My jaw clenched hearing that news from my mother. I wanted to keep it from Vee. “I don’t know her decision,” I said. “But if Vee decides to take the helm, forget what outsiders say. I know she can do whatever she puts her mind to, and the other members of the team feel the same.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Fin, I believe in destiny or fate.” Before I could respond, she continued. “You signing with the Coopers. Vee. Now her father. You were meant to be with her, to help her. Please take care of her.”
“I will, Mom.”
“Tell her we’re thinking of her. We also hope you’ll bring her back here again.”
My smile lifted my cheeks. “I’ll tell her. We’ll see what happens after the season. Tell Dad I said hey.”
“Love you, Fin.”
“Love you, Mom.” I disconnected the call.
It was odd how saying those words to my mother when I was eighteen felt impossible. Now at double that age, it felt right.
I heard the beep of the security system as down the hallway past Vee’s office, the front door opened. Turning the sauce off, I headed in that direction. A fist clutched in my chest at the sight of Vee. Her shoulders drooped and her chin was down, lost in thought.
The woman I loved was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She might hide it from everyone else, but it was as bright as a neon sign to me.
Vee turned, her emerald eyes glassy as they opened wide. It was almost as if she was surprised that I was standing here in her hallway. I didn’t speak. There was plenty of time for that. Instead, I brushed my lips over hers, helped her with her jacket, hanging it on the side hook, and opened my arms wide.
Without hesitation, Vee wrapped her arms around my torso and buried her face in the front of my shirt. Ragged breaths caused her body to quake as I held her tight with one arm and smoothed her chestnut tresses with the other. Scooping her from her feet, I inhaled, cradling Vee against my chest as I carried her into the living room.
We came to a stop as I sat, keeping her on my lap. Despite her current vulnerable state, her round ass over my cock had a way of recirculating my blood. After a minute or two, Vee looked up and wiped her nose on the back of her hand.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
She shook her head. “I keep it together all day. Maybe you should go to your place. That way you wouldn’t have to put up with me.”
Pressing my lips together in a grin, I lowered my forehead to hers. “When I said I want all of you, this is part of that.”
“It’s not fair to you. We just got back together, and I’m a blubbering mess.”
I lifted her chin until our gazes met. “You’re not a mess. You’re stunning, and what makes you even more beautiful, what makes me remember all the reasons I love you, is that you’re willing to show me this side of yourself.” I kissed her nose. “Maeve Hubbard, thank you for trusting me with the real you.”
Closing her eyes, she inhaled. “On my drive home, I started thinking about tomorrow. I want to stay strong in front of…everyone.” She forced a smile and stared deep into my eyes. “I know I said for you to leave, but I don’t want that.”
“That’s good, because I’m not going anywhere.”
She lowered her chin. “Tomorrow. The seating for the team is in the stands. There will be chairs on the floor for family and close friends.” Slowly she lifted her chin. “You don’t have to, but I was wondering if you…?”
“Do you want me in the stands?”
Vee shook her head. “The world knows about us. If you don’t mind, I would like you with me.”
Relief and resolve filled me in equal measures. Vee wanted me with her in a very personal and public setting. “I’ll never leave your side.”
She laid her head on my shoulder. “Thank you.”
Resolve was equally as strong. “No one will get close to you; no one you don’t want to speak to.”
“Can you keep most of my family away?”
“If that’s what you want.”
She lifted her head as she wiggled her nose. “Do I smell something delicious?”
