“I hate rugby so much.” She sighed and Andrew laughed.
From behind Cooper, Birgetta said, “Me too.”
“Then what are you still doing here?” Dani was exasperated, “You and Cooper can go anywhere. This isn’t really the place for a romantic get together.”
Birgetta’s face puckered strangely, too medically frozen to show any real emotion. “I’m working, silly girl. Who would get mixed up with these dunces?”
This woman didn’t even know her brother. “Andrew’s hardly a dunce, he’s studying law when his rugby contract allows.”
“Your loyalty to your boyfriend is noble but I wouldn’t waste the effort. These guys have a habit of ruining pretty girl’s lives. Isn’t that so, Cooper?”
Cooper cringed away as if she had slapped him while Andrew groaned, saying, “Look, that was a long time ago, he’s paid his dues so just leave it alone.”
Birgetta sounded bitter, “After what he did I can’t believe he has the balls to come here. He should have stayed lost in France where all the stupid girls can’t understand his pretty words and pathetic excuses.”
“That’s enough.” Cooper said. “I’m going before this gets any uglier.”
“No.” Dani snapped, “You’re doing nothing wrong. You can stay,” She turned to the Growler, “But it’s time for you to leave.”
Birgetta’s eyes widened. “Are you kicking me out?” She was impressed.
Suddenly Cooper grabbed the back of Dani’s neck and pushed her head toward her knees, following until they were both crouched amid the crowd. Furious, she struggled to stand but he kept her low, covering her back with his big body. She stopped struggling and curled tighter when she heard smashing glasses and one of the bouncers calmly telling someone to, “Get the fuck out.”
When Cooper let Dani up he continued to hold her close as they followed the noise outside to where JD was yelling amid the excited crowd. Dani pulled away as the bouncers returned to their posts. They were paid to protect the bar and would not extend that range, they both had kids.
“What the hell was that?” She was trying to sound calm and failing, running frantic hands over her destroyed ponytail. People were pouring from the surrounding bars to watch the women fighting like hellcats, cheering them on, causing the traffic to come to a horn-blasting standstill.
Pointing to the girl that had been so rude inside, Cooper told Dani, “That kid threw a glass at me. It almost hit you.” Her gaze moved to a woman that was now screaming like a spoilt toddler and pulling some other girl’s hair. Dani was certain this wasn’t the plan for their evening. See what happened around sports stars?
Cooper’s face was grim, his jaw tight. “Look, I’m really sorry about all this but I better skip out before the cops get here.”
“Why would you be sorry?” Dani’s voice was too high. “She tried to hit you with a glass, that’s assault.”
“In your world maybe,” Cooper said, dampening her anger, “In my world, it’s my fault.” He sighed, “None of this would have happened if I’d just talked to them.”
Andrew spoke from behind them, “That’s not true . . .”
Cooper cut him off, “It doesn’t matter. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.” He shook Andrew’s hand. “We’ll get along just fine.” He then turned to Dani who was too busy puffing with injustice to understand why Cooper and Andrew might need to get along. He smiled, “Thanks for being so offended but it’s part of the deal.”
“For being good at sport? This is just stupid.”
Just then someone screeched, “Hey, Maxwell! Watch out for Cooper Graves, don’t bend over in the shower!” Loud laughing followed.
When Cooper didn’t defend himself, Dani snapped, “Fuck this!” She began striding toward the bimbo and her friends. They were all collapsed in the gutter now, exactly where Dani thought they belonged.
Andrew made a grab for her but Cooper caught her first.
She turned on him. “How can you stand being treated like this?” He gazed at her, his eyes trying to gauge her sincerity. He appeared so emotionally exhausted that Dani felt like hugging him, to offer him some comfort. This was not like her. She wasn’t a nurturer, a protector, she had her own problems.
Her brother tugged her away from Cooper, either trying to defuse her fury or separate them. He slung an arm around her shoulders. “You know this doesn’t happen often and it’s better for everyone if he leaves.”
Cooper studied Dani then looked to the collapsed girls. One had just vomited all over her pretty dress. “Just out of interest, what would you do to them?”
“Tell them what I think.” Dani stated.
“To what end?” Cooper prodded, his eyes softening with amusement.
“It would make me feel really good.” Dani finished.
He smiled wide, making Dani’s heart rate triple. “Hold on to this one, Andrew. I would.” Then he turned away after tipping his fingers in a small salute.
When Birgetta Growler peeled away too, attaching herself to Cooper’s side like a sucker fish, Dani wanted to chase them but Andrew held her tight. Cooper turned his head away clearly wishing he were alone and widening his stride.
Andrew herded Dani back inside the bar, pouring them both a beer. “Cooper thinks we’re an item.” He stated.
Dani said, “Even if you weren’t my brother I’m too good for you.”
Andrew relaxed, saying in a monotone, “And you hate rugby players, especially professional ones because we’re sleazebags who can’t keep our cocks in our pants and we’re all dumber than a paddock of bulls.”
“I don’t hate all rugby players but I would never, ever date one.”
Andrew took a long pull of his beer before saying, “Never say never, big sis.”
“I will say never.”
“Just wait till Cooper finds out we’re family, I get the impression . . .”
“Hush!” Dani snapped, “I have no interest in Cooper Graves. I do have some self-respect and even I’ve heard the stories about him.”
“Most of it was bogus.” Andrew said with disgust, “He got so screwed over. He lost his job, his future, everything. I just hope he made the right move coming here. Look at what happened tonight.”
“It had nothing to do with him.” Dani said. “Just some stupid drunk girls.” She shook her head. “I don’t know how you deal with all this or why you’d want to.”
Andrew shrugged. “As Cooper said, it’s part of the job.”
“And as I’ve always said, ridiculous job.”
“You like him.” Andrew declared, disgusted.
“I don’t even know him and I don’t want to. He has no idea I’m a Maxwell.”
Sipping, Andrew darkly said, “Stay away from him, he’s trouble.”
“You just said what a great guy he is. Have you got concussion?”
Thinking it through, her brother said, “I guess if he were interested in someone else’s sister I’d be glad for him, but you’re my sister and I don’t like the way he looked at you, and for once Dani, listen to me, okay?”
Dani never did what she was told. “Thanks for being so concerned about poor, defenseless, little me but I’m not interested in him.”
“Because he plays rugby or because of all the stories about him?”
“I know never to believe what’s in the media, although his stories are terrifying. But any male who plays rugby is simple in the head. End of story.”
“I play rugby and Dad’s employed because of rugby which means you have a job here because of rugby.”
“Yeah, and it ruined my life.” Her eyes widened at this admission. “I mean our family, it almost ruined our family. Do you think Mum would have endured what happened if Dad was an accountant?”
Andrew groaned, “Christ, get over it. That was a long time ago. Do you really think Dad would have been happy as an accountant? He’s an ex-English player, the current head coach. He loves his job so just be happy for him. Be happy for all of us, life’s great r
ight now.”
“What about Mum?” Dani just felt like arguing.
Andrew took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling. “Gee, I don’t know, perhaps if she forgave him, so should you. How would you like someone dragging this dog out of the closet every time they got worked up over some guy?”
“This has nothing to do with Cooper.”
Andrew pointed at her, grinning. “Snapped. I didn’t mean Cooper. I was talking about Mike, Mark or was his name Moron? I forget.”
Dani winced in embarrassment. “Yeah, he was a moron and he’s long gone.”
“I’m sure you only take those posers home to upset the old man.”
“It’s no one’s business who I see.”
“Exactly, so keep your sticky nose out of Mum and Dad’s business.”
Pouting, Dani said, “You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess tonight just bought it up again. I can’t stand the way women behave around you guys, its unnatural.”
“Most of us are not complaining.”
“Most of you didn’t have some drunken girl screaming rape.”
“I guess we’re back to Cooper?” Andrew’s grin faded. “What he went through sure changed the way the rest of us deal with groupies. We’re much more careful. The training and advice we get is much more intense.”
“Do you think he did it? Did he hurt that girl?”
Andrew’s eyebrow rose, “Does it matter to you?”
“Not in the slightest.” Dani lied.
“Then you don’t need my opinion. And I’ll repeat I don’t want you even thinking about Cooper Graves. I like him, I think he got screwed over but he was arrogant and he got put down. I don’t want you involved in any of that.”
Dani smiled, “Yes you do. You’re trying reverse psychology.” She stood to begin closing for the night, it wasn’t time but she knew they wouldn’t get busy again, the punters were still outside enjoying the free entertainment.
“I’m not reversing anything. I’m serious, stay away from him, he’s trouble.”
“And I’m not?”
Andrew groaned, “Double reason to steer clear. You’re worse than each other. A disaster waiting to happen if you want my opinion.”
“I don’t want your opinion and I’m not interested in him.” She kissed Andrew on the cheek. “But thank you for caring. You’re a lovely little brother but don’t expect me to enjoy drunk social climbers treating you like a slab of meat.”
“A slab of meat sounds delicious.”
“You’re always thinking about your stomach.”
He thought for a few moments before saying, “Are you coming to watch me play at Twickenham?” He didn’t look at her as Dani’s stomach clenched. She never went to games, couldn’t endure watching big men pummel her little brother. Andrew was doing what he loved and Dani could never enjoy it because . . .
“I don’t know. I want to come, for Dad too but . . .”
“But rugby ruined your life.”
“Yes.”
“Lucky you can get over life’s hurdles so easily.” He morosely said.
“Yeah, yeah, tell the psychologist.”
JD returned, peering at the few customers before closing and bolting the main door and returning to his home behind the largest bar. “It’s a fucking disaster out there. Should I tell Jacob that Cooper Graves destroyed bar takings tonight?”
Dani froze. “What the hell did Cooper have to do with it? It was those girls. Andrew was equally involved as Cooper.”
Confused, JD slowly broke into a grin. “Are you hot for Cooper Graves?”
“No, she’s not!” Andrew barked.
Dani gave her brother a glare before smiling angelically. “I don’t date rugby players.” She said. “Everyone knows that.”
“Well,” JD said, “You’re the minority although I guess you understand the downside of their lives.” He paused, “I think you and Cooper suit each other. You’d be good for him since you’re tougher than a side of mutton and I’m guessing he would need that after all the shit he went through.”
“You think I’m an old bit of meat?”
He was delighted. “You know what I mean. No one gets to you, you’re tough, and you have a rugby team on your side. I wouldn’t take you on.”
“Tough?” Andrew snorted, “She can’t watch one game.”
“Because it’s a dumb game.”
Her brother became dreamy. “It’s a beautiful game. It’s gladiatorial, brute force and fitness. No pads, no helmets, just guys going after a pig skin to prove who’s faster, tougher, better. Who’s got the biggest nuts.”
Nodding enthusiastically, JD sighed in agreement, “Beautiful.”
Eyes narrowing, Dani rebutted, “Gladiatorial? Are you kidding? That beautiful game breaks backs and snaps necks, it turns strong young boys into arthritic old men in a few seasons. It makes heroes of kids who are one injury away from retirement, and ruthless bimbos out of the women they meet.” When neither man was impressed by her solid argument she added, “Christ, that New Zealand captain, Buck Shelford had his balls ripped open playing against France. The nation watched live as Ian Jones had his fingers relocated. Even Colin Meads played with a broken arm. And how many have played with fractures, gaping cuts and concussions bad enough that they didn’t even know where they were? It’s not gladiatorial, it’s barbaric.”
“Yeah.” Both men said in unison, grinning like idiots.
“You’re just jealous that you never got taken seriously.” Andrew added.
Her temples began throbbing in frustration, “Just because I grew some boobs didn’t mean I couldn’t play. You know that women’s rugby should get more exposure. It’s a faster version that's more dynamic. Don’t forget, some women need a vent for their competitiveness that isn’t jazz ballet or fucking netball. Women can be aggressive and enjoy full contact sports just as much, or more than most men. Think of the Vikings, their women went into battle right alongside the men, just because we turned our girls into pretty accessories, doesn’t mean all of us want that for ourselves. Anyway that’s not why I hate the game and you know it.”
At the sudden silence, JD asked, “What is the reason?”
This was no one’s business so Dani said nothing.
After a long pause, Andrew said, “We don’t talk about that.”
Changing the subject, Dani continued, “I guess Cooper’s off contract in France and he’s too old to play anymore. Wonder what he’s doing in London? Maybe he’s on holiday before heading home to New Zealand.”
Both men looked at her with strange expressions then laughed, giving Dani an interesting clue to why Cooper Graves was in London wanting to talk to her father. Once again she wished she kept track of what her father’s team was doing. She had a sneaking suspicion that a vacant assistant coach position had just been filled.
Chapter Two
Cooper only managed to ditch the Growler when he gently closed his apartment door in her face. The woman was shameless, determined that Cooper would be her next big story. Cooper had been there, done that and wasn’t going back. He wondered how she had found him. He had kept a low profile the past two years and had been promised his return would be confidential until he was settled. It wasn’t like Jacob to tip off the media. Something about Birgetta felt personal but he had never met the woman before. When he questioned her she had only smiled, smug and righteous, claiming she was protecting women worldwide from him.
Shame kept Cooper down and his mouth shut. He just wanted to be left alone, for everyone to be wrong about him. Mostly he wanted to go back in time to when he wasn’t considered a sexual predator, when he was just a rugby player, one destined for the history books. But that was impossible once he had been named, branded and categorized as a vicious criminal, if not by law then by public opinion.
There was a reason Cooper had emerged and was being seen around town now. He had sucked up the last of his courage and accepted a new job. As it was a rugby position and not with the country he had p
layed for, he had known it was only a matter of time before the media were onto it. He had hoped no one really cared. It wasn’t a head coach role, he was just working and drilling the team behind the scenes. But his reasons for accepting the role were suddenly lost to him. Had he made a huge mistake? He was terrified that under intense scrutiny he would slip up, relax his guard and be trapped in another nightmare. After the disaster that had ruined his life two years ago, Cooper vowed to never be vulnerable and that included being with a woman again. He would rather be alone forever.
Hearing from Jacob Maxwell had been a surprise and Cooper had taken convincing to return to elite level rugby. Jacob knew everything that had happened two years ago but was adamant that Cooper’s experience at the breakdown was exactly what he needed for his team to reach the heights he felt it was capable of.
Cooper agonized over how the rugby world would cope with his return.
He had arrived in England with no fanfare certain the peace wouldn’t last. He just wished the coming shit storm hadn’t started at Jacob’s bar.
In bed that night his busy, anxious mind wouldn’t let him rest, replaying what had happened and assessing how he could have avoided the scene. He should have left as soon as he knew Jacob wasn’t there, in fact he should have never gone to a bar in the first place. But Cooper needed to face his shame head on. Then something about the barmaid had struck him, made him stay too long. He couldn’t place her until seeing her with Jacob’s son, Andrew. Cooper must have noted her in the media recently before her boyfriend’s first test start. Although Cooper had been dumped from his own team he kept up with what happened within the sport.
He would hate to fallout with one of his players over a girl, and she was very tempting, but women had cost him enough, he had lost everything by being no more than a dumb ball player. No, the barmaid was off limits since Cooper had promised to never be vulnerable again, this included relationships and sex, especially sex. Just the thought of it made him feel ill. After what he had been accused of, sex felt like a powerful weapon to be used against him. He really did like Andrew although the kid made him feel old. At thirty-five Cooper’s career as an athlete was over.
Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance Page 2