Page 21 of Marring an Athlete

Chapter Eight

Michael

Michael couldn’t help but glare at Javier as he led them down the boardwalk to the huts. Another guide had been waiting for them when they got to the resort to show McKenna and Sam to theirs. That left Michael alone with Anna and Javier, and he was having a hard time not hating the guy.

Javier was talking to Anna about the history of the resort, and she seemed enamored with whatever he was saying. When she laughed, Michael tried hard not to roll his eyes. Right now, shoving their guide into the water seemed like the best idea.

Javier walked up to a door and stopped. “This is your hut.” He pulled out a key, unlocked the bolt, and pushed opened the door. Anna’s eyes widened, as she looked around, and then met Michael’s

“Are you serious?” she asked as she walked inside.

Michael followed her. His mouth dropped open as he took in their accommodations.

Floor-length windows made up the far wall. A small hot tub sat in the middle of the deck, overlooking the crystal-clear ocean.

The living room had a small sofa with a coffee table in front of it and a few armchairs next to it. A bed covered in a plush comforter sat against the far wall. From where he was standing, Michael could see little chocolates had been left on the pillows.

“Look at this bathroom,” Anna called out.

Michael followed her voice. She was standing next to a huge, two-person soaker tub. Her eyes widened when he met her gaze.

“Two sinks. And check out that shower.” She waved toward the glass enclosure on the far wall. Two nozzles came down from above and a few more dotted the walls.

Michael tried not to think about how well he and Anna would fit in there together. And then he cursed himself. He should not be thinking of Anna like that at all. Trying to dispel how awkward his thoughts were making him feel, he said, “Eh, I’ve seen better.”

Anna stared at him. “I doubt that.”

“Can I get you anything else?” Javier asked, stepping into the bathroom.

“I think we’re good. My wife and I should be just fine.” Michael emphasized the word wife, but Javier didn’t seem fazed.

“Well, if there’s anything you need from me, feel free to pick up the phone and dial. My number is on the table. Dinner will be served at the Rekindle Resort restaurant at seven. You should be receiving a call from the itinerary expert with your first activity shortly.” He tapped his forehead with his fingers, saluting them and then gave Anna a wink, and left.

Michael stilled his frustration as he turned back to Anna. “What is with that guy?”

Anna’s gaze fell to the spot where Javier had just been standing. “I like him. He’s nice.”

Michael leaned against the counter and folded his arms. “You can’t be serious, Anna. He’s flirting with you.”

Her cheeks reddened as she glanced over at him. “Really? You think so?”

He scoffed. There was no way she was this oblivious. “It’s pretty bad.” He scrubbed his face with his hands. “Maybe I should tell someone. I mean, couples are here to help fix their marriage. What is a vulnerable woman going to do against that?” He waved his hand toward the door where Javier had left.

“Wow. I’ve never seen you this fired up. Afraid the cute, exotic man is going to take away your fake wife?” Anna asked, moving away from the bathtub and glancing over at him.

“I’m not afraid. I just don’t like the way he was leering at you.”

Anna laughed. “First, we are not married. Or even engaged.” She waved to the ring on her finger. “This is all fake. And second, I think I can take care of myself.” She walked over to the sink and turned the water on.

Michael stared at her. Was she serious? How many relationships had he helped her get over? Her taste in men was about as refined as a McDonald’s burger. “You have to be joking,” he said, turning toward her.

She splashed some water on her face. “I’m not joking.”

“What about Carl? Tom? Chad?” All the guys in high school who broke her heart.

She paused and glanced over at him. “That was a long time ago.”

“And this new guy? The one who was your boss?” He shook his head. “You have to admit, you really pick the bad ones, Anna.”

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