Jenna

Things are looking up! The boys won their game; they're going to the championship! I got my job back- with a raise. Max got what was coming to him. And I fell asleep in Tanner's arms last night and woke up, wrapped in his warmth this morning.

He told me he loves me. I thought I was dreaming, that I hallucinated when I heard him say the words, but he kept watching me expectantly, waiting for me to react. Before the fear in his eyes could take hold- the fear that I didn't feel the same- I put his worries to rest. I confessed my feelings too.

The relief that washed over him when I said the words made my heart melt all over again. He's probably never heard those words, at least not from someone who genuinely meant them. His parents were horrible; I doubt they ever said those three words to him. And he's never really had a serious relationship, not til now.

He didn't say it, but I have a feeling that hearing those words spill from my lips made him feel incredible. I saw a softness in his eyes that I hadn't seen before, a vulnerability. It was as if my words would make or break him, and I wasn't going to break him.

No, I couldn't do that, not to the man I love.

Wow. Love. I'm in love with Tanner Levine. And he loves me.

When he confessed his feelings to me last night, I knew I had to be dreaming, but the hand on my neck and the look in his eyes proved that it was real. He bared his heart to me, and I couldn't keep my own feelings silent any longer. The kiss we shared after baring our souls took my breath away. It was the most passionate kiss we'd shared so far. And it held the promise of so much more to come.

He had practice today, and I had my first day back as an AthletaWear rep. Neither of us wanted to leave the warmth of his bed or the embrace of one another. When he woke to find me cuddled against his side, he smiled lovingly down at me as he stroked my hair.

I couldn't hide the smile that spread across my lips as he planted soft kisses all over my skin. "You are so beautiful."

His lips moved up my arm and across my collar bone to the soft spot below my neck. I giggled as his stubble brushed my delicate flesh as he caressed my skin with his lips. "I love you, Jenna."

My eyes rolled back when his sinful mouth worked its way up my neck. "I love you too, Tanner."

He stopped when he reached my jaw. I could feel the curl of his lips as he smiled at my words. "Say it again."

My own lips curved upward. "I love you, Tanner."

His breathing hitched, and he started his ministrations again. This time placing soft pecks all over my face- my jaw, my cheek, my nose, my forehead. "Again."

"I love you."

Tanner moved, so he was suspended above me, only held up by one arm. He hovered his mouth over mine, barely letting our lips touch. "I love you so much, Jenna. So, fucking much."

My chest brushed his as our eyes met. The intensity of his gaze had me paralyzed. I've never felt love like this. I've never had someone look at me the way Tanner does. And I've never felt happier.

The longer we stayed like that, the more intense his gaze grew and the more electrified the air around us became. The need between us was growing. It was only a matter of time before one of us snapped, and I had a sneaking suspicion it would be me.

The seconds ticked away, and it was impossible not to touch him. Like a loud crack of thunder as two storms collide, I crashed my lips against Tanner's, and he collapsed onto me. Our movements became frantic as our few layers were removed one by one until nothing remained but skin.

I don't know how long we were lost in one another, but eventually, our alarms sounded, alerting us that it was time to start the day. I had a lot of work to catch up on, and Tanner had practice. After much protest, we finally disentangled ourselves and got ready to meet the day. He held my hand to the elevator, and once inside, he melded our lips once again, only breaking away when the vessel stopped on the first floor. We parted ways with another exchange of 'I love yous' and longing glances.

Yes, things were certainly looking up.

~

Finally, the day is here- game day. The game day- the championship. Everyone is pumped. The crowd is energized; the fans are already going wild. The stadium is packed.

Mel, Lindsey, and I take our seats to support the team. We watch as the teams make their way to the ice. Everyone around us is cheering for their favorite players as they start their warm-up. The three of us watch our team intently as they gracefully make their way around the rink.

As he circles around, we see Chase. He looks up at Lins, smiling wide, and mouths, 'I Love You.' Her smile matches his own as she mouths back at him her reply. Mel swoons at their show of affection, and she and Lindsey start muttering their excitement.

While the two of them are engrossed in conversation, Tanner makes his way around the rink. My eyes stay glued to him the whole time. When he reaches our section of the glass, he looks directly at me and shoots me his signature smile- the one he saves only for me, the one that shows all his emotions, the one that would knock me off my feet if I wasn't already seated. I smile back at him and give him a wink.

The rest of the team makes their way around the rink. Then, the game begins.

It's intense. The crowd holds their breath more than once, balancing on the edge of their seats, waiting for the final buzzer that will determine which team has done enough to claim the title of champion.

After a terrifying third period that left Mel, Lindsey, and I gripping each other's hands so tightly, we nearly lost circulation; the game was tied. The boys had to bring it home in overtime. The period seemed to last forever. I held my breath as Tanner took a shot at the net. He missed, narrowly. Chase swooped in and caught the puck for the rebound.

The entire arena went silent, waiting to see if his shot would make it. Time slowed down as the puck glided toward the Dallas goalie. It seemed to take forever until finally, the puck slid underneath his legs and across the goal line. The buzzer went off, signaling a goal.

The Cobras did it! They won the game! They were announced the season champions. The girls and I couldn't stop hugging one another and cheering for our boys. We watched as news crews stopped the team and asked for a statement. Chase was giving a statement to one reporter as Lindsey smiled at him dotingly. Suddenly, we saw Chase smile up at Lins. He waved us down to the ice.

At that moment, I remembered Chase had given me something to hold onto for him before the game. He said to bring it to him afterward. I didn't realize it would be right afterward.

Everyone in the arena grew and stared at us as we made our way to the ice. Once there, I handed over the small velvet box Chase asked me to hold for him. Looking from the reporter to Lins, Chase smiled then got down on one knee, holding out the small box, and proposed to his girl. Of course, she said yes, and the crowd went wild.

I almost started crying as I hugged them and told them congratulations. The rest of the team came up and started showering them with cheers of approval, hugs, and high-fives. After Tanner congratulated them, he sent me a longing look, and I want nothing more than to throw my arms around him and give him a passionate kiss.

I was about to go to him and do just that when the team started to shuffle toward the locker room, taking Tanner with them. Before he disappeared, he turned to me and gave me another bright smile and a wink.

Soon, I tell myself. Very soon.

A/N:

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