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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Alexa adjusted the collar of her leather jacket, tugging it tighter against the chilly evening air. She was supposed to meet Jude in a couple of hours to discuss their plan. After their conversation earlier in the day, she'd felt a mixture of relief and dread. Relief because they finally had a strategy, and dread because she knew it meant spending more time with him—and that always came with complications.
To clear her head, she decided to take a walk, hoping the cool night air would help her gather her thoughts. The city was alive with the usual hustle and bustle—people laughing, cars honking, the distant hum of music spilling out from bars and restaurants. It was comforting in a way, a reminder that life was still moving forward, even as her own felt like it was stuck in a loop of confusion and frustration.
As she turned a corner, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting another update from Megan, but instead saw a text from Jude.
-Change of plans. Meet me at The Globe. 9 PM.
She frowned, recognizing the name of the trendy bar that was known for its exclusive clientele and intimate atmosphere.
Why would he want to meet there?
Especially when they were supposed to be keeping things professional. But before she could question it, another text came through.
-Don't be late.
Alexa sighed, slipping the phone back into her pocket. Whatever he was up to, she had a feeling it was going to be more than just a simple conversation about their plan. And she wasn't sure she was ready for that.
[...]
The Globe was as stylish and exclusive as she remembered. With its low lighting, plush seating, and dark wood accents, it exuded an air of sophistication that attracted celebrities, athletes, and the city's elite. The moment she stepped inside, Alexa felt the weight of all eyes on her. She wasn't sure if it was her fame, the anticipation of who she might be meeting, or just the fact that she always felt out of place in such luxurious surroundings.
She spotted Jude at the back of the bar, sitting in a semi-private booth with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looked completely at ease, his usual confident demeanor in full force. When he saw her, he waved her over, and she hesitated for just a second before making her way to him.
"Glad you made it," he said as she slid into the booth across from him. His tone was casual, but his eyes held an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"You didn't give me much of a choice," she replied, her voice edged with a touch of annoyance. "What's this about?"
Jude leaned back, studying her with an almost playful expression. "We need to talk about our plan."
"I thought we already did that," Alexa countered, crossing her arms. She wasn't in the mood for games, especially not with him.
"We did," Jude acknowledged, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "But I realized something afterward. If we're going to make this work, we need to sell it. And that means making sure people believe it's real."
