CHAPTER 8
Vee
Present time
My rebuttal hung in the air.
“I deserve that,” Fin said, his smile fading. “I’d like to start fresh here with the Coopers. To be completely honest with you, Vee, it was?—”
Hearing my name from his lips affected me like fingernails on a chalkboard. “Maeve or Ms. Hubbard,” I interrupted, “would be more appropriate going forward.”
Fin inhaled, his nostrils flaring. “Ms. Hubbard, as I was about to say, it was JD, the Coopers’tight end?—”
Shaking my head, I interrupted again, “I’m aware of all the players on our team. Please don’t be so condescending as to assume you need to tell me the positions of our players.”
“My apologies, Ms. Hubbard. As you are probably aware, JD and I played together in Green Bay. I’m certain you also know that players talk. JD sang the praises of the Coopers’ organization. I have a few more good years in me. I’d like to play for a franchise that appreciates all members of the team.”
“Troy Dennison will take us to the Super Bowl.”
Fin’s smile returned. “And as his backup, I’ll have a front-row seat to his magic. He’s a talented kid. I’m not disputing that.”
We still hadn’t taken our seats. “I recall a man who didn’t want to settle for second place or third,” I added.
“I was the starting quarterback for two seasons in Atlanta, one in Tampa Bay, and five in Green Bay. Maybe I’ve finally decided that being plowed down by the defensive line is something I’m willing to let the younger studs do on a daily basis. However, if I’m needed, I know I can perform. The Coopers are a stronger team with me on the roster.”
A scoff escaped my lips as I dropped my arms and shook my head. “There’s the Griffin Graham I recall. Always so confident or should I say cocky.”
“You have me wrong. I accepted the opportunity to sign with the Coopers because my goals in life arechanging.” He narrowed the distance between us to only a step or two. His cobalt stare was laser focused on me. “I want more out of life than football. It’s taken me a long fucking time to realize that, too long. I asked you if you were married, but I know the answer. I know that you’re currently seeing the douchebag Preston Clark.”
“This isn’t—” I began to protest.
“Maybe it’s the Clarks’ old money you’re after, but I never took you for a gold digger.”
“I don’t need anyone’s money. Preston is…” I tried to finish the sentence, but my mind was suddenly void of complimentary adjectives.
Fin’s smile widened. “That tells me all I need to know.”
Before I registered what he was doing, Fin had my hand in his, and he bowed at the waist. His lips brushed my knuckles. When he stood erect, there was a gleam in his gaze. “Ms. Hubbard, I look forward to our upcoming meeting and each one after that.”
I took back my hand, holding on to it too tightly. “I suggest you watch yourself, Mr. Graham. The Coopers have strict rules in place against workplace sexual harassment.”
Fin lowered his voice. “During our upcoming meeting, I’ll be watching to see if your nipples are as hard as they’ve been since you entered this office. It truly is a fantastic view.” He turned and walked toward the door.
“I didn’t know you had been signed,” I blurted out.
He turned back. “Now you do.”
“If I’d have known of the talks, I would have objected.”
“While I believe you should have known?—”
“Royce deals with football operations.”
“You still should have been told.” He shrugged. “What would you have said…to object?”
“I would have commented that you have a history that reflects a lack of commitment.”
He furrowed his brow and nodded. “Commitment?”
