Page 58 of Left-Hand Larceny

We walk side by side toward her car, and I slow my steps deliberately so she can set the pace. She’s talking about the team’s upcoming travel schedule, how she’s worried Vic’s going to wear himself out before the playoffs, but I’m only half listening, too caught up in the sound of her voice.

I glance down at her hand brushing near mine, close but not quite touching.

My chest tightens.

I shouldn’t.

“Ragnar?” Sadie nudges my arm gently, pulling me back.

“S-sorry,” I murmur, blinking down at her. “What did you s-say?”

She blinks, eyes wide. “When you said a list, did you mean a list of things you like about me?”

My ears burn, but I don’t look away. Nothing could make me look away from her right now. “Y-yeah.”

Sadie’s mouth opens, then closes. She looks away quickly, hands finding and tugging on the end of her long braid.

Did I go too far?

But then she laughs softly, shaking her head. “You’re dangerous, Ólaffson.”

My heart stumbles. Dangerous? To her? Never.

We stop at the corner, and she turns to face me fully, teeth worrying her bottom lip.

“I should go,” she says, voice soft. “But…” I lift my gaze to meet hers. “I’m glad we did this,” she murmurs. “You’re doing great, Ragnar.”

I swallow thickly. “Th-thanks to you.”

Sadie’s eyes sparkle as she smiles. “Team effort, remember?”

She steps back, lifting a hand in a little wave, but something flickers in her eyes. Hesitation.

“C-could I…w-walk you to your car?” I ask quietly.

Her smile warms, and she nods.

We move together down the block again, the silence between us thick but not uncomfortable. When we reach her car, she pauses, turning slightly toward me.

“I—” she begins, but then shakes her head. “Never mind.”

“Sadie…”

She looks up at me, eyes wide and shining.

I take a slow breath, feeling the words stick in my throat, but pushing them out anyway. “Thank y-you. For t-today. For…for all of this.”

Her lips curve upward softly. “Anytime, Rags.”

I lift a hand, almost touching her shoulder, but hesitate at the last second. She notices, stepping closer just slightly.

And for a heartbeat—just one—we hover there, on the edge of something new and inevitable.

I can feel the warmth of her body, the electric crackle of the air between us, smell the soft scent of her shampoo. I’ve spent years training myself not to want things I can’t have. But Sadie? She’s slipping past every defense I have, weaving herself into my thoughts, my routine, my heartbeat. I can’t risk messing this up. She deserves someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone smooth, confident, easy. Not a man who fumbles his words and second-guesses every step. Not a man who promised he wouldn’t ask for what she isn’t offering.

I pull back, stuffing my hands back into my pockets so they don’t go rogue and twine my fingers with hers.

I’d been planning on skipping out on Bill’s party. Crowds, people, money. I can write a big check from the comfort of my couch, thank you. I had no intention of setting foot in the ballroom unless it was inked into my contract… now? Now I’m looking forward to it. Just so I can see Sadie shine.

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