Page 237 of Well Played

HIS PERFECT BLOCK

BY BELINDA E EDWARDS

At the Sherwood Volleyball Festival this summer, Alice's pride takes a devastating blow when she runs into Tom, the boyfriend she lived with until two weeks ago. Seeing him with the beautiful blonde from his office might just be even worse. Desperate to save face, she reluctantly enlists Ryan Fields, a talented player from a rival team, to pose as her date for the weekend.

Ryan can't resist her tempting offer, especially as the man in question is parading around with Christa Marx. Ryan has been hiding his feelings for Alice since a mix-up when they attended their first cadet camp. He will do anything to defend her.

Amidst the intense matches, his reputation means that both teammates and rivals alike think this relationship is a disastrous idea.

Alice and Ryan fight unexpected sparks as they navigate their growing feelings and other people's objections. Is this simply a game or a genuine love match? Who is playing who?

His Perfect Blockis a heartwarming story of protection, rivalry, and unexpected romance.

1

Alice

Alice worriedthis weekend would be a challenge, but when she hit her own thumb for the third time, she had to bite her lip to hold back tears. If she hadn't already realised, she was alone, putting up a tent by herself had brought the fact home hard and fast. Standing up to stretch her shoulders, she searched for the resolve needed to finish the job.

Once she'd made the tent cosy inside, the time had come to go to the bar. Her friends would be there, and yet she needed her armour - lip gloss, her favourite perfume, and finally, her new jacket. Determined to enjoy her weekend despite her recent breakup with Tom, she lifted her head, ignoring the grey clouds on the horizon, and headed out in search of her team. At least she still had volleyball.

The buzz in the marquee probably sounded the same as ever, but for Alice, the usual excitement had changed to trepidation. The knot in her stomach had been a permanent feeling for the last fortnight, and yet it tightened as she scanned the faces. She felt sure her ex, Tom, would be there. It still came as a shockwhen she spotted him wrapped around a woman who worked at his office.

Relief came when Grace waved to her, and Alice made her way to join a small group from her club. She tried to focus on what her friends were talking about whilst desperately avoiding watching Tom with Christa. Every time she caught sight of him, she became lost in what went wrong between them.

Christa's assets were evident, a fact that made Alice tug down her jacket, conscious that her own curves might not be in the right places. Even the new coat she'd been so proud of only minutes earlier felt plain next to Christa.

Watching her loved-up best friend didn't help. She adored seeing Grace finally happy with Jake, and Alice didn't want to be the one to pull down the mood with her or anyone.

Ethan reached out to pass her a plastic glass of beer; she gingerly took it from him. Desperate to protect her new clothes. He smiled and awkwardly tried to make conversation.

"So, have you got your tent up, Alice? Who are you sharing with?"

"I have my brother's, the one I used to share with Grace, but she has other plans." She squeezed out a smile.

Lucy nudged her. "I bet you have it all colour-coordinated, don't you?"

Jasmine offered her a weak smile. Alice lifted her shoulders.

"Why not? I have the place to myself. I can have exactly what I like."

"True," Lucy agreed. "Another silver lining."

"All alone, hey?" smiled Ethan. "This could be your lucky weekend, then."

Alice laughed for the first time as someone jostled her elbow, and she had to fight to keep her beer in the squashy cup. She recognised a beat-up denim jacket as a pair of familiar faces pushed through the crowd.

2

Ryan

Ryan Fields followedhis cousin into the bar. Hearing the raucous laughter and conversations of people finding old friends and rivals ramped up the anticipation in his veins.We're late; I'm always bloody late with Sam. Now, will she be here tonight? God, I love this festival, so many possibilities.

He could tell when Sam spotted Grace. He bounded straight up to her as Ryan held back. Sam threw his arms around Grace, lifting her from the ground and kissing her cheek. Ryan often wondered if his own infatuation with Alice was the reason Grace had always intrigued Sam.

Ryan smiled when Sam noticed the disapproving look on Jake's face.Maybe I should have broken the news that Grace was taken now.A cough and a scowl from Jake soon told Sam he needed to rethink. His smile slipped for a brief moment until he grinned widely and repeated the hug with the whole group, first Lucy and Jasmine, then super tall Ethan. Finally, Sam wrapped his arms around Alice and lifted her into the air, whispering intoher ear. "Is he still watching me?" That made Alice laugh, and the happy sound sent a tingle straight through Ryan.

Convincing himself it would help Sam, Ryan joined in and gave everyone the same over-the-top embrace, starting with Grace and ending with Alice. He couldn't help clinging to Alice even longer than Sam did.

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