Hector put an arm around her shoulders. “Lila, if it’s behind your back, how can you see anything?”
“I see all, I know all. Don’t forget it.”
“Told you she was mean,” he said to his brother, who sat behind him with his boyfriend. “Isn’t she great?”
“I think he’s got a screw loose,” Lafayette said to Simon. “No way my brother can keep up with a chick as hot as Lila.”
“I really like your brother,” Lila said to Hector.
“He’s mine, woman. Hands off,” teased Simon, the boyfriend.
Kenzie had liked Hector off the bat, but meeting his brother and knowing they’d come out to support Daniel just because Lila had asked them to made her like them all even more.
Kenzie looked at the field, where Evan stood saying something to Daniel, who seemed to be absorbing every word. Evan helped Daniel every day with soccer, apparently. Even if he couldn’t make practice to help the team, he’d show up and take Daniel to a nearby field to work on his moves.
To her astonishment, her brother had latched onto soccer and let go of his bad hacker habits. Or so he said.
“I could help if they wanted,” Will offered. He glared at the head coach on the field. “But no one asked.”
Kenzie met Rachel’s gaze, ready to offer an apology on Daniel’s behalf, though the offer wasn’t his to make.
Rachel shook her head. “Will, you can’t teach the kids to tackle each other like it’s football. That’s why you aren’t down there giving advice. Because they’re not allowed to clothesline each other.”
“I was just saying not to take any crap. A nudge here or there is expected.”
“That’s what my cousin thinks,” Rachel said dryly. “You remember Red Card Caroline.”
“Hey, aren’t red cards bad?” Hector asked.
“Yeah.” Will sighed. “But I meant well. I can teach kids what they need to know. What does Evan have that I don’t?”
“Um, skills?” Lila offered.
Lafayette muffled his laughter, but Simon let loose.
Hector cleared his throat, trying to keep the peace. “You play?” He pointed to the field.
“I play on our county league team. I brought Evan into the game. He’s actually pretty good.”
“Cash told us Evan played in college. I’d like to see you guys sometime.” Hector shared a sly glance with Lafayette that piqued Kenzie’s interest.
“Sure. We have a bye next week, but our next game is two Sundays after that. You should come.” He sighed, looking glum as he stared at the field. “They like my advice on the Legal Eagles.”
Evan clapped Daniel on the back, then they bumped fists. Evan returned to the stands after waving to a few friendly parents.
“Hmm.” Rachel leaned close to murmur, “Is it just me, or are there a lot of single soccer moms staring at your man?”
“I thought it was just me.”
“Oh good. You’re jealous. You should be,” Lila said.
“He is fine,” Lafayette said.
“I’d do him,” Simon agreed.
Hector cringed. “Please, stop.”
Lila laughed and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re so cute.” Then she leaned forward and yelled, “Take ’em out, Daniel! Kick some soccer ass, boys!”
