It Starts with Love

Chapter 16 - Beguiling

A German and a Filipina walked along Wimbledon village with their hands laced together. They looked all loved up as they swung their hands back and forth. They were nearing the locker rooms at the All England Club when Taliana looked up at Sascha and declared, "This is one of the best days I've had in a while."

"I think the other day was the best for me," Sascha mused. "Even if I did get sick."

"My attempt to make breakfast was a disaster."

"It's a sweet gesture, Talia, but that's not why I think that day is my favorite day ever."

"Don't tell me it's because I stayed over."

Sascha grinned. "The only thing missing would have been to wake up with you. Anyway, I'm happy enough that I got to sleep with you in my arms. Let's save the waking up with each other for later."

Taliana tugged at his shirt and pulled him down so his face was level with hers. "You are not making me sneak around like that again. My heart can't take it."

Sascha leaned down to give her a peck on the lips but Taliana put a hand to his mouth and stopped him.

"You are so damn lucky I didn't get sick yesterday but I swear if you pass that virus to me, I will kill you," Taliana threatened.

"Sorry. You're irresistible."

Taliana rolled her eyes. "Go change. I'll see you after your match." She started pushing him towards the men's locker rooms.

Sascha grumbled lightheartedly and disappeared inside the locker room. Serves him right for insisting on calling her stupid pet names. Taliana proceeded to Sascha's box and she was the last to arrive there.

"I got some water for everyone." She started handing out water bottles to Jez, Hugo, and Alexander Sr. If it wasn't already obvious, she was sucking up to them. She felt like she made progress with Sascha's father yesterday when she made him laugh, maybe getting him refreshments would soften him up even more.

"Thank you," Alexander Sr. said gruffly.

Taliana settled on her seat. Sascha had said was feeling a little better now but he was still unsure of his condition. He still decided to play, though. Sascha looked more determined today. He promised he'd stop playing if he felt bad but everyone knew he didn't mean it. He'd keep playing as long as he could. That's Sascha for you, he wouldn't go down without a fight.

"How was he in the morning?" Taliana asked Jez. After last night, Sascha had to rest and he stayed in the whole day before his match. They haven't really talked much.

"He's doing better than yesterday. I think he's around sixty to seventy percent okay," Jez replied.

"That's good."

Taliana's heart jumped to her throat when she caught Sascha looking at her. She understood the feeling now but that didn't help her deal with it.

Soon, play resumed and after only a few minutes, it was clear that Sascha was playing better. Fritz was no match against him. It was probably the calmest that Taliana's ever been in any of Sacha's matches. There was no need to worry as he took the fourth set at 6-1.

Sascha barely even worked up a sweat when he continued to win the fifth set at 6-2, winning him the match. Taliana had no doubts he would win but she was glad he didn't have to struggle that much. Sascha locked eyes with her and smiled. The small action it lit her up from the inside out.

She congratulated Sascha's team on the win then went down to meet him. He was waiting for her with his arms wide open. Taliana embraced him and said, "Round three, blondie."