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For the benefit of the rest of the table, I spoke up, “It’s all about balance. Can't have you players thinking Pete’s too easygoing."
Jensen threw in his two cents. "Easygoing? Nah, but a smile from Coach Z is like a double rainbow—rare, even shocking.”
As the team delved into talk about our upcoming games, breaking down plays and potential strategy, I contributed but found my attention consistently drifting back to Pete. Every laugh and every shared look fueled a fire I was no longer interested in containing.
I excused myself to use the restroom, and as I made my way through the maze of tables and chairs, I sensed footsteps behind me. A quick glance confirmed it—Jensen was trailing me.
"Hey, Hoss, mind if I join you for a sec? Got something to ask."
"Sure, what's up?" We took a turn and ended up in a short corridor near the men’s room door.
Jensen leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "Alright, man, you know I'm not one to beat around the bush. What's going on between you and Pete? Looks like there’s some serious chemistry there."
I blinked, a little taken aback. "What are you talking about? Pete's the head coach, and I'm his assistant. We've got a good working relationship."
"Come on, Hoss, you can't fool me. I've seen the way you two look at each other. It's like you're in a world of your own, even in a room full of people."
I sighed, weighing my options. Even when he leveled sarcasm at a hapless target, Jensen was a good guy at heart, but this was sensitive territory. "Listen, it's complicated, okay? We're figuring things out."
Jensen's eyes softened. "Hey, I get it. And for what it's worth, I'm glad he decided to stick around. Cold Pines wouldn't be the same without Coach Z, and I think you're a big part of why he's staying."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Yeah, well, Cold Pines has a way of growing on you."
"It does, doesn't it?" Jensen pushed off the wall. "Look, man, if you two are happy and it's not affecting the team, who cares? We all want you both to be happy. Hell, if Pete cracking a smile every once in a while is the worst that comes out of this, I'll take it."
I chuckled. "Thanks. It means a lot to hear you say that."
"Hey, I call it like I see it. Just know, if you hurt him, you'll have to answer to us."
The warning was playful but sincere. "Don't worry, hurting him is the last thing I would ever want to do."
"Good," Jensen grinned, clapping me on the shoulder. "Now, let's get back before they send out a search party."
We returned to the table, and as I took my seat, Pete shot me a curious look. Before I could ponder what that meant, Waller's voice rang out, announcing last call.
I felt Pete's hand slide under the table, finding mine, our fingers weaving together effortlessly. And just like that, everything Jensen and I had discussed seemed to settle into place.
The team slowly dispersed into the night, ready for some hard-earned rest before practice started up again. Soon, it was just Pete and me left at the table.
"Some celebration, huh?" I said, suddenly feeling almost shy.
Pete nodded, his hand still clasping mine. "It was great. But I'm ready to get out of here."
I exhaled, realizing I was just as ready to be alone with him again. We walked outside, the night air biting and cold.
Pete turned to me. "Thank you, Hoss. For everything."
"Hey, I should be thanking you. For taking a chance on me and on this." I squeezed his hand.
He smiled. "No more chances. This is it. You and me."
My breath caught in my throat. Pete was always a man of few words, but when he spoke from the heart, it carried a lot of meaning.
I pulled him close, no longer caring if anyone saw. "Just you and me," I affirmed, and we kissed gently.
The warmth of Pete’s lips made the cold around us irrelevant.
"So, what's the game plan now, Coach Z?" I asked.
