Page 40 of Risky Match
Fausto: Will do.
We reach the top of the stairs, but I linger when he turns toward his room. Between my body’s reaction to him and my concern for his well-being, I’m not ready to part ways yet, I have a burning need to help him after watching his team ignore his stress.
Racking my brain for an excuse to chat, I come up with what’s likely a weak question. It’s all I’ve got, so I go with it.
“Blake, what’s your evening routine now that the tournament has started?”
“I follow a fairly standard ritual,” he says, continuing to stare at his phone as he walks toward his bedroom door.
Before he can escape, I follow up. “What’s standard for you? I’m always looking for ideas to improve my routine.”
He finally looks my way and walks back toward me. “I like to spend some time alone in the evening.”
“Maybe you should listen to some soothing music tonight. You seemed extra tense at dinner. I’m worried about you.”
He reaches out, places his palm on my cheek while searching my eyes. “How did you know? I tried to hide it.”
“You overreacted to the food situation. You almost tore your napkin in half. And your jaw clenched so tightly, I feared you would break your teeth.”
“You’re quite observant. I’m sorry about being so harsh about the food. I’ll apologize to Fausto in the morning. It’s not an excuse, but I’m not handling the stress of Wimbledon well.”
Taking a half step closer, I place my hand on his upper arm, offering my support. “I want to help. Is there something I can do?”
He leans his forehead against mine with a sigh, whispering, “Thank you, but you need to go to your room before I cross the line and kiss you.”
My breath grows ragged at the thought of his lips against mine. I manage to murmur, “I’d probably let you even though it’s a bad idea.”
“That’s why I’m going to tell you goodnight now. Sweet dreams.”
He kisses my forehead and quickly retreats to his room for the alone time he said he needs the night before a match.
As I enter my room, a guilty twinge passes over me as I remember all the listening devices and cameras planted in his room. He won’t be as alone as he thinks. God, I hope he never finds out.
As I’m towelingmy hair dry after a hot shower, my phone dings.
Fausto: Didn’t Natalie say that she just met Noah?
Me: Yes.
Fausto: Then why did Noah ask Natalie if things are on schedule?
Me: I assume it relates to coaching.
Fausto: They’re talking about sponsor events at Wimbledon and which ones Blake needs to attend. Noah is fuming that Blake is pushing back on meeting the sponsors’ requests for the shoes and racquets. He called him an unappreciative twat.
Me: There’s clearly tension between them. What about Josh? Is he part of the conversation?
Fausto: Josh expressed his frustration that Blake isn’t going along with his plan either. It wasn’t clear what that meant though. I’ll keep listening.
Me: Interesting. Keep me updated.
Fausto: Will do.
13
BLAKE
I’ve never reacted this hard to someone’s mere presence. It took every ounce of self-control to walk away from Bri tonight.
