*Annabella’s POV*

“Vous chienne chance!” (You lucky bitch!) My cousin Andrea yelled with a smile as I finished putting on my makeup. It had been about two weeks since I saw Brendan and we’d gone out for coffee a couple of times and tonight I was going to his game and afterwards we were going out to dinner. I just laughed as her as I checked the time. It was 7:31 and the game started at 8 o’clock so I decided I’d better leave now. I only lived about 10 minutes from the Bell Centre but I knew there would be traffic because of the game. “Ne pas attendre jusqu'à!” (Don’t wait up!) I yelled as I pulled the door closed, but not before hearing Andrea groan. I laughed as I locked the door to our apartment and headed down to the garage and into my car.

I got to the Bell Centre around 15 minutes later and went to go find out where my seat was. I knew Brendan had gotten me the ticket but I was floored when I found out they were in the first row. I was literally about to pee my pants when I heard someone, “Ms. Lapierre?” I turned around to see someone who looked like they worked here and nodded. “Mr. Gallagher asked me to give you this.” He said handing me an envelope. I thanked him and the sat down, opening the envelope in the process. I emptied the contents into my lap and saw a pass to go back to the locker room after the game was over and a note:

Hey Annabella,
I’m so glad you decided to come tonight, and as promised, I will try my very best to score a goal for you. I’ll be searching for you in the stands.
--Brendan xo

I started smiling like an idiot down at the note and when I looked up the guys from both teams were out on the ice skating around and getting ready to start the game. I was on the Montreal side, but I was watching the Sabres. Not gonna lie, I thought Marcus Foligno was gorgeous and his eyes were the bluest I had ever seen. My zoning out and smiling at him was interrupted by a knock on the glass in front of me and everyone around me looked shocked. I turned my head to see Brendan standing on the ice, smiling at me. I smiled back and waved and he just laughed and then skated away. As I looked around people were either giving me a dirty look or looked very confused by what had just happened but I ignored it. I played around on my phone and texted my friend Catherine. Before I knew it, it was game time.

*Brendan’s POV*

“Fucking right boys!” Carey yelled as we got back into the locker room after the game had ended. We won 3-0 and I had gotten a goal. I had been smiling and super happy all night and I couldn't wait for Annabella to come down. I was in the middle of laughing at a joke Lars had made when all of a sudden the room got very quiet. I turned around and all eyes were on Annabella. “Hey Annabella.” Max said going up to her and hugging her. She smiled and hugged him back and I felt a little pang of jealousy because I wanted to hug her first. Next up with PK and the finally it was my turn. I walked up to her, picked her up in a hug and spun her around which she obviously wasn't expecting because she let out a little squeal and then a laugh. “Hey Gally, don’t be rude.” Alexei said with his Russian accent as he sat down in front of his stall. “Yeah, introduce us to the beautiful girl.” Peter added as he smiled at Annabella and she smiled. “Boys, this is Annabella Lapierre, Annabella, I’m sure you know who these guys are.” I said as she laughed. “Wait, Lapierre as in, Jake Lapierre?” Brian asked looking surprised and intrigued at the same time. “The one and only.” She said smiling proudly. Everyone still looked a little confused before she continued, “He’s my big brother.” A few of them still looked a little confused while others just shrugged their shoulders and went with it. “Never knew he had a little sister… But Mel is gorgeous.” Peter said from where he was sitting. “Yeah, her husband thinks so too.” She said smirking. Peter looked a bit shocked and then embarrassed as he let out a nervous laugh. She talked to the guys for a little bit longer as I showered and got dressed. “You ready to go?” I asked as I hiked my bag over my shoulder and put my arm around her. She nodded and as we headed out I heard some yelling get some and others yeah Gally.

“I’m so sorry. They like to embarrass me because I’m the baby.” I said as I opened the door to the parking lot for her. “Eh, I grew up with two older siblings- I know the feeling.” She said as we got into the car and we both let out a laugh. We left the Bell Centre at around 10:30 and I didn't really know of any restaurants that were open that late. “So, I don’t think there’s any restaurants open this late, but a cooking adventure at my place is always an interesting experience.” I said nervously, hoping she wouldn't think I just wanted to take her home and sleep with her. “Sounds fun. Let’s go.” She said smiling. I smiled back and let out a small sigh of relief.

We got to my apartment about 20 minutes later. I had originally shared the apartment with Alexei but then he and his girlfriend got their own place so the team wanted me to keep it vacant for a rookie they wanted next year and that rookie happened to be Alex which I was completely fine with. “Wow… it’s so… homey.” She said flopping down on the couch and letting out a moan. I looked at her funny and when she opened her eyes and looked at me she began to explain, “This couch is so comfortable.” She said curling up in a little ball. “Does this mean I have to burn the house down, I mean make dinner by myself?” I asked with a grin as I leaned against the wall. “I’d rather not burn to death so no.” She said standing up and walking towards me. “I’d save you.” I said as she got right in front of me. She was about an inch shorter than me so we were almost eye level. “Well, I think you’d made quite the sexy fire fighter so I’m completely okay with that.” She said winking and heading towards the kitchen. I groaned as I thought about it, good god she’s gonna drive me insane. With that I headed to the kitchen to help her cook whatever it is we were going to make.

“Brendan! You were supposed to make a bunch of little cookies, not one big one!” She said laughing as she put her hand over her eyes. It had been my job to make the cookie batter according to the box and put it in the over while she made dinner, but when she pulled the cookie out of the oven she face-palmed. “Well I’m not gonna share my cookie with you if you have that attitude.” I said placing it on the counter behind me. She pouted and made those puppy dog eyes and I knew I couldn’t withstand it. “Oh come on, don’t do that! You know I can’t stand my ground when you do that!” I said as her lip started to quiver. I held off for about 10 more seconds and then I broke and she did a little victory dance. “You’re lucky you’re cute.” I said as I headed to the couch with the two bowls in my hand and she grabbed the cookie. “No, YOU’RE lucky I’m cute.” She said as she took a huge bite out of the cookie. “Hey!” I said as I tried to grab it from her but she moved it to the side. “I want a piece.” I said as I tried to grab it again but failed as she moved it to the other side of her and laughed. “Don’t make me do this the hard way.” I said looking sternly at her with narrowed eyes but a smile on my face and she looked confused. I let out an evil laugh and she looked slightly terrified as I got on top of her and started tickling her. “Stop! Stop! I’m gonna pee!” She yelled as she writhed underneath me. I had heard the cookie hit the carpet on the other side of the couch but I loved hearing her laugh so I didn’t stop tickling her. “Mercy please!” She yelled as I saw the tears falling down the sides of her cheeks from laughing so much. I stopped tickling her but remained on top of her. “You dropped my cookie.” I said looking at her with raised eyebrows. She just giggled beneath me and smiled. “You need to make it up to me.” I said grinning at her. “And how do you suppose I do that?” She asked smiling up at me. “Let me show you.” I said right before I kissed her. She was a bit shocked at first but then kissed me back. It lasted for a little less than a minute, but was too short in my opinion. I pulled away and smiled as I got off of her.

*Annabella’s POV*

Oh my god he’s such a good kisser and his lips are so soft! I thought as I bit my lips. His breath tasted like mint and cherry and it was a combination I wanted to taste more of. We then ate the broccoli and cheese soup I’d made and shared the cookie. At around 11 we turned on We’re The Millers but I only remember about 20 minutes of it because I soon fell asleep leaning on Brendan with his arm around my shoulder.

*Brendan’s POV*

Once the movie was over I looked down at Annabella and noticed she’d fall asleep. It was around 1 and I had no idea where she lived, plus I knew she lived with her cousin so if I brought her home she’d probably try and kill me. I didn’t want to wake her so I tried getting up without doing so, but I failed and she just snuggled into my chest even more and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it. I decided it would just be best to pick her up and bring her into my room. I placed her on my bed and took her jacket off of her before I placed the covers on her. I then went and brushed my teeth and put on my flannel pajama pants. I was about to go out onto the couch when I heard her, “Stay.” I looked over and her eyes were still closed and I thought I was hearing things until she said it again, “Stay with me.” I put down the pillow I had planned on bringing out with me and climbed into the other side of the bed. “Mmh, you’re warm.” She said as she turned to face me. I just laughed and placed one arm under my pillow and used the other one to push a piece of her hair back behind her ear. She blushed and giggled and I knew I was gonna lose it. “You’re so adorable.” I said without thinking and she smiled even more. “Well you’re not so bad yourself.” She said as she closed her eyes and moved closer to me so her face was pressed against my chest. I fell asleep smiling that night and feeling extremely happy.

*Annabella’s POV*

I don’t know what made me ask him to stay, but I was glad I did. I was freezing even under the blankets and he radiated body heat like no other. After he told me I was adorable I felt the butterflies erupting in my stomach. “Well you’re not so bad yourself.” Was all I said before I nuzzled into his shirtless chest. Good god he had an amazing, rock hard body and the thought of getting to sleep next to that made me very happy and I fell asleep with a big smile on my face and butterflies going around in my stomach.