Intercepting Love (Second Chances #5)(33)

“I just wanted to say that you’ve been doing amazing in practice. I know we haven’t spent much time together one on one since you’ve been here, and I’m sorry about that. Just so you know, your parents asked about you yesterday. They’re flying in tomorrow for a family gathering I’m hosting at my house. I know you could care less, but I want you there.”

What the hell? My parents were the last people I wanted to see. “Did you by any chance tell them what you just told me?” I asked. “That I’ve been doing well?”

He nodded. “I did, and they’re really proud of you. So will you come tomorrow?”

I didn’t believe that for one second, but I didn’t want to let him down. “Yeah, I’ll go, but I’m bringing Kate with me. If anyone can help me deal with our family it would be her.”

Joel’s eyes went wide. “So does this mean you’re going to tell her the truth as to why you’re here? I thought you spent a good deal of money trying to hide that fact.”

“I did,” I confessed, “but I trust her. She’s not going to say anything to anyone.”

“All right, son, it’s your choice. Just be careful with our girl. I don’t want her leaving because things didn’t work out between you two. She’s one of the good ones.”

Yes, she is.

Grinning, he slapped me on the shoulder and pushed me toward the door. “Now come on and let’s go kick some ass. Prove to them all that you’re still the best.”

Joel sprinted down the hallway and I followed him. The cheering crowd grew louder and louder as the field came into view, and with each step my heart pounded harder. The second I stepped on to the grass, it was as if everything changed inside of me and became clear; I felt at home, and for the first time, I didn’t want to win for myself. None of that mattered anymore. All that mattered was the beautiful blonde haired, gray eyed girl whose smile I could see the instant I looked in her direction. I will win the game for her.





Cooper was on fire and the team loved it.

Every single pass he threw to my brother, Evan caught and sprinted down the field, earning us four touch downs. It was amazing and the crowd went wild.

“As much as I hate the guy, he sure can throw a football,” Luke grumbled.

Rolling my eyes, I patted him on the arm but kept my eyes on the field. I couldn’t look away from Cooper for a second. I knew we were going to win, but there was still one minute left on the clock. Anything could happen in that one minute, especially since the score was so close.

“Come on, clock, hurry up.”

When the guys broke away from their huddle, Cooper turned his head my way and kissed his fingers before placing them on the ball and pointing it toward me. Coach Joel looked back at me and raised a curious brow before grinning and shaking his head.

“I don’t know what you’ve done to him,” Joel teased, “but I like it. He hasn’t played this good … ever.”

Luke scoffed beside me and mumbled something under his breath. Things were a little weird between us, but I tried to look past his snide remarks and still have a good time. It was hard, but I was doing it.

Once the play was called, Cooper threw the ball to my brother, who caught it at the forty yard line and rushed it all the way to the end zone, deflecting the other team perfectly. The second he passed over the touchdown line, the crowd roared and got to their feet, their screams making the whole stadium shake all around us.

“I’ll be right back,” I shouted, rushing away from Luke so I could run on to the field toward my brother and Cooper.

Evan got to me first and swung me around in his arms before passing me off to Cooper. “You were amazing,” I shouted as he also swung me around.

“It was all because of you, love. You were all I could think about.”

Not caring if he was sweaty or not, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “I’m so proud of you, Cooper, and I know everyone else is, too. Is your arm okay? Do you need me?”

“Kate, I always need you, but the arm is fine. I would hate for Luke to say I used my arm to take you away. I don’t want any unfair advantage when I know how to play fair.”

Smiling, I hugged him again and let go. I needed to get back to Luke so we could get ready for the party. It sucked because I knew Cooper had agreed to go with Lindsey, and I definitely didn’t trust her to keep her hands to herself. I guess you could say it was my punishment for going on a date with Luke.

“Cooper, I have to go, but I’ll see you tonight, okay? Maybe we could get together after the party?”

“You know I’m not going to pass that up,” he chimed. “Also, I need to ask you something later. It’s kind of important, so make sure you find me.”

He grabbed my hand and kissed it before letting go and getting lost into the screaming crowd. We all had a victory to celebrate.





After each and every home game, one of the players would host the after party. It just so happened that my brother was the host for the evening. Since the team had won, I knew he would go all out on the party tonight.

“Kate, are you about ready?” Luke called from downstairs.

“Yes, almost! I just have to put on my dress. Do you mind grabbing my purse out of the car? I forgot to bring it in.”