(Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis)
Kristie Mewis sat cross-legged on her hotel bed, the faint hum of the air conditioner blending with the muted sounds of late-night television. She was supposed to be resting, the upcoming match demanding her full energy and focus. But instead, her eyes were glued to her phone, a soft smile curving her lips.
She scrolled through her girlfriend Sam Kerr's Instagram feed, her heart fluttering at each post. Sam, with her effortless charm and athletic grace, had a way of captivating everyone's attention, but for Kristie, it was more than just admiration. It was love. She paused at a particular photo—Sam, fresh from a workout, her abs glistening with sweat, a playful smirk on her face. The image was enough to make Kristie's cheeks flush.
Just as she was about to double-tap the photo, the door swung open. Kristie scrambled, nearly dropping her phone as Sam stepped into the room. Sam's eyebrows arched with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Caught you," Sam said, her voice teasing. She kicked off her shoes and crossed the room, her presence as commanding as it was comforting.
Kristie tried to hide her phone, but Sam was too quick. She plopped down on the bed beside Kristie and gently pried the phone from her hands.
"What's this?" Sam asked, her eyes dancing with mischief as she saw the photo of herself. "Admiring my thirst traps, are we?"
Kristie's face burned crimson. "I was just... appreciating your hard work," she mumbled, unable to meet Sam's gaze.
Sam chuckled, the sound low and affectionate. "You're adorable when you're embarrassed," she said, leaning in to plant a kiss on Kristie's forehead.
Kristie finally looked up, her eyes meeting Sam's. "I can't help it," she confessed. "You're just so... amazing. On and off the field."
Sam's expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to genuine warmth. "And you're my biggest fan," she said. "It means more to me than you know."
Kristie felt a rush of affection. She reached out, threading her fingers through Sam's. "I'll always be your biggest fan," she said softly. "But seriously, do you have to post pictures like that? You're going to give people heart attacks."
Sam laughed, a full, joyous sound that made Kristie's heart swell. "Can't help it if I like to show off a little," she said, winking. "Especially if it gets this kind of reaction from you."
They sat together in comfortable silence, the bond between them palpable. Sam's presence was a balm, soothing Kristie's pre-game nerves. After a moment, Sam tilted her head, her expression growing more serious.
"You know, I'm just as guilty," she admitted. "I've got plenty of pictures of you that I look at whenever we're apart. Keeps me motivated."
Kristie's heart fluttered. "Really?"
Sam nodded. "Really. You're my everything, Kris."
Kristie's eyes shimmered with emotion. She leaned in, her lips finding Sam's in a tender kiss. When they pulled apart, Kristie rested her forehead against Sam's.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," Sam replied, her voice equally soft.
They stayed like that for a while, the world outside their hotel room fading away. It was in these quiet, stolen moments that they found the strength and courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were each other's anchor, the steady force that kept them grounded amid the whirlwind of their careers.
As the night wore on, they finally settled into bed, their hands still entwined. Kristie's phone buzzed with a new notification, but she ignored it, her focus solely on Sam.
"Goodnight, superstar," Kristie murmured, her eyes already drifting shut.
"Goodnight, my love," Sam whispered back, pressing a gentle kiss to Kristie's temple.
And as they drifted into sleep, they knew that no matter what, they would always have each other. In the end, that was all that mattered.
