Page 57 of Bar Down

“But you realize that he’s into you, right?”

He shakes his head and moves his hand from my bicep to my face. Dropping a soft kiss on my lips, he says, “He’s definitely not. Do you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you, and I believe you if you say it’s not a date. I’m being jealous, I know. But Juuse is definitely into you, did you not notice the way he was checking you out yesterday in the locker room?” I say with a pout.

He chuckles. “I think that’s just your jealousy talking. How about I make it up to you for ditching you this morning? After training we can go out to dinner? Just us.”

I look away, pretending to think about it. “Hm, I might have to check my calendar.” Eli’s lips find my jaw and he tilts my head up, kissing me there, teasing me. “I might have some prior engagements, I’ll have to get back to you.”

I can feel his smile on my lips as he drops another kiss on me. “Okay,ilo. I’ll make a reservation just in case your schedule opens up.”

“Do you need a ride to the breakfast place?”

“No, I ordered a car to get there and I’ll get a ride from Juuse to the arena.”

I nod and give him room to gather his things. Then Eli finishes his coffee and leaves for his non-date withPrick—I mean—Juuse. I take my time in the shower, warm up the rest of my coffee and grab a couple granola bars to eat on the short drive to the arena. The whole time I can’t help but let my mind wander to what he’s planning for tonight.

Because if I’m not mistaken, Eli and I are going on a date.

Eli

The coffee shopis located inside a warehouse market, alongside other local shops. The place is soblue,bright, and happy. It instantly makes me think of Ash. I pull my phone out and snap a picture of the mural on one of the walls that has white clouds and constellations painted on a blue sky. Smiling to myself, I text him the picture along with a message.

This place reminds me of you.

Ash’s reply is immediate.

aww that’s so cute. you must like me or something, you think an awful lot about me

You must like me or something.Yeah, or something. I’m about to text him back and tell him how I think about him all the time but a tap on the shoulder stops me.

“Juuse, hey.” I pocket my phone and give him one of those awkward half hand shakes and half hugs.

“Hope you weren’t waiting for me long,” he says, switching the conversation to Finnish.

“Not at all. I didn’t even look at the menu yet.”

“You need to try one of their bagel sandwiches. Very good.”

“Sure, do you want to go first?”

Juuse smiles at me and I notice for the first time how close he’s standing to me. Our shoulders are nearly brushing and he’s leaning into my personal space. I’m relieved when he steps up to order and I shrug my shoulders, like I can shake off the feeling of anxiety at someone strange being in my personal bubble.

The avocado cucumber bagel sandwich catches my eye and I repeat the order in my head again and again.Could I get an avocado cucumber bagel sandwich and a chai tea latte? Please.

So when Juuse asks me something, I miss it. “Sorry,” I say, embarrassed.

He smiles again and repeats himself, “I said order what you want. This is on me.”

“Oh, well, thanks,” I say, a little flustered. “Can I get a cucumber avocado sandwich bagel and a chai? Please.”Damn it, that was definitely not the right order of words.

Once Juuse pays we head over to one of the open tables by the mural. I take a seat on the bench that’s over-run by frilly pillows and move some around so I can fit. He takes a seat across from me and when he leans both his impressive forearms on the table, I realize just how small this space is.

We’re both pretty big guys and when I shift my leg under the table, I accidentally brush his knee with mine. “Sorry,” I mumble.

“So, what have you been up to since I last saw you?” he asks, unbothered.

“Since last year? A lot.” I laugh.

---