Page 60 of Pros Don't

She smooths back her ponytail that’s been reassembled since yesterday. I miss her messy, unkempt top knot and the strands that had slipped out to frame her face. It made me feel like I was getting a glimpse at the real Mallory, the side of her she doesn’t show to just anyone. It felt like a privilege, like I’d won the proverbial lottery.

“Nope.” Her tone is clipped. “I’m all set. I’ll be ready whenever you are.”

I stand from the couch and cross toward my bedroom, keeping an eye on her. She’s stiff and mechanical as she sips coffee. She’s not meeting my gaze. “You feeling better, then?” I ask.

She nods decisively. “Almost good as new.”

“Great.” I smile, and she returns it, but it looks forced. “I’ll just be a second.”

I duck into my bedroom and am immediately assaulted by the scent of her. I don’t know how that’s possible because it’s not like she had her shampoo here. But I can tell my space is altered having had her sleep in here last night.

I quickly shower and get myself dressed for the day, and when I walk back into the living room twenty minutes later, Mallory is drying the coffee mug she used and placing it back in the cupboard.

She flicks her gaze to me for a brief second before looking away. “What’s the game plan for this morning?”

As I suspected, she’s all business. Gone is the woman who shared personal details about her family and her feelings last night. In her place is the sterile, buttoned-up coach I’m used to.

It’s for the best. I know that. Especially since her own words are ringing in my ear:No boyfriend. Not right now.

Mallory isn’t interested in dating. Not me or anyone. When I learned what she’s been doing to support her family, everything about her made more sense. Although, if I’m being honest, I think she still could afford to live a little, let her hair down…even figuratively. She deserves that. No one can enjoy having their nose to the grindstone twenty-four seven. Right?

“Daisy is going to be waiting for us at the back entrance to the inn. She’ll sneak you inside. She swears there’s an ironclad way to get you up to your room without being seen.”

Mallory frowns. “My fate is in the hands of a sixty-something inn owner?”

I shrug. “I trust Daisy. Besides, she’s the best chance you’ve got.”

Mallory nods once. “Alright, then. Let’s go. I need to change before filming.”

My gaze slips down her body and back up again in a quick, cursory glance. I resist the urge to tell her I think she looks good how she is. Because that would be weird.

Last night, I could have said that. Last night, when we were in our cocoon of sharing, sponsored by cold meds and moonlight.

But today, it’s a different story.

I follow Mallory out the door, locking it behind me. She jogs down the metal staircase, and I go down behind her.

Headlights flash into the alley, and Mallory curses again. “Seriously? Is nothing private in this town?”

“Not really,” I admit.

I recognize Inez’s car. She steps out from behind the wheel, an apron looped across her arm. “Morning, you two!” She beams at us and studies Mallory. “You’re looking better.”

Mallory’s shoulders drop from up by her ears. “I feel better.”

“Must’ve had a good at-home doctor.” Inez winks at me.

I rock back on my heels. “I do what I can.”

Mallory narrows her gaze at me in a look that’s so familiar I have to refrain from reaching out and hugging her. I do enjoy her as my grumpy, stern coach. She shifts her gaze to Inez. “Listen, Inez. It’s super important that no one knows I was here overnight.”

Inez’s eyes widen, and she nods. “Oh. Of course. I won’t spread it around. I mean, the Kasper sisters know, because of the care package and all. Hey, how did you like the rolls? Were they alright?”

Mallory lets out a small sigh. “They were delicious. Thank you for thinking to send them up. But seriously, the best thing you can do for me is forget you saw me here. Please don’t tell anyone else.”

Inez taps the outside of her nose. “You got it. Your secret is safe with me.” She glances between us. “How about, as payback for my loyalty, you let me design the cake for the wedding?”

Mallory splutters, and Inez’s lips twitch.

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