“Not a chance.” I poke him in the ribs, but I’m pretty sure it hurts me more than it hurts him, becausepads. “It’s a madhouse out there. It probably would’ve been faster to walk.”
“No worries.” He hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “The seniors and their guests are hanging out down the hall. You want to go join?”
“Sounds good.”
He takes my hand, interlacing our fingers, and leads me down the hall.
Twenty feet from the door, we hit a wall of sound.
“I probably should have warned you.” He ducks his head sheepishly. “It’s a little loud. Emotions are running high today.”
No doubt. “I can handle it.”
It certainly can’t be any worse than the parking lot.
We enter the stadium’s media room, which must be nearing capacity. I’ve seen the coaches and players give interviews in this space a thousand times, but I never imagined I’d step foot inside. There’s a large atrium above and sunlight streams through the overhead windows, illuminating the lengthy blue and white desk at the front of the room. Rows of chairs have been lined up facing the desk, but despite the abundance of seating, most people are gathered around the periphery, talking in small, animated groups.
Unease creeps up my spine as I scan the room, imaging all the things that could go wrong.
Do not embarrass Cooper.
I squash the thought under my mental boot heel. I’m a strong, confident woman. I’ve got this.
Besides, judging by Cooper’s damp palm, he’s nervous enough for both of us.
“Yo, dunk tank girl!” Parker hollers, drawingallthe attention as he approaches. He starts to sling an arm across my shoulders but seems to think better of it. He pivots and holds out his fist.
I grin and bump it. There’s just something about this guy that’s irresistible, despite the fact that he insists on using that stupid nickname.
At least it’s not Quinntastrophe.
Vaughn and Reid take up positions on either side of Parker, as he rambles on.
“Your boy was starting to get worried.” He smirks at Cooper. “He thought maybe you wised up and moved on.”
So they do know we’re dating.
The realization makes me ridiculously happy, and I’m light as air as I exchange greetings with Vaughn and Reid.
Cooper unlocks his phone and checks his messages.
I’m surprised his parents haven’t arrived, but I’m not about to draw attention to it.
His friends, however, lack my restraint.
“What time are your parents due in?” Reid asks.
If they aren’t here yet, they’ll be cutting it close.
The Senior Day presentation is being held just before kickoff, which is in forty-five minutes.
Coop locks the screen and tucks the phone in the waistband of his pants, but his voice is carefully neutral when he answers. “They’ll be here soon.”
I squeeze his hand and he returns the gesture, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile.
“Speaking of parents,” Parker says, rubbing his hands together. “We hear you’re meeting DeLaurentis’s parents today.” He turns to Vaughn. “Remind me again what that means.”
The left tackle grins, eyes alight. “Where I’m from, meeting the parents means things are getting serious.”
