Page 87 of Double Fault

Eyes softening, Ebba clutches it to her chest. “That’s so sweet of you. I’ll cherish this forever.” Immediately, she clips it to her fancy bag, then sets her things down on the desk across from the beds.

“We got sleeping bags. And blankets and snacks. Sabrina said we could order pizza too. And we’re going to have a tea service tomorrow. It’s going to be so much fun.”

I pointed out that we did not need sleeping bags, but Maddie insisted. In her mind, they’re a must for sleepovers.

“Sounds like it.” Ebba claps, then turns to me. “What’s up with the room situation? Doesn’t Noah usually reserve suites? It’s a bit tight in here, though I suppose that’s part of the fun of a sleepover too.”

“He does, but he said they were booked this time.” I sit on the edge of the bed and press the toe of one boot to the heel of the other to remove it.

“Mmm,” she hums. “So, Maddie Girl, are you excited for your first sleepover?”

Maddie bobs her head enthusiastically. “This is going to be fun.”

Ebba leans against the dresser, somehow making the pose look elegant. “Have any movies picked out?”

Maddie purses her lips. “What kind of movies are the best for sleepovers?”

“The classics, sweetie.” Ebba’s eyes sparkle. “And by classics, I meanSleepoverwith Alexa Vega, of course. An iconic film, if you ask me.Parent Trapis a good one. Sabrina, do you have any suggestions?”

I balk, put on the spot. “Uh…Mean Girls?” The second the suggestion is out, I snap my mouth shut. “Uh, actually, not that one. Um…”

Ebba straightens and gives me a teasing smile. “I’ll handle the movie selection.”

“That might be best.” Despite my career goals and love for kids, I clearly can’t be trusted to make age-appropriate movie choices.

After ordering the pizzas and changing into our pajamas—matching pink and purple sets that Maddie picked out—we stretch out the sleeping bags and Ebba puts the first movie on.

I’ve just gotten sucked into the storyline when my phone buzzes.

I stand and slide it into my pocket. “I’ll be right back. Pizza’s here.”

“Yay, pizza!” Maddie cheers. “Hurry. I’mstarving.” She goes from ecstatic to dramatic in a blink, rolling onto her back, hand pressed to her forehead like she’s seconds from perishing.

My laughter echoes down the hall as the door shuts behind me.

It isn’t until I’m stepping into the elevator that I remember I’m wearing pajamas. So far, I haven’t seen a soul, but downstairs, as my luck would have it, I come face to face with Noah and Elias. From what I understood, Elias isn’t competing in this tournament—just here to keep up his training for Wimbledon—so it surprises me to see them entering the lobby together.

Elias spots me first and, eyes twinkling, swaggers over. As much as I want to cringe at his cocky display, I can’t deny he’s good-looking, even if his ego is a little inflated. Though he may be one of the most gorgeous men on the planet, I only have eyes for my boss, who’s also sexy as hell, but much more subtle.

“If it isn’t my favorite nanny,” Elias cajoles, dressed like he just came from the courts.

“Hi, Elias,” I say, sidestepping to grab the pizza boxes from the delivery guy.

“Thanks so much.” I take them from him and hand him a cash tip. As he walks away, I question whether I should’ve given him a tip at all. Tipping, I’m learning, is mostly American. I shrug off my worry. The guy had to deliver them here, so in my book, he’s earned the gratuity.

“Let me help you with those.” Noah takes the boxes from my arms before I can protest.

Elias cocks his head and takes me in from my slipper-covered feet to the top of my head. “Nice pajamas.”

“Thanks. Maddie picked them for our sleepover.”

“Ah, yes.” He hums, chin dipping. “My sister mentioned it.” He wets his lips and angles in a couple of inches. “Where’s my invite?”

Noah growls.

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Lost in the mail, I’m afraid.”

Elias chuckles. “I like you.”

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