Page 78 of The Game

I take in the picture of a cute poodle and a smile curves over my lips.Dammit. I would love to go to this. I stare at the pot of pens on the back of my desk. But … but … I told him we shouldn’t be seen out with each other.

I pick up my phone.

Thanks for the invite to the Westminster Kennel Club Show.

Looks amazing, huh?

We’d be out in public together, though,wouldn’t we?

I should be relieved at the excuse to get out of it, but all I feel is twisty inside. The fun we had discussing doing something like this when we agreed to be friends. And that first night when he came to the apartment and let the team do his hair then stood patiently by my side, like some incredible right-hand man, letting me hang on to him … All that feels like so long ago. I pay people to support me; it’s never freely given. The dots start and stop again, and again … and then go quiet. I sit in my office chair for five minutes, and nothing more comes through.

Fuck.Sometimes those decisions you’re forced into when you give up something that means a lot to you are the most painful. Like leaving my parents’ house when I was fourteen to train in Spain—I was so lonely. Tennis got less solitary only when I won the money to build a team around me. But, in the end, I pay them. They’re employees, not friends. Adam was a friend.

I really wanted to go to that show. I kick my seat back from my desk and head to the kitchen, wrenching open the door to the fridge as I glance at the clock on the wall. Could I have my snack early?

I pull out the food tray and scowl down at the protein bars and prepared fruit.Do I ever have any fun?

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Leave it with me.

My mouth drops open.What?What is he going to do now? I clench my fist. Goddamn all men. He disrupts my rest day, and now I won’t be able to stop thinking about having a day out.A day off.A break.What are you talking about, Anna? You haveneverwanted a break. I fling myself on the couch and turn on the television, but it’s set to the sports channel and watching other people be good at their sport right now is more than I can bear. I flick through the channels as my shoulders droop, and I chew on an apple before flinging the core in the trash and heading back to my computer.

Two days later, after practice, another text from Adam lands in my messages:

I’ve managed to arrange a VIP tour at the dog show. You might have to talk to staff who are tennis fans and sign some photographs.

Oh God! He’s arranged a tour? How ungrateful would I be to refuse when he’s gone to so much trouble?

That sounds amazing!

I’ll see you on Monday at 6 p.m. Should we meet at Madison Square Garden?

Sounds good.

I pick up a pot of fruit and open it up, popping a bit of pineapple in my mouth. When did someone last treat me to a surprise? I’ve had beautiful gifts from fans, drawings, things they’ve made, but no friend has ever done anything like this for me. It’s so generous of him.Why is he doing this?I press my hand into my chest. At least I’m not the most boring athlete in the world anymore.

Pepper appears at my feet with her pink rabbit in her jaws.

“Mommy’s going to a dog show. I’m sorry but I don’t think you can come,” I say, grinning down at her. “Should I see if I can find you a cute boyfriend while I’m there?”

The idea of adorable little miniature Peppers blooms in my head. I wolf down the pineapple and grab a protein bar and an herbal tea. Am I mad? I could never take care of anything like a litter of puppies. And the thought makes me stomp back to my bedroom.

When I meet Adam at the side gate to the venue, he’s chatting with a dark-haired man in an official-looking blue suit. His hair is being buffeted by the wind, and he’s laughing as he talks. My eyes track down his body in a pair oftight jeans and a fitted Henley with a smart jacket over the top. He looks like a model.I’ve seen him naked.His taut abs and his …

Stop, Anna!

I force myself to think about him finding another woman, and it hollows me out. But it’s not like I’ll be around; I’ll be in Australia for the Open after Christmas … which is two weeks away now. The grumpiness of the last few days returns with a vengeance. The man in the suit’s eyes widen slightly as I approach.

“Ms. Talanova!”

“Please, call me Anna.”

He inclines his head with a smile. “Anna. I’m Kevin. I’m honored to meet you. We’re so delighted that you decided to come to the Kennel Club today. I’m going to be your host for the event.”

My eyes flick to Adam. Wow, the VIP tours here are good.

“Everyone’s really looking forward to meeting you.”

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