Page 154 of Vegas Heat

“Oh, uh…um—” Of course the answer is yes, but I’m struggling with how to answer my dad without giving anything away. “I, uh, I have class tomorrow,” I finish lamely.

“I know, and I told you it was a big ask. And you’re right. You shouldn’t miss class. I just felt after talking to him that he could use a friend, and you’ve been spending so much time with him at the stadium that I thought maybe you could be that steady presence he could use right now, or maybe you could distract him with updates on the fit kids center. I know I’ve personally used work as a distraction lots of times.”

“We’re not really all that close, but I guess I can do it if you think it’ll help.” My heart races as I close my eyes and cross my fingers that I didn’t gotoofar in the wrong direction. I need to see Cooper with everything inside me, and it’s like I wished so hard for it that I manifested this exact phone call.

“Thanks, baby girl. You’re truly the best and I don’t know how to repay you, but I’ll think of something. I’ll have Joanie get you a flight and she’ll be in touch with the details.”

“You don’t need to repay me, Dad,” I say. “Cooper’s a good guy and if he’s having a hard time, I’m happy to go be a friend.” And whatever else he needs me to be.

“Thanks. I’ll get the ball rolling and be in touch.”

“Good luck at your meetings tomorrow. Go get that Winters guy.”

He chuckles. “Will do. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

We hang up, and I click off the television, run upstairs, and start packing a small suitcase. I don’t know how many days I’ll be there, so I pack for five. I can do laundry if I need to. I think about texting Cooper to ask if he needs anything, but I think I’d rather make this a surprise.

I head into his room and glance around. I’ve been in here plenty of times, but it still feels strange being in here without him—like I’m snooping even though that’s not my intention. I pick up his pillow and pull it to my chest, breathing it in. It smells like him, that woodsy, fresh scent that causes a fresh ache right between my thighs every time I breathe it in.

I set it down and move toward his closet, where I find a few suits on hangers and a few nicer shirts. I grab one with a collar. I head to his dresser next, and I find a stack of Vegas Heat t-shirts. I grab two of those, and then I open the drawer with the socks and underwear.

I grab a couple pairs of each, and I spot a box of condoms. It’s not why I’m going, but I grab a couple anyway. You never know, and I’d rather be prepared than not.

It’s as I’m closing the drawer that something in the corner of it catches my eye. It looks like it’s supposed to be hidden beneath the socks, but it’s sticking out because the drawer is almost empty and clearly he needs to do laundry.

My brows knit together as I stare at it for a few beats, not sure I’m really seeing what I think I’m seeing.

A red box with the wordCartieremblazoned across the top in gold lettering.

I stare at it for a beat, and then curiosity and nosiness get the better of me.

It’s not my finest moment.

I should close the drawer and walk out of the room and pretend I never saw a thing.

It could be a necklace.

It could be a bracelet.

But necklaces and bracelets come in bigger boxes.

Maybe it’s just a promise ring.

But I know if I don’t look, I’ll forever wonder.

I take the box in my hands, guilt creeping through me for being so nosy. I shake the bottom from the top of the box and find a smaller red box inside.

I pull it out and open it to reveal a rather large pear-shaped diamond set in a platinum band.

My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

Is this…forme?

He never wanted to marry Stacy, and while I don’t knowfor sure, based on what he’s told me, I doubt he ever bought her a ring. And even if he did, wouldn’t it be packed away with the rest of his belongings where they’re stored until he moves into his place in a few weeks?

Maybe not. This looks expensive.

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