Page 43 of Marring an Athlete

After she was dressed, she came out to find Michael sitting on the bed with his trunks and a t-shirt on. He had on his sunglasses and flip-flops. His eyebrows rose above his glasses as she felt his gaze on her. Part of her hoped that he enjoyed the cute swimsuit cover up Betsy had insisted she wear. Heat flushed her skin, but she tried to play it off as she made her way over to her sandals and slipped them on.

She grabbed her sunhat and purse and waved to him. “Ready?”

Michael stood and opened the door. Javier was leaning against the railing. He glanced up and smiled as Anna stepped out.

“You look amazing,” Javier said.

Michael cleared his throat as he pulled the door shut and locked it. “Thank you, Javier. Although, I’m not really into guys.” He turned and dropped his arm around Anna’s shoulders. As if he owned her or something.

Javier parted his lips as he glanced from Michael and then over to Anna. She silently pleaded with him to just let it go. Javier laughed and then he turned back to Michael.

“Of course. I apologize. It must be my upbringing. We are quick to compliment.” He extended his hand and motioned toward the Jeep that was parked on the shore.

Anna pushed forward, hoping Michael would leave the conversation alone. Thankfully, no one spoke as they made their way to the vehicle. As they got close, she could hear McKenna’s voice. She quickened her pace. Hopefully, she’d be able to lose herself in conversation so she didn’t have to think about the strange interactions she was having with either man.

McKenna was leaning against the Jeep with her arms folded when Anna rounded the hood. She looked disgruntled as her gaze kept slipping to Sam who was sitting on one of the back seats.

“Hey, Kenna,” Anna said, approaching slowly.

McKenna turned, and a relieved look crossed over her face. “Anna, thank goodness you’re coming. I don’t think I have the strength to do this today,” she said, motioning toward Sam.

Anna gave her a sympathetic smile. “Michael and Javier are right behind me. Maybe you just need some sun and ocean to feel better.”

McKenna’s skin paled as she pinched her lips together. After a moment, she took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve been feeling really off since last night. I’m thinking it may have been the shrimp at dinner. Are you feeling sick?”

Anna shook her head. Sick of men—specifically Michael. Yes. But sick to her stomach? No. “Sorry, I feel fine. Maybe it was just your batch.”

McKenna dabbed her lips as she stared at the trashcan a few feet away. “Maybe. Man, it would be just fitting to get sick on this trip. Perfect way to end everything.”

Anna’s gaze made its way from McKenna over to Sam. He looked as if he were listening. For a moment, she saw his expression falter but then he shook his head slightly and the same deadpanned look crossed his features.

Before she could wonder what that was about, Javier came up from behind her and pressed his hand on the small of her back.

“This way, Miss Anna,” he said. His voice was deep and sent shivers down her spine.

She turned to see him smiling at her.

“I think I can help her in.” Michael’s voice grew louder as he approached. Suddenly, his hand was in hers, and he was leading her toward the open door.

“I can get into the car myself—” she started, but Michael was ignoring her. He scooped her up and then set her gently down on the seat.

She tried to protest, but he was buckling her in before she could get the words out. What the heck was happening? What was Michael’s problem? They weren’t married. They weren’t even dating. The fact that he seemed to have marked her as his territory annoyed her.

Everyone piled in around her, and Javier started the Jeep. The roar of the wind around them cut any conversation short. So, she sat back and folded her arms. She was going to have this conversation with him eventually. But for now, she’d just sit here and stew on it.

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