Read Online Love-40 by Anna Cheska - Free Book Online

a chignon, the golden nape of her neck bare but for a few delicate platinum strands. Jesus … Liam wondered if he had the strength for this.
    At CG’s, most of the younger players didn’t bother with tennis whites, since they had been voted optional a few years ago – much to the disgust of Erica and the blazers, as Liam referred to the Old School of the club. It didn’t encourage young blood, had been the argument; kids hated to be told what to wear, the days of tennis whites and wooden rackets were over. And if kids – of all backgrounds, Liam always stressed – weren’t encouraged into the game, how much longer would English tennis fans have to wait for a British winner at Wimbledon?
    No, getting down to grass roots didn’t include tennis whites as far as Liam was concerned. And Nick could look a bit of a prat since he always chose to wear them. But in Liam’s opinion, Amanda Lake always looked good – she couldn’t not.
    â€˜Do you fancy a game?’ he asked her.
    Amanda glanced at her tiny gold watch. She frowned. ‘Why not? That’s what we’re here for.’
    Liam got to his feet. ‘Singles?’ He wasn’t bothered about playing a woman, though it would be bloody difficult to keep his eye on the ball. For a start he knew how good she was – she’d probably wipe the floor with him.
    â€˜Singles,’ she confirmed. ‘Though I must say, Liam darling, I’d be happy to play mixed doubles with you any time.’
    *   *   *
    They strolled through the door that led out of the conservatory and on to the small patio outside. Erica had christened it the Barbecue Patio, some money had been allocated for decorative cast iron chairs and circular tables and the building of a barbecue from fire-bricks. So when weather permitted, it was equally pleasant to sit outside the conservatory. Surprising almost, Liam thought, that anyone actually played tennis.
    â€˜Grass?’ Amanda enquired.
    For a moment, Liam recalled the fragrance of pot and thought she was offering him something quite different. Then he realised his mistake.
    â€˜It’s dry enough,’ she added.
    â€˜Why not?’ There were certain rules to be adhered to when playing on grass – like the courts shouldn’t be used before 10 am, that they must be checked by the groundsman or a committee member before play. But it was mild again today and it looked as if the light cloud might break at any time and surprise them with some sunshine.
    Liam bent down to check. The court was dry and the grass springy. He flexed his muscles. He was feeling good.
    â€˜So you teach English?’ Amanda murmured, touching his arm.
    He felt himself grow taller. ‘In middle schools you teach the lot.’ As they piled their gear on to the wooden bench court-side, and sorted out rackets and balls, Liam found himself explaining some of the rudiments of the educational system to a captive audience. Estelle always looked bored when he sounded off about his job, but Amanda seemed riveted. Her baby-blue eyes hardly left his face and the questions she asked showed she’d been listening. But, what had she meant about the mixed doubles, he wondered.
    â€˜I didn’t realise it was so complicated,’ she murmured, as she spun her racket. ‘Rough or smooth?’
    â€˜Rough,’ Liam said, suddenly not caring about the game. He’d much rather sit down with her and go on talking. Though come to think of it, maybe they could do a bit of that after this blasted committee meeting tonight. Erica Raddle always chose the time to suit Erica Raddle; seven o’clock on a Saturday evening was hardly ideal for Liam, but on the other hand a friendly drink with Amanda afterwards could make it worthwhile. Not in any sexual way, of course. He had Estelle – in theory at least. He was in love with Estelle, and he would get her back. He had no worries on