The front door opened, and Alek walked in, already loosening his tie. He looked at the three of us, and his expression softened.
“You took too long.” Cole handed him a beer. “We got two mixed grills, though, so there’s plenty of protein.”
“Spasibo.” Alek set his briefcase down and joined us at the table.
For a few minutes, we ate in comfortable silence.
Eva dipped a torn piece of bread into her labneh then looked at Alek. “So? Did you tell them?”
His mouth curved—not quite a smile, but close. “I accepted the head coach position. I’ll start next season.”
“Holy shit!” I reached across the table to grip his forearm, and instead, he drew me in for a hard kiss on the mouth that left both of us breathless. “Congratulations,” I murmured against his lips.
We toasted him, and I watched Alek try not to look pleased at the recognition. He’d earned this—two years as assistant coach, and now two years as associate—mentoring, developing players, and proving he was more than just muscle for the bratva.
“Nikolai sent his congratulations,” Alek said. “Dmitri as well. They’re pleased with how my career’s progressed.”
“Speaking of family,” Eva said, pulling out her phone. “Dad called today. He wants to know if we’re going to Yorkfield for Easter.”
“He does realize Easter is in two weeks, right?” Cole raised an eyebrow.
“He’s excited.” Eva’s smile softened. “He’s five years sober, Tris. He’s doing so well. And he—” She bit her lip, trying not to grin. “He has a girlfriend. Her name is Margaret. She works at the community center where he volunteers.” Eva’s eyes were bright. “He wants us to meet her.”
“Then we’re going,” Alek said firmly. “We’ll make it work with the schedule.”
Eva looked at each of us, her expression vulnerable. “You’re sure? I know playoffs are starting, and Tris, you have that trip planned with Jordon?—”
“We’re going,” I interrupted. “If your dad wants us there, we’ll be there.”
“What’s the plan?” I asked, already mentally rearranging my schedule.
“I have to work the early shift on Friday, but I’m off Saturday and Sunday.” Eva consulted her phone. “If we leave Friday night after your game, we could spend the whole weekend?”
I squeezed her hand. “We’ll make it work.”
She looked at me with those gorgeous green eyes, full of love and gratitude, and my throat closed with emotion.
“How’s your shift tomorrow?” Alek asked, changing the subject.
“Rounds at six a.m. I’m on until eight p.m.” She rubbed her eyes. “Then, I have to study. Boards are in two months, and I’m?—”
“You’re going to be fucking brilliant,” Cole interrupted. “Like always.”
“You have two months. You’ll pass.” Alek reached over and tucked a loose curl behind her ear.
She leaned into his touch, eyes already drooping. “I onlyhave a few hours before I have to be back at the hospital. I should sleep.”
“Or,” Cole said, his voice dropping to that tone that made her shiver, “you could celebrate with us first.”
Eva’s eyes snapped open, suddenly alert. “Celebrate?”
“Tristan got a hat trick.” Cole grinned at her. “That’s worth celebrating.”
“And Alek’s going to be a head coach.” She bit her lip, and I watched her exhaustion war with want. Want won. It always did with us.
She stood, swaying slightly—from exhaustion or anticipation, I couldn’t tell. Cole caught her, steadied her. She looked up at him with those gorgeous eyes and said, “Bedroom. Now.”
“So fucking bossy,” Cole said, but he was already moving, sweeping her into his arms.