Her gaze skittered away, across the room. “You say that now, but….”
“You’re my daughter. You can fight me on that all you want, but it won’t change a thing.”
She turned her head and looked him dead in the eye. “What about later? It won’t bother you, knowing you’re stuck raising some other guy’s kid?”
“Frankly, I don’t give a shit whose blood runs through your veins.” Desperate hope darkened her eyes, and he went in for the kill. “But maybe that’s the problem. Maybe you think less of me because of that. Maybe you can’t respect a man who could love another man’s kid as his own.”
She blinked at the sudden sheen of tears flooding her eyes, but then her brows bunched together in offense. “That’s just stupid.”
“Yeah, it is, but it’s no worse than you believing I can’t possibly ever love you because some other guy might have been your sperm donor.” He dragged in a breath and spoke out loud what he’d only admitted in his heart. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but your mom and I talked for a while before she called you into her hospital room to meet me. She didn’t hold back as she told me about her life. About moving from city to city to find work. About the times she left you alone while on a shoot for one video or another. And about the men.”
He leaned forward, propped his elbows on his knees, and stared at his dangling hands. “I sat there listening to her describe the same desolate existence I’d let my life become. My job at the college kept me in one place, but I’d spent years going through women the way she had men, and I was just as aimless.”
He raised his head to find Lucy watching him, her eyes awash with tears. “Then you walked into the room. I looked into your big, frightened eyes and I felt like I’d been sucker-punched. In your eyes, I saw everything I’d wanted before life had stolen my dreams. Home. Family. But most of all, kids.”
He straightened. “I had no idea if you were mine, but it didn’t matter. I wasn’t leaving you to the system. You needed me, but I needed you just as much. I needed you to help me find the man I’d lost.” He jammed a hand through his hair. “Despite the snarky comebacks and the purple hair, you’ve done that. So, whether you share my blood or not, you’re the daughter of my heart and you’re not going anywhere, no matter what the court says.”
She sniffed, then lifted her chin, and he couldn’t help his smile. The move reminded him of V. It struck him funny how they’d only known each other a few days, yet Lucy was already copying her habits. Then she knocked him for a loop.
“I love you, too, so if you’re just saying that, I’m going to be really mad.”
With the lump in his throat, he found it difficult to speak. “You have my word.”
She studied his face for a long moment, then nodded briskly. “Okay.” She picked up the brochures, then cast a glance around her large bedroom. “Well, you’ve got the home…and the kid.” She faced him, and her watery smile nearly brought tears to his eyes. “For a family, you’re going to need a wife. I know the perfect woman.”
The irony of her comment slammed him in the chest like a fist. If not for his injury and V’s disappearance, he and Lucy wouldn’t be sitting here today. His world had been knocked from its axis all those years ago, stealing the life he’d planned for himself. A life including the pro career, V, and the children they’d have. As if the heavens had recognized their mistake, the stars had aligned to give Sam back each one of the dreams they’d stolen.
Lucy was his, no matter what happened with the court, and the pro contract was signed. All that was left was convincing V to put the past behind them so they could start anew.
His smile started slowly and grew to a determined grin. “Funny. So do I.”
Chapter 16
At seven-thirty the next morning, Caroline woke V from a dead sleep to congratulate her on a job well done. Although he was two days earlier than expected, the Marauders’ new offensive coordinator had apparently walked onto the practice field a half hour ago.
“I appreciate your efforts in getting him here so quickly, especially since I know the two of you aren’t comfortable working together.”
V rolled over and stared at the ceiling. Had Caroline spoken to Sam, and if she had, what did he tell her? Not that it mattered, now that V had decided to turn his ruse into reality.
“About that. I wish you had spoken to me before you’d said what you did to Sam. He was under the impression his new job was on the line.”
“Nonsense. He’s got an ironclad, two-year contract.”
“I guess he figured you’d slipped in a clause somewhere he hadn’t noticed.”
Caroline sighed. “I’m sorry, V. I hope I didn’t make your job more difficult. You know me. I’m on the ball when it comes to business, but relationship stuff baffles me.”
“Actually, you helped.”
“How so?”
“By forcing us to talk.” V twisted the sheet around her fingers as nerves cramped her stomach muscles. As Sam had said, the Marauders’ contracts didn’t contain a no-fraternization clause, but office relationships could still cause problems. “I planned to tell you Monday morning that we’ve decided to give it another go. I know you don’t normally have a problem with that kind of thing within the organization, as long as the two parties keep their private relationship private, but with our past….” She sighed. “You don’t have to worry. He’s a good man, Caroline, but he’s also a professional. So am I, and I’d tender my resignation before I let anything harm the team.”
“Relax, V. I know you would, and your word is good enough for me.”
Relief loosened V’s muscles, and she exhaled a long breath. “Thanks.”
Caroline paused, then cleared her throat. “Please, don’t take what I’m about to say as a criticism.”
Okay, that doesn’t sound good. “What is it?”
“I’m actually relieved to hear about you and Sam. On a personal level, you understand. Like I have, you’ve worked hard and succeeded in an industry where, until recently, women were seen as nothing more than someone to sleep with after the game. But unlike me, you aren’t built for a solitary existence. You have a giving heart under that tough exterior, and I’ve often wondered why there wasn’t some man in your life.”
Moved, and more than a little surprised by her friend’s rare candor involving a personal matter, V didn’t know what to say. “Caroline, I—”
“I don’t know what went wrong between the two of you, nor is it my business, but after meeting Sam…. Well, I figured I’d finally discovered the reason why you’ve remained alone. A man like that would be a tough act to follow.”
Understanding dawned suddenly and V slapped a hand to her forehead. “So you decided to try your hand at matchmaking? With your brand-new offensive coordinator, whom you just signed to a six-figure contract?”
“And my PR consultant, who also happens to be a friend.”
Stunned, V shook her head. “Didn’t you just admit relationship stuff baffles you?”
A snort blew through the earpiece. “That doesn’t mean I’m not an excellent judge of character. I wouldn’t have hired either of you if you were the kind of people to let personal issues spill over into business.”
V’s laugh was sardonic. “That’s not the impression you gave Sam.”
“Please, I simply gave him a little nudge and, from the sound of it, it worked.” Caroline hummed appreciatively. “That man is hot.”
A shocked chuckle gurgled in V’s throat. “God, you’re spending far too much time with Gracie Malone.” V grinned at Caroline’s quiet laughter, then sighed. “And, yeah, he is hot.” And irresistible.
“Anyway, back to business. Today’s practice is closed, so no press is around, but we’ll need to put out our release Monday morning. I’ve got a press conference scheduled for ten AM. Bob is going public with his diagnosis, and we’ll be introducing Sam.”
“I’ll email the packet for your approval tomorrow mo
rning.”
“Perfect.”
V disconnected the call and stared at the blackened screen. She’d never stopped to consider how others saw her, but did they see what Caroline obviously did? A lonely woman, filling her life with work? No wonder Gracie was so anxious to see her patch things up with Sam. Jake, too, in his own way, had tried to push her toward that same thing over the years.
Did her friends see her as a charity case needing to be saved? God, how pitiful was that?
Shaking her head, she threw back the comforter and sheet. After a cup of much-needed coffee and a banana, she spent the morning bouncing back and forth between what to say to Sam and what to say about him to the press. The press release was far easier. There was no doubt in her mind Sam would be a positive addition to the staff, and anyone who read his résumé would agree. With a heavy heart, she listed Bob’s career accomplishments, knowing they would be overshadowed by the news he had to deliver.
Her doorbell rang close to noon. She opened the door, not completely surprised to find Gracie’s Gridiron Girls standing in her hallway. Gracie, CC Tucker, and Jessi Grayson all wore anticipatory smiles. The only member of their group missing was Kris Tucker, CC’s cousin. V flashed back to “Girl’s Night,” and she made a mental note to lock her wine cabinet.
“Where’s Kris, and did I forget an appointment?”
“Kris is overseeing a photo shoot in Boston, and we’re here to give you moral support.” Gracie swept past her into the condo. “In case you’ve changed your mind about seducing Sam.”
V frowned at CC, who shrugged as if to say this was all Gracie’s idea. Like that was ever in doubt. Jessi simply grinned. Holding the door wide, V let them pass, then closed the door.
“I haven’t changed my mind, and I don’t need moral support.”
Gracie turned and gave the T-shirt and sweats V had thrown on the once over. “Get dressed. We’re going shopping.”
V crossed her arms. “I am dressed, and I don’t need to go shopping.”
“Oh, really? What did you wear on your last date?”
V opened her mouth to answer, but didn’t have a clue what to say. Her last date had been five years ago, and utterly forgettable. She mentally scrolled through her closet for something her three would-be fairy godmothers would find acceptable but, unless the man were a director on some board or an uptight lawyer, nothing she owned would make the cut.
“My periwinkle suit.”
“You did not.” Gracie rolled her eyes at CC and Jessi. “I was with her last month when she bought it.”
CC laughed, but Jessi took the diplomatic approach. “We’re just trying to help, V.”
“Thanks, but I know how to dress myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”
Gracie plucked a banana from the bowl of fruit on the counter of V’s kitchen bar and snapped the top. “I’m sure you’ve got rows of suits designed to intimidate corporate types, but we’re talking a big strapping jock here. You need something with some slink. Something that says ‘I put out.’”
“She has a point.” CC snickered.
V turned to Jessi, who grimaced. “She kind of does.”
V shook her head. “You’re all insane. Besides, Sam has a daughter. My best chance of catching him alone will be at the complex. Where slut clothes are frowned upon.”
Gracie took a bite of banana. “No, your best chance will be tonight in a restaurant of your choice. Preferably one attached to a hotel.”
“But Lucy—”
“Is babysitting for Tuck and me tonight, and she’ll be spending the night.” CC grinned at Jessi. “Gracie and Jake, and Tuck and I are taking Max and Jessi out to celebrate. Her debut solo album just went platinum.”
V smiled widely and squeezed Jessi’s arm. “Oh, Jessi. Congratulations. That’s incredible.”
Jessi’s disbelieving laugh was infectious. “Thanks. I’m still pinching myself.”
“So, we’ve cleared the path for you.” Gracie skirted the bar into the kitchen to toss her peel into the trash, then immediately plucked an apple out of the fruit bowl. “I still say we need to go shopping, but since you’ve got that stubborn wrinkle creasing your forehead, that’s obviously not going to happen.” She crunched off a big bite of Granny Smith. “The rest is up to you, sweetie.”
Nervous butterflies swarmed in V’s belly. Could she do it? Could she convince Sam to give them another shot for real? Would he even agree to go to dinner with her if she asked? God, she was going to throw up. Shaking her head, she squinted at the apple in Gracie’s hand.
“Why are you eating all my fruit?”
Gracie crunched another bite. “Jake knocked me up again. I’m hungry all the time, just like with the boys.”
There was a moment of shocked silence before Jessi squealed. “Oh my God. When are you due?”
“Mid-August. It’s early yet.”
Jessi’s smile could have lit up Times Square. “Maybe we can get a package deal at the maternity ward. I’m due August twentieth.”
Gracie’s mouth dropped open, and she turned to CC expectantly. CC held up both hands. “Don’t look at me. Tuck is still grumbling over the two months of forced celibacy the last time. He says baby Huey is going to be an only child, but I’m wearing him down.”
Girlish shrieks, hugs, and laughter were exchanged, along with a few tears. Genuinely happy for her friends, V couldn’t deny the tug of envy as she joined in the celebration. At thirty-five, her biological clock was running low on batteries. She’d given up on the hope of having a child a long time ago, but now that Sam was back….
He loved Lucy, of that she had no doubt, but he hadn’t consciously had any children. She hadn’t thought that far ahead, but even if things miraculously worked out between them, there was no guarantee he’d want more kids.
As if Gracie had read V’s mind, she pulled her into her arms. “Don’t take no for an answer, sweetie. You and Sam both deserve your happily ever after.”
* * * *
V picked up the phone for the fifth time, then set it down again.
Just do it already. If he says no, you’ve got that half gallon of double chocolate fudge in the freezer. You can throw it at his head at the press conference on Monday.
Blowing a breath, she shook her arms, then cracked her neck for good measure. Picking up the phone, she rang Sam’s number before she could change her mind. Her hands were already sweating when he answered on the third ring.
“Fitzpatrick.”
She had to swallow before she could speak. “Hi, Sam. It’s me.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s V.”
“Hello?”
“Hello, Sam?” Masculine laughter sounded in her ear as if he were in a bar.
“Hold on a sec. It’s noisy as hell in here.”
She waited as the chaos in background slowly faded, then ended with the thud of a shutting door.
“Sorry, hello?”
“It’s V, Sam.”
“V? Sorry, I was in the locker room. The team is throwing a goodbye celebration for Bob.”
“Oh.” Well, shit. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to drag you away from that. Tell Bob I’m thinking of him.”
“Wait. What’s up?”
“Nothing that can’t wait. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“I’m here now, and the party is winding down, anyway.”
She slapped a hand to her stomach. She really was going to throw up, and she was going to kill all three of the fairy godmothers. “I spoke to CC earlier. She said Lucy is babysitting for them tonight, and….”
“And?” He prompted her when she ran out of breath—and her nerve.
“I was wondering…if you’d made plans.” She swallowed and hoped the gulp in her throat didn’t echo through the phone. “For dinner.”
A long pause. Long enough for the acid in her stomach to reach her esophagus.
“Dinner?”
She squeezed the bridge of her nose. �
��You know, two people sitting down to eat food?”
Silence. Then, “That sounds more like a date.”
The teasing note in his voice grated on her nerves. “Well, we’re supposed to be dating, aren’t we? That was your plan, right?”
“Yeah. I just didn’t expect you to be volunteering to plan the itinerary.”
The fairy godmothers were going to suffer before they died. “Do you have plans or not?”
A hint of humor deepened his voice. “Sheath your fangs, Red. I was planning to pick up Chinese on the way home.” He paused as if he’d checked his watch. “I’m going to need another hour here, but I’ll be free by six. Shall I come by your place, or will you be driving yourself to mine?”
“No!” She winced and softened her tone. “I mean, if you don’t mind, I’d rather meet you somewhere in the city.” On neutral ground. He may have just moved into the house in Queens, but it was his and Lucy’s home. If V was going to get her vamp on, she’d rather do it where a friendly neighbor, the local Welcome Wagon, or his daughter couldn’t unexpectedly show up.
“Where did you have in mind?”
“There’s a restaurant on the fourth floor of the Marriott in Times Square.” She gave him the restaurant’s name and glanced at her kitchen counter and the keycard to room 1620 the courier had delivered fifteen minutes ago.
“Will I need a tie?”
She glanced down at her periwinkle suit, with its improvised lace camisole. “No, it’s casual. You might need a jacket, however.”
“Got it covered. Will we be dining alone? Just the two of us?”
If she played her cards right, they’d be doing a bit more than dining. And yeah, they’d be alone. “That’s kind of the definition of a date, isn’t it?”
His deep chuckle sent goose bumps dancing over her skin. “Just checking. So, this isn’t a performance for Caroline’s benefit?”
For heaven’s sake, why was he fishing, and why did she suddenly feel like bait? “No. It isn’t.”
More silence. “Interesting.”
To Win Her Back Page 14