Page 32 of Marring an Athlete

Michael straightened, brought his arms up, and flexed a few times. “These babies just hate to be confined.” He leaned over and kissed one.

Anna rolled her eyes as she pulled the comforter back and slipped into bed. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously handsome, maybe,” he said as he climbed in as well.

“It’s good to know that your ego is healthy.” She leaned against the pillows, trying to calm her nerves. She didn’t like being this close to Michael. His presence was becoming too familiar, and that frightened her.

“In all seriousness, I can’t stand sleeping in a shirt. It makes me too hot.” He glanced over at her. “But I can put one on if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Uncomfortable, no. Not ready to admit the feelings racing through her, yes. But she couldn’t say that. So she decided to laugh it off as she pulled the covers up to her chin. “Nope. No problem over here.”

“Good.”

Silence fell around them.

“Well, I’m going to get to sleep,” Michael said as he flipped to his side, turning so his back was to her.

“Good idea.” She turned.

“Anna?”

Her heart quickened. “Yes?”

Michael was quiet for a moment. “I’m happy you decided to come here with me. I know it’s for McKenna, but I couldn’t imagine trying to do this with anyone else.”

Great. Why did he have to say that to her? A warm feeling spread through her body. This was the Michael she knew. Despite his flirtatious demeanor, he was kind and sweet. But still, the last person she should have feelings for.

“Of course,” she said. “Anything for you and McKenna. You’re like family. And family members help each other.” If only she could convince her emotions that they were just family, then she’d be set.

“Family,” Michael whispered.

Anna needed to end this conversation before it went into uncharted territory. She faked a yawn and said, “Goodnight, Michael.”

“Goodnight, Anna Banana.”

* * *

The next morning, Anna rushed into the bathroom the minute she woke up. There was no way she wanted Michael to see her with bed hair or morning breath. Once she was showered, she glanced around and cursed herself.

In her haste to get into the bathroom, she’d forgotten her suitcase or a change of clothes. She tightened the towel around her body and took a breath.

She quietly pulled open the door and peeked out. Michael was still a lump on the bed. Thankful that he hadn’t stirred, she tiptoed over to her suitcase and grabbed it.

Back in the bathroom, she dressed and put on her makeup. She pulled her hair up into a bun on the top of her head and headed back out into the room.

Michael was up, leaning against the railing of the deck outside. Anna glanced over at him, and for a moment considered joining him. But from the butterflies racing around her stomach, she decided against it. Instead, she made her way over to the phone and located Javier’s number.

After a few rings, his spicy accent filled the receiver.

“Javier,” he said.

“Hey, Javier. It’s me. Anna.” She squeezed her eyes shut as she scolded herself.

“Did you want to order room service?” he asked. “There’s another number to do that.”

Anna shook her head. “No, that’s not why I’m calling. I actually want to see if I can set something up. Something for McKenna and Sam.”

“Okay.”

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