Page 12 of Marring an Athlete

Chapter Five

Anna

Anna glanced over at McKenna, who sighed as she leaned back in the chair. It’d been ten minutes since Michael had said he had something to do and disappeared. McKenna didn’t seem interested in knowing where her brother went. Instead, she’d dragged Anna over to the coffee shop where they bought overpriced lattes.

Now, they were sitting at their gate as the customer service agents were busy behind the counter getting ready to allow boarding. Anna couldn’t help but occasionally glance around. Despite her better judgment, she allowed herself to wonder where Michael was.

And then, she felt stupid. He was a single, very attractive adult. Wherever he was, and whomever he was flirting with, was none of her business. It was better for her to forget any feelings she’d had toward him since the moment he walked into the coffee shop. Just watching him flirt with Teresa proved he wasn’t interested in her or settling down. Everything was a giant joke to Michael Jones.

“I can’t wait to go snorkeling.” McKenna’s voice drew Anna’s attention back over to her. “It sounds amazing. And I read that we get to do couple’s massages.” She sighed as she rolled her shoulders. “I’m in desperate need.”

Anna studied her. “Couple’s massage? Like, we’re in there. . . together?” The idea of lying on a table in the same room with Michael with only a sheet for protection caused heat to race across her skin. She cleared her throat and forced a smile. “Is that mandatory?”

McKenna glanced over at her as if she had five heads. “You don’t want a massage?”

“Well, it’s more like I don’t want the getting naked part.” She felt uncomfortable in the locker room at the gym. There was no way she’d be able to be undressed in front of Michael.

McKenna laughed. “I don’t think Michael will care. After all, it’s not like he hasn’t seen it before.”

Anna’s eyes widened as she pulled her cardigan closer around her body. “Excuse me?”

“I didn’t mean yours.” McKenna rolled her eyes. “Geez, that would be gross. You’re like a sister to us.”

Great. Just what Anna needed to hear. Not only that she was a relation to Michael—which would make their fake marriage illegal in all fifty states—but McKenna quickly reminded her of just how flirty her brother was. Anna’s tiny B cups would look minuscule in comparison to the well-endowed models he’d always showcased on his arm.

As those images floated around in her mind, she stifled down the reaction to throw up. This talk with McKenna was not helping, and it only made her more nervous at the thought of a couple’s massage. Or swimming. Or wearing any type of flattering dress. Right now, all she was going to do was stay holed up in the hotel room and never leave.

“What do you think Sam keeps doing?” McKenna’s question pulled Anna from her thoughts.

She glanced over to see Sam leaning back on the chair with his phone brought up to his face. “Reading, maybe?”

McKenna shrugged. “I have no idea. That man has become so quiet around me. He barely talks to me anymore. When he does, it’s to nitpick what I’m doing.” She sighed. It was deep and soulful. Like she was moments away from giving up. “I just don’t know if this will work out.”

Anna wrapped her arm around her best friend’s shoulders. “Kenna, it’s going to be okay. I’m here. Whatever you two decide, I’ll support you.”

McKenna nodded. “Thanks. That means a lot.” She turned and glanced around. “Where is Michael?”

Just then, McKenna’s phone chimed. She glanced down at it. “Michael wants us to meet him outside of the Starbucks.” She glanced down the gateway. “Says there’s a surprise.”

McKenna stood, and Anna followed suit. They rolled their luggage over to Sam.

“Watch our stuff, Sam. Michael wants to show us something,” McKenna said.

Sam glanced up and nodded. Now free of their suitcases, Anna followed McKenna who led them down the walkway which opened up into a large food court. Restaurants lined the walls. A piano sat in the center where a man in a tuxedo was playing some incredibly fast concerto.

“Starbucks,” McKenna said, nodding toward the left.

Anna followed her toward the shop. Tables were lined up outside where passengers were sitting, sipping their drinks and watching people walk by. She scanned the faces and stopped when she saw Michael sitting at a far table, looking suspicious.

“He’s over there,” she said, nodding toward Michael.

McKenna nodded, and the two of them made their way over. As soon as they approached, Michael pushed away his chair and stood. He wiped his hands on his pants as if he were nervous. What did he have to be nervous about?

“You guys found me,” he said, smiling at Anna and then over at McKenna.

“What’s going on? You’re acting strange,” McKenna said, narrowing her eyes.

“I was wondering if I could talk to Anna, alone.” He shot Anna one of his million-watt smiles, and her insides melted just a bit. “Please, Kenna?”

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