Page 56 of Double Fault

“I’m going to shower.” I point toward the bathroom. “I just need to grab some clean clothes first.”

He nods, eyes roaming over me—not like he’s checking me out, but instead like he’s making sure I really did make it back unscathed.

“I’m okay,” I say gently. “Not a scratch on me. Promise.” I put my arms up and spin in a circle.

When he grunts like a caveman in response, I shake my head and pad to my room. As I hit the threshold, he clears his throat, stopping me.

“You definitely tasted better than the cheesecake.”

CHAPTER 15

SABRINA

Tennis is considereda gentleman’s sport. That means there’s an assumed dress code. Leggings are a no-no, and I’ve gotten more than one side-eye for wearing my combat boots with a sundress. Due to inclement weather, the final had to be rescheduled from Sunday to Monday, so I used the extra time to sneak away and buy a few new outfits and shoes. I’ll never fit in with these people, and I don’t necessarily want to, but for Maddie’s sake and Noah’s, I need to look the part.

“Are you ready?” Maddie singsongs from the other side of the door.

With a grimace, I shimmy the dress up my hips. It’s short but heavy enough that it should stay in place, even on a windy day. The material is luxurious. It’s certainly the most expensive dress I’ve ever owned. I might’ve choked over my total when I checked out at the store. I picked up five dresses and three pairs of shoes, that’s it, but the price was staggering. With my generous salary and because almost all my expenses are paid, I can afford it, but it still wasn’t easy to part with that money.

“Just a minute, sweetie.” I struggle with the zipper, twisting and turning, for far too long before I give up and open the door. “Mads, can you help me with the zipper?”

The eight-year-old eagerly jumps off the couch and bounces over to the table, where I drop into a chair to give her better access.

“You’re not wearing a bra.” Her words are hushed and maybe a little scandalized.

With a laugh, I pull my hair out of her way. “It’s built into the dress.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that was a thing.” She works the zipper up all the way. “All done.”

I stand and press a kiss to the top of her head. Without even trying, this kid brings out the affectionate side of me.

“You look pretty.” She pinches the hem of my dress and rubs it between her fingers. “I like this color on you.”

“Thank you. Let me go put my shoes on and we can go.”

It takes me a moment to get the strappy heels on, then I double-check my makeup in the bathroom mirror. Five minutes later, we’re headed down to catch a car to the courts, our lanyards swinging around our necks.

“What should I do if Daddy loses?” Maddie adjusts her white sunglasses—a pair I picked up for her while I was shopping. We’re a little early, but we get settled in our seats and wait. “I don’t think a sticker will cheer him up.”

“Your cute face will be enough.” I give her a gentle hug. It’s the truth. All he needs is her, and I hope she can see that.

She flips her hair over her shoulder, striking a pose. “That’s true.” A heartbeat later, she sobers and slumps in her seat. “I just want him to be happy. He’s so sad without Mommy and tennis.”

When her head drops, so does my gut.

“Hey.” I tuck a strand of soft brown hair behind her ear. “You know you make him happy, right?”

“A little bit of happy doesn’t make up for a whole lot of sad.” She looks up and gives me a wobbly smile.

The expression is enough to make my heart crack open.

The words are so wise for someone so young. “Try not to worry about it, okay?” I run my fingers through her long hair, hoping to give her some measure of comfort.

“I’ll try.”

From the tense set of her posture and the way her knee bounces, it’s obvious the nerves haven’t dissipated. And the game isn’t even underway.

Noah’s up against Elias Johnson in the final. Though he hasn’t come out and said it, it’s clear the other man intimidates him. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s younger or if he really thinks he’s a better player.

---