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“Shane and I have a place in New Hampshire.” I shrugged, trying to keep things casual, without expectation. “Nothing fancy. It’s quiet. We can take the boat out, fish, swim, whatever. Could be... a getaway? A week? Two?”

“That sounds amazing.” His smile was soft and filled me with joy. “I’d love to see it.”

Wow. We’d just made a plan that was more than a few days out.

A new idea formed, even though I’d told Shane earlier in the day that Kevin and I were going slow. “The team’s spring barbecue is coming up at Henderson’s place.” I looked at him. “If you want, we could go together.”

The question hung there. The barbecue was a big gathering with significant others, kids, even parents sometimes. It would signal to the team we’re more than D partners.

Kevin didn’t hesitate. “I think it’s a great way to let the team know, in a chill way, that we’re a thing.”

Relief hit me like a clean check into the boards.

As if he knew a celebration was needed, Mirco reappeared, bearing two small, chilled glasses. “Limoncello! From my cousin in Sorrento! For my friend Kevin, and his guest!” He beamed.

We declined dessert, but accepted the sweet, potent liqueur. A perfect finish.

As we were leaving, Mirco clapped Kevin on the back, then took my hand in both of his, warm and firm. “I hope you both come back soon!”

We promised we would. Back out on the cobblestones, we walked closer this time, hands brushing deliberately.

“Thank you for the best first date ever.”

He fully took my hand in his as we walked. “I’m looking forward to many more dates, and just as many quiet nights on the couch.”

At the car, he unlocked it but didn’t open the door. Turning to face me under the old-fashioned streetlamp, he spoke softly. “I had an incredible night, too. I loved being with you.” His free hand came up, rested flat on my chest over my heart. “You looking at me... like you are right now.”

“How am I looking at you?” My voice dropped.

“Like you want to kiss me.”

I leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. After all, we were on the sidewalk and not in a bedroom. It didn’t keep him from wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me tight, and deepening the kiss.

When we came up for air, I kept my forehead resting against his. “We should go. Before we scandalize the passersby.”

Kevin laughed softly against my neck. “Yes, we should.”

SIX

KEVIN

The sleeve of my light blue button-down felt suddenly too tight as I fidgeted with the cuff. Tyler parked his SUV in the street. Henderson’s sprawling suburban property buzzed, with cars filling the driveway, and some on his lawn.

“You okay?” Tyler’s voice was low, his gaze searching mine. His hand found mine across the center console, warm and steady.

“Yeah.” I forced a breath past the tightness in my chest. A nervous energy pulsed under my skin. “This is a big step. It’s like we’re meeting dozens of parents all at once.”

It’d seemed like both an eternity and no time at all since Detroit. Now, we were about to introduce ourselves as a couple to the team. This wasn’t just nerves. It was the weight of something real, something I didn’t want to screw up.

“Now you’ve got me nervous.” Tyler winked at me and squeezed my hand. “We can still go in separately.”

“No.” My head snapped up, meeting his eyes. “I want to do this. With you.”

His smile bloomed, slow and genuine, sending a familiar flip through my stomach. He leaned across the console, and I met him in the middle. His lips pressed against mine for a quick kiss.

“Then let’s go.”

We climbed out. The spring sun was warm on my skin. Tyler came around to my side, his fingers lacing through mine again. The simple, public gesture sent a jolt through me, grounding me as we walked toward the party.