CHAPTER 36
George
It’s match point and me to serve.
I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my tournament.
I look up to my left and see Leo, hands clasped under her chin, green eyes wide under her special Team Hampden cap. She’s so fucking cute.
My mother didn’t show, apparently she was needed at home. Fuck knows what for. Didn’t even tell me herself, but through Gordon.
I couldn’t care less.
But this is time to focus. To finish this.
——
I woke up this morning, refreshed, calm. And so fucking horny.
Leo’s fantastic arse pressed against my crotch is how I want to spend every morning.
She was already awake, not wanting to disturb my sleep, and giggled as I started poking her behind.
She told me to save my energy, but didn’t protest as my hand slipped between her legs, followed by my cock, desperate to be buried in her tight, wet, heat again.
I lifted her leg slightly, my other arm locked around her chest, and entered her from behind, slowly, groaning as she moaned against my palm, her hands grasping my arm.
The intimate position allowed me to tend to her neck, nibble her ear just as she likes and basically make her really fucking wet until she was shaking and trembling in my arms, close again.
It didn’t take me long to get there too, grasping her plump arse cheeks, pulling her close to me.
Bon-fucking-jour.
——
I don’t want to embarrass Nilsson. He’s played well, but I’m in the best form. I feel dominant, in control, fucking flawless.
He valiantly returns what should be an ace, but he’s on the back foot, defending as I push him further and further back with each shot, waiting patiently before I pounce.
I seize the opportunity for an unexpected drop shot, feinting another booming forehand, but slicing gently and the ball lands just over the net, stopping dead in its tracks.
I look up and Nilsson hasn’t even moved.
‘Game. Set. Match. Hampden.’
I hear the crowd erupt and I sneak a glance back to my box to see Leo jumping up and down, hugging Tom jubilantly. Gordon claps slowly, a smirk on his face as per.
I jog to the net and embrace Nilsson. ‘Well played, sir. You gave me a hell of a fight.’
He laughs. ‘Hampden.’ His perfect English is delivered in a broad Swedish accent. ‘You are too kind. I tried my best but you are unstoppable. You will go the whole way with form like that.’
I nod, a tight smile threatening to spill over but I’m still wary of the eyes on me. ‘Thank you, Gustav.’
We give our post-match interviews, my eyes searching for Leo as I leave to head down the tunnel. She’s gone from the box.
I head to the locker room, various staff and players clapping me on the back, praising my performance. I’ve been popular before, despite acting like a complete arsehole, but this is different. I’m different.
I check the results to see that Cedars also won his match and I let out a ‘yes!’ with a punch to the air.
A few heads turn, firstly disturbed by the noise and then shocked when they see it’s me, actually displaying some kind of emotion.
I venture a smile, pointing at the scores, and they smile back.
It’s new. It’s nice.
Who am I?
I fish out my phone to text her and see a message from Jack.
Jack Harper:
Smashed it mate. Everyone’s proud of you.
You were insane.
Bit of extra coaching paid off, eh?
Nice to see Leo enjoying herself, thanks for looking after her.
I’m definitely looking after her. Just not in the way he might think. She must have been on TV; I’ll tackle that later.
George Hampden:
Cheers mate.
Serve’s still a bit dodgy though ;)
Let’s call later, if you’re free?
I want to tell him about Leo. I’m actually excited to, although I’m unsure of his reaction.
I keep thinking about her as I carry on down the hall, away from the crowds and towards the fairly empty players-only area, when suddenly she’s there.
She’s glowing, a simple black sundress and white trainers, Team Hampden cap worn proudly, a huge grin on her beautiful face. She’s beaming, radiating joy.
A flash of last night crosses my mind. I think I’m falling for you, George.
My heart aches. It’s a new feeling. Not unwelcome, just new. I jog over to her, dropping my bag and lifting her up into my arms as she squeals.
‘One down!’ she laughs. ‘You were just, on another level, George.’ I let her down, cupping her arse as she slides down my front, and she looks around, checking we’re alone before kissing me. ‘You were amazing!’
She kisses me again. ‘I’m so proud of you.’
She pulls me into a hug, clinging tight, and I dip down, resting my chin on top of her head.
‘Let’s not get too over excited, shall we?’ Gordon steps into view, appearing from nowhere. I look around and see alcoves dotting the sides of the room, sneaky fucker.
Leo jumps away, shocked. I wish I could pull her back, but I have to respect her wishes, go at her pace.
‘You played well, George, but it’s only one match. Plenty to go before we can get excited.’ He’s bored, unemotional. Has he always been like this and I’m only just noticing now? Is that how I appear to everyone?
It makes me uneasy.
He turns to Leo. ‘Miss James, I’m not sure why you’re here? It’s for players and agents only.’ He fixes her with a stare and she turns to leave, the jubilant mood souring immediately.
‘Leo.’ I go to walk after her, but Gordon catches my arm.
‘It’s been a long time since I caught you sleeping with the help, Georgy, and during a tournament too,’ he tuts.
Rage boils within me instantly as I shove his arm away and turn to make sure Leo hasn’t heard, but she’s gone.
I want to go after her but his words register properly and I turn slowly, my voice low.
‘What the fuck are you talking about?’
He looks slightly amused, almost enjoying the rise he’s managed to get out of me.
‘As I keep saying, it’s time for you to grow up, George.
’ He brushes at something on his shirt, seemingly unbothered by this confrontation.
‘You upset Mother, you barely see me all week.’ He pauses.
‘Last year, you mess up games, you dump Olivia—’
‘Stop, Gordon.’ My fists are shaking, balled at my sides.
‘And now you’re clearly shagging this social-climbing girl from nowhere.’ He shakes his head. ‘Pathetic.’
‘Gordon,’ I warn him quietly, aware of others filing into the players’ lounge.
‘You’re out of control, George.’ He looks at me, disdain colouring his expression. ‘You used to be so much better. And I won’t let you fuck up my career too.’
‘I just won, Gordon. I played the best I have in years.’ I don’t know why I’m justifying myself.
‘You won against Nilsson, George.’ He raises an eyebrow, his voice so condescending. ‘I could win against Nilsson.’
‘You couldn’t win against anyone! That’s why you’re the agent and I’m the player!’ I shout, heads turning now. I rarely ever raise my voice, especially in public. It’s unnerving and I start to feel panic rising at the hushed whispers.
Breathe, George, breathe.
Gordon smirks. ‘See what I mean?’ He turns to leave. Mission accomplished it seems. ‘I’ll see you at the hotel. We have a lot to take away from today. You’re playing tomorrow evening, in case you didn’t realize.’
Of course I did. Prick.
I watch him stride away, his confident swagger angering me further. I have to focus on grounding myself as the turmoil inside me persists. I breathe, breathe again, and sit down.
I pull out my phone.
George Hampden:
Leo, where are you?
Leo James:
I’m outside in the car.
I’m here when you need me.
I couldn’t stay there, sorry.
I let out a long sigh of relief.
George Hampden:
I’m coming now.
I gather my things and rush to meet her, obligations fulfilled. I need to see her, to feel her and make sure everything is OK. It has to be OK.
But she didn’t leave. Didn’t leave me here and run away.
The ache in my chest persists, cringing at Gordon’s words, the way he described her. I think of her whisper in the night. I think I’m falling for you, George.
I don’t think I’m falling for her.
I already have.
——
I duck into the car and she’s there, concern etched on her face.
‘George! Are you OK?’
I pull her over to the middle seat as we drive away, burying my head into her neck, taking in her scent, how comforting it is to me now.
‘I’m so sorry, Leo.’ I pull back and look at her. ‘So, so sorry.’
She raises an eyebrow. ‘About Gordon?’ She shakes her head. ‘You don’t need to worry. He’s a total prick, but I’ve met too many of those to count.’
I’m surprised. ‘Did you hear what he said?’
She nods and I groan. ‘You know you’re more than that to me, right?’ I need her to believe me. ‘And I’m not like that anyway.’
She takes my hand. ‘I know you. I know what this is.’ My eyes widen as she leans in to kiss me.
‘I made the mistake last year of listening to hurtful words, of not considering what could be going on with you under the surface, taking things at face value. It’s going to take more than some pompous arsehole to break us apart with some outdated, sexist bullshit. ’
I can’t help but laugh. ‘You’re not wrong about him.’ I kiss her again. ‘I’m so pleased you’re here. Thank you.’
‘You did so fantastically, George.’ She urges me on. ‘Don’t listen to him. Listen to yourself. Your body. Your mind.’ She squeezes my hand. ‘You conquered this. You won. You got yourself to this point. He didn’t. Don’t forget that.’
I sit back, mulling over her words, and we finish the journey in comfortable silence. Hand in hand.
She makes me strong too. We can take on anything together.