Talk about patronizing. Amber forced herself to unclench her teeth; pride mattered less than the chance to improve herself enough to regain it. "If you're willing to teach me how to kick your ass up and down the court, school me all you want." She'd listen to Eric's advice. She'd let him train her, smug and gloating because he knew oh so much more. But more importantly, she was going to practice on her own. Find other players, hone her skills til they were sharp as Eric's; she could beat him in a real game, without the cheating. Amber knew she could.
That'd mean time, of course. Weeks, at least. Probably months. Eric was more than just a bit better; he was in a whole other league. Wishing to have more endurance, to be more agile, wouldn't make her so. It'd take work. To take up a project like that-- it meant a few assumptions about the longevity of their relationship. Well. Even if they broke up before she could beat him, she'd still be better at playing ball. Wasn’t likely to, but that could come in handy elsewhere.
But Amber didn't reveal her thoughts. Unlike Eric, who was sputtering behind her, she could be subtle. Her stomach rippled with silent laughter as she straightened up; she hadn't meant to provoke a reaction and yet she had. Turning, Amber couldn't have hidden a smile even if she'd wanted. Eric was significantly wetter and more naked: just as she preferred him. His torso gleamed in the gym’s bright lights and the tiny shirt over his shoulder made his chest seem wider. Watching him now, sleek and self-possessed, gave his movements a whole new meaning. Amber had, from the very night they’d met, the pleasure to know just how much physical competence he had to back his confidence up with. He’d been cocky, but there was no denying that he knew how to touch her, how to use his body to turn her on. But having seen him in action in this game against her, her appreciation from now on might be mixed with a dash of resentment. It’d be hard to forgive him besting her—no, impossible to forgive herself. Amber couldn’t abide by being the lesser of the two.
"Don’t push your luck," she scolded, but her tone was mostly gracious. Inside Amber may be rioting for having let herself down, but she wouldn't betray her disappointment any further. Starting the walk out of the courts, she asked, "Do they sell food here? Or do you know a better place?" Amber normally didn't go out for lunch. If she'd had a strong preference, she'd have already insisted on her way, but since she didn't, she was curious to hear Eric's suggestions.
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That'd mean time, of course. Weeks, at least. Probably months. Eric was more than just a bit better; he was in a whole other league. Wishing to have more endurance, to be more agile, wouldn't make her so. It'd take work. To take up a project like that-- it meant a few assumptions about the longevity of their relationship. Well. Even if they broke up before she could beat him, she'd still be better at playing ball. Wasn’t likely to, but that could come in handy elsewhere.
But Amber didn't reveal her thoughts. Unlike Eric, who was sputtering behind her, she could be subtle. Her stomach rippled with silent laughter as she straightened up; she hadn't meant to provoke a reaction and yet she had. Turning, Amber couldn't have hidden a smile even if she'd wanted. Eric was significantly wetter and more naked: just as she preferred him. His torso gleamed in the gym’s bright lights and the tiny shirt over his shoulder made his chest seem wider. Watching him now, sleek and self-possessed, gave his movements a whole new meaning. Amber had, from the very night they’d met, the pleasure to know just how much physical competence he had to back his confidence up with. He’d been cocky, but there was no denying that he knew how to touch her, how to use his body to turn her on. But having seen him in action in this game against her, her appreciation from now on might be mixed with a dash of resentment. It’d be hard to forgive him besting her—no, impossible to forgive herself. Amber couldn’t abide by being the lesser of the two.
"Don’t push your luck," she scolded, but her tone was mostly gracious. Inside Amber may be rioting for having let herself down, but she wouldn't betray her disappointment any further. Starting the walk out of the courts, she asked, "Do they sell food here? Or do you know a better place?" Amber normally didn't go out for lunch. If she'd had a strong preference, she'd have already insisted on her way, but since she didn't, she was curious to hear Eric's suggestions.