Page 84 of Risky Match
For a long time, I’ve felt like Blake had two different versions of himself. Two years ago, he was friendly and fun to be around.
Then I arrived at Wimbledon this year and found him grumpy, frustrated, and somewhat of an arse most of the time. But lately, he’s starting to resemble the man I first met—the one I’ve dreamed about on lonely evenings.
Ironically, I’m the one who’s supposed to be wearing different hats. On the court, we’re partners trying to win. Off the court, we can’t keep our hands off each other. And on top of all that, I’m supposed to be investigating him.
I keep telling myself that there’s a logical explanation for his involvement, and I’ll be able to help him in the end. But I’m probably just kidding myself and will end up heartbroken and possibly embarrassed that I allowed myself to fall for a criminal.
Hearing footsteps, I look up. Blake’s approaching, so it’s time to learn what I can from the sponsor event tonight.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
“Yes. Where’s the event?”
“It’s in the giant white tent on the other side of Court No. 1.”
“Let’s go.”
As we’re walking, I ask, “Which of your sponsors is hosting this event?”
“It’s ProLuxe, the travel company. They hold this VIP party for their clients every year. I’m expected to show up and let everyone take selfies. You know the drill.”
“You must do a million of these meet-and-greets. Do you ever tire of the attention?”
“It can be tedious, but something tells me tonight will be more enjoyable.”
“Are you flirting with me or are you excited about the business deal you’re working on tonight?” I ask with a teasing nudge to his arm.
“It’s not the business part I’m looking forward to.”
“Oh. Why not let Noah handle it? Or can you no longer trust him even for minor business dealings?”
“No, that’s not it. My sponsor has expectations that I don’t like.”
“Can you back out of the deal?”
“No. I’m under contract. I don’t have a choice right now. It’s not a big deal. Let’s talk about something else like how wonderful you look tonight.”
“That’s a subject I like. You’re rather handsome yourself.”
If Blake and I didn’t need to be at this event, I’d suggest we find a place where we could be alone for the rest of the evening.
As if reading my thoughts, he whispers, “I’d rather be in the back corner of a dimly lit restaurant seducing you right now.”
“That’s not far from what I had in mind. But maybe we order takeaway and head straight to bed.”
“I like how you think. Do you like Thai?”
“Spicy would be perfect.” I wink.
As we near the tent, Blake steers me behind an outdoor display. Hidden in its shadow, he pulls me against his warm,hard body and melds our lips into a passionate kiss. His talented tongue slowly tantalizes and teases my mouth, utterly consuming me.
Eventually, he pulls his head back, studying my eyes. “I don’t know what you’ve done to me, but I can’t get enough of you.”
“It’s you who has mesmerized me.” I don’t add that I can’t focus on anything other than him, including my mission.
“We should go inside now, but I plan to pick this up again later.”
“I certainly hope so.”
