Passing Through

Part Twenty Three

Turning his attention back to the woman in front of her, he smiled, "sorry...I really am needed over there."

Her face was distraught, and she stomped off to two other women across the room who all immediately comforted her.

Grabbing another beer from the bar staff, he strode with purpose across the room, then watched as Freya grinned, eyes wide taking everything in. What was it with women and gossip?

"Hi, hottie."

That was how Coop's wife greeted him. He looked down at her, more than a little surprised, "Me?"

She rolled her eyes, "obviously!"

At that moment, Coop joined him, slapping him on the back. "Shit, those finance guys did not want to let me leave."

He stooped to kiss Freya, who wrapped her arms around his neck and he literally lifted her from the stool.

"Jeez, boss. Put the girl down, or get a room!"

Coop extended a finger, flipping him off whilst still kissing his wife, and supporting her total body weight.

"You did good tonight, Mitchell," she breathed as he finally let her go.

Bo looked at Natasha and rolled his eyes, but she was grinning, "they're quite sweet. Nice to know love lives on!"

Coop guffawed at that, "you are a tonic, Tash, never fail to make me laugh. Frey, they think we're that old!"

Bo couldn't deal with how jealous he suddenly felt that he couldn't take Natasha, be as open as honest with her as they were. But it was all too new, too awkward.

"Can I see you home?" He asked as quietly as he could, not wanting to draw too much attention to the conversation.

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded, "that would be good."

She finished her wine, then stood from the chair.

"Where you two going?" Coop asked, "me and Freya here, are going to this cute little steak house, not far away...you hungry?"

Bo grimaced, he was post match starving, but he was hungry for Natasha more. And he didn't want to let Coop down, as it was, he didn't have to, as she spoke before he could answer.

"That is a great offer, but I made Bo his fave meal, he's going to pick it up when he drops me home. Another time?"

He nodded, "cool. You two kids be good..."

Bo shook his head, "do not say it!"

Laughing Coop clapped him on the back, "but if you can't be good, be careful!"

"Fuck," Bo punched his arm, "what is it with hockey coaches and cliché shit like that? Not even my Dad gives me that shit."

Natasha was blushing as she laughed at them both, and he was grateful that she was taking the ribbing in good faith.

As Coop and Freya left them, Bo leaned in, "you've made my favourite meal?" When she gave a little shrug, he couldn't help but smile, "so you knew it was fish tacos?" They'd talked a lot, but not favourite foods, there hadn't been enough time. She was as desperate to get her hands on him as he was with her.

She nodded coyly, "OK...so I haven't made any food..."

"You wanted to be alone with me?" he leaned close, eyebrow lifted quizzically.