Page 72 of Just Say Yes

MJ considered my offer as she continued to wander around the suite. She pulled open the French doors and gasped. In the center of the primary bedroom was a massive four-poster bed. Off to the side in the primary bathroom, there was an oversize soaking tub and steam shower. Across from it was a grand walk-in closet.

The suite was definitely overkill, given we were staying only one night, but the look of shocked pleasure on her face alone was worth it.

“Dibs on this room.” MJ laughed and launched herself toward the bed, bouncing as she landed on her back.

I walked toward her, latching onto her ankle and dragging her toward the end of the bed. My fingers slipped under the bottom hem of her jeans, seeking the warmth of her skin. She giggled and stared up at me.

“That’s fine,” I replied. “There’s an identical one across the living room.”

Her bottom lip jutted out as she shimmied to the side. “Hop up here. Let’s see if it’s big enough for the both of us.”

The bed was massive, so when I turned and fell backward onto it with a thud, she barely jostled. Together, we stared up at the ceiling.

“Seems roomy enough,” I said, trying to ignore the way my cock noticed the fact we were lying together on the bed.

MJ rolled toward me, tucking her hands under her face. “Are you too tired for the team dinner? Because if you’re not, I think I’d like the distraction.”

I wasn’t tired. In fact, I wouldn’t have minded gettingmorefatigued after a few rounds of my new favorite pastime:Make MJ Scream My Name.

I shook my head. “I’m not too tired.” I slipped my phone from the pocket of my jeans. “I’ll let them know you’re joining us.” I typed out the message to our manager, who handled all the reservations. “Maria will be thrilled.”

MJ exhaled. “I really, really like her.”

And I really, really like you.

My brows creased, as I tried to process what was happening between us. She swore she wanted things to be friendly and casual. That was good. It was what I needed, but I couldn’t deny the invisible pull that was there, whether I liked it or not.

Breaking the silence, MJ shot out of the bed and walked toward the bathroom. “How much time do I have to get ready?”

I looked at the time. “About an hour, but take all the time you need.”

She nodded and the door clicked closed.

I looked back at the ceiling with a heavy sigh.

Things with MJ were getting dangerous.

A serious part of me knew I needed to shove aside all my feelings for MJ. She was too sweet, too innocent. It was a real mind-fuck that she’d become some kind of gorgeous talisman I couldn’t shake, but the reality was that she was also a major distraction. Once the season started back up, I wouldn’t be returning to Michigan. I didn’t need an image of her brokenhearted tears once I walked away.

I needed all my focus and attention to be directed at my next Olympic run.

Eyes on the prize.

My singular focus on rugby had been what garnered my success in the first place. No one worked harder than me.

Trouble was, I wasn’t totally convinced it would be her heart that would be broken at the end of it.

* * *

I choseto give her space and shower in the other bathroom while she cleaned herself up for dinner. The team dinner was semicasual, but I’d packed a cozy sweater with two thick, wooden buttons to pair with my dark denim jeans.

I wasn’t sure why I couldn’t rid myself of the simmering anxiety I was carrying around. Maybe it was because the impending game would be a tough one—the Red Rock Reapers were heading into the match undefeated, and my team was still getting its legs. Maybe it was also knowing the team would inevitably jump to conclusions when I showed up with MJ on my arm.

I was waiting for her when she came out of the primary bedroom. Still dressed in the same outfit, MJ had curled her hair and freshened up her makeup.

Her hand still rested on the door handle. “I didn’t have another set of clothes.”

I shook my head. “You’re perfect.”

---