I give her the rest of my order and pay before heading for the soda dispenser. Caleb is waiting for me, a mystified expression on his face.
“That girl was all over your stick,” he says.
“She was not,” I say irritably, as I fill my cup with ice and then add Cherry Pepsi.
“She so was. Flirting hardcore and you didn’t even notice.” I can feel him watching me. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” I say with a shrug as I snap a lid on my drink and grab a straw. “I’m not going to fuck around with some girl who works with Ellie, Caleb. I’m not stupid.”
“Oh. Good point. I would’ve jumped all over it and then fucked everything up.” Caleb frowns.
Sounds about right. But I don’t say that out loud.
Caleb doesn’t think before he leaps. He just jumps—consequences be damned. I’m pretty much the same way, so I really have no room to talk.
We find a table and wait for our food, and I keep watch for Ellie to appear. I don’t know where she’s at, but I know she’s here. I got her text when we finished with practice, asking if I was going to pick her up tonight. I said yes, and now here I am, way earlier than planned, which might throw her.
But then again, maybe she’ll be glad to see me.
The double doors that lead to the outside patio swing open and she appears, a big smile on her face as she carries a tray of empty glasses with one hand, balancing it with ease. Oh damn, she looks fine as fuck in those short shorts and the navy Bulldogs T-shirt that clings to her chest perfectly, her dark hair in two braids that hang long past her shoulders, showing off her adorable face.
“Ellie!” Diego shouts, and she stops, pivoting toward our table when she sees us all.
Though I’m fairly certain she hasn’t noticed me yet.
They all greet her when she stops by our table, making idle conversation as she nods and smiles at each of us. Her gaze settles on me and her smile becomes knowing. As if we share a little secret.
Which we do.
I can’t help but smile at her. It’s automatic. Like breathing.
“Hey, Jackson.” Her voice is completely normal.
I almost sag with relief.
“Ellie. Looking good.” I nod toward her, unable to help myself.
Her cheeks turn pink. “Thanks. You’re still picking me up tonight, right?”
“You didn’t get my text?”
“I haven’t had a chance to check it yet. Been on duty.”
“I’m coming back to get you,” I confirm.
“You can come in early and hang out with Chuck again if you want,” she says with a shrug.
“Is he working?”
“Sure is.”
“I might do that. Kind of tired though. Was up late last night,” I say.
“Oh?” Her eyes are wide. Her cheeks now blazing red.
The guys swivel their heads from me to her and back to me again.
“Yeah. Might take a nap before I come back here.”