Page 76 of Offside Rules

"I don’t think I’m the only one who enjoyed it. You seemed into it too."

"I was, but…" She glances away at the kitchen and then back. "My family doesn’t like you, and as soon as the kitchen renovation is done, I don’t see us spending any time together. I think it’s just safer that we don't cross that line again."

"You don’t want to see each other after this?"

"I don’t see why we would. We have opposite schedules, and once I move my stuff into the shop, I won't even be back in this building anymore."

I nod. Though I know this has nothing to do with our schedules or where she bakes. This has to do with the fact that her family hates me and calls or texts her every day to remind her of that. Not to mention that I still see the look on her face in that parking lot when I close my eyes. She hated me too. Maybe that’s too much to get past.

My own mother abandoned me at six years old for less.

She nods and puts the towel beside the sink before picking up her bag. I set the trash down and open the door for her.

"Baylor."

She turns back.

"I’m still glad you kissed me."

"I feel like I led us both on by doing that… I’m sorry." She gives an apologetic smile.

"I’m not."

Her fingers tighten around the strap of her bag. "Yeah…" she says, and I see the moment she seems like she might say more, but then she sucks in her lower lip and turns back out towards the hall. "Goodnight, Wolf."

"Goodnight, Cupcake."

She goes downstairs, and I wait until the elevator opens and she walks inside before I go back in and close the door.

Chapter Thirteen

Baylor

I look for a hoodie and realize everything is covered in frosting. Apparently, this is the cost of success. I got three hundred cupcakes out the door yesterday, but I haven’t had time to do laundry all week. Even Wolf’s hoodie has a pink smear down one sleeve.

Beau’s Blue Devils sweatshirt is still hanging in my closet, where I left it after Wolf banned it from his apartment. It’s the only clean sweatshirt I have, and honestly, something oversized and comfortable is exactly what I need after last night.

I pull it on, grab my keys, and head to Serendipity’s.

Fifteen minutes later, I come through the back door, passing racks of cinnamon rolls waiting to be packed for the next round of deliveries. Ellie has two people working in the kitchen this morning, and neither looks up while I make my way to her office. Her door is open, and she’s at her desk with a calculator and a cappuccino.

"Hey," she says, looking up. "There’s coffee out front if you want some. How are your hands?"

"Still attached. I’m trying not to use them for anything that requires squeezing."

"Then today’s a bad day to ask you to help with the cinnamon rolls."

I give her a look, and she laughs before setting down her pen.

"I’m kidding. Sit. You look exhausted."

"I slept. I just had a lot to think about after I got home."

Her eyebrows rise. "Oh?"

I close the door behind me and sit across from her. I thought I’d have an easier time saying this once I got here, but now she’s looking at me, waiting, and I’m trying to decide how much I need to tell her. She’s going to want details. Ellie always wants details, especially when they involve a man I couldn’t stand being in the same room with three weeks ago, but happily kissed while lying underneath him less than twenty-four hours ago.

"I kissed Wolf."