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...
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The next morning, Alexa woke up with a strange sense of anticipation, a tingling in her stomach that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Her thoughts were still stuck on the night before, playing on repeat like a loop she couldn't escape. It had been unexpected, this shift with Jude. They had actually shared a moment—several moments, really—where the animosity between them had faded into something more playful, almost enjoyable.
But as much as she had enjoyed their time on the pitch, Alexa was wary. She knew better than to let her guard down. Jude Bellingham might have shown her a different side last night, but that didn't mean he was any less infuriating, and it certainly didn't mean that they were suddenly friends.
They had too much history of butting heads, and Alexa wasn't about to forget that just because they had kicked a ball around under the floodlights.
Still, she couldn't help but feel a small thrill as she prepared for the day. Maybe today would be different, maybe they would manage to keep up the truce they had begun to form. But deep down, Alexa knew that nothing was ever that simple.
As she arrived at the training grounds, the usual buzz of activity was in full swing. Players and coaches were scattered across the fields, the sounds of drills and shouts filling the air.
Alexa spotted Jude almost immediately, his tall figure standing out as he moved with effortless precision, warming up with the rest of the team.
She caught his eye as she walked past, giving him a brief nod. Jude returned it, his expression unreadable, though she thought she saw the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Hey, you."
The voice made her pause, and she turned to see one of the assistant coaches, Liam, approaching her with a clipboard in hand. He was friendly enough, always professional, but there was something about the way he was looking at her now that put her on edge.
"Morning, Liam," Alexa said, forcing a smile.
"Morning," he replied, though his tone was more serious than usual. "Listen, there's been some talk around here... About you and Jude."
Alexa frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
Liam shifted uncomfortably, glancing around as if making sure no one else was listening. "Word is, you two were seen together last night. Alone. On the pitch."
Alexa's stomach dropped, her mind racing. "We were just... We were just practicing," she stammered, not liking where this was going.
"Sure," Liam said, though his tone suggested he didn't quite believe her. "But you know how these things can look, especially with someone like Jude. He's under a lot of scrutiny, and any hint of... impropriety could cause problems. For both of you."
Alexa's skin prickled with irritation. "Impropriety? We were playing football, Liam. That's it."
"I get that," he said, his expression softening slightly. "But others might not see it that way. Just be careful, alright?"
