in the chair against the wall with himself still inside Kara.

“Ride me,” he demanded and Kara stood up before slamming herself back down.

“Craig, oh fuck,” Kara moaned as he bit down on her shoulder.

“Come for me,” Craig whispered reaching between them and tweaking her clit with his fingers.

“FUCK,” Kara shouted collapsing on top of Craig who thrusted a few more times before spilling his hot seed into Kara.

“That was amazing,” he whispered kissing her and they sat there on the chair making out like horny teenagers.

“I hate you,” Kara said pulling away standing up and putting her clothes back on.

“Kara, this just feels right.”

“You can’t keep cheating on Anne. Your kids need their father and I can’t continue doing this.”

“Tell me that you regret this,” Craig said, “If you regretted it, you wouldn’t keep doing it.”

“I don’t owe you an explanation,” Kara said slamming the door to the exam room.

“I’ll be back next week, same time.”

“I’ll make sure Bryan has you.”

“I want you to take care of me.”

“Take care of yourself,” Kara said grabbing her purse from the drawer in her cubicle.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going home to take a hot shower and try to wash away the guilt.”

“You can’t wash away guilt. I don’t feel guilty.”

“Of course you don’t, because you’re thinking with your dick and not your brain.”

Kara pushed passed him and left without saying a word leaving Craig smiling. Craig didn’t regret it, he knew he should because he was cheating on his wife but he felt something for Kara.

Kara walked into her apartment and slammed the door, “Hey,” James said, “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Kara lied once again opening the refrigerator taking out a bottle of water downing it in one sip.

“What’s wrong,” James asked coming into the kitchen, “Something’s wrong I can tell.”

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine.”

“Then why is your hair disheveled and you look like you had sex. Holy shit, is that a hickey on your neck?”

“WHAT,” Kara asked running over to the mirror in the living room and sure enough there was a hickey on her neck below her ear.

“Doesn’t having sex with patients get you fired,” James asked smiling.

“I’m such an idiot,” Kara said.

“Who was it?”

“Sorry, patient privacy act can’t disclose that.”

“I see how it is,” James said causing Kara to laugh.

“Please don’t make me laugh, I’ve had a shitty day.”

“Want to watch a movie?”

“I would if you didn’t take the damn DVD player in your room like a douche bag.”

“Take a hot shower because you smell like sex and I’ll start a movie in my room.”

“Okay,” Kara said walking down the hall to her bedroom.

As Kara took a shower, she cried under the hot spray. She always felt guilty after sleeping with Craig, today was risky to do it at her job but the risk made her excited for some reason. Kara finished her shower and got dressed in a pair of Victoria’s Secret Pink shorts and a tank top before heading down to James’ room.

James was sitting on the bed and he padded the spot next to him. Kara climbed up and got comfortable as the opening scene of “Stepbrothers” played.

“This movie never gets old,” Kara said and James laughed before nodding his head in agreement.

Before Kara knew it, she was asleep by the time Brennan and Dale were doing their presentation with “Boats and Hoes.”

James turned the movie off pulled the cover over him and Kara. He wrapped his arm around her and he soon fell asleep.

Kara woke up in the middle of the night and noticed that she wasn’t in her room. She felt breath on her neck and an arm on her waist. She turned over and saw that she had fallen asleep in James’ room.

Kara didn’t want to wake him up by getting up to go to her own room so she turned over and fell asleep with her head in his chest. A few short hours later, Kara stirred and felt the bed empty next to her. She sat up wiping the sleep out of her eyes and walked into James’ bathroom half asleep.

She opened the door and her eyes shot open when she saw James was taking a shower through the mirror. She stared for a couple of seconds before realizing he was naked and she quickly slammed the door before he saw her.

“What the hell has my life become,” she asked herself as she thought about the day before with Craig and this morning with James.

To say Kara was confused about everything was an understatement and she knew she had to make a decision soon before it was too late but little did she know this was just the least of her worries since something she never thought about was ready to strike at any time.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Chapter 4-Like I Can

May 2011

The Lightning eliminated the Penguins in seven games and Kara was devastated. James took the loss hard because he felt like he could have done more and the media and the so called “fans” criticized him any chance they got. Kara managed to stay away from Craig and watch the kids when she wasn’t working her new job at the UPMC Sports Medicine complex as a certified athletic trainer.

She walked to and from work every day since the facility was right around the corner from the apartment that she had shared with James. Kara felt at peace with herself knowing Craig and Anne seemed to be doing better and she hadn’t slept with Craig since early March.

Craig and Anne had taken the kids back to Canada for a little while before they headed to Chicago to visit some of Craig’s old teammates with the Blackhawks. James went to the World Championship but just like his quest to bring the Pens the Stanley Cup, his quest to bring home a gold medal to Canada fell short as well.

Kara had the whole apartment to herself and she felt lonely. She visited Max every other day since he was still in the city doing charity work for his foundation. Visiting Max after work always put a smile on her face especially after a long day when he would make her laugh by dancing around the house or that one time he slid down the banister in his boxers lip-syncing “Old time Rock and Roll” like Tom Cruise did in Risky Business.

“What the fuck happened in here,” Kara said to herself as she picked up the empty candy wrappers and beer cans from the floor. There was a pizza box on the table with a half eaten pizza and the TV had some old NHL Network replay of a game when James was with the Stars.

“Oh shit, Kara,” James said jumping up from the couch, “I’m so sorry, I got back this morning while you were at work and I decided to treat it like my man cave. I swore I’d have it cleaned up by the time you got back.”

Kara swallowed hard noticing James’ lack of clothing. The torn jeans that hung below his hips showing his hip bones didn’t help and neither did the fact that he had a black leather belt with a large buckle undone and he was without a shirt with his hair falling freely since he had no gel in it.

“Don’t worry about it; this is your house too.”

“I’m usually never this messy but it’s good to finally have some time to myself where I don’t have to worry about hockey.”

“I completely understand,” Kara smiled tying the garbage bag and setting it by the door.

“How’s work,” James asked.

“I love it so far.”

“That’s good; any of the guys come in?”

“Max kept me company while you were gone, I’d walk to his house or he’d walk here. He stopped in a couple of times to work his shoulder since it’s been bothering him but other than that it’s been all us common folks since the Pirates haven’t had any injuries.”

“Just an injury to their ego, no offense, they suck.”

“None taken, I like the Yankees anyway.”

James laughed and Kara smiled, “I think we need to go grocery shopping, there’s not much food here.”

“I was going to go today but I got off half an hour late, want to go tomorrow? I’m off.”

“Tomorrow’s good, do you want to eat out tonight or do you want to order something?”

“Tusca was closed because it had a rat problem, so was Claddagh.”

“There has to be some other place we can eat. I’m sick of the Cheesecake Factory; Tangradi wants to eat there all the time.”

“I’ll drive, go put on a shirt and make yourself look presentable,” Kara laughed, “I’m going to take a quick shower then we’ll go.”

“Take your time,” James said flashing her a smile before she shut the door to her room.

Kara came out of her bedroom and found James standing in the entryway of the living room watching the end of the game.

“Are you seriously watching yourself play,” she asked.

James laughed slightly, “I was a lot better in Dallas than I was here.”

“You guys all go through goal droughts, you’re going to be fine next season. I got faith in you; they don’t call you ‘The Real Deal James Neal’ for nothing, right?”

James smiled and shut the television off, setting the remote on the arm of the couch, “Thanks,” he replied.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Where are we going?”

“Have you ever been to the shopping center out by the airport?”

“Can’t say that I have?”

“Ever been to Red Robin?”

“Once or twice back in Dallas.”

“Well make it three times, that’s where we’re going.”

“Such a diva,” James joked.

“Bite me, Jimmy.”

James laughed as they headed to the car, “Can you go slow so I can try to remember how to get out here if I ever need to or if I want to shop?”

“Yeah, no problem,” Kara replied pulling onto Carson Street. She showed James what street to turn down to get to the main highway before they were on the bridge and going through the Fort Pitt Tunnels.

“So basically, we’re at the shopping center I pass on my way to the airport.”

“The one and only.”

“God, I feel stupid.”

Kara turned up the small hill and into the parking lot of the restaurant. James walked ahead of her holding the door open, “Thanks.”

“Welcome,” he smiled.

“Hi, how many,” the young hostess smiled at Kara.

“Two please,” she replied.

“Follow me right this way.”

“Want to sit in the back?”

“If you don’t mind,” James spoke up, “Can we sit in that booth right over there in the corner.”

“Sure thing let me get that cleaned off for you.”

James and Kara stood off to the side as the young girl wiped down the booth and gestured for them to sit before handing them menus, “Your server will be right with you.”

James smiled up at the girl who turned away, “I bet that’s never happened before,” Kara said.

“What?”

“Not being recognized.”

“It’s kind of nice, I love the fans don’t get me wrong but sometimes I just want to be James Neal the person and not the hockey player.”

“Completely understandable, Craig does that all of the time. Anne hates it but hey you got to do what you got to do to make yourself somewhat normal, right?”

“True,” James replied picking up the menu.

“I already know what I’m getting,” Kara said, “I need the largest beer they have and some onion rings with the mushroom burger.”

“I’m getting the one with the egg on it, got to have all of my food groups somehow.”

The waitress came over and they placed their orders before falling into small talk about what the Czech Republic was like and James’ trip to Dallas to get the rest of his stuff from the house he shared with Brad Richards.

“So if Jagr comes back next season, are you going to scream in his face like you did with Kovy?”

“Fuck you, I did not scream.”

“You so did,” James laughed, “You were all, ‘HOLY SHIT IT’S KOVY.’”

“It’s not my fault he’s a childhood favorite of mine that I just happened to meet, okay.”

“Childhood favorite, right?”

“You are a smartass today.”

“I don’t blame you though for doing that, when they told me I was traded here, the first thing I thought was holy shit I’m playing for Mario Lemieux.”

“Jagr comes back, I’m asking for a ride on the mullet.”

“You seriously did not just say that,” James laughed when Kara heard her name being called.

“KAYRA,” a little voice shouted, “KAYRA!”

She turned around and saw the curly head of Rhys Adams who was standing up on one of the booths waving his arms. Craig put his menu down and looked over with a scowl on his face when he noticed Kara and James were at the restaurant together and they were laughing at something one of them said.

“KAYRA,” Rhys screamed before Craig could stop him.

“Rhys, sit down,” Anne warned the young toddler.

“But mommy,” Rhys pouted, “Kayra’s hair wiff Nealsy.”

Anne turned around and waved to Kara who stood up and walked over to the table, “Reese Cup,” she said wrapping her arms around the toddler, “I’ve missed you.”

“I miss you too,” he said into her shirt as she picked him up, “Hi Anne, Hi Craig, how are you?”

“I see you and James are all smiles,” Anne smiled and Kara laughed.

“Please Anne, he’s my roommate and my friend, nothing serious happening there.”

“Kayra,” Francesca said lifting her head from Craig’s shoulder where she was currently leaning fast asleep.

“Hey sweetie,” she said sitting Rhys down as Francesca climbed over Craig’s lap, “I’ve missed you too.”

“Want to watch them for us tomorrow,” Anne asked, “Craig’s parents are coming to town and we need a babysitter while we take them out to dinner. Are you working tomorrow?”

“No, I’m off and I would love to watch them.”

“Kayra, we come to your house,” Rhys asked, “I wanna play Wii.”

“Whatever you want kiddo,” Kara replied looking over at James who waved to Craig and Anne from the booth as the waitress set their food down, “Our food is over there but I’ll see you tomorrow okay.”

“I’ll bring them over at like five, is that okay,” Craig asked.

“Yeah that should be fine, James and I are going out shopping earlier in the day but I’ll make sure we’re home by five.”

“I’ll give you a call before we leave the house,” he smiled and Kara knew there was a secret tone in his voice but she shrugged it off and smiled before telling him that it was okay as she headed off to the table with James to eat their food.”

“I’m stuffed,” James said sitting back patting his stomach.

“Me too,” Kara laughed.

The waitress brought the check over and Kara grabbed it before James could.

“Kara,” he said, “Come on, let me pay it.”

“You already pay for the rent and other stuff around the house, dinner is on me.”

“Kara,” he tried to argue.

“Shut up James,” Kara said putting her debit card in the folder that held the check and waved the waitress over to take it.

“Is there a store nearby that sells movies or something?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Some of the movies I wanted to buy came out while I was in Europe and I didn’t get a chance to get around to getting them.”

“There’s a Best Buy over the hill and an FYE in the mall.”

“Let’s go to Best Buy, they have a bigger movie section.”

“Okay,” Kara said signing the receipt and taking her copy, “You ready to go?”

“Yep,” James replied and they left the restaurant and drove over to the store.

“I’m going to look at the laptops,” Kara said heading off to find the one she was looking for and desperately needed to do some of her paperwork from the office at home.

James nodded and headed off to find the movies he wanted. After James finished paying for his stuff, he met up with Kara who was talking to a salesman about a Macbook Pro.

“I have that laptop,” James said, “I like it.”

“I’ll take it,” Kara said to the salesman who nodded and went off to find the computer for her.

Kara paid for the computer and they both left the store. When they got home James asked Kara if she wanted to watch a movie with him and she agreed. She was settled on one couch and James was settled on the other. Kara’s phone beeped signaling she had a new text message from Craig.

You and Neal, huh?

Don’t start

Now I see why I haven’t seen you much in a month and a half, you’ve been banging him. No wonder he couldn’t focus in the playoffs


Shut up, Craig!


Tell me Kara, can he make you cum like I can?


Enough Craig, I’m done. We’re done

Do you know how many times you have said that?

I mean it, this last month and a half has been peaceful

You can’t stay away from me Kara, you know it and I know it


Kara sighed, that was the problem, he was right, she couldn’t stay away from him no matter how hard she tried and it was bound to bite her in the ass.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Chapter 3-Alright Tonight

Kara yawned as she woke up on the cold hardwood floor feeling cheap and used as her phone rang beside her. She saw “James” on the screen as she hit the green talk button.

“Hello,” she asked groggily.

“I’m sorry, did I wake you,” James asked, “I could always call you back later.”

“You’re fine,” Kara replied, “I was just waking up, Craig called and asked me if I would take the kids.”

“Believe it or not,” James began, “Marc’s girlfriend, I think Vero is her name took them because Craig forgot you were showing me the apartment today.”

“Oh my God,” Kara laughed, “I shouldn’t have drank last night, I’m losing it.”

James laughed on the other end of the line, “We all drank a hell of a lot last night. We paid for it today too, coach made us run drills until we puked.”

“Suits you guys right,” Kara joked, “You have a cup to win and I’m pretty sure it’s not one you find in a bar.”

“You can find it in various bars, actually,” James replied.

“Shut up, smart ass,” Kara laughed, “You know what I mean.”

James laughed again, “We’re going to be great roommates, which reminds me; can you come to the arena? I’m not sure where exactly your house is, I’m still new here and I’m still learning will certain places are, so could you come to the arena and let me follow you?”

“Yeah, just give me like twenty minutes.”

“Alright, meet me in the player’s garage. I’ll let security know that you’re coming.”

“They know me from bringing Rhys and Francesca to and from the arena, so we’re fine.”

“Duh,” James laughed, “I’ll let you go. See you in a little bit.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Take your time,” James reassured her, “I’ve got all day.”

Kara said her goodbye and climbed up off of the floor. Looking in the mirror, she didn’t like what she saw. For the first time in a long time, she cried as she looked at the reflection staring back at her. The mascara she wore the night before was smeared around her eyes that were now red and puffy from her crying herself to sleep on the cold hardwood floor.

Slowly removing her clothes from the night before, she threw them in the hamper near the bathroom door and stood under the hot spray of the shower praying that somehow the hot water could wash away her guilt. Quickly towel drying her hair before throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie with her Ugg boots that Anne had bought her from the kids for Christmas, as she pulled on the black boots she felt like she walking on the kids’ lives and tearing the Adams family apart.

Climbing into the door of her Ford 500, a graduation present from her parents, she sped off down Carson Street into the city of Pittsburgh as she entered the Armstrong Tunnel onto Forbes Avenue before she rounded the corner to the Consol Energy Center. She saw James behind the beige fence as she got closer to the guard shack.

“Kara, where are the kiddies,” Sue, the escort asked as Kara rolled down her window.

“With their parents,” Kara smiled, “I’m here to have someone follow me to my place. James Neal needed a place to live and since I need a roommate I told him that he could live with me”

“That’s sweet,” Sue smiled, “I’ll tell him to meet you right here, so you don’t have to come all the way in.”

Kara was replying to a text from Max asking her if she was okay when she heard a car horn from behind her, and she saw James waving in the window. She waved back and signaled for him to follow her as she exited the parking lot going back the way she came. When they arrived at her apartment, James felt stupid for making her literally drive five minutes to the arena.

“I feel like a dumbass.”

Kara laughed as she showed him how to work the locks on the door, “Why?”

“I made you drive five minutes for nothing; it’s a lot closer than I expected it to be.”

“Max lives about ten blocks down, so he’s close if we ever need him for something,” Kara said as she opened the door to her apartment.

“I like this already,” James said removing his shoes at the front door before shrugging out of his jacket, “It’s really nice.”

“As soon as I saw it, I had to have it,” Kara replied, “I didn’t even think about how rent would take me broke.”

“Which reminds me,” James mumbled reaching into his pocket for his wallet.

Kara looked on curiously unsure of what he was doing. James unfolded the small piece of paper and handed it to him, “What is this?”

“It’s a check for this month and next month’s rent.”

“James,” Kara sighed, “I can’t accept this.”

“I wanted to talk to you about this whole splitting the rent thing,” James replied.

“I’ll buy all of the groceries and split half the rent and take two of the utilities if you pay the other half and two of the utilities as well.”

“Kara,” James said, “I’m paying for everything.”

“James,” she began.

“Shut up,” he replied smiling, “You need to find a job and I don’t want you worrying about everything, just let me do this.”

“I can’t let you do that and I’m not going to let you do that either.”

“Craig was right, you’re stubborn.”

“I’m not stubborn, it’s just I feel guilty with you paying for everything.”

“Kara, I make enough money that I could buy this place flat out if I wanted to but please just let me pay for this. I know that you’re struggling and until you find a job, just please let me find everything.”

“James,” Kara began.

“I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Kara rolled her eyes as James extended the check towards her, “I’d sleep better knowing you took it.”

“Fine,” Kara replied, “Are you happy?”

James smiled as Kara told him to follow her down the hall and she showed him the bedroom that was now empty since Amanda had moved out a couple of days prior. Kara looked around in complete shock; Amanda hadn’t told her she was gone.

“When can I move in,” James asked, “I don’t have a lot of stuff here just clothes that I brought with me. I have to have my stuff shipped out here.”

“You can move in today if you want to. I don’t have anything going on and I don’t have to watch the kids until later on this week and I could help you move if you’d like.”

“I still have one night left at the hotel. How about I move in tomorrow?”

“That’s fine; I’ll give you a key in case I’m not here. I have a couple of interviews tomorrow. I was supposed to have them today but I had to reschedule them because the person who was supposed to interview me is sick.”

“That sucks,” James replied sympathetically, “I really wish you the best of luck.”

“Thanks,” Kara smiled as her phone vibrated signaling she had a text message.

James’ phone rang and he excused himself stepping out into the hallway. Kara felt comfortable around James and she could tell that they were going to be good friends. James was a nice guy and she could tell he would fit in well with the team.

Kara pulled out her phone from her pocket and rolled her eyes when she saw the blue box with Craig’s name on it and the text message underneath.

Meet me for dinner tonight, we really need to talk.

No

Kara deleted Craig’s response without even reading what it said and sighed when James came back in the house.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, that was my mom; she’s coming to see Pittsburgh tomorrow and she may be bringing my brother with her.”

“That’s great; just let me know in the morning.”

“Thanks for offering me a place to stay, I appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem,” Kara smiled as her phone rang.

“Sounds like someone is trying to reach you, I’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” Kara replied as James left and she pulled her phone out of her pocket and answered the phone.

“Kara,” Craig said as soon as she answered the phone.

“Unless you need me to watch the kids or one of them is sick and I need to be there. Please don’t call me,” Kara said ready to touch the end call button on her phone.

“KARA,” Craig shouted, “Please don’t hang up, just hear me out.”

“Craig, I don’t want to hear you out. You have no idea what it’s like feeling the way I do right now. I violated everything that I have ever set for myself. I was raised better than this. I will not continue to do what we’re doing.”

“Kara,” he sighed.

“If all you’re going to say is my name then you can fire me right now and stay out of my life forever. I love your children with everything I have but seriously, if letting them go means that I won’t hurt them, I’ll do it.”

“I could never let you break their hearts like that, they’d be devastated.”

“They’d be devastated,” Kara laughed, “Craig, how do you think I feel right now knowing that if Anne finds out, I won’t be able to see the kids anymore. I’m not even going to have this conversation with you right now.”

“Let me in.”

“Let you in where?”

“I’m outside right now talking to you standing in front of the door, please let me in.”

“No,” Kara replied remaining firm, “You are not coming in here.”

“I’ll have the star struck old lady next door let me in, you know what a big fan she is.”

“Craig, enough, please just leave me alone.”

Kara jumped when she felt someone wrap their arm around her waist, “You know I can’t do that.”

Kara turned around and slapped Craig as hard as she could, “Why are you acting like this? This is so unlike you.”

“I can’t explain the way you make me feel, you make me feel like Anne did when we first met. When I’m around you, it’s like we’re the only people in the world and I hate being this way but damn Kara, you’re making me crazy.”

“Craig,” Kara whispered putting her head down, “You don’t mean that.”

“Yes, I do,” he replied grabbing her hand and putting it to his chest, “Do you not feel how fast my heart is beating right now. You drive me crazy.”

Kara didn’t even have time to register what she was doing as she leaned up and pressed her lips to Craig’s. Craig wrapped his arms around her waist as he pushed her against the wall.

Words couldn’t describe why Kara decided to take matters into her own hands, she knew the consequences of her actions but Craig said all of the right things and pretty much charmed his way into her pants. Kara pushed Craig towards her bedroom and grabbed the picture of her with the kids and placed it face down. She already felt guilty and she knew that if she had let that picture face her, it’d make her guilt even stronger.

Craig hissed as Kara lowered herself down on him and rocked her hips back and forth as he claimed her lips with his again. Pushing her hair out of the way, Craig started sucking on her neck.

Kara let out a scream of pleasure as she felt she was reaching her peak before she felt herself tighten around Craig with him following soon after her. Kara rolled off of Craig and faced the wall. She couldn’t bear to look at him right now but that changed when he put his arms around her and kissed her bare shoulder.

“God, Kara,” he whispered, “I’m sorry if I make you cry yourself to sleep at night, that’s not what I want at all.”

Kara turned so she was facing him and noticed the silver band on his left hand. She closed her eyes hoping it would go away but it didn’t and she couldn’t help but let a stray tear fall as Craig moved closer to her.

“Please, don’t cry,” he whispered hugging her to him.

As Kara cried into Craig’s chest, she couldn’t help but think of something she had read long ago in a book where a woman was having an affair with a married man, “You can leave that ring on your finger. I'm a sinner, you're the winner, and I am too.”

She couldn’t help but wonder if she had dug her own grave by starting something that would end badly if her and Craig weren’t careful. Going against everything she swore she wouldn’t do within the last week suddenly felt right to her because laying in Craig’s arms was the best feeling in the world and quite frankly that scared her.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Chapter 2-What is this? The Real World

Kara entered her apartment after a long day of job hunting. Even though Craig and Anne paid her well she needed money to afford the new apartment that she moved into. She fell in love with it and hoped to find a job within the first two months so she could afford it. Her friend Amanda lived with her and helped her pay rent but Amanda was about to move in with her new fiancĂ© and wouldn’t be helping with the bills anymore.

She had a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine and was a certified athletic trainer through long hours of hard work and study. She knew that a starting position paid well and that she’d be able to afford the $2500 per month rent with the money Craig and Anne paid her plus if she got a job.

Sighing as she put the key into the door, she kicked her high heels off by the door and threw her purse on the couch.

“Ow, what the hell,” a voice said causing Kara to grab the baseball bat by the door.

“What the fuck,” Kara said rounding the corner, “Craig, how the hell did you get in here?”

“The star struck old lady next door gave me your spare key.”

“Why are you here,” Kara asked taking off her coat and putting the bat back into the umbrella holder.

“Anne and I got into an argument and I needed time to cool off, so I came here. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Craig,” Kara sighed, “You can’t come here, I’m not your shoulder to cry on.”

Craig didn’t know what to say as he stood there stunned, “Kara, we need to talk.”

“No, we don’t need to talk. We talked about it last week after it happened and it’s over and done with.”

“Are you sure about that,” Craig asked stepping forward pinning her against the wall.

“Craig, stop,” Kara replied pushing him away, “I will not do this to Anne anymore. We need to tell her what happened.”

“I did tell her that I cheated on her but I told her that I cheated on her before we got married at my bachelor party.”

“What bachelor party was that? Lattes at Starbucks with the Hurricanes?”

“Very funny,” Craig smiled, “Kara, I want you.”

“You can’t have me, Craig.”

“I didn’t see you resisting last week.”

“Craig, enough is enough.”

“Kara,” he whispered stepping forward, “I want you so bad.”

“Go home, to your wife, make things right with her, I’m done Craig.”

Kara grabbed his coat from the couch and gave it to him before pushing him out the door, “Kara, don’t be like this!”

“Craig, go home and prove to your wife you love her and please just let me do my job.”

Her phone ringing snapped her out of her trance and she looked down at the caller ID. Amanda, it read and she sighed before pressing the answer button.

“Hello!”

“You, me, club tonight,” Amanda said on the other line.

“I’m not in the mood for clubbing!”

“You need to confide in your best friends Jack, Jim, and Jose. Who knows, you may even meet a hot man to take home and ravish.”

“Ravish, really,” Kara replied sarcastically.

“When was the last time you went out, be honest?”

“I honestly have no idea; I’ve been working for Craig and Anne plus looking for a job that I haven’t had time to look for a job.”

“Get dressed; I’ll pick you at eight.”

Club tonight, you down?

Kara looked at her phone and smiled as she saw the text from Max, he stole Craig’s phone during practice several months before and got her number. They became quick friends and texted each other almost every day.

I’m going out with Amanda later, what club are you guys going to?

Diesel, duh?


BORING

Come on, you haven’t been out in a while.

I’ll see you there; make sure our names are on the VIP list this time so we don’t look like puckbunnies coming to see you.



Better yet, I’ll meet you at the door and we’ll make them jealous. Talk to you later, I got to get some beauty rest before tonight.


Kara sighed before walking into the bathroom and turning on the faucet to the jacuzzi bathtub that came with the apartment. All she wanted to do was soak in the hot water and let it relax her before the poor vase on the counter was in a thousand pieces on the hardwood floor.

As she laid her head back against the wall after she slowly sank into the bathtub and let the jets massage her aching body, she thought about what she had done with Craig and it made her sick to her stomach but part of her was happy she did it. Part of her always thought he was good looking but she never dreamed she’d have an affair with a man whose family welcomed her with open arms.

Wrapping a towel around her body as she stood up to walk out of the bathroom to her bedroom, she opened her closet door and grabbed the black dress that she wore once and that was to her college graduation two summers ago. She prayed it still fit as she grabbed the lace black pumps from the shelf inside of the door.

“Kara,” Amanda’s voice called down the hall, “Are you ready to go?”

“Give me one second,” she replied pinning the last curl back.

Amanda walked into Kara’s room and leaned against the doorframe, “DAMN, who are you trying to impress tonight?”

“I just need tonight to get my mind off of everything, when did my life get so fucked up?”

“Talk to me, what’s wrong,” Amanda asked sitting on the bed.

“I slept with a married man,” Kara said throwing her phone in her clutch.

“My God, I always thought you were a prude but you fucked a married man, HOT DAMN!”

“It’s not funny, there’s nothing funny in what I did. I slept with Craig.”

“YOU FUCKING FINALLY SCREWED THAT DILF.”

“Really, Amanda, really?”

“I thought you would have tapped it a lot sooner than you did.”

“It’s not funny, he told Anne he cheated on her but she thinks it was when they were in college not now. If she finds out, I lose everything that I have come to know in the past two years.”

“I’m speechless, really.”

“Craig though, he claims he loves her but he came here earlier and tried to sleep with me again.”

“Wow! Babe, I don’t know what to tell you,” Amanda replied honestly, “You need to keep your distance from him and keep your relationship strictly business.”

“That’s the problem though, he’s always riding me home because Anne picks me up and drives me over there because I don’t know the first thing about how to get there.”

“You need to invest in a GPS then, those things work like magic.”

“I think we need to get to the club before all the straight men are taken.”

Amanda laughed, “Let’s go, you slut.”

Kara and Amanda headed out the front door and started their long trek down Carson Street as they headed to Diesel. They made their way to the bar after walking through the doors for free since the bouncer knew them from their biweekly visits.

“Are you two ladies having the usual tonight,” Carlos, the bartender asked as Kara and Amanda finally reached the bar.

“Yes sir,” Amanda said pulling her money out of her purse.

“It’s already paid for,” Carlos said as he sat the glasses on the bar.

“What fucking pervert bought us drinks already,” Kara asked slamming her clutch down on the bar.

“Ma Cherie,” Max said coming up behind her, “That’s no way to describe me.”

“Thank you, fucker,” Kara replied giving him a hug, “How are you?”

“I’m good, so I hear you moved down the street from me?”

“News travels fast,” Kara said sarcastically, “Who told you?”

“Craig did, he warned me to stay away from you. With the way he warned me, you would have thought he was fucking you or something.”

Amanda spit her drink out and started coughing, “I’m sorry, bad alcohol. CARLOS, MAKE ME A NEW ONE!”

Carlos laughed as he made Amanda another Long Island iced tea while Kara talked to Max.

“You want to come up to the VIP room; a lot of the guys are here tonight.”

“Jake is coming, so I’ll stay down here until he gets here then we’ll come up.”

“Sounds good,” Max replied, “Come on, Kara.”

Max took Kara’s hand and led her to the VIP room, “KARA,” all the voices said in unison as she walked through the door.

“Hey guys,” Kara replied sitting down noticing the new face on the couch. He shot her a smile and went back to his conversation with the Russian he was sitting next to.

“Alexei, James, this is Kara, she’s Craig’s nanny and future mother of my beautiful children,” Max smirked and he introduced.

“HOLY SHIT THAT’S ALEXEI KOVALEV,” Kara whisper shouted to Max and she heard Kovy laugh.

“That I am,” he smiled shaking her hand.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been a huge fan since I was a teenager. My brother is going to shit himself, can I take a picture with you?”

“Yeah sure, Max can you take it,” Alex asked.

“Yup,” Max said grabbing Kara’s iPhone, “Say ‘Kovy!’”

Kara thanked Max for taking the picture and gave Alex a hug, “I’m sorry, I’m a huge fan and sometimes I don’t think before I talk.”

“It’s perfectly fine,” Alex smiled, “Have a seat.”

Kara took a seat next to Alex and they engaged in a conversation when the door to the VIP room opened and in walked Anne followed by Craig.

“Kara,” Anne said coming over to the couch, “How are you?”

“I’m great,” Kara said taking a deep breath, “How are you?’

“Could be better, trying to get passed something Craig told me but other than that, I’m fine. I see you met James and Alex.”

“She fangirled for a second when I introduced her to Alex,” Max said coming over to say hello.

“FUCK YOU, FRENCH BASTARD.”

“Name the time and place and I’ll be there, babe,” Max winked before he sat down on the couch next to Tyler Kennedy who was wrapped up in his girlfriend.

“I still haven’t found a place to live,” Kara heard James say to Alex as she made small talk with Anne.

“You’ll find something, I’m sure one of the guys need a roommate, maybe you should ask around the team.”

Anne excused herself from her conversation with Kara while leaning over, “James, I don’t mean to intrude on your conversation but Kara here is actually in need of a roommate since her best friend is moving in with her fiancĂ©.”

“What the fuck is this? The Real World,” Craig huffed as he came through the door with drinks.

“I was just telling him that Kara needed a roommate.”

“Would you like to check it out tonight,” Kara asked, “I usually leave pretty early and I don’t get drunk since I have job interviews lined up for the next couple of weeks but you’re more than welcomed to check it out tonight.”

“I was actually just getting ready to leave and head back to my hotel room for the night since we have an early practice tomorrow, is it okay if I take your number down and I will either call or text you after practice is over and we can arrange a time?”

“Yeah sure, that’s fine,” Kara said pulling her phone out of her clutch and they exchanged numbers. Veronique, Marc-Andre Fleury’s girlfriend was now talking to Anne and they smiled at the conversation between James and Kara.

“They look absolutely adorable together,” Vero had said to Anne and Craig tried not to let his anger show. James said goodbye to his new teammates as he headed for the door and Kara excused herself to go to the bathroom. Craig waited for a couple of minutes before he walked towards the restrooms.

“What the fuck was that,” Craig asked gently guiding Kara back into the single bathroom before he locked the door behind him.

“What are you talking about,” Kara replied, “Have you lost your fucking mind?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, you fucking flirting with James. It had Anne and Vero all ‘OH MY GOD, THEY’RE SO CUTE TOGETHER!’”

“Fuck you, Craig,” Kara said pushing past him to unlock the door, “I was not fucking flirting with him, I need a roommate and he needs a place to stay.”

Craig went to say something as Kara opened the door and Craig pushed it closed, “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Back to the guys and Anne,” Kara said trying to open the door.

Craig leaned down and kissed Kara. She tried to push him away but he was too strong for her and she mentally killed herself as she kissed him back.

“I want you right now,” Craig whispered as he slid Kara up the wall causing her to wrap her legs around his waist.

“This is so wrong,” she whispered tears nearly falling down her face.

“Please don’t regret this, God please don’t regret it?”

“Craig, you’re married,” Kara barely managed to get out before Craig entered her.

“God Kara, you feel amazing,” Craig said attacking her neck as he thrusted in and out holding her in place with his arm around her back as he occasionally leaned her back to gain better leverage.

“CRAIG,” Kara moaned burying her face in his chest, “FUCK!”

“Tell me you want me,” Craig whispered as he ran his hand under her dress and cupped her breast with his hand.

“I want you,” she whispered as she felt herself get close before she buried her head in his chest to silence her scream.

“You feel so fucking amazing,” Craig moaned as he too reached his peak spilling himself inside of Kara.

“We can’t keep doing this,” Kara said as he placed her on her feet when she was steady enough to walk without collapsing.

“Kara,” Craig whispered cupping her face in his hands, “I shouldn’t have these feelings for you but I do and they’re not going away.”

“Make them go away because I will not be a home wrecker. I feel like a slut enough as it is already, I just stooped to a new low by having sex with someone in a public bathroom at a club, Craig, please just don’t do this,” Kara said fixing her hair before she slipped out of the bathroom and into the crowded club.
As she made her way outside she turned down the alley and slid down before she let the tears fall from her eyes. Max had noticed her leaving and followed her out of the club, “Ma Cherie,” he asked rounding the corner, “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I’m a little homesick,” Kara lied and Max easily bought it, “I just got a text from my brother and my nephew is walking and I missed his first steps.”

“Come on, ma Cherie, I will walk you home,” Max said holding his hand out to her and she let him lead her back to her apartment.

“Thank you, Max,” Kara said as they reached her door, “I appreciate it.”

“What are friends for, right,” he smiled before giving her a hug.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, goodnight.”

Max gave her a kiss on the cheek, “Are you coming to practice?”

“I have a job interview, Vero is taking the kids for the day.”

“Oh right,” Max smiled, “If you need anything, call me.”

“Goodnight, Max.”

Kara shut her apartment door and slid to the floor bursting to tears as she did so. She felt the black cloud of guilt immediately wash over her as she curled into a ball and cried herself to sleep on the hardwood floor praying that this whole situation was a dream but it wasn’t and when she woke up, she’d have to face the facts that this was reality.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chapter 1-Family Man

“Rhys, come on buddy, pick up your toys,” Kara said to the three year old toddler.

“Pwease Kayra, five more minutes,” Rhys begged playing with his Transformers action figure.

“Daddy and mommy are on their way home and I told daddy I’d be getting you ready for bed,” Kara replied, “I still have to give you a bath, Francesca’s already sleeping.”

“But I no tired yet,” Rhys replied, “I be good today.”

“You’ve been very good, but daddy doesn’t like it when you stay up pass your bed time.”

“Ok, I put my toys away,” Rhys said sighing in defeat as he began placing toys into the toy chest before he picked up his coloring papers and handed them to Kara who put them on the refrigerator before she put all of the extra paper in the drawer.

“Come on, Reese cup,” Kara said picking the toddler up swinging him around.

Rhys laughed and Kara smiled, the little boy brightened her day with his cuteness and she missed him terribly in the summers when the family would go on vacation sometimes without her.

“I lubs you, Kayra,” Rhys suddenly said wrapping his arms around Kara’s neck.

“I love you too, sweetie,” she replied smiling before placing a kiss on his cheek as they headed down the hall to his bedroom.

The room amazed her; the small boy was three years old and loved hockey. He worshipped the ground that his father walked on and he knew all of his father’s teammates’ names and nicknames. Kara smiled thinking about the small boy said “Fleury,” his father’s teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender’s name.

“Batman or Spiderman pjs,” Kara asked.

“Spidey,” Rhys said smiling removing his own shirt while Kara rummaged through his dresser drawers for pajamas and underpants.

“Look at you getting undressed with no help like a big boy,” Kara joked causing Rhys to laugh.

“I am a big boy,” he replied sticking his tongue out.

“You’re a stinky boy too,” she joked making a face and Rhys frowned crossing his arms.

“Am not!”

“Whatever you say, stinky,” she laughed picking him up from the bed tickling his sides and blowing a raspberry on his stomach causing him to giggle.

Kara placed him in the tub of hot water; she was careful enough to check it to make sure it wasn’t too hot and would burn him. She washed his curly blonde hair first telling him to close his eyes so she could wash the shampoo out.

“I smell like a girl,” Rhys frowned.

“Hey kiddo, your dad uses this stuff too, are you calling your dad a girl,” Kara joked.

“Never,” Rhys laughed splashing Kara.

“Hey, that wasn’t nice,” she joked ruffling his wet hair.

“I’s sorry,” he said smiling and Kara melted to pieces when he did.

Kara finished giving Rhys his bath; she dried his hair with a blow-dryer so he didn’t get sick and pulled his Spiderman pajamas over his head. Rhys curled up next to her as she read him a book and soon she heard soft snores coming out of the three year old.

She shut the book, placing it back on the bookshelf before she leaned down and gave the boy a kiss on the cheek while tucking the blankets around his neck just how he liked them.

“Kara,” she heard Anne’s voice call from the hall, “We’re home!”

“Hey, how was the gala,” she asked.

“Hell,” Craig said coming up the steps smiling, “I hate these things but they’re for a good cause so I guess I should stop complaining.”

Kara and Anne laughed at Craig’s whining, “How were the kids,” Anne asked.

“Francesca fell asleep about an hour ago and I just got done giving Rhys a bath, he’s sound asleep.”

“Were they good,” Craig asked with a raised eyebrow.

“They were perfect little angels, we played and colored, I ordered pizza for them, and then we watched movies until Francesca fell asleep but Rhys was all wound up for some reason.”

“He loves trying to stay up until we come home but it never works,” Anne laughed.

“He was bound and determined to do that but I told him he had to go to sleep because you said so and sure enough, he’s cleaning up his toys and on his way to sleep.”

“She may have to move in with us, so she can do that every night,” Craig joked.

Kara looked at her watch and sighed, “It’s getting late, and I should get home.”

“I forgot I’m taking you home tonight, just give me ten minutes to change out of this suit and I’ll drive you home.”

“Thanks Craig,” Kara said smiling as he walked into the bedroom leaving her and Anne in the hall.

“Your check is on the dining room table,” Anne said smiling and giving her a hug, “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon; I’m falling asleep standing up.”

“I’ll see you in the morning actually, Craig asked me to come help get Rhys and Francesca ready to go to practice while you go to the WAGs meeting for Pens and Pins.”

“Oh okay, perfect, see you then,” Anne smiled walking into bedroom.

Kara organized her stuff and finished cleaning the dining room as Craig changed his clothes, “Are you ready to go,” he asked stepping into the kitchen where Kara was doing dishes.

“Yeah, just let me load these into the dishwasher and we’ll be good to go.”

After loading the entire dishwasher and writing Anne a note to take them out in the morning, Kara grabbed her coat from one of the dining room chairs. It was early winter in Pittsburgh and the weather was slowly getting colder.

Following Craig to the car, Kara climbed in the passenger seat and replied to a text message she had from her brother in Florida.

“My brother is an asshole,” Kara said as Craig backed out of the driveway.

“Why,” Craig asked smiling over at Kara as he put the car in park and turned down the road to the main highway.

“He texted me and asked me if I could get tickets for the game in Florida in March. I’m going down there for a week and he wants to see a game.”

“I could get you guys tickets if you’d like, that’s no problem.”

“Craig, I can’t ask you to get me tickets. You and Anne pay me enough.”

“You didn’t say that when I got you tickets to the Stanley Cup finals,” Craig laughed.

“I was just graduated from school and I wanted a fun summer.”

Craig laughed, “Whatever you say, Kara. By the way, where the hell did you move to?”

“South Side works! I live above the stores.”

“Don’t tell Max that, he’ll be stalking you every chance he gets since he lives around there,” Craig joked.

“Maybe I want him to stalk me,” Kara replied half serious, half joking.

“You better be joking, I wouldn’t allow him to date you.”

“Oh really,” Kara asked eyebrows rose, “Since when am I Rhys or Francesca?”

Craig laughed as they pulled into the small shopping center, “Which one’s yours?”

“The one above American Eagle, you get in through the entrance on 25th Street.”

Craig pulled into the parking space in front of the apartment building, “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, “Be at the house around nine, practice is at Southpointe and it starts at eleven.”

“Okay, see you in the morning, goodnight Craig.”

“Goodnight Kara,” he smiled as she shut the door behind her and he watched her to make sure she got into the building safely. She gave him a small wave as she shut the door behind her and he honked the horn once and sped off into the cold Pittsburgh evening.

Kara had just finished getting undressed when she heard the buzzer to her apartment going off. Thinking it was her roommate, Amanda that had a habit of losing her key, she remained in her bra and underwear as she opened the door.

“You left your phone on the seat,” Craig said turning around smiling and Kara gasped as they both realized her lack of clothing.

“Oh shit, I’m so sorry,” Kara said grabbing her coat off the rack next to the door to cover her body.

Craig stood there staring and Kara felt self-conscious, quickly fumbling with the tie on the long trench coat, Kara looked up when she saw Craig reach out to stop her.

“I’m not sorry,” Craig said as he connected his eyes with hers and immediately pinned her against the wall kissing her.

“Craig, stop,” Kara replied not really sure if she meant it or not. Of course she was attracted to Craig, who wouldn’t be but he was married and had two children.

“No,” Craig said moving his lips to Kara’s neck and she tried to suppress the moan that was in her throat.

“Cr-Craig,” she moaned as he slid the coat off her shoulders.

“I want you, Kara,” he whispered, “Do you know how hard it is listening to my teammates talk about what it would be like to have sex with you without wanting to kill them.”

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” Kara said as Craig slid his jacket over his shoulders, “You’re married, God I’m going straight to hell,” she said as Craig pulled his shirt over his head and she attached her lips to his.

They moved to Kara’s bedroom and Kara cursed herself in her head the entire time. Craig entered Kara slowly and she let out a scream.

Kara threw her head back as Craig took the time sucking her breasts, “Faster,” she breathed.

“Shit Kara,” Craig moaned.

“Oh fuck,” she moaned as Craig reached between her legs and ran his fingers over her nub.

“Cum for me Kara,” he whispered and she screamed as she collapsed under him.

“CRAIG,” she screamed, “OH MY GOD!”

Craig rolled off of her and laid next to her, “I’m sorry,” he said.

“This never happened,” Kara said as she climbed out of bed and got dressed.

“See you in the morning,” Craig said as he got dressed.

Giving Kara a kiss on the cheek, he shut the door behind him. Kara quickly undressed again and took a shower. She felt dirty and she felt like a slut. She slept with a married man and she hated herself for it.

The next morning came around too quickly; Anne had called her and told her that she needed to come over early since she had to meet Brent Johnson’s wife, Erica for breakfast before heading to the meeting.

Pulling her hoodie over her head before grabbing her purse, Kara left her apartment and headed to the one place she was dreading to go to.

She pulled into the driveway and used her key to the house to open the door. Craig was sitting at the dining room table drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.

“Good morning,” Kara said entering the kitchen.

“Hey,” Craig smiled, “Are you hungry?”

“Yeah,” she replied.

“I’ll go wake the kids up and we’ll get something to eat on the way to practice.”

“It’s okay, I’ll cook.”

“Rhys likes McDonald’ pancakes, we’ll stop there on the way.”

“I’ll go get the kids,” Kara said walking out of the room. Kara felt Craig grab her from behind and push her against the wall.

“Kara, I don’t regret last night. I mean I should but, it’s just, I can’t explain how I feel about you,” Craig said cradling her cheek in his hand.

“Craig, what happened last night was a onetime thing. I refuse to let it happen again,” Kara said, “I love this job and I love your family but I can’t continue to sleep with you. It’s one and done.”

Craig sighed before nodding his head in agreement. Kara was about to walk away when Craig grabbed her and kissed her again. The kiss was getting deep but Rhys let out a scream calling for Craig and they pulled apart.

Kara sighed to herself before wiping away the tears that were coming down her face, she shouldn’t feel the way she did about a married man. She shouldn’t have slept with him in the first place; he was the family man that everyone loved. There would be hell to pay if anyone ever found out and she needed to put an end to it before something bad happened.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Prologue.

Everyone loved Craig Adams. He's the loving husband and devoted father to his two small children, Rhys and Francesca. He was a 2009 Stanley Cup Champion living out his dream in the city of Pittsburgh with his family by his side but little do his colleagues know that he has a secret to tell.

Kara Bender was a college student just looking for a job when she stumbled across an ad in a newspaper asking for a babysitter for two toddlers. The Adams family loves her but like Craig she has a secret to tell.

Craig and Kara's secret can destroy not only them but everyone around them that they love. They've been having an affair for six months and Craig is beginning to second guess his love for his wife while Kara deals with whether or not she should tell Craig that she's pregnant with his child.