Page 53 of Scored

Standing, I walked around the island to the stove and opened the oven. Peeking in, I felt a flood of dry heat warm my face. The pan of lasagna was beginning to bubble around the edges. I closed the oven. “We’re getting close. On my way home, I stopped by the bakery and picked up focaccia.”

Fin grinned. “You were in an Italian mood. I’ll get out the oil and vinegar, and we can dig in before the lasagna is ready.”

After dinner, I helped Fin with his sling.

“You know I hate this thing, right?” he asked.

“I know if you overuse your left shoulder, it will be slower to heal.” A smile came to my lips as I looked up into his cobalt orbs. “I don’t want you to get hurt. So maybe we should leave it off and then you won’t be cleared to play.”

With his free hand, Fin reached around and smacked his palm against my ass.

“Ouch. What was that for?”

“A reminder of who’s in charge.”

My giggle echoed through the air. Since he was wearing the sling I thought he should put on, there was clearly a balance of power. Nevertheless, if thinking he was in control made him look at me the way he was right now—with lust in his eyes—I could play along. “Yes, Fin.” Pushing up on my tiptoes, I kissed his cheek. “Don’t you have film to watch?”

“I do. Do you want to watch it with me?”

“Do I want to study the Bills’ defense and imagine them tearing apart the Coopers like they did the Jags? No thank you.”

“That’s not what I see. I see the vulnerabilities. I see where the Coopers can break down the Bills.”

“Good,” I said with a nod. “You keep seeing that, and I’ll go into my office for a little while.” I pursed my lips. “I think I’m going to call Preston. I need to know what was happening between our fathers.”

“See, I told you your ex keeps popping up.”

“Gail is pretty,” I admitted. It was the first time we spoke of her since the Vikings–Packers game.

He reached for my hand. “Not close to as beautiful as you.”

“I was thinking when I saw her that you don’t have a type.”

Fin cocked an eyebrow.

“I don’t know,” I continued. “I expected us to look more similar. She’s taller and has blond hair.”

“I didn’t try to get you out of my system by dating women who looked like you. I was busy convincing myself that a gorgeous woman with long chestnut hair, stunning emerald-green eyes, the perfect height to hold against me, the softest lips, the most brilliant mind, the fiercest loyalty, and the strongest determination wasn’t part of my future.”

“I love you. I’m beyond thankful that fate brought you back to me.”

“Coach Pratt told me why they wanted to sign me. Despite my witty comeback that the reason was because I’m a terrific quarterback, there was something else.”

“What was the something else?” I asked.

Fin narrowed his gaze. “Pratt thought maybe you told me.”

“What did he say?”

“He said that he, Beasley, and Tilson thought I would be a good mentor for Troy.”

My smile bloomed. “You’re an amazing mentor.”

His cheeks rose. “I would’ve preferred my answer, but I’ve been thinking about it, and I think it’s a compliment.”

“Fin, it’s a huge compliment. You’re rock solid. You know the game of football inside and out. During those practices where Troy and I would be watching, he would often make comments about things he was learning from you.”

“Remember me saying I want to go into broadcasting once I hang up my cleats?”