down the hall toward the locker room.
I smile after him. I was on fire tonight. My hands like glue every time the ball came my way. With every catch, after every play, I would look up in the stands where I knew she was sitting. I couldn’t always make her out in the crowd with no time to sit and stare up in the stands, but I knew she was there. I could feel her. It makes me sound crazy as fuck, but it’s the truth. It’s like she was out there on that field with me today.
My teammates rush past me, clapping me on the back, and I join in the masses, putting one foot in front of the other. I need to shower and get the hell out of here.
Twenty minutes later, after a speech from Coach, and the fastest shower ever, I’ve got my bag over my shoulder as I hustle to my Jeep. I’m meeting everyone at the hotel just down from my house. I made reservations for a private dining room. I didn’t want to waste time cooking or dealing with fans when all I want to do is spend time with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my fans, but tonight, I just need to not be Cooper Reeves the running back for the Defenders. I just want to be Cooper.
The drive to the hotel ends up taking twice as long with all of the game-day traffic. I would have thought it would have been cleared out by now, but no such luck. Grabbing my phone, and making sure I have my wallet, I lock my truck and rush inside. A few people call out to me. I give them a wave and otherwise keep my attention on the hostess, who is leading me back to the private dining room.
“What would you like to drink?” she asks me as we step into the room.
“Water is fine, thank you,” I say without looking at her. No, my eyes are locked on Reese. My parents stand and greet me with hugs.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Mom says, wiping her eyes.
“Mom, it’s no different than college.”
“I missed you then too.” She smiles through her tears.
They take a step back as Garrett and Eve stand, waiting to greet me. Garrett shakes my hand, and like my mother, Eve hugs me tightly. “Good game, Cooper.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek and step out of her hold. My eyes find Reese as she slowly stands from the table and walks toward me. I keep my feet planted on the floor, afraid my knees that are weak from the sight of her might give out on me. When she’s within reaching distance, I snake my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest. Both of my arms wrap around her like a vise, and I feel emotion clog my throat. It’s been too fucking long since I’ve held her. I bury my face in her neck and breathe her in. The scent of her favorite perfume invades my senses.
My Reese.
“I fucking missed you,” I say, not bothering to lower my voice. I don’t give a fuck who hears me, not even her boyfriend.
She pulls back and wipes at her eyes. “I missed you too.” She steps back out of my hold and turns to look over her shoulder. “You remember, Hunter,” she says as he stands and walks toward us. He stops behind her, placing one hand on her waist and the other reaches out to shake my hand.
“Good to see you again, Cooper.”
“Yeah, you too.” I have to force the words as I accept his handshake. I watch him closely as I squeeze with everything that I have. His eyes widen, but other than that, nothing. When I drop his hand, he places it on her waist as well. My eyes are glued to how intimately he holds her. I fucking hate it. I hate that he’s here. I hate that she’s his.
“Let’s sit,” Mom suggests. She loops her arm through mine and leads me to the table.
I pull her chair out for her and take the one next to her, Dad sits on my other side. Across the table, Reese is in front of me. Hunter is next to her. I watch as he leans in and kisses her cheek before whispering in her ear. I reach for my glass of water for something to do. I avert my gaze, staring down at my plate.