I stride toward the table, stopping near her chair. “Just thought I’d grab a coffee before the team meeting and then walk you back to the arena.”
She tilts her head. “How did you know where I was?”
“Lucky guess.”
She gives me a look. It’s the one that says she’s silently piecing it all together. “You didn’t by chance turn on my location share, did you?”
Lilah coughs into her hand to hide a laugh. “Looks like the Railers all use the same playbook.”
I shrug, unapologetic. “Maybe. But it seems important to know where my kid is at all times.”
Rina’s brows shoot up. “Rest assured, he or she will be with me for the foreseeable future.”
I squat in front of her until we’re eye level. “Then it makes sense I should always know where you are, doesn’t it?”
“Oliver…” Her tone is gentle even as her eyes remain watchful. “That’s a little over the top. One might even say borderline stalkerish.”
For a second, I almost tell her the truth. That when it comes to her, I am a little unhinged. But somehow, I doubt that would land well.
“Can’t blame a new father-to-be for being protective over the mother of his child, can you?”
“It’s entirely possible I might swoon,” Lilah says. “FYI, I’m totally loving this side of you.”
“Yeah, Big O,” Sloane teases, laughter brimming in her voice. “We totally approve.”
My focus remains locked on Rina. “The only opinion that matters is that of the woman I’m staring at right now.”
“Okay, now I’m really swooning.” Callie sighs dramatically. “Want your coffee to go?”
“Yup, that’d be great. Thanks.” I never once break eye contact with Rina. “Ready to go, babe?”
Her exhale is one of long-suffering resignation. “Do I even have a choice in the matter?”
“Nope.”
“Then I suppose I’m ready.”
I straighten and offer her my hand. Not that she needs my help, but I’ll take any excuse to touch her.
At the register, Callie slides two cups across the counter. “One coffee and one herbal tea.”
“Perfect.” I hand the tea to Rina and then give Callie my card before tucking it away once the drinks have been rung up.
“Talk soon,” Callie calls out as we push into the sunshine.
Outside, the wind carries the scent of roasted beans and fresh bread from the bakery.
Rina takes a cautious sip of her tea before cutting me a sideways glance. “Tell me the truth. Did you really check my location?”
I arch a brow. “What do you think?”
Her expression hardens. “The first thing I’m doing once we get back to the arena is turning it off.”
“Wanna bet?”
She stops short, eyes flashing as she pivots toward me. “Excuse me?”
I close the distance between us, guiding her back until she’s lightly pressed against the stone of the building, her chin lifted to hold my steady gaze.
