Page 22 of Blocking Her Love

“Want some help?”

Huffing out a breath I compose my expression before turning to face Karol. “Nah, I’m good.”

“Look, Sean,” she says and takes a step closer. Thank god she didn’t call me Seansy. “I really am sorry about what happened to Maya. I know being sorry doesn’t help, but I want you to know that if you or Ellie need anything, just give me a call.”

She picks up a ball and lightly tosses it from one hand to the other. “Is Ellie going to be looking for another partner?”

So, she’s on an information gathering mission. I’m not telling her anything. “We haven’t talked about it.”

Trying to look demure, she looks down then back up at me through her unbelievably long fake lashes. “If she is, I’d like to be considered.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now, I need to get the area cleaned up so I can watch a few matches.”

She grins. “So I’ll help. I’ll get the rest of the balls while you carry the other stuff back to the equipment tent. How’s that sound?”

Her help will get me back to Ellie’s side sooner so I shrug. “Okay, good. Thanks, Karol.”

Hefting the bags, I cross the sand and stow everything in the small tent. When I turn, Karol is right behind me. Right behind, only inches away. She tosses the ball bags to one corner and moves in even closer.

“If I team up with Ellie it means you and I will be together all the time.” She backs me against a tent pole. “We wouldn’t have to be professional when we’re alone.”

Her fingers dance up my shirt front until she rests the tips against my jaw.

“Karol, I have no interest in?—”

“Oh, Seansy, don’t say what you don’t mean.” She gropes me with her free hand.

A noise at the tent entrance only slows her pursuit. A throat clears and Ellie’s cold glare captures my gaze. She winks then focuses on Karol. “Get your hands the fuck off my man, bitch,” she growls.

twelve

Ellie

When I sawKarol following Sean into the equipment tent I knew she was up to no good. I jogged across the sand and entered the tent to find Sean pressed against the center tent pole, and Karol plastered against him, her hand moving toward his groin. Oh no. Uh uh. That ain’t happening.

Sean notices me first and I don’t want him to think I’m upset with him. I know he has nothing to do with Karol’s actions, so I wink. His tight expression softens. Karol hasn’t realized I’m here yet. So I deepen my voice to a low growl. “Get your hands the fuck off my man, bitch.”

She jerks and with her hands up in a surrender position, turns to me with a smirk. “So you think he’s yours?”

“I don’t think. I know. Now get out.”

“Seansy, are you going to let her ta?—”

“You heard her. Get out. And get the thought of ever teaming with Ellie out of your head as well.”

“You can’t speak for her. Ellie, you and I have been on the same team before. We could be great together.”

I plant my hands on my hips. “You’re right, Karol. I don’t need Sean to speak for me. In this case though, our thoughts are the same. I would never trust you as my teammate. Never. Now, get out. Go rub your fake tits on someone who cares.” I turn sideways in the tent opening and point out toward the ocean. As far as I’m concerned she can just keep walking that way. “Get. Out.”

Karol scoots past me. Once clear of the tent she tilts her nose in the air. “You’ll be sorry, Miss high and mighty. We would have been the greatest team ever.”

Tapping one foot, I roll my eyes. “The only way we’d make number one ranking would be if you slept with the entire judging community and all of the refs. Not my style, bitch. I suggest you keep walking.”

Lips pressed together Karol glares at me. I swear I can almost see steam pouring out of her ears. I bite back a chuckle. She gives Sean one hopefully final, narrow eyed look then stomps away. Neither Sean nor I move until she’s disappeared into the crowd.

“Ellie? Sweetheart? Thank you for coming to my rescue. Please believe me. I had nothing to do with Karol’s advances.”

“Don’t worry, babe. Unless you wanted to continue with her.”

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