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Ashley knew Spencer would be waiting for her. Even before Ashley slipped the key in the lock, she knew what to expect. She looked forward to it. Her adrenaline was still flowing. Neither the shower nor the massage had taken it from her. Wimbledon always affected her this way. Now, the demanding games behind her, Spencer’s win still sweet, she felt like a knight returning home victorious from the wars. Her woman waited. But she wouldn’t throw herself into her arms. She was going to scratch at her. Oh, yes, she was looking forward to it.

Grinning, Ashley turned the knob. She had no more than shut the door behind her than Spencer stormed out of the bedroom.

"Congratulations Face," she said amiably.

"How dare you say those things to me in the middle of the match?" Spencer demanded. Eyes glittering, she advanced on her. "How dare you accuse me of tanking?"

Ashley set her bag and rackets on a chair. "What do you call what you were doing?"

"Losing."

"Quitting," Ashley corrected her. "You might as well have put up a sign."

"I’ve never quit!"

Ashley lifted a brow. "Only for three years."

"Don’t you dare throw that in my face." Raising both hands, Spencer shoved her. Instead of being offended, Ashley laughed. It pleased her enormously that she could rattle Spencer’s control.

"You did good," Ashley reminded her. "I couldn’t take a chance on you deliberately losing.” She gave Spencer’s cheek an affectionate pinch.

"You conceited, overconfident louse!" Spencer shoved her again. "I almost took you in France. I wish I had." She shouted the lie at her. "You could use a good kick in the ego.” With the intention of storming back into the bedroom, she whirled.

Catching her wrist, Ashley spun her back around. "Aren’t you going to thank me?"

"No."

"Aw, come on, Face." She grinned appealingly. "Give us a kiss."

For an answer Spencer balled her hand into a fist. Ducking the blow, Ashley gripped Spencer’s waist and hold her tightly against her. "I love it when you’re violent," Ashley said huskily as Spencer pulled her hair.