The most beautiful green eyes Bianca had ever seen met hers. She knew he was off limits, Steven’s friends always had been, but she couldn’t help but wish she could find a way around that.

“B, this is George. His family isn’t close so he came home with me this year. We work together and I talked him into playing soccer this fall at the Y.”

“Oh, you poor thing,” Bianca teased. “This one can be brutal when it comes to a soccer game. I hope you wear a cup.”

“Come on, B. That was one time. And the guy was fine. I think,” Steven argued.

Bianca laughed, but George paled. “Is she serious?” George whispered to Steven, making Bianca laugh harder.

Steven glared at her and shook his head. “It wasn’t that bad. It was high school and it was a total accident. I was going for a bicycle kick and the defender got too close and I ended up kicking his balls instead.”

George cringed and involuntarily grabbed himself. Bianca stood by and prompted Steven, “And what happened to the guy?”

Steven sighed heavily. “He went to the hospital. He ended up needing surgery, but he was fine. As far as I know.”

George looked from Bianca to Steven. “I guess I should be glad I’m on his team and not competing with him.”

Bianca laughed again, enjoying the sound when George joined her. “Definitely. He’s brutal.”

“Alright, enough of that. You guys aren’t supposed to be ganging up on me,” Steven pouted.

Bianca took the bait and wrapped her arms around her cousin’s waist, hugging him close. “Sorry, cuz. It’s just because I love you. And your friend should know what sort of person he’s spending his time with.”

Steven tickled Bianca, making her squeal. She darted out of his embrace, then tripped and found herself in George’s arms. His hands steadied her before she fell, her arms circling his waist and her face pressed into his chest. She breathed deep, knowing she’d never get another chance to feel the man she was holding on to.

“What the hell are you doing?” Steven demanded angrily.