The Right Side of Tanner

Chapter 40

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.