𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 ᵖʰⁱˡ ᶠᵒᵈᵉⁿ

𝟬𝟮𝟲

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲
𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯

———

THE FOLLOWING DAY in Doha, the England team and their loved ones decided to take a breather and settle into the rhythms of their temporary home. It was a chance for everyone to get accustomed to the new surroundings and soak in the rich culture and sights of Qatar.

As the evening approached, a special dinner in a luxurious restaurant had been arranged for the players and their girlfriends. It was an opportunity for them to unwind and enjoy a memorable evening before the intensity of the upcoming international tournament begun.

In her hotel room, Maeve prepared for the dinner. She carefully selected a stunning black dress that accentuated her figure, She adorned herself with her favourite jewellery that she had brought with her.

As Maeve was finishing her preparations, she heard a distinct knock at her hotel room door. She hesitated for a moment, wondering who it might be at this time as the only person who knows her room number is Leah, and it is unlikely to be her.

Maeve couldn't help but wonder who might be at the door. She took the few slow steps toward the door, her mind racing with possibilities of who it could be.

Upon opening the door, Maeve was met with the unexpected sight of Phil standing there, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. He looked up at her, and a crooked smile played at the corners of his lips. "Philip?" Maeve questioned, her voice laced with both surprise and a hint of confusion.

Phil nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. "Hi," he replied, his smile softening into something more genuine. There was a subtle tension in the air, as if they were standing on the precipice of a moment that could go in any direction.

Maeve stood in her hotel room, her confusion evident as she gazed at Phil. "What are you doing here?" she questioned, her voice laced with curiosity and a touch of skepticism.

Before Phil could respond, Maeve couldn't help but inquire further, her arms tightly crossed over her chest. "How did you get my room number?" Her tone was inquisitive, and she couldn't quite mask the surprise in her expression.

Phil scratched the back of his neck, a subtle nervous habit that he displayed when he was caught off guard. "I asked at reception," he mumbled, not quite meeting her eyes. His response was tentative, and it seemed like he was walking on uncertain ground.

Maeve raised a brow in amusement, her lips curving into a small smile. "Why?" Her question was loaded with a hint of playful teasing. It was clear that the unexpected visit had taken her by surprise, and she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Phil to go out of his way to find her.

Maeve didn't wait for Phil's response as she turned and walked back into her hotel room. A faint smile danced on her lips as she called out, "Well, don't just stand out there."

Phil followed her into the room, his gaze never leaving her. He watched intently as she tried to clip her necklace around her neck, her fingers deftly working the clasp. "Do you want help?" he asked softly from his spot by the door.

With the necklace in her hands, Maeve turned to face him, holding it out for Phil to take. He pushed himself from the wall and accepted the delicate piece of jewelry from her. The atmosphere in the room seemed to crackle with an unspoken tension as he held the necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.

"Turn around," Phil whispered, his voice barely more than a murmur. Maeve obliged, facing the mirror as she caught her own reflection. Her heart raced, and her pulse quickened as she felt Phil move behind her. His closeness was electrifying, and it was as if the world had shrunk to just the two of them.