"That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me all week."
Luke bounded over. "Luke. Right winger. Married with kids who never sleep." He shook Rachel's hand enthusiastically. "I'm excited to meet someone who willingly agreed to hang out with this group, we're an acquired taste."
Rachel laughed, looking more and more relaxed.
Tyler waved lazily from his seat, not bothering to stand. "Tyler Ross by the way. Right defense. I'm just here for the beer and the chicken wings. Nice to meet you, Rachel."
"Nice to meet you all." Rachel looked slightly overwhelmed but also amused. Mac pulled out the chair next to his, and she sat down, her shoulder brushing against his.
That simple contact sent warmth spreading through Mac's chest.
Conversation flowed easier than Mac had dared hope. The team asked Rachel questions about the library, about how she finds Evergreen Cove and she answered, gradually relaxing into her seat, though Mac noticed her hands were still clasped together in her lap, knuckles slightly white.
She was trying. That much was clear. But there were moments; flickers of hesitation when someone asked a personal question, the way her smile sometimes didn't quite reach her eyes, how she'd pause just a beat too long before answering. She wasn't comfortable yet. Maybe not even close.
Jamie, true to form, couldn't resist steering the conversation into dangerous territory. "So Rachel, on a scale of one to ten, how awkward was Mac on your first date?"
"Jamie—" Mac started, already knowing where this was going.
"He was fine," Rachel said, her tone polite but guarded. "We had a nice time."
The answer was diplomatic. Safe. Nothing like the warmth she'd shown when they were alone.
"Fine?" Jamie pressed. "That's it? Come on, give us details. Did he—"
"Jamie." Cole's voice cut through smoothly. "Leave her alone."
"What? I'm just asking—"
"You're interrogating," Ellie said pointedly. "Rachel, ignore him. He has no social boundaries."
"Hey, I have boundaries. They're just very flexible boundaries."
Rachel smiled, but it looked strained. Mac wanted to kick Jamie under the table.
Cole intervened, clearly sensing Rachel's discomfort. "Rachel, Mac mentioned you're rereading Pride and Prejudice. Ellie loves that book."
Ellie's face lit up. "I do! Who's your favorite character?"
"Elizabeth," Rachel said, and for the first time since they'd sat down, something flickered across her face.
"Obviously. Mine too! The way she stands up to Lady Catherine? Iconic."
"That scene gives me courage when I need it."
"Ditto!"
Mac watched Rachel and Ellie bond over literature, something easing in his head. At least that was going well.
But then Luke, jumped in. "So Rachel, are you planning to stay in Evergreen Cove long-term? Or is the library job temporary?"
Rachel's expression shuttered immediately. "I... I haven't thought that far ahead."
"Really? You've been here six months, right? Usually people know by then if they're settling in or passing through."
"Luke," Mac said quietly, a warning.
"What? It's a normal question—"
