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experience. And Elliot also needs to learn how to work with a coach, not just his father. It’ll be good for him in the long run.”
    She sat back and stared at him for a while, then a small smile spread across her face. “You’re looking forward to it.”
    â€œI— Yeah. I am. I used to get into some pickup games with friends in Ann Arbor, but as I worked longer and longer hours, I stopped making the time. I’ve missed it.”
    â€œI can see why. It was a big part of your life for a long time.” Melina started wrapping up the leftovers while Rafe gathered the trash. “What do you think Beau’s motives are in setting the rules?” she asked.
    â€œIt’s a power play.”
    She considered that. “Okay, I get that by him making you get involved. But me? ”
    He didn’t look at her. “Either he’s playing matchmaker or he’s planning on it creating friction between us—for his entertainment. Which do you think?”
    â€œThe latter.”
    â€œMe, too. Let’s not give him that satisfaction.” He caught her gaze, held it. “Do you think we can manage that?”
    â€œI don’t want to be at odds with you, Rafe. But we have a history, and it’s not going to be easy.”
    â€œEspecially since the attraction is still there.” Might as well put that on the table, he thought.
    She hesitated then nodded. “Being attracted isn’t the issue. It’s what we do about it.”
    He knew what he’d like to do about it. For the first time since they’d met, they had their own homes, which offered privacy, a place where they could spend a whole night together, where it was comfortable and clean, where they wouldn’t have to check out by 10:00 a.m. They could shower together in the morning, linger over breakfast wearing only robes, easily disposed of.
    The silence escalated between them. He wondered if her thoughts were headed down the same path as his.
    â€œI need to get going,” she said abruptly, reaching for her jacket and backpack. “Thank you for dinner. And for everything else you’ve done.”
    He followed her to the front door, waited whileshe locked it behind them. “I’ll get a copy of Elliot’s practice schedule to you, so you can plan. I know you weren’t even consulted on this, and it’s probably going to be a hassle.”
    She shook her head adamantly. “I’m happy to do it. Seeing the way his face lit up when you told him he could play. He’s— Shoot. There’s my dad. He’s pulling up. Maybe you should take off while you can.”
    â€œI’m not a coward, Melina,” Rafe said quietly.
    Big, brash Jefferson Lawrence got out of his truck and swaggered over. “Daughter.”
    â€œHey, Dad.”
    â€œEvening, sir. How are you?” Rafe asked offering his hand.
    â€œGood, thanks. Real good.” He faced Melina then. “Your mother sent me to track you down. She’s been calling for a while.”
    â€œI had the phone off,” Melina said, which wasn’t entirely true. She’d had it on vibrate and had ignored it. “We were in an important meeting.”
    â€œShe wanted you to come for dinner.”
    â€œI’ve eaten, thanks.” She glanced at the bag of leftovers Rafe carried.
    Jefferson eyed it as well. “Then come keep us company, Mellie. We’ll catch up. Your sister’s coming, and your grandfather is going to be there.”
    â€œSteph’s working for me, remember? I see her every day. And I’ll see Gramps tomorrow morning,Dad. Every Wednesday morning, as always. We go for a drive.”
    â€œDoes he drive or do you?”
    â€œHe does. That’s part of my job. To evaluate driving skills and see if someone should resume or continue. You know that.”
    â€œI’m surprised you haven’t been in an accident.”
    He didn’t know how many close