The reminder filled me with mixed emotions. He was safer on the bench. However, I knew how much this season has meant to him, especially after last year’s in LA. “It will be his last game to start, assuming Dennison stays healthy.”
Grant appeared next to the table. “With Dennison healthy, we should consider letting either Graham or Simpson go.”
The vodka in my cosmo was racing through my circulation, fueling my response. “It’s not on the table.”
He shook his head dismissively.
I lowered my half-filled glass to the table and looked pointedly at Grant. “If Dennison would God-forbid be injured again, then I suppose you would want us to rehire the QB we let go, at an even higher price?”
He shrugged. “It’s something to think about. Dennison won’t get hurt again.” He walked away as Susan announced that Tony was ready to take off.
“You can be kind of fierce,” Lip whispered.
“What I am is pissed. Let’s make it through Tuesday’s service and after that, all bets are off.” I swallowed the remainder of my cosmo and handed my empty glass to Susan. “I’m going to need dinner before another one of those.”
She nodded. “As soon as we’re at cruising altitude.”
“Thank you.”
A few minutes later, she brought a basket of dinner rolls and sat them in the middle of the table with a wink.
“You’re the best, Susan.” Turning to those around the table, I said, “There’s no buffet on the sideline.”
Chapter 28
Fin
My Monday morning alarm came too early, especially considering the team’s plane didn’t return to Lexington until nearly two in the morning. Though I didn’t want to wake Vee last night, I went to her place not mine. There was a pull to spend time with her I couldn’t resist.
When I arrived, Vee was sound asleep. Even the beeping of the security alarm didn’t rouse her. Images of our secret rendezvous Saturday night were playing in my mind, mixed in between memories of her on the sideline. Despite my desire to touch her, I couldn’t make myself wake her.
“Make it stop,” she said sleepily at the chime of the alarm.
Reaching for my phone reminded me that I’d been run over by a bus yesterday. After I turned it off, Vee curled her body into mine. Kissing the top of her hair, I wrapped my arm around her. Ignoring the tenderness in my side and chest, I said, “This seems like a recipe for being late to Maker’s Mark.”
Her warm hands came to my bare chest as she blinked her gorgeous eyes. “I didn’t know if you’d come here or go to your place.” Her lips curled. “I approve of your decision.”
“You were out last night. I don’t think you even heard the security system beep.”
Vee rolled away. Staring up at the ceiling, she sighed. “Leigh and Hayden brought me home last night.” She lifted her fingers to her temples. “I think Hayden drove my rental and Leigh brought me home.”
I widened my eyes. “You think?”
“It’s all a bit fuzzy.”
My laugh filled the bedroom as I sat up, leaning over her. “Ms. Hubbard, were you drunk?”
Her gaze met mine as she grimaced. “I mean, legally—possibly. Let’s just say that it was a good choice not to drive.”
I brushed my lips over hers, inhaling a sour vodka aroma. “Cosmos?”
Vee nodded.
“How many?”
Pressing her lips together, she shrugged. Then her eyes opened wide. “Shit, what time is it?”
“My alarm was set for six.”
