Page 41 of Offside Rules

Ellie comes in first. Baylor follows, and I lose whatever the hell I was saying.

Her hair is down. I’ve seen it out of the bun before, but usually she’s pulling it back up while looking for a hair tie. Tonight, the rose-gold strands fall over the shoulders of a fitted black top. Her jeans have a rip above one knee, and she’s wearing boots that give her a few extra inches.

She looks fucking gorgeous.

She usually looks good. That’s been a problem since she showed up at my door with a noise complaint. But I’ve gotten used to slippers and sweatshirts and her telling me to move while I’m holding something that costs twenty dollars to eat without permission.

This is different.

Her eyes move across the room, checking tables. I’m still watching when they reach ours.

She smiles.

At me.

I lift my beer slightly, and Ellie catches Baylor’s arm before she can head our way. She points toward the table where Peyton and Natalia are sitting, then leads her over.

"What were you saying?" Olsen asks.

"No idea."

He follows my gaze. "Oh."

Ellie starts introducing Baylor around the table. Natalia gets up to hug her, then moves her bag off the empty chair. Baylor takes off her jacket, smiling at something Peyton says.

I give them a few minutes. Long enough for Ellie to order drinks and Baylor to sit down. Then I get up.

Luka moves his legs out of my way without being asked.

When I reach their table, Ellie looks up first.

"Well, look who finally left his apartment."

"I leave it every day."

"For work. That doesn’t count."

Baylor looks up at me, and I have to make myself keep my eyes on her face.

"Can I borrow you for a minute?"

"Depends. Did you break something?"

"Not since you left."

"That you know of."

I hold out my hand. "Come inspect me for damages."

She laughs and takes it. Her fingers are warm, and I help her out of the chair before letting go.

Ellie settles into the space Baylor leaves, giving me a smile I’m going to hear about later.

"Bring her back," she says.

"Ellie came over and helped with the last order. Then informed me I was leaving the building."

"Glad she did."