Playing to Win

done a great job with him, but this part is all up to him.”
    “I know. But I—”
    What? Cared about him? Wanted him to win so desperately her heart was in her throat? She had no idea what she felt about Cole. Her emotions were so mixed she didn’t know what to do or how to feel. That was the problem with having sex with a client, or at least with her having sex with a client.
    She could have sex with just some random guy she was dating. If a relationship developed—which it typically didn’t—great. There was nothing to hold that back other than her own screwed-up views of love and relationships.
    But with Cole, she was entering uncharted territory. Not only was he tangled up in her job, which had always been her one and only true love, she also felt something for him she’d never felt for another man.
    She sighed.
    “Hey, first play from scrimmage was a good run. Twelve yards. Cole wasn’t even on the field. I think you can exhale now, honey,” Liz said, rubbing her back.
    Savannah looked up. “What?” She looked out at the field, realizing she’d totally missed the first play. “Of course. I guess I’m a little nervous.”
    “I guess.”
    Three plays later, Cole ran out on the field. Cassidy went into the shotgun, dipped back, and threw. Cole ran a slant and caught the ball, then sprinted for another fifteen yards and a first down.
    The crowd erupted into cheers. Cole calmly threw the ball to the ref and reentered the huddle.
    Savannah grinned. So did Liz.
    “So far so good,” Savannah said.
    Cole split his time at wide receiver with Davis and Fields and, depending upon the play called, sometimes occupied the field at the same time as one of them. Savannah made note of the number of plays he was given the ball. By the end of the first half it lookedlike he was sharing starter responsibility with the other two receivers. And he’d caught two long passes and scored a touchdown.
    He was playing very well.
    The rookie players got time in the second half, so Cole and the other receivers didn’t play.
    By the fourth quarter, Savannah was relaxed. The Traders had the lead and were sailing on to preseason victory.
    “Our boy looked good, didn’t he?” Jack Riley asked.
    “He looked very good,” Savannah said.
    “I think this move to the Traders will be the best thing for his career.”
    “You can thank our Elizabeth for that,” Jimmy said, winding his arm around his daughter-in-law.
    Liz grinned. “Just doing my job.”
    “With a little bit of Gavin’s and Mick’s urging, I think,” Jimmy said with a grin.
    “Maybe a little. But I wouldn’t have done it if Cole didn’t have the talent. Hopefully, this will be a good season for him.”
    “I’ve watched a couple of his interviews, Savannah,” Cole’s mother said. “He seems so much more…polished.”
    A high compliment, coming from one of Cole’s parents. “He’s learning a lot about the team. He’s done his homework.”
    “He’s a little rough around the edges. I have to admit I’ve cringed a bit during his tussles with the media. I hope you can work with him on that.”
    She smiled at his mother. “I’ll do my best.”
    “He’s just being a guy,” Jack said. “They all get mouthy.”
    Cara frowned. “But that’s not always the best way to conduct interviews with the media. That’s part of the reason he’s gotten such a difficult reputation.”
    “The media loves bad boys,” Jack shot back.
    And Savannah was going to steer clear of that argument.
    Liz put her arm through Savannah’s. “Look, Cole is a dynamitefootball player, but he’s had some issues with his behavior, both on and off the field. With Savannah and me working with him and Cole’s natural talent on the field, this is going to be his best year yet. Don’t we all agree?”
    “It sure will be,” Jack said, lifting a beer in toast.
    Everyone chimed in, and that was the end of the discussion.
    “Nice save,” Savannah said as Liz drew her away from the family.
    She shrugged. “I’m used to the Rileys. They’re a passionate lot. And Jack is always going to defend his son, including his son’s failings.”
    “He’s doing better,” she said as they took a seat in the corner.
    “I’m glad to hear that. I don’t think my reputation can take another failure.”
    “Failure? Please. I think you’re one of the best agents in the industry.”
    Liz batted her lashes. “Oh, compliments. Do go on and on.”
    Savannah laughed and concentrated