Page 84 of Sliding into Love
"You will not let me win. I'll win fair and square."
"We'll see about that."
We finish our pizza and play a few more games before finally heading back to the car. As they drive us through the city, I lean my head against the window, the stuffed dog in my lap.
"Kenny?” they say quietly.
"Yeah?"
"This—" they gesture between us "—what we're building. It's good. Really good."
"Yeah," I agree, reaching over to take their hand. "It really is."
And as we drive back with the late afternoon sun streaming through the windows, I let myself believe that this is just the beginning. That we have countless Saturday afternoons ahead ofus. Some at arcades, some quiet at home, all of them building toward a lasting future.
One day at a time.
Starting with today.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
ROYCE
The restaurant is buzzingwith energy by the time I arrive.
I'd reserved the entire place for tonight. All of Romano's, one of Bellport's best Italian restaurants, shut down exclusively for the team and their families. I wanted to do it after the stress we’ve all been under. A way to show appreciation and build camaraderie outside the stadium.
The staff has already pushed several tables together to create one long dining setup, family-style. String lights are draped overhead, and the smell of garlic bread and marinara fills the air. It's warm and inviting, exactly the atmosphere I was hoping for.
"Your Majesty," Kenneth's voice comes from behind me, low and teasing. "You've outdone yourself."
I turn to find him leaning against the doorframe, looking unfairly good in dark jeans and a fitted Henley. We agreed to keep things casual tonight—no suits, no formality. Just people enjoying each other's company.
"You think so?" I ask, fighting the urge to go to him and kiss him hello. We're trying to be somewhat discreet, at least until the team gets more comfortable with the idea of us as a couple.
Not that we’ve said anything yet. I think they know anyway though.
"I know so." He pushes off the frame and crosses to me, his hand briefly touching the small of my back—a gesture small enough that anyone watching might miss it, but significant enough that I feel it everywhere. "This is going to mean a lot to them."
"That's the goal. Though I'm starting to worry I ordered too much food." I glance around the space one more time, mentally checking off details.
Kenneth laughs. "Have you met our team? Gillies alone could probably eat half of what you ordered."
"Fair point."
Players start trickling in with their partners and families. I greet each one, making sure they know where to sit, where the bar is, that everything is taken care of. Gillies arrives alone but immediately lights up when he spots the appetizer table.
"Is that the famous Romano's bruschetta?" he calls out, already heading in that direction.
"All you can eat," I confirm, and he pumps his fist in celebration.
"You're a god among humans, Royce. A god among humans!"
Kenneth chuckles beside me. "See? Told you."
More players arrive while Gillies attacks the buffet. I make mental notes to learn the names of their partners, their kids. Naymon brings his wife and newborn baby, who immediately becomes the center of attention. Walters arrives with his boyfriend, both of them looking a bit nervous until I make a point of welcoming them warmly.
"We're so glad you both could make it," I tell them. "There's wine at the bar, or beer, or soft drinks if you prefer. Make yourselves at home."
