Part 17 ( Ellie )

I take another sip of my beer, stretching my legs out in front of me, letting the conversation roll around me. The night's been... nice. Relaxed. No business talk, no tension, just easy conversation and laughter.

But then—Aiden has to go and ruin it.

"You know what?" He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, gaze sweeping over the group. "I don't think any of you actually know what a real steak is supposed to taste like."

Mia rolls her eyes, clearly so over this conversation. "Oh my God, let it go, baby. Your steaks are charcoal."

"They are not," he insists, scandalized.

Luke snorts. "Dude, last time you grilled, I chipped a tooth."

Aiden dramatically points at him. "Lies."

Bella giggles, curling further into my side. "I hate to say it, babe, but Mia's right. Your steaks do come out a little... uh..."

"Cremated," Mia supplies helpfully.

Aiden groans, slumping back. "This is unreal. My own wife betraying me?"

I raise an eyebrow, smirking. "To be fair, she's just telling the truth."

His eyes narrow. "You got something to say, Crawford?"

I take another casual sip of my beer, shrugging. "Just that if you really wanna talk about good steak, you're all mistaken."

The room goes quiet.

Mia's lips slowly curl into a smirk. "Oh?"

I set my beer down with a satisfied clink against the table. "I grill the best steaks. Period."

Aiden gapes at me. "You?"

Luke snorts, shaking his head. "Yeah, okay."

Anthony raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, this I gotta see."

Juliet, who's been uncharacteristically quiet throughout this entire discussion, finally speaks.

She tilts her head, voice just the right amount of mocking. "You cook?"

I turn to her, flashing her a slow smirk. "That shock in your voice is insulting, Baldwin."

She smirks back, sipping from her wine glass. "I just never pictured you handling something as delicate as a steak."

I scoff, leaning back. "Baby, I handle things just fine."

Bella smacks my arm. "Ellie!"

Juliet doesn't look away. Her smirk sharpens, something flickering in her green eyes. "We'll see."

Mia claps her hands together, officially thrilled by this turn of events. "Alright, competition time."

Aiden groans. "No, no, no—"

"Yes," Mia cuts him off, grinning. "Ellie vs the boys. Whoever makes the best steak wins."

Aiden narrows his eyes. "And who's judging?"

Mia gestures broadly. "Me. Bella. Juliet. Anthony. The kids. Democracy, bitch."

I snicker. "Fine by me."

Luke rubs his hands together, looking way too into this. "Alright, game on."

Aiden exhales dramatically. "Alright, fuck it. But I'm warning you all—I'm taking this seriously."

I smirk. "You should."

Because I don't plan on losing.

-The Steak-Off Begins

The kitchen turns into a battle zone.

Mia turns into some kind of unhinged commentator, narrating the entire thing like it's a fucking ESPN event.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual JETS Backyard Steak-Off," she announces dramatically. "In this corner, we have Aiden Carter—alleged Grill Master, father of two, and self-proclaimed Steak King."

Aiden rolls his shoulders back, cracking his neck like he's stepping into the octagon. "Damn right."

"Over here," Mia continues, waving a hand toward Luke, "we've got rookie sensation and JETS newest recruit, Luke Sinclair—known for blocking plays but can he block the competition?"

Luke chuckles, shaking his head as he preps his steak. "Good one, Mia."

"And then, of course," Mia pauses dramatically, gesturing toward me. "We have Ellie Crawford, the golden NFL player, the prodigy, the underdog in this high-stakes grilling war."

I smirk, setting my seasonings down. "Underdog?"

Mia grins. "Figured I'd hype the boys up before you destroy them."

Juliet snickers from where she's sitting, still sipping her wine. "Entertaining, at the very least."

I glance at her, arching an eyebrow. "Careful, Baldwin. You do have to eat one of these."

Her lips curl slightly. "I know. That's why I'm invested."

The tension zips between us, quick, sharp.

But before it can linger, Mia slams her hands down on the counter.

"Alright! Chefs, are you ready?"

The boys and I nod.

Mia raises an imaginary flag. "Then begin."

- Chaos Ensues

Luke is all about precision.

He's using a thermometer, checking his temperatures like he's in some fine-dining restaurant.

Aiden?

A mess.

He's got his steak sizzling too high, flipping it every two seconds, mumbling to himself about the "perfect sear."

And me?

I do what I always do. I win.

I season just right—salt, pepper, a little garlic butter. Let it sit, let the flavors settle. Patience.

I only flip it once, letting it get that perfect crust, the right char.

Mia is still narrating.

Bella is laughing.

The kids are sitting on the counter, watching in absolute awe.

And Juliet?

Juliet hasn't looked away from me once.

- The Results

When the steaks are finally done, we plate them up.

Mia, Bella, Juliet, and the kids sit at the table, forks in hand.

Mia claps. "Alright, contestants. Time for the moment of truth."

The judges taste Aiden's first.

Mia chews thoughtfully. "Mmm... good seasoning, a little overcooked."

Bella nods. "Yeah, a tiny bit tough."

Juliet?

Juliet just hums, setting her fork down delicately. "Edible."

Aiden gasps. "Edible? That's it?"

Juliet just smirks.

Next? Luke's.

Mia hums. "Surprisingly solid."

Bella nods. "Juicy."

Juliet? "Decent."

Luke raises his arms. "I'll take it."

And then—mine.

Mia takes a bite. Her eyes widen.

Bella? Eyes closed, savoring.

Juliet?

Juliet chews slowly. Thoughtfully.

A beat of silence.

She exhales. Sets her fork down. Looks me dead in the eye.

"Alright, Crawford," she murmurs. "You win."

The room erupts.

Aiden groans. "NOOOOOOO—"

Luke claps me on the back. "You did that."

Mia cackles. "Ellie fucking Crawford, everyone."

Juliet just smirks at me.

I smirk back.

I win.

-

The backyard slowly winds down, the energy shifting from chaotic and competitive to something easier, softer. The beer flowing, and the laughter still lingering in the air. Even Aiden, after bitching for a solid ten minutes about his loss, finally concedes.

"Fine," he groans dramatically, tossing his hands up. "Crawford can grill."

Mia smirks. "No shit, Sherlock."

Luke claps me on the back. "I gotta admit, that was some good steak." I just smirk, stretching my arms over my head. "Told you guys."

Juliet doesn't say anything, but I catch the way she glances at me from across the table, still nursing her wine.

I lean back, exhaling, letting myself relax fully for the first time all night.

"Alright," Bella announces, standing up and clapping her hands together. "Time for a movie."

The kids instantly perk up.

"Yes!" Owen jumps up and down. "Can we watch IT?"

Mia snorts. "Absolutely not."

Ava groans, shaking her head. "No scary movies! They're awful."

Juliet suddenly sits up a little straighter. "They are awful."

I arch a brow, glancing at her. "Still can't handle them, huh?"

She takes a slow sip of her wine, tilting her chin up slightly. "I can handle them. I just choose not to."

I smirk. "Uh-huh."

Mia cackles. "Still the same Baldwin. Terrified of horror movies."

Juliet glares at her. "I'm not terrified."

I hum, resting my chin on my hand. "So, if we put one on right now, you'd be fine?"

Juliet exhales sharply, setting her glass down with a deliberate clink. "If you insist on tormenting the children, then fine. But I won't be watching."

Ava grabs onto her arm. "No! Please no scary movies."

Juliet nods solemnly. "See? A smart girl."

I shake my head, chuckling. "Fine, no horror. But I will remember this."

Juliet lifts a brow. "Remember what, exactly?"

I grin. "That you're still a little bitch when it comes to horror movies."

Juliet's lips part, her green eyes narrowing slightly.

Before she can say anything, Bella claps again. "Alright! No horror. Comedy, then?"

Owen perks up. "Can we watch Grown Ups?"

Mia nods in approval. "Good choice."

Juliet exhales in relief, leaning back into the couch. "Perfect."

I notice that. The way her shoulders ease, the way she lets out a breath like she really dodged a bullet.

Still the same Baldwin.

Bella dims the lights as everyone moves into the living room, settling onto the couches.

Luke and Aiden take the long sectional, Mia sprawls out with the kids, and Bella tucks herself into my side.

Juliet, ever the fucking enigma, takes the single armchair across from me. Her wine glass still in hand, one leg crossed over the other, like she's here casually, like we aren't in the same room pretending we haven't fucked on her desk.

The moment Bella finishes setting up the movie, she turns back to me with a small, affectionate smile.

She leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips, nothing too deep, just gentle, a reminder.

I kiss her back, hands instinctively finding her waist.

She pulls away, still smiling, and before I can react, she settles herself right onto my lap, curling into me like it's second nature.

Which, it is.

This is normal. This is what we do.

But when my eyes flick up, across the room, Juliet is watching.

Not obviously, not outright, but watching.

Her wine glass is poised at her lips, that ever-present smirk barely there, just the smallest curve of amusement.

But her eyes—her eyes flicker with sharpness, something that isn't amusement.

For a fraction of a second, something else seeps through.

Jealousy.

I see it. I know I see it.

And the second she notices me looking, the smirk deepens, her dimples deepen, shifting into something almost taunting.

Like she knows exactly what she's doing.

Like she wants me to see it.

I roll my eyes, shaking my head, and tighten my grip on Bella's waist.

Juliet exhales a soft, amused hum, taking a slow sip of her wine before turning her attention to the screen, like she didn't just make this moment something it shouldn't be.

I force myself to do the same.

The opening scene of Grown Ups plays, the familiar humor setting in, the kids already laughing, Mia tossing popcorn into her mouth without a care in the world.

I exhale slowly, shifting my focus back to the movie.

Back to Bella. Back to anything but the fact that Juliet Baldwin is sitting across from me, smirking like she has all the fucking power in the world.

-

The movie plays, the room filled with laughter as one of the ridiculous scenes unfolds on screen. The kids are giggling, their small voices blending with Mia's occasional snorts and Luke's half-choked laughter. The atmosphere is easy, light, exactly the kind of normal I should be focusing on.

Across the room, sitting all effortlessly composed in her chair, is Juliet. She's not even watching the movie. Not really. Her wine glass is still half-full, her fingers lazily tracing the rim, eyes occasionally flickering toward the screen but never really focusing.

She knows I'm watching her.

She knows, because every so often, her gaze shifts, just enough to catch mine, just enough for the corners of her lips to tug upward in that infuriating smirk.

Bella shifts in my lap, curling further into me, and I force myself to look down at her, my hand resting on her waist. She's warm, soft, familiar. She's been patient with me, too patient. She deserves my attention. She deserves my focus.

Juliet shifts. She moves her fingers, tapping against the wine glass in slow, rhythmic beats. Three taps. A pause. Then two.

I feel my pulse stutter.

That's—

That's mine. My habit.

The same unconscious rhythm I tap against my own glass, my own leg, whenever I'm deep in thought.

She does it again, this time tilting her head, her smirk deepening as she meets my gaze for just a second longer than necessary.

And I know she's doing it on purpose.

Fucking Juliet.

I exhale through my nose, shaking my head slightly. She doesn't stop. It's subtle. No one else notices it. Just me. Just us. I press my lips together, turning my attention back to the movie, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

She knows it's working. And she doesn't stop.

The movie drags on, the occasional bursts of laughter from the group making the whole thing feel lighter.

But my mind? It's heavier than ever.

Bella's still on my lap, relaxed against me, her body warm. My fingers absently trace small circles against her side, a familiar motion, but my thoughts are anywhere but here.

And then, as if the universe really wants to fuck with me— The power flickers.

A sudden dimming of lights. A weird static noise from the TV. darkness.

The room falls into momentary silence.

"Oh no!" Owen yelps, immediately launching himself into Juliet's lap. Ava follows a second later, clutching onto her arm. "Is the power out?!"

"Relax, kids," Mia says, unfazed. "It's probably just a quick outage." Aiden pulls out his phone, using the flashlight. "I'll check the breaker."

Bella groans, stretching. "Well, there goes movie night." Luke snorts. "Could be worse. Could be a horror movie."

Juliet hums, running a hand through Ava's hair as the kid practically burrows into her. "Thank God it wasn't," she mutters.

Aiden returns after a few minutes, shaking his head. "Power's out for the whole block. Gotta wait it out."

Mia groans. "Ugh. And I had plans to be lazy."

Luke shrugs. "At least we still have beer."

Bella hums, tilting her head toward me. "You okay?"

I blink, pulling myself out of my head. "Yeah, yeah. Just tired."

She smiles softly, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Then maybe we should go upstairs, hmm?"

I stiffen.

Fuck.

I already know what she means. Bella is affectionate, warm, soft. But she also knows me—knows when I start pulling away, even if she doesn't say it outright. And I have been pulling away.

She's trying to fix it. To bring me back. But I can't.

Not when Juliet is still sitting across the room. Not when my mind is still reeling from the past week. Not when the memory of that fucking night still lingers like a brand on my skin.

Bella leans in closer, voice lower, just for me. "Come upstairs with me," she murmurs.

I force a breath. "Babe, I—"

Juliet moves. She doesn't say anything. She doesn't even look at me. But she shifts, stretching out, arms above her head, back arching just slightly. My stomach tightens.

It's not intentional. It can't be. But it fucking feels like it is. Like she's reminding me. Like she knows exactly what's going through my head. Like she's daring me to make a choice.

And for a second—just a second—her gaze flickers toward mine.

I swallow hard, my throat dry.

Bella is waiting for an answer.

Juliet tilts her head ever so slightly, green eyes glinting in the dim light.

"Ellie?" Bella's voice is soft, expectant.

I turn back to her. She's looking up at me, hopeful.

Fuck. I don't deserve her.

I force a small smile, brushing my lips against her forehead instead. "Not now," I say quietly.

Her expression shifts, disappointment behind her eyes. But she nods. "Okay," she whispers. "I get it." I squeeze her waist gently, trying to ignore the way Juliet's presence still lingers in my peripheral vision.

-

The night winds down, Plates are gathered, glasses clink softly against the sink, and the remains of the steak competition are being scraped into the trash.

And somehow, the queen herself, Juliet Baldwin is actually helping.

I don't know what's more shocking: the fact that she's voluntarily standing in Bella's kitchen, rolling up her sleeves to rinse plates, or the fact that no one seems to question it.

Anthony is outside, making a call, his voice low and focused. Bella is chatting with Mia as they stack dishes. Luke and Aiden are wiping down the counters.

I'm stuck in the corner of the kitchen, rinsing off silverware, pretending like I don't feel Juliet standing beside me. Pretending like I don't feel her presence pressing into my fucking skin.

She hasn't said anything yet.

A quiet, amused hum, just loud enough for me to hear. I glance sideways. She's rinsing a plate, her fingers dragging slowly over the ceramic, her lips twitching.

Here we go.

"You know," she muses, voice casual, thoughtful, "I never really pegged you for the domestic type, Crawford."

I huff a dry laugh, shaking my head as I stack another plate. "And I never pegged you as someone who cleans up after herself, Baldwin."

She hums again, a slow, deliberate sound. "I usually don't."

Of course, she fucking doesn't. I roll my eyes, focusing on the dishes.

She leans in slightly—just enough so that her voice drops lower, just for me.

"But I figure since you spent so much time on your knees in my office, it's only fair I help out here."

My grip on the fork tightens.

The fucking fork I suddenly want to stab into something. Or someone.

I inhale sharply, forcing my expression neutral before glancing at her.

She's still rinsing the plate. Still acting like she didn't just say that.

My jaw clenches. "You really wanna do this right now?"

She finally looks at me, green eyes flashing with something sharp, something dangerous.

"Oh, Crawford," she murmurs, smirking. "I'm not doing anything."

I grip the counter, exhaling through my nose. Nope. Nope. Not doing this.

Not here.

Not when Bella is just a few feet away.

Not when every time Juliet speaks, it fucking wrecks me.

I swallow hard, focusing on the dishes.

She makes a soft tsk sound, practically dripping with amusement.

I press my lips together, trying to ignore the way my heart is hammering against my ribs.

Juliet leans in again, just enough so that her shoulder brushes mine.

Just enough to make my skin burn.

"You really are trying to avoid me, huh?" Her voice is lower now, softer.

Dangerous.

I scoff, keeping my focus on the sink. "I'm literally standing next to you."

She tilts her head. "Mm. Physically? Sure." A beat. "Mentally? I'd bet anything you've been trying very hard not to think about me."

My fingers curl into fists.

She moves closer, so her lips are near my ear.

My breath stutters. Fuck.

"You've been quiet since that night," she murmurs, voice feather-light, teasing. "Avoidant. We haven't set up a meeting yet for your club."

I tense.

She continues, voice laced with amusement. "That's not like you, Crawford."

I grit my teeth, turning my head just slightly to glare at her. "Maybe I just don't have anything to say to you."

She tilts her head, studying me. Then she smirks.

"Oh, I think you have plenty to say."

I don't blink. "You're delusional."

She bites her lip, eyes dark with something unreadable.

I exhale sharply, dropping the fork into the sink with a loud clank. "You're a fucking menace."

Juliet grins. "And you're terrible at pretending you don't want me."

I whip my head toward her, ready to snap back.

"Juliet, can you grab the napkins from the pantry?"

Bella's voice.

Juliet steps back immediately, her smirk shifting into something softer, something charming. Like she wasn't just whispering absolute filth in my ear not even five seconds ago.

"Of course," she says easily, smiling as she turns toward the pantry. "Anything for our lovely hostess."

Bella laughs, still completely oblivious. I press my hands against the counter, inhaling slowly, trying to calm the fuck down.

I swear to god If I survive this night without losing my shit, it'll be a fucking miracle.

-

The house is clean, the last few dishes put away, the counters wiped down, and the lingering scent of grilled steak and wine fading into the cool night air. The kids are finally winding down, their energy burned out, their little bodies slumped over Mia and Aiden on the couch.

One by one, everyone starts heading out, exchanging lazy goodbyes, lingering just long enough to stretch the night a little longer.

I stand by the door with Bella, my arm slung around her waist as we watch the others trickle out.

"I'm staying the night," I murmur, pressing a small kiss to her temple.

Bella hums in approval, leaning into me. "Good. I like when you stay."

Luke and Mia are the last to grab their things, Aiden carrying Owen, who's half-asleep on his shoulder. The kid barely stirs, his little face squished against his dad's neck, completely out cold.

Juliet is the first one by the door. She stands with effortless grace, one hand smoothing over the hem of her coat, her expression unreadable as she adjusts her purse strap over her shoulder.

Her eyes flick to me. I ignore her. Or, at least, I try to.

Bella smiles, still warm and polite. "Thanks for coming, Juliet."

Juliet's lips twitch at the corners. "Of course. Always a pleasure."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

A loud clatter echoes from the living room.

Bella's head snaps up. "What the hell—"

Then we hear Owen's panicked little voice.

"I didn't mean to!"

Bella groans. "Oh, for fuck's sake—" She turns to Juliet, sighing. "Have a good night," she says hurriedly before rushing off to assess the damage.

Which means I'm alone. With Juliet. By the door.

The second Bella is out of sight, Juliet moves.

She steps closer, tilting her head, watching me with that same fucking look she's been throwing at me all night. That sharp, slow-burning amusement that makes my skin prickle.

She hums, barely a breath of sound. "You're still very tense, Crawford."

I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "And you're annoying, Baldwin."

She grins, unbothered.

Slowly—so fucking slowly—she shifts her weight forward, stepping just close enough that I can smell the faint scent of her perfume, vanilla, expensive, the same one that still lingers in my fucking memory.

Her eyes flick down, scanning my face, her smirk widening ever so slightly. "Hmm."

I narrow my eyes. "What?"

Her voice drops, smooth and knowing. "You look flushed."

I glare. "I just spent an entire night standing next to a hot grill."

"Mm," she hums, feigning consideration. "Or maybe you just run hot around me."

I roll my eyes, turning my head slightly to glance toward the living room, making sure Bella is still distracted.

Juliet takes advantage of that.

She moves in again— her breath ghosts against my ear.

I tense.

"Tell me," she murmurs, her voice lower, softer, dripping with something dangerous. "Was it hard for you tonight?"

I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. "What?"

Juliet tilts her head, her lips barely a breath away from my skin. "Sitting there with her in your lap, pretending like you weren't thinking about me?"

I exhale sharply, my fingers curling into fists. "What the fuck is wrong with you."

She laughs, soft and slow, her breath warm against my ear. "Me? You're still standing here. Still listening to me."

I grit my teeth. "I'm only standing here because you won't fucking leave."

Juliet grins, tilting her head. "So tell me to."

I open my mouth, ready to say something, anything, but she steps even closer, her body just barely grazing mine.

I can't think.

"Tell me to go," she purrs, her voice a whisper now, something wicked curling beneath her tone. "Tell me you don't want me here."

I swallow hard, my jaw locked so fucking tight I swear I might break a tooth. I can't fucking breathe.

She watches me for another beat, letting the tension stretch, pulling it tighter and tighter like a bowstring ready to snap.

She smirks. Steps back. Tilts her head just slightly.

And then in the softest voice, the laziest fucking purr. "Try not to dream of me while you're next to your so-called girlfriend, El."

El.

My fingers twitch. My entire fucking body reacts.

I scoff, finally breaking my silence, shaking my head. "You think too much of yourself."

She hums, amused, green eyes sharp with something dark.

Then, with a slow, deliberate step, she turns on her heel and walks out the door.

I exhale, running a hand over my face.

She's fucking insane.

I take another deep breath, rolling my shoulders before pushing off the wall, walking back toward the living room where Bella is still crouched down, cleaning up whatever mess Owen made. She's mumbling under her breath, something about these damn kids breaking everything, but when she hears me approach, she looks up with a small smile.

"Hey," she hums, standing up, wiping her hands on her pajama pants.

I don't say anything.

I just close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her in close before pressing my lips to hers, soft, deep, lingering.

She exhales against my mouth, surprised at first, but then she melts into me, her hands resting on my chest.

When I pull back, she blinks up at me, warmth in her dark eyes. "What was that for?"

I shake my head, resting my forehead against hers, my fingers digging into the fabric of her shirt.

"Just..." I swallow, my voice coming out rougher than I intended. "Thank you. For everything you do for me."

Bella tilts her head slightly, her smile softening. "Of course, Ellie." Her fingers slide up to my jaw, tracing it lightly before her eyes search mine. "I love you."

I let the words settle in my chest.

I love her too.

I do.

So I kiss her again, softer this time, my arms tightening around her waist. "I love you too."

Bella beams, curling further into me. "You should tell me that more often," she teases.

I smirk. "You should be less needy."

She smacks my shoulder. "Asshole."

I chuckle, shaking my head before pressing a kiss to her temple. "Come on, let's go to bed."

She hums in agreement, taking my hand as we make our way upstairs. The exhaustion from the night is finally settling in, dragging at my limbs, making me crave the soft comfort of her bed.

When we reach the room, Bella wastes no time climbing under the covers, stretching out before turning to face me. She watches as I pull my shirt off, toss it onto the chair, and slide into bed beside her.

The second I settle in, she moves closer, tucking herself into my side, her head resting on my shoulder.

I exhale, my arms wrapping around her, my fingers trailing slow, absentminded circles against her back.

Bella lets out a content sigh, nuzzling closer. "Goodnight, baby."

I press a kiss to her hair, closing my eyes. "Goodnight."

I let the silence stretch, let my breathing slow, let my body sink into the warmth of the bed, the warmth of her.

I start drifting, the second sleep starts pulling me under, something lingers in the back of my mind.

A whisper. A taunt.

Try not to dream of me while you're next to your so-called girlfriend, El.

I inhale sharply, my body tensing against the sheets. Fuck. Juliet fucking Baldwin.

Even in my sleep, she won't let me rest.