Page 102 of Match Point

My producer’s face remained an unreadable mask. “There were other people in the practice facility. They saw you coaching Carfrae on his footwork.”

“You should have led with that,” I grumbled.

“Wediscussedthis,” he said. “You stood here in this office and promised me…”

“It won’t happen again,” I quickly said.

He barked a laugh. “Of course it won’t; Carfrae lost. He’s going home after the doubles final. But it doesn’t matter. We have to take you off the broadcast team.”

“Oh, come on,” I replied, gripping the back of the chair with both hands. I wanted to rip a chunk of cushion out. “It’s not a conflict of interest. I think my performance during the match proved that. McEnroe and I are a good team. You can’t remove me.”

“It’s already been done, so you might as well save your breath. Your replacement is prepping as we speak.”

I glanced over my shoulder.Sloane. Of course.

I should have been embarrassed. I had done something I promised I wouldn’t do. Worse, I had been caught in a lie about it. My professional reputation had taken a huge hit with a baseball bat, and was showing cracks.

But all I felt was annoyance. With this job, with the dumb restrictions they put on me, and with the rumors that were soon going to fly once people realized I had been removed from the broadcast. Without another word, I walked out of the office and out of the booth.

*

I met Dominic at his Airbnb a few hours later. He greeted me at the door with a surprised smile.

“Careful. If you’re seen visiting me, it will start all sorts of rumors. Or worse: it will make NBC think you’re coaching me.”

“I’m not worried about either of those things right now,” I said while slipping inside. I gave him a quick kiss. “How are you doing?”

“I’m pissed off.”

“I don’t blame you. That chair umpire should have known you didn’t mean to do it…”

I trailed off as Dominic waved a hand. “I’m not mad at the umpire. He made the right decision by disqualifying me. I’m pissed off at myself. I shouldn’t have done that. I usually don’t let my emotions get the better of me, especially on the court.”

“Oh, honey.” I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my cheek against his chest. “I’m sorry.”

“I’ve already accepted it.” He pulled me down onto his couch. “I just hope this doesn’t ruin my image.”

I chuckled at that. “You’re the all-American boy next door. You’re pretty much a Boy Scout. You’ve never had problems before. You don’t even have any tattoos.”

“Tattoos are overrated.” He shook his head. “And that’s my reputationpreviously. This incident might change how people think about me.”

“Maybe, but probably not,” I replied. “As long as you don’t do it again in your doubles final tomorrow.Thenit will become a trend.”

Dominic let out a dramatic sigh. “Well, damn. I was planning on hittingtwoline judges tomorrow, but I guess now I’ll rethink my strategy.”

I rubbed his leg supportively. “Anything I can do to make you feel better?”

Curiosity sparkled in his eyes, but only for a moment. “Tempting, but I’d better not.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “I can wait until after the doubles final, then.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket:

Gabriel: I heard the news. I have contacts at NBC. Say the word and I will make this right.

Me: That’s sweet, but I’m not mad about it. I think it’s for the best.

Gabriel: I am so sorry, Miranda. It is still unfortunate.

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