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“Cooper?” I hear from behind me, and I would recognize that voice anywhere. Turning, I see my girl standing there with a look of confusion on her face, but it does nothing to hide her slow smile. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to help.”
“I—” She starts but stops when Travis pulls on her shirt. She immediately looks down, giving him all her attention.
“Ms. Reese. Is Cooper Reeves really your boyfriend?” he asks excitedly.
She glances up at me, and I shrug unapologetically. “Mr. Reeves and I have been friends since we were your age,” she explains.
“That’s so cool.” He turns to look at me. “Can we throw the football?” he asks.
“Sure, buddy. Later. Right now, I need to help Ms. Reese.” Mrs. Reeves sounds better, but we’ll get to that. “I promise we’ll toss the ball before I leave today.”
“I gotta go tell the guys!” He jumps in excitement, and then he’s gone, rushing into the building to find his friends.
“What are you doing here, Coop?” Reese asks again.
“I wanted to support you. I have some gifts for the kids in the truck.”
“This is a big deal. Word is going to spread that you’re here.”
“Good. Maybe it will bring awareness to the event, and the home.”
“He’s going to tell them all that you’re my boyfriend.”
“Even better.”
“Cooper, this is serious.” She tries to give me a hard stare, but I can see through her to know she’s only making a big deal over this because she’s still worried I’m not sticking around.
“I agree. The world should know you’re mine.”
“Ms. Reese,” Sage says hesitantly. “The dunking booth is here.”
“Thank you, Sage. Can you please direct them to the backyard? There’s a sign that says reserved for dunking booth.”
“Okay.” She nods, smiling. Her shoulders straighten a little as if she’s honored that Reese is trusting her with the task.
“Cooper—” Reese starts, but I step closer and place my finger over her lips.
“I want to be here, baby. This is me supporting you. I’m going to run to my truck and get the box, then I want you to put me to work.”
“What’s in the box?”
“Defenders gear.”
“Where did you get it?”
“I called the PR rep for the team, had her send it to me.”
She nods and swallows hard. “Th—” She clears her throat. “They’ll love that.”
I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. “Not as much as I love you.” I pull back and turn to head back toward my truck. I smile when I think about the man I am with her. I’m waxing poetic and spouting off sweet shit, but I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to her. I vowed to never hold back with her again, and I’m not going to. I love her, so I’m going to tell her and show her every damn day.
She’s waiting for me at the door when I get back from my truck. “Where do you want this?”
“How about we rally the kids together and give it to them now? Before everyone gets there. I have a feeling the boys are going to need some time to get used to the fact that we have a professional football player with us today.”
“Nah, today I’m just Cooper, your boyfriend.”
She rolls those beautiful green eyes and smiles. “Come on, Romeo.” She laughs and opens the door for me.
Once we’re both inside, I follow her down a long hall that leads to a huge room. Glancing around, there are several couches, a TV, a bookshelf filled with books, and a large dining table that has pencil holders, and notebooks in the center.
“This is the activity room,” she says as another woman enters the room.
“Carla, this is Cooper Reeves. He brought some gifts for the kids.”
Carla smiles politely, and I can tell she has no idea who I am. “That’s very nice of you.”
Reese chuckles. “Cooper is a running back for the Indianapolis Defenders,” she explains.
“Oh.” Carla’s eyes widen. “How did you find out about today?” she asks.
“My—” I start, and Reese interrupts me. I smirk.
“Cooper and I grew up together.”
“Well, thank you for being here. The boys are going to be thrilled,” Carla tells me.
“I was thinking we should bring them in now, let the shock and thrill of Coop being here wear off. We still have two hours before the event starts.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll go round them up.”
“Thanks, Carla,” Reese says and turns to me. “Let’s get this all sorted before they get in here. They’re going to want all of your attention.”
“Jealous?” I tease.
She laughs. I love the sound of it. “No.”
“Ouch,” I say, placing a hand to my chest, pretending to be wounded.
“Not of these kids. They deserve to feel like they are the center of attention today. That’s the point of today, after all.” She starts pulling items from the box. “Cooper, these are amazing. The boys are going to love them.”
