Page 95 of Scored

Curling closer to his warmth, I sighed. “Better than I imagined.” I ran my fingers through his hair. “I think it was our workout before falling asleep. I was worried that I might wake during the night thinking about things, but I didn’t. I slept like a baby.”

“Always available for workouts, Ms. Hubbard.”

Using his hard shoulder as a pillow, I stared up at the bedroom ceiling. “I’ll be okay.”

“I won’t let you be any other way.”

“No.” I craned my neck to see his face. “I want to win it all. Tomorrow and in two weeks. If we don’t, we made it as far as we did last year. The championship round is an impressive season. And after what the Coopers have been through with Dad, getting this far is an accomplishment.”

Fin kissed my head. “Vee, the Coopers are special. I’ve played for five NFL teams.” He squeezed my shoulder, tugging me closer. “Granted, I’ve never been in love with any of the other owners.”

“I’ve always liked the owner of the Falcons. He and my grandfather were friends.”

“In love, Vee.” His deep baritone voice reverberated through me. “Head over heels in love. That makes the Coopers special, but it’s more than you and me. It’s the entire organization. From you to the people on your stadium operations teams, to the players and practice squad. Losing your dad was horrible. Going through difficult times either tears people apart or brings them closer together. For the Coopers, I believe it forged us in fire.”

I turned, holding my chin on my fist, my elbow on the bed. “At first, I was afraid losing Dad was going to tear my family apart. I’m not saying we’re ever going to be like your family, but I don’t know…” Thoughts of last night came back. “Aunt Rachel and even Uncle Darin, last night after the incident, I got the feeling they cared about my safety. Right after Dad was gone, I could have believed that Uncle Darin hired the shooter.”

“There was no shooter.” Fin brushed my lips with his. “And I’m glad you feel things are improving.”

“The only one who’s mentioned the trust to me has been Aunt Rachel. She wasn’t mad. In a way, she seemed relieved that there was no longer any question.”

“Does Bre know?” Fin asked.

“I haven’t spoken to her in a while. She shouldn’t have known the wording of the will. The trust will only matter if her child is my sibling. I won’t share ownership, but I could agree to be involved in his or her life.” I took a breath. “As far as the Coopers go, I don’t have the experience my aunt and uncle do, or even that Grant does. Lip and I are less than a year apart. He’s a little older, but we were in the same grade in school. We came to work for the Coopers at the same time. When considering CEO, the others were right about my lack of experience. What I failed to see was that I have experience that they don’t. Aunt Rachel told me last night that she’s learning about stadium operations. In the past, she’d always concentrated on the football side. We’re all learning, not just me.”

“Your eyes shine when you talk about the Coopers. Don’t surrender to a loss tomorrow. The game could go either way. That means we have as much of a chance to win as the Texans. The changes the coaches made are brilliant. I’m betting on the Coopers.”

“You better not,” I joked. “You would be suspended.”

He kissed my nose. “I’m going to miss you tonight.”

“Hopefully, two more nights.”

Fin scooted to sitting against the headboard. “I need to be to the complex by nine for morning walk-through. Are you going in?”

I nodded. “I’ll go there first and then head to Crystal Light. My directors will be at the stadium getting everything ready for tomorrow morning’s inspection.” A smile came to my lips. “You should have seen the floor last night. Fran did an amazing job. There were trees and even a Ferris wheel. It was a magical experience. During the night that was all taken down. Now, they’re working to bring back our football stadium.”

Fin quirked an eyebrow. “I’m going to shower. Would you like to join me?”

As we walked into the en suite bathroom, I noticed the bruising of his left shoulder. It had significantly faded. Under the bright lights, the color was now yellowish-brown. “Don’t tell Lacy I’m the reason you didn’t wear your sling last night.”

“My lips are sealed.” He rotated his left arm in a windmill motion. “It feels good. No pain.”

Under the warm spray, I kissed his shoulder. “There. Now it will be even better.”

We parted ways in the parking garage after a delicious Fin breakfast creation. He had his overnight bag for the hotel, and I had my leather bag.

“When we win tomorrow,” he said, “I’m going to kiss you on the field in front of everyone.”

I broadened my smile. “When we win in two weeks.”

“Deal.”

The morning flew by with meetings and schedule checks. Aunt Rachel, Uncle Darin, and Grant reported the rest of the fan rally went off without a hitch. Even Grant smiled when he talked about the concert.

Lip reported a record-breaking amount of licensed merchandise purchased. His staff was frantically restocking the Coopers’ team store in the stadium.

By afternoon, I drove to Crystal Light. As I parked my car, I remembered last night and chided myself for leaving early.