Chapter 3: It's Rough in the Playoffs

Dave stripped down to his boxers, then looked at Jennifer's smiling face and dropped them to the floor as well. He climbed into bed and was very happy when Jennifer spooned her back to him. He put his arm around her, trying to avoid her breasts, as he held her tight against his excited body. He could feel his hardening pole nestled against Jennifer's firm ass. He wanted to make love to her -- but instead just kissed her neck and whispered, "I love you. Goodnight"

He woke during the night and, for an instant, wondered where he was. He felt warm flesh pressed against him, a familiar aroma in his nostrils, and remembered he was with Jennifer. His hand was gently and instinctively caressing her large breasts; he could smell coconut from her hair shampoo. He went back to sleep - he enjoyed the dreamy closeness of sleeping with the love of his life.

In the morning, Dave felt movement in the bed and woke up to Jennifer's smiling face. She whispered, "I love waking up in your arms. I truly love you."

Dave shook the cobwebs from his head and replied, "Ummmm, you feel wonderful as well. I love you, too."

Jennifer rolled on top of him and he could feel his morning hard-on slide between her legs. Her breasts were mashed into his chest. She kissed him tenderly and, even with the awkward morning-breath problem, he loved the feel of her body against his. He had missed her immensely and, for a brief second, he again considered making love to her -- but then the previous summer image of Ann's distraught face from discovering he had cheated on her, rushed into his head and he knew he couldn't make that mistake again.

The two teens hugged and cuddled in the bed for a while until Jennifer finally asked, "Feel like taking a shower with me?"

Dave smiled, "There is nothing I would enjoy more." Then he smiled and corrected himself, "Well, that's not true. There is something I would like much more but as I said last night, that can't and won't happen. But I would love to conserve some water with you."

The two teens got out of bed and made their way to the bathroom. After doing their morning duties, they climbed into the tub-style shower and turned on the water. Jennifer wet her hair down first then switched places with Dave so he could get wet as well. As he finished soaking himself, he suddenly felt soft soapy hands massaging his chest. As the hands slowly moved down his stomach he felt his hard-on quickly return and point at the ceiling. He stepped forward out of the water as Jennifer moved closer to him, worked her hands around his body, and tenderly cleaned his back. She again started with his shoulders and worked her way down his back. Their bodies mashed together as she pulled him into her arms. Dave could feel her mounds pushing into his torso as his now rock-hard shaft tried to works its way into her belly button.

She continued to work her hands lower and lower; when she started to massage his ass he closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensual feeling of her hands. Jennifer slowly moved back as she worked her hands around to the front and began caressing his balls and hard shaft. Dave's eyes shot open as he looked down into her twinkling eyes. She spoke softly, "I know what you said last night -- but I think your body is betraying you."

Dave smiled, "Oh, there's absolutely no question my body is betraying me; but the truth is, if I always listened to what that little hardhead down there says, I would never be faithful to anyone. I'd probably spend my entire life in bed with any available girl with a pulse." Dave leaned down and kissed Jennifer tenderly; then he took the soap in his hands and turned her around so her back was facing him.

After his hands were coated in soap, he washed her back tenderly, slowly working his way down to her ass. He gently washed her ass before he moved his hands around to her stomach as he pulled her close. He kissed her neck and whispered, "I have missed our morning shower routine more than you can imagine. I love the feel of you in my arms - it feels as if we were made only for each other. Dave slowly worked his way up to her round firm globes. He could feel her rubbery nubs react to his hands; not wanting to torment her too much, he moved his hands lower to her stomach after the brief cleaning of her nipples.

He slowly trailed his hands lower until he felt her soft patch of blonde hair. With his arms totally wrapped around her, he gently moved his soapy hands between her legs and softly cleaned her thighs before he cupped her sex with his right hand. He immediately felt the heat from her excitement. He rubbed his hand around her nether lips but never actually penetrated her. He heard a soft moan from her - his head was swimming in the excitement of the situation and he realized he was quickly losing control.

In a quick sudden move, he spun himself and Jennifer around so that the water was suddenly beating down on Jennifer's body. The gush of water broke the intensely sensual moment just enough. He whispered in a whoosh, "You are driving me crazy. You are so hot and I want you so bad -- but I can't. I'm going to wash your hair, then wash mine and get out of here before I do something I know I would love to do but will regret the minute I get home."

Dave rinsed his hands in the water before he reached for the coconut shampoo and generously poured some into one hand. He then tenderly washed Jennifer's hair. He loved the feel of her hair between his fingers and he carefully washed her completely. When he was finished, she took the shampoo and washed his hair. The two teens stood sideways as the stream of hot water cascaded over their bodies and they kissed long and lovingly. They exited the shower together and dried each other tenderly.

Jennifer left the bathroom and went to her room while Dave returned to the spare room and got dressed. He decided to surprise Jennifer and went downstairs to cook breakfast. He found eggs and bacon in the fridge and cooked a full breakfast. When Jennifer eventually entered the kitchen, she was surprised to see the table set and her breakfast awaiting her. She walked to Dave and kissed him with gratitude and love, "Thank you for cooking breakfast. You are full of surprises, aren't you?"

He smiled, "I knew you needed some time to dry your hair, so I just wanted to make sure you started your day with a good meal. I'm sure it will be a long day."

Jennifer for the first time that day thought about her father. She had been so at ease with her mother's comments the previous night that she had put all her thoughts and energies into letting Dave know she loved him and that she wanted him back. She sat solemnly in a chair as Dave pushed it in for her; she ate quietly and reflected about what might happen that day.

Dave noticed the sudden change in climate and knew his comment about a long day must have set her off. After several minutes of silence, he set his fork down, put his hand to Jennifer's chin, and lifted it so her eyes were looking directly into his. He spoke softly, "Your dad is going to be fine. Your mother said so last night. He will be home in no time."

Jennifer smiled and nodded. In a very low soft voice she said, "Thank you, Dave, for being with me. You are truly my best friend and I love you."

Dave leaned across the table and kissed her to emphasize his response, "I love you, too." To lighten the mood he added, "Now, eat your breakfast before my masterpiece gets cold."

Jennifer smiled and the two best friends began eating again.

After breakfast they went to the hospital. As they entered the unit, Jennifer got the good news that her father had been moved from intensive care to critical care. The move was considered a positive response to his sound improvement through the night. Jennifer and Dave found the different unit and one of the nurses explained the visitation rules. She told them that only family was permitted to visit and no more than two were permitted in the room at a time.

Dave walked down the hall with Jennifer. Jennifer went into the room, so Dave went to the waiting area. Dave had only just sat down when a very tired looking Heather walked out of the room and towards him. Dave stood as she approached and he hugged her tenderly. He kissed her on the cheek and asked, "How is Ron doing?"

Heather sighed and smiled wanly, "He is doing remarkably well. He is still a little groggy but is already growling about being in the hospital. I can see his old spirit starting to slowly return. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming over. Jennifer was distraught yesterday and I was so worried about Ron that I couldn't give her what she needed. I knew you were the only one who could; and I am especially glad you were there for her even after everything that happened in the fall." She kissed Dave on the cheek, "You are like a son to Ron and me; thank you again."

Dave hugged her and replied, "Anytime."

He stepped back from her looked her in the eyes, "Did you get any sleep last night?"

She smiled weakly, "Yes, one of the nurses found a bed for me, I slept for a couple of hours."

Dave said, "Why don't I drive you home so you can shower and freshen up. Jennifer will be fine here; you could use a little break from this place."

Heather started to protest but Dave cut her off, "Ron will be more worried if he sees you worn out. You look beautiful -- but it is pretty obvious you didn't get much sleep. Let me take you home for a while and then you'll be ready to spend the rest of the day with Ron."

Heather could see she wasn't going to win this argument so she finally brightened up and said, "Let me tell Ron and Jennifer where I'm going."

Dave watched her walk back into the room. Several minutes later she joined him in the hallway.

He drove back to their house and, while Heather was in the shower, he again cooked a good breakfast. When she entered the kitchen almost an hour later Dave looked at her from head to toe. She was wearing navy dress pants and light blue blouse. Her white shoes went well with her outfit and he beamed at her, "You look gorgeous. Ron will be very pleased to see you looking so re-energized. I cooked breakfast for you."

Heather smiled at Dave, "Thank you, Dave; I am kind of hungry."

Heather ate a large breakfast before Dave drove her back to the hospital. Heather went into the room and Dave again returned to the waiting room. He sat there reading a Sports Illustrated magazine.

Jennifer eventually came out and sat in his lap. She kissed him and said, "Mom looks totally refreshed. She said you cooked her breakfast as well. Thank you for getting her out of here for a while - she really needed a break." Dave just nodded agreement.

Jennifer sat with Dave for about a half hour. Heather eventually came out of the room and sat with them while the doctor did some tests.

Thirty minutes later the doctor walked up to the three of them sitting in the waiting room. There was no one else there so the doctor looked at Dave and Jennifer questioningly. Heather understood the look and explained, "Dave is a very close family friend and anything you have to say about Ron, you can say in front of him. Jennifer is also old enough to hear the truth, so please tell us what you found."

The doctor nodded and began, "As you know, Ron had a coronary yesterday. He is in good physical shape -- but you know his family has a history of heart disease. You also told me he has been working long hours on a big case; I would suspect that stress and the family history are the two major causes of this incident. His heart muscle has been weakened but there does not appear to be any permanent damage. We will continue to observe his progress and, if all goes well, he should be able to go home next week -- but he will have to stop all work for at least two months. I would recommend a three month leave with a gradual return to work in month four."

Heather, Dave, and Jennifer were all holding hands as the doctor explained everything. When he was finished, Heather thanked him. The doctor left the waiting room. Heather looked at Dave and Jennifer, "It looks like Ron got a real wakeup call. He's going to have to take it easier on the work." Dave and Jennifer both nodded agreement. Heather continued, "It's almost dinnertime. Why don't you two go to dinner?" Heather then hugged Jennifer, "Dave, if you want to head home after lunch, you can. Things are much better here now and I will be going home tonight. Jennifer will probably spend most of the day with her father and me, so you will probably just get bored."

Dave nodded understandingly and said, "Everything does seem better here and I have a hockey practice tonight so I will probably head home after dinner."

Jennifer hugged Dave, "I'm just going to tell Dad where I'm going. I'll be back in a minute." Jennifer trotted down the hall and into the room.

Heather smiled at Dave, "Thanks again for all your support; we couldn't have gotten through this without you." She hugged him again.

Dave replied, "Thanks, but I'm just happy you called. Mom and Dad asked me to tell you and Ron, if you need anything, just call them."

Heather nodded as Jennifer came walking down the hall. She kissed her mother before she and Dave left.

They ate at a local fast-food restaurant. When Dave dropped Jennifer back at the hospital, they kissed goodbye and promised they would phone each other soon.

The drive back to QAI passed quickly and Dave thought a lot about both Jennifer and Katherine. He really liked Katherine but, deep in his heart, he knew Jennifer was his true love. He thought about the time he spent with Jennifer and how Katherine would react to it. In his mind he didn't cheat on Katherine - he didn't have sex with Jennifer. But in his heart; he had changed. His heart now belonged totally to Jennifer again. He decided he had to have a long talk with Katherine but first he wanted to get his sister Julie's view.

Dave arrived home shortly after school had let out. He had an hour before he had to go to hockey practice. He was happy to find Julie was home. Julie and Beth both asked about Ron and, after Dave explained everything, Beth went to her friend, Cindy's house. Dave asked Julie if they could talk. They sat in the tv room and Dave told Julie everything that happened with Jennifer. Julie was smiling because she knew how much Dave loved Jennifer and how upset he had been when they broke up. Dave then asked for thoughts about Katherine and Julie's happy face turned grim. She could tell that Dave was totally in love with Jennifer and any relationship with Katherine would be like a charade.

After thinking about the whole situation, Julie finally said, "Dave, I think you know what you have to do. Katherine is a sweet girl. I really like her and I know you do too; but the key word in that sentence is like. You love Jennifer. You will have to talk to Katherine and, likely, breakup with her. You can't lead her on, when in your heart you know you want Jennifer."

Dave nodded agreement as he had thought the same thing.

Dave hugged Julie and thanked her before he got his hockey gear together and went to practice.

At practice Dave saw a huge change in his team. They seemed as if they were beaten and ready to give up. As soon as he walked into the dressing room several players criticized him for abandoning them. Dave said he would explain everything when the whole team was there. Within ten minutes the whole team had arrived, as did the coaches. Dave asked the coaches if he could talk to the team alone for a minute.

Once the dressing room door closed, Dave moved to the centre of the dressing room. He spoke with the emotion he was feeling, "Guys, I'm really sorry I missed yesterday's game -- but my best friend's father took a heart attack and she thought he might die. She needed me there to support her; as much as I love hockey, I had to be there for her. I know we lost yesterday but we are not out of this series. All we have to do is go into their barn tomorrow and kick their ass. We can win this but we have to do it as a team. We are ten times better than they are. We have more talent; we have more heart - we can win - WE WILL WIN!"

The whole team started to scream in excitement and, in that one short speech, the entire team's attitude changed completely. The coaches were pleasantly surprised by the change in enthusiasm and patted Dave on the back for getting the team back on track.

Dave left the rink tired but confident the team would rebound. He arrived home and ate a quiet supper alone before he called Katherine. Katherine was happy to hear him call but Dave noticed an unusual tone in her voice. Dave asked if he could come over to talk to her; he could hear some panic in her voice as she said she would be waiting for him.

Dave drove to Katherine's house. He had debated how and where to have this conversation. He considered having the talk in her house but he felt that would be too uncomfortable. He further considered driving around while they talked but didn't want that distraction. In the end, he decided to just talk in the car while parked in her driveway. That way, if she felt a need to escape, she could just run into the house.

Dave waited in the car as Katherine walked out of the house and got in. She leaned towards him and he kissed her tenderly. He could see the fear in her eyes. He took her hands in his and spoke softly, "Katherine, yesterday when I got home from school I got a call from my friend Jennifer. Her father took a heart attack and she and her mother wanted me to go to Charlestown to be with her. I have never really told you much about Jennifer because I thought she was in my past. To make a long history short, Jennifer and I have been best friends for six years. Her family have a trailer beside ours in North Beach and we have spent the last six summers keeping company with each other. Before last summer we were just super close friends but that changed and we became lovers."