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 sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the water as it rippled gently in the pool. Alexa leaned back against the edge, her fingers trailing lazily through the cool water, the tension of the day melting away with each passing moment.
The peaceful atmosphere was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been navigating lately, and for the first time in a long time, she felt completely at ease.
Jude was nearby, floating on his back, his eyes closed as he soaked in the last rays of sunlight. The sound of the water lapping softly against the tiles was the only noise between them, a comfortable silence that spoke of their deepening connection.
Alexa watched him, her heart swelling with affection as she took in the sight of him so relaxed and at peace. The lines of stress and frustration that had marred his features after the match were gone now, replaced by a soft smile that tugged at her heartstrings.
There was something about this moment-this quiet, unguarded moment-that made her feel closer to him than ever before.
"Hey," she called softly, not wanting to break the spell but needing to hear his voice.
Jude opened one eye, then the other, turning his head slightly to look at her. His smile widened as he took her in, the warmth of his gaze wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. "Hey yourself."
She grinned, her heart skipping a beat at the way he was looking at her. "You look like you're about to fall asleep."
"Maybe I am," he teased, shifting in the water to float closer to her. "It's too damn relaxing here. Your pool should come with a warning label."
She laughed, splashing him playfully. "Oh, please. You've got a million-dollar bed at home and you're telling me my pool is putting you to sleep?"
Jude grinned, catching her hand and pulling her toward him. "Maybe it's not the pool that's doing it. Maybe it's just being here with you."
Alexa's breath caught in her throat as their bodies brushed together, the teasing smile fading from her lips as she looked into his eyes.
The air between them shifted, the playful banter giving way to something deeper, more intense.
"And what exactly does that mean?" she asked softly, her heart racing as she searched his gaze for answers.
Jude's smile softened, his fingers brushing a strand of wet hair away from her face. "It means that being here with you, like this, makes everything else disappear. It's just you and me, and I like that."
Alexa swallowed hard, the vulnerability in his voice tugging at her heart. She had spent so long building walls around herself, hiding behind her tough exterior, that it was still a little overwhelming to let someone in—to let him in.
But with Jude, it felt natural, like he was the one person who could see through all her defenses.
She reached up, her hand resting against his cheek as she looked into his eyes.
