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CHAPTER 129
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Completion Sports CHAPTER 130
“Don’t worry, honey, I’ll fix you up with our only red wine. We’re known for our beer and the hard stuff, but we keep a bit of wine on hand. You stayin’ at the Inn?”I really needed that wine; it always added a small boost to my courage. “Yes, I am.”“Okay, pick what you want off the menu. I’ll grab you a glass and be right back for your order.”She winked at me and I realized I needed to loosen up a bit more; the wine would help. I also needed to remember I had dreams of being a successful journalist. I needed to tough uncomfortable situations out and grow some balls. I took a sip of water, stiffened my spine, and looked around. More pictures of the local rugby teams lined the walls. Trophies and plaques too. The entire tavern paid homage to rugby.Estella set my wine glass down. “What did you decide, hun?”My smile was a bit wider this time. “I’ll have the dinner salad.”She reached in front of me and opened the menu. “That’s nothing but a few pieces of lettuce, a single cherry toma
Completion Sports CHAPTER 131
The stadium wasn’t hard to find. Its size surprised me. I expected a field, a few buildings, and some bleachers. What I got was a top-notch sports complex.Home of The Slam in big bold letters rested above the front doors next to the box office. According to signs, if lines were too long, you could walk around and use side entrances if you pre-purchased tickets. A separate set of double doors immediately to the side of where I stood was marked for season ticket holders.Rugby was a hotter commodity sport than I realized. I looked through the doors, but couldn’t see anyone. I took out my cell to message Van, but thought to try the door first. It opened.The stadium lobby was huge and deathly quiet. I started searching for the locker rooms with the sound of my shoes echoing off the walls. A few minutes later, I found a hallway marked with arrows pointing to my destination. The long brick walkway took me to an open area complete with lockers. It didn’t smell like the sweaty locker rooms
Completion Sports CHAPTER 132
Without giving me a chance to gain my mental equilibrium, he spoke. “Are you single, Miss Avesque?”Van Stelson had women drooling over him all the time and here I was doing the same thing. I hadn’t given him a single reason to think I was the least bit professional. Failure clenched my gut. A pretty body and my brain cells turned to goo. I completely ignored his question. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stelson.” I rose from my chair fighting stupid tears. “I’ll call the newspaper and have another journalist take my place.” I would lose my job, but it’s what I deserved.“Hey,” his large hand came down on my shoulder, stopping me. “Look, I’m the one who’s sorry.” I glanced at his hand and he released me immediately. “I think, Miss Avesque, that I owe you an interview. Could we please start over?”He was no longer grinning. There was such intensity in his gaze. He reached up and nudged my glasses higher on my nose. “I’ll behave, I promise.” Just a smidgen of his previous grin returned. He put his hand
Completion Sports CHAPTER 133
I had a half day to myself, though I needed to interview some rugby fans. I decided to eat lunch at The Slam Tavern and see if anyone would talk to me. Getting through the meeting with Van gave me added courage for some reason. I knew the more people I spoke with and the longer I didn’t let my shyness control me, the easier this would be. Estella greeted me as soon as I walked in, her genuine smile putting me at ease.“You’re back for more. Please tell me we can set you up with something more substantial than a salad.”“Sorry, salad only. I have a dinner meeting and promise to eat something with more consistency then. Actually, I’ll order half the salad I had last night if it’s possible.”“This younger generation needs to learn to enjoy food more, but I can get you whatever you want, hun.”“Thank you. I was also hoping you could help me out a little.”“Sure. Whacha need?”“My name is Cami Avesque, but please call me Cami. I’m writing a series of articles for the Cleveland News and Jou
Completion Sports CHAPTER 134
I grabbed my bag and ran out to my car with no time to spare. By the time I made it to the actual field, it was five minutes after two. I wasn’t quite sure where to go and stood looking around the inner stadium admiring the size. My research told me the stadium, built three years ago, held twenty-five thousand people. There was a separate college stadium on the campus that doubled as a football field and held five thousand spectators. The Slam’s single functioning stadium had one rival in the U.S.—Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium. That one held just under thirty-seven thousand seats.“I’m sure Van wants you front and center.”Having no idea anyone was behind me, I jumped. Turning quickly, I squinted into the shadowed tunnel. Joel stood two feet away. If I thought he looked large leaning against his vehicle, having him up close turned him into a giant.Not surprising, the tone of his words and demeanor weren’t exactly friendly. It took everything I had to try breaking the ice and giving him a s
Completion Sports CHAPTER 135
The sun was hot and I sipped my water until it was gone. I had no idea how long they practiced, but I needed a few hours before dinner to begin typing notes from my recorder. My first article was due Sunday morning. I wanted it ready and only needing a line or two added after the final score of the match.I left the field while the team was practicing the jumping lift thing I’d seen in a few videos. My room was nice and cool. I finished typing my notes by six and took a shower in preparation for dinner.With limited options, I decided on comfortable jeans and a loose, dark blue top. I wore flat shoes because they were steady. I don’t know why I put on a little more makeup than usual. God, now I was lying to myself. I knew exactly why I added the extra makeup and his name was a three-letter word.Van knocked on my door at seven. He held a vase of yellow daisies and had a slight blush on his cheeks. What Van was this? I would bet a paycheck the man never blushed in his life.“They remin
Completion Sports CHAPTER 136
Van took my elbow and led me through the packed parking lot. I didn’t object because it seemed more helpful than proprietary. He released me when he opened the door. It was dark inside and it was a moment before my eyes adjusted. People milled around waiting for tables. Van took my arm again and guided me into the restaurant seating area.What the hell was he doing?A table near the back in a quiet corner had a reserved sign on it. Van pulled my chair out, walked behind me, and took the inside chair beside mine. The realization hit that he pre-planned this. “You think of everything don’t you?”I could see his sexy smile in the candlelight. “I try. What would you like to drink?”After my disastrous glass at The Slam Tavern, I craved a nice glass of wine. “Red wine would be wonderful.” A waitress approached before I finished speaking.Van barely glanced her way, keeping his eyes on me. “Cheryl, my lady here would like Cabernet Sauvignon and I’ll have my usual.”His lady. He did it again
Completion Sports CHAPTER 137
What the hell? “Umm, I don’t even know how to answer that. Do you have more than one brother?”“I’m not sure how to answer that.” Van’s tightly controlled anger spilled over with every word.This was ridiculous. “If you’re speaking about Joel, he hasn’t done anything but give me dirty looks and I have no idea why. Hopefully that answers your question. While I’m at it, I’ll answer another one you haven’t asked… me and you are not getting involved sexually. I’m here representing the Cleveland News and Journal. Somehow I’ve given you the wrong impression and for that I’m sorry.”Van huffed out a breath, but didn’t speak for a moment. When he turned my way, he had control of himself and his bad-boy smile was back. “Does this mean you’re not going home with me tonight?”I groaned loudly. “Please watch the road so you don’t crash this incredible car.” I waited until he looked straight ahead. “No, Van, I’m not going home with you tonight.”“May I kiss you goodnight at your hotel?” He was abs
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