Line of Scrimmage (2008) by Marie Force

Author:Marie Force
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781402234583
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2008-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

CHET’S ASSISTANT TOOK THEIR COATS AND USHERED THEM into his huge office overlooking the field far below. The bright yellow office walls were plastered with framed photos of the Mavericks’ colorful owner with everyone from presidents to actors to athletes from all corners of the sporting world.

“There he is!” Chet roared as he got up from behind his massive desk.

Ryan was relieved to receive only an enthusiastic handshake rather than Chet’s usual bone-crushing hug.

“You look great, Sandy,” he said, turning his attention to Susannah. “And it’s so nice to see you, Susie. Martha and I were just tickled pink to hear you two are back together.”

“We’re working on it,” Ryan said quickly, before Susannah could protest.

“How are you feeling, Sandy?” Duke asked as he kissed Susannah’s cheek and held a chair for her at Chet’s conference table where the Lombardi trophy was the centerpiece.

“Much better, but the ribs are still giving me some grief.”

“Takes time,” Duke said. “Ribs are tough.”

“Tell me about it.”

“The president sends his regards.” Chet chomped on an unlit cigar as he uncorked a bottle of champagne and poured four glasses. “He was sorry you couldn’t make the trip, and he wants you to give him a call if you get to D.C.”

Ryan grinned. “Yeah, sure. We’ll go out for a few beers.”

“I bet he’d love that,” Duke said.

Chet reached into his pocket for a slip of paper he handed to Ryan. “He said to have you call this number if you’d like to see him. He’s a huge fan of yours, but of course you know that.”

Ryan exchanged amazed glances with Susannah and had to fight the urge to giggle. Even after a decade as a professional athlete, the attention and adulation could still come as a surprise.

Chet raised his glass in tribute to Ryan. “Here’s to another successful year and to the best quarterback this game has ever seen.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Duke echoed.

Humbled, Ryan said, “Thank you,” as he took a sip of the foaming bubbly and eased himself into the chair next to Susannah.

“It sure is good to see you looking so much better, Sandy.” Chet reclined back in his chair as he studied Ryan with wise, old eyes. “You gave us a helluva scare down there in N’awlins.”

“Sure did,” Duke added with a shudder. “Took five years off my life when you didn’t move for what felt like an eternity.

”

Ryan reached for Susannah’s hand under the table, knowing she had gone to great lengths to avoid watching or reading about the play that had caused his injuries.

“Well, I’m fine now.”

“And ready to sign the fat new contract The Shark hammered out for you, I hope,” Chet said.

Ryan glanced at Susannah, and she squeezed his hand.

“Um, about that,” he said, hesitating as he prepared to step off the precipice into the unknown.

“Is there a problem?” Chet asked. “I was pretty sure we had a deal after the last meeting.”

“You’ve been extremely generous,” Ryan said. “You know how I hate all the haggling over money and stuff.

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