Page 46 of Offside Rules

"Baylor."

She wets her lips, and I nearly forget every reason this is a bad idea.

Then she looks down and turns the key.

"I have to be up in a few hours."

"Yeah."

The door opens. She steps inside, keeping her hand on it.

"Good night, Wolf."

"Good night, Cupcake."

"Cupcake? Is that what you’re calling me now?"

"I could call you Bay if you’d rather."

I’m aware of what her name sounds like shortened–Bae. Her eyes move between mine, and her lips part before she answers. She knows too.

"Cupcake is probably safer. We wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea that we’re dating. I practically spend more waking hours in your apartment than my own. People might talk, and my brother will make good on his threat."

"His threat to do what?"

"Fly out here and beat your ass."

I laugh. In all seriousness, though, if hitting me made him feel better and we could all move past her family hating me forever, I’d buy him the plane ticket.

"Just make sure you give him the right apartment number."

She shakes her head, but there’s a smile on her face when she steps inside.

"Good night."

"Night."

She waits another second before closing it.

Upstairs, I let myself in and find the little box beside the coffee maker. My name is written across the lid, underlined twice.

I eat one of the cupcakes standing at the counter.

Banana and salted caramel.

She left them before she knew she’d see me tonight. Before she smiled at me across Oakley’s or asked me to dance.

I close the box with the second one still inside and put it back beside the coffee maker.

Then I set out two clean mugs.

She’ll be here early.

I’m getting up.

Chapter Eight

Wolf