Page 56 of Absolutely Not in Love
“Two hours ago,” Eli counters. “And it looks like there’s plenty. You want some too?”
I was hoping Gracie might enjoy the leftovers while I’m out of town, but I motion for Eli to go ahead anyway.
Nathan looks at me, a question in his eyes, and I nod. “Go for it.” I move back to the table and gather the empty plates. Gracie and I make eye contact, and I mouth a quick,“Sorry.”
She smiles and waves a dismissive hand like this is no big deal.
“So, what jerseys are we talking about?” I ask as I put our dishes into the sink.
“Parker said you had them,” Eli says. “For the youth clinic? I guess we’re helping now too, so we’re supposed to sign them.”
“The youth clinic isn’t for another month,” I say.
“But we had time tonight. And you know how hard it is to remember crap like that once we’re on the road.”
Eli and Nathan both move to the table, plates heaping with the last of the spaghetti, and fill the chairs directly opposite Gracie. She looks more amused than annoyed, so I sit down too, hesitation melting into acceptance, and listen as Eli introduces Gracie to Nathan, then starts peppering her with questions.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Eli has a very specific purpose. Every question he asks Gracie somehow leads back to me.
When she mentions her nephew, he talks about how great I am with kids whenever we’re signing team merch or helping out with youth clinics.
When she mentions her favorite food—barbecue chicken pizza, and yes, I’m taking notes—he claims my homemade pizza is the best he’s ever had. I’ve never made homemade pizza at all, much less made it for Eli, but I appreciate his efforts anyway.
Even if he’s being about as subtle as a semi plowing down the highway.
“I agree,” Gracie says after his next comment, the amusement in her tone saying she’s picked up on Eli’s endgame as well. “Felix does have excellent taste in music.”
“Is there something you need to confess, Eli?” Nathan asks, his deep baritone rumbling across the table. “Cause it sounds like you got a thing for Felix.”
Eli winks at Gracie. “I wouldn’t stand a chance. Pretty sure his attention is engaged elsewhere.”
“Okay! How about we sign some jerseys now?” I say, clapping my hands together as I stand and reach for the box. “Are you guys done eating? It looks like you’re done eating.”
“I’ll just get out of your hair,” Gracie says as she stands. “I’ve got some work to catch up on anyway.” She looks at Eli and Nathan. “It was nice to meet you, Nathan. Eli, you’re an excellent wingman, and I like you much better now.” She passes me on her way to her room, a coy smile on her lips, and brushes her hand along my shoulder.
It’s barely a touch. The smallest gesture.
But I can’t stop smiling anyway.
Chapter Thirteen
Gracie
I’mstretchedoutonmy bed, reading one of the novels Felix added to my book stack yesterday, and let me tell you, this book isnotfor the faint of heart. It isso good—about what I think is a murderous ghost haunting a symphony hall—but it is alsoso scary.I’m only five chapters in, and my heart is pounding so quickly, I might as well be running a marathon.
A knock sounds at my door. I squeal, tossing the book into the air, and clutch my chest.
“Gracie?” Felix calls. “Are you okay?”
I stand up from the bed and retrieve the book from the floor, then open the door. “You cannot knock on my door when I’m reading this thing,” I say, pressing the book into his chest. “And probably I shouldn’t do any more reading at night, or else I might have to sleep in your room with you.”
He grins. “The bed is big enough, so I wouldn’t say no.”
I blink, my brain tripping over Felix’svery flirtytone. But then he holds up the book, moving on like he didn’t just make a casual reference to us sharing his bed.
“It’s good, right?” he says, and I force my focus back to the book.
“So good. Totally gripping. But I feel like I need a nap.”
