“Another killer game tonight, Lewis. Is there something inspiring your unbeatable streak lately?”
“Yeah. My girl, Zoe. She makes me want to be a better man. Play better, do better, be better. It’s all for her.”
He turns for a second, eyes locking on mine. It feels like a thousand words are exchanged in that one singular look. And then it’s all over when Dominik turns to face the reporter again. Every fiber of my being aches to rush to him, to forgive him. Yet I restrain from going down that slippery road because I’m not sure I can stop once I start. The sound of my pounding heart fills my ears, drowning out the world around me. No matter how intense the desire, I know, deep down, it’s a path destined for disaster.
It’s bound to end. Period.
Well, if that’s the case…why not enjoy it while it lasts?
Because it would be messy with him. Because I don’t want to ruin his relationship with my brother. There is no room for me in this equation. There never was. I can’t quite comprehend why he has developed this sudden infatuation, but I am confident it will fade with time. I just have to be patient and resist the surface-level temptations.
He’ll get bored and move on in no time.
Turning, I make my way toward the doors that lead to the side of the arena. Ignoring the chatter around me, I resist the urge to look back, sensing his gaze fixed on my retreating back.
11
ZOE
The driver drops me off outside the team’s hotel. According to Dominik, everything’s arranged; I just need to approach the reception desk, give them my name, and collect the room keys.
The hotel oozes luxury from every corner—cloaked in brown marble, boasting grand pillars both indoors and out. It screams extravagance, far beyond what I could ever afford. A lengthy hallway guides me to the massive, circular reception desk at the far end. The high ceilings draw my gaze upward, showcasing intricate glass art suspended in midair. A scent of mint and eucalyptus permeates the entire space, tempting thoughts of a relaxing massage, but that’s out of my financial reach. Maybe a long soak in the room’s tub could be a more practical compromise. Honestly, I just need some alone time right now to forget about that plane ride and everything that’s happened since. I need to drown out the incessant nagging inside my head. Suffocate this growing desire inside me.
“Hey, Zoe! Hold up,” someone calls from behind me, and I turn to see Dominik’s assistant coach approaching quickly.
“Hi, Coach—” I cringe, biting my lip.
“Bradley,” he finishes for me, smiling and completely at ease. He seems happy after that win.
“Sorry. I’m bad with names.”
“It’s okay. I totally get it. There are a lot of us.”
I nod, smiling. “You didn’t join the guys at the club?”
He laughs, repositioning the strap of his backpack on his shoulder. “I’m way too old for that shit. I need my beauty sleep. How come you’re not there?”
“It’s not really my scene, and I’m exhausted. I was just going to wait for Dominik here.”
There’s a hint of doubt in his narrowed eyes, as if my words are not convincing enough. “Okay. Well listen, I’m glad I caught you. I upgraded you and Dom to a king-size bed because the hotel is overbooked and we had to put a few of the guys in the same room. You were both in a queen adjoining room before. I hope that’s okay. I figured you two would end up in one bed anyway, and this way, you’ll have more space.”
Panic internally until you get inside the room, Zoe. It’s all going to be okay.
“Wow. Thank you. You’re sooo right. We’re inseparable,” I gasp out, forcing a smile and feeling my cheeks stretch super wide.
Dial it down, dumbass.
All I want to do at this very moment is to turn and bolt the other way. Panic fills my veins at the thought of spending a night alone in a room with Dominik with his teammates staying on the same floor as us.
How the fuck am I going to escape all of this now?
Coach Bradley’s brows knit together, creating a ripple of wrinkles. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nod feverishly. “Perfect. Thank you. That’s really thoughtful.”
“Okay, well, if you need anything, I’m in room 1720. I’m sure the guys will be back soon. Do you want me to give you theaddress of the club in case you change your mind and want to join them?”
“No need. Dom already gave it to me.”
