Page 30 of The King Contract
11
MILLIE
Books, not balls
“You’re takingme to the cricket?”
Noah flashes his grin as he smooths his hand over his steering wheel. Something about his hands and the seductive way he runs his fingers across it itches at my skin.
“Excited?”
I grimace. I know it’s a fake date, but I’m disappointed. “Is this how you woo your real girlfriends? Withcricket?”
“Definitely not.” Noah makes a right turn. “But you’re not my real girlfriend. If we’re going to spend time together, I figure we should do somethingIwant to do.”
“Wow. Thanks.”
Noah glances at me. “I also have full faith in my ability to make you like it.”
I scoff. “Don’t hold your breath.”
“It’s not Test Day cricket or the Ashes,” he argues.
“You say these words like I’m supposed to know what they mean.”
He laughs. “We’re going to a warm-up match for the Big Bash League. The BBL season kicks off in December, so it’s just afriendly tonight. And it’s fun. It has different rules, and they play music to get the crowd pumped up.”
“Yeah, because everyone’s falling asleep from boredom.”
Cricket is an Australian staple. It’s played on televisions in the pub through the summer. It’s on in the background when you’re at friends’ houses for Boxing Day drinks. I’ve watched it with feigned interest in my time, especially when Ellis has it on, but it’s always too slow and complicated to grab my interest. Andlonggggg.
“Give it a chance, Maelstrom,” Noah urges. “There’s beer there and you don’t have to lie to anyone.”
“To be fair, that does sound like a pretty good deal.”
When we get closer to the cricket grounds, roads are blocked off to help with crowd control and traffic. There’s never enough parking for big events at this stadium, so everyone is encouraged to use public transport or to Park ‘N’ Ride. But not Noah. He has VIP access to a private carpark and with a flash of a pass they wave him on through.
“There are lots of eyeballs here,” I say quietly, as throngs of people head towards the giant, yellow-painted stadium. Sports fans have donned colours in show of support for their team of choice, a sea of green dotted with purple pouring towards the gates.
“I told you, people enjoy cricket,” Noah replies. “Lotsof people.”
I survey his smug expression as he navigates to a parking spot. “You chose this as a date because you knew there’d be lots of people. And cameras.”
Noah winks. “Looks like you’re starting to figure me out.”
I swallow my nerves as he kills the engine. Despite my complaints, a game of cricket with a couple of beers would actually be a decent first date, but this is no ordinary date.
“Millie, I wouldn’t have suggested this if I didn’t think you could handle it.” He looks over at me with concern. “If you want to bail at any point, say the word.”
“Bail.”
He grins. “You’ve got to give it at least twenty minutes from when we get into our seats.”
“There’s always a catch with you, Noah King.” I glance at my handbag. “Do you think I’ll be able to bring my camera inside?”
He raises his eyebrows. “You brought your camera?”
“I always bring a camera.” I screw my nose up. “I’m such a nerd.”
