Her smile returned. “Good. That’s what I want.”
“It’s 6:35 a.m.”
“I’m hurrying,” she said, turning the blow dryer back on.
I was sitting at the kitchen island with my tablet as Vee came out of the bedroom looking beautiful and professional. Her hair hung in a long braid over her shoulder. The little bit of makeup she’d added and the emerald-green blouse caused her eyes to pop. The bruise on her cheek was almost invisible. Black slacks and high heels and a soft white button sweater completed her look.
A light cloud of sweetness engulfed me as she came close and kissed my cheek.
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“I could drive you if you’re still tipsy.”
She swatted my shoulder. “I’m not. Don’t tell secrets.”
I lifted my right hand. “I solemnly swear.”
Vee’s cheeks rose and her green orbs shone. “I trust you.” She turned around and grabbed her leather bag off the sofa and disappeared out the front door.
I wasn’t needed at the football center this early, but that didn’t mean I shouldn’t get ready. It was closer to eight thirty when I pulled up in the line to enter the parking lot. Shaking my head, I saw the news trucks and reporters standing on the side of the road. “Give up,” I said under my breath.
“Graham,” Coach Tilson said as I entered the locker room.
“Yeah?”
“Lacy Reynolds is expecting you in the trainer’s office.”
She was a certified athletic trainer and a physician’s assistant who had completed my physical when I first came to the Coopers.
“I’m fine. I was checked out on the field.”
The coach lifted his eyebrow. “Go see her before film at nine.”
Exhaling, I acquiesced. “Okay.”
After hanging my jacket and tossing my duffel bag into my locker, I saw Troy Dennison coming toward me. “You ready to retake the spotlight?” I asked.
He flashed me with a million-dollar smile. “You know it. How about you?”
“Front seat to legend making.” I meant what I said. The warrior in me wanted to start. The man nearing thirty-seven years old was ready to take the back seat. “Tilson is sending me over to Lacy. Apparently, they’re worried about me.”
“That’s a good thing. The Coopers give a shit about all the players. I was upset when I was placed on the IR, missing four weeks.” He nodded. “But now I’m back and I feel good.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll see you in films.”
The large room in the training center was buzzing with various players who were feeling the aftereffects of our tough game.
“How are you feeling, Fin?” Lacy asked as I entered.
I flashed her my best smile. “I feel too good to be examined.”
She pressed her lips together. “Well, I’m not asking. You took a big hit yesterday. We need to run a few tests. What about soreness?”
“You’re not asking,” I said with a smirk. “Are we talking about nonconsensual examinations?”
“You consented when you signed your contract. Soreness?”
“A little. My chest and side are bruised.” I lifted my right arm, showing Lacy the underside of my forearm. “Some abrasions.”
