Page 126 of Scored

“We only have five picks this year,” Drew said.

“Indiana University’s quarterback will be the first pick,” Grant said.

Fin smiled. “It’s a good thing we don’t need a quarterback. Dennison’s contract was extended. What we need is a tight end. JD’s great, but he’s not getting any younger.”

“Defense,” Darius said. “The cornerback from UCLA would be a great addition.”

My head spun with the options. I lifted my fingers to my temples. “Dad said to surround yourself with the best.” I smiled as I looked around the table. “That’s all of you. Figure this out and bring the names to Aunt Rachel and me.” I gathered my laptop and notes. “I’m headed back to my office.”

As I lifted my things, the gleam of my engagement ring caught my attention. The brilliant two-and-a-half carat round diamond solitaire sat high in six prongs that allowed light to shine through and create prisms of color. It was truly gorgeous. I told Fin I wanted simple. I also asked him to ask his mother to go shopping with him.

He presented it to me when the two of us took a week away. We stayed at my family’s cabin in Gatlinburg. With snow falling in the mountains and a fire in the giant stone fireplace, we lay naked before the flames, enjoying the afterglow of our lovemaking. Fin offered to get our wine glasses.

When I took a drink, the ring came to my lips.

His smile was sexy and sly. “I hope you like it.”

Tears filled my eyes as I plucked it from the red liquid.

It seemed as though I cried often. The thing was that my tears of late were happy tears. I savored every one of them.

I was back in my office when a knock came at my door.

Pushing it inward, Fin’s handsome face peeked inside. “Do you have a minute?”

Leaning back in my chair, I nodded. “There’s always something. For some reason I thought this would get easier once the season was over.”

“Nope. Time to get ready for next season.” Fin sat in a chair opposite my desk. “Garcia and I have been working on the schedules for the offense during training camp.”

Smiling, I listened as Fin spoke with enthusiasm about the future.

“Are you sad you retired from playing?”

“What?” His blue orbs shone. “Fuck no, Vee. You, Drew, and Rachel offered me a chance to stay with you and the Coopers without being knocked down. It’s everything and everyone I love without risking life and limb.” He pressed his lips together. “Next season, when I’m not out there, it’ll feel different. But I get to come home to my wife without a sling or taped ribs.”

“I like that part about the wife.”

“Me too.”

“Only a few more months.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Have you had the lock installed on your office door yet?”

“There’s always been a lock.”

Fin’s smile made my core twist and my nipples grow hard. As he was headed toward the door, Jen opened it from the other side. I laughed at Fin’s disappointed expression.

“Sorry to intrude,” Jen said, “Preston Clark is here.”

“Why?”

“He said he needs to talk to you.”

Fin crossed his arms over his wide chest. “I’m staying for this.”

Shaking my head, I told Jen to see Preston in.

“Vee,” Preston said. “Griffin, I didn’t expect to see you.”