The Perfect Shot

Chapter 9: Perfect Night for Two

  Jack's POV

  As I pull up to Stevie's apartment, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the excitement bubbling inside me. I'm carrying three bags full of junk food, plus a six-pack of drinks. Yeah, I might've gone a little overboard, but I wanted to make sure tonight is perfect. Besides, it's not just any movie night—it's a chance to spend more time with Stevie, away from the rink and the noise. Just us.

I knock on the door, and when she opens it, the sight of her standing there—relaxed, smiling—makes the whole day worth it. But it's not just her smile that catches my attention. She's wearing a cream waffle-patterned set—a cute top that fits her perfectly, paired with flare pants that somehow make her look even more effortlessly cool. The soft fabric hugs her just right, and for a moment, I can't tear my eyes away.

"Wow," I say, before I can stop myself. "You look... amazing."

Stevie blushes a little, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks. Just something comfy for movie night."

"Comfy looks good on you," I reply with a grin, lifting the bags. "Hope I didn't come empty-handed."

She laughs, that sweet, genuine sound I'm starting to crave. "You passed the test. Come on in."

Her apartment smells faintly of vanilla, and it's warm and cozy, just like I imagined it would be. I notice the small touches—candles flickering on the table, a soft blanket draped over the couch. She's clearly put some thought into tonight too, and that makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

"What did you bring?" she asks, eyeing the bags with curiosity.

I start pulling out the haul—popcorn, chips, candy, and even a box of cookies. "Figured I'd cover all the bases."

"Impressive," she says, her smile widening. "I think we're set for the night."

We settle onto the couch, and I let myself relax. It feels natural being here with her, like this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. She picks Avengers: Age of Ultron—a Marvel classic I've seen a few times, but it's one of those movies that never gets old. Besides, it gives us plenty to talk about, and I'm all for a good debate over which Avenger is the best.

As the movie starts, we fall into easy conversation, trading quips about the characters and their choices. I find myself teasing her, making her laugh, and it's the best sound in the world. We argue playfully about the best action scenes, and somewhere between the banter and the snacks, the space between us shrinks. I don't even realize it until our hands brush while reaching for the popcorn.

That small touch sends a spark through me, and suddenly, the movie is just background noise. I glance at Stevie out of the corner of my eye, and she's doing that thing where she bites her lip when she's focused. Except I don't think she's focused on the movie either.

A few minutes later, I can't help myself—I shift closer, draping my arm over the back of the couch. She doesn't pull away. In fact, she leans in a little, and my heart does this stupid flip. It's ridiculous how much I'm into her, but I don't even care.

By the time the final battle rages on-screen, we're fully engrossed in it, our hands still intertwined between the cushions. We both cheer when the Hulk smashes through buildings, laugh when Tony Stark throws out another witty one-liner, and groan when things don't go as planned for the team.

When the movie ends and the credits roll, we both chuckle at our own distraction, the warmth between us feeling even more real now that the movie's over. There's a pause, and the air thickens with that familiar tension, the kind that's full of possibility but not quite urgent yet.

Stevie stretches her legs out on the couch, her foot brushing against mine. "You're not as intense as I thought you'd be," she teases, her tone light.

"Oh yeah?" I raise an eyebrow, grinning as I nudge her foot back with mine. "And what exactly did you expect?"

"I don't know," she says, leaning back against the couch, her head tilting as she looks at me. "Maybe more serious? You're kind of... sweet."

"Sweet, huh?" I lean closer, my voice dropping slightly. "Guess you bring it out of me."

She rolls her eyes playfully, but there's a hint of something softer behind it. "Well, don't get too soft on me, Hughes. We've got a reputation to uphold."

"Can't have that," I agree, still smiling as I reach over to gently flick her arm.

Stevie laughs softly, and then, without warning, I feel her hand in mine as she shifts closer. She lets herself slide against my side until her head rests comfortably on my shoulder.

"Is this soft?" I ask, teasing but quietly.

"Maybe a little," she murmurs, her voice already thick with sleep, "but your shoulder's really comfy."

I can't help but smile as I look down at her. The credits keep rolling, the room quiet except for the soft hum of the TV. I watch her eyes flutter closed, her breathing slow and relaxed. There's something incredibly cute about how at ease she looks, nestled against me like she belongs there.

After a while, I gently ease her head off my shoulder and carefully lift her up, cradling her in my arms. She stirs slightly, blinking sleepily as she starts to wake.

"Jack? What's going on?" she mumbles, her words still heavy with drowsiness.

"I'm just taking you to your room to sleep," I say softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She blinks up at me, then snuggles deeper into my chest, letting out a soft sigh. "Okay," she murmurs, her voice barely more than a whisper.

I carry her gently to her bedroom, holding her close as she rests her head against my shoulder. She curls into me, her warmth and weight comforting. When I reach her bed, I carefully lay her down, making sure not to disturb her too much.

"Comfy?" I ask softly, smoothing the blankets around her.

"Mmm, yeah," she replies, her eyes already drifting shut again.

I sit beside her, watching her for a moment. Her breathing is even and peaceful, her face relaxed in sleep. I can't help but feel a swell of affection as I take in how serene and content she looks.

With a soft smile, I lean in and press a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Goodnight, Stevie."

She doesn't wake, but a small smile tugs at her lips. I linger for a few more minutes, just taking in the peaceful scene before I reluctantly get up. I gather my things and take one last look at her.

"See you tomorrow," I whisper, closing the door behind me.

The drive home is quiet, my thoughts filled with the evening's perfect moments and the warmth of having spent time with Stevie.