Udo nodded. They studied playing styles all the time. Never one on one and never with such atmosphere though.
“Once or twice,” Udo replied.
Steven caught his eye. “Do we need to talk?”
“I reckon so. I don’t just kiss anyone.”
With a sigh, Steven pushed the laptop away and steepled his fingers.
“I didn’t get very much sleep last night,” he said.
“Why’s that?”
“You know why.”
Udo looked down. “I’m sorry if I make you uncomfortable.”
There was just a table between them. Yet it could be a chasm.
“We overstepped the line yesterday,” Steven said. “We could have lost our jobs if we’d been seen.”
“I’m sorry,” Udo replied. “I couldn’t help myself any longer. I think you felt the same.”
Steven got up and walked over to the window. “Of course I do,” he said with his back to Udo. “I also value what Javier and I are creating here. When we took over the team, Brockton was lingering around the middle of the Championship. Now we’re in the Premier League. Do you know what that means?”
Udo had only ever played in topflight clubs before. He’d never had the experience of fighting for his place in the league. He supposed with that came a degree of arrogance that he needed to work on.
“I want to help Brockton make that count.”
Steven turned to face him. “Then we have to stick to business.”
It seemed a big ask. Udo had spent the evening half regretting what they’d done and half imagining Steven naked. It was a difficult balancing act.
“Okay,” he said. “I will try my best.”
“You have to.”
They managed to avoid the subject of the kiss for the rest of the session. Udo settling with just sharing some time with Steven.
After he’d changed, the whole team were summoned to the squad room where Javier would unveil his grand plan for the next match.
Udo sat next to Ewen.
“All right?” Ewen asked.
Udo nodded. “Ready for this match.”
“Nice one.”
“We are honoured,” Shaun said as he swaggered past.
“Give it a rest, Shaun,” Ewen said. “Let’s have a knobhead-free day, yeah?”
“Sure thing, Ewen,” Shaun replied. “Can’t help getting excited that Holtmann is attending. I thought he’d be told what to do in his one-to-ones.”
Udo rolled his eyes.
“Sorry, am I boring you?” Shaun asked.
