Page 55 of King of Hearts

“Get a room, Cap!” Someone called and Andy broke the kiss, smiling against my mouth as he rested his forehead against my own.

“Did you enjoy the game?” His eyes searched my gaze and I was struck by the fact my answer genuinely mattered to him. Even with my inexperienced understanding of the sport he excelled in, it really meant something. He had thousands of people screaming his praise, but he wanted to hear it fromme. The sentiment was as flattering as it was humbling.

“Andy, you are incredible. I loved watching you and being here with Marls made it even better.” I answered honestly.

“Where is Marlee?” He asked and I explained how Jack was taking her for a tour which was her life goal unlocked.

“Have you been screaming, baby, because your voice is a little husky.” He stroked the column of my throat and I felt my nipples tighten under my shirt. “It’s turning me on.”

“You need to stop or I’m going to climb you right here in this change room.” I whispered, meaning every word. He barked a laugh just as Jack returned with an incredibly happy looking Marlee.

“Hey Marlee, thanks for coming.” Andy said, putting some space between us which was probably for the best.

“Thanks for getting us such cool seats. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed if I’m honest.”

“How is work?” Andy asked, a mischievous smile on his face. “Pulse keeping you busy?”

Remembering the lie I fed him about Marls being a colleague when I brought her to the photo shoot, I covered my mouth with my hand, my eyes widening.

Marlee laughed, causing a giggle to spill through my own fingers.

“Well, funny story.” She started and Andy crossed his arms over his chest settling in for the explanation. “I actually work at a local neighbourhood centre for some kids who do it pretty tough at home. I’m just a huge Hearts fan.” She shrugged as if it were perfectly acceptable, and Jack chuckled which made me giggle more.

“I like you, Marlee!” Jack said as he slapped Andy on the shoulder and saluted us in farewell.

“I knew the minute I met you that you didn’t work at Pulse. Plus, Arna had already told me all about you, which she evidently forgot. But I’m always happy to meet a fan.” He shook his head in faux disappointment.

“Shit, I did too. I didn’t think you’d remember.” I said.

“I remember everything you tell me.” He said honestly before looking at me with an intimacy which took me by surprise. Marlee’s eyes darted between Andy and I, a nervous smile plastered on her face before she broke whatever tacit moment was happening.

“So, ummm, this is really random, but you mentioning my job reminded me that we have our annual fete in a couple of weeks. We host a big carnival style event down at Greenway Gardens. Would any of your team be able to make an appearance? The kids would absolutely love to have a few kicks with you guys.” She asked, her hands pressed together in a pleading gesture.

“Ahh, yeah sure. Let me speak to the boys and I’ll let you know.” I looked up at him, unsure if he felt pressured to oblige her request or whether he genuinely didn’t mind, but his face was unreadable. Marlee’s ringtone blasted through the space before she could reply, and she glanced at the screen briefly before answering.

“Hey Lu–” She stopped mid-greeting, and her face paled a little before she mouthed an apology in our direction and stepped out of earshot.

“That was weird, right?” I asked, my eyes on her retreating form.

“Weird how? Seems like she just didn’t want to speak in front of an audience.” He took my ponytail in his hand and draped it over my shoulder.

“Hmmmm, I’m not sure but something is off with her,” I turned back to him and looked at his hand still playing with my hair. “You were amazing today. I’m sure the team is happy with you.”

“Must have been because I had someone to impress.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek and my ovaries pinched. Ugh. It seemed I was a sucker for a cheek kiss too. Just as I was about to kiss him again Marlee returned looking pale and a little flustered.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, instantly on edge.

“No, nothing. I’m good. Just a little tired. I’m going to head home; Lucas is cooking dinner for us.” Her face shifted into what I knew was a fake smile.

“You’d tell me if you weren’t good, yeah?”

“Arns, you know I would. I’m good, promise. Andy, thank you for everything today. It has been an amazing day. Congratulations on the win.” She added, pulling me in for a tight hug – and for a second she wasmyMarlee. Not my best-friend who I was worried about increasingly more and more each day. If I didn’t know her better than I knew myself I would have bought her bullshit. But for the first time since we became best friends in high school, she just promised me something that I knew was a lie.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Arna

Andy:I’ll be there in 20, babe.

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