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 training session felt like it lasted forever.
Jude kept glancing over at the sideline where Alexa was sitting, her presence a constant distraction. He could feel her eyes on him every time he moved, and it made him push himself even harder, as if trying to impress her with every tackle, every sprint.
But even as he focused on the drills, his mind kept drifting back to that kiss. It was unexpected, wild, and absolutely perfect.
He could still feel the press of her lips against his, the way her body fit so perfectly against his.
It was a moment that was burned into his memory, and he knew he'd be thinking about it long after the session ended.
When the final whistle blew, signaling the end of practice, Jude didn't waste any time. He quickly made his way to the sideline, his gaze locking onto Alexa's as he approached.
She was smiling, that same joyful expression she'd had when she first told him about her new role, and it made his heart skip a beat.
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked, his voice low as he stopped in front of her.
She nodded, standing up and brushing off her jeans. "Yeah. Let's go."
They walked to the parking lot together, the air between them charged with an unspoken anticipation. Jude felt it like a current running through him, an electrifying mix of excitement and nervousness. He wanted to spend more time with her, to see where this thing between them was going, but there was also a part of him that was afraid.
Afraid of how deeply he was starting to care, of what it meant for them to cross this line again after everything they'd been through.
When they reached his car, Jude opened the passenger door for her, and she slid in with a grateful smile. He rounded the car and got in himself, the silence between them comfortable but heavy with the weight of everything unspoken.
As he started the engine and pulled out of the lot, he glanced over at her, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. "Do you want to come back to my place? We could watch a movie or something."
"Sure," Alexa agreed, her smile softening as she looked over at him. "That sounds nice."
The drive to Jude's apartment was quiet, but not in an awkward way. It was more like they were both lost in their thoughts, processing everything that had happened that day, everything that was still left unsaid. Jude kept sneaking glances at her, his mind racing with thoughts of what would happen once they were alone again.
When they reached his place, Jude led her inside, the familiarity of the space instantly making him feel more at ease. The apartment was tidy, though a few stray items-a pair of trainers by the door, a jacket thrown over the back of the couch-hinted at the fact that he hadn't expected company.