Page 24 of Stuck with my Guarded MVP
"And dried herbs?"
She stepped closer and gave my arm a light swat. "One time. Because the farmers market had already closed."
From across the counter, both girls giggled.
Sophie tilted her head, basil still clinging to her fingers. "Are you guys in love?"
My hand stilled. The spoon suddenly felt heavier. Heat ran up the handle like the sauce had burned me. I looked down at it, buying a second.
Claire choked on her sparkling water, coughing into her hand.
I glanced up, she was covering her mouth, her neck flushed pink.
I leaned in slightly toward the girls, lowering my voice. "I’m trying to get her to be my kitchen assistant. Or maybe… I’m the assistant. Hard to tell.” Then I leaned towards them to whisper, “really, I’m trying to teach her how to cook."
Both girls burst into laughter, Sophie practically sliding off her stool.
Claire shook her head, setting her glass down with a quiet clink, but I caught the corner of her mouth lifting again.
Then it was Emma’s turn. She narrowed her eyes at me like she was trying to solve a puzzle. "You like her though."
I looked at her. Then at Claire.
Claire wasn’t looking at me, she’d picked up the stack of napkins and was methodically folding them, one by one, smoothing each edge.
"It’s been nice having her around," I said.
Sophie giggled again. Emma smirked.
After dinner, we drifted to the couch while the girls argued over which movie to watch. Eventually, they settled on something animated and loud. By the time the credits rolled, Sophie was curled into my side, thumb near her mouth, one sparkly sock on, one missing. Emma had fallen asleep leaning on Claire’s shoulder, one braid slipping loose down her back.
The room had gone quiet. Just the low hum of the credits and the soft, rhythmic sound of kid snores.
Neither of us moved.
Then came the sound of a key in the lock.
The door opened and Nolan stepped in, followed by his wife. Both froze for a second.
Claire looked up and said casually, "He made us pizza." As if that was an adequate explanation for why one of my coaches' daughters was asleep on top of me.
Brooke smiled slowly, her gaze shifting from Claire to me and back again. Then she mouthed something to Claire, too quiet to catch, but whatever it was made Claire cheek pink again.
She crossed to the couch and gently scooped Sophie from my side. "I’m Brooke. It’s nice to meet you," she whispered.
I stood awkwardly, brushing at my jeans, looking at my coach. "I just wanted to make sure Claire could focus on spending time with her nieces… and still get a home-cooked meal."
Nolan blinked. "Thanks, I guess."
I scratched the back of my neck. "Okay, well… I should probably head out."
Behind me, Claire stood up carefully. "Wait up. I’ll ride down with you."
The ride down to my apartment was quiet. The elevator felt smaller than usual, her sleeve brushing mine. I glanced sideways, Claire was already looking at me.
"I didn’t expect you to show up tonight. Make us dinner," she said softly. "That wasn’t necessary. But I do appreciate it."
I shrugged one shoulder. "You’re welcome. I didn’t expect to enjoy myself so much."
