is all that matters, Coach.”
His big hand cups my uninjured shoulder. “That’s the spirit.” His eyes slide back to my companion. “It was a real pleasure, Tiger.”
“Thank you.” Her response isn’t as warm as she was before he made his comment about McKay, and I appreciate the solidarity.
Coach leaves and I check the jumbotron. “It’s almost time for kickoff. Let’s head upstairs.”
“Sounds good.”
“Whoa there, King,” Jamail Winters, our star wide receiver, says. Also one of my brothers who refused to acknowledge me not five minutes ago.
“Hey, what’s up, Jamail?” Maybe the guys are just nervous about the game. A win today clinches the playoffs.
“I think the question is, what’s up with you, and who is this lovely lady you have with you?” He lifts Tiger’s free hand and places a kiss on the back of her fingers. “Jamail Winters.” He winks. “Wide receiver.”
My date pulls her hand away immediately. “Tiger Lyons.” Her beauty queen smile is plastered in place. I hate that expression because it’s the one she hides behind.
Jamail jerks his head in my direction. “And how do you know this ugly guy?”
“I’m work—”
“We grew up together.” I don’t know why I don’t want her to tell them she’s working on my house, because I’m sure that’s what she was about to say.
“Damn, Bullet, were you born under some lucky star shit? Not only do you have the arm of the century, but you grew up with someone as beautiful as this.”
I give a noncommittal grunt.
Jamail glances over his shoulder. “Hey, man, I gotta run, but let’s catch up after we beat these fools.”
“Sounds good. Have a good game.” I hold my fist up.
He bumps his balled hand to mine. “You know I will.” His white teeth flash and he dips his head to Tiger. “Will I see you after the game too?”
She hooks her thumb my way. “I’m with him, so I guess so.”
He raises his chin and winks. “Cool. Cool.”
The counterfeit smile remains on her face until he’s out of earshot. “He’s … friendly.”
Before I can answer, two more teammates make their way to us. They each speak to me, but never take their gazes from Tiger. The conversations go much the same as Coach’s and Jamail’s. They both make plans to chat with me after the game, and they both check to make sure Tiger will be with me at the after party.
I release the breath I was holding and glance at the woman next to me. She’s the reason that I’m now back in the fold. Because I’m with her, I’m not seen as a loser.
These men value power and prestige, just like me, and she gives me that. I should be upset about it, but I’m not. She’s amazing, and all I need is one foot in the door to get my position back. I just need them not to dismiss me and count me out.
“Let’s get upstairs.” I lead her up the tunnel and to the elevator that takes us to the team owner’s private suite. “Something wrong?” I notice she won’t meet my eyes on the mirrored walls that surround us.
“You told your coach that you were going to be ready for the playoffs, if the Thunder wins today. That’s next week. How—”
“It’s going to be fine.” The sharp edge of my words pings off the interior of the elevator.
“I’m concerned, that’s all.”
I kiss her temple as the doors slide open. “Don’t be. It’s all going to be fine.” I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her down the hall to the big mahogany door with the Thunder’s logo on it. “Sam.” I nod at the security guard who opens the door for us.
“Good to see you, Cash.”
Tiger turns in my arm so that I’m forced to look at her. “Cash, you could do permanent damage to your shoulder if you play before you’re ready. If you get the surgery now and sit out the rest of the season, then you can come back next year better than ever. If you even want to play next year.”
I cut my eyes toward Sam to see if he’s listening to this conversation. “Of course I want to play.” I chuckle like she’s just said the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. “They’ll have to carry me off the field on a stretcher before I stop playing.” I kiss her hard and wink. “And I’m going to be fine by the playoffs.”
You hear that, universe? I’m going to be just