Tonight was Mia’s turn to choose a movie, so she picked a comedy. Mia hit the play button and lively music accompanied the visual of a soccer ball on the screen. “I chose this one for Sacha, because it’s a romance. Since it’s about soccer, I thought it’d honor your entry onto the team.”
“I’m Sacha,” Alexi growled at her, pulling her against him.
Giggling, she dropped the remote and relaxed. The sun had flushed her skin, the swimming had worn her out, and his story made her want to escape reality. She was in full movie veg mode. When the movie ended, he clicked the TV off and she sat up. He used his arms to push off the couch. She liked having him here. His stepmom didn’t deserve to have him around.
“Wait a sec.” Mia rose and walked behind him. Sliding her arms around his waist, she leaned against his back in a hug. Alexi stilled and clasped her arms across his stomach. Mia pulled one arm free and slid it around to the back of his T-shirt. She lifted it. Alexi stiffened but stayed in place. After kissing his scar lightly, she pulled his shirt back down. He didn’t look at her, but he didn’t move away. Mia hugged him again, then released him to go to her room. “Night.”
Alexi brushed her hand with his as she walked by.
Chapter 18
Niko was trying to persuade Hope about something, but Hope just shook her head and looked away. Alexi was with them, but he ignored their interaction, more interested in his breakfast.
Mia filled her own plate with toast and pineapple. “What’s going on?” The lightly browned toast needed jam. She spread the pumpkin butter over her slice.
“Tell Niko I never wear jewelry,” Hope said.
“Hope never wears jewelry. You’ll save a bundle marrying her instead of someone who likes shiny things.”
Niko crossed his arms over his chest. “She needs an engagement ring. It’s a symbol.”
“I’ll just get paint on it,” Hope said.
“That’s true, too.” Mia took a crunching bite. Yum, they should have pumpkin-flavored stuff all year, not just in the fall.
Alexi’s gaze rose from his plate and went to Hope. “Niko’s right. Women should wear engagement and wedding rings. It tells other men she’s taken.”
Mia pursed her lips and refrained from commenting. Commitments were on the inside. Rings didn’t keep people faithful. Their choices kept them faithful.
Niko nodded in agreement. “I’ll pick it out,” Niko insisted.
Yeah. He would. If he thought for a second leaving that decision up to his admin was a good idea, he was crazy. Mia opened her mouth to tell him so.
Niko caught her eye and shook his head.
She chuckled.
“Do you dislike jewelry, too?” Alexi eyed her closely.
“Have you seen me with the glitter? The sparklier the better.” Their cheer signs blinded the other teams in the Texas sunshine. She wanted a sparkly rock one day. A big one.
Alexi nodded.
“If they could make pumpkin butter sparkle, now that would be a spectacular product.” She took another bite and watched him wince.
***
That night, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. It was Friday night, game night. Thousands of fans filled the stands, talking in excited, eager voices; parents, students, locals. They chowed down on football food: hotdogs, popcorn, snow cones. The stadium lights illuminated the field so completely it seemed like noon instead of early evening.
Alexi was with his team by the bench, swinging his helmet by his side. He stood taller than most of his teammates. Halftime had just ended, but she couldn’t get a read on him. The game was a slow mover. 0-6, visitors’ favor. They’d missed the extra point. Which reminded her that kickers could miss. That was a lot of pressure on Alexi. He could miss. He hadn’t been on the field yet, he’d be fine. He was great in practice.
Was he enjoying tonight? Would he want to stay? That would make Niko happy, and he could use family here. And if Niko was happy, it would make Hope happy. She didn’t want to think about how strongly she felt on the subject.
Hope had brought the camera and had it aimed at her. Mia put one hand on her hip and raised the other in the air, holding the gold pompom still so Hope could get a good shot.
The Dragons’ defense held off the other team, and during the fourth quarter the Dragons found their footing. One long pass caught in the end zone, and they were on the board.
They screamed, “Go Dragons!” The crowd screamed, “Go Dragons!”