Page 50 of The Riskiest Move

I shake my head. “I didn’t, but Cooper did.”

Mrs. Wilkins pats his arm. “There are some beautiful pieces of jewelry,” she says, winking. “I better get my bids in now before it’s too late. Enjoy your night.”

We watch her walk off, then we glance at each other and smile. “She’s a bundle of energy,” I say.

“She is,” he agrees as we make our way back to our table. Rogan and Autumn are already there, as well as Thor and Griffin.

As we settle back into our seats, I’m reminded of the sense of belonging I feel with this group. It’s not just because Autumn is here. Cooper is a big part of it too.

“So, Scarlett,” Thor says from across the table. “Cooper tells us you have a podcast. What’s it about?”

I smile, always happy to talk about my work. “It’s primarily focused on professional wrestling, but we also discuss sports-related topics.”

Griffin’s eyes light up with interest. “No way. I used to love watching wrestling as a kid. Who’s your favorite wrestler of all time?”

“Male or female?” I ask.

“Both,” he says.

“For the male, it’s Jesse Gunn, and the female is Ronnie Gunn.”

He nods. “Good choices.”

“What about you?”

He scratches his chin as he thinks. “I’d have to say Wyatt Douglas and Ronnie Gunn.”

“Solid choices.” I hold up my hand and he high-fives me.

“So, did you two lovebirds bid on anything exciting?” Thor asks us with a grin.

“Cooper bid on a few things,” I reply. “Including a weekend trip to Charleston.”

Autumn’s eyes light up. “Oh, that sounds romantic. You two should definitely go if you win.”

I feel a blush creeping up my neck. “Oh, I’m sure Cooper would take his sister or something. It’s not like we’re actually—” I cut myself off quickly, realizing what I was about to say.

“Actually what?” Griffin asks, raising an eyebrow.

Cooper smoothly interjects. “Actually able to get away for a whole weekend with our busy schedules. But we’ll see.”

I shoot him a grateful look for the save, and he gives my leg a quick squeeze under the table.

“Well, I think you two should make the time,” Autumn says with a knowing smile. “Everyone needs a romantic getaway now and then.”

I feel my cheeks warm further at her implication. I swear I’m going to murder her the next time she’s at home. Before I can respond, a chime sounds throughout the ballroom, signaling the start of dinner.

“Saved by the bell,” Cooper murmurs in my ear.

As the first course is served, conversation flows easily around the table. The guys discuss upcoming games and training regimens while Autumn fills me in on the latest office gossip. Cooper’s hand rests casually on the back of my chair, his thumb occasionally brushing against my bare shoulder.

“So, Scarlett,” Thor says during a lull in conversation. “How are you enjoying being a football girlfriend so far? Is Cooper treating you right?”

“I’m enjoying it very much, and so far, Cooper has been the perfect boyfriend.”

“Are you sure you don’t prefer men your age?” Griffin asks, elbowing Cooper. Being a rookie on the team means constant teasing and provoking by the veteran players, and nothing seems to be off-limits.

Laughing, I shake my head. “How old are you anyway?”

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