Book one | Alexa Harvey, a celebrated actress known for her fierce independence and uncompromising nature, has always steered clear of the sports world. But when her latest film role requires her to shadow Jude Bellingham, a rising football star wit...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The day had been long, and Alexa was more than ready to head back to her apartment and unwind. The tension of the day still hummed in her muscles, the remnants of the latest sparring session with Jude. They were getting better at not biting each other's heads off every time they exchanged words, but the edge was still there, sharp and unyielding.
She had just slung her bag over her shoulder and was heading towards the exit when she caught a glimpse of something unusual. The floodlights of the pitch were still on, their bright glow spilling over the neatly cut grass. It was late—too late for anyone to still be out there.
Curiosity piqued, Alexa changed direction, walking towards the pitch. As she got closer, she could see the lone figure on the field, moving with an ease and fluidity that was unmistakable.
Jude.
He was still in his training gear, his shirt clinging to his skin with sweat, his movements graceful as he dribbled the ball across the grass. There was something mesmerizing about the way he played, the ball seemingly an extension of his body as he moved it with precision and control.
For a moment, Alexa just watched, unnoticed. She could see the intensity in his expression, the focus that seemed to consume him. It was like he was in his own world, oblivious to everything around him.
She couldn't understand why he was still out here, training alone when everyone else had long since gone home. But there was something about the sight of him, the sheer dedication he showed, that pulled her in.
Before she realized what she was doing, Alexa found herself stepping onto the pitch, the sound of her footsteps soft against the grass. Jude didn't notice her at first, too absorbed in his movements.
It wasn't until she was almost within arm's reach that he finally looked up, his expression startled for a brief moment before it settled into something more guarded.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice breaking the stillness of the night.
Alexa shrugged, trying to keep her tone casual. "I could ask you the same thing."
Jude exhaled, running a hand through his damp hair. "Couldn't sleep."
"Training helps with that?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"Sometimes," Jude said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "What about you? You don't exactly strike me as the type to hang around the pitch after hours."
Alexa hesitated, not sure how to explain what had drawn her here. "I saw the lights and... I don't know, I guess I was curious."
Jude nodded, accepting her answer without further questioning. For a moment, they just stood there, an awkward silence settling between them. Alexa wasn't sure why she had come over, and now that she was here, she felt a bit out of place.
But then Jude did something unexpected. He kicked the ball towards her, a slow, lazy roll that ended at her feet.
"Want to give it a try?" he asked, his voice light, almost teasing.
