Page 48 of Risky Match
“None for me.”
I owe Fausto for making Blake laugh.
“I’ll tell Fausto to share the dessert with Josh, Natalie, and Erin when they return.”
“Good idea. I need to make a couple of calls. When do you want to meet at the hot tub?” he asks as he stands and walks toward the doorway.
“Would an hour from now work?”
He nods, turning back and locking his eyes with mine. I gulp at the heat radiating from him.
In an even lower voice than usual, he says, “You’ve invited me to the hot tub to protect you, Princess. But who’s going to protectmefromyou? I’ll be defenseless again just like the last time you invited me over.” His teasing wink is accompaniedby a devastating smile as he knocks on the door frame before disappearing upstairs.
I’m left staring after him, open-mouthed, my body trembling and heating in unfathomable ways. I wrap my arms around myself to steady the sensations. Suddenly, my hot tub idea feels like the worst decision ever. But sometimes bad decisions can lead to excellent results.
Knowing Blake is still within earshot, I turn to Fausto, saying, “Grazie per la deliziosa cena. Niente dessert stasera. Josh, Natalie ed Erin gusteranno lacrème brûlée.”
When Blake’s footsteps fade, I add another request that raises Fausto’s eyebrows, but he nods.
With that assurance, I go to my room to change clothes and go over my strategy.
Let’s hope my plan works.
16
BLAKE
Have I lost my mind? Not only did I agree to more alone time with a half-dressed princess in a hot tub, but I also couldn’t leave it at that. I had to taunt her with reminders of our infamous night together. Then I practically invited herto a repeat. That can’t happen.
Bloody hell! I’m a freaking idiot.
It’s as if she’s a temptress who put a spell on me. I can’t stay away.
If she were anyone other than the princess, I’d suggest we sleep together to get it out of our systems. But we already did that, so I know better. It wouldn’t be enough.
For weeks after we were together, thoughts of her haunted me at night. I wondered why we were both so adamant that it was a one-time thing. I contemplated revisiting the subject with her the next time we met at a tournament, but our paths didn’t happen to cross. That shouldn’t have surprised me, given the lack of overlap between the men’s and women’s tournaments. Except for the Grand Slam events and a few others, we’re usually in different cities.
Maybe that was for the best. We share common frustrations and goals, so we could easily have been drawn into somethingwe didn’t have time for. Besides, long distance relationships are time sinks. They’re full of heartache and loneliness when you’re apart. I tried that once and learned my lesson. Never again.
During my meetings with Nicole, I’ve sensed she’s noticed the tension between Bri and me. She hasn’t brought it up though. And so far, I haven’t raised the issue.
Talking to her about it might help, but it would feel like I’m betraying Bri. We swore that we’d never disclose our prior connection, and there’s part of me that wants to protect it. I like that we’re the only two who know, other than her guards from that night.
Somehow, keeping our secret seems even more important now. Since we’ve become playing partners and housemates, our connection has grown from merely physical attraction to something more. Being around Bri makes me smile. She brings a calmness to me that’s a welcome escape from my stress. We even understand each other without the need for long explanations. And we cheer for each other as we each pursue our dreams.
No woman has ever had this effect on me before. It feels warm and comforting. But there’s a major problem. It’s temporary. That means I can’t let myself be drawn into her more than I already am. The last thing I need is a painful breakup when Wimbledon is over and we part ways.
As with my panic attacks, I can learn to manage this situation. It’ll be fine. I’ll keep my interactions with Bri professional. We can be supportive friends. That should work.
But how am I going to manage sitting in the hot tub with Bri without wanting her? My body needs to get the message that intimacy is off limits.
I’ll focus the conversation on tennis strategy for our matches.
And I’ll take a cold shower before going downstairs to meet her.
17
BRIANNA
