Page 72 of Offside Rules

"There. Now we match," I tell her.

Her eyes meet mine, and she grins.

"Not anymore."

Before I can stop her, she wipes the frosting left on her fingers down my neck, then backs away.

I push off the counter. "Come here. I’ll fix it."

I reach for the open tub of sprinkles beside the frosting bowl.

Her eyes drop to it.

"No."

"You’ve already got frosting. Might as well finish decorating."

She ducks around the island as I toss a pinch toward her. Half lands on her shoulder. The rest scatter across the floor.

"You’re vacuuming every single one of those."

"Put it on the board."

I set the tub down just as she grabs an unfrosted cupcake from the plate of extras and throws it at my head.

I catch it against my chest.

We both look down at the chocolate cake smashed against my shirt.

"Whoa. Let’s not get the innocent pastries involved."

I peel down the wrapper and take a bite.

"That was supposed to hit you."

"It did. Thanks." I look down at the mess. "I guess I have to get rid of this shirt."

I set the cupcake on its plate, then work my shirt over my head, freeing my good arm first and easing the sleeve off the sore one. I toss it toward the hallway.

Baylor’s gaze drops to my chest, then lower. She stays on the other side of the island.

"That’s twenty dollars," she says.

"I’ll settle up when we’re done."

She reaches for another cupcake.

"I wouldn’t."

"Why? Worried you can’t catch two?"

"Worried you’re going to run out before I get you."

I scoop a little frosting onto my fingers and take a step around the island.

She gives a small shriek, laughing as she puts the cupcake back and hurries away. I follow, keeping us on the side away from the finished trays.

"You’ve got nowhere to go, Baylor."