Page 45 of Game on, Love

“It’s basically the things we need to go over in the next 13 weeks to make sure you are an expert in everything cricket.” He replied, as my eyes scanned the text. It was a mix of things we needed to do, but somehow he had turned them all into different activities. FromWatching classic cricket filmsto learn about the formats of cricket, toHitting a Six,andBowling Challengeto really understand the technical skill and strategy analysis. There were more simpler ones, likeWatching game footagetolearn the basics orWatching a live match on muteto practice commentating.

I looked back at him, my heart racing. “What’s with the name?”

He grinned. “Well, Pitch for cricket and Pits for F1. This way, you can add to the list the things you want us to do so you can teach me about Formula One.”

I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of how to respond. It was such a simple act—yet the feeling settled like a wave somewhere deep inside me before the pull I felt inside made it rise like a tide.

The constant back and forth, the compliments, the effortless way he found my eyes every time I was near him and the need to do things for me without me ever having to ask.

“You’re incredible,” I hadn’t meant for it to be a whisper, but I tried to swallow the lump that was forming in my throat, trying to steady myself but as his amber eyes watched me, all it did was grow.

He blinked a few times, and for a second I wondered if he’d even heard me. Then, slowly his lips turned into a soft smile, and I realised he was trying to keep his reaction contained, even though I’d caught him off guard. “Glad youfinallyagree, love.”

13

Oliver

STEAM CLOUDED THE AIRfrom the pan on the stove, the smell of garlic and onion filling the kitchen as I plated the marinated tofu on the wraps. The sound of slow, soft footsteps thudded down the stairs, and a smile made its way to my face. It had been a growing habit the past few days. When I thought of her, at the possible chance of seeing her—even if it was for a couple of minutes before she rushed out for work, when I talked to her, when I remembered the look in her eyes when I handed her the list or the words that followed after.

Raina walked in, a notebook in one hand while the other carried her laptop. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, a few strands loose that framed her soft face, and she looked so studious, it was adorable. Like a gentle wave, warmth ran over me once I noticed she was in my hoodie, which she paired with what I’d noticed were her favourite yoga pants. And, of course, her loyal soldiers walked in behind her, darting across the space once they knew she was staying.

“Ready for your first lesson?” I asked, turning around to switch off the loud extractor hood.

Grabbing the plates, I turned back to see her with a small smirk, tugging at the corner of her lips as she placed her stuff on the counter top. “Mostly… are you?”

She directed her gaze to the plates in question before they met mine again. I grinned before sliding one of them in her direction. “I was born ready, love.”

“You really like cooking, huh?” She asked, sliding on the bar chair.

I shrugged, rounding the counter and sitting next to her. “It helps clear my head.”

“And what exactly did you want to clear it off today?”

“Nothing today; I’ve just been down here for hours, and you haven’t had lunch, and I was making mine anyway.” I watched her carefully as she brought the wrap to take a bite. Her brows raised slightly, her expressions a mix of concentration and genuine surprise.

She flicked her tongue out, wiping the small streak of sauce on the corner of her lips, and I felt a twitch in my body. “This is amazing.”

Relief and satisfaction ran through me as I replied. “The fact you had doubts wounds me.”

“Right—overachiever and all that,” She rolled her eyes, going in for another bite. Her shoulders dropped slightly, swaying lightly with each chew, and I grinned. She didn’t even realise it yet, but in that moment, I knew I did my job right. Mum always used to say that the best way to tell if someone enjoys your food is when they find a grove in the flavours without realising it.

But with Raina, there was a little more. There was something so addictive about seeing her like this—relaxed, happy and present.

I turned to my own food and dived in. We sat in silence. It wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. It just was. From the corner of my eye, I noticed that she had opened her journal, taken out the list I gave her yesterday and slid it into the spot between us.

“I added things for you,” There was almost a hint of shyness in her voice.

I’d made the list for her to make sure she actually stuck to the bet, and this way, I would get her to spend more time with me. But knowing she’d done the same for me, even if it was for the sake of our bet—she didn’t have to do them similar to mine, but she had done everything fromWatching IconicandDifferent Weather races and qualifyingtoVisit the Exhibition and Arcadeto discover the history and do fun challenges like setting the fastest lap on the simulator—made my heart flutter.

“This sounds fun,” I replied honestly, and she nodded.

“I think this one,” She pointed to the one which referred to one that suggested‘Visiting a track and Watching the race from the grandstands’.“If you are up for it, we could work with our schedules and do it at one of the races I’m going to, but you don’t have to do it. I just added it because it is so much fun and really gives you a different experience.”

“We can try,” I shrugged, but something like hope settled in my chest.

“Really?”

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”