Page 63 of Marring an Athlete

“I mean, if that’s okay.” He raised his eyebrows as he leaned closer to her.

“We’re dancing,” Javier said. “Why don’t you go be with your fiancée?” He nodded in Daisy’s direction.

“Because she’s not my fiancée anymore. I broke it off.”

Anna’s heart pounded so hard she could hear it in her ears. “Why would you do that?” she breathed out. It was almost as if she were worried that she just might scare Michael off if she spoke too loudly.

“Because I’m in love with someone else.” He steadied his gaze as he studied her.

“Michael, I. . .” She slowed as she moved to break away from Javier. She needed to stop moving so she could focus on what was going on. But Javier just tightened his grip.

She glanced up at him only to see that he was smiling down at her. “Where are you going?” Javier asked.

Anna pushed away. “I need a minute,” she said. From the corner of her eye she saw Michael step closer to them.

“Don’t let him hurt you again.” Javier’s breath was hot on her ear as he pulled closer to her.

Suddenly, he stumbled away from her. When she turned, she saw Michael standing there with his hand outstretched. He was staring Javier down. “When the lady asks you to let her go, you let her go.”

“Michael!” What was he doing? He was with Daisy. Right?

Javier righted himself and straightened his shirt. “I’m sorry. We were dancing.”

Michael shook his head.

Anna had had enough of being around Michael. She needed a break from it all. Turning, she pushed past the other couples on the dance floor. Once she was on the sand, she made her way across the beach until the thrumming of the bass was in the distance.

Now alone, she folded her arms and studied the ocean as it lapped at the shore. The moon reflected against the water. Her mind began to clear as she took a few deep breaths.

“Anna.”

Her heart picked up at the sound of Michael’s voice. He’d followed her. Why? Why wouldn’t he just leave her alone?

“Michael, what do you want from me?” She turned to see him standing a few feet off. He had an uneasy expression as his gaze raced over her.

“I was just trying to protect you.” He glanced over at her.

“I don’t need protection. I could have defended myself. Javier wasn’t getting anywhere with me.” She was over having men decide that they know better. She needed to start standing up for herself.

“I’m sorry. I can leave if you want.” He took a step back.

The thought of him leaving caused her heart to squeeze. She didn’t want to admit it, but him leaving was the last thing she wanted. But he’d broken her heart. How could she trust that he wouldn’t do it again?

“So, things are over with Daisy?”

Michael glanced over at her and she saw hope in his gaze. “It never was really on with Daisy. I got drunk at a party and proposed to her. I tried to break it off, but couldn’t because she went out of town. Then I got scared and left.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Not my proudest moment.”

Anna wasn’t surprised. That did sound like Michael. “So, kind of like the time you broke Mrs. Transke’s gnome, and then ran away instead of telling her? How long were you in the woods for before you parents found you?” She folded her arms. The sweet breeze surrounded her, carrying salty air with it.

Michael laughed and nodded. “Yeah. To say I run from my feelings is probably a bit of an understatement.”

“I have so many examples that it would take all night to list.”

“Yeah. I bet you do. You know me so well. That’s what I love about you.” He hesitated before he glanced over at her.

She wasn’t sure what to say to that. Did he just confess that he loved her? She rubbed her arms as she glanced around. “Where’s Javier? You didn’t beat him up, did you?”

Michael pinched his lips and shook his head.

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