Page 55 of Playmaker

I waved a hand. “It’s okay. No one is here to see me flash them when I get in.”

I got another smile of approval, and this one—a real smile, not a polite expression—warmed something inside me. Very few people got to see this person beneath the perfect facade. I liked this man, more than I’d expected. And I liked knowing he’d let me see past the mask.

And hell, I was going to ride in a Ferrari. Darcy would be so jealous.

Cooper drove the sports car with the competence he seemed to have for everything. I was confident in my work, but not in all the aspects of being a lawyer—hence the need to learn how to behave at the golf tournament, and how to dress. Today was the first chink I’d seen in Cooper’s armor. I hadn’t known there was one, but realistically? Everyone had their secrets and weak spots. Some just covered it better.

There wasn’t much chance to show how the car performed on the city streets, but he was soon on the Gardiner Expressway, weaving his way through traffic, and the car attracted a lot of attention. We curved onto the Don Valley Parkway, heading north. Then the 401 East, heading out of the city, traffic lighter as few people were exiting the city on a Sunday.

The car was smooth and fast, and with a good driver, exhilarating. Like a roller coaster that didn’t need to suspend you on a hill to make your stomach swoop. It was reckless and exciting, and totally unlike me, but I was just along for the ride. Enjoying it more than I’d have predicted.

Cooper eventually pulled into a service center along the 401. He stopped near the doors. “You have to be hungry now. Why don’t you get us some burgers or something, and meet me around back?”

He looked out the windshield, and I saw the eyes staring at the car.Of course.

“Sure. What can you eat?”

He shook his head. “Anything goes tonight.”

I opened the door and managed to exit without flashing the watchers. Those were disappointed sighs I heard as I wasn’t any kind of celebrity.Sorry, people.The celebrity was still inside.

I was a little overdressed for a service center, but the range of clothing here was broad so I didn’t attract attention. I analyzed the vendors available, and got an assortment of burgers, salads, sandwiches, fruit, veggies and drinks. The prices were inflated for their captive audience, but this time I wasn’t going to stress about it.

The sun hadn’t set yet, so it wasn’t difficult to find my way to the Ferrari parked in the back. Cooper was sitting a little distance away on a picnic table. He had his back to the building, and so far had escaped attention. A minor miracle.

He must have heard me approaching, but he didn’t react. I climbed up on the picnic table beside him and spread out my findings in the space between us.

He looked down and forced a grin. “You must be hungry.”

I shrugged. “I wanted to give you options.”

He picked up a burger. It was greasy and had about a zillion calories, but he opened the wrapper and took a large mouthful, groaning in pleasure. “I haven’t had something like this in too long.”

I rolled my eyes. “Obviously, or you’d be as big as a house.” I chose a sandwich. I was worried less about the calories in a burger and more about getting grease spots on what I was wearing.

“Afraid I’m going to get fat?”

“Not my business if you do or not. But I’m sure you’ll burn it off, since, you know, you’re playing a sport professionally.”

“I won’t be forever.”

That was true, but I’d never heard him mention that before. “Does that worry you?”

“I’ve got plans. Financially, I’m set for life, and I’ve been approached about different options when I’m done.”

Of course he had. But still… “Will it be hard to not play anymore?”

He was still staring at the horizon. “It’ll make my family happy.”

He finished the burger and reached for the fries. Apparently, if he was going to eat junk, he was going to eat all the junk. I took a bite of my sandwich. No groans, because it was a barely adequate sandwich, and I looked out across the pavement to the bushes behind the service center. The sun had almost set, so the shadows were long and the evening was cooling. I didn’t get moments like this. I’d enjoyed Briarwood, and I enjoyed this. Maybe, once I made partner, I’d learn to drive and explore outside the city. Or take the train.

Cooper picked out some slightly dry carrot sticks. Apparently he could only handle so much grease. “You’re still willing to come to the wedding?”

I swallowed. “Yes.” I wouldn’t renege on our deal now.

“Then I should explain a bit of family history. Remmy will be there, and my brother, and it might come up.”

I was as curious as any cat, but I hated the resignation in his voice. “Only if you want to.”

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