It’s back. I’m posting this from the beginning, as changes and additions have been made to the original story that I had Janet move to the Think Tank. Thanks for your patience and understanding. It’s been a hard month.

This story takes place somewhere during the epilogue of Marlo29’s Hockey Coach. Pure nothingness...since anyone who has read the Chip stories already knows the outcome.

And Web...thanks for the inspiration for the opening!

“Chip Bergeron,” she replied, pronouncing his last name with a distinctly French accent. Trent made a baffled face at the name. She continued, with a slight smile. “Bergeron…French Canadian; although he was born in Chicago… he has dual citizenship. Anyway, we met in Toronto. He plays hockey.” Kari was uncertain as to how much she should volunteer about Chip. “We met when I kinda knocked him out…with a door.”

“So you made it up to him by teaching him to shoot and letting him ride your horse?” he asked as he stood up, now that her chaps were snugly in place. Somehow that seems a big price to pay for knocking someone out.
From Hit Me With Your Best Shot...Fire Away.


“Hey man! Are you okay?”

It was a sensation he was all too familiar with...the world spinning and his head throbbing, but the scenario didn’t fit. Talking with a buddy about grabbing some grub and shooting pool shouldn’t lead to being knocked out cold and lying on a hardwood floor. With a groan, the young man reached for the bridge of his nose and winced. Broken...again. “What....what hit me?”

Steve Hanson sat back on his heels and chuckled. “If you’re all right, guess I’ll just let her explain that to you while I go through the samples. You did bring the layouts, didn’t you....Miss?” His attention turned from his friend, prone on the floor, to the petrified student kneeling next to him.

“Um...yes...right here,” she stammered, nervously fumbling through her briefcase for the manila folder. Shaky hands did nothing to avoid adding to the fiasco unfolding before her. Like a scene from a cheap slapstick movie, papers flew from the folder and scattered across the room, one landing perfectly square on the face of her victim. She reached for it just as he did, their hands colliding, sending the paper flying.

“I’ve got it,” the PR director laughed, trying to ease the distress contorting the sandy blonde’s face. He scooped the paper in with the others he had collected. “Nice work,” he chuckled, his tongue-in-cheek humor catching her by surprise. “These ads aren’t bad either,” he added with a smirk, his eyes twinkling at the crimson flush spreading up her neck. Once again facing his friend, he questioned, “You gonna be okay?” as he reached down, giving him a hand.

“Yeah.” The dazed man slowly sat, amusement dancing across his face at the hovering angel above him. “What’d you hit me with?” He eyed her slender frame and the soft gray briefcase in her hand. Two-hundred pound forwards collided with him almost daily. It wasn’t like he couldn’t take a hit. That someone this slight...and cute... had knocked him out cold had him just a little bit more than curious.

At his question, she bit the edge of her lip, her brown eyes wide and teary. “The door,” she managed to whisper, gripping her satchel to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I was just trying to....” She stopped, realizing nothing she said would probably make much sense. She had taken Ms. Durocher’s suggestion of exuding confidence too far and now she would just have to pay the consequences.

“Don’t look so worried. I’m okay.” He reached out and gave her arm a squeeze as he slowly rose from the floor, steadying himself against the wall. “Honest. Happens to me all the time. Well, not all the time, but it’s happened...” The look of shock on her face had him chuckling and explaining himself quickly. “I’m a goalie. Been knocked out before....”

Her shocked expression turned to one of horror. “Oh my...I’m so sorry....I didn’t mean....” The reality of what she had done was more than she could take. She bolted out the door just as Steve returned from his office.

“Where’d she go? What’d you do, Bergeron? Ask her for a date and scare her away?”

The tall goalie laughed and shook his head. “Actually, Hanson, I didn’t get that far. Who is she?”

Steve chuckled and flipped back through the folder, finding the letterhead from the Academy of Technology and Design. “Kari Olson. She does some pretty nice work, too.” He pulled out a few samples and flashed them in front of his friend. “I think she’s just what we’re looking for.”

Chip grinned and stared at the door still swinging on squeaky hinges. I think maybe you’ve got that right.
************************************************************************

Kari wiped another tear and took the steaming mug of hot chocolate from her roommate’s hands. “How could I do something that stupid? A month of work down the drain from one idiotic move. I just know it.”

“You didn’t know.” Rachel grinned as she perched on the end of the second hand couch, determined to find a bright side to the catastrophe her friend had just described. “Was he cute?”

“Hot, hot, hot!” hissed Kari, swallowing quickly and fanning her face frantically.

“Really!” squealed Rachel, her face lit in excitement. “Tell me more!”

“I was talking about the cocoa,” Kari grumbled, the tip of her tongue burned from the scalding liquid.

“I wasn’t,” Rachel playfully called over her shoulder as she headed for the kitchenette. “What did he look like? A real life hockey player! Man! Some people have all the luck.” She came back with an ice cube and plopped it into Kari’s cup. “So spill...and not the chocolate.”

Kari took another sip and sighed. “It doesn’t matter how he looked. I made a mess of everything. I’ll be lucky if my layouts even get looked at, now. They must think I’m a total idiot.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Sounds like you made quite an impression,” the platinum blonde giggled, enjoying teasing her roommate.

“Oh yeah. A broken nose and a concussion to the team’s goalie? Some impression.” Kari stood and carried her cup to the kitchen. “Like I can ever show my face around there again. Then after I explain to Ms. Durocher why I didn’t get the job...Do you think she’ll tie that into my grade? My dad’s gonna flip. I won’t even bother trying to explain all of this to my mom.” She sighed and glanced at the clock, gasping in surprise. “And now I’m late for class!” She hurriedly threw her laptop into its bag, grabbed her purse, and sprinted for the door. “Later, Rache.”

“Yeah. Bye.” Rachel grinned as she slowly closed the door on the sound of footsteps hustling down the apartment hallway. “It’s about time she met a guy. Unconventional, I admit, but hey...works in movies. Bet he calls her within a week.”

***********************************************************************
U really think that will work? He typed.

Yep. A ticket. came the immediate reply. Chip hesitated, weighing the possibilities. Before he could respond, the words She’ll come. popped up in front of him. He grinned.

Y? Guilt?

Nah. Redemption.

LOL

Have I ever steered you wrong, Olivier?

No, Sue.

OK. Then send her a ticket.

K. g2g.

BuBye.

Bye.

One glance at the clock brought out a sigh. It was close to midnight. A golden paw carefully placed on her lap alerted her to the front door opening. “Finally,” she murmured, roughing up the dog’s fur. “Thanks Levi.”

“Hey. You’re still up?” Jack shook the rain off his jacket and hung it on the coat tree. “Thought you’d be sound asleep by now.” He crossed the room, pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her softly. “But I’m glad you’re not.”

“Just got Mitchell back to sleep,” she whispered, stifling a yawn as she unwrapped her arms from around his damp neck. “And I just finished chatting online with Olivier.”

“Olivier...” Jack led the way to the couch, settling against the cushions before settling his wife against him. “So how are things in the world of hockey?”

“He got knocked out last week.”

Jack’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “He okay?” he signed quickly.

“Yep.” Sue sat silently for a moment, cuddling against her husband, a silent prayer of thanks for his safe return winging heavenward. “A girl did it.” She twisted in his arms just enough to see his lips, her movement enough to stir him from sleep that had quickly taken over a body exhausted from 36 hours of work.

“Hmm?” He pulled her closer and closed his eyes again. “Did what?” he finally murmured, locking his fingers through hers.

She felt the hum of his chest and answered what she figured was his question. “Knocked Olivier out. He’s going to invite her to come and watch him play next week. By the way, are we still going to Edmonton for his tournament?

Jack kicked off his shoes and repositioned the two of them on the couch. “Yes. We’re already booked on a flight and unless Darcy and Bobby chicken out, they’re still planning on watching Mitch.” He stroked her hair and tilted her chin up, softly planting a kiss on her parted lips, changing the subject back to their goalie friend. “You mean he actually asked a girl out...after what happened with Tanya?”

“No...yes...well sort of,” Sue mused. “It isn’t really a date and I don’t know that he’s ready for a steady girlfriend. But she got his attention, I guess. I told him to send her a ticket. You know, let her know there are no hard feelings. Besides, if she really does show up, then...”

“Matchmaker,” Jack chuckled, tweaking her nose gently. “You learned a lot from living with Lucy, didn’t you.” He kissed the top of her head and slid out from beneath her. “I’m headed for the shower. It’s been a long couple of days. Join me?” he signed, chocolate eyes twinkling.

Sue smirked as he pulled her to her feet. “That wasn’t really a question, was it?”
The consuming kiss that answered her was answer enough. “Very convincing, Hudson,” she whispered breathlessly. “Why are we still standing here?”


************************************************************************

Chip dressed for the game as he always did, methodically following the same routine, as did most of the men in the locker room. Only this time, traveling down the mat covered walkway, he had to force himself to focus. Determined to keep his eyes out of the stands, with a push of his skates he led his team out onto the ice, circling in a familiar path across the smooth surface. He knew the seat he had sent her was behind the home goal. He also knew if he looked, there was a chance it would throw his game off for the rest of the night. There was no guarantee she would come...or that she had even gotten the ticket he had sent her through her school. She could have given it away, for that matter. Don’t know if she even likes hockey. But coming...it’s the least... The sound of a puck whizzing by his ear brought him back to attention. Daydreaming was not going to help during warm-up, let alone the game. The thought of a brown eyed-blonde left his mind and for the moment, his job took center stage.

Kari clutched her program nervously as she walked down the steps, searching for her row and seat. The sound of a puck smacking the Plexiglas between her and the goal caught her off guard, making her jump. Man, that would hurt! Finding her seat number, she sat back and watched the warm-up. Pucks were flying from all directions as two goalies took turns blocking in the net. So which one are you? Kari stuffed her ticket stub into her pocket and retrieved the handwritten note that had been in the envelope with the ticket. She had it memorized, but read it again, just the same. No hard feelings. Chip She flipped open the program, scanning the pages for the two goalies. Chip? Neither one is a Chip. Studying the pictures of the two men, it only took her a minute to figure it out; there was no mistaking the smile or the blue-green eyes, even in a photo. Heart pumping unexplainably faster, her eyes went back to the ice, scanning the uniforms, looking for the name Bergeron. She smirked when she saw the #1 on the back of his jersey. “Pretty sure of yourself to wear that number, Mr. Olivier Bergeron,” she murmured, closing her program. Wait ‘til Rachel hears he’s the starting goalie. I’m never going to live this down.

The game was fast and furious, one that Kari found exciting to watch, despite the two young men just to her right. Their colorful language, beer consumption, and verbal assault on the refs had her rolling her eyes...but their banter did clarify a few calls she hadn’t understood. The St. Michael’s Majors were winning and their goalie appeared to be more than good at his job. She had just decided that coming to another game might be a possibility...and even more fun if Rachel came along, when the chubby college sophomore seated next to her tripped while returning to his seat and spilled his beer down the front of her sweatshirt. Quickly pulling the material away from her body, she yanked the hoody over her head, groaning with dismay as the cold liquid still managed to soak through to her tank top. She glanced at the game clock and pulled on her jacket, muttering reassurances to the apologetic drunk that everything was fine. Never had two minutes seemed so long. At the sound of the final buzzer, she stood with the crowd, clapping for the team. Cold, wet, and reeking of beer, she bent, grabbed her purse and soiled sweatshirt, and then glanced back towards the ice, surprised to see a goalie with his helmet off and a smile spread across his face, staring directly at her. Their eyes locked for a moment, sending an unexpected flash of heat coursing through her body. He raised his stick in a slight wave and then skated off to shake hands with the opposing players. Watching him leave the ice with his team, she sighed happily, smoothing the mangled program clenched in her hand. She saw him hesitate when he stepped onto the padded runner leading to the locker room, and for a moment, she thought he would look back for her again. Instead, he began talking to a dark haired girl leaning over the railing. That was wishful thinking. He’s got a girlfriend. He was just being nice. A sudden chill took over, and she turned to begin the long climb to the top of the arena. Might as well go home.

Hi Jill, I'm glad you're back! This is so much fun to read! I just re-read 'Hit me...' and I'm down to the last 5 pages. It's so much fun to read about the first hesitant steps Chip and Kari take together.....

I didn't think it was possible but ... this is even better than the first version !!!!


Now ... who's the dark haired girl ???

Jill's back! Jill's back! Whoo hoo! Am lovin' this, Jill...change and all! Can't wait for you to post more!

So she came?

Yep.

And?

She left. She didn’t wait.

Did you ask her to?

No.

Men.

??

You expect her to read your mind?

Chip groaned and shook his head. No. Thought she’d wait to say thanx.

Like she would know where to wait? Olivier! Think about it!

So now what do i do?

What do you want to do?

Sue grinned and waited for an answer, knowing it would take him a minute to put his thoughts into words. Levi softly approached and stuck his nose in her lap, shoving her hand up from the keyboard. “What is it boy?” The golden looked toward the hallway and nudged her again, his tail wagging gently. “Is Mitchell awake?” She stood and followed the dog down the hall to the first bedroom on the right. Dark eyes lit up with recognition and tears stopped at the sight of his mom. “Come on, Canuk. Did you have a bad dream?” With son in her arms, she trekked back to the study and with one hand, quickly typed g2g. bye, noticing that Chip hadn’t yet answered her question. “Guess he’ll have some time to think,” she crooned, kissing dark brown ringlets as she headed for the rocking chair.
************************************************************************

Kari held the envelope in her hand, debating for the hundredth time whether she should really send it or not. It’s just a thank you note... That part was true. The fact that she had allowed her roommate to talk her into adding an MSN address was the part that she was second-guessing.

“But what if....”

“What if, nothing. I don’t think he would have sent you a ticket if he had a girlfriend...and if he does have one, what’s to say you can’t be friends? Look at all the guys you’ve got on your list. Must be at least 20. Are you dating any of them? No. So what’s one more?” Rachel ripped the envelope out of Kari’s hand and shoved it into the mailbox. “It’s bad enough that it took you two weeks to write it. Now come on. We’re gonna be late for class.”

“But Rachel, I told you...........he was talking to some girl after the game. This wasn’t a good idea.”

“Hey...it could have been someone asking for directions, for all you know. Fans talk to players all the time. Doesn’t mean they’re dating.”

Kari stared at the mail slot, certain it connected directly with doom and destruction...or at least with certain embarrassment, and resolutely blew her bangs out of her eyes. What was done was done. There was no going back now.




Steve sorted through the mail, raising his eyebrows in interest at the blue envelope poking out of the stack of white. “Olivier Bergeron...Care of Public Relations/Mr. Steve Hanson...” He grinned as he read the return address. “This could be interesting.” One glance at the clock told him the team’s practice was nearly over. Knowing that Chip would be one of the last ones out of the locker room, he set back to work and finished compiling emails to various corporate sponsors. With a final click a half an hour later, he shut down his computer, grabbed his jacket and the envelope, and strode out the door.

“Bergeron. You done yet?” He made his way through the steamy locker room, finding his friend sitting on a bench, towel draped around a body still damp from a hot shower.

“Hey. What brings you in here?”

“Something blue...kind of like your mood, lately.”

Chip rolled his eyes. “Funny, funny.”

Steve pulled the envelope from his pocket and twirled it between his fingers. “Maybe this will cheer you up. You got some fan mail today.”

The goalie picked up another towel and ruffled his hair dry. “Gee. You came all the way in here to tell me that? Thanks.” There was no attempt to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

“What? You didn’t appreciate that last offer to...how shall I put it delicately...have your love child?”

A wet towel hurled toward the PR director’s face was the goalie’s answer.

“Okay...okay. So you get raunchy mail at times. I think this one might be different.” He tossed the envelope on the bench. “K. Olson ring a bell?”

“Nope. I don’t know anyone named Kay.”

Steve couldn’t resist. He whacked his friend across the top of his head. “K. Not Kay. The letter K...as in... What was her name? Kari, I do believe. But if you don’t want it...” He feigned reaching for the letter as Chip dove for it and grabbed it from the bench, ripping it open and sending the envelope fluttering to the floor.

“So?”

“So....” Chip echoed softly, reading the note. “She had a good time.”

“That’s it?” Steve asked incredulously, hardly believing that the huge smile on his friend’s face came from something so simple. “No marriage proposal? No offering to bear your children? No risqué photos?” he teased, attempting to read over the broad shoulder below him.

“Psh. She’s not like that...and you know it.” He folded the note and stuck it in his locker. “Don’t you need to be somewhere?”

“Yeah. As a matter of fact, I do. Catch you later.” With a smile of satisfaction plastered on his face, he walked out of the room.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey.

Hi.

Have fun?

Yeah. It was a good game...

Want 2 come again?

Sure. Y not.

Great.

When’s the next game? ...

Sat. i can get you a ticket.

That’s ok i can get 1 myself

Let me...k?

K. Thanx. That’s nice of U

Chip hesitated, took a deep breath, and typed Pizza afterwards? He waited, counting the seconds. After ten, his smile lessened. After twenty, he began to frown. When nearly a minute had passed and there still was no response, he groaned and dejectedly slumped in his chair.

Sorry. Roomie locked herself out. Sure. Pizza.

If it hadn’t been close to midnight, his whoop of triumph would have been heard through the house of his host family. Instead, he whispered an emphatic “yes” and began to type directions to the locker room hallway.

Yeppers. Got it. C ya Saturday.

Great. Bye Kari.

bubye.


*********************************************************************

Kari sighed with relief when she found herself seated between two families with school-age children. At least if someone spills on me, it probably won’t be beer. Shrugging off her jacket, she settled comfortably in her seat and focused on the warm-up taking place on the ice, her eyes locating the bold #1 quickly. He made it look so easy...dropping down for a puck, popping back up into his stance to catch a slapshot, then sliding across the net on his knees to block another. She jumped as the next shot missed the goal and cracked against the glass.

“Glad to see I’m not the only one that does that,” a cheerful lady chuckled, having flinched at the same time. “Don’t know why anyone would want to be a goalie. Getting hit with a puck has to hurt, even with all that padding.”

Kari shook her head in agreement. “You’d think so.”

Once again, a fast paced and furious game unfolded, only this time, penalties fell on the Majors, one right after another. Powerplay followed powerplay, and it wasn’t long before the opposing team led by 4. Kari shook her head as the whistle blew again. “You’ve got to be kidding,” she groaned, watching another blue jersey enter the penalty box to join a teammate, his name and number becoming an all too familiar sight.

“Bet that goalie’s gonna be steamed after the game.” Kari glanced over in surprise at the woman next to her. “Not that I’d blame him,” she continued, “since his team obviously didn’t come to play today...the lousy bunch of hotheads. He can’t carry the game by himself. They aren’t even clearing the puck out of this end! If I were him...well, I’d be giving my team a piece of my mind after the game!”

Steamed? Piece of his mind? Kari nervously played with her fingers, suddenly wondering why she had agreed to pizza afterwards. I don’t even know this guy. What was I thinking? Visions of being in the company of an angry hockey player swept through her mind...and they weren’t pleasant. The unexpected blast of the game-ending buzzer nearly had her jumping out of her skin. Thoughts in turmoil, her eyes immediately flew to the net as the goalie whipped his helmet off his sweaty head and wiped the moisture from his face with his sleeve. What she hadn’t anticipated was that same easy smile to greet her when he turned in her direction...only this time, he mouthed the word “wait.” Biting her lip to stop the nervous trembling, she nodded, holding her breath until he turned and skated away.




Kari played with the keys in her hand, intermittently pacing to the vending machines and back again. How long can it take a guy to shower and change? I didn’t miss him, did I? Doubts clouded her mind as the last of the fans wandered out the door. Maybe I misunderstood. She glanced down the dimly lit hallway and back to the locker room door, indecision worrying her lower lip. I’m gonna go. No one’s come out of there in over fifteen minutes. He’s gone. Fumbling to zip her coat, shaky fingers sent her keys tumbling to the floor. Sighing heavily, she finished pulling up the zipper, staring into nothingness, attempting to figure out if she was disappointed or relieved.

“Yours?” A soft, deep voice accompanied the jingling of keys. “Sorry I took so long. Guess I should have warned you about that.”

Kari had jumped at the sound of his voice. Turning towards him, she strangled the tiny gasp involuntarily leaving her throat. Taller than she had remembered, he smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling, his hair still damp, and the hint of some sinfully wonderful cologne teasing her. “Umm...that’s....okay. Thanks.” She took the keys from his hand and flashed a smile, not really meeting his gaze, her nervousness suddenly very evident and in full control. “I’ll follow you...if you still want to go eat...unless you don’t...then I understand...”

“Why wouldn’t I want to go?” he lightly laughed, picking up his gear bag and motioning towards the door.

“I don’t know. Bad game, maybe?” Good one, Kari. That sounded stupid.

Chip laughed again, holding the door open for her while balancing his stick and bag in his other hand. “Actually, considering the penalties, it was a pretty good game. Can’t win ‘em all.”

“So you’re not... upset?”

“Do you mean am I a sore loser?”

Biting her lip, Kari didn’t reply. This is great. First I tell him it was a bad game, and now he thinks I think he’s a sore loser. The blush that rose to her cheeks was instantaneous. Praying that the dim lights of the parking lot would hide it, she forced a smile and glanced up at him.

Chip shifted his stick back to his other hand and grinned down at her, very aware of the pink highlighting her cheekbones. “It’s a game. I take it in stride. As long as I did the best job that I could, then I’m satisfied.”

“Oh,” she replied softly, uncertain of what else to say as she halted by her car in the now nearly vacant parking lot. “That’s...good.” An awkward silence filled the night air, until the sound of her keys nervously clicking in her gloved hand broke it.

“How’s Amato’s on College Street sound? You are hungry....I mean, you said...”

“It’s fine,” she answered, a little breathlessly. “I’ll follow you there. It’s actually close to where I live.”

“Great. I’m parked over there.” He motioned towards a dark sports car in the corner of the lot.

Kari nodded and slid behind the wheel, watching him quickly stride to his car and deposit his gear in the trunk. As the lights came on and the car turned around, she pulled out of her spot and followed behind. She didn’t know if her teeth were chattering from the cold or from nerves. Cranking up the heat, she let out another huge breath. “Okay. I can do this. Just don’t spill.”
***********************************************************************

The melodic tune of his cell phone ringing coincided with the delivery of a steaming pizza. Chip glanced at the Caller ID and quickly answered it, motioning for Kari to help herself to a slice, and then held his plate out for her to dish him up one, as well.

"Est-ce que tout est correct? Le bébé va bien?" Relief swept over a face that had unknowingly taken on a grave expression while lifting the phone to his ear. He listened for a moment, then quickly replied, "Je te rappellerai plus tard. Bye,” snapped the phone shut and shoved it in his pocket.

Kari took a sip of her water and eyed Chip speculatively. “You speak....What was that?”

“French....and only with my mother.”

“Oh.” You’re a mama’s boy?

As if reading her mind, he groaned inwardly, his mind scrambling to set the record straight. “Sorry about that. She just had a baby a couple of weeks ago...she miscarried when I was 10, and no one thought she’d ever be able to have another one. When Mira was born, she almost di...she had to have surgery. When I saw the ID, I had to answer...in case...”

“It’s all right. She’s okay? The baby’s okay?” Kari’s eyes met his with genuine interest.

“Yeah. That’s what I asked her. She was just calling to see how the game went. Guess she’s my biggest fan.”

Kari smiled, amused at the sheepish look that had accompanied that statement. There was one thing that she had definitely figured out about the person across from her. He wasn’t vain.

Seeing her relax for the first time since he had walked out of the locker room, Chip took advantage of it and turned the subject to her. “So...when you’re not in school or making great graphic designs, what do you like to do?”

Breathing a sigh of relief that a certain door incident hadn’t been revisited, Kari grinned and shyly answered, “Shoot guns.........at balloons............ from horseback............. at a dead run.” At his perplexed expression, she laughed, her dark eyes sparkling brightly. Soon ten wadded up bits of napkin represented a course and her fork drew the path as she excitedly explained her sport. Before she knew it, “You’ll have to come with me and try it some time,” blurted out of her mouth. Nearly cringing at the boldness of her words, her eyes slowly lifted to meet his. His smile broadened, enjoying the slow flush rising to her cheeks.

“You bet. When hockey’s over, plan on it.”

Yippee Jill I'm so glad you're back! I agree with that woman in the stands - why would anyone ever want something hit, kicked or thrown as hard as possible in the general direction of their face?

Looking forward to more!

Very good question ...


Jill ... I can see all that in my mind !!!!


And please, don't feel like you need to make a short story out if it ... "

“Hi Mom. Do you mind if I bring someone home with me for a short visit?”

“Not at all. Since when do you have to ask? You know Rachel’s welcome any time.”

“Rachel? She’s going to France for the summer.” Kari took a breath and squinted, hoping her rehearsed words would come out right. “It’s a guy named Chip, and I kind of promised him some riding and shooting lessons. Do you mind?”

Her question was met with a moment of silence, soon followed by, “No...not at all.” Kari rolled her eyes at the smirk in her mother’s voice.

“It’s not what you think, Mom.”

“I didn’t say a thing! It’ll be fun to have him. I hope he likes puppies. They’re turning into little monsters. I’m glad you’ll get to see them before they go to their new homes.”

“Me too. We’ll be there Saturday afternoon. Bye. Love you.” Kari hung up the phone and took a shaky breath. “What am I getting myself into? It’s not like I know him any better than I did three months ago.”

“What do ya mean? I thought you two talk online.” Rachel dragged her suitcase into the hall and dropped it in front of the door.

“A little. It’s not like he says much... the guy’s the king of monosyllables.”

“But you’ve been to his games...out for pizza...” Rachel carried out an overnight bag and plopped it down next to her luggage.

“I’ve been to three games and out for pizza twice. He’s a hockey player...with a busy schedule...practices...games...working out...traveling...and he teaches kids hockey, too. I can’t believe he even asked to do this.”

“Well, hockey’s over. School’s over. You both have free time. So I say go for it and have fun!”

“Psh.” Fun wasn’t quite the word she had put with this situation. Chip’s request had caught her off guard, coming while they were standing in front of her car after his last game.

“You ever gonna teach me to shoot?”

She had nearly crumbled at those words...the thought of him being with her...at her house...

“You really want to learn?”

“Yep. You owe me.....remember?”

She sighed again, the memory of the blush that had tinged her cheeks now bringing an instant flush to her face. “Like he thinks I’ll ever forget?” she mumbled.

“What was that?” Rachel questioned, her blue eyes twinkling at her roommates discomfort. “He’s unforgettable, you say?”

“Whatever, Rachel,” Kari moaned, giving up on trying to convince her friend that the relationship with Chip was, and would remain, nothing. “If you’re ready, I’ll help you carry this downstairs.”

Not sure why ... but it struck me as soooooooo funny !!!

And mom is not meddling into her daughter's love life ... is she???

I'm sorry I have yet to meet a male that isn't the king of monosyllables. Even my eight year old these days then he wonders why I don't know things! Kari we feel your pain!

I didn't even know that it was moved to the Think Tank, I kept looking for it and getting cafuzzled and then scratching my head and getting distracted and then going back and taking another look and...well you get the idea -- not the brightest bulb in the box, that's me.

kav

I am glad, you're back!!!!!

I am very curious to their time in Kari's house

I can't wait for more!!!


Restie

“Turn here.” Kari pointed to a small bridge spanning a small rippling creek. The road leading from the bridge curved through a heavily wooded area, a steep cliff rising to the right and a sharp drop-off to the left.

“Cliff Road,” laughed Chip, reading the sign. “Guess I know where they got that name.”

Kari nodded and smiled nervously, her stomach in knots. The six-hour ride had gone surprisingly fast, with conversation flowing more easily than she had expected. But now...now he’s going to meet my parents and Dad will give him the look and Mom will ask twenty questions... “Here. This driveway.” The dirt lane led over another stream and up a hill to a house peeking through towering pines. White fence outlined the pastures on the left, with horses grazing peacefully in the lush green fields. The driveway ended in an open area, yard coming up to the edge of the hardened red clay and gravel. “Just park right here.” She reached for the door, then glanced sideways at the driver, a warning thought too late on her lips. He was already out of the car, long arms stretching above his head. Quickly jumping out, she led the way into the house, calling “Mom...Dad...” The sandy blonde turned toward her guest and shrugged. “Must be outside. I’ll be right back.”

Gone only a few minutes, upon returning, Kari had to laugh at the sight before her. Chip sat in the middle of the kitchen floor, roughhousing with seven relentless puppies intently pulling on shoes, shirt and pants, miniature growls growing louder with each tug. “And you,” Chip teased, plucking a rambunctious black tri from the group, “you are the worse offender. You never stop!” He held the puppy even with his face, just close enough to stare into chocolate brown eyes, but not so close as to lose his nose to a nip.

“Hemi.”

Chip looked up at the word. “Hemi what?”

“Hemi Powered. That’s his name.”

As he released his captive, Chip watched the little male take off at a dead run, slide to a stop at the cupboard, and turn around and run full speed back to the two of them. “That’s an understatement,” he laughed, scraping two others from his lap and untangling a shoelace from a third’s sharp baby teeth. “Do the rest have names?”

Kari shook her head. “Nope. Just Hemi. He’s the one I’m keeping...or my folks are keeping for me until I get a place of my own.” She reached down and swooped the holy terror from the floor, cuddling him in her arms until he quieted. “Would you like a tour? Guess Mom and Dad aren’t here, yet.”

“Sure.” He flashed a smile, grateful to see the tension ease from her face. Taking the puppy from her, he cradled him in one arm and followed her out of the kitchen. “Hemi wants to come, too.”

I see you've found inspiration under foot!!!! Love being introduced to Hemi from the start. Love that Chips a dog person right from the start as well. That's the best kind of guy, don't you think?

kav

Chip is really cute with the puppies and I like the fact the two of them chose the same puppy

What next?


Restie

I would say Chip earned a point or two with the puppies


Very cute!!!

*screeches to a stop*

Ok, ok! I'm late! I confess!

Can I just say, that this is SOOO COOL!!!!

I love the dog stuff!


now...where did Mom and Dad get off too?

I always wondered where that name came from! I have a beautiful tri colored dog, she is not nearly as rambunctious these days though.

Lovely imagery - looking forward to more.

Two months later...

Hi Olivier! It’s been a long time!

Been busy.

With Kari?

Maybe..

Sue sent him a nudge.

Ha ha.

Well...Hockey’s done. What are U doing that’s kept U so busy?

Stuff.

????

Kari’s sport

????

She shoots balloons from a horse.
Going 2 her folks house again Thurs.
She’s teaching me.

LOL redeeming herself?

Funny. Her words,2.

So...are things getting serious?

Nah.
Just friends.

Ppft.

Chip returned a nudge.

You’re in denial. Well, have fun.

U bet.

When do we meet her???? Soon???

Someday.

Promise?

Sure. Gotta run.

Take care. Bye.

Sue logged off and leaned back in her chair, her protruding tummy feeling uncomfortably tight. Unconsciously she kneaded a hardened spot on the right, pressing and releasing until it softened. “Finally,” she sighed, sliding her swollen feet back into her slippers.

“Finally what?” her husband signed, before pulling her to her feet and into a hug. A sudden punch from her belly pressed against his had him laughing aloud. “Baby having fun?”

“You’re not feeling half of it,” she groaned, massaging the foot back out from beneath her rib. “I knew I shouldn’t have had ice cream. It just sounded so good...at the time.”

Jack chuckled and pulled her close again. “You know if I could go through this for you, I would.”

“Oh yeah...that’d be cute. I can see it now...there you are... waddling after a terrorist, shouting ‘Stop! FBI!’” The image had them both laughing until Sue winced from another swift kick to her ribs. “This is all your fault!”

Jack raised his hands in surrender. “If you say so! Far be it for me to argue with a pregnant woman!” His hands caught hers before she could take a mock swing at him. “But it seems to me that you were the one that started it,” he chuckled, before moving closer to nibble softly at her neck.

“You’re the one that suggested going to Canada to watch Olivier play!” she reminded him. “If we had stayed home, this wouldn’t have happened, you know.”

“Oh really now?” His lips found hers, softly plying the tender flesh. “Are you sure?” he whispered, his words barely in her sight before capturing her mouth once again with his. He could feel her weakening knees tremble and his hands lowered to draw her closer.

“Sure, I’m sure,” she managed to rasp, his kisses growing more sensual by the minute. “It’s the water there...or something.”

“Guess I’ll have to think of a way to redeem myself then,” he chuckled, stroking her cheek lightly.

“Big time,” Sue winced, her hand pressing the side of her belly again. “Especially since I have two months to go.”

“Come here.” He took his wife by the hand and led her to the couch, arranging the throw pillows as he motioned for her to lie down. He left the room, returning in a few minutes with her favorite lotion, softly scented and now warmed to the touch. Settling on the floor beside her, he slid his hand beneath the filmy material of her maternity top and began gently massaging his unborn child, rubbing small circles along restless feet and what he imagined were knees...or could it be buttocks instead? His voice softly whispered against his wife’s skin, crooning words of love and comfort to his daughter, smiling as she responded with slower movements, retracting the punishing foot and drifting off to sleep. He smiled his pleasure at the swollen abdomen that carried the promise of life, the rippling movements stilled, and the tightness eased. His lips kissed his darling and in his mind, he could see her cherubic smile. Raising his gaze to the woman that owned his heart, he sighed contentedly. She, too, had fallen asleep. “Sweet dreams, my love,” he whispered, gently covering her with a woven throw.

Almost makes me want to be pregnant again - okay not really!

Yah, sure ... except I believe the key word would be ... ALMOST !!!


Jill, that was beautiful!

And Chip and Kari ... just friends? BTW we got to miss what mom said or thought when she met Chip !!!!!

“Ready?” She grinned up at him, unable to stifle the feeling that somehow she had created a Cowboy Mounted Shooting monster. He nodded and turned from her, his eyes already focused on the targets. “Get ‘em all!” Kari held her breath for a moment, watching as the bay gelding excitedly pranced through the gate. “Circle left and then let him go!”

Chip pulled his pistol and tightened his reins, readying himself for the impending burst of speed. As the range master motioned an all clear, he released his hold and the horse launched forward, barreling full speed for the opposite end of the arena, precision gunfire exploding from one side of the saddle to the other, bursting the white balloons.

“Okay, come on... clean switch.... clean switch,” she whispered to herself. “CHECK HIM!!!” Kari’s yell stopped mid-stream, colliding with a guttural groan. “You didn’t...” The cloud of dust and the empty saddle proved the opposite.

“Ouch. That’s gotta hurt,” a grizzled cowboy chuckled, clicking his cylinder back into place on his freshly loaded revolver.

“Not as much as a door,” Tim whispered into his daughter’s ear, before she could duck under the fence to catch her horse.

Ignoring the comment, Kari climbed into the saddle and with a touch of her heel, loped the horse back to the far end of the arena. “Your turn,” she giggled, eyeing the dusty cowboy rising from the ground to meet her.

“Turn for what?” Chip grasped the saddle horn and effortlessly swung up behind her.

“Redemption. Can’t end the season in the dirt.”

“Is that so?” he laughed, resisting the temptation to give her ponytail a yank, as they rode back to the gate.

“Yep. You can start by getting the sand out of Dad’s gun. Then work on apologizing to the horse.”

“The gun I can do. Apologizing to Nick? I suppose that involves trying it again and doing it right.”

Kari looked over her shoulder at him and smirked. “It’s the least you can do. You could have moved up another level today if you had bothered to stay on.”

“Yeah...well...guess there’s always next year.” He slid from the back of the horse, looking up in time to see dancing eyes turn partly cloudy. He didn’t need to ask. This had been the most fun he’d had during the summer in ages, and as much as he loved hockey and was ready to get back on the ice, he also hated to see this all come to an end. “Think your mom will mind putting up with me for one more week?”

The twinkle returned immediately and her face brightened. “Mom? I think she’d like to adopt you. Dad....

“Your dad’s not going to ever want to see me again if I don’t get the gun cleaned...as in right now.”

He grinned as Tim approached, the tall man’s head shaking in amusement. “You have a thing for being on the ground, don’t you, son?”

“Only when Kari’s around,” Chip laughed, grinning at her reddening cheeks, “although this time, it was Nick’s idea. Then again,” he added with a smirk, “she certainly could have put him up to it.”

Kari sighed and rolled her eyes, shaking her head in denial. “He zigged...you zagged. I’ve told you how to get around that barrel on him. Can I help that you don’t listen?”

“I get distracted,” he countered with a wink, enjoying an even deeper shade of red brightening her cheeks. He laughed outright when she ducked under Nick’s head and stood on the other side of the horse, watching the next rider shoot. Turning to her father, Chip looked at him questioningly. “Listen...I don’t need to be back until the 3rd. Do you mind if I stay another week? Seems there’s a shoot in Ohio....”

“Not a problem,” Tim interjected. “As long as you get that gun clean,” he added, with mock sternness. He leaned against the railing, watching the two walk the horse back toward the trailer. “Nope. That’s not a problem at all.”

What a wonderful summer they spent together !

*blissful sigh* oh, that the Chip&Kari stories would never end!

Jill that was a wonderful post but it brought back a terrible memory and I don't want to say it for those who haven't read the others but oh!

Ohio would ever heard of cowboys in Ohio? They should come to the prairie...

I forgot about that! Not fun.

Let's just say, to those of you who haven't read the other stories...GO DO IT!!! It's WELL worth your time!

Well the summer went by much too quickly for my liking!

kav

Mom should be careful what she wishes for !!!!

Ooh, la, la!!! haha.

I'm loving this! It's so much fun to return to this amazing "couple."

I'm glad you're back! You're doing an excellent job, and I can't wait to see where you're going to take this.

<-----This is me doing one of my happy dances, which is what I feel like doing when reading one of your Chip & Kari stories, Jill. *happy sigh* Lovely post...I like seeing their friendship developing.

A/N

QUOTE

I can't wait to see where you're going to take this.........

not far, Lizzy. Pure nothingness......remember?

Pam.........I read your post about a terrible memory...and I had to really think to figure it out! Duh. And I wrote the stories! Oh well. That last post was my favorite to write out of this story, either way.

And here it is............Sorry Web......... The last post.


**************************************************************************
Late January

hey.

hi, stranger. what’s new with you?

going 2 BC next week...big tourney.

good luck.

Thanx. How’s school?

Ppft. Don’t ask.
Although compared to last quarter...this one isn’t as bad.
Might even have some free time...

Cool.

Yeah.

Kari stared at the computer screen, waiting for him to figure it out. Come on Chip. You’re not that dense. Think about what I just said. Her heavy schedule at school, since the first day of the first semester, had conflicted with his hectic hockey life, and getting together even for an occasional movie or having pizza after a game had been limited to a couple of times a month.

When i get back, want 2 go home for a weekend...and take me along?

Sure. Mom and Dad will b happy 2 c u.

Chip grinned and quickly typed How bout U ?

Psh. LOL.
I just saw u last week...nope...wait...the week before...nope...wait...um...New Year’s? Yeah.
I just saw u New Year’s eve.

Maybe i’ll go W/O u.

Funny goalie. Just try it.

What r u gonna do?
knock me out w/door?

Pft....btdt.
i’ll use a snowboard.

LOL

Got 1.
says Hemi on it.

No way.

Yeppers.
When u get back, i’ll show u.

K. Hey...g2g.
little goalie lesson time.
i’ll call u when i get back from BC.

K bye.

Chip logged off, still chuckling at the thought of Kari attempting to cream him with a snowboard. “Hemi. Only she could find one with that written on it.” A glance at the clock told him he didn’t have much time before he had to leave. “Just a quick note to Sue,” he whispered, his fingers punching the keyboard.

Big decisions coming up...coach said NHL looking hard at me. Will know more after the tourney. RCMP said yes. Airforce too. Thought you’d like to know.
Olivier

With a click, the message sent. Next to his mother and Myles, Sue was one of his staunchest allies. Although the message was brief, he knew she’d understand it...and everything it hadn’t said. Grabbing his skates and stick, he hustled up the stairs, pulled on a jacket, and ran out the front door. There were no decisions that needed made today, but for the first time in his life, he knew he wanted to make one fairly soon. It had everything to do with brown eyes, sandy blonde hair, and a smile that melted him to the core. And if all went well, he’d have the summer to think about it... from the back of a horse.

FIN

No Jill it can't be over! I'm so sad! Now I'm going to bed sad and teary and just how do I explain that to my husband? "No honey I'm not crying about the cat anymore - she's better, now I'm crying about Chip and Kari and its all Jill's fault!"

I miss Trent too!

You couldn't resist, could you ???




That was the perfect missing scene !!!

Nope........couldn't resist that one at all!


(My daughter bought a snowboard when we were in Banff with Marlene's family....and it really says Hemi on it.......But she hasn't creamed anyone with it!.....yet)

Jill

And since you asked....btdt.........been there, done that.

lol, I guess I got a little carried away... I mean, expecting an epic. The epic has already been written. haha.

But, hey, you could've retold it all for all I cared!! I wouldn't have minded. D

Great job filling in the blanks, Jill! You had me incredibly enthralled, and I already know the story. haha.

Can't wait for you to start your next one. D Hint, Hint...

HINT....

Subtly isn't my strong suit tonight.

Take care, and thanks for writing this and sharing it.

Well, this has just been a slice of wonderful, Jill!! Loved, loved, loved getting to revisit Chip and Kari and the gang again... this was a great idea pulled off with style! Thank you so much for sharing it!!!

*wails* NOOOO!!!!! It must never end!!!!!


Ditto to that, and what Janet said too!

Well, Jill, I wouldn't call this a piece of "nothingness"....ANY Chip and Kari story is SOMETHING to your fans who enjoy your Chip/Kari stories so much! And, this little short story is no different...we're still clamoring for more! Thanks for this little peek into how Chip and Kari met and started dating....I really enjoyed it!

I'm that it's over but feeling all jsut the same. It was fun to look at the pair in hindsight...comforting knowing what was going to come when they didn't...and I'm consoled because you started writing in WIP so that will keep me going for a while and maybe we'll get to see Kari and Chip there?

kav

Ooooh, really? I'm running over to WIP, now!!! haha.

Jill, you really should tell me these things! I mean, I'm a busy girl. I can't discover this stuff on my own. I'm not observant enough at high speed. Haha!

JK! Can't wait to get back to reading!

Thank you, Jill, for sharing this little jewel... I liked seeing Kari and Chip again.

This was a wonderful story, Jill!!! Loved the blossoming of Kari and Chip's relationship as well as the snippets of J/S---very enjoyable!!

This was truly fun, Jill...it gave me a feeling of fresh start...just like spring!

Jill, I love this!! I haven't read all the other stories, but I plan to - this gives me a good start!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

Great!!! Chip finally understood that life is too short and he has something really precious in front of his eyes

FOR SHARING THIS STORY WITH US!!!


Restie

I've never read the Chip and Kari stories, but I'm going to have to start becuz this was really good! I loved it! Great Job!

I don't believe I've read anything Kari & Chip, yet ... but I loved them