Robert’s eyes shot to Amber because they both knew her father. He wasn’t a cook by any means, but he was used to being the man in charge—the one who carved the turkey, the one who fixed the car, and the one who manned the barbecue.
Amber moved to Robert’s side as everyone quieted to watch the dispute over who would win rights to the barbecue.
“I’ve been grilling steaks and burgers since before you were born, kid,” Coach told Angel.
Angel jerked his head back, clearly surprised at the “kid” remark, and placed his hands on his hips. “I worked as a sous chef in my family’s Michelin-starred restaurant. What are your culinary credentials?”
“I cooked 200 burgers and 52 steaks on an open pit in Houston at a football retreat.”
Angel raised his brow, impressed. “Really?”
“Yeah. I may not have any fancy stars, but I know my way around the barbecue.”
“Perhaps. But do you know how to grill my mojo marinated pork kabobs so that they’re charred beautifully on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside?”
Coach looked at Angel as if he were speaking a different language.
Tommy’s eyes shot to Robert, and they both burst out laughing at Angel’s description of his kabobs, which annoyed both Coach and Angel since barbecuing was obviously a very serious matter to the both of them.
“I’ll tell ya what,” Coach finally said. “I’ll cook the burgers, and you can cook your fancy kabobs.”
Angel nodded. “Deal.” As he headed into the house, he huffed and muttered, “As if I’d let him anywhere near my kabobs.”
This time, it was Amber who burst out laughing. “I love your brother-in-law!” Her phone started to buzz, and she answered it.
Robert watched her as she had a serious conversation with someone. He assumed it was a patient, but she kept staring at him. Finally, she told the person on the other end to hold on and pressed the phone to her chest.
“It’s the lady from the rescue where we adopted the cats,” she said. “They’re doing an adoption event next month and want to know if you’d say a few words for a commercial to help promote it. For charity.”
Robert loved the idea of helping homeless animals find their forever homes, and wished he’d thought of it himself. “Sure. I’d love to help with the animals. But they gotta contact my agent. He handles stuff like that. Get her number, and I’ll have him call her. But tell her I’ll do it.”
Robert’s 90-second public service announcement about finding a forever friend must have worked, because a line stretched around the corner. Staff needed to erect barricades in front of the dealership where the adoption event was taking place, and they were letting people enter in groups. Some had already filled out pre-adoption paperwork and were meeting their new babies in a sectioned-off area.
Robert didn’t plan on attending the event, because he didn’t want people to come just to meet him and get an autograph. He wanted people there who genuinely wanted a new member of the family, and the pet adoption coordinator couldn’t agree more. But she told Robert that he could come by unannounced if he wanted. And he wanted to.
A few people recognized him and approached to congratulate him on the Super Bowl win and ask for a selfie, but most were there to adopt pets. He didn’t want to pull their attention away from the animals in need of homes and worried that his presence caused a distraction. “Maybe we shouldn’t have come,” he told Amber.
“Why? Are you afraid you’ll bring home another kitty?” she teased.
He thought about it for a second and then decided that two were enough. “No. Do you want another cat?”
“No. I love Biscuit and Panther, but I think two is my limit. I don’t want to turn into one of those crazy cat ladies. But I still don’t know why you think it might’ve been better if you didn’t come here today.” She looked up at the shining sun. “It’s a beautiful day.”
Publicity was the obvious answer. People were snapping away with their phones. The media was here filming a snippet for the news and a local entertainment show, and Robert wondered if Amber would have a problem with the exposure. “It’s going to get out that we’re together.” He motioned to the people around them and the camera crew. “Soon. As in today. It might already be posted on social media. I’m sure someone in the sports industry will recognize you.”
Amber furrowed her brow and worried her lip, and it made Robert nervous.
“You know what?” Her features transformed into a bright smile. “I don’t care. You’re it for me. I love you, Robert, and there’s no reason to hide it. We’re a couple. We’re in love. Issue a statement. Let the world know.”
Relief eradicated Robert’s rapidly growing apprehension. Today would’ve gone horribly wrong if she felt otherwise, but he trusted the little voice in his head that told him she was done with the secrets and the ambiguity of her life. A thought hit him like a baseball bat. She was talking about people knowing that Dr. A.C. Morgan was dating the Bucks’ O lineman, but was she ready to tell the world that she was Coach’s daughter? That was a conversation they needed to have, but it was too late because a journalist and cameraman were headed straight for them.
The journalist stopped a few feet in front of them, and Robert and Amber turned toward the camera.
“We’re at City Auto Center today attending a pet adoption event for Pampered Pals Animal Rescue where you’ll not only find your four-legged forever best friend and an amazing deal on a new or used vehicle, but a local celebrity,” the journalist said. “NFL all-star Robert Blade is here today, fresh from his Super Bowl win for our very own New Jersey Bucks.”
The camera shifted its focus toward Robert. He looked at Amber to see if she’d be OK with being included in the segment, and she nodded. Happiness engulfed him, and he put his arm around her so everyone would know they were a couple. She looked at him with adoring eyes that made his chest inflate and his smile broaden.
“Hello,” he said into the camera. “Me and my girlfriend, Dr. A.C. Morgan, adopted a mother cat and her kitten from Pampered Pals Animal Rescue a couple of months ago, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. So, if you’re interested in giving a forever home to one of these wonderful pets, come out to City Auto Center today or stop by Pampered Pals Animal Rescue and find your forever best friend.” He took a deep breath. “Not only did I adopt two rescues recently, but I fell in love with the most beautiful girl in the world.” He turned to Amber and saw that her cheeks were tinged pink, but she was still smiling, so that was a good sign.
