Chapter 11: Taking Charge

A little shorter. Should have another one up in a couple of days :) I told you guys I'm on a roll haha :D !!

''Shit! Ohh my god, he can't see you here. Hide in the closet or something,'' I tried to stay as quietly as I could. My agent was on the other side of the door and he usually wasn't happy about me seeing people. Thinking it would distract me from my career.

''Ughh, just coming. Let me get dressed first.'' I tried to chuckle but the panic running through me wasn't helping. I was pushing Max through to my bedroom. Where to put a fully grown man? ''In here,'' I shoved him into my en suite and shut the door behind him.

Running to the door to my suite I glanced in the mirror and saw that I was noticeably flushed. My cheeks were crimson. Fuck it. I swung open the door and plastered a smile on my face. He pushed past me and plopped down on the sofa Max and I had just been sitting on.

''Okay so lets go over the days itinerary,'' He started and began to drone on and on for what seemed like a good half and hour. What if Max had to be somewhere? I wasn't listening to a word Tony was saying but instead was considering everything that had happened before he arrived. We kissed for sure but only lightly and the looks were exchanging were undeniable.

''Marissa darling, are you listening?'' I was brought out my trance by his highly annoying voice.

''What? Yeah, of course,'' I tried to be as convincing as possibly but I wasn't sure he buying it by the look on his face.

''What color have you decided?'' Ohh shit.

''Umm, blue?''

''Blue?'' Crap.

''No black,'' I hoped this was the answer he was looking for or I'd be going through all the colors of the rainbow.

''Much better, now can I use your bathroom?'' He asked a question but didn't wait for the answer as he started moving towards my bedroom and the en suite where Max was hiding. I ran on ahead and just as he reached the door I dived in front of him.

''Toilets broken, sorry.'' I was never any good at lying but usually my natural talent for acting came through and saved the day.

''Ohh,'' His mouth shaped into the sound he was making. ''Okay then I'll see you in an hour, I'll just show myself out.'' I think he now thought I was little crazy with my diving stunt. I still had no idea about my plans for the day but I was sure I could remember him leaving a list of everything on the coffee table.

I swung open the door of the bathroom and saw Max sitting on the floor, his back up against the wall, reading Vogue. He glanced above the magazine and grinned a cheeky little smile.

''I didn't know turquoise was the color for the season, must bear it in mind next time I go shopping, '' I couldn't help but laugh at him. He was so immature but in such sweet way. ''I should probably go, I have practice in half an hour,'' He stood up and brushed of his jeans and checked shirt, I was sure only he could pull something like that off.

''I was worried, that you had to be somewhere.'' I smiled weakly, thought of earlier still running though my head. ''Would you like to have dinner tomorrow night?'' The words were out my mouth before I could stop them. I never asked guys out but this time I appeared to be taking charge. A new me perhaps?

''Wow, I usually alway have to ask but yeah. I'd like that.'' He started. ''But as long as I pick you up, you know thats the guy, ughh, thing to do.'' He let out yet another nervous laugh. What is with this guy? He's got a rep for being a womanizer so whats the deal?

We got to the door and both of just stood there awkwardly. This time though he took charge. He put a hand on either side of my hips and brought me swiftly towards him. Moving his hands up to the side of my head, he looked at me with unmistakable desire before pressing his lips to mine in a searing hot kiss, running his tongue along my bottom lip, me granting him entrance easily. Then he pulled away, smiled and walked out the door. Leaving me wanting so much more.

Knock

Knock

Knock

I opened the door to see Leo looking like an excited teenager. Sometimes I swear there's something wrong with this man.

''Well what happened? I saw him leaving your room,'' He sounded like a woman. An eager little puppy. He wanted to know about my escapades more than likely because he wasn't getting any himself.

''Come in and I'll tell you,'' I laughed and couldn't help but smile as I placed a hand to my lips still feeling the tingles that Max had left. Maybe I need a little romance.

Chapter 10: The Moment

Nearly 2 month since I update but now I'm back on track! YAY! Here's an update, hopefully get another up tonight :) I'm so sorry for the wait, lets get this show on the road haha :D. Thank you soooo much for all the comments :D

No it can't be, he can't be gone.

''I'm sorry darling but he passed away a few hours ago, we didn't want to wake you.''

No! No, this was never supposed to happen!

I woke to a familiar smell. One of eggs, bacon and orange juice. Wanting to savor my last moments of sleep I didn't bother opening my eyes. Then I felt the bed shift and my eyes darted open.

''Hey sleep head,'' He smiled as I mentally worked out how the hell he could of gotten in here, the security is meant to be patrolling the lobby.

''How the fuck did you get in here!'' I shouted as I gathered up the bed clothes wrapping them around my semi-naked body and moving off the bed.

''Relax, don't worry. I know the receptionist, she gave me a key. I just figured you could use some cheering up after last night.'' He started the puppy dog eyes but I'd be damned if I let him get round me that easily.

''You can't just come in here, what if I'd been naked!'' I said a little confused the more I thought about what his intentions could be.

''Well them all the more fun for me. Come on, calm down I was only being thoughtful,'' He continued on.

''What's that smell?'' I snapped as my senses came back to me.

''Through in the living room, I ordered breakfast,'' He grinned like he had just won a prize.

I shuffled as best I could through to the lounge area my suite had and was amazed at the amount of food that was laid out on the glass table that sat in between the two cream couches. Everything I could ever of imagined sat steaming hot, he must of ordered the whole breakfast menu.

''I didn't know what you liked so I just decided to order what I like which is pretty much everything,'' He chuckled a little before moving round beside me and sliding an arm around my waist.

''Umm, I think I'm just gonna jump in a quick shower, won't be long,'' I felt a little uncomfortable with bed head hair and very little on, especially with him standing so close to me.

I jumped in the shower still trying to process everything. I figured I should call my therapist now that my nightmares were returning, it hadn't happened in a long while and we had discovered that it was only when I was emotional that they occurred but it could wait for now. I was more concerned about the large hockey player currently sitting on my couch, wondering the hell he would even think to come here, let along bring me breakfast. Men their worse than us women.

I decided just to slip on some shorts and a white tank top, blast my hair with the dryer and not really bother with how I looked. He was cute though, so maybe I should make a little effort. Just as I reached the door I darted back and dabbed some make up on my cheeks. Why on earth am I doing this?

''I started but don't worry I left plenty for you,'' All of sudden he seemed quite nervous as I sat down beside him giving him a small smile.

As we ate I studied him, he really was quite handsome. A little rough around the edges but I didn't want perfection. Perfections just boring. You don't need a man or a relationship, your independent. I tried feeding myself a big fat lie but everything ended up at his eyes, they were so understated. Every time I thought about something or tried to distract myself I looked at them and felt completely under his spell.

I was still quite mad at him for just assuming I would be okay with him just waltzing into my room but as he turned and held gaze all the rage suddenly left my body leaving me feeling slightly weak and with a feeling I was unaccustomed to.

He slid closer to where I was sitting, still peering deep in my eyes. Lifting his hand to sweep a stray strand of hair from face. The pad of his thumb rubbed along my cheek, drawing me into his touch. ''Your so beautiful,'' he whispered as leaned in, I felt his hot breath on my lips and shut my eyes. His lips touched mine ever so softly.

''Marissa, you awake,'' A banging came on the door, pulling us out of our moment. Damn.

Chapter 9: Dinner

Sorry it's a little late but I hope you like it? I LOVE your comments :-) !

I started to compose myself, wondering how many people would notice when I made my exit from the coat closet. Yep, people do it all the time. I stifled a laugh. I carefully opened the door and darted out, hoping if I did it quickly maybe nobody would notice and I was right, only the unsuspecting diners at the table across from the closet were a little startled.

I strode confidently over to the table where everyone was sitting, only too aware of the fact that I was gathering glances from around the restaurant. I smiled looking around and saw that the only seat left was next to him.

''I hope you don't mind sitting next to Max,'' Leo said with a smirk on his face. He had planned this, I knew it. I made a little reminder in my head that I had to bring it up with him later, although I knew he'd flat out deny it.

''No, not at all,'' I said as I walked round to the other side of the table and took my seat in between Max and another unfamiliar face. I assumed he was a player by the way he was dressed, with the tell tale penguins hat sitting backwards on his head.

The waitress came and took our orders a little to quickly for my liking, she made double, no triple glances at Max and as she began to walk away I saw her turn in our direction. ''Hi, Max.'' she said in one of those sweet little voices that always made my ears burn.

''Hey - Cindy right?'' A little grin spread across his feature which I noted gave him two little dimples on either cheek. I'd always loved dimples.

''Carla,'' She replied still smiling. I got the feeling of the nature of their relationship. A one-nighter maybe? Just one date? I wasn't quite sure but I sensed a bit of tension coming from Max.

Dinner came and we all made the usual small talk. I was ravenous and quickly ate up anything that was put in front me, in the most graceful way of course. By the time dessert had come and gone I was sure I had put on at least 4 pounds, I silently laughed as I thought about how much four pounds in the fashion world, there would probably be an article at some point questioning whether I was pregnant? That was one of the down sides to fame.

We ordered some more drinks and as people began to become a little tipsy, the mood lightened and jokes started pouring from mouths. I sipped on my martini, carefully stealing glances of Max whenever I could. He was cute, maybe even hot. I was engrossed in conversation with the man sitting next to me on my left side, whom I'd figured out was named Kris. He, like Max also had an accent- French? I thought. We had started talking about cars, something that had always been a passion of mine when I felt a hand on my knee, I stayed very still. It crept up my leg until it reached the hem of my dress and then I stopped and pulled at my dress. I jumped up.

''Yes, well I think I need a drink,'' I said a little giggly and realized who ridiculous it sounded when I already had a perfectly good martini in front of me.

I walked over to the bar and ordered my drink and the barman began talking to me. Which to be quite honest started making me feel uncomfortable when I decided he in fact hitting on me. He wasn't pretty, know what I mean? Was this really the type of man I was attracting these days?

''I get off in 10 minutes, fancy going for a walk?'' He winked at me and I felt a little freaked out by him.

''Hey babe, I think it's time we get going.'' I felt an arm slide around my waist and I looked to my right and saw Max standing beside me. The barman had swiftly wiped the smirk off of his face and was now glancing nervously at me. ''Yeah,'' I said, making sure I followed his lead.

We walked out to his car and somehow managed to by pass the photographer's that were waiting at the side thinking we would try to use the side door. I sat a little speechless in the passenger's seat. ''I over heard your conversation back there, figured you needed some help getting out of that,'' He laughed nervously. ''Yeah, he was a bit of a creep,'' I whispered, unsure of what to say. He drove me back to my hotel and stopped outside, I wondered what to do but he made the move for me, kissing me tenderly on the cheek and I hopped silently out of the car. I made it to the lobby when I heard my phone.

''Breakfast tomorrow?''

Chapter 8: Just Checking

I know I said the weekend and it's Monday but I lost my power cable for my laptop and it's batteries dodgy so I found it tonight and decided to come straight on and post this chapter :-) I love love love the comments, keep them coming :-D

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I looked at him trying to work out what I should do in this situation. I could either run or stay put and pray he doesn’t say anything. I couldn't pry my eyes from his and he just stood on the other side of the room looking at me as if he could see right through me. Hang on a minute, am I letting myself - a strong independent woman be reduced to melting mess? I don’t think so. I wasn’t about to let him see that I was a little fazed by him. I marched over to where he was standing.

‘’Marissa Jones,’’ I said while extending my hand, trying to gauge his reaction. I could tell he was surprised by the look on his face.

‘’Max Talbot,’’ He said in reply while grabbing my hand and shaking it firmly. ‘’I heard you were coming, it’s very nice to meet you.’’ He continued, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

I scanned his face for any signs of what he was planning next - nothing. He looked down at our hands which were still gripping each other, let out a small laugh, let go and turned back around -finishing off whatever he was doing beforehand. Well I wasn't expecting that. I was sure he was going to say something - just a little quip or a comment to set tongues wagging. But no, not a thing.

''Marissa, we'd like to take a few photo's before we head out to dinner with the team. So could you get beside Sid,'' I retreated to the safety of my entourage and did as I was told, I was never one to make a big fuss about a few pictures. I didn't really care how I looked.

We snapped some pics with 'the superstar' and some of the other players on the team. I smiled most of the time and pulled a few poses to keep it a little interesting. Before I knew it we were being bundled into the back of another SUV with blacked out windows. Ehh, what going here? ''I think you should change into something a little more dressed up, you can't go to a fancy restaurant with jeans on.'' My agent answered my question, personally I couldn't see a problem with what I was wearing but I'd change quickly and get it over with.

I rushed into my room and pulled out a monochrome mini dress and a pair of simple black Jimmy Choos, lifted a black clutch and fluffed my hair. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/45096. I bypassed the mirror, sometimes they only made me self conscious.

Slipping into the up market restaurant mostly unseen. I clocked the large table of men at the far end of the room. I started to move but before I could go anywhere I felt a pulling on my wrist and stumbled into what I could only assume was the cloak room. I was spun around and I noticed someone kneeling at my feet and a small light, coming from a phone. Fingers ran over the calf with the number on it and finally whoever it was stood up to face me.

''Just making sure.'' Then he turned and left, leaving me standing there.

Chapter 7: Ohh The Energy

Hey :-) Sorry it's been a while since I update but now I'm back in a routine with school I'll be able to update twice a week. This chapter's just a kind of filler so it's pretty short :-( I've actually already written the next chapter, I wrote it first because I had all these ideas for it haha I'm evil :-P So now I'm writing this one to fill a little gap but I'll post the next chapter at the weekend :-) I love love love the comments, they make me smile so much, keep them coming :-D

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The following day was spent doing press conferences and interviews. Repeating the same rehearsed lines over and over again. My publicist tells me what to say and I ramble on about how I adored working with Leo - which I suppose isn't a lie. How I loved working with the director - which is most definitely a lie. And finally how great the film is - which I don't even know becauase I haven't seen it.

What the hell do I wear to a hockey game? I wonder as I stand infront of my wardrobe pulling out random pieces of clothing. The maid had unpacked my case the day before, something I had told her I would do myself but she insisted - simply because I'm famous which I hate. It's not like I have some disability, I'm perfectly capable of hanging a few clothes on hangers and folding some of them and putting them in a drawer. People don't appreciate how hard hotel staff work to please the customers.

I know I need to be glamorous but casual. For big events I have a stylist but for daily life, I'm on my own. I finally decide on a pair of skinny jeans - I wear them religiously. A black v-neck sweater - I decide to put a white tank top under to stop everyone getting a very good look of the girls. A little bit of cleavage still on show, I slip on a pair of classic pair of black louboutin heels. I know we'll be sitting with the crowd and it'll be cold so I grab a jacket from a hanger and slip it on. Theres a knock on the door just as I go to open it for myself.

''Alright sweetheart, let's knock him dead.'' Leo says with a massive grin on his face, I confided him about that I was almost 100% sure that Max played for the Penguins. ''You look great by the way,'' He whispers in my ear as we make our way into the black SUV that's waiting for us at the entrance to the hotel.

We manage to get to our seats with being hassled to much and to make us look even more common we get hotdogs and beer so that we fit in with the crowd. I feel comfortable because the atmosphere is buzzing, everyones hoping for a win and deep down I know that's what we'll get.

The game starts and the three girls below me start to chatter on about the players. The go through a couple, discussing how hot they are or the rumours they've heard about them being a little on the promiscuous side. I let out a little giggle and they turn to look at me and I immediately straighten my face. I wonder . . .

''Hey, you girls wouldn't happen to know if someone called Max plays for the team?'' I ask the blonde one who has obviously caked her face in make up or fake tan.

''Max Talbot? OHH MY GOD! He is so fucking hot!'' She screams. Great, a burst ear drum thats all I need. I smile to myself.

''So ehh, what do you know about him?'' I ask gingerly, worried about what's going to come out of her mouth.

''He's a sex god! My friend once fucked him and she said that his stamina never faltered, his energy was amazing! Know what I mean?'' She said with a wink. I burst out laughing - maybe this guy was worth calling even if only for a little fun.

''Thanks,'' I said grinning as the girls turned their eyes back towards the game that eventually we won 3-2, I think.

We were brought down into the locker room and introduced to some of the player, we stopped at whom I assumed was the captain because of the rather large 'C' that was imprinted on his jersey.

''This is Sidney Crosby,'' The steward said quietly as if he was saying something he shouldn't.

Hmm, why does that name ring a bell, then it came to me. Amanda. I burst out laughing, my cheeks glowing red at the words she said. Then I saw those eyes looking at me. Damn, this was about to get interesting.

Chapter 6: The Review

Hey guys :-) I'm just back from my holiday in France and I decided that I should get an update posted. I had to separate this chapter into two separate ones because it was far too long. So I picked a random place to split it, this half is mostly a filler but the second half has the drama haha :-P I'll get the 2nd part posted soon :-) Once again thank you so much for all the comments, I kinda jump around for a little while when I get them haha :-)

I'm also doing a co-writing venture :-) With 7 other writer's and we've been working really hard so check out our twin stories; they both must be read at the same time as they're both connected :-P

http://inmoreplacesthanone.blogspot.com/ - Pittsburgh Part

http://team--chicago.blogspot.com/ - Chicago Part

I've been reading a story for a while now and I noticed it doesn't have many followers which is totally unacceptable because I love it, haha. So have a read if you like . .

http://staalbrotherfanfic.blogspot.com/

20,000 feet above ground level, I sat on a reclining arm chair deciding whether I should write down the number on my calve before it washes off but writing it down also begs the question; should I call him? On the other hand I could simply ignore it and eventually those black numbers would fade away and I could get on with my life.

''Somethings wrong, I can tell.'' Leo stated as he sat down on the chair on other side of the table I was sitting at. We had been working together for the last year, during that time we had become close, no not in the way most of you are thinking but in the way that we could both pick up each others vibes and had a knack of knowing when something was wrong with the other and this time was no different.

''Long story. Just a guy well I'm not really sure why I'm bothered since I can barely remember meeting him,'' I said in reply knowing he would probably keep probing me until I told him the full story.

''I've got the time, now spill it.'' So I re-told the events of the previous evening, enjoying the faces he pulled as I did so. Leo wasn't much of a partier, small things shocked him. I finished by telling him about my tequila induced memory loss and how I'd found 'Max's' number on my calve.

''You should call him. He 'gave' you his number for a reason and it wasn't just for fun.'' He said once I had stopped talking. Still I wasn't convinced. This guy was apparently a hockey player and I had heard stories about his kind. I wasn't up for just another fling.

I left it at that. I mulled over my options until my agent sat down on the only free seat remaining. He babbled about our shedule for the next few days, I didn't pay much attention - I never did.

''Tomorrow night we're going to a hockey game. Just to show the press that you guys like to have fun like normal people. You'll get to meet the players and everything.'' Okay so that got my attention.

I began working things out silently in my head. If we were going to Pittsburgh and assuming there was only one hockey team worth watching, I also distinctly remembered Katie mentioning that it was the ''Pittsburgh Penguins'' that were in town. I did my calculations and came to a conclusion: Ohh, Shit.

Chapter 5: The Lunch

Hi :-) I'm back and I'm trying my best to write as good an update as possible, please leave a comment telling me what you think, I love getting feedback - negative or positive, everything helps :-)

I finished drying my hair still trying to recall last nights events but my memories evaded me. I slipped on a pair of a dark skinny jeans, a grey Abercrombie and Fitch t-shirt and a long navy cardigan. I was definitely feeling the effects of last night. I fastened the buckle of my silver gladiator sandals - I was feeling a mix of hot and cold at the moment. I hope I'm not coming down with something. I shuffled to my wardrobe pulling out a silver Mulberry tote, I stuffed all my useless junk in it and grabbed my black ray-bans as I walked out the door.

I got to the entrance of the Crowne Plaza as I stepped out the door, the sunlight hit me and made my blinding headache even worse. I rumbled around my hand bag trying to find the sunglasses I had only just put in. Ughh, ever find that you have so much stuff in your bag you can't even find a single thing? Ohh look, an apple! Finally! I thought as I eventually found them and slid them over my straining eyes. I strolled the 3 blocks to our usual Starbucks and glanced through the glass exterior to see Amanda with a book one hand and a coffee in the other. At the table sat another cup, Ohh Amanda, ever the thought full one.

''Hey girlie, what happened to you last night?'' She said as I gingerly sat down at the table, silently cursing her for being so loud. Thinking about it, she could be whispering and it would still sound louder than a fighter jet.

''Yeah well, I was hoping you could maybe help me on that one because I seem to draw a blank every time I try,'' I replied hoping terribly that she would at least unlock a memory bank that would help me remember some of the night before.

''Well you met that gorgeous guy who knocked you over in the restaurant and you pretty much made it clear that you weren't interested in anyone else but I'm not surprised you can't remember because you were knocking back Tequila like there was no tomorrow. I found myself a cute brown haired guy to go home with and I just assumed that the cutie from dinner had made sure you got home safely. I mean he didn't seem like a creeper but are you okay?'' She asked with a concerned tone in her voice.

''Eh yeah, I'm fine. Just got a major hangover. I think he must of just got me to my room and then left but he did leave me this though,'' I bent down and rolled up the bottom of the leg of my jean and showed her the number.

''Aww, that is too cute. You should definitely call him, well only if you want to obviously. If you don't then I will.'' She said jokingly but knowing Amanda I knew she probably would if she was pushed.

She let the subject drop after that and filled me in on the guy she had taken home the night before and then she used a particularly hilarious quote to sum up him up, ''When Sid colours he uses every crayon in his box''. That was it, I burst out laughing and I honestly didn't care that I was getting looks from the entire cafe, I instantly felt better. I guess laughter really is the best medicine. I felt a vibration against my foot and picked up my bag and found my cell phone in a small pocket. I looked at the caller id, it was my agent.

''Sweetie I really have to take this call and I should probably get going as well,'' I said getting up from the table.

''Sure babe, see you soon!'' She called as I began walking out of the coffee shop. I pressed accept on the touch screen on my cell phone.

''Marissa darling, we need you and Leo in Pittsburgh tonight for a meet and greet to promote the new movie, m'kay?'' Ughhh! George always does this, calls me at the last minute and tells me I need to be somewhere. Can't he understand that I might actually have plans, I don't but still.

''Hello to you too. Yeah, okay just send a car for me at the hotel in an hour or something. Bye!'' I said cutting him off before he could start ranting at me about something I had done wrong or about how ungrateful I am. With the cut he's getting from my pay check he should be thanking me. I sighed heavily, I guess I better get packing then.