The Titan practice field was buzzing with so many reporters and other seemingly important people that Ariana hardly recognized it as the place where she and Rennen had initially sparred. A boxing ring was set up in the center of the field with bleachers extending out on all four sides like endless ripples from a rock thrown in a pond. From what Ariana could tell, every inch of the bleachers was filled. Ariana was standing inside the ring, waiting for Rennen to arrive. She glanced up at the Jumbotron to her right. The YouTube video of her and Rennen sparring was playing on a loop. Words like kapow and splat had been added in key parts, making the footage look like an old episode of Spiderman. She wished they’d quit playing that stupid video over and over. Every time she watched it, all she could see was the adventure dancing in Rennen’s eyes as they squared off. That was the look that stole her heart—the challenge that made her want to rise up and meet him on every level.

Rennen was late. Maybe he wasn’t coming. She swallowed her disappointment, trying to tell herself that it didn’t matter. Things had been much simpler when they had their first sparring match. She’d been so upset because she’d fallen for the guy who was taking Ace’s place on the Titans, never dreaming that was the least of her worries. After the fight with Rennen the day before, she’d sent Paul packing and was on the sofa, bawling, by the time Ace got to her apartment.

She gave Ace the same spiel she’d given Rennen, saying how Rennen was always waiting for everyone to disappoint him and how she couldn’t live like that. She’d expected Ace to agree with her and was surprised when he came back with, “Give the guy a break. After all he’s been through, it’s a miracle he’s doing as well as he is. It’s obvious that Rennen loves you as much as you love him. Don’t let the past taint your future. You’re better than this anger. Quit being so dang stubborn.” When she tried to argue, he wagged a finger, giving her a look that cut her to the quick. “You know I’m right. When Rennen calls or comes over to apologize—and he will—let him make it right … for both your sakes.”

Deep down, she knew Ace was right and was prepared to make up with Rennen. But Ariana hadn’t heard a word from him. She kept replaying the accusation in his eyes, hearing his hateful words. Maybe the two of them had been doomed before they ever really got started. After all, Rennen had some hefty baggage to sift through. And she was at a loss as to how to help him.

She tightened her grip against the gauze and tape she’d wrapped around her hands. Her stomach felt queasy, partly due to the upcoming sparring match and partly due to her emotional state. She focused on breathing, hoping her training would take over. No hope of that!

Her blood pressure shot through the roof when Rennen came trotting across the field, the smile of a champion plastered over his handsome face. He really did look like a Titan from Greek Mythology with his curls gleaming like burnished gold in the afternoon sun, his body chiseled to perfection. Was this the same broken man who’d left her apartment the day before? What in the heck happened to bring about this dramatic change? She scowled, a burst of anger running through her. It wasn’t right that he should be so composed when she was a wreck.

He climbed into the ring, pumping his fist to the crowd. The song “We Are the Champions” by Queen boomed through nearby speakers as the audience went wild. Cartoon caricatures of Ariana and Rennen danced across the Jumbotron, boxing each other.

Rennen flashed a dazzling smile, his eyes roving over her in a leisurely way that unleashed a parade of butterflies in her stomach. “You look great.”

She scowled. What was he up to? She moved to the opposite side of the ring from where Rennen was standing. He wouldn’t be smiling when she knocked him on his butt.

The emcee, a local celebrity who had his own sports talk show, stepped into the ring holding a microphone. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with shiny, black shoes to match.

“Hello, everyone,” he boomed. “I’m Marshall Sanders, your host for this event. Let’s give it up for Rennen Bradley and Ariana Sanchez for so graciously agreeing to a rematch on the very field where the first one took place.”

Applause thundered around the field, sounding like a stampede of eager elephants.

Marshall held up a hand to quiet the crowd. “The rules are simple, folks. The first one who gets pinned on the mat for three seconds loses.” He motioned at Rennen and Ariana. “Come on now. Don’t be shy.”

They stepped up and bumped fists.

Marshall ducked through the ropes, stepping out of the ring. He looked over at the officials sitting behind a long table. “Do we have some sort of bell?”

A referee stepped into the ring as a loud buzzer sounded.

“There you go,” Marshall boomed, a smile larger than The Grand Canyon splitting his face. “It’s on.”

Ariana crouched in fighting position, her blood pumping like a steam engine through her veins. A stupid grin washed over Rennen’s face as he stepped up to her.

He raised his eyebrows. “This is gonna be fun.”

His voice held the husky hint of promise, sending an unbidden tremble down her spine. She hated the effect he had on her. “You won’t think it’s so fun when I knock you on your butt,” she muttered. She lunged at him, but he neatly sidestepped her attempt, sending her rushing into the ropes where she had to catch herself from falling. She spun around, glaring at him. Her anger was making her clumsy.

He only laughed.

She’d forgotten how fast Rennen was. Sheesh, he really was like a ghost—so smooth he almost glided. They circled around, eyeing each other.

“Come on,” he taunted. “Make your move.” His eyes danced. “And the more full-body contact the better.”

“Pig,” she muttered, remembering their previous conversation about this very thing. “We can’t keep dancing around like this all day. One of us has to act.”

He grinned. “Ladies first.”

She let out a guttural growl as she rushed at him. She punched, her fist connecting with his jaw. He grunted in surprise. She followed the hit with a kick, but he deflected it.

“Good one,” he said.

He jabbed at her, but she slapped his arm in a classic deflection move. They went a few more rounds before she realized Rennen wasn’t really trying. This angered her more than anything.

“Come on,” she yelled. “Don’t hold back just because I’m a girl.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Rennen said pleasantly.

She went to sock him again, but he caught her arm and spun her around. He held her in a grip—so tight she felt like bands of steel were binding her. She tried to dig her heel into his foot but he moved it with a laugh. “Won’t work this time. I’ve got your moves memorized. See … full-body contact,” he murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear. “Have you had enough?”

“Never,” she said fiercely, collapsing to her knees. The move took Rennen by surprise as he fell forward, knocking them both to the mat. Ariana turned, facing him. They wrestled around on the mat, each trying to get the upper hand. Energy pulsed through Ariana like a live wire, making her feel alive and completely in the moment.

“You’re pretty tough, for such a little thing,” Rennen said admiringly, mischief sparking in his eyes.

“Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Ariana kept slinging punches with Rennen dodging them. She tried to put him in an armbar, but his freaking arm was too strong.

“Have you given any thought to us?”

Ariana let out an incredulous laugh. “You’re bringing this up now?” She had to draw back to keep from being put in a headlock.

“Sure, why not? I have your undivided attention.”

She gritted her teeth. “If you wanted to talk about us, you should’ve had the decency to call or stop by.” She couldn’t keep the hurt from sounding in her voice.

“I would have, but I was a little busy … making up with my mom.”

The breath left her lungs. “W-what?” Hope sprang in her breast, and with it came a burst of energy. If Rennen had worked through that, then maybe they weren’t doomed. She broke out of his grasp and jumped to her feet, whirling around to face him.

Rennen also got to his feet. But the second he did, Ariana side-swept his leg, sending him tumbling backwards. She jumped on top of him, pinning him down on the mat. She squeezed his arms with all she was worth, her knees pressing into each side of his waist to give her leverage.

The referee stood over them. “One … two … three,” he shouted.

The crowd stood and cheered. Ariana felt the swell of victory then saw the hint of laughter in Rennen’s eyes and realized with a start that he’d let her win—had probably let her win the first time too. She peered into his eyes. “You really made up with your mom?”

An unencumbered smile split his lips, sending a ray of sunshine shooting into her heart. “Yep, sure did. In fact, she’s here.” He motioned with his head to the left. Ariana looked over and saw Delphine and Thomas sitting two rows from the front. Heat burned up her neck as she thought about her predicament—on top of Rennen, pinning him down, in front of the all these people … and Rennen’s mom. If her own mother saw her right now, she’d be mortified. She moved to get off Rennen, but he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her back down. “What’re you doing?” she grunted.

“What I should’ve done yesterday,” he uttered. In a flash, he turned so that he was on top of her.

“You’re such a pig,” she muttered indignantly before his lips came down on hers. She fought against the kiss for an instant. “Not here,” she tried to say, but the familiar flame licked through her as she returned his kiss with an urgency that surprised her. He pulled away, getting to his feet. Then he held out a hand, helping her to her feet.

His eyes lit with victory as a smile tipped his lips. “Now that’s what I call a sparring match.”

A smile curved her lips. “You talk big for a guy who just got whooped.”

Rennen crouched into a fighting position, grinning. “Care to go for round two? Double or nothing?”

She made a face. “Are you serious?”

A reckless glint came into his eyes. “For real this time.”

Adrenaline rushed through her veins. “All right. I’m game.” She balled her fist and socked him, her hand making a loud pop as it connected with his jaw. He fell to his knees, then curled into a fetal position.

Alarm trickled down Ariana’s spine. She’d not hit him that hard, had she?

She leaned over and touched his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

When he didn’t move, she shoved him. “Rennen.” Her throat went thick with fear. She about jumped out of her skin when he got up on one knee and reached for her hands. A picture flashed on the Jumbotron as piano music began playing. At first, Ariana didn’t get it. Then everything became clear as tears brimmed in her eyes. The picture was a black and white photo of Rennen, holding up a large poster that read, I’m sorry.

His gaze held hers. “Just me and you … no distractions … only what really matters. I love you, and I want you in my life. Please give us another chance. I promise, I won’t let you down.”

“I love you too,” she uttered, tears rolling down her cheeks. She let out a half-laugh. “I’m sorry I’m so stubborn.”

He stood, arms encircling her waist. “And I’m sorry I’ve been too stupid to realize all the blessings I have in my life … starting with you.”

She stood on her tiptoes, lifting her face to his. A thunderous applause broke out across the stadium as their lips connected. Ariana slid her arms around Rennen’s neck letting the feel of his lips overtake her, drowning out all else.