The rest of the evening was such a dream and I found myself thinking about it even days later. Oliver was a perfect gentleman when it came time for our date to end leaving me with a kiss at the door.
We agreed that this wasn't the week for a lot of dates being it was the first match of the season. However, Oliver still had physical therapy with me and he came over a few nights to watch movies. I was perfectly content with this as the upcoming match meant extra pressure to make sure everyone was in top health. It was great to be able to come home at the end of the night and share a meal and cuddle on the couch.
The team lucked out and their first game of the season was a home game. Excitement and tension had been building all week as they worked together to train hard. This was not only the first game of the season, but also the first game showing off their new keeper and captain. To say that Oliver was feeling stressed was a bit of an understatement. There was definitely pressure.
At the practice the night before, I had given Oliver the all clear to play at 100%. The coach was happy and so was Oliver. Getting a severe injury the week before their first game definitely hadn't been ideal.
When the day finally arrived, I was a big ball of nerves. I knew the team had their strategy session before the game as well as a team stretch session, but I couldn't resist knocking on Oliver's door before he had to go in.
"Hello, darling. Didn't think I'd get to see you until after the game." His grin was wide and his chest was bare. I must have just caught him fresh from the shower if the wet hair and towel around his waist were any indication.
I shook my head to clear it. Not that it was an image that would go away easily. "I just wanted to come by and say good luck."
His grin widened. "I'd rather have a good luck kiss." And he pulled me in for a searing kiss. "That should last me through the game. Though, I might need another shower."
Playfully, I batted at his bare chest, then wished I hadn't as my fingers lingered a little too long. Oh yeah, no lack of physical attraction here!
"I know you've got to get ready so I'll leave you to it. See you after the game?"
He nodded and gave me one more, chaste, kiss before we parted.
I headed back to my flat and gathered what I would need for the game tonight before making my way to my office at the stadium.
The first game of the season being on home turf had its benefits. Regular season games are much more aggressive than the friendlies played with the minor league teams. There is much more on the line. While I have had my fair share of injuries to heal during training, this was the real deal. Being in a familiar place was one less thing to worry about.
While setting things up, I kept one eye on the clock. An hour before game time, I headed to the locker room where Garrett was in full swing with Oliver giving one last review of their plays.
I entered the room and all eyes briefly turned to me, but it was Garrett that spoke. "Ah, Granger, right on time. Can you do what you need to do while we talk?"
"Absolutely. I only require them to sit still. They can keep their focus on you."
"Great." Garrett turned to Oliver. "As you were saying."
Oliver took over the conversation and I couldn't help a feeling of pride as I listened to his thick Scottish accent take charge of the team. There was no denying it, Oliver Wood makes a great leader. Just the right amount of authority to keep the team in line mixed with determination to get everyone fired up.
While he spoke, I went from player to player running diagnostics and making notes on my clipboard. It's imperative that the players are kept in top shape. I asked Garrett a couple weeks ago about implementing this test just before each game. It allows me to make sure that there are no unreported injuries or illnesses. That way I can treat them before the game if possible, or give them advice on how to work around it if not.
Oliver finished just as I was working on the last player other than himself, Alvarez, leaving them both free to talk in the last twenty minutes before the game.
"You know, Granger, I'm throwing a party tonight to celebrate our win. You should definitely come." Alvarez put on a smug smile like that should impress me.
I quirked a brow in response. Ginny had been captain of the Harpies before she left and I knew better. "Doesn't that privilege go to the captain?"
Alvarez dropped his smile and glared at Oliver. "So it does. Well, at the very least, let me escort you."
I didn't want to start anything right before the game so I simply said, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm quite taken." Before he could respond, I finished with my tests. "All clear for tonight. Good luck."
Then I turned to Oliver to begin his own exam as Alvarez headed to the back of the room to change. I began to run my wand in the necessary movements as Oliver dropped his voice.
"Quite taken, huh?"
My cheeks flared at his bashful half smile. "Shhhh. This game is important. I didn't want to cause any tension before it starts."
His face softened. "I appreciate that. It's the Cannons though. They don't stand a chance. Alvarez was right about that. We will win and there will be celebration. Care to join me?"
I finished notating his stats while avoiding eye contact. "Are you sure about this?"
My tone was hushed but serious. If I accompanied him, it would be an announcement of our relationship to the team.
"They'll find out sooner or later. Coach is the only opinion that matters and he clearly thinks it's a good idea. I'm the captain and I pride myself on being open with the team. I think the longer we wait, it may seem like we are hiding it and could cause greater tension verses getting it out there now." He paused, considering his next words. "Besides, I know I'm in this for the long term so I don't see any reason to wait."
I considered his words. His confession that he saw us lasting long term was reassuring. "Who all will be there?"
"It's just the teams and spouses. Think of it as a tradition to expect after games."
I worried my bottom lip before nodding. "Ok, I'll go. But maybe I should write to Harry and Ginny and fill them in sooner rather than later. Last thing I want is for this to get out to the press and have them find out that way."
He agreed with a huge smile. "I can't believe we're having this discussion, but it's certainly got me in a good mental state for the game. Can't wait to see you after." With a wink he turned and walked towards his locker to change, removing his shirt as he did so.
Oliver certainly knew what he was doing. I had to practically fan myself on my way back to my office.
