Page 98 of Icing the Play

“I shit you not.” Dean chuckled. “Your father has already seen the contract and thinks it’s solid. I’ll send it to you for eSign. Let me know if you have questions when you get it.”

“I will.” I scraped my teeth over my lower lip. “Thank you so much for taking a chance on me, Dean.” He’d seen something in me I hadn’t, and it had made all the difference.

“You’re welcome, Myles. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up and I’ll stay in touch.”

“I will. Talk to you later. Bye.” I ended the call.

“Well?” Cooper hopped from his chair and strutted to me. “Am I dating an official NHL player now?”

Setting my phone down, I stood. “Guess so, eh.” I threw my arms around his shoulders and squeezed, burying my face in his neck. “I can’t fucking believe it.”

“Believe it, babe.” He kissed the side of my head.

As I freed him, I stepped back, dropping my hands to his hips. “Dean also said his buddy with the Seahawks will watch you at the combine.”

He lifted the edge of his lips. “Of course they are. Dad wouldn’t let us down. You know that.” He pressed a warm kiss on my lips. “I told you I’d follow you anywhere and I will. I keep my promises.”

Could I love this man any more? As my eyes stung, I said, “You’re the best boyfriend a man could ever have.”

“Got that right.” He hugged me to his chest.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

COOPER

Imissed my boyfriend, but this week was going to give me the life I wanted with him. After days of tests on the field, in the weight room and with doctors, I fell onto my back on my hotel room bed and sighed. My roommate, a Purdue tight end, was out for a while.

I’d had a few meetings with the Seahawks staff and coaches, my new agent, Mel Dirkson, and I’d done my best to let them know I was all in for Seattle. But the Minnesota Vikings were showing interest as well. I hated being so far away from Myles. I rubbed my eyes and sat up.

The draft was next month and, on top of my studies, there’d be media interviews and probably more team meetings to deal with. But through it all, Myles would keep me grounded. Thinking of which, I should probably call him.

I rose from the bed, stepped to the modern gray desk against the wall and snatched my phone. Everything in this room was gray or white. Funny, given the rest of the hotel had an old world feel to it, with fancy arches and ornate moldings. As I paced to the window, I drew the curtains aside, looking into Lucas Oil Stadium where the combine was being held. The place shone brightly, contrasting with the overcast night.

I FaceTimed Myles. The call rang once, and he came into view.

“Hey, Coop. How’s it going, eh?” He smiled at me as he walked through our home and dropped into my old couch.

“It’s been exhausting, but good. My stats are great, and I’ve had a few meetings with the agent my dad got me.” I stepped from the window and sat on the edge of the bed, raking my fingers through my hair. “And with the Seahawks.” I puffed my chest.

“Yeah? So, what do you think?” He gave me a broad grin.

“I think I’ll be in the first round of the draft next month, but Minnesota is also interested in me.” I blew out a breath. “Here’s the thing. The Vikings didn’t have as good a season as the Seahawks last year, so they’ll be doing their draft picks before Seattle.”

“Shit, so you think you’ll get picked by the Vikings?” He furrowed his brows.

“Maybe. That’s what my agent is for. It’s going to be close.” I worried my lip. “But I tried being sort of a dick when I met with them, so maybe they won’t pick me, and they’ll leave me for Seattle.” I’d hoped to hell I was playing my cards right.

“Are you shitting me?” Myles chuckled. “I can’t believe it.”

“I don’t want to be in Minnesota while you’re in Seattle, Myles. It would kill me.” As my chest pinched, I clutched my athletic shirt over my heart. I was doing this all for him and he was worth it. “Draft day will be a nail-biter. Just beware.”

“It’s broadcast on TV, isn’t it?” He huffed.

“It is, but the teams usually call the players right before announcing the pick.” I sucked in a calming breath. It would be hard to sleep until this was over.

“Okay. Well, I guess all we can do is wait.” He sighed. “We’ll have a draft party and all watch it together.”

“The first day is on a Thursday. I’ll have to check my class schedule.” There was so much to do before graduation. “Myles, Imiss you.” I gazed into the phone at his stunning face, the brown eyes I’d grown to love so much.

---