Page 26 of Risky Match
“I couldn’t resist. Hope you don’t mind?”
“Not the way you say it. Umm ...never mind, that came out wrong. I’m calling to ask a favor. I need to take you up on the invitation to stay at your house. It turned out to be impossible to find a place that can accommodate me, my bodyguard, and my chef at the last minute. Can we move in later today?”
I swallow hard.
What the hell was I thinking? The last thing I need is the perfectly toned goddess living under my roof while I try to break my losing streak at Wimbledon. She is distraction personified. I never should have invited her to stay here.
Who would have thought she would accept my offer? Sure, my cock was hoping, but she’s a real-life princess. She doesn’t stay in the house of a mere tennis player—not even a rather wealthy one.
Shite. I’m screwed. I can’t exactly uninvite royalty.
I could get rid of her if I refuse to play mixed doubles. That won’t work though. Noah says my clothing sponsor insists that I play. They’ll cancel my multi-million-pound contract if I back out. I’d also be extinguishing Bri’s first, and maybe only, chance to compete here. I can’t do it.
This situation will require me to rein in my emotions. I can do that, but I’m worried that her mere presence in my home will impact my focus. Will I have the same effect on her?
Given my body’s reaction to her when we met on the court, the close proximity definitely will be a challenge. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also intelligent, witty, talented, and kind. She makes me want to break my self-imposed ban on long-distance relationships. But I can’t—not for anyone.
What am I thinking? She’s not going to want me anyway—she’s a damn princess.
Whew. I’m safe—for now. But I can’t let her keep sending my thoughts into a spin like this.
Letting out a deep breath, I finally answer, “Sure. Glad to help out. I’ll let my team know you’ll be arriving.”
“Brilliant. Thanks so much. I’ll owe you for this.”
I don’t say it, but I wouldn’t mind collecting that debt with another weekend like two years ago if it were after the tournament. The problem is our chemistry. The electricity between us is palpable even over the phone. It’s going to be difficult to stay away from her.
But I’m in my gentleman mode, so I say, “No worries. We’ll enjoy your company. I’m hoping your chef can cook for all of us. Our catering service cancelled at the last minute.”
“Of course. I’ll let Chef Fausto know that he’ll need to stock the kitchen and prepare meals for your team too.”
“Perfect. See you soon.”
At least I’ll eat well.
Then again, there are other things I’d like to savor besides the chef’s cooking.
I’m in so much trouble.
8
BRIANNA
Deep breath. I’ve got this. I have to, or they’ll never trust me with another mission.
I just wish Operation Denarius didn’t involve spying on the guy I’ve spent far too many nights thinking about.
Truth is, no one since Blake has stirred passion in me the way he did. Thankfully, he’ll never know how many times he’s starred in my fantasies on lonely nights.
He may be a criminal though. I don’t know how to process that information. It doesn’t sync with anything I know, or have heard, about him. I’m probably relying too heavily on my brief encounter with him.
Of course, it’s also possible that something happened after our night together. Maybe he needed money. Maybe he was forced into the smuggling business. Matt mentioned a bad investment. I suppose that could explain it.
But why does it matter? I can’t let myself get emotionally involved. I don’t need a broken heart, and he could rip mine to shreds in a fast second.
The problem is that everything about him excites me—from his laser focus to his hard, cut body and his sexual prowess. I have no idea when he had time to hone those skills, but boy didhe learn them to perfection. I guess that’s his thing. He strives to be the best at everything he does. I chuckle to myself at that thought.
There won’t be a repeat.
