Page 101 of Offside for Christmas
"You bring up the library in conversation at least twice a week. You suddenly care about book recommendations. Last week you asked me if I thought glasses were attractive."
"They are attractive! Objectively!"
Cole laughed. "Mac, just ask her out."
"What if she says no?"
"Then at least you tried. But man, you're a catch. Funny, loyal, good guy. She'd be lucky to have you."
Mac looked uncertain. "You really think so?"
"I know so." Cole clapped him on the shoulder. "Besides, I just drove eight hours on Christmas morning to get the girl. If I can do that, you can walk into a library and ask someone to coffee."
"When you put it that way..." Mac grinned. "Alright. New Year's resolution. I'm doing it."
"Good. Now come on, someone's trying to start karaoke and we need to shut that down."
The night devolved into the kind of chaotic joy that only came with a team that genuinely liked each other. Someone started a game of darts. Jamie challenged Coach to an arm wrestling match (Coach won easily). Luke's wife appeared on FaceTime to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
And through it all, Cole felt something he'd never felt with any other team: belonging.
These people weren't just teammates. They were friends. Family.
"So. You're really staying?" Mac appeared at his elbow again, slightly more sober than before.
"I'm really staying."
"And you're happy about it? Not secretly planning to change your mind when another offer comes in?"
Cole looked across the bar to where Ellie was laughing at something Sophie was saying, her whole face lit up with joy. "Happier than I've ever been."
"Good." Mac raised his beer. "Because we're keeping you. You're stuck with us now."
"Worse fates," Cole said, and found he meant it.
Someone—probably Mac—started butchering a Christmas carol, and before Cole knew what was happening, half the team was attempting to sing along. What followed was the most off-key, enthusiastic, chaotic rendition of holiday songs that Cole had ever heard. Half the team forgot the words after the first verse. Mac tried to harmonize and failed spectacularly. Coach just laughed and ordered another round.
Cole joined in—badly, because he couldn't carry a tune to save his life—and didn't care.
Cole caught Ellie's eye across the bar. She was watching him with this expression—soft and wondering and full of love—and he realized with sudden clarity how far he'd come.
He'd arrived in this town hating Christmas, hating small talk, hating the idea of staying anywhere. Now here he was, laughing with teammates, attempting to sing carols badly, feeling lighter than he had in years.
This is real,he thought, holding her gaze.I chose this. I chose her. I chose us.
And he didn't regret a single second of it.
The look Ellie gave him back was pure heat—eyes darkening, lips parting slightly. She remembered his promise from earlier. He could see it written all over her face.
He mouthed:Soon.
Her breath caught. Even from across the bar, he saw it.
An hour later, after more toasts and stories and Mac dramatically reenacting the reunion based on what Sophie had told him, Cole couldn't take it anymore. He made his way to Ellie and leaned close to her ear.
"Can we go?" His voice was low, rough. "I need to be alone with you."
"Yes." The word came out breathier than she intended. "Please."
