The champion's prodigy

chapter 10

The dimly lit bar was filled with the low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Vanessa sat alone at the bar, nursing a cocktail. She looked stunning, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders and her outfit accentuating her graceful figure. Despite her outward composure, her mind was still reeling from the argument with Tyrone.

On the other side of the bar, Jamal was sitting with his teammates, Malik and Carlos, enjoying a couple of beers after a long day of training. They were in high spirits, laughing and joking, but Jamal's attention was soon captured by the sight of Vanessa.

"Man, look at that," Malik said, nudging Jamal and nodding towards Vanessa. "She's gorgeous."

Jamal nodded, his eyes lingering on her. "Yeah, she is. I think I'll go say hi."

"Go for it," Carlos encouraged, clinking his bottle with Jamal's. "You might just make her night."

Jamal stood up, adjusting his shirt as he made his way over to Vanessa. As he approached, she looked up, meeting his eyes. A flicker of recognition crossed her face, but she smiled politely.

"Hey," Jamal said, leaning casually against the bar. "Mind if I join you?"

Vanessa shrugged, her smile turning a bit playful. "Why not? It's a free country."

Jamal ordered a drink and turned back to her. "I'm Jamal, by the way."

"Vanessa," she replied, taking a sip of her cocktail. "Nice to meet you."

They chatted for a while, exchanging light banter and flirting. Jamal's easy charm and confidence made Vanessa laugh, easing some of the tension she felt from earlier. She found herself enjoying his company more than she had expected.

"So, Vanessa," Jamal said, leaning in a bit closer. "What's a beautiful woman like you doing here all alone?"

Vanessa chuckled softly. "Just needed a break from things. Sometimes you need to get away, you know?"

Jamal nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I get it. Everyone needs a break now and then. How about we get out of here? There's a nice hotel nearby. We could continue this conversation in a more... private setting."

Vanessa hesitated for a moment, then a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Why not? Let's go."

Jamal paid for their drinks and walked back to his friends. "I'm heading out, guys. I'll catch you later."

Malik and Carlos exchanged knowing looks and gave him thumbs up. "Have fun, man," Malik said, grinning.

Jamal and Vanessa left the bar together, the cool night air wrapping around them as they walked down the street. They reached the hotel, checked in, and made their way to a room.

Once inside, the atmosphere grew more intimate. Vanessa leaned against the door, looking up at Jamal with a mix of curiosity and desire. "So, Jamal, what now?"

Jamal stepped closer, his hands gently cupping her face. "Now, we see where the night takes us."

They shared a passionate kiss, the tension between them melting away as they lost themselves in the moment. For Vanessa, it was a welcome distraction from her troubles with Tyrone, and for Jamal, it was a thrilling connection with a beautiful woman.

As the night went on, they talked, laughed, and explored the chemistry that had sparked between them. For a few hours, they left the outside world behind, finding solace and excitement in each other's company.