Chapter 8
Vee
Present time
My rebuttal hung in the air.
“I deserve that,” Fin said, his smile fading. “I’d like to start fresh here with the Coopers. To be completely honest with you, Vee, it was—”
Hearing my name from his lips affected me like fingernails on a chalkboard. “Maeve or Ms. Hubbard,” I interrupted, “would be more appropriate going forward.”
Fin inhaled, his nostrils flaring. “Ms. Hubbard, as I was about to say, it was JD, the Coopers’ tight end—”
Shaking my head, I interrupted again, “I’m aware of all the players on our team. Please don’t be so condescending as to assume you need to tell me the positions of our players.”
“My apologies, Ms. Hubbard. As you are probably aware, JD and I played together in Green Bay. I’m certain you also know that players talk.
JD sang the praises of the Coopers’ organization.
I have a few more good years in me. I’d like to play for a franchise that appreciates all members of the team. ”
“Troy Dennison will take us to the Super Bowl.”
Fin’s smile returned. “And as his backup, I’ll have a front-row seat to his magic. He’s a talented kid. I’m not disputing that.”
We still hadn’t taken our seats. “I recall a man who didn’t want to settle for second place or third,” I added.
“I was the starting quarterback for two seasons in Atlanta, one in Tampa Bay, and five in Green Bay. Maybe I’ve finally decided that being plowed down by the defensive line is something I’m willing to let the younger studs do on a daily basis.
However, if I’m needed, I know I can perform.
The Coopers are a stronger team with me on the roster. ”
A scoff escaped my lips as I dropped my arms and shook my head. “There’s the Griffin Graham I recall. Always so confident or should I say cocky.”
“You have me wrong. I accepted the opportunity to sign with the Coopers because my goals in life are changing.” He narrowed the distance between us to only a step or two.
His cobalt stare was laser focused on me.
“I want more out of life than football. It’s taken me a long fucking time to realize that, too long.
I asked you if you were married, but I know the answer.
I know that you’re currently seeing the douchebag Preston Clark. ”
“This isn’t—” I began to protest.
“Maybe it’s the Clarks’ old money you’re after, but I never took you for a gold digger.”
“I don’t need anyone’s money. Preston is…” I tried to finish the sentence, but my mind was suddenly void of complimentary adjectives.
Fin’s smile widened. “That tells me all I need to know.”
Before I registered what he was doing, Fin had my hand in his, and he bowed at the waist. His lips brushed my knuckles. When he stood erect, there was a gleam in his gaze. “Ms. Hubbard, I look forward to our upcoming meeting and each one after that.”
I took back my hand, holding on to it too tightly. “I suggest you watch yourself, Mr. Graham. The Coopers have strict rules in place against workplace sexual harassment.”
Fin lowered his voice. “During our upcoming meeting, I’ll be watching to see if your nipples are as hard as they’ve been since you entered this office. It truly is a fantastic view.” He turned and walked toward the door.
“I didn’t know you had been signed,” I blurted out.
He turned back. “Now you do.”
“If I’d have known of the talks, I would have objected.”
“While I believe you should have known—”
“Royce deals with football operations.”
“You still should have been told.” He shrugged. “What would you have said…to object?”
“I would have commented that you have a history that reflects a lack of commitment.”
He furrowed his brow and nodded. “Commitment?”
“You played out your rookie contract in Atlanta but didn’t exercise your option for an additional year.
You moved to Tampa. You were only with the Buccaneers a year before you went to Green Bay.
Last year you spent in LA and never stepped foot on the field.
Now, you’re here in Lexington. We can’t count on you for the betterment of the team. ”
“Oh, you were talking football. I assumed—”
“Well, don’t,” I said.
“And here you made it seem as if you hadn’t followed my career.”
“I haven’t,” I lied. “I did my research after yesterday’s game.”
His cocky grin was back. “Vee, whether you believe me or not, I’m happy to see you again.
You’re next in line to own the Coopers. Your father or Beasley should have informed you that we were in negotiations.
However, if your knowing would have resulted in me not being offered the contract, I’m glad you didn’t know. ”
“Preston is fun to be around, charismatic, and dependable.”
Fin’s smile quirked. “Sounds like a collie. Does he like it when you collar him?” Before I could respond, he was gone through the doorway. He closed the door quietly behind him.
Shit.
“Ugh,” I groaned as I made my way to my desk chair, collapsed, and closed my eyes. It was as if his handsome face was painted on the inside of my eyelids. Blinking rapidly, I tried to erase the image.
My thoughts raced.
To hell with Griffin Graham. Preston wasn’t a dog. Collar him? What the hell did that even mean? If Fin thought I’d welcome him with open arms after the way he ran away all those years ago, he was sadly mistaken. He obviously had a commitment issue.
Royce had signed him for one year.
One year.
I picked up the phone on my desk and pushed the button for Jen. She answered right away. “Connect me with Royce Beasley.”
“I’ll try. I doubt he’s available. Your meeting is in seven minutes.”
“Seven. Shit, forget it. I’ll talk to him there.”
If Royce was so hellbent on keeping Fin, he could increase the salary for the one-year contract, but I’d do my best not to extend the length. Grabbing the blazer from the back of my chair, I slid my arms through the sleeves, took my tablet, and hurried toward the Carroll meeting room.
Voices could be heard as I approached the open door. Stepping inside, I assessed that almost everyone was present—everyone except for Dad, Uncle Darin, and Grant. Straightening my shoulders, I spoke. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Royce, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a word with you.”
Royce quirked a shaggy eyebrow and nodded. “We’ll continue this once Reid arrives,” he said to Fin and his agent, Jackson Blanch.
Together, we walked back into the hallway.
“Do you have a concern?” Royce asked.
“I do.” This would be the first time I voiced my opinion regarding football operations.
“I’ve reviewed Mr. Graham’s career. I think offering increased pay for one year is acceptable.
Given his age and his record of not staying for very long with a team, I feel that offering him more than a one-year contract is a mistake.
If we offer him two or three years and he decides to bolt after one, it looks bad for the Coopers. ”
“These deals don’t just materialize, Vee.” He jutted his chin. “Reid can explain it to you.”
I turned, seeing my father approach.
“Is there an issue?” Dad asked.
“Vee has voiced an opinion regarding Griffin Graham.”
When Dad met my gaze, I repeated what I’d just told Royce and added more. “If other players see the Coopers as a revolving door, it will hurt us in the long run. Building a dynasty team is our objective.”
As Royce walked back into the meeting room, Dad reached for my arm. “I just got off the phone with Brad. The accounting department has been working all morning on this. We’re set for three years.”
“Three?” I shook my head. “Do you know how old Fin will be in three years?”
“Like the rest of us,” Dad said, “three years older than we are today.” He lowered his voice. “I’m sorry you didn’t bring this up earlier when we spoke. If Mr. Graham and Mr. Blanch are agreeable, the deal is set.”
“The original contract was one million for one year,” I said, “What are we now offering?”
Dad pressed his lips together. “This isn’t the time to discuss. I came to you earlier today.”
Closing my eyes, I exhaled. “Why wasn’t I told ahead of time that we were making an offer to Fin—Mr. Graham?”
“This is why you’re going to spend more time this year in football operations.”
I was seething, my blood boiling, as we entered the meeting room, Grant and Uncle Darin on our heels.
“Royce pulled this deal out of his ass,” Grant whispered.
His comment didn’t help my attitude. I still didn’t know the offer.