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“I literally never run into anyone like this,” I mutter, storming out of the library and heading home.

The kitchen is my therapy. Always has been. By the time I’m done, there’s a tray of blueberry muffins cooling on the counter, each topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting.

I lean back against the counter, licking frosting off my finger. It doesn’t fix the knot of frustration in my chest, but it helps.

Dragging myself to the couch, I flop down, closing my eyes for just a second. The next thing I know, my phone’s buzzing.

“Hello?” I mumble, sitting up groggily.

“Hey, kiddo,” Dad says. “I’m on my way home, and I’ve got company. How about pizza for dinner?”

I rub my eyes. “Yeah, sure. Who’s the company? Another teacher?”

He laughs. “No, not a teacher. I’ll be there in ten.”

I hang up, my curiosity piqued. Dad doesn’t usually bring people over, especially not anyone from work.

The door opens, and I hear Dad’s voice before I see him.

“We’ll set up in the living room,” he says, his tone unusually upbeat.

I round the corner, wiping my hands on my jeans, and freeze.

Standing beside him, looking entirely too smug, is Eli.

My stomach flips, but I plaster on a smile. “Oh, you brought Eli.”

“Yeah,” Dad says, clearly oblivious to the tension crackling between us. “I thought we’d go over the game plan for Saturday. Eli’s got some good ideas.”

“Does he?” I say sweetly, my gaze flicking to Eli.

He grins, all cocky confidence. “Always.”

“Well,” I say, turning back to the counter. “I made muffins. You can have some while you talk.”

“Blueberry?” Dad asks, already reaching for one.

“Yep.” I grab a plate and set it on the table. “I’m going to head upstairs and shower. Pizza should be here soon.”

“Thanks, kiddo,” Dad says, biting into a muffin.

Eli doesn’t say anything, but I can feel his eyes on me as I leave.

In the bathroom, I close the door and lean against it, my whole body buzzing.

How the hell did Eli manage to worm his way into this house? Normally, Dad only brings captains over for strategy meetings.

I shake my head, trying to shove the thought aside. It doesn’t matter. Not really.

Stripping off my clothes, I step into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the day. I don’t have time to think about Eli or his stupid grin.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

The water scalds my skin, the steam thick in the air as I scrub shampoo into my hair. It’s been a long day, and I need this hot water, soap, and silence. I rinse out the suds, watching the soap swirl down the drain, then grab the body wash. The sweet, citrus scent fills the air as I lather up, washing everything away.

I shut the water off and reach for the towel hanging on the rack. Wrapping it tightly around myself, I squeeze out my hair and pad toward the mirror. My reflection stares back at me, cheeks flushed from the heat.

Grabbing another towel, I wring out my hair again, then sling it over my shoulder. My skin is still damp as I crack the bathroom door open, stepping into my room.