Page 97 of Perfect Score

Brent strides out, his eyes immediately locking onto me. He doesn’t pause or hesitate—just makes a beeline straight for me, his hockey bag slung over his shoulder, still in his gear. His determined gaze sends my heart into a frenzy, beating wildly against my rib cage.

Before I can even say anything, Brent drops his bag to the ground, pulls me against him, and cups my face in his hands. His lips are on mine before I even have time to react. It’s a hard,claiming kiss, full of heat and passion. I melt into it, my arms winding around his neck as the rest of the world fades away.

When he pulls back, his forehead rests against mine, his breathing heavy. “God, it was good having you here tonight,” he says, his voice low and hoarse like he was yelling all night out there. “Seeing you in that seat... wearing my jersey... I wish I could have put you there sooner.”

A warmth spreads through me that has nothing to do with the heat of his body and everything to do with the love radiating from him. “I’m glad I was here too,” I whisper, brushing a hand over his cheek. “You were amazing out there.”

He grins, his eyes shining with pride. “I play better when you’re watching.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You play great no matter what, Brent.”

His expression softens, and he leans in, pressing another soft kiss to my lips. “Maybe. But it’s different with you here. I feel like I have more energy with you here.”

I bite my lip, trying to hold back the overwhelming emotion rising in my chest. “I’ll be here. I wouldn't miss it.”

He chuckles, kissing my temple this time. “You better. I have a Stanley Cup to win, and I can't do it without you in that seat.”

We stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other, the sounds of the arena fading into the background. It feels right—more right than anything has in a long time.

I look up at him, my heart swelling. “I'll be wherever you need me. I love you.”

Brent’s eyes soften even more as he pulls me closer, his lips brushing against my forehead. “I love you too, Zoe. I always have, and I always will.”

As the sounds of the stadium fill the air around us, I realize just how lucky I am to have this—Brent, hockey, this life we’rebuilding together. And I know, without a doubt, that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

THE END