For 24-year-old tennis player Naya Morgan, all that glittered certainly wasn't gold. In her relentless pursuit of victory, she had strayed far from the joy of simply playing the game she loved.
Naya's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses p...
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"Does this mean I can have you to myself later?" Jude asked as he took Naya's overnight bag from her hands, his eyes running over her body before meeting hers once again.
"No, it means I'm spending the night here," Naya explained matter-of-factly, doing her best to ignore Jude's lust-filled gaze.
Despite being on good terms, the last time they had been intimate with one another was the evening they landed in London ahead of the final.
Since then they'd almost fallen out over his ex unexpectedly showing up at his game. Although the physical aspect of their relationship was enjoyable, he realized that her emotional well-being was far more important than fleeting moments of pleasure.
While Jude returned to Madrid and hit the ground running with his teammates to celebrate with the city after their historical win against Jude's former club, Naya returned to Madrid and resumed training for Wimbledon, which was set to commence in just over a month's time.
After two days of celebrating with the fans, the city had begun to wind down, meaning the players were able to do so as well.
As a core part of the team's starting eleven, Jude volunteered to host a party at his house for his teammates as well as their friends and family.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in a while," Jude said over his shoulder as he held Naya's hand, guiding her away from the entryway of his home.
"It's been less than a week, although I'm sure you're running on fumes at this point, I saw you guys on Instagram." Naya teased, making him laugh.
Jude chuckled, his hand squeezing hers gently. "Yeah, it's been non-stop since we won. But having you here tonight is a nice change of pace," he confessed, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
"I'm sure it is," Naya smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest at his words. Despite their past disagreements, she liked the way she felt whenever she was around Jude.
"Are you ready to meet my friends from back home?" Jude asked as he placed Naya's bag down, turning to her.
"That depends what you've told them about me,"Naya said, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Should I be worried?"
Jude grinned mischievously. "Come and find out."
Naya followed Jude into the living room, where a group of people had already gathered, chatting and laughing. Jude's friends from back home greeted Naya warmly, making her feel at ease almost instantly.
Introductions were made, and Naya found herself engaged in lively conversations with Jude's friends. There was Miles who also played football professionally out in Italy and Jermaine, Jude's best friend since they were three-years-old.
Much like Jude, Naya was a few years older than his friends, but she found herself enjoying their company.
Although Jude was certain he could spend the evening lounging with Naya and his friends, in a few shorts hours his house would be filled with guest and they still needed to set up.
