Stella's POV

My make-up was smeared and my hair was a complete mess. "Why was I born with those blasted curls?" I huffed, putting my blonde hair in a messy bun on top of my head and took a wet cloth to my face, hoping to fix my makeup.

Nothing I did was working.

I sighed, leaning against the sink in the tiny bathroom at The Brickyard. I was on my long overdue break, trying to catch my breath. I should have NEVER agreed to work tonight, especially on the weekend of a home game with a rival team. I can't let Chase sweet talk me into doing this anymore, and honestly, he should know better than to have work schedule him in the fall anyways. That boy was loaded, there's no need for him to be here.

Calm down, Stella, no need to get mad at him for your bad night. Besides, an extra shift is just more money for law school. I can do this! Plus you get to hang out with Chase tomorrow! I smiled at myself for that little reminder, it's been way too long since we've had the chance. Our work schedule hasn't matched up since he started practicing for the team everyday. I know he's super busy so I understand his attention needs to be elsewhere.

I looked down at my phone, wondering if I should send him a text reminding him he owes me big, but decided against it. I really shouldn't bother him when he's working with the team.

"Stella! You're needed in the bar." My manager's voice broke through my Chase haze and brought me back to reality. The Bar. Oh joy.

I took one last look at the mess in the mirror and put on a fake a smile. I got this.

Ryan's POV

I hate when the bar was this crowded. Not inasmuch as the number of people, but who they were. I should have never signed up for open mic night on the eve of a massive football game. I know my peers don't hate my music, but I know they would prefer someone a little more rowdier. I did, however, decided to call my buddy Bubba to help out on the drums so it wasn't a full on acoustic set like I normally do. Just next time I'm not going to pick a night a night like tonight.

The place was full of drunk college students. As someone who loves a good glass of beer, I don't drink my liquor like water. Most of everyone in here was pissed to the point where they won't remember anything from this night.

In all honestly, I need to stop complaining and just do what I love, and that's playing my guitar and singing about the girl that I'll never have. Yes, I do need the extra money, but my passion for writing words from the heart outweighs all of that. I do plan on going to law school after graduation next year, but I'm just going to secure a backup plan. I hope to make music my number one priority and if that's singing at a local pub to make my way up to the top, than that's what I'm going to do.

I'm all set up and ready to go when I spot a messy bun hussle through the crowd with a couple of drinks in her hand. I could tell from here she was stressed to the max and I kicked myself for noticing that.

"Hey man, where you going? I thought we were going to start?" I didn't realize my feet had a mind of their own, going straight to the bar.
"Getting a drink," I waved Bubba off, and knew that would be a good enough explanation. Truth be told, I had to talk to her.

I somehow lost the affection of my eye in the crowd until a soft body collided against mine. Twice in one day, how lucky was I? "Oh, sorry!" Stella lost her balance, the drinks going one way and her going another. I quickly caught her before she hit the floor. Her bright hazel eyes locked with mine and in that second, time stood still.

The loud music in the bar muted, everyone disappeared around us. It was just Stella in my arms, looking up at me with amazement and wonder. Everything fell to the wayside, nothing else mattered except for this moment.

I helped Stella up, holding her to me to make sure she was okay. Her eyes looked down to my lips, they were so close to hers, I could just lean in and kiss her. "Careful there darling," I whispered, knowing she could hear me because we were that close. She didn't say anything but continued to stare at my lips, was she thinking about kissing me just as much as I hoped she would? Does she know just how much I craved her? How much I wish this moment would be the start of many more?

Fuck it.

I leaned in, not caring we were completely surrounded by everyone with split beer and broken glass on the floor. I wanted to know what her lips would taste like. And I knew as I pressed my lips to hers, one taste wasn't going to be enough. 

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A/N: AHHHH!!! Ryan kissed her!! *gasp* I really hope you enjoyed this chapter!!