“He’s taking a break. Our schedules are different for the rest of the day. I’ll find you at the house at six tonight. Does that work?”
He’s opening up to me more and more. I suspect that not many people see this side of Blake’s personality. It makes me feel guilty that I’m investigating him. I really hope he’s innocent and that he never finds out what I’ve been doing.
“I can’t wait. I love surprises—if they’re good ones. Be sure to clear it with Erin though. Otherwise, she might veto it over security concerns.”
“Will do.”
We part ways. I walk to my locker room, my lips upturned in a wide smile.
What a day! I still can’t believe we won.
When I reach to straighten my tennis skirt, my smile disappears when I remember the note from Adrian. It must be important, but I can’t read it until I’m somewhere private.
With that thought, I walk faster.
20
BLAKE
Ishould be spending the rest of the day prepping for my match tomorrow afternoon. Instead, I’m planning a special dinner for Bri.
I don’t know why I blurted out the idea of celebrating tonight, but there’s no going back. I promised Brianna a surprise, and she deserves one—she played phenomenal tennis today.
My idea seemed simple enough until I remembered that I don’t have Fausto’s number, and I don’t speak Italian. Fortunately, Natalie was watching our match. I caught up with her before she headed back to our house, so I sent instructions with her. Hopefully, the online translator on her phone will work to relay my message to Fausto. If all goes well, he will have things ready for tonight.
With that problem solved, I focus on recovery, starting with time on a stationary bike. My cool down is running late due to Prince Adrian’s invitation. Surprisingly, I’m not stressed, thanks to Bri. Playing doubles with her left me uncharacteristically calm. I hope this feeling lasts.
When I finish my post-match workout, Josh and I climb into an SUV for the ride to the house. Settling into the black leather seat, he asks, “What time do you want to meet tonight to prep?”
“We need to reschedule our meeting to tomorrow morning. I have plans for tonight.”
“Huh? We always meet the night before a match.”
“Not this time. Bri and I are celebrating our win over dinner. Then I want time alone to think through tomorrow’s match.”
“Oh. I see. You want timealone,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Don’t get any ideas. It’s not like that. A little change in routine will help my game. It makes sense to celebrate Bri’s first win at Wimbledon.”
“Of course, it does. A little celebrating could do you good.” He chuckles.
I wave him off, not bothering to deny his innuendos. He wouldn’t believe me even though I’m telling the truth.
It’s just dinner with a friend. She is a hot, sexy friend that I’ve slept with before, but it’s clear that won’t happen again.
Flashbacks of our time in the hot tub invade my thoughts. Vivid memories of her in that tiny scarlet red bikini have my mouth watering. My eyes followed the water droplets disappearing into her cleavage. She tasted like strawberries, chocolate, and desire. She moaned like an angel. Suddenly, I’m not so sure it won’t happen again. My cock certainly is hoping it will.
Maybe another cold shower is in order.
At six,I cross the hall to knock on Bri’s door. It feels like I’m showing up at a girl’s home to pick her up for our first date. I’m a tad nervous but excited.
Bri opens the door. She’s stunning in her casual dress and bright red lipstick. But it’s the sparkle in her eyes that utterly captivates me.
“Are you ready to celebrate your big win?”
“You mean our big win. And, yes, I’m absolutely ready. What are we doing?”
“Give me your hand and close your eyes.”