Page 5 of Game on, Love

A small smile crept up his lips. “Okay, give it to me.”

“If you win the championship, you give me an exclusive.” He was grinning by now and nodded without a second thought.

“You got it.”

My lips tipped up, feeling a little better than before.

Traffic at rush hour always made my skin crawl, which is why I had always preferred taking the tube. But, with the amount of stuff I had on me and with Axel next to me, it would have been nearly impossible to travel safely or quietly.

After quickly dumping my stuff in the apartment, I swapped clothes and touched up, and we were out the door.

The drive to our destination was quick and smooth. Axel wanted us to discuss the major points for the rest of the shoot, and I was more than happy to welcome the distraction.

As we got out of the car, I took in my surroundings, and for the second time that day, I felt betrayed.

It was almost like he sensed my stomach churning; Axel was standing in front of me. I was the first to break eye contact.

I was never going to trust another man again.

“Raina?” He was scared, and I revelled in that for a fleeting second.

But I had nothing to say to him.

I had nothing to ask.

I knew we were at the right place.

Thiswas the surprise.

I stayed quiet as he grabbed my hand and walked us through the hotel parking lot. As we made our way to the lifts, the logos plastered on each car confirmed my thoughts further.

Once inside the lift, he dropped my hand and slid both of them into his pocket, somehow convinced I wouldn’t run away once we entered the hotel.

Axel Beauman was a brave man on the track, and today, I realised that he considered himself a brave man off track, too.

Ding.

As we both got out, we were instantly drowned in the mayhem of chaos.

Cameras, Flashes and Screams.

Everywhere.

Reporters, Fans, Team Personnel, and everyone who had a connection to get in were inside the hotel, and a single group captured all of their attention.

Cricketers.

Axel brought me to the Championship after-party.

2

Oliver

THE PLACE WAS PACKED.

The air was thick with the relief and happiness of another championship win. My teammates and I were in high spirits, celebrating another successful season and the hard work we all put into it. The familiar roar of laughter and clinking glasses filled the space.

The season had started with some of our lowest lows, but the wait for this night was worth it.