“It’s only a surprise for you since this is your first season on the team. Now you know Jones hates clubs and parties. The fact that he even organized a dinner is surprising, really.”
“Okay.” He roughs a hand down his face. “Think I pissed off Pashkevich? I like the guy, and I don’t want to fuck up the team’s vibe.”
“Relax. If Roman says you’re good, he means it. He’s always honest, even when it makes you uncomfortable.”
“As if replacing Clay Rodgers isn’t stressful enough.” He looks up at the ceiling. “Trying to live up to his legacy while being surrounded by his best friends keeps me constantly on edge.”
“You need to get laid.”
Glaring, he pushes himself away from the table. “What fucking wonderful advice from my best friend.”
Hands deep in his pockets and shoulders tense, he strides toward the restroom. Shit. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Next week is the second anniversary of his granny’s death, and since she raised him after his parents died, it’s gotta be hard on him. And I just acted like a total douche.
Wanting to help him but unsure how, I turn to where he stormed off. Should I go after him?
Turns out I don’t need to. He’s still in the dining area, and he’s staring at Yana.
And fuck. She’s staring right back at him, and I swear I can almost see sparks flying between them.
Hell no.
I have to ask her out first.
Yanaand the brunette wander over to our table a while later, both wearing winter coats. She puts her hand on Roman’s shoulder, snagging his attention.
“We’re leaving. Just wanted to say bye.”
Roman stands and wraps her in a quick side hug. “It was nice to see you. You should stop by next week. Nev will be ecstatic, and so will Diana.”
“I just might do that. I haven’t seen your girls in a while. I miss them.” She smiles up at him. The expression drops quickly,though, and she slaps her forehead. “Bozhe?1, where are my manners? Roman, this is Chloe.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Chloe.” Roman gives her a hug as well and turns back to the table. “I apparently lack manners too. Guys, this is my friend Yana.” He points at her. “And this is her friend Chloe.”
The guys all greet them politely, a chorus of hellos.
Yana nods, but Chloe breaks into a dazzling smile. “I’m so happy to meet y’all. The Thunders are my favorite team, and it’s such a pleasure to watch you play.”
The group breaks into a round of thank-yous, and the table falls into silence.
Yana peeks over at her friend, who’s wearing a frown, probably surprised by such an unenthusiastic response. Chloe is gorgeous, after all—though not nearly as beautiful as Yana. Our ambivalence isn’t personal. We came straight from practice, and we’ve been here for a few hours. What we all want is to go home, no matter how tempting the girl is.
“We better go.” Yana loops her arm through her friend’s. “Poka?2, Roma.” She surveys the table, her attention lingering on Camden and then landing on me. “Bye, boys.”
“Bye.”
As the girls walk away, I tap my fingers on the table, considering my next move. Beside me, Camden shifts. The subtle move sends me into action.
It’s probably shitty of me, but I really want a chance with Yana. And after their argument, I don’t think my best friend will ask her out anyway. Hell, he probably isn’t even into her. Even so…
“I’ll be back,” I mutter, jumping to my feet.
I weave through the crowd and hurry out of the restaurant. On the sidewalk, it takes a moment to find the women, but when I do, I jog toward them.
Make it or break it, Logan.
“Yana!” I call.
She glances over her shoulder, her brows knit. Then she stops.
