“Cooper,” She sighed, “We have to move, your place sucks.”
She must have passed out because what felt like seconds later Cooper was dragging her to her feet, kissing her face and holding her tightly before depositing her on the couch next to Stacey.
“Where are the kids?” Dani yawned.
Stacey held Dani’s battered face tenderly and kissed her gently on each cheek, “Marcus is bringing the baby in now, either that or I’m going to shoot someone. My tits are fucking killing me.”
“Great.” Dani sighed, “That’s great.” Her eyelids were too heavy but she grinned at Stacey. “What a night. Are you alright?”
Stacey smiled in return. “I’m fine, thanks to you. What a crazy bitch.”
“She sure was.” Dani agreed.
“I meant you.” Stacey said, settling onto the sofa.
Dani shrugged as Cooper wedged himself between her and Stacey, wrapping a big arm around them both, letting Dani’s heavy head fall onto his chest.
The noise of police radios and ambulance sirens, the quiet discussions of the police and the shouted questions of the waiting media were all forgotten by the rhythmic thud of Cooper’s heart beneath her ear and Birgetta’s ongoing distress. Dani drifted away and was glad to be rid of every noise, every ache and every stressful moment. This day had not ended as she had expected at all.
EPILOGUE
Dani stood quietly, more anxious than excited but she didn’t want Cooper to know that. He was behind her with his hands clamped over her eyes. She could hear JD to her left. The house was directly in front of her and she was worried her acting wouldn’t get her through this, that Cooper would see she still hated this ugly house and be disappointed.
It had been a crazy few months.
Birgetta was going through the system and Dani would be expected to give evidence one day in the future. She didn’t think about it at all. So many people wanted to tell their story about Birgetta and Michelle. Marcus was working harder than ever trying to unravel who was telling the truth. Birgetta was still granting people their fifteen minutes of fame.
There was a huge legal wrangle with Mike Michaels and Michelle Brink’s estate. Mike hadn’t changed his will, so everything was left to Michelle and vice versa. Mike now had an unborn child whose mother felt deserved the lot under her expert administration while Michelle’s elderly father felt he needed the money more than some unrelated child.
Andrew’s wound healed quickly but the muscle damage ruled him out for the rest of the season. Andrew helped with the team’s training sessions, or as Cooper put it, ‘Got in my fucking way.’
The team, including Andrew and Trisha, went on tour again, this time for six weeks while Dani stayed at her parent’s house finalizing her new role as Rugby Administrator for Central Grammar. She would begin in the New Year and apparently had plenty of kudos with the students for being Jacob’s daughter, Andrew’s sister, Cooper’s girlfriend and, most importantly, having been shot by Birgetta Growler in front of the rugby world.
Cooper had been away for four weeks when Dani was ready to hop a plane and join him, she missed her parents badly too. Only Stacey stopped her. She had been diagnosed with depression and was slowly returning to her old self. Dani was spending as much time as she could with her and the kids. Talking over what had happened. Stacey marveling over the Maxwell ability to brush off any trauma.
Personal training sessions and extra shifts at Balls & All kept her busy. JD was exhausted from working day and night while Dani never thought to go near the house without Cooper, she would just be in the way.
Cooper’s much anticipated return had been memorable. He had quit his apartment, staying in a hotel for the final few weeks before the house was complete. He and Dani didn’t leave the hotel room for three days straight.
Now here she stood before his completed, monster house, Cooper’s big body pressed firmly to her back and his hands covering her eyes. She wondered how she could avoid hurting his feelings.
When he dropped his hands Dani stared around in confusion at the strange house. She looked left and right to be certain they were on the right street, that Cooper hadn’t taken her somewhere else as a practical joke. The neighborhood looked the same and she covered her mouth in shock.
“What do you think?” JD enthused, his grin so wide it was obvious he loved the place. He was delighted that Cooper was now the official owner, testament to a job well done and they planned to begin their new project in a few days. It was apparently bigger and uglier than this place had been.
“I’m speechless.” Dani walked closer.
It had been transformed with a new roof, all the cracked and broken windows were replaced, the guttering was clean and new, the once swampy front garden now landscaped. Everything looked lovingly restored.
Cooper opened the front door and Dani marveled at the beautiful deep red entryway. It was so inviting.
Inside, she covered her mouth It was impossible to imagine it was the same place, everything was fresh and clean. Above the stairs now showed a skylight that transformed the once dark interior. Dani walked the house, stunned at how much work had been done.
At the main bedroom Cooper turned to JD who had been hovering close, soaking up Dani’s enjoyment.
“Time for you to go.” He said.
JD laughed and disappeared while Dani held her breath and stepped into her new bedroom. It was still spacious but her attention was instantly drawn to her favorite place and she robotically found her way to her corner window and gazed out. “You made it bigger.” She said nervously, “Is that wise after what happened?”
His big hands rested on her shoulders as he surveyed the view over her head.
“Privacy glass. We can see out, no one can see in and at night we can hide. Just us.” He clicked a button on the wall and roller blinds gently covered the glass.
Dani pushed the button again and they silently retracted. She stared out at the view until Cooper turned her around. “Do you like it, honestly?”
Dani burst into noisy tears and Cooper smiled as he hugged her.
Still sniffling as they undressed each other, she said, “I like you better.”
Cooper smiled. “I love you.”
Dani remembered back to when she had found that broken man. That she had any hand in the wonderful human she now lived with was testament to his tenacity and inner strength. He gave her confidence that she could be strong too. That the job would work, that she and Cooper would work.
She stepped away and studied him, taking a long breath of excitement for their future. Then on two quick steps she rugby tackled him onto the bed.
THE END.
Author Note
I played rugby as a kid and loved it even if I was the only girl most of the time, I could outrun anyone. It all changed when I began growing boobs and both the coaches and players became uncomfortable. I get it now, but at the time I was so upset, there were so few sports girls could play that involved contact, so I ended up in hockey until having my second son and life got too busy. Back then girls had no pathway for playing rugby to elite level let alone coaching or even becoming referees past the junior grades. Thankfully, now, women are forcing their way into the spotlight and I am delighted for them. I believe woman’s rugby is a faster, cleaner game to watch. I hope it’s only a matter of time before we see gender changes within the referees and coaches at higher levels too. Go the girls!
Acknowledgements
None of my writing would be possible without my wonderful husband who has continued to be perplexed with my writing while remaining supportive as I get these tales out of my head.
To my amazing kids. I never thought I’d be a mother. I was busy travelling and avoiding dealing with my own childhood. Watching them grow tossed up so many emotional challenges that I never anticipated. As they reached milestones I was confronted with the truth of my own youth and that was always a struggle. As they rush toward adulthood I am grateful. I will always be thankful.
I love you guys more than you will ever know, even if I tell you every time I see your handsome faces.
It’s a tricky world writing. Starting out, I was reading so much information and joining groups but nothing really stuck. I began to despair that I was never going to fit in which I somehow equated to never being published. I’ve let it all go now, acknowledged that I need to write but I also need to be a mum and to work for my mental health. If I don’t have time to talk online, know that I’m usually lurking and hugely appreciative of those people who work so hard to help the rest of us. And for those that feel like they never do anything properly, you probably are, perfection is only a glass of wine away.
About the Author
Casey Campbell has published several short stories, and while acknowledging that there is a distinct difference between contemporary romance, horror and paranormal, she loves all genres deeply.
A librarian who likes to search for the quirky ones, people and books included, she lives in New Zealand with her husband, two sons and a very old cat that runs the house like a drill sergeant at mealtimes.
This is her first full length novel.
Email Casey to join her newsletter for upcoming releases: [email protected]
If you enjoyed Rules of her Game she would welcome a review.
Find Casey’s next book, Semaphore coming soon on pre-order.
Turn over for a small excerpt of Semaphore.
Semaphore
Chapter One
Bailey’s life fell to pieces in less than twenty-four hours. Her job, her husband, her mother. All gone. Admitting mistakes is never easy and Bailey Hamilton sure wasn’t about to start admitting them now. So what if she married the worst man possible. So what if her job was soul-destroying and she should have listened to her teachers and not dropped out at sixteen? So what if her mother was only visiting before returning to the other side of the planet. But come on, twenty-four hours? Who wouldn’t go a little crazy and steal a plane ticket to Vegas dressed in the clothes of her husband’s much skinnier mistress?
“Excuse me ma’am.” A deep voice said above her.
Bailey was too comfortable to open her eyes, “I’ll have champagne please.” She murmured, feeling like a movie star, the past left to the disaster of this morning.
“Actually, you’re in my seat.” He replied.
Bailey’s eyes snapped open, about to argue that Lloyd was supposed to be in that seat, instead she gasped. This guy was massive, scary and just Bailey’s type. He was tall, much taller than her five foot eleven, around six foot four with short, well groomed, dirty blond hair. He was wearing a dark suit with a black fitted t-shirt underneath. She was staring up at him, mouth open, drool possibly sliding down her chin. He grinned in surprise and slowly removed his jacket, keeping their eyes locked until Baily noticed his arms that were like cannons. As he placed the jacket in the overhead compartment nothing else on his body moved, he was solid muscle.
Her mother’s words returned after learning of her only daughter’s marriage to skinny, cerebral, older Lloyd, ‘You always went for big brutes your own age.’ What would her mother make of this guy?
His gaze returned, eyebrow arched in question. Bailey’s whole body tingled.
A male steward approached, “Can you take your seat please, sir?” He sung.
“The lady here is having hearing difficulties.” God, that voice drilled into Bailey’s core in a strange and delightful way.
Speaking loudly with big hand gestures, the steward said, “You. Have. To. Move. You. Are. In. This. Man’s. Seat!”
She shook her head, “Sorry, I thought I had the aisle.” She scooted over and the hunk sat down, quiet for such a big man. Still fixated on those arms, Bailey risked another glance just as he looked out the tiny window bringing them face to face.
“Sorry.” She repeated, only sorry she got caught.
“Don’t be, I’m enjoying the view too.” He brazenly peered down her cleavage. Bailey’s heart galloped as he sat back, sighing. “Unfortunately I’m on duty.”
“Oh? Are you one of those Air Marshalls?”
He laughed, sexy and deep, Bailey could feel it to her toes, “Nope, just your average, everyday minder, for today anyway.”
He pointed to a couple she had noticed while boarding. Neither was remotely excited to be travelling first class. He was sixtyish, large, jovial and round bellied with grey, slicked back hair. The well-tailored grey suit exuded an air of wealth. His small companion was early fifties, dressed in a cream business suit and had obviously taken good care of herself, her blond hair and makeup was immaculate. Her gaze snapped to Bailey who smiled, embarrassed, feeling like a snoop. The older woman appeared hostile as she looked between Bailey and the minder.
Refusing to engage, Bailey snuggled deeper into the leather seat and sighed, letting her arm touch the strangers, feeling incognito and daring. After a few days in Vegas she would get her life back on track, get home to New Zealand and start again. She should have enjoyed her time in America more, she should have avoided Lloyd Hamilton, her safe-option husband. Her dirty, cheating, lying, stealing husband.
Risking a sideways glance, Bailey wanted to say something impressive. She had travelled the world before Lloyd and had loved meeting new and interesting people yet she drew a complete blank when she was confronted by the most physically attractive man she had ever encountered.
Before the plane reached cruising altitude, the steward arrived with her glass of champagne. The hunk watched her take a sip, Bailey’s heart tripping hard as their eyes caught again. He studied her lips before groaning and looking away.
It had taken longer to get everyone on board in L.A. than to get them to their destination and Bailey was still sipping as the plane began to descend. She finished her glass in one gulp as the steward returned to collect it. She thought of asking her neighbor about Las Vegas, like where he was staying, but as soon as the plane was on the ground, before the seatbelt lights had blinked off, the hunk was out of his seat and talking to the steward. He winked at Bailey then blew out a long breath as he gaped at her exploding cleavage while tugging his jacket back into place. Without a word, he then ushered the sullen couple away.
His boarding pass remained on the seat and Bailey giggled when she realized he should have been near the back of the plane. Watching his big back disappear Bailey’s heart sank. She would have gladly joined the infamous mile high club for him, now understanding what drove strangers to such acts.
Trudging from the plane, her confidence flagged. Again she felt lost and alone, certain she had misread the signs with that gorgeous man. She had just been dumped by a bank manager, how dull was that? Bailey doubted the bodyguard had a dull bone in his magnificent body. This thought sent another shiver through her that she cast aside as pointless. The man was gone, never to be seen again.
At the baggage carrousel she waited for the rest of Bebe’s luggage, embarrassed when it arrived. It was so pink. She wished Lloyd had picked someone who had outgrown the color. Throwing it on a trolley she draped her navy work jacket over the top, still embarrassed by this morning’s phone call that had started all this mess and ruined her hated career as a bank cashier.
Her boss Derek had hit on her at the last Christmas function and was just waiting for a chance to get even for Bailey’s disinterest. She was running late, only ten minutes when he called.
Deciding to guilt trip the creep, Bailey said, “I'm just in the carpark. I was mugged.”
“You get mugged more than anyone I’ve ever met. It's really astounding."
“I’m an easy target.” She knew Derek didn’t believe her, wondering when she had used the excuse before. She had never been mugged because she looked the type to fight back and win. “The guy humped my leg.” She wished she were a better liar.
He said, “Have you got a police report?”
“Well, funny story . . .” She began.
He interrupted, “In the immortal words of Donald Trump, “Y
ou’re fired.”
Bailey deflated, “Are you sure?”
He put the phone down.
Before her stretched endless nights alone with bottles of wine while her husband attended conferences which Bailey now knew was code for screwing some barely legal bimbo with daddy issues.
Her mind returned to Vegas and she wondered how to get a cab when she spotted a man holding a sign with Lloyd’s name on it. A driver? Bailey’s blood boiled. She saw the poor man take a step backward at her hostile approach.
Her forced smile hurt as she said, “Hello, I’m Mrs. Hamilton.”
Blinking, the slim, middle aged man with thinning, badly dyed black hair looked around, “Oh, and Mr Hamilton?”
“He dumped me for a younger model.” This time her grin came naturally. “He wouldn’t even buy me dinner yet he bought her a BMW. It was pink with her name on the number plate. I stole it and gave it to some backpackers at the airport in L.A. Hopefully it’s chopped up for parts. This is all her luggage too. I went through it and found this dreadful outfit. I thought it might give me some courage. God, I hate pink.”
“Um, okay.”
“You’re my driver?” The man nodded, “Great, let’s go. I’ve got money to burn, his money.”
At this the driver said, “I can help you there. I know the unluckiest casinos on the Strip, believe me.”
He took her trolley and Bailey linked their arms. After some initial resistance he guided her to the exit. Outside, the heat of the night was stifling and the white limousine caused another bout of fury. Lloyd had never treated Bailey to anything like this and she had stupidly married him, all Bebe had done was open her perfectly toned legs exposing her expertly trimmed muff and he was throwing money away.
Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance Page 25
