Page 29 of Hooking the Captain
We joined the other guests filling their plates with hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, and chips. Once our plates were piled high, I grabbed two beers and handed one to Coop.
“Thanks,” he said as he led me toward the tables.
We found a couple open seats, and Coop introduced me to some people he grew up with. They were all super nice, and it made me smile knowing his friends welcomed me so quickly into their group, even though they believed Coop and I were only friends.
More guests filtered into the party, and I noticed the whispers and stares from people he didn’t introduce me to when they spotted Coop. We’d spent the last couple of weeks in our own little bubble, and it had been easy to forget about his celebrity status.
As we finished eating, a group of kids ran over to our table. “Hey, Coop!” one of the little boys yelled. “Can we get a picture with you?”
“Of course, you can,” he replied. “Let’s get a group photo.”
The kids all squealed with excitement as he gathered them together and then took a selfie with his young fans. I couldn’t help but grin at how great he was with them.
After the photo was taken, some of them asked for autographs, which Coop happily signed.
Once they ran off to play, I turned toward him and beamed. “I think you just made those kids’ entire summer.”
He smiled back at me, his dark brown eyes sparkling. “I remember my dad taking me to a game when I was their age, and I got to meet one of my favorite players. It’s pretty cool to be on the other side now.”
My heart swelled with admiration. Not only was he a talented athlete, but he was also kind and a genuinely good person—something I couldn’t say about myself. A small twinge of guilt crept in. If we continued to see each other, would he be disappointed in me when he eventually found out the reason I fled to Hartford? Especially since his friend is one of the people I hurt with my actions. The thought weighed heavily on my mind as we sat together.
Before I could get too caught up in my own thoughts, JP yelled, “Coop! You two ready to get your game on?”
Coop stood. “Ford’s on my team, because supposedly, he kicks ass at cornhole.”
“Supposedly?” I barked out a laugh. “I was my fraternity’s champion three years in a row.”
“I see how it is,” JP said. “You had to bring a ringer so you could beat me.”
The game started, and the banter continued. Laughter and cheers erupted with each successful throw.
“Nice toss.” I smacked Coop’s back playfully and let my hand linger for just a second longer than I normally would. It was a touch that wouldn’t draw any attention, but when I glanced at him, I caught the brief flicker of desire in his gaze. It made me wonder if either of us would ever be comfortable showing affection in public, but whenever I allowed my mind to linger on the fantasy of being out and proud, I was reminded of the trauma I experienced in high school. I pushed those dark thoughts aside and concentrated on the game. Coop’s hand brushed against mine as he reached for the beanbag, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
We continued tossing the bags back and forth, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. It was highly unlikely anyone would think the small touches and glances we exchanged were any more than two teammates encouraging each other, but to me, it felt electric and left me wanting more. Maybe I could convince him to make a detour on the way back to my place so we could make out in his truck. Or more.
Soon, the score was tied, and our opponents unleashed a flurry of taunts. I heard Coop’s voice rise above the noise, encouraging me as I took my turn. His eyes were fixed on me with a hint of affection, and I liked the way he was watching me. My toss landed right in the hole and we both erupted into a cheer, hugging each other tightly in celebration. Under any other circumstance, I doubted either of us would have embraced in front of a crowd, but no one batted an eye since victory hugs and sports went hand in hand.
“Looks like I picked the right partner.” Coop grinned, and I wondered if his words had a hidden meaning.
“I guess you did,” JP replied and I felt heat rise in my cheeks.
“Good game,” I said to JP and his friend, Rod. “I’m going to grab another. You guys want one?”
“I’ll grab my own, but thanks,” JP replied. “Need to check on the kids first.”
Coop shook his head. “I better stick with water.”
I nodded and made my way to the cooler with Rod. He grabbed a beer and then walked away. As I reached into the ice, I heard a voice in my ear. “I’ve been watching you all night.”
I turned to see an attractive woman with long blonde hair cascading down her back. She was wearing a tight red dress and had a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Oh, uh ... hi,” I stammered, somewhat surprised by her statement.
“Hi,” she said, holding out her hand for me to take. “I’m Jocelyn.”
I shook her hand with a polite smile, not wanting to be rude, especially if she was one of Coop’s friends. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ford.”
Jocelyn nodded and stepped closer to me so our bodies almost touched. She looked up into my eyes with a flirtatious smirk and ran one finger lightly across the top of my arm before leaning in close and whispering seductively in my ear. “You want to step away from the crowd for a bit?”
