Page 19 of Marring an Athlete

McKenna took it and then leaned back on her seat and closed her eyes. The plane began to taxi away from the gate. Nerves raced down Anna’s spine, but she blew them out in slow breaths. She could do this.

They kept their conversation light through the remaining connections to Bora Bora. Anna decided it was best to keep McKenna’s attention away from her failing marriage and focused on the hot heroes in all the in-flight movies. While watching, they chowed down on the complimentary chocolate chip cookies, and rolled their eyes at all the cheesy parts.

The flight attendants came by with a cart full of assorted candies, and Anna loaded up. There were some benefits to being the fake wife of a successful hockey player. He had money that provided comfort.

When their charter plane landed on the air strip in Bora Bora, Anna arched her back, pushing away the kinks that had formed in her muscles. This plane was tiny, and Anna and McKenna were shoved in the very back where the seats didn’t recline. She had spent hours cramped in an upright position.

The plane taxied in next to the small airport, and the fasten seat belt sign went off. She unbuckled and stood, reveling in the feeling of blood flowing back to her lower extremities. McKenna was asleep, so Anna reached over and gently shook her shoulder.

“Get up, Kenna. We’re here.”

McKenna startled awake. She sat up and glanced around. “We’re here?”

Anna nodded.

She unbuckled and stood next to Anna. After the door opened and a staircase was brought over, they made their way off the plane. As they descended the steps, Anna saw Michael trying to talk to the pinch-lipped Sam. Michael was laughing and moving his arms as if he was telling a joke.

Sam nodded, but then a pained expression passed over his face. Michael stopped talking and glanced over at her. When he caught her gaze, his eyebrows rose.

Michael raised his hands in triumph as he made his way over to the stairs. Just as Anna reached the bottom, he extended his hand and Anna took it. He helped her off the last few steps. As soon as she was on solid ground, he pulled her into a hug.

“That was brutal. Never leave me again. Sam is so boring,” he whispered as he buried his face into her neck. Shivers raced across her skin even though the air was thick with heat.

Anna forced a chuckle as she pulled away, hoping that he didn’t sense what his hug had done to her. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”

He looked into her eyes for a moment and then pulled her back, smashing her into another hug. “It was like talking to the side of a building.”

Anna patted his back. “Well, I’m here now. So you should be okay.”

He nodded into her shoulder and then let her go. “Shall we?” he asked.

She tensed when she felt his hand land on her lower back. The warmth radiated through the thin material of her shirt and spread throughout her body. Her breath caught in her throat as she nodded.

“Right this way, Mrs. Jones,” he said.

She nodded and let him lead her into the small airport where they found the other passengers milling around. Thankfully, Michael had dropped his hand, and his focus was elsewhere. Anna took this time to calm her mind.

The outside door opened, and a man came in pushing the luggage trolley. People surrounded him as they picked up their suitcases. Once Anna located hers, she moved from the crowd. As she walked toward the sliding doors, she noticed a man standing in the corner with a a linen shirt and slacks on. He was holding a sign that said Jones.

She smiled as she approached. When his gaze met hers, she couldn’t help but stare. He had the most brilliant blue eyes that shone against his tanned skin. He pushed his chauffeur hat up and smiled at her.

“Jones?” His accent clung to his voice like hot sauce.

Anna nodded. “Yes,” she said.

“Then I’m in luck.” He put the sign under his arm and reached out his hand. Not sure what to do, Anna stuck out hers. He grasped her fingers and pressed his lips to the top of her hand. “Welcome to Bora Bora. I’m Javier. Your guide.”

Anna just swallowed again. For some reason, she’d forgotten every word. “I—um—it’s—” What was the matter with her? It was like she’d forgotten how to talk to people.

“Hey, babe. What’s going on over here?” Michael’s voice snapped her out of her trance. She turned to see him walking up to her. He stopped and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I didn’t see you wander away,” he said as he buried his lips in her hair to get closer to her ear.

“I’m—this is Javier. He’s our guide.”

Michael extended his hand. “Michael Jones. This gorgeous woman’s other half,” he said, nodding in her direction.

Javier shook his hand. “Javier. I’m with Rekindle Resort. I’ll be taking you there.”

They shook, and it seemed like Michael was gripping him a little harder than necessary. Thankfully, McKenna and Sam walked up, ending the awkward interaction.

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