Twenty-Five Teagan
Twenty-Five
Teagan
I don’t know if it’s regularly being back on the court or whether it’s being back in Dominic’s bed again, but the last few weeks with him have been idyllic. We’ve spent every night together. I’m enjoying all of it because I know this won’t last. As soon as the tournament is over, Dominic will go back to his life and I’ll go back to mine.
Sometimes I waffle. Getting involved with him again isn’t the best idea. It’ll be hard to get over him, just like it was all those years ago. Then my mind tells me, no, this is closure. When it’s over, I can move forward with someone else, someone who wants to be in a committed and loving relationship. And who knows, maybe I’ll end up down the aisle like some of the Gems?
We’ve tried to dial back the heat and passion between us at the country club, but it’s hard. Dominic and I are passionate players. However, we both agreed to keep our relationship undercover because the last thing I want is for the press to get a whiff we’re back together. The problem in the past, Daddy used to say, is that I play with too much heart, but that’s my style and I doubt it’s going to change. I’ll keep my composure today on the court as much as I can, but that will be hard because Dominic was deep inside me just hours ago.
We drive separately to the club for an extra Monday session because we don’t want anyone to get the idea we’re together. However, we’re still drawing attention. Bystanders consistently form a crowd around my favorite court, number seven. I guess word has gotten out, and people want to see Dominic play on the weekends. I nod at several folks as I walk onto the court. Dominic is already there.
How does he manage to beat me every time? He has to be as exhausted as I am after that marathon session in bed.
“Good morning.” He smiles knowingly from across the net.
“Morning,” I respond.
“You ready for a workout?” he asks.
“Are you? Because I’m raring to go.” We’ve come to the court on random weekday afternoons when everyone is getting off work and gotten in some extra games to ensure I won’t embarrass myself as Dominic’s partner in the tournament.
Dominic gets into position in the back court. “Ready whenever you are.”
An hour later, after another intense game, Dominic comes over and shakes my hand. We have an audience so we play it cool. “Good game. You’re improving.”
“Thanks to you.”
He doesn’t release my hand. “No, it’s because of you and your innate ability. This is a refresher course, nothing more. Okay?” When I nod, he lets go.
“So, what are you doing later?” I ask.
“I’m meeting Justice. The lawyers have drawn up the documents and are ready for us to sign.”
“Good luck. I know how much this means to you both.”
He gives me a dazzling smile. “Thank you. I’ll call you later.” He turns on his heel and walks away. I will myself not to watch. It’s hard, but I do it. If for nothing else than to test myself, prove that I can endure him leaving because there will come a point one day soon that he will.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, I hop in my Benz and drive to my office. I’m feeling good until my display reads “Dad.”
My father doesn’t often call. I’ve been a disappointment to him since I didn’t live up to my full potential. I press the talk button. “Hey, Daddy.”
“What’s this I hear about you playing tennis with that Fletcher boy again?” he asks, no preamble. And how did he find out? Does he have spies or something?
When I’m silent, he asks again, “Well? I’m waiting, young lady.”
I don’t owe him an explanation. I’m a grown woman and I can do what I want. So why do I feel as if I’ve done something wrong? “What about it?”
“So you admit to seeing him again?”
“Yes.”
Why is Daddy harping on Dominic? I know he was never a fan, but that was twelve years ago. Is he harboring resentment toward Dominic because of how he treated me?
“He’s headlining the Desert Smash tournament,” I answer. “And somehow I was talked into doing a doubles match with him. It’ll be fine.”
“I don’t think so,” my father responds. “Do you remember how devastated you were? He abandoned you and left you to face all that bad press.”
“Do we have to talk about this, Daddy? It’s in the past.” Where I want to keep it. Hearing all this negativity after Dominic and I have been intimate again is too much. It’s not like I can forget what happened. I’ve chosen to move on so I can have the pleasure I’ve found in Dominic’s arms, if only for a short time.
“Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it.”
“I’m not a young ingenue player on the cusp of stardom. I’m a real estate agent, Daddy. No one cares what I’m up to.”
“He’s a Grand Slam champion, Teagan. The press will always be sniffing around him, and if you’re playing tennis again, let alone with him, it’s bound to get picked up. What then? I won’t be able to come to your rescue.”
“I don’t need you to, Daddy. I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own two feet. I can look after myself.” I was nineteen back then and completely crushed by losing my career and my man at the same time, but I’m not that young woman anymore. I’m stronger.
“That’s good to hear, but I’m warning you about that man. He’s not to be trusted, Teagan. Don’t listen to him or believe a word he says, you hear me?”
I know not to argue with my father and I reply, “Yes, Daddy.” However, I’m curious why he’s so adamant I stay away from Dominic.
Does he know something I don’t?
And if so, what is it? What is he hiding?
“Good girl,” he responds. “When are you coming over for dinner? Your mother and I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“I’ve been busy, Daddy.”
Busy in bed with Dominic, the man he wants me to stay away from.
“Too busy for your parents? That’s nonsense. We’ll see you next Sunday.”
I sigh in defeat. When he gets into one of his dictator moods, nothing I say will appease him. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
I end the call before he can make any further demands. I should be used to his behavior, but I’m not. I would give anything to have a normal father-daughter relationship. I guess that’s not possible considering he acted as both my coach and my agent for so many years. It skewed how we talk to each other, and even though I’m no longer playing, our relationship never returned to something resembling normalcy. I doubt it was ever possible really because with my father, it’s his way or the highway.
When I make it to the office, Amanda greets me. “Good morning, Teagan.”
“Good morning. How are you? How’s your mom doing?” Amanda’s mother has been in chemotherapy and it has taken a toll on the young woman. I sent over a care package as well as had some healthy dinners delivered.
“I’m okay. Mom is hanging in there. She’s truly appreciative of everything you’ve sent. They’ve gone a long way. Some scented bodywash, lotions and candles may not seem like much, but after losing her hair it made her feel better.”
“I’m so glad.” I walk over and give Amanda’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “If there’s anything else I can do, let me know.”
“You’ve been more than generous by giving me time off to take her to chemo.”
“Anytime.”
I head to my office and resolve to give my own mother a call. I have been a bit preoccupied with Dominic the last couple of weeks and need to do better. When I arrive at my desk, I see Brett has left this month’s projections. If we close on the Walther deal and another sale that’s dragged for months, the agency will finally be in the black and I can breathe again.
My investment in joining the country club is paying off not only professionally, but also personally. If I hadn’t joined, I wouldn’t have reconnected with Dominic.
Being with Dominic again has reignited feelings I’d kept undercover. It’s forcing me to deal with emotions I hadn’t wanted to address all those years ago. I had been on the cusp of womanhood and fell hard. I didn’t know how to handle the heartbreak when he didn’t feel for me what I felt for him.
What does he feel now?
Lust. Desire. I know he feels those because he’s unable to control his physical response to me. His dick gets hard if I’m within a few feet of him. I’ve been enjoying our sexual encounters, and am not ashamed to admit I’m a slave to this white-hot chemistry between us. But if I’m honest with myself, it’s not just the sex. I’ve gotten to know who Dominic is now. He’s not just the GOAT. He’s a warm, kind and giving man who cares about his family and has supported them for years. His charity organization, Fletcher Cares, does wonders for the community by helping less fortunate children find their place in the athletic world. Then, I see how he’s supporting Justice on a new business venture even though he doesn’t know what the outcome will be. He isn’t the selfish, spotlight-stealing man I thought him to be. He’s so much more.
I’m falling for him all over again.
Houston, we have a problem.