An American Cinderella

His grip stayed tight on me as we walked toward the entrance. I kept close to him, not because of the crowd, but more because I wanted to be near him.

A group of men wearing black face paint and black jerseys cheered as they walked into the stadium in front of us. They called out to another group wearing similar jerseys. All around me I could hear excited calls and the sounds of a big sporting event.

“Are we cheering for them or Ireland?” I asked as we joined the line to get in behind the All Black fans. I was glad I had opted not to bring a purse, instead just carrying what I needed in my pockets. It would make getting through security that much easier.

“You can cheer for whomever you’d like,” Henry assured me. He put his hand around my waist, keeping me close as we waited to get through security. I loved the way his hand felt on me. “We’re here for a good time.”

I chuckled. “But who are we rooting for?” I bumped my shoulder against his. The other team, Ireland, seemed to be wearing green and white, so Henry’s dark blue shirt declared him for neither side. “Sports games are so much more fun if you pick a side. You must have one you like better.”

Henry grinned. “The All Blacks,” he said. The group in front of us in the security line turned and cheered. They held up their hands for a round of high-fives which we both willingly gave as security called them through the metal detectors one by one.

Henry and I made it through the gates without issue and stood in the main entrance of the stadium. The All Black fans waved to us as they headed up a set of escalators. I thought I saw Andre, but before I could say anything, Henry grabbed my hand and pulled me in a different direction.

He led me to another gate entrance. It was quieter here with many of the fans already in their seats. It was almost private here. Instead of going into the stadium, he pushed me up against the wall and kissed me. His hips pressed into me, his lips tasted mine and I couldn’t help but whimper with sudden desire.

The crowd vanished from my mind and only Henry and his kiss existed. I’m sure we had a few people stop and look at the two of us, but I didn’t care. He was kissing me. I didn’t have to wait until the end of the night and I couldn’t have been happier.

“I didn’t want to wait any longer,” Henry whispered, pulling back only slightly. “I’ve wanted to do that all week.”

“Okay,” I murmured, dizzy on the after effects of his kiss. I looked up into his ocean eyes and my heart fluttered with the warm way he looked at me. “I’m glad you didn’t wait then.”

He grinned and gave me a short peck on the lips. I wanted more, but we were in a public place. Besides, I could hear the chant of the crowd growing louder in the stadium. I wanted to kiss him all night, but I also wanted to see the game. Rugby was obviously an important part of who he was, so I wanted to learn more about it and him.

“There you are,” a deep voice said from behind Henry. Henry scowled slightly and rolled his eyes. He managed a smile on his face as he turned to look at Andre.

Andre stood just as giant as before. He wore jeans and a dark purple shirt. A woman that looked like she lived in the gym stood next to him. I assumed that had to be Valentina. She looked far too intense with jeans and a gray tank top. Her brown eyes never stopped scanning the sports fans walking past us to get into the seating area.

Either way, Valentina and Andre looked to be a pair. Jaqui would be so disappointed.

“I thought you were going to head inside before us,” Henry said, turning to face his friend, but looping his arm around my waist. “We’ll be right in.”

“Just making sure you find your seats,” Andre told him. The two men had a conversation with their eyes. I wondered what was going on between the two of them. It didn’t feel quite as friendly as it did the other day.

“Come on, Aria,” Henry finally said, breaking his eye discussion with Andre. “Let’s go to our seats. Do you want anything to drink?”

“I’m good,” I said. Beer here would cost an arm and a leg. Besides, I wanted to focus on Henry and the game, not on my drink.

Henry took my hand and walked past Andre and Valentina as if they didn’t exist. I gave them both a polite smile and followed my date into the stands.