I grabbed Isabella and led her across the court.
“Wait, who’s coming to be my partner?”
“Don’t worry. It’s someone just as good at tennis as me.”
Once we were further away, I started to apologize to Isabella, but she just brushed it off.
“Like you said, your paths cross. We just have to get used to it.”
I sighed.
“She’s going to be miserable to you.”
Since we were in fake date mode, Isabella slipped her hand into mine and pressed a kiss to my cheek.
“When are you going to learn that I have your back, Covington?”
To my surprise she playfully hit my ass and then grabbed the racket I had been carrying for her. Richard called to us.
“Should we start? We can play a round while we are waiting for Cassidy’s partner to show up.”
I smiled.
“Yes. We’re ready.”
After giving Isabella some pointers, I served the ball. Then, right when I thought I had figured her out, Isabella surprised me again. She was extremely good at tennis. It didn’t take long for us to win against my brother, and I was laughing as I tossed her a water.
“You were holding out on me! Why didn’t you tell me you knew how to play?”
Isabella smiled.
“It was fun when you were trying to explain it. I couldn’t help myself.”
I wrapped my arms around her and shook my head.
“You do realize that we have to play Cassidy now.”
“Bring it!”
As if on cue, Dylan appeared.
“Well, son of a gun. I thought it was a prank text but you really did decide to grace us with your presence.”
It probably wasn’t the greatest idea to give Cassidy an ally, but it still seemed better than the other options. Dylan made his way over, oozing that rich-guy charm I was glad I had rid myself of.
“You must be Isabella.”
I introduced them but kept interactions as short as possible. We played tennis for another hour or so until my brother told us it was almost time for our lunch reservation. Alison looked at me awkwardly. I realized the reservation must have just been for four as well. It was all I needed.
“I’m guessing you made the reservation for four people. You four enjoy it. It’s for the best. I forgot to remind Isabella to bring a change of clothes. You two can get to know her more while we take a dip in the pool after you’re done.”
Cassidy smirked.
“I thought she didn’t have a change of clothes.”
Meeting her gaze, I shrugged.
“She had them at my place. Just not with her here.”
