Page 15 of Across the Boards

But Sarah clears her throat, breaking the spell. “Well, this is fascinating and all, but I was promised dinner. Are we eating here or going out?”

Elliot blinks, turning away from me. “I thought we were going to that new place on Central?”

“Change of plans,” Sarah announces with a mischievous smile. “Tommy’s teammate Ramirez got us a table at Marcel’s. Last-minute cancellation.”

Marcel’s. Only the most exclusive restaurant in Phoenix, with a three-month waiting list and prices that make even NHL salaries wince.

“Sarah,” Elliot protests, “I’m not dressed for Marcel’s.”

“Are you kidding?” Sarah gestures to Elliot’s green dress. “You look amazing. Besides, it’s your birthday.”

“That’s not really a reason for Marcel’s,” Elliot counters.

“Of course it is!” Sarah is already gathering her purse. “Come on, it’ll be fun. When’s the last time you got dressed up and went somewhere fancy?”

I watch Elliot hesitate, clearly torn between annoyance at being manipulated and temptation at the offer.

“I’ll make you a deal,” I find myself saying. “If the food isn’t worth the fuss, I’ll take full responsibility and buy you Thai takeout for a week.”

She studies me, clearly weighing her options. “That’s a lot of pad thai.”

“I’m good for it.” I hold her gaze. “Unless you’re scared you might actually enjoy yourself?”

Her eyes narrow at the challenge. “Fine. But I’m ordering extra spring rolls.”

“Deal.” I offer my hand to shake on it, and after a moment’s hesitation, she takes it.

Her palm is warm against mine, fingers slender but strong. I hold on a beat too long before reluctantly letting go.

“Great!” Sarah claps her hands together, looking far too pleased with herself. “We’ll take our car. Tommy needs to discuss, um, party planning stuff with me on the way.”

“Subtle,” Elliot mutters, but she’s already reaching for her clutch. “Give me two minutes to touch up my lipstick.”

As she disappears down the hall, Sarah turns to me with a triumphant expression. “You’re welcome.”

“For what exactly?” I ask, though I have a pretty good idea.

“For giving you an opening.” She lowers her voice. “She hasn’t been to Marcel’s since before the divorce. Jason used to take her there for special occasions.”

My stomach tightens. “And you think reminding her of him is a good idea?”

“I think,” Sarah says surprisingly seriousness, “that it’s time she reclaimed some of the things he took from her. Including nice restaurants. Including hockey.” Her gaze is pointed. “Including trust.”

The weight of that responsibility settles on my shoulders. “I won’t hurt her,” I promise quietly.

“Good.” Sarah’s expression softens. “Because despite her prickly exterior, she’s been hurt enough.”

Elliot returns before I can respond. “Ready,” she announces, though her eyes betray her nervousness.

As we head to the door, I offer her my arm again. “May I escort you to your fancy birthday dinner, Ms. Waltman?”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile tugging at her lips. “If you insist, Mr. Carter.”

“Oh, I definitely insist.” I grin as her hand settles in the crook of my arm.

Outside, Sarah and Tommy are already getting into their car, leaving us to follow in mine. As I open the passenger door for Elliot, she pauses, looking up at me with those incredible eyes.

“You didn’t have to agree to this, you know,” she says quietly. “The ambush dinner. Marcel’s. Any of it.”

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