Matchpoint

Chapter 34:

Practising on the courts at Roland-Garros is such a unique feeling. Dom's hair is eccentric against the clay backdrop. Not to mention the green seating that brings out the luscious forest in his eyes.

It's like Dom is made for the French Open.

"He's looking good." Philip comments, and all I can think is how he's not wrong. Not only does Dom seem in great shape, smashing all the training and seeming more energised than ever, but he's also just looking good...hot.

Though Dom's been insistent on my coming to his room at the hotel, I've been keeping my distance, reminding him that this is the riskiest place because of all the media.

Dom doesn't seem to care, though. In fact, he caught me off guard the other day when he pulled me behind a screen to kiss me.

I couldn't lie. It felt good. Kissing him is all I've wanted to do these past couple of days, but I've been holding back, Ladley and Stack's words stuck in my mind. Day in. Day out.

But, oh, watching Dom train is treacherous. It's torture.

I mean, just his hair, the fire that sits a top his head. His arms, full of strength as he brings down that racquet. His grin, cheeky yet knowing.

"He does look good, I've got a lot of hope for this tournament." I respond slowly to Philip.

"You've really brought out his passion, kid," Philip pats my back like a proud father. "You're a good one."

I look over at Philip, his kind face bright with appreciation. "Thanks, Phil, it means a lot."

"Thank yourself." He chuckles and heads over to Stack.

"Holly, see how Dom is pushing you back behind the baseline," Ladley calls. She's got her notebook out, analysing the way Holly responds to Dom.

It's a tough gig, putting the two against each other. Dom's fierce, and he's showing no mercy. Holly is getting frustrated, he face red, racquet so tightly gripped that her knuckles are turning white.

"It's impossible." Holly screeches, throwing her hands up as Dom softly hits the ball into her court. She can't reach it. She's too far behind the baseline.

"It's not. You're just letting Dom push you outside your distance." Ladley huffs, walking back up to Holly in an attempt to calm her down.

Dom turns from his position to look at me, a cheeky grin flashing across his face. He knows he's good. He knows he's doing better.

Slowly, Dom walks over to me, and he lifts his cap, letting the fire breath beneath it.

"You're being mean." I look him up and down as he brushes his arm against mine slyly.

The electricity flows through my body instantly, fucking hell.

"I'm having fun," Dom shrugs innocently. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Mm, smooth fucker.

"Too much fun." I nudge him, and Dim chuckles, liking that I'm noticing his enjoyment.

"DOM DOM!!!" The words scream across the court, and Dom's body instantly twists.

As if in slow motion, I watch a small girl run across the court. She's wearing little denim shorts with a baby pink shirt and little shoes.

Behind her walk two beaming parents, the little girl is the spitting image of the two of them. Beautiful strawberry hair, soft hazel eyes.

"Zara." Dom whispers, it's hardly audible, but I still catch it.