“These are good,” he says, shoving another cookie into his mouth. “Almost as good as my grandma’s, but they could use a little more salt.”
Indignation flares in my chest as I grab the plastic tub and seal the lid. “Do you ever stop chirping?”
“I chirp in my sleep.” He smirks. “That’s why I’m so good at it.”
He’s a sarcastic little fuck, I’ll give him that, but he’s forgotten the most important rule of chirping. “Save it for the other team, yeah?”
I don’t bother waiting for a reply. I turn on my heel and bolt down the stairs. Talking to McGinnis is like talking to a brick wall. Whatever hopes Coach had of me being a good influence on the kid are going to be dashed real soon.
When I get to the bottom of the stairs, I pause, taking a moment to collect myself. I haven’t been on a first date in years. I don’t want to spoil this one by making a bad first impression.
It’s a little late to be worrying about first impressions.
True, but I don’t want to blow my shot with Ava. Fate gave us a second chance, and I intend to make the most of it. It’s the reason I didn’t kiss her earlier, even though I ached to feel her body pressed to mine.
As desperate as I am to hold her in my arms, I’m going to do things right this time. No bets. No casual hookups. No leaving it up to fate.
I suck in a breath, hold it for the count of four, and exhale slowly, pushing McGinnis, opening night, and the expectations of the club from my mind.
They don’t call you Captain Clutch for nothing.
Exactly. I may be a little rusty when it comes to dating, but I’ve got this.
I head over to Ava’s. Before I can knock, she opens the door.
The sight of her steals my breath, and for an instant, all I can do is stare. I’ve always known she was beautiful, but tonight she’s positively radiant, her skin glowing like the moon itself. Her eyes are bright, and her dark hair spills over her shoulders in loose waves. She’s dressed casually in a sexy emerald sundress that highlights her fair complexion and toned legs.
“You look amazing.” I hadn’t meant to blurt the words out like that, but a shy smile lights her face and I’m suddenly glad for my lack of a filter.
“Thanks.” She flushes, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Well, shit. Does this mean I have to thank the rookie for his fashion advice?
I shake off the thought. I’ll worry about it later. Or maybe I’ll call it even since he helped himself to my cookies, which reminds me…
“These are for you.” I hold the plastic tub out, and Ava accepts it hesitantly before holding it up for inspection. “I made them myself.”
Her brows pinch together, but her smile remains fixed in place. “You made me chocolate chip cookies?”
“From scratch.” I stuff my hands into my pockets, suddenly self-conscious. Aside from the guys, it’s been a while since I baked for someone new. “Think of them as a welcome to the neighborhood gift.”
“Thank you. This is really thoughtful.” She bites her lower lip and seems to catch herself, releasing it quickly. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble for me. You’ve done more than enough, helping me out this morning, and then fixing my door.”
The door was an easy repair, and there was no way I was going to let her wait on maintenance when I could knock it out in fifteen minutes.
“You’re right. I didn’t have to do any of those things, but I wanted to do them.”
There’s not much I wouldn’t do to see her smile.
“Well, thank you.” She braces the tub against her stomach and pries the lid off. “Oh, wow. These smell incredible. Can I try one?”
“They’re yours. You can do whatever you want with them.” I flash her a crooked grin. “But if you hate them, please wait until I leave to throw them away.”
“Ha! I never met a cookie I didn’t like.” She scrunches her nose. “Except macaroons. There’s just something about the texture of coconut that takes me out every time.”
I mentally file the information as she plucks a cookie off the pile and takes a tentative bite. I watch, captivated by her mouth. By the soft, rosy lips that belie the passionate woman inside. She lets out a quiet moan, and her eyes drift closed.
Pride surges in my chest.