Page 12 of Family Bonds- Emma & Warren

She knew who he was now and felt like a fool she hadn’t before she looked him up.

She was fascinated by his nickname. The War Show.

She got it, War short for Warren. Show was short for Showers.

Guess he liked to put on a show when he was playing. He was big, strong, and almost unstoppable.

Unless he was sidelined for an injury.

Two concussions this past season.

That had to be scary. She’d been stupid enough to even watch the videos of him being hit.

The idiot dove in the air over guys to score a touchdown and a defender was launching at the same time.

It was heart-stopping watching him get up and shake his head. Even crazier that he was on camera arguing for them to let him back in, then started to gag and dry heave on the sideline.

Talk about stubbornness.

But still a good hero. Going at it until the end. Head injury and all.

She was typing the thoughts in her head even though they had nothing to do with the security cameras.

Maybe she’d try her luck on the floor soon. Winning didn’t have to be about money.

4

ARE YOU HITTING ON ME

“The bartender from two weeks ago, right?”

He’d recognize that smile anywhere.

The peppy bounce on the woman who’d served him a beer, then tensed when a customer wanted a fruity specialty drink that she didn’t know how to make.

Her coworker had saved her and sent her down to talk to two other men.

Those men knew who he was and he was positive they shared that information with the petite brunette in front of him.

Her head turned faster in his direction than a bullet he’d shot his receiver between the numbers with.

“That is me,” she said, smiling. She had a big grin, the happiness reaching her eyes.

“I’m Warren,” he said, putting his hand out.

“I know that now,” she said. “I didn’t that night. I hope that doesn’t offend you. And I’m Emma.”

He’d been losing steadily at blackjack at the Bond Casino and was looking around trying to figure out if he had it in him for something else or would call it a night.

He’d booked a room in the casino for a few days.

The Retreat gave him the rest he needed, the casino the action.

This time of year, he struggled to stay home by himself.

Most of his teammates his age were married or had significant others.

The younger ones wanted to go out and party and fill their system full of junk.