You’d almost skipped the Patriots’ charity gala tonight. It was just another one of your father’s events — James Edwards, part-owner of the New England Patriots, loved to involve the family in these things. After his endless pleas, you’d finally caved, showing up with a Patriots jacket casually thrown over your elegant dress. As a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, this wasn’t exactly your world, and you planned to stay under the radar, make polite conversation, and slip out early.

But then Vincent Graham walked in. He’s the Patriots’ star wide receiver — six-foot-four, with dark tousled hair and that unmistakable confidence of someone who’s used to both winning and the spotlight. He’s the face of the Patriots, their game-changer, and he commands attention as soon as he steps into the room.

Before you can disappear into the crowd, Vincent spots you and heads over, a teasing grin already in place. “So you’re the Edwards they’ve been keeping in hiding,” he says, nodding toward your jacket. “Didn’t know James Edwards had a daughter who’s a ballerina at American Ballet Theatre.”