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"Make sure she gets home."

"We live in the same building," Baylor reminds her.

"Very convenient."

Baylor rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling when we leave.

Outside, she puts on her jacket while I book the ride. The night air is cold enough that she folds her arms, and I step beside her as we wait.

"Glad you came out?" I ask.

"Yes." She looks up at me. "Don’t tell Ellie. She’ll make it a weekly thing."

"That might be good for you.

"Now you sound like her."

The cab pulls up, and I open the door for her. She slides across the seat. I get in beside her and give the driver the address for The Commons.

On the way back, we talk about the club, about Ellie convincing Olsen to dance, about Natalia taking a picture he immediately demanded she delete.

Baylor holds up her phone, and I laugh at the picture. Olsen looks like he’s trying to explain an equipment malfunction to Ellie while she dances around him.

She tucks her phone away, still smiling. Her leg rests against mine again, and neither of us moves until the cab stops.

Inside the building, she presses the button for her floor. I leave mine alone.

"You’re getting off with me?"

"I’m walking you to your door."

"You don’t have to. I know the way."

"I’d hope so, but I’ll feel better knowing that you’re safe on the other side before I head back to my place."

She gives me a look, then steps out when the doors open.

The hallway is quiet. She takes her keys from her bag as we walk, stopping outside her apartment.

"Thank you for the drink," she says.

"You’re welcome."

"And the ride."

"I was coming here anyway."

"I know." She looks down at her keys, then back at me. "I had fun."

"So did I."

She hasn’t opened the door yet.

I’m close enough that I could put my hand at her waist again. Close enough that she tips her chin up to keep looking at me. There’s no music now. No Ellie watching. No excuse to lean in so she can hear me.

I want to kiss her.

I look at her mouth, then back at her eyes. She’s gone still, her keys held against her palm.