Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance Read online

  RULES OF HER GAME

  RULES OF HER GAME

  A NOVEL

  CASEY CAMPBELL

  RULES OF HER GAME. Copyright © 2019 Casey Campbell

  All rights reserved

  For my beautiful boys, L, B & B.

  You all changed me in the best ways.

  RULES OF HER GAME

  Chapter One

  “Dani, can you explain the offside rule to us again?”

  JD’s smile was innocent, a group of men watching on with interest as Dani Maxwell automatically replied, “It’s simple. Unless you have the ball . . .” She frowned, “Hang on, why?”

  “It turns us on when girls talk rugby.” The men laughed.

  “Idiots.” It was late, the bulk of the restaurant service done, so she found a tray to collect glasses, as usual helping wherever needed.

  She came to a jarring halt at the main door. A big man was entering, he was stunning and it took a moment to place his familiar face. When she did Dani rushed back to JD, finding him stacking glasses she tapped him on the shoulder, saying, “JD, you’ll never guess who just came in.” She toned down her giddy excitement to say, “Cooper Graves. Wonder what he’s doing here. Shouldn’t he be on home detention or something?” Dani was rarely star struck but the newcomer was a legend for all sorts of reasons, some spectacular, one bad.

  JD lifted his shaggy red head. “What are you talking about?” He followed Dani to the door where controversial ex-rugby player, the New Zealander, Cooper Graves was chatting to a bull necked bouncer. After shaking hand’s Cooper scanned the room, Dani wondered if he was searching for his next victim in her father’s bar.

  A young woman tottered to Cooper who carefully avoided her gaze. When she placed a possessive hand on his chest Cooper turned pleadingly to the bouncer who tried to steer the girl away. She was outraged and soon manhandled from the building, a string of expletives falling from a mouth that appeared too sweet for such profanity. Dani shook her head, these men caused all sorts of unexpected reactions. Everyone loved sports stars, the good, the bad and even the ugly. Not that Cooper Graves was ugly, not by a long shot.

  A tall, emaciated woman entered to stand at Cooper’s back, watching the young girl’s departure with relish before looking as if she wanted to gobble Cooper up. Dani surmised it would be the older woman’s first meal in some time, and a big, full bodied meal at that. This thought gave Dani pause, what on earth had gotten into her? She never thought like this, not about rugby players.

  JD interrupted her thoughts, “All those charges against him were dropped. You should know never to believe what you read.”

  “Who’s with him?” Dani leaned closer to be heard over the music.

  “That’s Birgetta Growler.” At Dani’s blank expression he added, “The gossip columnist from New World News.” At Dani’s continuing confusion he grumbled, “How do you not know this stuff?” Dani crossed her eyes and JD snapped, “This place is in New World News columns at least twice a year.”

  “I’ve got enough important rubbish to read, stuff that may get me a real job.”

  “Really?” JD teased, “What’s it this week?”

  Dani gave him a long flat glare before returning her attention to the aging blonde. “What’s wrong with her face? It’s all smooth and shiny like rubber.”

  “Who cares what she looks like.” JD winked, “She’s not my generation and cougars are not my style but if she’s here publicity is assured. I’ll go and make the happy couple welcome.” He relished the opportunity but not for Birgetta, JD’s affection for rugby meant he was excited at meeting the infamous Cooper Graves.

  Dani moved behind the bar noticing Cooper was ignoring his companion. When his gaze met Dani’s she flushed with some emotion she rarely felt. She forced herself back to work and when she sought him out again a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Noticing her gaze he headed straight toward where she was working the bar.

  He remembered her.

  Dani smiled guardedly, grateful when a man diverted Cooper with an extended hand. They chatted, their gesture’s showing it was about rugby. What else could it be?

  Dani had lived with rugby her entire life and openly detested the game. Watching all these awestruck/envious men and flirty/aggressive women was one of the many reasons why. You would think after what Cooper Graves had been accused of women would avoid him but gazing around showed Dani was wrong.

  She studied Cooper for a moment, fascinated by what she remembered of him. He was still stupidly handsome with the big, rugged body of a full contact athlete and a face that should be more beaten up by the years given to his sport. Dani had held a fierce teenage crush on Cooper Graves. Of course this had all been back when she was still a rugby nut, her coaching father’s tomboy, a rugby playing princess. As a teenager Dani had been dragged to rugby functions. Cooper had been an emerging talent, bought to the UK on tour with the New Zealand under 18’s then the under 21’s. She had met him a few times and had been left dreamy for days.

  Her awkwardness amused her now. She was long past her teens and doubted Cooper remembered the shy kid she had been. Not that she cared, she knew his type, alpha males who reveled in their physical dominance. Cooper had used his strength to get what he wanted from one young woman who claimed she said no. Cooper’s career had spectacularly crashed and burned in the aftermath. It had happened in his home country but the news had been front page here in London too.

  Eventually Cooper made it to the bar and waited for Dani to serve him. It was juvenile but satisfying to make him wait. Except he clearly didn’t mind. Wasn’t he the hot head with a mean temper?

  “Do I know you?” Cooper surprised her by asking, “You look familiar but I can’t place where.”

  “I have that kind of face.” Dani replied, “What are you drinking?”

  Cooper’s forehead creased with concentration and Dani was trying not to enjoy his scrutiny. She was no groupie so glared back. Up close his face showed scars and a bent nose that she didn’t remember from when he was younger. It gave him a more rugged edge that Dani found frustratingly appealing.

  “Just a soda water thanks.” He said, his accent clean and clear.

  “This is a bar.” She said, “People usually have something stronger.”

  Cooper’s grin was gorgeous. With the amount of rugby he had played those teeth had to be fake, just like his kind eyes and easy manner. Dani frowned, she was a good judge of character, working in bars while she studied had honed her skills and either Graves was a complete charlatan or he had found himself in a terrible situation.

  “I’m sure the boss appreciates you pushing the product but I don’t drink.”

  The Growler appeared at his shoulder. Dani asked, “Here for the company?”

  Cooper glanced at the older woman with dramatized horror and Dani couldn’t hide her amusement. Cooper smiled too, saying, “A miracle, a crack in the pretty barmaid’s icy demeanor.”

  “Don’t push it.” Dani warned.

  Birgetta slipped onto the stool beside Cooper, looking from him to Dani with distaste. “Nice to see you still talk to the common folk, Cooper.” Dani was surprised to hear a distinct American drawl beneath the fake English lilt.

  Before Dani could reply JD appeared at her side. “I’ll do this, Dani, you sort out that big group, they’ve been waiting for ages.”

  “Then you serve them?” Dani was assessing Birgetta, wondering how her face remained so smooth above her chicken skin neck.

  “They don’t want me to serve them,” JD patiently sighed, “Some men find your attitude a challenge.”

  Cooper grinned that wa
y again that left Dani speechless. Stupid rugby players, all public good charm and private dark secrets.

  As she was stepping away, Dani froze as Birgetta Growler said, “Men don’t look at a woman so large, the girl has to weigh at least sixty-five kilos. Pretty face I suppose, makeup would help.”

  Cooper was shaking his head at JD who didn’t realize Dani was listening as he said, “I dare you to say that to her face.”

  Easily ignoring anything that was said about her, Dani shook it off, soon immersed in the large group’s infectious happy mood. The bar was suitably named Balls & All and like its unimaginative moniker the inside was as sports related as expected. Echoing, high ceilings, bare wooden floors, and walls heaving with rugby memorabilia. It was spread over several floors with bars dotted strategically throughout with a restaurant that took up the entire top floor. The dance area was at ground level, it was large and several balconies gave great vantage points. Every night a large turnover was expected as Balls & All’s one redeeming feature, the secret of its success, other than the famous owner, was its central location in Covent Garden.

  Hearing a glass smash Dani found a brush and shovel before someone got hurt. After cleaning up, mopping the floor, collecting more glasses and wiping down tables the crowd had grown with the late-night set. She still hadn’t managed to forget Cooper Graves which was annoying. She had no interest in him and his disgraceful past, she really didn’t care if she never saw him again. Then he caught her eye. Her face must have shown something because he winked. Pretending indifference, Dani moved away. However, her gaze kept returning.

  Birgetta tottered to the ladies and Cooper waved Dani closer, ignoring women who were vying for his attention. “You look really familiar.” He said.

  “Like I told you, I get that. It’s the plain face.”

  “I bet you’re a student.” His voice was rich and deep, his eyes bright with fun.

  “None of your business. Would you like anything else?”

  His grin was wickedly suggestive. “Definitely, but I better escape before the Growler spikes my drink.” His tone was light but his glass was tightly clasped to his chest. Dani’s thoughts scattered as he added, “Can I have your number?” He shook his head like he wanted to snatch the words back.

  “Do I look that easy?” Dani was confused at his bold words yet clear concern at saying them. Something was strange here and Dani’s interest was piqued.

  “Just the opposite but I’m sure I know you from somewhere. Have I seen you naked?” He rubbed his tired eyes, muttering, “Idiot.”

  Dani leaned over the bar to growl, “You have not seen me naked, neither will you ever see me naked.” Then emphasizing each word with a forefinger jab at his chest, she added. “I. Don’t. Like. Rugby. Players.”

  Clearly wanting to keep Dani talking, Cooper said, “Then I’ll have to come back until I wear you down.” He put a hand up. “I’m kidding. I know the owner and was hoping he was here. I’ll catch up with him tomorrow.” He stood to leave.

  “You know Jacob?” Dani was surprised. Perhaps her father wasn’t going to be as angry at Cooper’s appearance as she expected.

  “You could say that.” His grin was complicated but Dani couldn’t understand why. She suddenly wanted to know her father’s plans for his precious rugby team. She had made a point to never ask and he had long given up trying to entice her back. She should have known her crafty old father had something to do with this big thug being here. Jacob Maxwell never cared about public opinion and often collected the media’s battered strays. The Growler returned, her devious attention to Cooper unaccountably infuriating Dani. His mobile phone rang as the Growler tried to speak and Cooper held a finger up to silence her. She was eavesdropping on his conversation and Dani had to remind herself it was none of her business.

  Waving Dani close, Cooper finished his conversation, “I’ll be there.” He disconnected, leaning over the bar to Dani just as her own phone began vibrating in her pocket. Grateful for the distraction, she moved to the back of the bar to answer it.

  “Hi, Dad.” She said, seeing the number.

  “How’s it going tonight?” He replied.

  “Ask JD, he’s the boss.”

  “You didn’t want the job. Why don’t you help your old man out instead of all this studying? It’s your future inheritance.”

  “We’re not going through this again. I’m a personal trainer.”

  “You’re bored with it, that’s why you want to be a teacher.”

  “And because I don’t want to run your bars. They are marginally more interesting than rugby.”

  “Dani Maxwell, you’re breaking my old heart.”

  “Everything here’s great. What did you ring me about?”

  “Your mother blew my clutch and I refuse to drive her tiny shitbox. How stupid would I look in that?”

  “Really stupid.” Dani smiled until noticing Cooper Graves was again studying her, his brow creased in thought. Dani turned her back on him.

  “Can you pick me up from the train tomorrow for the press conference?”

  “Sure, what time?”

  “Midday, it won’t take long and afterward we’ll go somewhere nice for lunch. We haven’t spent much time together lately.”

  “I’ll come out and pick you up from home. I want to see Mum anyway.” Dani enthused, “See you then.”

  She tucked her phone into a back pocket before her father could argue about her driving all the way to collect him when he was capable of catching the train.

  To avoid Cooper Graves and his pointless interest she collected more glasses. Knowing he was leaving, firmly telling herself she didn’t care.

  She was near the front doors again when someone smacked her butt. Realizing people were watching on with anticipation she carefully placed her tray on a table, glaring at a bouncer who was grinning like an idiot. Christ, what were these guys paid for if not to ensure everyone’s safety?

  The handsome man she came face to face with was no stranger and instead of slapping him Dani shrieked with delight and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. It was a leap but he leaned down.

  “Andrew, I didn’t know you were home.”

  “Just got in, thought I better come check on my birthright.” His leer around the bar showed he had other activities in mind but Dani let it go. Andrew was her little brother but he was a big boy now and more than savvy enough to look after himself. He would never get into a situation like Cooper Graves.

  Birgetta Growler cackled beside them, “Well, well, Andrew Maxwell.” She eyed Dani with gruesome interest. “I see why you ignored crusty old Cooper.” Dani didn’t bother explaining that Andrew was family.

  Cooper held out a hand that Andrew grasped, his eyes wide like he had never met a first-class rugby player before. “Cooper Graves, how cool.”

  Dani tugged on Andrew’s shirt and kissed his cheek. “I better get back to work. We’ll talk later.”

  Andrew had forgotten his sister but Cooper’s eyes followed her closely which caused a crow of amusement from Birgetta. Just to irritate the old bag Dani blew Cooper a kiss. He was startled. Dani hoped he didn’t get the wrong idea, there was no way she would ever date a rugby player. She had learned that lesson the hard way and didn’t like to repeat her mistakes.

  It was busy behind all the bars now but Dani’s attention kept returning to the door where Cooper and Andrew remained in deep conversation, their backs turned, a wall of flesh against the crowd.

  Birgetta eyed the throng like a queen before taking photos with her phone.

  Encouraged by her friends, one girl stomped toward Cooper and Andrew. She couldn’t have been more than twenty, beautiful in the way only young women can be, the way Birgetta was painfully attempting to reconstruct. She tapped Cooper on the back, thumping him when he didn’t instantly acknowledge her.

  “JD, I’m just going to do a walk around.” Dani called, her anger ignited. It didn’t matter that Cooper was more than capable of looking after
himself, it was just plain obnoxious. Dani had dealt with this before, pushy women who felt they had some ownership because they saw these men on their big screens. Men were just as bad, they got drunk and full of ego, the fights were embarrassing for everyone. Not that she would ever defend a rugby player’s honor, most of the trouble they got into was their own stupid fault. Then why was she so steamed? She tucked her confusion away and continued through the growing crowd.

  Cooper turned to the young woman on a tight smile and Dani marveled at his control. Andrew just looked irritated at the interruption with one of his idols. Whatever Cooper said didn’t impress and the woman began jabbing one painted talon at his chest, just as Dani had done. She suddenly felt ashamed.

  “Is there a problem?” Dani asked, wedging herself between Cooper and the girl, her back against the big man’s hard chest.

  The girl was drunk, full of false bravado as she slurred, “Just short . . . just thought these shnobs . . . sh . . . should talk to my friends.”

  “What made you pick these guys?” Dani asked. “Why not them?” She indicated another group of men who looked interested in talking to any female.

  The girl scowled, her pretty face suddenly mean and ugly, “They’re not rugby players, are they?”

  Dani took a deep breath, glancing up at her brother who waggled his eyebrows. He had only been in the English team for one test and still thought the attention of any bimbo was a perk of the job.

  Cooper said, “I really don’t want to offend you,” His gaze slid to Birgetta who was watching on with interest, her phone poised, leaving Dani with no doubt why Cooper was remaining so cool. “But we’re having a private conversation. When we’re done we’ll come and meet your friends.”

  “Whatever, fuckwit!” She tottered on her stilettos back to her crowd who cheered. Cooper and Andrew shrugged while Dani wondered what these same girls would say if someone spoke to their family this way.