Alanna sighed as Conner kissed her lightly on the lips. He had been acting so distant lately she thought she didn't care anymore. But he was here with her tonight at Jackie's party. And all she wanted was a beer. She shot straight up. She saw Elizabeth Wakefield walking in with a short dark-haired girl and a tall blond guy. What the heck was she doing here? She also looked totally gorgeous in a short red dress. Alanna felt plain in her jeans and tank top. She glanced at Conner. He didn't know that Elizabeth was here yet. She hoped to keep it like that. Because tonight was the night. Tonight she was going to tell Conner she loved him.

Elizabeth trailed behind Melissa and Will. She felt out of place because she didn't know anyone here. She hadn't seen Conner yet and hoped she would find him soon. She was getting sick of all the stares she was receiving. Will turned around, "You need anything, Liz? A drink?"
She smiled. "Sure, a root beer would be fine."
Melissa whispered quietly, "I'm gonna go get the gossip report from the girls. Now go get him!"
Melissa walked away just as Will walked back over. "Here you go," he said stiffly.
"Thanks," she said weakly.

Conner stared. Elizabeth looked really good tonight. He had no clue why she was here at this party but all he knew was he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Her blond hair framed her face like gold and there was a bit of mystery in her gorgeous eyes. It brought back memories of their time together:
Conner leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "You are so beautiful. What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Elizabeth smiled, "It does feel good, doesn't it?"
"That's an understatement," he said gruffly. He leaned her back into the couch cushions. He placed his arms lightly around her neck. As their kisses became more passionate his hands ran over her breasts and down to her waist, enjoying the feelings Liz was arousing. Elizabeth pulled back her blue/green eyes intense, "We've got to stop, whenever we kiss is always leads to a place I'm not ready for yet."
Conner smiled, "Don't worry, we have all the time in the world."
 But Conner was stuck in the present with Alanna. He tried to assure himself that Alanna was the girl for him. They had this amazing connection. But he and Liz had one as well. And he and Liz had a lot of fun. But Conner could only recall one time when he was totally relaxed with Alanna. Their dance at the Shack. That had been a wonderful afternoon, but he remembered feeling better just staring at Liz in creative writing. Conner had to stop thinking about her. He had Liz on the brain. The way she was embarrassed when he kissed her in public but knew she was loving it, the way her eyes got glassy when they played 'I Hope You Dance' her favorite song, or the way she kissed him with all the passion in the world.
"Conner!" Alanna said excitedly. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you." she said carefully.
"What?" Conner asked warily.
" I love you."
Conner stared at Alanna in shock.