Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance

by Karley Campbell

  Chapter Four

  The press conference was held in the media center beneath the big stadium of Twickenham. Dani presumed this was to prove the importance of the announcement.

  She followed her father until reaching the door, overwhelmed by the number of photographers, cameramen and chattering reporters. Everyone was interested in the mystery scrum coach. Dani often forgot her father was a public figure, preferring her own version of the man to the grumpy-faced troll portrayed in the media. Other team members were waiting patiently or chatting to various people, diverting attention. Dani recognized the team’s manager, the other assistant coach and the gravel voiced CEO. She had been forced to a pompous dinner with the CEO and his wife when her father had been announced as head coach. He was a very nice man and Trisha got on well with his long-suffering wife, another rugby widow.

  Leaning against a wall, Dani decided she had gone far enough into the media lair when people began noticing Jacob who hadn’t bothered with a grand entrance. This was his style, walk up behind them when they were least expecting it. Her father glanced back at her and Dani shooed him away, pointing at the ground to let him know she would be waiting for him right here.

  Jacob took his time, chatting amiably while reporters clambered to hear what was said. Laughter followed and Dani knew her father was turning on the charm. It always confounded those who didn’t know him that this hard-faced man could be so entertaining. It was part of what made him so good as a player, part of a team and now a coach who got every ounce of what he expected from his players.

  Stacey’s husband Marcus ambled over to say hi to Dani. They talked about Stacey and the new baby before the allure of Jacob tugged Marcus away.

  Watching Jacob in action was a pure joy for Dani and she was grinning as someone moved to stand beside her. Her grin widened as she found Cooper Graves staring wide eyed at the media hoard as if he wanted to be sick.

  “Hi, Cooper.” Her stomach was doing something strange just from standing next to him. He was tall, probably six foot, with wide shoulders and the stance of a natural athlete. His hair was sandy brown, lighter than hers, cut short but messy as if he had just stumbled out of bed. She fought the urge to run her fingers through it, to ruffle it up some more. She didn’t think his anxiety would allow such contact.

  While he was so preoccupied Dani tried to imagine him forcing himself on a woman. He was certainly physically able but how would it feel to be abhorred if he was innocent? How would someone recover from that? There were monsters out there, from those that were evil predators to those that made stupid drunken mistakes, men and women. There were also those that used false claims as a weapon, a simple statement that unquestioningly elicited an emotive response. Should all those accused be found guilty by the public in the social media age? Dani had heard of a young football player released from jail after it turned out his ex-girlfriend wanted revenge for his infidelity and claimed rape. She had slept with most of the team to try and retain his attention without success and at pretrial she had crumbled, admitted she made the entire rape story up.

  Even Dani’s mother had said, “There must be something in it. If it wasn’t him he knew people who were doing it.”

  That young man had never played again.

  Her father found himself in trouble with the media years ago but nothing like rape. After admitting it his honesty and dedication to his family had been applauded.

  Cooper had remained silent even when the charges had been dropped for lack of evidence. Unfortunately the public had already cast him as a monster. No one cared that the girl had changed her story several times and had faded into obscurity after gaining her infamy.

  Dani had searched the internet about Cooper Graves when she should have been studying. There had been plenty of speculation and secondhand gossip. The trolls had been in full voice, claiming his participation in a full contact, volatile sport made it obvious he was guilty, or that he was arrogant enough to think he could do what he wanted. It was endless low blows and nasty inuendo. Dani knew to never trust what she read and wondered what Cooper’s family had endured along with him.

  His gaze returned to her and once again his brow creased as if he couldn’t place her. “This is weird.” He said, “Are you stalking me?”

  He was so concerned that she laughed. “Sorry, I’m here for someone else.”

  “Is Andrew here?” He looked genuinely glum which made Dani edgy.

  “Andrew? What does that mean?” She knew exactly what he meant but he was so anxious she thought talking may calm him down.

  “Your boyfriend, Andrew Maxwell.” He was glancing from the crowd to her face, each glance sticking to her for longer.

  She was unable to stop the flirty curve to her lips. Cooper’s vulnerability, so at odds with the size of him, made her strangely protective, “Cooper, I’m not Andrew Maxwell’s girlfriend. I’m no one’s girlfriend.”

  The reporters were yet to notice him, still focused on Jacob, but it wouldn’t be long. Dani could sense he wanted to talk to her privately and taking the initiative she took one of his solid arms and backed out of the room. Trying to appear calm, Cooper clung tight to her hand at his bicep. Two men paused, their faces widening in shock at Cooper’s presence. Dani laughed in delight. Confusing reporters was always fun. She led Cooper around a corner and away from prying eyes.

  “You’re giving me your number?” He said after ensuring they were alone.

  “Is that all you want?” She was teasing, amazed she wanted too. For a supposed lady’s man he was overly nervous at being alone with her even though he out sized her so dramatically.

  Keeping him off balance she asked, “Don’t you remember me?”

  His eyes became round, “I thought you said I’ve never seen you naked.”

  “There is more to life than sex. I guess I’m just forgettable.”

  “You do look familiar but I just can’t place it. Tell me.”

  “No way.” She grinned. “It’ll give you something to think about.”

  His eyes became assessing, roaming her face. He took a step closer, his intent clear before the shutters slammed down and he turned away as if slapped.

  “Sorry.” He mumbled. “I have to go.”

  “Wait.” She called.

  He turned back, his face stern and again anxious, “Look, I have some heavy skeletons in my closet that you clearly haven’t heard about. Go back to Andrew, he’s a good kid, he’ll look after you.”

  “And you wouldn’t?”

  He shrugged then stepped away as if she frightened him. She reached out to stop him but he was too quick and she had to jog to catch up with his long stride.

  “Do you want my number or not?” She barked as they neared the busy room.

  He stopped so fast she bumped into his back just as her father emerged and bellowed, “There you are! Come on, everyone is waiting.”

  Cooper moved away on a relieved sigh, mouthing another apology over his shoulder before racing into the waiting throng as if Dani were more terrifying than a mob of media. Dani followed, returning to her spot, enjoying the collective shock at seeing the infamous man now seated next to a proud head coach. Jacob proceeded to announce that Cooper Graves had been appointed as scrummaging coach for the next two years.

  “Cooper was one of the best players his country ever saw.” Her father told the silent audience, “And I know you’ll be as pleased as we are to have all his experience on our side of the world. We want the strongest team possible and I believe this man can help make that happen. His experience will be invaluable to younger players both professionally and personally.”

  One reporter took his cue, “Are you saying you’ve hired Cooper to keep the pretty boys out of trouble after hours.”

  Jacob threw a stony glare, “No, I’m saying Cooper was one of the strongest players I’ve ever seen, he now has the ability to bring what he knows to the new game. You all know we’ve struggled badly in the scrums, Cooper thinks he has the solution and
I believe him.”

  “Cooper,” Someone called out, “Will you be happy living in London?”

  He glanced at Dani, her arms crossed, a small grin tightening her lips. He appeared calm now. “I love my country but I have no family so I’m happy to go where the work is. If I can help the team,” He shrugged, “I will.”

  “Have you put the past behind you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you regret the way your career ended?”

  “I had no choice in the way my career ended and I’m not here to discuss that, I’m here to talk about the future of English rugby and my commitment to it.”

  “And how do you intend to do that?”

  Cooper explained his plan for helping the team tighten and strengthen the scrum, an area that had caused huge angst, especially against other dominant countries. Rugby was an old sport on this side of the world, dating back to the first match against Scotland in 1871. Those countries that Britain colonized had taken the game with them, the passion for it culminating in the professional modern teams.

  Most of these reporters were rugby purists, they didn’t care if a dog coached their beloved team so long as the team won. Dani was enjoying Cooper’s replies, he was intelligent and honest and his calm personality filled his every comment. His cheeky retorts to nosy, personal questions had the reporters laughing in delight.

  Jacob had just called for a last question when a sneering, high pitched voice filled the room, it was a shock in this mostly male environment, “Do you intend to apologize to the girl you raped for ruining her life? Did you think we’d forget?”

  Everyone froze, even Jacob who was prepared for anything. Cooper was the only one unflustered. Either he had been expecting something like this or he was an expert at masking his emotions. Dani would bet on the latter. His glance at Dani said, ‘See, this is what I was saving you from.’ Dani’s stubborn streak roared to life, the more people said she couldn’t have something the harder Dani went after it, and although there was no possible future between them, Dani found Cooper intriguing.

  Into the tense silence he calmly said, “I have paid my dues for what happened two years ago, Miss Growler. I was not prosecuted and have nothing to be guilty for, my conscious is clear. Can you say the same?” Dani guessed his conscious was far from clear but he was not going to admit it now.

  Someone near the back yelled out in a distinct Australian accent, “Piss off, Growler. Take your junk back to the gutter. This is about rugby.”

  Laughingly several people told Birgetta Growler exactly where she could put her trashy gossip magazine.

  Jacob led Cooper out a side door to a small room, giving them time for the conference room to clear. Dani remained where she was, watching what the Growler would do next, imagining the keen embarrassment she would feel in Birgetta’s place. The Growler only glared about as if remembering faces then she stormed out. The crowd clapped and cheered as she swept past.

  She was rummaging in her bag and Dani spotted the sachets of white powder, the endless bottles of pills. Birgetta was stunned to find Dani had noted what was in her hand and looked the younger woman over, clearly searching for a flaw or insecurity she could exploit.

  “Do I know you?” She expected her notoriety to scare Dani into complete honesty, it undoubtably worked with other girls. She wasn’t surprise that the woman had forgotten her from last night.

  Dani winked, “What’s in your hand?” The Growler’s face showed outrage. Dani figured the woman who made a living on other people’s secrets and private lives had some surprises of her own. The Growler gasped seeing Dani’s disgust and fled.

  She thought of Cooper and his curtain of shame and fear. Dani may have found an exception to her no rugby player rule. She just hoped Cooper was ready. That they both were ready.

  Chapter Five

  Cooper was shaking and cursing Birgetta Growler. He had been enjoying being back amongst the true sports reporters, he was especially enjoying having that barmaid watching. He felt calmer with her standing there. She looked like she would stand wherever the hell she wanted. The girl had some balls and Cooper could not guess who she was here with or why. Was she part of the media, a student or intern? He doubted it, she was standing at the back like a bouncer covering the exit, and in a room full of rugby heads that was impressive.

  Jacob was in serious discussion with the team’s new captain, the manager and the CEO but Cooper couldn’t focus on what they were saying. Beers were being opened and Jacob offered Cooper one. He refused, grabbing bottled water instead.

  “You did good.” Jacob slapped him on the shoulder.

  “The Growler knocked me a little.” He said.

  “You can’t control that sort of thing, the media have moved on, the public too. You’re old news. She’ll get bored soon and harass some other poor bastard.”

  Cooper nodded, “I know. I’ve just avoided this for so long it’s hard to have it stuffed down my throat again.”

  “I understand, but this is the fastest way to get it over with. Put your head up and get working again. As you said out there, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of so stop acting like you do. Find yourself a pretty girlfriend and Birgetta will waste her time worrying about the wedding dress.”

  Just then Dani entered. Cooper’s gaze was caught and trapped. Christ, he was verging on a boner and he didn’t even know her name. He must really need to get laid even as he shuddered at the thought, doubting he would ever be comfortable enough with a woman again to manage it. No matter how much he missed sex, craved it, it was not worth the risks.

  Seeing Cooper’s reaction, Jacob leaned closer to growl, “Not that one, boy. She’s mine and if you so much at smile at her I’ll rip you’re fucking nuts out.”

  Cooper went rigid. Jacob Maxwell was known for being a faithful and happy man. He was an ugly son of a bitch while his wife Trisha was sweet, stunning and way too good for him. Cooper knew Jacob had indiscretions in his past and how close Jacob had come to losing everything, including his wife and young kids. This was another reason Cooper trusted Jacob, why he listened to his opinion. To find he was boning some young barmaid, one from his own bar was obscene. This was the same barmaid Jacob’s own son was sniffing around. This was not what he signed up for.

  The scowl of disgust was aimed at the barmaid and she glared in return. Then, just because she clearly had no shame, she called out in front of everyone, “What now? You’re hard work, Cooper Graves.”

  “What?” Jacob barked. The room collectively turned to watch their wily old coach hissed, “What did I just say to you?”

  Cooper stood straighter, feeling somehow cheated. “You said don’t touch your property. I’ve got it, I won’t touch your little barmaid. Like I want your cast offs.” Angry, making for the door and escape, Cooper spun back at the amusement.

  Jacob wasn’t laughing, he was turning purple.

  “What the hell?” Dani gasped, “You think . . . me and Jacob?” A hand covered her mouth, her wide eyes on Cooper. “That’s just disgusting!” She then confounded him completely by leaning over to laugh loudly.

  Jacob glared between Dani and Cooper, seeing something and not liking it.

  “I thought you two only met last night?” Jacob asked with suspicion.

  Nodding once, Cooper’s scowl remained firmly in place. He just wanted out.

  “Do you even know her name?” Jacob continued, now deceptively quiet.

  This confused Cooper, who did a double take at Jacob as if the old man were crazy. “We were not that intimate.” He mocked the older man’s disdain.

  Jacob bellowed, “Well, let me introduce you to my daughter, Dani Maxwell!”

  Dani laughed. “Jesus, Dad. Don’t get all fired up. I’ll be blamed if you have a heart attack or something.”

  Cooper blinked several times, “Your daughter?” He looked from Jacob to Dani, his mind banging into order. Normally he wasn’t this slow but the stress of moving here, of facing the media again, must have
upset him more than he realized.

  “Andrew is your brother.” This was a statement full of delight and hope.

  Dani answered, “Clearly.”

  “And you’re definitely not seeing anyone?”

  “Not yet.”

  A slow grin spread through his entire being at Dani’s bright smile. Jacob bellowed hollowly, “Don’t even fucking think about it, Graves!”

  Ignoring Jacob, Cooper said, “Nice to meet you, Dani.” He purposely left her last name out of it. Her family had nothing to do with this attraction.

  “Ditto, Cooper.” She replied and he was hopeful she could look deeper than the atrocity he had been accused of.

  Then she grimaced as her father stormed from the room.

  ◆◆◆

  Michelle Brink watched the screen on a sigh. The universe always gave her what she wanted but she struggled with patience. She had wanted Cooper Graves once and he had turned her down. Now here he was, awaiting her revenge. His rejection had always stuck in her throat, made her question her abilities.

  He still had that arrogance and she would enjoy playing with him again. All she needed was an angle, it didn’t even have to be bad since she could turn a tiny misstep to her advantage. She was no longer a small-town hick. They had crossed paths when she was vulnerable and he had refused to help or comfort her. She had pushed down so much negativity, had worked more than ever, pressed people harder than she thought she was capable of. She had overcome her humble beginnings to take over New Zealand’s small screens then had moved to London. Now the entire United Kingdom and the globe was hers for the taking.

  She pulled Birgetta’s hand to her lips, holding it there for an extended beat. Birgetta quivered, asking, “Will you give me back the photo’s now?”

  “When Cooper is completely ruined. When he is at my feet begging for my help to keep his family from the slums. Then you will have succeeded.”

  “He doesn’t have any family.” Birgetta pouted. “Like me.”