We meet up with Becca, Scott, and Murph for breakfast, which was a little crazy. Scott is a well-known local celebrity. Add in a couple of his teammates, and people go nuts. We finally make it through breakfast and decide to head to the downtown market. Becca and I tend to hit it up for fresh produce a couple times a month, and Murph and Brian are looking for Alaskan things to take back to their moms.

Once we arrive at the market, Brian and I split off to wander through all the booths set up. He finds some Alaskan knickknacks to take back to both his mom and sister before we meet back up with the rest of the group.

“Hey, I think after we leave here, I’m going to head home for a nap. I’m exhausted,” I tell Brian, as we head toward where we are meeting everyone else.

“Care if I join you? I could go for a nap myself,” Brian says, as he pulls me into his side.

“If you want.”

“I want.” He winks at me.

We spot the rest of our friends and approach them. I’m still tucked into Brian’s side, and his arm is around my waist. I catch Becca’s gaze, and she raises an eyebrow at me, a knowing look on her face.

“Hey, guys, find everything you needed?” Becca asks, turning her attention to the guys.

“Yep,” both Murph and Brian answer her.

“We’re going to head out. Catch y’all later,” Brian tells everyone.

“Call me later,” Becca calls out to me as we are walking away, and I wave to her, so she knows I heard her.

* * *

We make it back to my place and head right to my room and crawl into bed, completely exhausted. Brian has once again stripped down to his boxer briefs, and I have on my tank and boy shorts.

“If I wasn’t so tired, I don’t think I could keep myself from stripping these off of you,” Brian says, as he flicks his fingers along the elastic of my underwear.

“Mmm…sorry for the torture, but no funny business,” I reply, as a yawn escapes.

I’m just about to fall asleep when my cell dings with a text. It’s from Becca.

Becca: Do you guys have dinner and evening plans yet?

Kinley: No.

Becca: We are going to grill and then sit around the fire pit at Scott’s. Do you want to join us? Bring your suits and we can hang out in the hot tub.

“Sounds good to me if you want to go,” Brian says from over my shoulder, after I show him the text.

Kinley: Brian says we’re in. Want me to bring anything?

Becca: Perfect! I will let you know. Once I get to Scott’s we’re going to make a list of what we need at the store and make a run. Maybe you could bring your famous dip?

Kinley: I can do that. What time are you thinking?

Becca: Whenever. I’m sure we will start grilling around 6ish.

Kinley: OK, sounds good. We will be over probably around 5.

I set an alarm on my phone, so that we don’t oversleep, and so I have time to run to the store to get everything I need to make my famous dip. I can just put it together at Scott’s if we run out of time.

* * *

A nap is exactly what I needed. I wake up refreshed and after getting ready, Brian and I head out to the store and then over to Scott’s. While I quickly make my dip, Brian heads to his room to shower and change. Once he is done, we all congregate outside before Scott grills the steaks. The weather is beautiful, so we enjoy our time with each other, reminiscing about old times and listening to the guys tell us about life as NHL players.

It's late when we all decide it’s time to call it a night. Brian walks me out to my car, and before I can open my door, he grabs my hand and turns me toward him.

“Thank you for spending time with me this weekend. I had an amazing time on our date last night, and staying up all night getting to know you.” He runs a finger down my cheek and along my jaw, and I can feel the heat in his gaze as I’m sucked into it. I can tell he really wants to kiss me, but is holding himself back. I lift up onto my tiptoes, and place a kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks for being a gentleman. I really enjoyed our time together, too,” I whisper before I lower myself back down and open my door, sliding in before he can pull me back out and kiss me.

Brian holds on to my door for a few seconds. “Text me when you get home, so I know you made it safely.” He then closes my door, and raps his knuckles on the roof of my car twice before taking a step back.

“I will. Have a good night,” I call out my window as I pull out of Scott’s driveway.

I make it home about ten minutes later, and head straight toward my bedroom. Our short nap this morning, and then again this afternoon, didn’t fully make up for the missed night’s sleep. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I change into some sleep shorts and a tank, and crawl into my bed. I’m immediately hit with Brian’s smell. It’s imbedded in my pillows and sheets, and I almost feel like he’s here again, with his arms wrapped around me.

I pull the sheets up to my face and take a deep breath, suddenly aware of just how much he has ingrained himself in my life already. I have never felt so close to someone I’ve known for such a short amount of time. He impressed me so much, and proved that he isn’t as much of a player as his public image makes him out to be. Never in a million years, would I have thought he would lie in a bed with me all night, and not try and push me into sex with him. Not only did he do that, but he made sure I knew he would stop at any moment I wasn’t comfortable with what was going on.

Kinley: Hey, made it home safe and sound. Good night.

Brian: Good night, sweetheart. Will I get to see you again before I leave this week?

Kinley: I’m not sure, I go back to work tomorrow night. I have to get laundry done, as well as go grocery shopping tomorrow, before I take a nap in the afternoon, so I can make it through my first night back. Then once I’m on nights, I usually sleep most of the day.

Brian: No pressure, but I would love to see you again if possible. I don’t care if it’s just at your place as you do laundry and get ready for your work week. I just want to see you before I leave.

Kinley: I’ll text you tomorrow and we can see what’s going on.

Brian: Sounds good, sleep tight.

* * *

The next morning, I get up early to make up my grocery list and head to the store, so I can get that out of the way. I usually like to take a nap by one, so I need a head start on the day. After I get home from the store, I start my laundry and pick up a bit around my condo. I’m just finishing up in my kitchen when I hear a knock at the door.

Opening it, I find a sexy as sin Brian, leaning against the doorframe.

“Hey,” he says with a smirk. “You didn’t text me this morning. Kinda thought you forgot about me.”

“Sorry!” I cringe. “I got up early and got a jump-start on my day, and haven’t really stopped. I meant to text you, but didn’t want to wake you up.” I step back and open the door all the way, so he can come in. “I’ve been just cleaning and doing laundry since I got home from the store this morning.”

“You have been busy,” he muses.

“Would you like something to drink? I just finished up as you knocked, so I’m done cleaning for the day.”

“I’m good for now. Can I take you out for lunch?”

I look at the clock to see that it’s only a quarter to twelve. Plenty of time for an impromptu lunch date.

“As long as we are back by around one-ish. I need to grab a few hours’ nap before work tonight.”

“Don’t think that will be a problem at all. Where would you like to go?”

“Mmmm…do you like Mexican?” I ask him.

“I like just about anything. You lead the way.”

I grab my purse and keys, and we head out the door. He borrowed Scott's extra truck, and offers to drive us. The Mexican restaurant we are going to isn’t very far away, and is easy to direct him to.

After we are seated, and our drink order is taken, Brian starts to look over the menu, while I just put mine on the edge of the table. I have been coming here for years, and already know what I want to order.

“Already know what you’re having?” he teases me.

“Yep, I always order the same thing.”

He chuckles at me and goes back to looking over his menu. “What do you get?” he asks, as one of the employees drops off a basket of chips and salsa, as well as our drinks, on the table.

“I get the tacos carne asada.”

“That sounds good. I think I’ll have the same.”

Our server arrives to take our order, then we fall back into idle conversation.

“Are you getting excited to see your family in just a few days?”

“I guess. I’m a guy, I don’t tend to get all giddy about seeing people. I’m used to not seeing them, except for short trips or over the summer.”

“Yeah, but aren’t you excited for your sister’s baby?”

“Yes, but once again, I’m a guy,” he chuckles.

Our food arrives quickly, and we dig right in. Our conversation continues to flow over lunch, and once we are finished, Brian takes me back to my place and drops me off.

“Thanks for hanging out with me today. I’m glad we met while I was here, and hope we stay in touch,” he tells me, after walking me to my door.

“I’m glad we met as well. Have a safe trip home, and don’t forget to text me that picture once your nephew arrives.” I grin, as I kiss his cheek and head into my condo.

“Bye, Kinley,” he calls out, just before my door closes.