Kate's Recovery Pt. 02

Arriving at her parents Botswana home, they barely had time to drop their bags and have a coffee at home before her father announced they had to leave.

"Right, we've got an hour before we're due at Auntie Sharon's. Aiden, why don't you take the downstairs guest suite? That way, we all have our own bathrooms."

As she got ready, Kate smiled at the idea of Aiden in the guest suite. The house was of brick and concrete construction and essentially soundproof, but that room, in particular, was designed to be separate from the house. Kate briefly imagined sneaking into his room for a secret rendez-vous. She just needed to work out if Aiden felt the same way about her; more importantly, she needed to work out what to do if he did.

Kate let her parents lead the conversation on the twenty minute walk. She resisted the urge to take Aiden's hand as they walked. For the first time, she was jealous of her parents and the easy way they showed each other public affection. The thought quickly disappeared as they arrived at Auntie Sharon's house and were welcomed by their Botswana family.

Kate held back her laughter as Auntie Sharon ignored her parents to welcome her and Aiden. Over her shoulder, she could see her Aunt Maggie and her father's protégé Alex with his wife Lily and his childhood friends Candice, Dani, Lexi, Rich and Don, with their spouses - her other aunts and uncles and their children. All holding back until the Matriarch got her welcome in.

Once all the greetings had been exchanged, Kate found herself separated from Aiden as Auntie Sharon took her hand and led her to the patio table. Her mother and aunts went into the house, and Aiden was led by her father to join the other men who were drinking. Kate smiled when she saw Aiden help her cousin Charlie and some of the other teens build a fire for the braai.

"So, my girl, how are you? How's the knee?" Auntie Sharon asked, kindly putting a drink in front of her.

"I'm good; my knee is fine. Aiden has worked really hard to get me back in shape; I'm hoping to get back on court while we're here," Kate answered.

"He's a good boy," Auntie Sharon replied, looking over at him. "Always polite and happy to help. Out of all the people your parents have brought into our lives from England, he's the one who seems to fit in and wants to be here the most. Excluding Penny, of course," Auntie Sharon said, referring to her daughter-in-law.

"It helps, he's Will's best friend," Kate replied with a smile. "You remember when we were kids, if Will wanted to do something, Aiden had to do it as well. He always hated it when we came without him."

"It wasn't just them; it was all of you, Natalie, too. The five of you caused mayhem. I was so happy when Charlie and your other cousins came along. They were so much younger, but you couldn't leave them out, so you slowed down."

Kate smiled, looking over at her younger cousin. Then, a thought struck her, and it was particularly important as it could shed light on her feelings for Aiden.

"Auntie Sharon, I have all these Aunts and Uncles who aren't really family. Why do I see Charlie as a cousin but others like Aiden and Natalie I see more as friends even though we're as close as siblings?"

"That's easy, sweetheart. You know our motto, 'a family built on connection, not blood'. Mike is my bonus son and your Uncle Don's brother in every way but blood, so Charlie is your cousin. You call the others aunt and uncle because they love you and have been in your life since the day your parents took you in and decided to love you."

"That makes sense, I think," Kate replied, unable to think of another reason.

"Why did you ask that question, dear?"

"I don't know," Kate lied. "Just, I've had a lot of time to think while injured. I know the stories and the webs that link us, but some feel stronger than others. Maybe it's because I'm adopted, and I still sometimes wonder where my place in all of this is."

"You have to find that answer for yourself," Sharon replied. "But just remember, you chose us; we didn't choose you. You were placed with your parents; they didn't just turn up, and pick you out of an orphanage. From what Sarah says, you knew you were home almost instantly. If you hadn't settled and felt safe, your social worker and the authorities would have taken you away no matter how attached your parents were. So at just two years old you picked us."

"Thanks, Auntie Sharon, I know all that, but sometimes it's good to be reminded," Kate replied, smiling.

Kate understood better. Charlie was her cousin because his father was as good as her father's brother. Aiden was as close as family, but their relationship had always been defined by friendship rather than family. She suddenly felt less guilty about her feelings.

Kate spent a few more minutes talking to Auntie Sharon before people joined them. First, it was her father and other men. Kate couldn't hide her laughter as her father barely took a seat when Auntie Sharon scolded him.

"Hey, Arsehole, what do you think you're doing? You know the rules; if you're going to bring your family here to eat my food and drink my booze, you're in charge of the braai."

Kate was still laughing as she saw her dad smile before answering.

"It's time for the next generation, Sharon. Aiden is learning how to take over the braai at home, and Charlie is ready. I'm older than Stuart was when he handed me and Don the tongs," Mike answered.

"Fine, but you can go and get me and your daughter another drink before sitting down, and while you're there, remember what happened the last time you referred to me and my husband without our proper titles," Auntie Sharon ordered.

Kate watched her father laugh as he got up to go to the bar. Inevitably, everyone else wanted a drink, so Kate got up to help him.

"Do you think Auntie Sharon will ever stop giving you a hard time?" Kate asked as she arranged beer bottles onto a tray.

"Nope, and I will never stop baiting her. It's our thing, like how cooking is my and Grandma's thing," he answered. "Why aren't you in the kitchen gossiping with your mother and the other women who seem to think they control my life?"

"Mum does control your life, Daddy. The rest of them are her advisory board to help keep you in check. You know that, you literally call them the 'Coven'" Kate answered, grinning. "I couldn't; Auntie Sharon claimed my hand so we could talk and catch up."

When they returned, everyone had settled around the three camping tables that had been set up so everyone could sit together as they ate. It was one of the things Kate loved about this house and her family in general; where possible, everyone ate together at the same table, even if they had to make extra arrangements.

Kate sat in silence as she listened to the range of conversations around her, taking in the feeling of being back in Botswana. She smiled as Aiden loudly announced that the food was ready while her father and his friends critiqued his effort. She got up to make a plate out of habit, but felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. It was her Aunt Candice.

"I'll do it; it's your first day home; you get a freebie?"

"Are you going to do my plate Candice? It's my first day back as well," Mike smiled.

"Your father can fuck off and make his own," Candice replied remaining focused on Kate.

Kate smiled in appreciation as Aiden took the seat next to her. Kate suppressed a shudder when he squeezed her thigh gently.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

Kate smiled brightly, "Yeah, just a bit tired from the travelling; I would have preferred a nap before we came over."

"You're tired; you're the only one who hasn't done any work," Aiden teased.

"I'm sure I'll do my part next week. You can't blame me if Auntie Sharon wanted my company," she replied as Aiden laughed.

"I don't think it will be as big a party next week, lazy bones."

Kate just laughed as plates of food appeared in front of them.

When Kate got to bed that night, she was happy and content. She remembered the goodnight hug Aiden had given her. Something about the smoke from the braai, blending in with his cologne and natural scent, appealed to her. His cologne and natural scent represent her attraction, the small of the braai was the comforting smell of her childhood, getting hugs from her dad and uncles during family get-togethers.

Waking up, Kate felt refreshed, thankful for having a couple more days to relax before starting training. They shared a basic breakfast as a group before her mum manipulated the situation to get some alone time with Kate.

"Babe, Don and Penny only stocked us up with the basics. Why don't you take Aiden to restock properly, and I'll get some alone time with Kate?"

"Yes, dear," Mike replied exasperated. "Anything in particular we need?"

"Food, wine, whatever Aiden says Kate needs. But especially wine and beer. I don't want to be short when the people you grew up with arrive unannounced. Also, get some extra beer for when we visit your family tomorrow."

"Yes, my love. Come on, Aiden, the boss has given us our orders."

Her mum busied herself with making coffee before inviting Kate onto the patio.

"So, what's going on between you and Aiden?" Sarah asked.

"Nothing. He's my friend and personal trainer. I think I want it to be more, but I don't know. I don't think he feels the same," Kate answered carefully after arranging her thoughts.

"You're as dense as your father sometimes. He's always loved you. He decided his entire career path around being able to support you. That's more than a close friend; he dedicated himself to supporting your dreams in his own way."

Kate was shocked, "But he's never said anything; he's never made a move to let me know how he feels about me."

"Why would he make a move on you? Have you ever treated him as anything more than a close friend or pseudo-brother?" Sarah admonished before softening her tone. "You've dedicated your life to tennis; you've never had time for anything else. During the season, we barely get to see you. Maybe we get a week a month; if we're lucky, we get two. When you are home, you're never really there; you're thinking about the next tournament and what you need to work on. You talk to Dad about the business side of things. But name the last time before your injury you were just happy to be at home. Kate, if you want a long and prosperous relationship, you need a shared life where you know your partner prioritises you and your relationship above everything. If you want him, you have to work out how to share your life and prioritise him. Is that even possible?"

"Mum, how did you know Daddy was the one?" Kate asked after thinking for a moment. "I know Aunt Mandy introduced you, and your first date was watching Lord of the Rings at his place, but how did you know he was the one? Aunt Karen says that once you set your sights on him, no force on earth would have kept you from him."

"Karen is right. But she only told you half the story," Sarah said, smiling. "Falling in love with him was the easy part. She forgot to mention that love is a building block; by itself, it's not enough. Your dad is the one for me because we've worked together to build our relationship every day since we met. He annoys me, and there are days I swear he was put on this planet to frustrate me, but I've never doubted his love and commitment. My first thought every day is how to keep building with him."

"I thought your first thought every day would be about your children," Kate teased.

"Kate, everything you and your siblings know about me as a mum boils down to our marriage," Sarah said seriously. "That's the foundation of our family, and the life we built for you. You know that old song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth'? My heaven is the world we've built together. Can you give Aiden that level of commitment? Mike and I started as strangers. You've known Aiden your entire life. If you pursue him, you need to be sure. If this doesn't work out between you, it's going to affect a lot of people. He's your brother's best friend. He's my best friend's son. Your lives are entwined in this wonderful, gigantic extended family we've built. That's a lot of people who are going to be affected."

"Mum, I don't want to hurt anyone, especially Aiden. I know I'm developing strong feelings for him, but I don't recognise them or know how to deal with them," Kate replied earnestly. "But, I've spent pretty much every day with him for the last six months. In that time, I've noticed things about him I didn't before. I'm calmer around him, and he grounds me. He doesn't let me walk all over him when the spoilt tennis star comes out. I feel better around him."

"That's a start. Don't do anything until you work out how you feel about him. There's no harm in being cautious. He's not going anywhere."

"Thanks, Mum," Kate replied, hugging her mum tightly before getting up to get them more coffee.

They spent the rest of the morning sitting in the sunshine, waiting for her dad and Aiden to return with the shopping. After they restocked the house, Kate sat with her dad and went over her plans leading up to the Australian Open. She was a bit nervous because she was struggling to find a coach. On her shortlist of people who fit her game, a few were willing to help with analysis over Zoom, but she couldn't find anybody willing to come on tour with her. Her dad calmed her down.

"Don't worry about it. Someone will come along. No one has seen you play in months. Do well; they'll be begging to work with you. This is why you need to go to Australia. Meet and talk to people. Video calls are great, but nothing beats personal interaction."

"Thanks, Daddy," Kate replied before they went over her training arrangements.

As usual, she'd been given a court at the national tennis centre for two hours every afternoon once she was ready. He had spoken to the Botswana Tennis Association, and they were happy to find some hitting partners from the African Circuit. Kate declined, pointing out she hadn't even been cleared yet for basic drills, let alone high-level hitting with semi-professionals.

She quickly fell into a routine. In the mornings, before the heat got overwhelming, Aiden would take her on a gentle jog or walk around the estate, which formed a natural 5K route. After they had lunch together, they would head to the gym for weights and stretches before Aiden gave her a massage. In the evenings, they would have dinner with her parents, often joined by one of their family friends. Sunday afternoons were reserved for family dinner with Auntie Sharon and Uncle Stuart.

Kate worked hard to include herself more in Aiden's life. She asked him how the gym was doing in his absence, and she would tell him about her fears about returning to the tour. She didn't disclose that one of her biggest fears was leaving him behind. Her feelings for him grew daily, and she became more convinced she loved him. She felt she could take on anything as long as he was beside her. It was the feeling her mother had described.

At the end of their second week in Botswana, Aiden had a surprise for her. Instead of taking her jogging, he directed her to the car they were sharing for their stay.

Kate spent the journey into town thinking about how to resolve her feelings for Aiden before her tennis career took over her life. She was pulled out of her thoughts when they pulled up at the tennis courts where she'd hit her first ball.

"Aiden, what's going on?" she asked in surprise. "What are we doing here?"

"You're going to play tennis," he replied, his tone glib. "You've done everything I asked. I can't do anything more. You're tennis fitness will come back in time but the next part of your journey is up to you."

"I don't have any of my gear with me. How am I going to play?" she asked.

"Don't worry about that; I've made arrangements," Aiden smiled. "Just take it slow, and don't push it."

Kate was surprised to find her dad waiting for them at the sign-in desk with her kit bag.

"Daddy, what are you doing here?" she said, confused.

"Aiden thought having someone hit balls back at you might be good, so I offered," he replied. "I taught you how to play, remember? I thought getting the first to hit with you on your return might be nice."

"Daddy, you can hit with me whenever you want, you know that," Kate told him with a big smile.

Kate had always loved hitting with him and she typically tried to have at least one session with him when he joined her own tour. It was a reminder of her first days on court. If they kept it casual he could generally provide a consistent ball. But it was more than that, his movements were natural and instinctual and his technique was classic and picture perfect developed from growing up watching McEnroe and later Sampras and Henman, from his kick serve down to his preference for a single handed backhand. A choice she'd adopted in her own career. But really it gave Kate a glimpse into the player he was before he'd decided to put down his racquet for nearly thirty years until she'd requested he teach her.

They began gently as she refamiliarised herself with being on the court, but everything felt off. Her timing and rhythm were gone, and she didn't feel comfortable. It all fell apart when she had to return a shot just out of reach. She had to stretch and extend her knee, and the fear overtook her, fearing that she would reinjure herself, and she pulled out of the shot. This happened a few more times before she broke down in tears.

Mike and Aiden rushed to her side.

"Hey, is everything okay?" Aiden asked.

"No," Kate sobbed. "I'm not ready. I feel off; my timing and rhythm have gone, and I don't trust my knee."

"You are ready," Aiden reassured her. "We've done everything we can to get you here, and now you need to trust the work and let go."

"No, Aiden, I'm not ready," she threw back defiantly.

Kate listened as her dad asked Aiden to give them a minute and get a drink.

"What's wrong?" Mike asked when they were alone.

Kate knew from his voice that her father wasn't interested in her evasions; he wanted the truth.

"I'm scared," she told him through her tears. "I keep thinking about how easily I got injured. Whenever I need to trust my knee, I think about how easily it could fall apart. I don't know if I can do this again. I can't play if I don't feel comfortable."

"Kate Smith," Mike said sternly. "You can do this. You've built your life around playing tennis. You taught me how to love this game again. You're my daughter, and I will love you regardless. But will you love yourself if you give up? I can't and won't make you do anything you don't want to, but I don't want to watch you wondering 'what if' and living with regrets. So what do you want to do?"

"I don't want to give up," she replied defiantly. "I want to win Wimbledon. I want to win all four slams.

"Okay," Mike replied. "So what do we do now?"

"I don't know," Kate replied, looking her father in the eyes for the first time. As always, they were soft and caring.

"Okay. Let's forget about you getting back on tour for a minute," Mike told her. "I think you need to rediscover what you love about the game. Fall in love with tennis again; let that guide you back to the tour. Go back to basics."

"How do I do that, Daddy?" Kate asked.

"I don't know, Princess. It's your journey, I can point you in the right direction but you have to walk the path. Mum and I will support you, as will the rest of the horde we call family. Come on, let's grab a drink while you think about it."

Kate followed her father into the clubhouse. Aiden was at the bar nursing a sports drink, looking lost. Kate hated seeing him like that. Ignoring her father's presence, she approached him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey," she said quietly. "I'll be okay. You've done everything you can; now it's my turn."

Aiden looked at her and nodded, but he still looked uncertain. Impulsively, Kate hugged him. It took a moment, but she felt him return the hug. Something changed once his arms were around her. Her doubts disappeared, and she could only focus on his warmth and scent.

"I'm going back on court with Daddy," she whispered. "Join us when you're ready."

Back on the court, instead of hitting together, she asked her dad to lead her through some of the basic drills he had used to teach her as a child. It was just what she needed. She didn't need to move too much; she just needed to focus on the shot and her form. Sixty balls, ten forehands down the line, ten cross-court, repeat with backhands. Ten serves into the deuce court, ten into the ad court. She didn't worry about top spin or shot placement, it was just basic continental grip, and making contact with ball, just like when she was eight. Collect balls into the basket and repeat.

She repeated this three times; keeping her mind clear as she focused on the next ball. Normally, this workout would have been barely more than a warmup, but it exhausted her. She collected the balls one more time before joining her dad and Aiden in the stands.

They smiled at her gently, and she took the sports drink her dad offered.

"How was that?" Aiden asked.

"Better. I've still got a long way to go. But it was good hitting the ball again." She told them

After her successful return to the court, they rejoined the family for Sunday dinner at Auntie Sharon's. Kate's achievement added a celebratory atmosphere. By the time they got home Kate was feeling excited and wanted to prolong the feeling. Instead of following her parents to bed, she persuaded Aiden to stay up with her on the patio after liberating a bottle of wine from the store in the pantry. She had accomplished one of her goals by returning to the court. Now she needed to deal with her feelings for him before tennis returned to the top of her priority list.

"This is what I mean by your lack of professionalism," Aiden laughed as she opened the wine. "Proper rest and below moderate drinking aren't really optional in your line of work."

"Shut it, Dyer," Kate laughed. "I'm celebrating, and you should see the professionals from the Mediterranean countries. They see it as an affront if they're not offered wine with their dinner."

"Well, you deserve it, I would say we shouldn't make it a habit, but I know how your family works," Aiden laughed.

Kate smiled at him and turned her attention to look out into the distance. They sat in silence for a few minutes, looking out towards the night sky that covered the golf course at the centre of the estate, listening to the night and the low hum of the pool pump.

"Would you ever consider coming on tour with me?" Kate asked eventually. "It's been great working with you every day and having you to support and ground me," she added before he could answer.

"You could ask me for anything in the world but that," Aiden answered sadly. "I couldn't live that life of constantly being on the move. I like having roots; I love having family around me. I love working with my clients and helping them achieve their goals. It was easy to come here with you because Botswana and everyone here have been a part of our lives since we were toddlers."

"Aiden, that's not a real answer; you've barely worked with anyone but me for nearly seven months," she tried to plead.

"I promised to help get you back on court, and that's what I did," Aiden replied. "It's easy to prioritise you at home because we're on equal ground. It is your show on tour, and I fade into the background. I'm not the friend you grew up with; I'm just your personal trainer. You don't have time for anything or anyone else; you win a match, and you're already onto the next one; even with Uncle Mike, all you talk about is the business side of your career. I much prefer the little glimpses of the real you away from tennis when you come home or here in Botswana, surrounded by everyone."

Kate tried to hold back the tears as Aiden turned her down. It wasn't just the words he said but also the fact that her mother had said similar words about her attitude to her career. Aiden had seen her tears because his voice had softened.

"Kate, I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong. You're a professional athlete; to be successful, you need a bit of selfishness and that spoiled-brat attitude. You need to be surrounded by people who will bend over backwards to let you succeed. That's not me; it's not my nature. I will do my part for you as I have always done, but this way, I can be a leading character in my own story as well as a secondary character in yours."

"You wouldn't be a secondary character. Aiden, I need your support. You make me calmer; I think clearer around you. I don't worry about the small details when I'm with you. I think I'm in love with you," Kate replied through her tears.

"I've been in love with you my entire life," Aiden replied sadly. "But what you are asking me for isn't love; you're asking me to give up my life so you can live yours. I'd just become another one of those people who've made their world revolve around you, who you can boss around. I wouldn't respect myself if I did that. This isn't about living my life or you living yours. I want a life with someone where everything is shared. No one is more important than the other. Right now, your life doesn't allow that."

Kate couldn't respond and kept crying. She was aware of him moving and allowed him to pull her into his arms. Even in her despair, she found comfort in his arms and buried her face in his neck. Slowly, she calmed down as she took in his scent, familiar and comforting; she raised her head to meet his eyes, green and sparkling with his own tears. Unable to help herself, she kissed him. It started out gentle, but as Aiden returned her kiss, it became desperate. Before long, she was pulling at his clothes.

"We shouldn't," Aiden whispered.

"I know, and I don't care," Kate replied. "I love you, and I know you love me, and you're right; right now, my life isn't designed for us to share a life. But I still want this. I will take whatever I can, even if we can only be together until you head home; that will be enough. I can go out into the world knowing you love me and what we've shared."

Aiden didn't respond except to kiss her again before picking her up and carrying her to his room. In the bedroom, he laid her down gently on the bed. Kate immediately sat up and removed her T-shirt and bra before discarding her leggings and knickers. She watched Aiden's eyes widen as he took her in. It occurred to Kate that the nature of their professional relationship meant that even though he'd seen her various forms of undress before, this was the first time with the undercurrent of sex hanging over them.

"You're really beautiful, Kate."

"Thanks, but why are you still dressed?" Kate asked impatiently.

It was her turn to appreciate him. Kate admired his lean, well-defined body as he lost his shirt and undressed slowly. She had seen him topless countless times as they swam together often, but this was the first time she had seen him with the anticipation of sex in the air. She gasped when his erection appeared; he wasn't built like a porn star, but perfect for her.

She held her breath as Aiden moved to join her in bed. Again she remembered her mother's words; she wanted to belong to Aiden and for him to belong to her. The thought spurred her as she brought his face to hers. Aiden tried to kiss his way down her body, but she held him in place.

"No, we'll have time to explore later; I just want to be with you right now."

Aiden nodded and kissed her again while she reached between them to guide him into her. She gasped as she felt his slow intrusion. He felt perfect when he was fully in her as if he had been designed just for her. Kate allowed herself to let go of everything and focus on the moment and being there with him. It was slow and passionate; she was aware of his greater size and strength. He could have easily taken control and used her selfishly for his pleasure, but he held back, and they moved in sync, giving and taking from each other in equal measure. Kate felt her orgasm building; she used this to encourage him.

"Oh my god, I'm going to cum, faster baby, fuck me," she moaned.

Kate felt him respond immediately, upping the tempo. Kate tried her best to meet his thrusts, but she was losing control as her orgasm built towards its crescendo. When her orgasm came, it overwhelmed her like a tidal wave surging through her body; she had just enough awareness to feel the first spurts of Aiden coming inside of her. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around him, holding him in place. She held his eyes as they came down from their highs and caught their breaths.

"I love you," she whispered. Given her earlier confession, it seemed pointless to say, but it was the only thing that came to mind.

"I love you too," Aiden replied, making no effort to move.

Slowly, he softened and slipped out, and Kate unwrapped her legs from him. They got up together, and Kate rushed for the toilet while Aiden took a moment to put his shorts on. She took care of herself in the bathroom, cleaning herself up. She was already back in bed when Aiden returned with two cold bottles of water. He placed a bottle on the bedside table before moving around the bed, and Kate gratefully took a few sips of her drink while he did the same.

She noticed he hadn't taken his shorts off as he got back into the bed, but she stopped him.

"No way, mister, any bed you share with me is now a clothes-free zone," she told him firmly.

She laughed as Aiden obeyed her request and took his shorts off before sliding into bed next to her. Kate immediately cuddled into his side and laid her head on his chest.

"I don't want you to think this is sudden," Kate opened. "I've been thinking through my feelings for you for months. I don't know when it started, but with all the time we've spent together over the last few months, I started seeing you as more than the guy I grew up with or my PT. I realised that I was more comfortable around you than with anyone else. In the back of my mind, I knew we were working to get me back on tour, but really, I just enjoyed being with you. I hated you during the workouts, but during my rest and recovery sessions, when we just talked, I just wanted to be with you and have you hold me."

Kate smiled as she felt him kiss the top of her head before answering.

"I don't know when it started for me. Maybe it's when you went to the National Academy. I just knew you were starting this journey, and I wanted to be part of it. I didn't just want to be another one of your supporters. I wanted to be involved. Initially, I dreamed of following you around the world. But then I graduated, and the reality of your life hit me. You were always on the move. You didn't have the time for anything that didn't progress your career. Even when you came home, you were working. If you weren't training, you'd meet with your sponsors and work on their ad campaigns. The only times I felt I was a part of you were in our gym sessions or at family meals where your mum doesn't allow any tennis talk."

"Is that why you don't charge me for your time, because it's the only time you get exclusively with me?"

"Partly. I was being genuine that I wouldn't have what I have now without your support. But yeah, I can't charge you for spending time with me, even if we're just working out together; maybe I wanted more, but I was just happy with whatever time we had together."

"So, any girlfriends while I was out trying to conquer the world of tennis?" Kate asked curiously.

"A few, but no one serious. How do you commit when you're focused on someone else?"

"What about those lads' holidays you've taken with Will to Ayia Napa, Kavos, Tenerife and places like that?" Kate pressed further.

"Are you seriously asking if I've had any sexcapades while on holiday with your brother?" Aiden teased.

"Not when you put it like that; let's get some sleep," Kate kissed him goodnight before rolling over.

She was pleased that he immediately followed her, slipping one arm under her neck and wrapping the other tightly around her. Sleep claimed both of them quickly.

When Kate woke up, she immediately thought it was the best night's sleep she could remember for a long time. With Aiden next to her, everything just felt right. Slowly, a plan formed in her mind, and she knew she needed a meeting with her father to make it work. She eased her way out of bed and put on her knickers before helping herself to Aiden's t-shirt and heading to the kitchen.

She saw the surprise in her mother's eyes as she took in her appearance. Kate pretended not to notice, just leaning over to kiss her father's cheek.

"Morning, Daddy," she said brightly before turning to give her mother the same treatment:" Morning, Mum." She helped herself to two cups of coffee before leaving the room.

Aiden was waking up when she entered the room, she admired him for a moment before handing him his cup.

"Morning, handsome," she smiled brightly.

"Morning, beautiful," he replied, gratefully taking the cup from her.

Kate leaned against the wall and watched him drink as she thought about how quickly her life had changed in just twelve hours. Now she had him; she knew she wouldn't let him go without a fight. She would have to make some compromises, and so would he. She just needed to make sure her plan worked out the way she wanted before she put it to him.

She smiled at the happy and loving look Aiden gave her as he woke up. She was confused as it turned to surprise.

"Kate," Aiden asked hesitantly, "Did your parents see how you're dressed?"

"Yeah, you know Daddy always gets up early, and Mum won't stay in bed without him," Kate shrugged. "What's wrong?"

"You're wearing my shirt and seemingly nothing else."

"So? Aiden, I'm a professional tennis player, half the world has seen up my tennis skirt. Modesty is a luxury I don't get, you of all people should accept that. If you weren't my trainer some of the massages and stretching sessions you've given me would be boundary pushing it they weren't professional. Anyway, I'm at home; I run around in a shirt and knickers all the time," Kate answered.

"You're wearing my shirt. I'm not sure how I feel about including your parents in this when we don't even know where we're going."

"Aww, are you afraid of my parents? They've loved you your entire life. They're your godparents, and Mum knows how I feel about you. We spoke about it the first morning we were here when you and Daddy went out to restock the house."

"I'll ignore that for a second," Aiden said cautiously. "What I'm saying is, shouldn't we work out where this is going before we out ourselves to the world? What I said last night still stands. I'm not going to put my life on hold to play a secondary role in your life."

"Aiden, whether we're officially together or not, I'm not going to hide how I feel about you. I'm going to try and make more time for you and make the most of every chance I get to see you. After last night, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we both get what we want. Now trust me, and let's go get breakfast."

"Fine, at least put your leggings back on. I'm going to die of embarrassment as it is."

"Only because you asked nicely," Kate teased, putting her leggings back on. "But from now on, your t-shirt collection is our t-shirt collection."

Kate didn't hesitate to take his hand as they walked into the kitchen. This time, her parents showed no surprise as they entered the room. Kate deposited Aiden at the table while she refilled their coffee cups. Internally, she was smiling as everyone avoided the elephant in the room. Kate made him a sausage and egg sandwich and helped herself to a large portion of the fruit salad on the table while Aiden made her protein shake. She flashed him a small smile before turning to her father.

"Daddy, can we have a quick meeting before I go to the gym? I want to go over a few things."

In the office, she laid out her plans.

"Daddy, I love Aiden, and he loves me. I don't want to give up my career, and Aiden isn't prepared to give up his. I need to spend less time on tour and more time at home with him, building our relationship. How can I do that without sacrificing my ambitions?"

"How much less time are we talking here?"

"As much time as you can give me with Aiden without sacrificing my major goals."

"Okay, on the surface it shouldn't be too hard," Mike said carefully. "You're still in the top fifty, but only just. Most of your tournament entries are a given and you'll get preferred wildcards based on your pre-injury ranking. You don't really have to play in the 250 series anymore and you haven't played in the 125 series in years though both might good to get you back for easy rankings points. If you want proper flexibility, you need to get back into the top twenty-five and only play in the 1000 series with a few 500s sprinkled in to keep you in decent nick. But you know as well as I do, the higher you rank, the more commitments you have. If you make the top ten, you're season no longer ends at the US Open. You need to think about making the ladies' finals, which means playing the Asian swing to keep fit. But you should gain some flexibility about picking and choosing when you play. You're going to lose more places by not competing in Australia. For now, at a minimum, you're going to have to commit to the entire early US swing in March. You're probably going to have to go straight there from Australia. By then, you won't have played competitively in seven months. You need to go to one of those facilities in Florida and actually get some high-level training in. The European swing is easier to manage, most tournaments are a three-hour flight from home and that's the bulk of your season."

"Just let me know what I need to do, and I'll do everything I can to make this work."

"Okay, I'll let you know your options when you get home later. You head off and work out."

"Thank you, Daddy," Kate replied before leaving his office.

"Kate," Mike's voice stopped her as she got to the door. "I'm happy for you; he's a good man."

"I know. I just wish I had realised earlier. See you later."

In the car, Kate convinced Aiden to take the morning off. They ended up spending the morning at their favourite cafe. Kate waited for the server to take their order before she opened up with her plan.

"So here's what I'm offering. Daddy is helping me create a schedule that allows me to spend as much time at home as possible without sacrificing my career. In return, you join me at every grand slam and major tournament I can't avoid. I'm not saying you come on tour full-time with me, but if I have to play two tournaments in America, for example, and it's not practical for me to come home in between, you come out for the bigger tournament. You won't be coming as my personal trainer or as a member of my team; you'll be coming as my boyfriend. You don't travel with me anyway, you use my data and update my plan but I mostly work out on my own with my temnis coach there to makes sure I don't slack off. What do you think?"

"That's a lot to ask," Aiden replied hesitantly.

"Aiden, I've used my career as an excuse not to start relationships, and you've used it as a barrier to us having one. I'm not asking you to give up your gym and career; I'm certainly not giving up tennis. I'm finding a middle ground for us to be together; just be there for me in the big moments. Most of my career is based in Europe anyway, so I can come home between tournaments."

"Okay, when does your master plan start?" Aiden answered.

"As soon as we review the calendar Daddy presents to us and agree it can work," Kate smiled. But ideally during the early American swing. We're going to have to sacrifice a little, though. I need to get back up to speed, so I'm going to spend February in Florida getting my tennis game back."

After a pause, she spoke again: "One more thing. I'm going to have to speak to my sponsors about getting you some apparel. If you're going to be my boyfriend publicly, you can't be seen wearing the wrong brands. You might even like it, with our connection and your personal success they might offer to partner with your gym and offer you some additional income."

"Fine", Aiden replied, sighing. "If the calendar works, we'll give it a try. I need to arrange all of this with my staff. What brought this on anyway? You didn't want to compromise last night?"

"When I woke up this morning, everything was perfect. I don't want to give up that feeling now I've found it. Even if I can't be with you every day, just knowing you're always in my corner and will be there for the big moments is enough for me. The rest we'll figure out together."

Kate waited for his next question, and when it came, she was surprised.

"I've always wondered why you call Uncle Mike 'Daddy', but Aunt Sarah is just Mum. Will and Lettie just call them Mum and Dad."

Kate thought about her answer. It was something she had discussed in therapy several times. She thought about deflecting but decided against it. If she had any chance of building a lifetime relationship with him, honesty was paramount. Either he accepted her answer, or he didn't.

"Aiden, I don't know if this will make sense to you, but the abandoned two-year-old in me needs a daddy. You know my story; my bio mum died in a car accident, and my sperm donor never wanted me. Mum's theory is that even though I can't remember her, I knew my bio mum and loved her, so I had a mum, but I never had a dad, so I imprinted on Daddy first. You've heard the stories; he woke up for all my nightmares and made sure I always knew he was there. Little children call their parents mummy and daddy all the time, and eventually, they grow into calling them mum and dad. I just never outgrew that with Daddy. Anyway, I like being different from Will and Lettie; it's my little thing with him."

"You know, even if you called him Mike, he'd still be your dad and love you?"

"Consciously and logically, yes. I'm not saying this is rational. I just feel more comfortable calling him Daddy."

"You know, if I were a worse person, I would tease you about having Daddy issues?" He joked.

"And if you ever make that joke, I will tell Daddy, and he will leave you in the middle of the Kalahari to fend for yourself with the lions and leopards. I'm sure Uncle Don and Uncle Rich would give him good alibis."

Kate laughed at the way he went tense. He was a fairly decent outdoorsman, but he didn't have the natural ease in the bush her father and brother had.

"He wouldn't dare; Mum would kill him; she has almost as much control over him as your mum and Auntie Sharon."

"No one has as much control over Daddy as Mum. Then comes me and Lettie. Then Grandma, Auntie Sharon, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Scar and Aunt Becca. Your mum ranks somewhere after that, with Aunt Candice and the rest of them," Kate retorted seriously. "Don't worry love, I would never let him do it. It would be much more fun to tell your mum you were bullying me for being adopted and let her deal with you."

"You're mean, you know that?"

"What can I say? Daddy taught me; Attack your opponent's biggest weakness and let them deal with the consequences."

"How did we go from me asking about your relationships with your parents to you plotting my death?"

"You made fun of my relationship with my father. That's off-limits. Joke about my tennis, tease me directly, just leave my parents out of it. No jokes you wouldn't feel comfortable saying without them present."

"That's fair," Aiden replied genuinely. "I guess it's just one of those things we've never spoken about. Your past is no secret, but we've spoken about pretty much every subject on the planet except your relationship with your dad. Sometimes, you seem even closer to him than Will does, and they're pretty much the same person.

"I'm not closer to him than Will, and Lettie is arguably the one who's most like him mentally. I just need him more with my career," Kate answered honestly. "I wouldn't have it without him. Even now that I'm established, Daddy still looks after everything, so the only thing I have to worry about is playing. Yeah, I have commitments to my sponsors and have to help in Ad campaigns and make public appearances, but Daddy keeps everything unimportant away from me. Anyway, Mr Dyer, enough about my parents, here's the plan. You're taking me out for dinner tonight. None of the usual places we go to with everyone. I want a proper romantic date. I'll skip practice this afternoon and go shopping with Mum."

"I suppose we can do that. There's this new food stall your dad told me about."

"Aiden Dyer! If you think I'm wearing a dress and heels for you to take me to a food stall, you might as well book your flight home for tonight."

"I was joking. I'll see if I can get us a table at the Baron in the Grand Palm. Per your rules I suppose eating in Phakalane is pointless when you live on the Estate?" Aiden replied.

"That's a much better idea; I'll see if we can get a room," Kate replied excitedly at the mention of one of the better hotels in town. "Maybe we should take some time away next week before everyone else arrives."

"That sounds nice. Where were you thinking?"

Kate thought about their options before answering.

"Well, even if we could get a reservation, Daddy and Will would probably disown us if we went to a lodge. Can you see if Will and Caitlyn aren't busy with tourists and can take us on one of their mobile tours?"

"We could do that. And it's cheap; I mean, your brother wouldn't charge his sister and best friend, right?"

"No, Aiden. We pay the full price, and we can afford it. There is no family and friend discount. If they can't trust us to support their business, why should tourists?" Kate asked.

"Can't you Smiths ever just do things the way the rest of the world would?" Aiden sighed. "Okay, I'll call them after you go shopping with Aunt Sarah."

Kate listened to Aiden make their dinner reservations while she planned to have lunch and go shopping with her mother. Once Aiden had confirmed the reservation, she had him drop her off at the restaurant where she was meeting her mother.

Over lunch, her mother barely gave her time to place her order before the questioning began.

"I seem to recall telling you to take your time with Aiden, and now, two weeks later, you're sharing a bed?"

Kate wasn't embarrassed; her mother had always been open and honest without being graphic about sex and had taught her and her siblings that there was nothing to be ashamed about.

"I can't say I meant for it to happen, but I'm not sorry it did," Kate answered. "I couldn't hold back, not knowing where we stood anymore, and asked him to come on tour with me. He said no, even after I pleaded and told him I loved him. He admitted to loving me, too, and at that moment, I wanted to be with him. Even if it was just once, when I woke up this morning, I knew I would have to find a compromise so we could be together."

"I know, your father is pulling his hair out at home trying to create a schedule that works for what you want. So you're going to pull back from the tour to be with him?"

"Not entirely, I still have things to accomplish on tour. But I'm no longer going to play in every tournament I can. I can't completely prioritise him over tennis, but I can give him equal standing."

"Okay, I guess that's a start. What now?"

"He's taking me for dinner at the Grand Palm tonight. I'm going to book a room, so I need to convince Daddy to take him out for a chat while I pack a bag for both of us."

"Not that love; I mean, what are you going to do now you have him?"

"Oh, we'll spend the rest of the time here working on our relationship when I'm not practising, and if all goes well, he'll join me for one of the US tournaments. I'm thinking Indian Wells. Miami is fun but I think he'd prefer California to Miami. He's a bit too straight-laced for Florida's quirks, and he needs to entertain himself while I have practice."

"Well, no matter how this works out, Sunday dinner at Auntie Sharon's will be fun," her mother laughed.

Kate had a great time as they wandered around an upmarket department store, admiring dresses. She settled on a short pale blue cocktail dress, her mother said complemented her eyes. After finding a matching pair of shoes, her mother led her over to the lingerie section.

Kate immediately felt self-conscious, "Mum, isn't lingerie a bit much? He already loves me."

Her mother shook her head, "The lingerie isn't for him. It's for you. Never underestimate the power of sexy underwear as a confidence booster. It's your first ever real date, you seem fine now, but I'm sure when you meet him, you'll be nervous. Buy something that makes you feel sexy, think about how he'll react when he sees you like that, take confidence from that."

"Did you do this with Daddy?" Kate asked, curious about her mother's experience.

"I still do," Sarah replied simply. "But yes, that first night I went to his place, I wore sexy underwear. Admittedly, I was a little more brazen; by the time the movie's prologue was over I had his arm around me. God bless him he still thinks that was coincidental rather than planned. When we took a smoke break halfway through, I swapped my bra and shirt for one of his t-shirts without even asking. Not one from his drawers but the one at the top of his laundry basket, it smelt of him and I liked it. I think I knew I was in love with him, even then. Kate, Darling, you may not want to hear this, but in all the years we've been together, I've only worn ugly knickers when I was pregnant or recovering from giving birth. It's not just about appearing attractive, but making myself feel attractive. Surely with your career and the comments you get on social media - yes, I've seen them, you understand that women are ingrained to feel unattractive for all sorts of reasons. I can take one of those away simply by taking an extra moment to pick out some nice underwear. It doesn't have to be lingerie every day, but it's always something that makes me feel good and confident."

Kate took her mother's advice and selected a satin blue bra and thong set with black lace accents. Admiring herself in the mirror, she realised her mother was right. She did feel more confident as she imagined Aiden's reaction. She decided she wanted a pair of thigh-high stockings to go with her look, and she was done.

She had her mother stop at the hotel so she could check in and drop off her purchases before they headed home.

"I didn't know you and Daddy smoked," Kate said as they got going.

"It was different then," Sarah smiled. "We knew the health risks but we were young and it didn't come with the social stigma you get now. We quit together around the time Will was conceived. Honestly, now all of you are grown up and I get him to myself more, we still share a pack when we want reminisce about our early days. I'm pretty sure he still sneaks fags when we're here in Botswana. Don has never really quit and Dad has always been particularly attached to a Peter Stuyvesant. I don't hold it against him, it's not like their available in England anymore."

"As a pro athlete I'm offended, but that's sweet," Kate laughed.

At home, she found her dad sharing a beer on the patio with Aiden. After kissing her father on the cheek, she openly kissed Aiden in front of him, wanting to see if he would react to their new relationship.

"Good, you're home. I was just explaining my ideas for your new schedule to Aiden," Mike said, ignoring the kiss.

"Daddy, can it wait until tomorrow?" Kate interrupted. "Aiden is taking me out for dinner, and I need to get ready. Maybe you could take him to the clubhouse and explain the repercussions of breaking my heart," she teased, looking at Aiden.

"Come on, Aiden. That's a code she learned from Sarah and your mother that she doesn't want you to see how she's dressed until she's ready. Needless to say, if you break her heart, I'll forget you're my godson and use my wealth and knowledge of Botswana's landscape to make you disappear," her father laughed.

Kate instantly turned to Aiden, "Babe, I'll meet you at the restaurant. Don't drink too much with Daddy." She gave him a quick kiss goodbye and ran upstairs to start packing an overnight bag before enlisting her mother's help with her hair and makeup. Once they were done, she quickly packed a bag for Aiden before leaving for the hotel.

Kate waited until five minutes after their scheduled reservation to walk into the restaurant. She wasn't worried her tardiness. While she rarely exploited her fame she knew the hotel wouldn't risk upsetting her and generally a good restaurant waited fifteen minutes before taking action. Aiden was waiting for her at the bar, nursing a drink. He looked so handsome wearing his blue linen jacket and white shirt. She had nearly reached him when he looked up and noticed her. Kate smiled as she noticed his eyes go wide, taking in her appearance.

"You look gorgeous," he whispered after kissing her cheek.

Kate wasn't satisfied with that and pulled his face down to kiss his lips. "You look very handsome."

Kate had just ordered a glass of champagne when the host arrived to escort them to their table. Unfortunately, they were seated in the middle of the dining room. Kate would have preferred a quiet table in the corner, but the restaurant was full, and nothing could be done about it.

Seated at the table, Kate was nervous and struggled with things to talk about as she looked over the menu. Aiden seemed the same and had made no effort to initiate a conversation. They were saved when a teenage girl cautiously approached her table.

"Excuse me, are you Kate Smith?" She asked shyly.

"Yes, I am," Kate replied with a big smile.

The girl let out a loud squeal, "Oh my god, I'm such a big fan. Can I have a picture?"

Kate briefly looked over at Aiden, who was smirking. "Of course you can. What's your name?"

"Paige," the girl replied.

"Aiden, can you take a picture of me and Paige?"

Aiden smiled graciously and took pictures with Paige's phone. After he took three or four pictures that both Kate and Paige approved of, Kate hugged the girl.

"Make sure you tag me when you post those pictures, and I'll follow you."

"This is the best birthday ever. No one at school is going to believe it."

"Happy Birthday. Where do you go to school?" Kate asked.

"I go to Maru-A-Pula," Paige responded, naming one of the prominent international schools in the city.

"My dad went there a long time ago. Since it's your birthday, and my kitbag is in the car," Kate smiled. "Maybe I can convince Aiden here to run out to the car and find a cap or something for me to sign so everyone will believe you. Maybe a racquet, I tend to have more than I need. Why don't you come back after you finish your dinner?"

"What do you need?" Aiden sighed, standing up.

"A cap, a ball, and a racquet," Kate whispered, kissing him. "There should be a marker pen in one of the side pockets. If you can't find it, I'm sure the restaurant or hotel has one. I'll reward you for this later."

"Is this what being with you is going to be like, having our dates interrupted by fans?" Aiden asked once they were alone again.

"You know it doesn't happen often, especially here. But yeah, it can and does happen, it's why I normally prefer tables in the corners so I'm less likely to be noticed. I don't actually mind too much when it's kids and teenagers. I like making their day. It's actually the only part of being recognised I enjoy."

"Doesn't it get overwhelming being recognised?"

"Yes and no. It comes with the territory. Before I got injured, I had only broken the top twenty, so it's not like I'm super famous. It's nice knowing kids look up to me, it's why I added the racquet. I'd much rather reward genuine joy than fake a smile for the grown-ups who think I owe them because they bought a ticket or the men who think I'm the girl they imagine based on social media." Kate saw that Aiden was unconvinced, "I'm still the girl you grew up with, the girl who declared her love for you last night and wants to build a life with you. You're going to have to accept the celebrity that comes with her."

"I know; I guess I've never seen it in our home life. Of course, I've seen it a few times when I've come to watch you at Wimbledon or something. It's just weird at a hotel restaurant in Botswana."

"My connection with Botswana isn't a secret. You know Daddy is half Motswana and it makes my story more interesting," Kate replied, looking up from the menu. "I get the flag stitched into most of my gear. I always make a point to meet the ambassadors when I travel, even though I'm technically a British athlete. If you look at my numbers, I'm one of the most supported players in Southern Africa due to that connection. This part of the world isn't famous for world class athletes, outside of rugby and cricket. I mean Letsile Tebogo is more popular than me because he won Botswana's first ever gold medal in Paris, but the people still want celebrate my connection."

"Have you met him?" Aiden asked with a hint of jealousy.

"Yeah, he's a nice guy who's proud of his impact to bring Botswana into the global sporting narrative," Kate smiled. "Daddy even joked about setting us up, but he's based in the States and we spend all our time on the road, I'd see him less than I see you. I've actually thought about switching my national designation to Botswana when I hit the twilight of my career. There's precedent, Alister Walker did it."

"Who's Alister Walker?" Aiden said confused.

"A former squash pro, his dad taught Daddy at MaP. He never won a major but he had a top 15 ranking and was the British No 3 for most of his career."

"How do you know that?"

"Well before me and Letsile he was Botswana's flagship athlete even though like me he was officially British."

After their interruption and the conversation about her celebrity status, they quickly settled back into their easy rapport. They were able to have a very enjoyable date, building on their years of close friendship. They had just ordered dessert when Paige returned to their table with her parents. Kate quickly stood up and accepted her parents' thanks. She had Aiden take one more picture with the entire family before settling back into her dinner.

She was aware of Aiden looking at her curiously as she tried to enjoy her apple tart, but eventually, she couldn't take it and confronted him.

"Aiden, what is it?"

"I just realised that if we're going to be together, I have to share you with the world. I've got no doubt that you're going to be one of the best and be challenging for slams in a couple of years. You were so close before you got injured. As your star gets bigger, more and more people are going to want a piece of you."

"Some of that may be true. But last night, I discovered that you're my safe place; when I'm with you, I'm not a tennis player or celebrity. I'm just Kate Smith, and I'm in love with my best friend, you, Aiden Dyer. Now, let's sign the bill, and you can take me up to our room and find out what I've got on under this dress."

"You were serious about getting a room?" Aiden asked with a smile.

"You were so embarrassed facing my parents this morning, and with what I have planned for you, you might be a little more red-faced looking at them over the breakfast table tomorrow morning."

Aiden laughed, waved over their server, and asked for the bill. Kate was surprised when the manager came over a few minutes later and said that Paige's parents had prepaid their bill.

"See, Babe, look after your fans, and they'll look after you," Kate told him with a smile.

In their room, Kate led Aiden to the armchair and made him sit. Kate asked him to help her with her zip before she stepped away from him. Turning to face him, Kate started the speech she had been rehearsing in her head since they left the restaurant.

"Aiden, I may not have been a virgin when we got together. But I'm not very experienced," she told him as she slipped off one of her shoulder straps. "That means you're going to be the one to unlock my desires and kinks. I want to experience everything with you," She told him as she removed her second shoulder strap and let her dress slip down her body and pool at her feet.

Stepping out of her dress lightly, Kate paused for a moment to let Aiden take in her appearance before continuing. "All I ask is that we speak about it honestly afterwards to make sure we're on the same page. I trust you, and I know you won't do anything to hurt me. You may not have been my first, but I feel like you're going to be my last. These are just our beginning steps, but we're already much further along than any other new couple. We have years of history to build upon. Now I'm giving you my heart and body."

Kate finished her little speech by leaning over and kissing him gently on the lips. Kate gently spread his legs and went to her knees between them. She started working on his belt buckle while he responded.

"Kate, you've owned my heart since we were teenagers," Aiden told her sincerely as he lifted his hips to help her with his trousers. "I promise I will never make you uncomfortable, and we will never do anything you don't want to."

"I know," Kate replied simply before taking his cock into her hand. She gave it a few strokes and exploratory licks. "I've never really done this before, so you're going to have to tell me if I'm doing anything wrong."

"Just do what comes naturally to you, take your time and try not to use your teeth."

Kate breathed in the musk of his arousal before taking him into her mouth. Kate started slowly working him, just taking in the feeling of having him in her mouth. She felt strangely powerful; she was in complete control of his pleasure. She gained confidence from that feeling and found an easy pace she could maintain without rushing through the experience. She took cues from his body language, slightly upping the tempo when she heard him moan her name. She sensed he was about to cum when he started raising his hips to follow her mouth. Kate used this as a sign to raise her pace again. She wasn't sure how long she had been going when she heard his whisper, "Kate, I'm about to cum."

Kate immediately reacted, locking her lips around the head of his cock, while stroking him to completion. She made sure to swallow everything before taking her mouth off of him. She gave his cock a gentle kiss before looking up at him. She smiled as he took her face in his hands and leaned down to kiss her.

"That was incredible. Thank you," he said, kissing her again.

Kate shuffled back as he stood up. He finished removing his clothes before helping her stand up. "My turn," he whispered.

Kate just stood there as he gently removed her bra. She shivered slightly as he kissed her neck and worked his way down her body. She moaned gently as he took her nipples into her mouth, nibbling them gently before trailing little kisses down her tummy. On his knees, he pulled down her thong before gently kissing her mound.

"I hope you don't mind a little hair, because the day I retire I'm growing a full seventies style rug," Kate giggled running her fingers through his hair. "I'm going to celebrate getting full autonomy over my appearance back."

"Shut up and let me finish," Aiden said pulling back and smiling at her.

He gently lifted her feet out of her thong and removed her heels before standing up and leading her to the bed. Kate was surprised when he didn't immediately join her in bed, instead standing on the side, taking in her nakedness. She was just about to complain when he pulled her hips to the edge of the bed before he went to his knees and started his own oral ministrations. Kate lost herself to the sensation as he seemingly explored every inch of her pussy, except the one place she wanted him. Her growing frustration came with the feeling of her orgasm slowly building in the pit of her belly. After a few more frustrating passes where he got ever so close, she finally begged him.

"Please, baby, focus on my clit!"

Kate was sure she heard him chuckle before he finally focused his attention where she wanted it. Kate quickly gave in to her now rapidly growing orgasm. She wasn't able to focus on anything except the pleasure and her inevitable climax. She felt the release wash over her as she gripped the sheets and shut her eyes. An eternity passed before she felt calm enough to open her eyes. She looked down to meet his eyes.

"That... That was incredible," she said quietly.

She scooted back up the bed while Aiden climbed in beside her. She instantly cuddled into his side. They lay in silence for a minute before Kate spoke. "You can do that again anytime you want."

"I'll make a note of that," he replied quietly.

Kate noticed his erection returning and quickly grasped it and stroked it slowly, "You know, in the times I've fantasised about being with you, they all inevitably ended with you overwhelming me with your strength and just taking me for your pleasure. You made love to me last night. Now let's see if you can just fuck me."

Kate groaned when Aiden woke her up with a cup of coffee the following morning. She took the cup, but she was still annoyed about being woken up.

"What are you doing? Come back to bed and hold me. The real world doesn't exist in this room."

Aiden was unmoved, "Sorry, Tennis Star, you missed your workouts yesterday. You're not using our relationship as an excuse to get out of work today. I've already ordered breakfast."

Kate sighed in resignation. She knew he was right, but that didn't mean she liked it. She remembered her tennis bag was still in the car, which gave her an idea.

"Fine, but we're not going to the gym. We're going to play tennis."

"I haven't hit a tennis ball in nearly a decade. You're not being serious."

"Yes, I am. I can't have a boyfriend who can't hit a forehand. Come on, it'll be fun, I still can't do much more than the basics, so it's not like I'm going to embarrass you," Kate replied before picking up the phone to call the health centre and book a court.

Aiden continued to grumble as Kate found a sports bra and shorts. Their breakfast arrived as Kate was pulling on her t-shirt. Over breakfast, Kate decided to explain what she was thinking.

"Look, I haven't had my usual time off this year with working on my recovery," she said earnestly. "I'm not saying I stop training completely, but can we slow down for the next few days and spend some extra time enjoying each other. We have like two weeks, then it'll be Christmas, and everyone will be here, then I'll be off to Australia, then America, with maybe a couple of weeks at home in between."

"I suppose I can live with that," Aiden replied. "I don't know how we're going to spend extra time enjoying each other when we're living with your parents."

Kate thought about it and realised he was right. She knew her parents were comfortable with their relationship, but she couldn't just drag him to the bedroom when the mood took her while they were living with them. Kate thought through several options before the answer hit her.

"We could move in together," she said quietly. "There are those self-catering guesthouses on the estate, why don't we stay in one of those when we get back from Will and Caitlyn's. We're only ten-minute walk from the house and closer to Auntie Sharon's "

Kate felt self-conscious as Aiden laughed at her suggestion.

"So in two days, we're renting a house together. I suppose by next week, you'll be asking me to marry you. I get we don't have a lot of time before you head to Australia, but that's the natural conclusion at the pace your moving us."

"Oi, don't tease me," Kate complained playfully. "Look, it's more about creating our own space before things get serious for me than actually living together. We're still mostly going to eat with my parents, it's just about having a place to retreat to at the end of the day. I can't be too far from the house because I need to be able to see Daddy about things."

Aiden nodded in agreement, "That reminds me. Your brother says they're wrapping up for the year, so they won't charge us. It'll just be a camping trip like when we were kids."

"Fine, but I'm still paying for all the food and booze," Kate said, piling their plates to leave at the room door.

"But if you do want to get married," Kate smiled. "You know we can't get married until your uncles ask for my uncles blessing and negotiate my Lobola?"

"Lobola?" Aiden replied, confused.

"Bride price," Kate laughed. "You know the bit where you give my parents money or cows to thank them for raising me."

"Oh, that," Aiden laughed. "Even if we get there, you know the only people I call uncle that even know what Lobola is are on your team in this. Isnt it a breach of protocol to ask your dad to negotiate for me as the recipient of my 'gift'."

"Well, use the time till we get there to figure it out," Kate smiled. "But remember your gift has to reflect the family you're marrying into. Technically even if it's tenuous, Daddy is related to the royal family of our tribe, and I'm a pro tennis player, so you might want to get a second mortgage on the gym. Now come on, I'm teaching you how to play tennis."

As she led them to the hotel courts, Kate knew she wouldn't make him a tennis player overnight. He'd never shown any aptitude for the game when they were kids. But he was fit and athletic. If she could get him to the point where they could share a casual rally, she would be happy. He was knowledgeable enough about the game to watch her and help her with her training programme, but she wanted him to share her joy of playing.

It did not start well. He instantly complained that the racket she gave him was too light and the handle too skinny.

"Oh, don't worry about that, I'll get you a couple with thicker handles and more headweight when I order my next equipment drop, until then, you can use one of Daddy's", Kate replied before quickly adding an extra grip to make the handle a bit thicker. "Here, how's that?"

She watched him give it a few practice swings before nodding, "Better. It's still too light, though."

"Probably, they are custom for me," Kate laughed, checking her own racquets string tension against her palm. "I could put some lead tape on the head, but you don't need that level of customisation for a casual rally."

"I've always wondered, how many racquets you actually have?" Aiden asked.

"There's no real set number," Kate said. "I just get given them when I ask as long I'm within my allocation. During a tournament, about eight. Two for practice and six for matches, I'm a little particular and each has to have an identical weight and string setups. They change based on surface, but once I commit to a setup I try not to change it. I mean after every match I get them restrung whether or not I used them for consistency, but once I decide on my setup I keep it. We rotate so much it's not really practical to have a favourite in the same way a cricketer might have a favourite bat. I could get away with four but then the kitbag we take on court would be mostly empty and that's real estate. In the Middle East, Australia and Asia, I ask for extra because the heat and sweating making the grip slippery. Outside of tournaments I only keep about four, travelling with a big tennis bag is cumbersome so our sponsors typically just give us new ones at tournaments with our racquet allocation and recycle them when we're done. Match racquets aren't really mine. Sponsors use them for competition giveaways, charity auctions and things like that. I can keep ones with personal significance though, Daddy still has my racquet from my first match as a pro."

As they got into playing together, Kate struggled not to laugh at how awkward he looked trying to hit the ball. His technique was clunky, a far cry from the smooth movements she was used to watching in her opponents and training partners. The light racquet made his shots look rushed, and he was struggling to make proper contact.

After an hour of watching him struggle to keep up with her, she showed him some mercy, called an end to the session, and suggested they head back to the room for a shower before checking out.

As they walked back to their room, she decided to encourage him. "You aren't that bad, you know. With practice and a racquet that's a better fit, you'd make a decent doubles partner in a social league."

"Maybe I'm happier just watching you from the sidelines," he answered.

"No," Kate replied firmly. "You said you didn't want to be a secondary character in my life. This is my life. I'm not asking you to be my coach or training partner. But what if I just want to have a gentle hit with you?"

"I guess we can work on it. Maybe it'll be easier if I play with someone else a few times. It's quite intimidating playing against you, knowing you're one of the best in the world."

"You'll get it," Kate said. "I've seen you play cricket, you know how to move your feet to hit a ball. It's the same concept, trust your eyes an technique and your feet and hands follow."

"The best way to describe my batting is agricultural," Aiden laughed. "Your dad and brother are the ones with perfect technique trying to replicate Root and Stokes."

"But you have a better average than them?" Kate replied.

"That's because its pub cricket and we have to retire at 25," Aiden clarified. "The pricks know how good they are. Why retire with a single when you can launch the ball back over the bowlers head. That's why they get out more than me. It's actually pointless for your dad to reach a retirement score, most of the time he's not allowed to return and as captain his first priority is making sure everyone gets a chance."

"Are you going to replace him as captain now Will lives here full time?" Kate asked.

"He's suggested it, but I have to earn it by outdrinking him," Aiden laughed. "We both know that's a battle I can't win."

On the way home, she scrolled through social media. She noticed that Paige had posted their pictures from the night before and tagged her. Kate quickly liked the post and followed Paige before commenting.

'Always love meeting a fan. Hope you had the best birthday, X.'

Kate made Aiden stop at the Estate office so she could rent one of the guesthouses. They had no problem accommodating her request. She did have to shut them down firmly and request the general manager when they offered to comp the house for a social media post. Kate reminded them she was a resident on the Estate through her parents, and she expected privacy. Letting the world know her personal address wasn't on her to-do list. Thankfully, the general manager agreed.

At home, she found her mother gossiping with her Aunt Penny. Penny had been part of their parents' original Oxford circle of friends before falling in love with her Uncle Don and moving to Botswana to be with him. Kate wasn't ready to be the topic of conversation, so after the briefest of greetings, she left Aiden with them before joining her father and Uncle on the patio.

She hugged both before sitting down.

"Have a good night, Princess?" Mike asked.

"It was everything I wanted it to be," Kate said, smiling brightly.

Just needed to know you had a nice time. No need for extra details," Mike said, matching her smile. "Before you join your mother, I need you to email the organisers for the Australian Open and request player credentials, even though you aren't playing. I've already laid the groundwork, but a personal request would be polite since they're doing you a favour as a non player. While you're there, maybe let your sponsors and Damon know you're plans, again I've laid the groundwork but you're the product. I also wouldn't mind if you tried not to turn your dates into photo ops with fans as well. But Damon loved it, and your sponsors aren't too upset either."

"Ignore the old man, he used to make decisions without thinking them through all the time when we were teenagers," Uncle Don interrupted. "One day I'll tell you about the time he jumped in the Limpopo only trusting the current and a sandbar to save him before he reached the crocs a mile down river."

"It was the Marico, there were no crocs on that stretch and you jumped in too cunt," Mike laughed. "And Kate we weren't in real danger, there was a small dam that created a waterfall, you know that crocs avoid rapids where the current disrupts their stillness for camouflage."

Kate laughed and stuck her tongue out at her father, "Thanks, Uncle Don."

Kate briefly spoke to her father about her plans to get away with Aiden, and once she was happy, she said goodbye and went to her father's office. She pulled out her laptop and quickly did the tasks her father requested. Happy with her work she moved to join her mother in the kitchen.

She had just enough time to pour herself a drink before the inquisition started.

"Aiden, please go outside and join your uncles while we talk with Kate about you," Penny said sweetly.

"Maybe I should stay?" Aiden replied cautiously, but there was no escape.

"Godson, fuck off," Sarah laughed. Just before he left the room, he received one further instruction. "Aiden, wait, tell our husbands we're going to the clubhouse for dinner tonight," she smiled, "Now you can fuck off."

Kate watched her mum topped up their glasses of iced tea before the questioning began.

"So, how was it?" Sarah asked.

"It was good," Kate replied. "It was awkward to begin with. How do you have a first date with someone you've known your whole life and have no real secrets from? Luckily, a fan interrupted us, and he realised the reality of us being together."

"Not the boring stuff," Penny interrupted. "What's the plan? Where are you going from here?"

"That's for us to find out, but we don't think that's going to happen living at home, so we're moving into one of the guest houses tomorrow," Kate replied honestly.

"Kate!" Sarah reacted sharply. "I thought you were taking it slow and working it out?"

"Excuse me, Sarah," Penny interrupted. "If I remember right, you basically moved in with Mike after barely knowing him for three weeks and had your own house with him less than three months later. I don't think you're in a place to criticise Kate for moving too fast with Aiden. They've known each other their entire lives. They're just making up for lost time."

"Pen, that was different," Sarah complained.

"You liar," Penny teased. "Ignore the hypocritical cow. This isn't about you and Aiden. She's just scared of you growing up. On our group chat, she's been joking with Mandy all day about how great it will be if you get married."

"Mum, I don't get it," Kate said frustrated. "Yesterday, you were teaching me how to seduce him and what I need to do to keep him interested, and now you don't approve. Maybe Aiden and I will work, maybe we won't, but we're going to try. That's not going to happen living here with you and Daddy watching over us. It's just for a couple of weeks, then we'll join Will and Caitlyn in Maun for a couple of days. He'll fly home for Christmas and I'll be back here. I just want make the most of the time we have."

Kate could see her mother wanted to respond, but Penny wouldn't let her.

"Sarah, she's your daughter. She sees what she wants and goes for it regardless of the consequences. You're trying to slow her down, but it's not going to help. How many times did we try to slow you and Mike down?"

"I'm sorry," Sarah said her voice softening. "You've been doing your own thing for so long, and it's hard to see you grow up without me. While I was talking to Lettie about her first boyfriend, you were already making a name for yourself in the tennis world. I love you so much, and of course, Aiden is my godson. I didn't expect the first time I get to give you relationship advice is with someone so close to us."

"Mum, it's okay," Kate said. "You and Daddy have always trusted me to make my own choices. I like to think I've never let you down. I'm not about to start. I told you our first morning here, I'm not out to hurt anyone, especially Aiden. I just feel like I've lost so much time with him, now I know how he feels about me, and I've finally allowed myself to let someone in.

They shared an emotional hug, "I know Kate, you've never let us down. I know you'll always do the right thing."

They were brought out of their moment by Penny, "Hey, what about me? I'm the one that's been telling your mum she's been overreacting and you'll be okay, where's my hug?"

Kate laughed and reached over to include her in the hug. "I'm sorry Aunt Pen, you know I'll always have a hug for you."

Kate trusted that now she had cleared things up with her mum, her burgeoning relationship would cease to be a major topic of conversation. Aunt Penny would see to that.

They had one more drink on the patio with their men before heading over to the clubhouse. Kate loved the clubhouse. Her dad had been a regular customer since he was a teenager with her grandfather, and they were recognised and treated well long before she was famous. They were quickly seated on the veranda. To save time in the kitchen, her father ordered a massive range of platters so they could mix and match their dinner, while Kate pushed the limits of what she should drink.

The next morning, Kate woke up disappointed to find herself alone. Needing the toilet and coffee, she forced herself to get up and, after putting on a t-shirt, she made her way to the kitchen, where she found her mother reading something on her iPad.

"Morning, love. You were so drunk last night, I convinced Aiden to let you have a lie-in. He's gone to play golf with Dad. Coffee is ready, and after you've woken up a little, you can help me make breakfast."

"Daddy is playing golf?" Kate asked, surprised.

"Yes, he's been spending too much time around the house, and he was getting on my nerves," Sarah replied, grinning. "Also, what's the point of owning a house on a golf course if no one in the family actually plays the stupid sport?"

Kate laughed before reaching into the cupboard for a coffee mug. She was shocked by a sudden sharpness in a mother's voice.

"Unless you plan on giving your father a heart attack, you might want to put some shorts on or at least some knickers. And just so you know, if you kill my husband, I will disown you. It's in our marriage contract he's not allowed to die before me."

Kate blushed deeply and ran upstairs to find a clean pair of shorts. When she returned to the kitchen, she joined her mum in making omelettes.

"Sorry," Kate apologised. "I didn't think when I woke up. I just wanted the loo and a drink."

"It's okay, love, just be more careful in future. Dad might know one of his baby girls is having sex under his roof, but that doesn't mean he wants to be reminded of the fact."

"Actually, we didn't have sex; I was too drunk; I just fell asleep on Aiden's chest."

"So why were you basically naked under his t-shirt?"

"After our first time together, I made the rule that our bed is a clothes-free zone."

"I had the same rule with your father until Will was born," Sarah giggled. "I may or may not have reintroduced it when you were all old enough to sleep through the night regularly."

"Mum, I really didn't need to know that," Kate protested.

"And I didn't need you to flash your arse and minge at me but here we are," Sarah laughed. "Anyway, you should be proud your parents are still happily in love after all these years."

Kate thought about her confession to Aiden when they were in the hotel room and wanted more advice.

"Mum," Kate started slowly. "Obviously, Aiden isn't my first, but I'm not actually experienced beyond the basics. I want to explore further with him, but we don't have much time I'm not sure how to go about it."

"I'm not sure if you want my advice for that. Explaining how quickly you're father pulled me into his web wasn't on my morning to do list. "

"Seriously, Mum, what do I do?"

"Well, with Dad, we started out by just putting everything on the table," Sarah said. "Over time, as our relationship grew we worked out what did and didn't work for us. That's all. If Aiden is the man I believe him to be, and he better be since I helped raise him, he won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. Slow down, do some research, work out what you want to try and talk to him about it."

Kate put on a neutral face as they had breakfast, but her mother's words kept running through her head. After breakfast, Kate pleaded that she had some fan mail to catch up on and excused herself to go into the office. Instead, she went down the internet rabbit hole to try to discover what she might like to explore with Aiden. She quickly ruled out any form of group play; it wasn't that she was prudish about the idea; she hated the idea of sharing Aiden with anyone, and the thought of letting anyone else touch her made her squeamish.

After a brief break to get another cup of coffee, she refocused on what she knew she liked. She had liked giving him head. She had enjoyed knowing she was in complete control of his pleasure. There was also the fact that the act was purely about his pleasure. After discovering how long he held back his feelings for her; the fact she could do something selfless for him was deeply satisfying as well as arousing. She had also enjoyed surrendering herself to him. It was freeing knowing that she could just let go, and he would look after her. The world had just disappeared, and all she could focus on was him and the sense of safety his power gave her.

She managed another confusing hour of research, before she was ready to give up. She had found a few ideas that she liked, but none of them would really work unless Aiden wanted them to. In the end, she decided that she would just let their sex life evolve naturally, and they would introduce new elements when the time felt right. She was happy enough with the research as, at the very least, it had given her some hard boundaries.