Page 29 of Marring an Athlete

McKenna snorted. “I don’t think that the sprinkler is considered dancing.”

“A lot has changed since we went to middle school dances together.”

Sadness passed over McKenna’s face as she nodded. “Yeah. It has.”

Suddenly feeling protective over his sister, Michael pulled her closer. He didn’t want her to hurt. He wanted to take away the pain that she felt. If there was only something he could do. “It’ll be okay, Kenna,” he said, smiling down at her.

She shrugged and then let out a sigh. “I don’t think so,” she said as she chewed her lip, and glanced back at Sam who was engrossed in his phone again. “I think it’s over.”

Michael pulled back to look at her. “Is that what you want?” He could see the tears form on her eyelids.

“I don’t know. Sometimes, it’s yes. Sometimes, it’s no. I love Sam. I do. I just wish this could get fixed.” She shuddered as a tear slipped down her cheek.

He pulled her closer, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ll do what I can, Kenna.”

She nodded. “I know. I’m just happy that you and Anna are here. It’s definitely helping with the awkward moments. How’s it going with Anna?” She asked, pulling away.

He looked at her. What did that mean? “Fine. Why?”

McKenna glanced at him and then over to Anna. “Just be careful with her. She’s not as strong as she seems to be. Patrick did a number on her when he cheated.” She turned and eyed him. “And you’re not exactly Mr. Reserved. She’s always had a crush on you, you know that.”

Michael’s heart pounded so loudly in his chest that he feared McKenna would hear it. “What? No, she doesn’t. She’s like my sister.” He couldn’t help the heat that permeated his cheeks. Did McKenna sense what her words were doing to him? Anna liked him? Him?

McKenna stared at him and then shrugged. “It was a long time ago, and I’m sure she’s moved on, but just in case, keep your Michael-ness to yourself. The last thing she needs is some playboy flirting with her.”

Michael let his gaze fall to Anna who was running her finger along the rim of her water glass. She was chewing on her lips as if she were in deep thought. There was something so familiar about her expression, and the way she brushed her hair behind her ear.

And she cared about him. His heart picked up speed as he thought about what that meant. What did it mean for them?

“So, you haven’t told me much about New York. Anything new there?”

And just like that, Michael came crashing back to earth. New York. Daisy. His proposal. His mess. He swallowed as he glanced down at his sister. “Same old, same old.” Did she believe him? He wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about his mistake right now. Not when he hadn’t cleared things up with Daisy.

McKenna looked as if she didn’t buy a word he said. “That can’t be true. You’re always running from something. Your sudden desire to come see me is a big tip off.” She waved her hand toward herself, as if to show him that he could confide in her. “You can tell me, big brother.”

Michael shot her his best fake smile, and shook his head. He didn’t need to bother McKenna with his problems. “Nothing. I swear. And besides, aren’t we here to help you with your Sam issues? Talking about mine would just get in the way.”

She narrowed her eyes. “So, there is a problem.”

Crap. That’s not what he meant to say. “I meant talking about my life.”

McKenna coughed. “Yeah. Sure.” Then she sighed. “What do you think I should do? You know, with him?” She nodded in Sam’s direction.

“Honestly? Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Do things that you both are uncomfortable with. It’ll help you be vulnerable. You’re both too bull-headed. You need to let your guard down.”

McKenna’s eyes widened as she stared up at him. “Wow. That was really insightful for someone who knows nothing about relationships.”

He nodded, even though her words stung a bit. Sure, he was a screw up when it came to women. But it wasn’t because he didn’t care. He wanted a relationship. And even though he tried to convince himself that he didn’t want marriage and kids, there was a small part of him that did. He just always seemed to make mistakes.

She rubbed his shoulder. “Sorry. That was harsh. I’m just. . . crabby. Maybe it’s low blood sugar.” She glanced behind her, drawing his attention along with her gaze.

His heart sped up as he saw Anna approaching them. She smiled when she met his gaze. “Hey guys, dinner’s here.”

McKenna pulled away and rubbed her hands together. “Perfect. Finish this dance for me?” she called over her shoulder.

Michael had wanted to follow her to the table and eat, but Anna turned around and raised her eyebrows. “I guess we can,” she said.

His stomach dropped as he stared at her. So much had been revealed in his conversation with McKenna, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to face what she said about Anna right now. The confirmation that Anna had indeed once cared for him. And then the fact that his own sister doubted his ability to have a meaningful relationship.

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