Quick catch up!

Thanks again for your dedication, am enjoying this story immensely! Hope you are too. As you may realise things are very calm...at the moment!

Pia - glad you're appreciating the regular updates! My family aren't quite so much, I'm hunched over the laptop most of the time as I'm buzzing with this!

Cupcake - will def keep on with this, and yep lots of unwritten stuff to come out yet. When do things ever go smoothly???

Samaira T - there has been more of Owen and Chris' sisters in this chapter...hope that satisfies your curiosity?? ;) And Chris is quite the gent isn't he? I don't want to let him do anything wrong, I'm enjoying him too much!

Layla - ha ha! I know the 50 shades buzz is everywhere. I think you can tell from Chloe's tone what I think about it! But anyway, I love throwing pop culture references into the stories, hope that it grounds them a bit...I mean everyone is talking about it!!? As for Chris, he's kind of perfect at the moment. Nothing lasts for ever, but I'm liking hot and hunky Chris at the moment!

Sarah - no probs! Just glad that everyone enjoys - it's the only reason I write!

Will aim to keep up regular posts!!

MZ

Reasons Why - 7

Chapter 7

"So you're seeing him later?"

Chloe was sat at the breakfast bar trying desperately trying to eat pancakes without conversing at great length with Didi. She'd hardly slept with frustration, and she rued the way the night had ended so abruptly. Phil had taken the boys to swimming lessons, and since he'd left Didi had been fishing for information.

"We're going to the game, I've said I'll hang around afterwards."

Didi handed her a mug of coffee, "you seem a little despondent."

Chloe groaned, dropping her knife and fork, "I'm here for a few weeks..." She shook her head.

"Hey, Anastasia married Christian Grey after about a month and that worked out!"

Staring at her sister-in-law for a moment she laughed, "Fifty Shades is a work of fiction, and it's about a naive virgin and an over possessive perverted sexual predator! This is hardly the same!"

Didi laughed, "I'm glad to hear Chris is none of those things!"

Grinning despite it all, Chloe replied, "I know you want me to be happy, but I don't know if a loose affair with a man like him is best for me."

Coming across to her, Didi placed an arm around her shoulder, "we're not trying to sell you off to some fit man, it's just..." she giggled, "if I were ten years younger and fifty pounds lighter I'd not be able to say no...if I was single of course."

Getting ready for the game was a confusing issue, after all, this was in effect a sporing event AND a second date. She was more annoyed that she wanted to look great for him. She wanted to badly to turn up in her scruffiest clothes, but she knew she couldn't. Saying that her travelling wardrobe was minuscule. So she had to settle for a denim miniskirt and a gypsy blouse in a floral pattern that sat off her shoulders and her flat sandals. It was a compromise.

The arena for the game was full to the brim a couple of thousand people all focused on the box in front of them. How much of a buzz must this be? She wondered as the teams emerged. Phil had explained on the way over that there were only a few games left before the end of the season, and at the moment playoffs were beckoning, and so the games were sell outs, and the atmosphere electric. He led her to a bleacher type seat at one end of the arena behind the goal, then proceeded to explain the nuances of the game as she was a complete novice. 

Then it started. And it was fast! She could hardly keep her eyes on the ball as they ran, threw, hurled into each other. It was very exciting. Phil gave a running commentary from her side, and she seemed to hold her breath every time Chris had the ball. 

They won, eight seven, and it was as close a game as the score indicated. Chloe had controlled her nerves and anxiety of the situation by joining Phil and Carter in hot dogs and popcorn. But the hot dog wasn't a patch on the one she'd eaten loaded with sauces and pickles walking home via the boardwalk as the sun started to rise. It was at that moment, and with that thought that she realised that she no longer had control over the situation. She WANTED to spend time with him, and she'd regret not doing that. Phil was right in one thing. She deserved some fun. 

Chloe didn't know when Chris found her in the crowd, but for the last half of the game his eyes did wander from game play to her far more often than was necessary. And the last time she'd silently scolded him, and that made him laugh. After the success, the team circled the box with a victory, and it was then that he sought her out. 

"Meet me outside?" he asked through the plexiglass. "You know my car!" 

Her nod of agreement made his eyes light up in a ridiculous fashion, and he rushed off to change.

Phil had been reluctant to leave Chloe in a car park, but she insisted he get Carter home. So she climbed into his car as the hood was down, and slipped the ear buds from her phone into her ears, she'd preloaded tons of music before her trip and rifling through her playlist, she selected a classic, James their greatest hits, and with eyes closed tapped her feet along to the tunes.

Less than half a dozen songs passed before one of her feet were lifted from their place draped over the door.

"A little over familiar Miss Palmer?" The glint in his eye told her he was joking, but the people stood with him looked a little more...angry? She recognised the blond guy from the previous day, Kaleb. But behind him were two girls who looked a more than a little pissed off with her. Chloe laughed inside, because at that moment Chris was staring at her with a mixture of pleasure and something definitely darker. If she didn't know better she'd swear this was the 'undressing you with his eyes' look that romantic novels talked about. Saying that she was draped over his car in a very uncaring way.

Removing her ear phones, she reached out a hand for assistance and he pulled her out of the vehicle easily and into his waiting arms. She deliberately wobbled, knowing that he'd catch her, then sliding her arms around his neck ignoring his look of surprise she planted her lips very suggestively on his. 

Chris' groan against her mouth was barely audible other than to her, and she took that little weak moment to slide her tongue into his mouth. Her adrenaline was pumping and she was loving the way that he responded to her.

As his hands slid around her, pulling her closer to him, Kaleb coughed, "get a room already!"

Chris pulled back for a moment looking at her knowing smug look, the witch had planned that. He needed a steadying breath as his mind anticipated what that might mean. "You enjoy the game?" His voice was a croak.

Chloe chuckled and it was a warming sound, but as she nodded that she had, the intimacy of the moment was disturbed by another cough from behind. Chris groaned, then spun around, "Chloe, this is my buddy and all around pain in the ass Kaleb, Kaleb, Chloe." 

The two shook hands and Chloe gave a very British "pleased to meet you!" which caused his eyes to widen.

He then introduced Kaleb's girlfriend Marie and his sister Shayla. Both girls scowled at her, but nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

"Pile in guys!" He offered to the backseat, ensuring Chloe sat up front with him. 

"Where are we going?" Chloe asked once they were driving.

He manoeuvred through the traffic with ease before replying. "Few drinks and some food downtown? One of our teammates has an apartment and we can leave the car there."

Smiling as he glanced over, they both turned their eyes back to the road. 

Leading her from the underground car park by the hand, the other three were a long way behind. 

"You're in a rush!" She gasped as she almost broke into a jog to keep up.

Chris turned and waggled his eyebrows at her, "I'm still trying to process the reception I got back at the car!"

Shrugging in a coy fashion, she let him lead her into the busy bar. 

And it was chaos. Chloe was glad that Chris held her hand tightly. It seemed the whole of the fan base had descended on the bar in the centre of the City, and everyone wanted to congratulate Chris on his performance. She followed behind him patiently and tolerated all the disruptions graciously. Once they reached the bar, Chris made for one end, near the wall and secured her safely on a bar stool. 

"You ok?" he asked as the barman took their order for beers. 

She smiled, "now I see why I was a novelty!"

Reaching out he cupped her cheek, "joking aside Chloe, you are anything but a novelty. So are you going to explain my welcome earlier?"

Chloe smiled, "what's the score with you and the girls?"

"Marie and Shayla? They're friends of my friend. That's all."

Nodding knowingly she finally answered, "well one or both think they're in with a chance, the looks they gave me...well let's just say, you benefited from them pissing me off!"

Craning his neck he started to look around, "where the hell are they? I'm wanting more of that sweet love!"

Chloe grinned, "it might not have been them, just maybe I've realised that you're fun to be around!"

His eyes were still widening as he interpreted that comment, when her lips met his.

It was the first time they'd kissed with the knowledge that they both found the other attractive, intriguing. And it was magical. The sounds of the busy room seemed to fade as they explored each other's lips, tongues tangling, each touch sending frissons of excitement through their bodies. 

"What's changed?" he asked as he pulled his lips free, their foreheads still touching. "You hated me yesterday."

"I don't hate you...I never did...you're just intimidating I suppose."

"And the fact that Marie and Shayla were there..."

She interrupted the direction of his comment, "if I didn't want to be there...with you, then I'd have gone home with Phil. I realised somewhere today that it was harder not to spend time and have fun with you!"

It was a real revelation, and Chris was surprised that someone so reticent to get involved with him was now almost declaring interest in him. He hated the games that an early relationship came with, Louise, his last girlfriend had been all about games. Playing hard to get, then seducing him, then trying to trap him into more. Here he had honest Chloe. And he was glad that his earlier judgement was proved right.

Smiling, almost basking in the warmth of her words, Chris watched her drinking her beer, trying not to let his imagination run away from him. This is what it is, a second date, and whilst he may only have a few weeks with her, he wasn't about to blow it by being too intense too soon. 

"Thank you..." he offered. When she looked at him quizzically, he smiled, "for giving me another chance!"

"Hey Guys!" the white blond head of Kaleb emerged beside them, "been looking for you all over. You ok?"

Chris nodded, "fine. Just desperate for a beer." 

"What are you doing to him Chloe?"

She immediately flushed red, but Chris wasn't paying attention, "Kale, back in the kennel you dog! I have my own mind you know?"

Kaleb flushed, "sorry, just never seen you so head over heels before."

It was Chris' turn to blush. "Not making things any better. Suggest you go find your good lady and your sister and tell them not to be hostile to Chloe again."

He scurried off tail between his leg and Chloe was amazed, "I thought he was your friend!"

"He is, but us guys do things differently to you gals! And i won't have those girls scaring you off!"

She was about to protest that that wouldn't happen, when he leaned in, "let's get out of here!"

As Chloe nodded, he led her to the back of the bar and out into the cooler street via a side door. When he turned to her he offered, "I'm not dragging you off into a compromising situation, but I fancy somewhere quieter where we can talk."

Chloe somehow struck mute nodded again half disappointed at his promise to be a gentleman, and half relieved. Damn Chris Petrakis for making her so indecisive and torn.

Reasons Why - 6

Chapter 6

After forty minutes of open road, Chloe had relaxed. There was a good selection of music on the radio what she could hear over the roar of the road. Chris was calm behind the wheel, using one arm to expertly negotiate any disruptions to his path. 


They'd driven North, close to the coast for most of the journey, and as he pulled into a marina with a lush view of the sea, Chloe smiled, it was a beautiful place.

"I love it here! It's quiet, quite exclusive, and..." he offered a smile, "no one knows me!"


She nodded, replying, "I can see that would be a problem!"


Chris turned and lifted his shades, noting the sarcasm in her voice, "excuse me Miss...? Shit, I don't know you last name!"


Chloe groaned, "Palmer, I'm Chloe Palmer."


Nodding, he extended a hand, "nice to meet you Miss Palmer, now less of the cheek and sarcasm. Are we walking? Eating? Or taking a drink?"


Chloe didn't think there was a great amount of choice, all options had connotations. 


"Walk?" she offered.


It was met by an enthusiastic nod as Chris rushed around to open her car door and lead her off to the coastal promenade. It was awkward for a moment, Chloe was determined not to start any conversation, and ignored his attempts initially. But it was such a lovely place, with motor boats, yachts, some huge. She couldn't resist commenting on them, and all too soon they were talking about neutral things. Chloe chose to also ignore the smug smile that seemed to permanently sit on his face.


Finally they sat at a bench a long way from the marina, and Chris couldn't help thinking about the previous night, or rather early this morning when he'd sat on a bench near her brother's and kissed her.

"I maybe should've told you more about myself this morning, last night. I get that. And I'm sorry for that. But we were having fun, at no point was there a deep and meaningful chat about anything."


Chloe digested that for a moment, the sudden seriousness  in the midst of light hearted conversation almost caught her out, "I was wrong to be so angry with you this morning, but I didn't think I'd ever see you again. And there you were in the midst of my world, my family...it threw me of kilter and I should never have been so angry."


He grinned, a real genuine grin, "I'm glad to hear that. You're pretty scary when you're angry you know!"


Sighing she looked at him, "I meant what I said about not seeing you again. This isn't going anywhere Chris."


If she'd slapped him he'd have been a bit less speechless. "What do you mean? I don't get it!"

"I've a lot going on, I'm not in the right place for a relationship..."


Groaning he took her hand, "I'm not suggesting marriage, just a few dates, some time together. I like you. There's no harm in that!"


Shaking her head, she couldn't meet his eyes, "I'm here for a few weeks, then I leave. there's no point!"

"Chloe, all I want is to take you out for dinner, can't we do that? Let's not over complicate things, this is what it is."


Chloe couldn't think that way, she was too worried about becoming attached, she'd never been good at compartmentalising things, her heart always ruled her head, she'd been in love, and heart broken more often than anyone she knew. This man was dangerous...but so sexy.

"Dinner Chris Petrakis, that is all I'm offering."


Shrugging he stood and offered her a hand, "and I'll take it!"




The restaurant he'd chosen was a grill house, modern and airy despite the warm evening. They were shown to a table on the veranda over looking the luxurious harbour.

"So what do you recommend?" she asked lifting the menu.

"It's all good, the steaks especially, but also any of the Mexican dishes. Really good."


Chloe nodded, "I love Mexican. Good choice!"


He ordered them a beer each,  but they both knew they'd only have one, he was driving and she had no intention of getting drunk. After ordering, she sat back and looked at him, "so Petrakis? What's that Greek?"


Running his finger along the rim of his bottle, he pondered his reply for a moment, "My grandparents live in Athens, but my parents and my sisters live in Connecticut. My Dad worked the City in New York for years."

"So you're American not Canadian?"


He nodded, "but since I graduated from school, I spend the summer season in Canada and then winter usually East coast, depends on who wants me!"


She tried to contemplate that for a moment, "so you don't live here?"


He shook his head, "I don't really live anywhere permanently. I'm given accommodation as part of my contract, and I'm secured in Syracuse from September which is upstate New York."

"Ah." It was all confusing to Chloe, who left home, got a job. Then stayed there. At least he wasn't settled down, and she knew that might make this whole thing easier. He wasn't exactly offering her the world. "So you're kind of a nomad?"


He laughed out loud, "you could say that. I've got a finite length playing career so I'm maximising that before I have to retire."

"So what does a retired lacrosse player do?"


He laughed again, "hopefully coach, school or college, or maybe manage a team somewhere. If I'm lucky. If not, then help in my father's business? That's not such a great proposition...but beats being on welfare so I'm lucky both ways, I know that." He cut into his steak and chewed a piece thoughtfully before asking her, "what about you? You're taking a break...is that indefinite or part of a plan?"


It was a whole subject that Chloe wasn't happy diving into, how did you tell a man that was interested in you that you almost had a breakdown and really had to leave your job? But if you don't an inner voice inside her suggested, then he'll keep discussing it.

"My twin brother was killed, Owen...it's made me question my believe in law, justice. I needed to distance myself from that. You have to have faith in your profession, and I don't, not anymore."


Chris was silent, this was nothing like he expected to hear, but the fact that she'd been through this bereavement, he couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose a twin, made her resistance more justified. Not that he thought he was some sort of gift to women. He just didn't like to think he'd read the signs so wrong. He was used to having women throwing themselves at him, he was a long way from an NFL or NBA star, but he did have more fame than your average Joe, and with that came attention. Lots of it unwanted. 


Saying that he and other players were used by both the club and the sport to promote and attract a crowd, and with that would obviously come negative as well as positive. 

"I'm sorry to hear about your brother, that must be awful."


She shrugged, "not a lot that could be worse...I'm just glad that Phil has been so good to me." She explained about the late appearance of the man into her life, and how good he'd been, vital even, since Owen had died. Chris couldn't share her devastation or empathise with her over her loss, but he could compare sibling stories. So as they finished their main courses and until their desserts sat in front of them, they exchanged stories of family holidays, dinner table arguments and teasing over first dates. Chloe loved to hear about his staunch Catholic family and the formal meals his mother insisted on every weekend. H e was the oldest of four, his three sisters seemed to be the bane of his life, causing chaos at every turn. She missed that closeness, that exasperation at the hands of a sibling that you loved so much.

"So would Owen have liked me?" Chris asked when she'd told him about a holiday in France as children.


"Yes! I think so. He was always ready for fun, but he managed to work hard too. Not many combine that well." She looked up at him, and it broke his heart to see the emotions still raw welling as tears in her eyes. "Everyone liked him. Really they did." 


Smiling she added, "he had charisma...a bit like you!"


Chris took the well veiled compliment with his own smile, "then it's a loss that I'll never meet him."


She liked that response and nodded, "it is!"



"So what now?" Chris asked as he paid the bill. "Home? Or can I tempt you out for a coffee, a walk..." he groaned, he was curfewed from bars as it was the night before a game, and he couldn't offer to take her 'back to his'! It didn't leave a lot to offer.

"You could give me a bit of a guided tour? I mean Phil intends too at some point , but I can't seem to work out where things are in relation to each other!"


That was great, driving he could do. And with the roof up it would be a little more intimate and he could actually carry on the chat. He felt he was making headway.


Cocooned in the old car, his most worthy possession, Chris accelerated out of the marina. He'd changed the radio to a CD of old crooners, Chris Isaak was bemoaning a Wicked Game, he loved it. Glancing at her slyly he saw her confused face and grinned, "purposely selected to appeal to your bad music taste!"


She stuck her tongue out, "just because I slandered Shania Twain doesn't mean I hate everything North American. I like Chris Isaak, in fact I have this album at home!"


He raised an eyebrow, "so we have something in common!" He chuckled at her huff, but all too soon the easy conversation had restarted.

"So you live in Victoria?" 


Chris glanced across to see her watching him, a foot tucked under her, far too much bare thigh on display. Gulping he looked back to the road, "the club offered me an apartment in the downtown area, but I'm not like that. So I stay in a house, on the beach a few miles further along the coast to your brother. It's awesome, huge house, and only me and my buddy Kaleb Niemi. He was the guy I was with earlier..."

"I couldn't believe you were there. I'd fallen asleep on the grassbank, and when I woke up you were literally sat beside me, talking. It was all a bit weird!"

"And a coincidence..." he added seeing where her thoughts were taking her, there was nothing staged about it. "If you believe in coincidence...cos it may have been fate!"


Chloe knew he was letting her stew for a little while, he drove back towards the centre of town quietly, she'd never get used to saying downtown, it just wasn't in her vocab. But as the open roads and scattered buildings gave way to higher buildings, more density of houses, he pulled the car over and opened his City guide. 

"We're here..." he pointed to a spot North of the City, "this is Phil's house, and this..." he pointed to an area to the South East. "That's Beacon Hill Park, definitely a good place to go, but it's too dark now."


For the next hour he showed her all the major sights on the town, from museum to sports arena's and all his favourite haunts. By then it was after eleven. They were both exhausted. But he didn't want the night to end.


He rolled the car to a stop outside her brother's home. 

"There's so much I want to say...I can't see you tomorrow...we have a game..."


Chloe nodded, "I'm going with Phil and Carter. Quite looking forward to it!"


Chris' heart surged, "really! That's great! You could join us all for a drink later? If you like?"

"I thought I'd say no, definitely not."


He grinned, "but you won't?"


As she smiled a response he leaned in to kiss her lips. And it was everything she both remembered...and dreaded! It took her by surprise, but just as she relaxed into the contact, he pulled away. As she watched him drive off, heart pounding, body longing for more, she almost laughed, because that was more of a shock.

Reasons Why - 5

Chapter 5

Despite the amount of times she'd heard the term 'jaw hitting floor', Chloe realised at that very second that she'd never witnessed it before. Didi was...astounded...amazed...completely dumbfounded.

Chloe chuckled, "am I that unlikely a candidate?"

Didi shook her head as she fought to focus on Chloe, "of course not! It's just he's...so well known around here. And you were so sure you weren't going to see him again!"

"I'm not! I'm here for a few weeks. I'm not going to turn daft over some good looking bloke!"

Didi glanced at Chris, then back to Chloe, "damn girl, he's hotter that hot. You've got better resolve than me!"

"All I want is to get out of here without him seeing me!"

Twenty minutes later Phil was back with the boys. If he noticed the tension between the women he said nothing.

"Lunch? On me? I promised the guys some salmon fishcakes!"

Chloe stared at him, "salmon fishcakes? Surely kids want McDonalds as a treat?"

Didi laughed, "our favourite waterfront bar," Chloe took that to mean the pub they'd visited earlier in the week, "sells the best fishcakes, and an all-you-can-eat ice cream dessert! It's a boys special in our house!"

"So let's go!" Phil insisted, Carter dancing up and down beside him, his eyes already glazed over at the thought of unlimited ice cream.

Chloe darted her eyes nervously around the yard, there was no sign of Chris, so she nodded. But none of them moved that quickly, and she could barely hide her frustration at their ambling gait.

"Meet us at the car," Didi offered, noticing her discomfort. And as Chloe nodded and jogged for the car park, she turned to Phil. "You will never believe what I'm about to tell you!"

The car park was the other side of the field that fronted the school, and she jogged until she was out of view of the yard and everyone associated with bloody lacrosse. It was the last thing her hangover needed, and she slowed to  a stroll making her way to the minivan.

Leaning against the hot metal she covered her eyes, this was a disastrous day all round. All she could envisage was falling asleep in the gingham covered bed in the well ventilated loft that classed as home for the next few weeks. And she wanted to be there now.

"Come on Neimi, you blonde bastard! I am dying here - official!" A voice called out across the car park.

Chris.

Her escape was thwarted. Chloe didn't know where to hide her face as an open topped classic American car - a mustang? she wondered, roared across the carpark, the back seat was loaded with equipment, sports bags, and driving was the owner of the voice. As he pulled to a stop, his face mirrored Didi's expression just a little earlier as he spotted the red faced Chloe leaning against the car.

Cutting the engine, he literally leapt over the closed door to stand in front of her, "Chloe?" Despite his bravado and the arrogance she'd witnessed the previous night, as he stood there, he looked nervous, vulnerable. Ignoring the catcalls from his blonde friend who'd finally climbed into the car, he walked towards her.

She nodded her head, "can't believe you didn't let on, didn't say what you did. Made me look a right fool today!"

He was taken aback, "what do you mean? We hardly got down to shoe size and employer last night!"

"You know that I'm taking time from my law career to travel, you know I'm here for a few weeks staying with my brother. How hard was it to say 'I play sport and I'm a bit of a big deal'?"

Chris sighed, wondering how the hell it had suddenly got so aggressive. Seeing her leaning against the car was like a gift from the gods, he could hardly tell his friends that it wasn't the lack of sleep making him so distracted and lethargic today, it was dreams and visions of a tall blonde goddess. And now she was here, in front of him, dressed SO sexily in a cute straw haat and ridiculously short shorts. "It was nice to meet someone who doesn't know who I am..."

She shook her head, still angry, "too little, too late." Suddenly the memory of her collar bone rushed back, "and you gave me a hickie? Who does that at our age?" In her own head she sounded as petty and childish as she labelled him. But she didn't seem to be able to control herself.

He burst out laughing, "I did not!"

Tugging the neck of her t-shirt over her shoulder she waved the offending area in his face, "explain that then Mister!"

Groaning, he shook his head, "blame it on exhuberance?"

As he watched Chloe turn away, he reached for her, "meet me, tonight? So we can talk?"

Shaking her head she snatched her hand free, "No, I told you that last night!"

"I think you'll find that was this morning!" he attempted a smirk despite her animosity.

"Semantics Chris. It was a laugh, game over!"

As he watched her ruffle her defensive feathers he couldn't let her get away, not without a chance to talk to her. Hell all he wanted at that moment was to kiss her...again. Stepping forward he fought the anger and frustration inside him, "we got on last night Chloe, even if it was just as friends. There's no vaild reason for you not to agree to come out with me, so I don't know what you're scared of, but I am not it. Ok?" 

"That sounds fair!" They both spun around to the deep voice that added to the conversation to see Phil, Carter on his shoulders, Didi just behind him pushing Mikey. "Can't think there's anything better than Chloe having fun with someone her own age! I'm her brother Phil...I obviously know who you are! Pleased to meet you Chris!"

The two men shook hands, "cool. You too! I recognise you," he shook Carter's hand, still on top of his Dad's shoulders, "as the best player from our training earlier!" Carter beamed as Chris turned back to Phil, "I'll pick your sister up at eight?"

As Phil nodded giving his address, Chloe who'd been silently fuming exploded, "don't make plans as though I'm not here! I'll go out if I want to!"

Phil grinned, "great! Eight o'clock it is then!"

Chris smiled apologetically realising that the last thing he wanted was a hostile and forced encounter with Chloe, "do you mind if I just have a moment with your sister Sir?"

Phil's eyes widended at the respect and propriety in the statement, "of course! We'll just put the kids in the car!"

Chris gestured towards his car, and despite how angry Chloe was feeling, she followed, not wanting any more of her dirty laundry to be aired so publicly.

"Chloe, I'm sorry...I just want us to go out, a movie, a bite to eat...anything." He ran a hand through his hair.

"You think the way to woo a woman is to force her in to dating you?"

Chris laughed, "No! But I do think that rescuing her from an awkward situation, taking her dancing, walking her home...I'm not saying that warrants another date, but we had fun. That's all!"

He was flustered and she suddenly saw that vulnerability again. It was a long time since she'd had such fun, he was right about that much. "One date. That is it."

Grinning, he shook her hand in agreement, then perched against the door of his car, and watched her bundle into the car after her family.

Three hours sleep had made the day seem a whole lot brighter, and Chloe woke early evening aware of two things, one that she was a lot happier now that she was refreshed, and two that she owed a vast amount of aapologies. She'd been more than rude to her brother and Didi over lunch and she was mortified for that. Stretching she made for the shower, smiling at the sounds of the boys playing in the garden as she revitalised her body under the hot jets of water.

She'd bought a blue sundress when she'd shopped with Didi in the week, so she pulled that on. It was beautiful, she'd fallen in love with it when she'd seen it, bright blue with thin straps, fitted around the bodice then floating to mid thigh. It was dressy, but she dressed it down somewhat by adding her white converse with it. Her new short hair was dry almost immediately, so she drew some hairclay through it, teasing the locks in to a style she liked. Then taking a deep breath, she headed downstairs.

Phil was in the corner of the room, radio on listening to some sports show, and his emails open on the desktop in fronr of him. He obviosuly hadn't heard her come in, because when she spoke, he jumped.

"So have you told my dad? About my date?"

He finished typing for a few moments, his head still bowed, then he turned around, "Chloe..."

"Don't 'Chloe' me! I know what this is about. Poor old mad Chloe, let's all save her and spoon feed her!"

Phil's eyes widened, and Chloe suddenly realised that the apology she'd intended had disappeared.

"Your father is worried, of course I've told him you're ok. And of course this whole venture was me trying to help out. No one thinks you're mad, no one pities you. We all just want you to have whatever you need to make things good."

"Do you think that is falling in to a relationship with some local sportstar?"

Phil sighed, "no. I think that taking a break from life might start that, and then there's you remembering you're a young woman with no commitments who deserves some fun. He's a good looking guy...Look Chloe, don't hate us over all this."

He stood and walked towards her, "I just want to see you have fun!"

Chloe nodded, "I know, and I'm sorry for being so stroppy and moody earlier."

Grinning, he placed his large hands on her upper arms, "and I'm sorry I took the dad role with him, and with you. I just worry about you..."

She hugged him feeling the bristles of his goatee as he kissed the top of her head, "Phil I have to make my own decisions, I know that I stressed out my Mum and Dad, but I'm not a child who can be controlled. And you can't make it all good, just like that." She clicked her fingers to demonstrate.

"But you are going on the date?" When she nodded he grinned, "you look amazing! Just don't let him drink, there's an important game tomorrow night! Two thousand fans rely on him!"

She didn't deserve this chance from her brother, he'd done all this for her, and had no gratitude. And she knew she'd been unbearable the last few months. Her poor parents. But losing Owen was...the worst thing that had ever happened to her. And any time she was laughing, enjoying herself, having fun, then images of him, as she'd last seen him, bruised and battered, pale and grey on the slab in the hospital mortuary would flash in her mind. She couldn't laugh knowing that he wasn't there to laugh with her. Couldn't enjoy herself knowing that he wasn't at the end of the phone with his own versions of his whacky weekend antics to compare notes. Until the last few weeks she didn't see how she could live without him...no she corrected herself, INSTEAD of him. It should have been her on the slab, and the guilt of the situation would stay with her forever. 

Chloe shook her head trying to draw herself back into the here and now, but it was hard. Owen had been everything. She remembered the last time she'd seen him. A Friday, three days after New Year. He'd called her begging her to rescue him from the date from hell. As was a usual occurence, he'd been unable to say no to a colleagues daughter and was on an illfated date with either an over zealous vixen, or equally as likely a shy retiring librarian. So she'd burst into the restaurant playing the part of the jilted lover, then stormed out, only to be followed by an apologetic Owen. Around the corner they burst out laughing at their antics.

"But you really need to stop this Owen. You never say no, you don't want to hurt them, but abandoning them like tonight is more painful."

He'd dropped his head, his floppy blond hair covering his eyes, "but Nigel my boss said she was so lonely. I didn't realise that meant clingy. I swear she'd be stalking me if I didn't give her the brush off today." 

In a bar a few miles away, a safe enough distance, she'd accepted a gin and tonic and sat next to him in the window of the wine bar, her legs crossed, her prim two piece suit looking the worse for wear. As usual she'd been working late when his plea had come in. After a few drinks she was more relaxed, but was still berating her brother for his behaviour when they parted in taxi's later. 

The next time she saw him, two days later, he'd been dead, beaten to a pulp literally on her doorstep. 

A trip to the bathroom helped her hide the emotions that revisited her, it had been a few weeks since she'd felt so emotional about her brother. Maybe she was turning a corner. But Chris, this handsome stranger was upsetting her equilibrium. 

An hour later, the same open topped car pulled up outside the house, by the time Chris had emerged and made his way to the door, she was waiting for him.

"Hi!" he exclaimed as the door opened, "you look amazing!" He wasn't lying, the dress seemed to bring out the blue of her eyes, and it flattered her figure amazingly.

Chloe smiled at Chris, "you too." He was wearing charcoal grey trousers, with a snug black t-shirt, his short dark hair immaculate, mirrored aviator shades fighting the early evening glare. He looked well presented, smart and successful, any woman's ideal date even if he wasn't handsome, fit and  funny. Shaking her head she had to stop those thoughts. 

Phil shouted a "Hi Chris!" from the lounge, but Chloe groaned and slammed the door behind her before Chris responded.

The City traffic was light for the time of day, but he pulled on to the main road and headed away from town. Chloe peered at her from under her own shades but his confident profile as he powered the car along the road didn't give anything away.

"Where are we going?"

Grinning he turned to her briefly, "a nice restaurant I know out of town. Quiet, well it'll be busy, but not chaotic. Then the choice is up to you."

As he hit the highway the wind whistling past them negated the need for conversations, and she sat back ans enjoyed the view.

Story flying along!

So as Samaira T pointed out, not only am I having more reads since starting this story, I'm also having more comments, or rather new comments! It's such a treat.


I feel I'm taking a risk by staging this story in a real place. I hope that no one in Canada and especially Victoria are not offended by anything I write. I try to make things as real as I can, I've lived in Canada and been to Victoria, and this is truly my best representation of it.


Anyway, comments!


Mal K - You're right to keep your judgement of Chris open. See how he works out! But Chloe is a damaged soul, but a real diamond! Hope that comes through!


Cupcake - thanks and officially welcome! Glad that you're loving this story, and appreciate my strong ladies!! :) And hope you're still loving the hot stranger!


Samaira T - More about Owen today, lots more still to come, but thought you all deserved a little hint of him! And yes she rejected him, but as you can imagine she has her reasons. Thanks for the love! Comments like yours do spur me on to write more, so it's mutual!


Sarah - another new commenter! I've told you of my TH love! Only hope I don't offend or misrepresent your country! Hope that intrigue is a good thing!!


Layla - thanks for your first comment, and thanks for following me from Buzzle! I try to make things detailed, so many stories just jump to the conflict/romance etc, but in real life a lot more goes on, and the more you guys  feel the characters, the more you'll enjoy...I hope!!


Thanks all! Really having a busy week, but the creative juices are flowing like crazy!!


MZ

Reasons Why - 4

Chapter Four

Wow! That was the only thing that Chloe could manage to think as her lips were teased by the firm, inquisitive lips of Chris. She was anything but inexperienced, but this was...amazing. Their bodies were barely touching, but she could feel the heat of every inch of him. She was not one to surrender, but she did, loving the pressure of his lips,  the invasion of his tongue, the nip of his perfect teeth. Was there nothing that this man couldn't master?

His fingers wrapped themselves around her jaw, his thumb strummed her cheek bone, and it was the most erotic sensation she could ever imagine. He even smelled divine. Succumbing to this multisensory assault, the lips that massaged hers into submission, the smell, the taste, even the sound of his throaty growl, all encouraged her to reciprocate. It was so simple, so basic, yet so overwhelming that she couldn't help but groan at his magic. Chris took each moan as both encouragement and acceptance, and his hands dragged her closer to him.

Her hands settled on him, one his chest, the surprisingly firm, muscular body, the other at the base of his neck, in the silky soft short hair.  Gasping for air, Chloe pulled back and looked at Chris, all his bravado and  natural arrogance had gone, she could see his desire, could tell that he was struggling to maintain any semblance of control.

"Chloe..." his voice was a rasp and a spear of warmth jolted through her at the knowledge that she'd done that to him. Now was not the time to think of ex's, but at that moment she knew that no one had ever made her feel this...desirable, but on the flip side, she'd never had anyone look at her like this, as though she was the best gift that a man could ask for. It was a hedonistic pleasure.

"Chris," she breathed his name back, "I've had a great night..."

He raised an eyebrow in question, "you're brushing me off? Saying goodnight?"

She managed only half a nod before he thrust his lips back on hers, and it had all stepped up a notch. His hand was firm, gripping her chin, securing her in his command, the other hand in the small of her back held her close to his hard powerful body. His lips were soft, but insistent, and she could resist for only moments before hers parted and her tongue lashed out to meet his. Chloe found herself grabbing at him, clinging to his shoulders, she wanted more of this, so badly, yet she didn't too. It was so confusing, and whilst she was befuddled by him overwhelming her, the sensory overload and the relaxation of so many beers earlier, desire was winning the battle over common sense. Desire and arousal,  as his lips nibbled their way down to her throat, the curve of her shoulder. With closed eyes she absorbed every ounce of the sensation.

It was then that they heard a noise, and they pulled apart guiltily, as though they'd both been caught with their hand in the sweet jar. Chris chuckled, a deep relaxing sound as he pointed to one of the fishing boats that was heading out to sea. For Chloe it was a reality check. 

Standing she smiled at him, this hot stranger who, for some reason liked her,  "I have to go. I've got lots to do tomorrow..."

His fingers ensnared her wrist and tugged her back to face him, "meet me tomorrow? Evening? We can go out...talk?"

To Chloe this was a pleasant interlude, she couldn't imagine meeting him again, letting him get close, letting him hurt her. She shook her head slowly, "I'm only here a few weeks Chris, it was fun..." She cupped his cheek, "you are a beautiful and funny man...but," she shook her head again, "I can't do this."

With that she turned and ran off, escaping through the tree lined path that led to Phil and Didi's house.

Her heart was still racing as she let herself in through the front door. She'd feared...and maybe hoped, that he'd follow her, but he hadn't and she was relieved, and disappointed. Dropping her shoes in the closet near the door, she made for the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then crept up the stairs. On the first floor landing she tiptoed towards the door to the loft, only pausing to listen to the erratic breathing of the two kids from the rooms to her right. As she opened the door that led to the bed she was desperate to sink into, she dropped the water and it clattered on the wooden floor.

"Shit!" she cursed under her breath, 

As she retrieved the bottle she heard Phil chuckle from deep within his bedroom, "hope you had a great night, I'll have all the details tomorrow! Have no fear!"

Groaning she climbed the stairs to her haven.

Barely any time had passed and Chloe was aware  of being woken by something. Opening an eye, squinting at the overly bright light, she saw Carter sat beside her head cross legged, smiling.

"Hi Aunty Clo!"

She rolled onto her back, an arm tossed over her eyes to shield them from the sun, "Hi darling! How are you today?"

He nodded, "good! We're going to the special day today!"

She raised an eyebrow, "special day?"

"Yep the sport day. Will you come?"

She sat up, ignoring her pounding head, and the fact that she had no idea what he was talking about, "if you want me to of course I will!"

Beaming he left the room and Chloe groaned. A few minutes later after a quick refreshing shower, she was glaring in the mirror with shock. Her chin and cheeks were pink from the abrasion of Chris' stubble, but that was nothing. Just above her left collar bone was a lovebite, a hickie, what Owen would have called a shagtag. She'd not had one since High School when John Malcolm had kissed her at a party, then branded her to prove it had happened. It wasn't a nice, pleasant thing, but then she couldn't remember him doing it last night. She hoped it wasn't a brand for him too. 

Fortunately her grey t-shirt covered it, and a little tinted moisturiser seemed to calm her rosy complexion, her denim shorts, and flipflops were as much as she could muster. But it was with trepidation that she joined the family downstairs.

"We've done breakfast, but I'm happy to make you something." Didi offered with a knowing smirk. 

Chloe groaned, "I'm fine!"

Didi chuckled at Chloe's obvious struggle to fight off the ill effects of the alcohol, "one of the girl's called last night after I got home concerned someone that you had disappeared with a hot looking man!"

Groaning again, she smiled at Didi, "you left me in the hands of predators! I was rescued by a dashing prince! That's all!"

"Yet you came home four hours later?" It was said with a friendly tone.

"Oh Didi, I wish you'd forewarned me over the hockey hair thing! I had no idea when I cut my hair this week that I was opening myself up to all that. They were awful!"

"Really?" Didi slid onto a stool across the breakfast bar from her, "I'm sorry, I'll have to talk to them, I've never known them be like that!"

"I suppose I was so friendly before I knew...may as well have had easy game tattooed on my head."

Didi chuckled, "but Anna said you met a really hot man?"

Chloe laughed, "it was like a knight in shining armour!" She relayed the rescue attempt, and then glossed over the details of her trip to a nightclub with him and the subsequent trip home.

"I am so jealous! Are you seeing him again?" When Chloe shrugged in a non committal way, Didi sighed, wishing her sister-in-law would relax and enjoy her life once more, and what could be worse than a holiday romance?  "Ah Chloe what it is to be young! I hope you reconsider, and don't let Phil tease you, ok?"

Burying her face in her palms, Chloe mumbled, "what's this sports day that Carter's asked me to come to?"

Phil spoke from behind her, "the Lacrosse team are having a family funday, a little coaching, some fundraising, that sort of thing."

"Lacrosse?" To Chloe that immediately that conjured images of Enid Blyton stories of boarding schools and posh girls.

Phil saw her confusion, "it's our major competitive summer sport. And we've got a professional team here, they use these days to pass on their experience to the kids. It won't be anything too special, but the kids will love it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it too, I mean it's played by young and very fit men! Though you may have had enough of fit young men last night?"

She scoffed, poking out her tongue, "when I think of lacrosse that's not what appears in my head, I can assure you!"

Whilst she sipped a mug of coffee, Phil played her a clip of the last game and she was astounded. This box lacrosse was a lot different to the game she imagined. Fast, almost violent in challenges, and with body armour, it was to field lacrosse what ice hockey was to field hockey, she was suddenly excited to watch the game that he told her would be played the following day. Carter had started to play, in one of the kids teams, and as they left the house, he proudly clutched his lacrosse stick tightly to his side. She followed, pulling a denim shirt over her t-shirt, and finding the straw hat she'd bought earlier in the week.

It was only half past eight, and as they travelled to the school that was hosting the family day Chloe realised she'd had a maximum of three hours sleep. Groaning she rested her head against the car window, hoping this nausea didn't come to anything more.

The school was adorned with banners and badges of the lacrosse team, and there were several training sessions happening for kids of all ages, and lots of stalls from tombola's to hot food. Phil excused himself taking Carter off to his booked session, Didi led them deeper into the furore of the fair. 

"I'm going to get a bagel here if you don't mind?" Chloe called to her sister in law who was expertly negotiating Mikey's buggy through the throng of people.

Turning she smiled, "I have to say you look as grey as your t-shirt!"

Groaning, Chloe tried to pinch her cheeks, get some colour into them, "I feel exhausted. Think the kids will let me have some sleep later?"

Looking at her with sympathy, she offered, "you should have stayed home. This is only on for a few hours."

"Carter asked me to come, I couldn't let him down!"

"Well, have some food then go and take a nap?" Didi handed her the picnic blanket that was stowed under the pushchair.

Chloe loved the sound of that idea. Glancing around she spotted the grass bank at the farside of the courts that were filled with squealing children. "That bank over there! Wake me if you need me?" She was so tired that she couldn't focus on the training sessions, the noise...nothing.

After wolfing down the breakfast bagel, she headed for the grass and lay down on the gentle incline of grass, a natural viewing bleacher for the courts it flanked, pulling the straw hat over her eyes. It wasn't long before sleep took her, and her dreams were scattered with the image of a man  a tall dark stranger who swept her off her feet.

Chloe was in a place half awake, half asleep. Dreaming. A familiar voice talking, some laughter. And the hot summer sun beating down on her body. Thankfully she had the straw hat tipped over her face, her delicate face didn't need to be toasted in the sun too! As she came more alive, she could hear voices, shouts, kids playing. But there it was again, that familiar voice. 

Tipping the hat so that she could actually see, she looked down from her position a few feet above the training court to see four men sat somewhere below her feet on the same incline watching a group of ten year olds slinging shots at a small target. One of them, a very blonde man was laughing, patting the back of a darker haired man, though a cap obscured most of his hair, his eyes hidden by shades. The other two were laughing.

"You will crawl home at four am Petrakis then you can't expect to find forty sprites easy to deal with the next day!"

Before she heard the words, Chloe had dropped her head back to the grass, her heart racing and that familiar nausea returned, wishing with all her being that she could make her five foot nine body invisible. She was literally a few feet from Chris and his mates. What the hell was he doing here? And more importantly, how did she escape from this?

Her forehead was clammy as she lounged there, amazed that no one had spotted her. She dared not look at what was happening, but the voices got quieter and it was only then she relaxed. Lifting her hat again, Chloe spotted Didi coming towards her smiling.

"You've been sleeping for about an hour. You ok?"

Chloe slowly pulled herself to sitting and turned to the other woman, "where's Phil and the kids?" When she gestured across the school to a group in the distance, she groaned. "Who's that guy over there? Black cap and royal blue t-shirt."

Didi followed her direction then asked with a smile, "the cute bum and those really nice legs?" Glancing at Chloe she spotted her stricken face, "Chloe, what is it? That's Chris Petrakis, he's this seasons new player. Brought in from some team on the East coast."

Chloe turned to her, "he plays lacrosse?"

She nodded, "yep, and very well. He's like top points scorer this season I think. Phil knows more about this than me!"

Shaking her head, this had suddenly got so much more complicated, she sighed, "that's my knight in shining armour!"