Marrying an Athlete Read online

  Sefina gave her a smile and nodded her head.

  “And I’m Anna. Michael’s old friend and fake wife.” Anna came into view as she reached out her hand.

  “Anna,” Daisy said as she shook her hand. “Fake wife?”

  “It was for his sister McKenna. We’re here to help her fix her marriage. We’re aren’t actually married. We’re just faking it.”

  “And that?” Daisy motioned toward the ring on Anna’s finger.

  “Fake. Well, the diamond is real, but the meaning is fake.”

  “So, you’re not married?” Sefina asked, leaning forward as if she’d finally regained her composure enough to make coherent sentences.

  “No. Not at all. Michael is just a friend.”

  He tried not to wince at the word friend. Even though he knew it was true, and that it was best for everyone involved if they just went back to friends, there was a part of him that realized that things could never return to normal.

  They’d kissed and it caused feelings that he’d never had before. They’d talked and laughed. They’d shared too much together. But that wasn’t important. Right now, he needed to pull away. All he did was hurt Anna. It was evident in the pained expression she was trying so hard to hide.

  “This is interesting,” Sefina said as she glanced down at her pad of paper. “I’ve never had something like this happen in all my years of being a therapist, I mean.” Her laugh came out squeaky. “You hear about these things from other therapists, but you never think it can happen to you.”

  Her laugh died down to a chuckle. “You two really had me fooled. I would have guessed that you were married. In love, even.”

  At the mention of love, Michael’s body tensed. Love Anna? That four-letter word sank around him and settled in his chest. His heart squeezed. He loved Anna. Loved her more deeply that he’d ever loved anything in his entire life.

  And he had to let her go.

  That thought caused his stomach to twist. He didn’t want to let her go. He wanted to put Daisy on the next plane out of here and focus his attention on Anna. To spend time with her during the day and hold her at night. To be the person who loved her fully.

  A high-pitched laugh pulled him from his thoughts. Daisy was shaking as she glanced from Michael and then over to Anna.

  “Michael love her?” She slapped her knee. “Oh, that’s a hoot.” She turned and snuggled her head-on Michael’s shoulder. “He only has eyes for me, huh, sweetheart.”

  Michael swallowed back the words he wanted to speak. The ones that told Daisy to get out. Instead, he shoved them to the back of his mind and forced a smile. “Yes, of course.”

  Fearing what Anna’s gaze would do to him, he kept his eyes forward, focusing on Sefina. She raised her eyebrows. “Is this true?” she asked.

  Michael nodded. “We were only here to help my sister. I’m engaged to Daisy.” He brought up his arm and rested it around Daisy’s waist.

  “Oh, Mikey-poo. I love you, too.” She reached out and sandwiched his face between her hands and brought her lips to meet his.

  Despite the fact that his mind was screaming at him to pull away, he closed his eyes and forced himself to forget his feelings for Anna and focus on Daisy. But Anna was a part of him. And he feared he was never going to be able to let her go.

  “I think that’s my cue.” Anna’s voice cut into his thoughts.

  He pulled back from Daisy to see her stand. As if she sensed his gaze, she turned around. “I’m really happy for you, Michael.” Her voice trailed off as she made her way to the door and out into the lobby.

  As he watched her slip around the corner, his heart began to pound. He couldn’t leave things this way. He had to talk to Anna. It was the least he could do.

  He pushed Daisy onto the couch next to him and stood. “I’ll be right back,” he said, not waiting for anyone to answer him. In a matter of seconds, he was outside, racing after Anna.

  “Wait!” he called out, reaching to grab her elbow.

  Anna had her head down and was speed walking around the building.

  “Anna, wait,” he said, pulling gently on her arm to get her to stop.

  “What, Michael?” she asked as she slowed, but didn’t turn around.

  When he felt confident that she wasn’t going to take off again, he dropped his hand and pushed it through his hair. Why had he raced after her again?

  If he were kind, he would have just let her walk away. It kept her safe from him. But, instead of doing what was right for Anna, he was following her. Trying to explain to her what he’d done. Force her back into his life.

  But she was standing here, he might as well continue. “I’m sorry.”

  She sighed and glanced up at him. “For what? For lying to me and failing to tell me that you have a fiancée. Or for kissing me when you were engaged to someone else.”

  Just hearing what he’d done made his stomach churn. He really was a terrible person. She deserved so much better than him. “For it all.”

  Her eyebrows rose as if she hadn’t expected him to say that. “So, it was all a lie.” She folded her arms as she studied him.

  “Yes—well, no. Parts were a lie.”

  “Okay. What parts?”

  He dropped her gaze as he studied the sidewalk. “Anna, I. . .” How much did he tell her? Did he confess his feelings to her? Part of him wanted to. But no good would come from it. So he blew out his breath and gathered his wits.

  “You know what I think it was? I think it was this place. It has a way of captivating you. Drawing you in and mesmerizing you. If I’m honest”—he dug into the sidewalk with his toe—“I’m meant to be with Daisy.”

  She was quiet, so he waited a moment before he glanced over at her. She was studying him with a stony expression on her face. “So that’s it, huh? That’s what this whole trip has meant to you.” She scoffed and turned. “Good to know.”

  She took a few steps forward and then turned. “I’ll gather my things and leave the love hut to you and your actual love.” She pulled off the ring and held it out. He extended his hand and she dropped it onto his palm. “This marriage is officially over.” Then she turned and left.

  This time, Michael let her go. He watched as she disappeared around the building. They were done. He needed to let her move on. A relationship with him only ended in heartbreak, and her heart was one he’d never forgive himself if he broke. He loved her too much to do that.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Anna

  She held it together as she stomped away from the therapy building and across the resort to her “love hut”. But once she was inside with the door shut behind her, she let the tears fall. Sobs escaped her lips as she sat down on the bed.

  The memory of the last hour rushed through her mind and slammed into her skull like a Mac truck. Michael was engaged. Engaged!

  She wiped at the tear that slipped down her cheek. How could that jerk do this to her? And not even tell her? It was low, even for him.

  She allowed herself to feel sorry for a minute longer before she wiped her tears dry and stood. There was no way she was going to let him occupy her thoughts for a moment longer. She was going to pack and get the heck out of this love hut as soon as possible.

  She wasn’t quite sure where she was going to go, but she knew that she couldn’t stay here.

  After her belongings were collected, she zipped up her suitcase and grabbed the handle. After righting it, she tugged it toward the door. In a few seconds, she would be out of here and moving on from Michael.

  She shut the door behind her and started up the walkway. The wheels of her suitcase bumped on the slats between the wood. She enjoyed the noise is made. It filled the silence that seemed to be deafening her.

  Once she was on the sidewalk, she headed toward the Rekindle restaurant. After eating, she’d probably go down to the beach and get lost in the beauty that was this place. After all, she had only a few more days before she’d head back to New Jersey. Might as well enjoy it
while she’s here.

  She stepped into the restaurant and headed over to the hostess stand. A minute later Teresa, their hostess from the day before, smiled at her as she walked up to Anna.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Jones. Lunch?”

  Anna nodded. She wanted to tell Teresa that she wasn’t Mrs. Jones and that she never would be. Not when there was a leggy blonde clinging to Mr. Jones’s arm, but that seemed like a fruitless conversation. Instead, she just nodded and followed Teresa as she led her to their table.

  “Will Mr. Jones be joining us?”

  Anna forced a laugh, but when Teresa kept her gaze earnest, Anna shook her head. “No. Mr. Jones will not be joining me. Mr. Jones is preoccupied right now.” Flirting with his soon-to-be wife.

  Ugh. She needed to stop thinking. The dessert menu sounded good right now.

  Thankfully, Teresa just nodded, waving her hand for Anna to follow. “Very well.”

  At the table, Anna pulled out her chair and sat down. She was ready to indulge in this four-star restaurant. And she was more than ready to be alone.

  After ordering, she leaned back on her chair and turned her attention toward the window where she watched the waves lap the shore. Her thoughts turned to Michael and Daisy. She wondered if they were still with Sefina. Was she telling them how perfect a couple they were?

  Acid rose up in her stomach. She needed to stop thinking about them and start focusing on herself. Her bad taste in men had gotten her in trouble yet again. What stung the most this time around was the fact that she trusted him. Michael knew how hurt she had been, and yet went on to do exactly what every guy in her life had ever done.

  She huffed and blew a strand of hair from her face. This was the last time she would let a guy affect her like this. She needed to start putting up walls. Protecting herself from guys like Michael.

  “Mon chéri, why are you sitting alone?”

  Anna jumped and turned around to see Javier standing behind her. He was smiling. His white teeth shown against his tanned skin. When he caught her gaze, he winked.

  “Hey,” Anna breathed out.

  As if that recognition was all the permission he needed, Javier walked around to the empty chair and sat down. “Why do you look so sad?” he asked, reaching out and adjusting the silverware that was on the table.

  “Sad? I look sad? I’m not. Mad maybe. Livid. I ended things with Michael.” She stumbled to cover up the hurt that had bubbled up inside of her. There was no way she wanted anyone to know that Michael Jones had just broken her heart.

  “Mon chéri, you can tell me.” He leaned forward with a sparkle in his eye.

  Anna studied him and then dropped her gaze to the table where she fiddled with the corner of her napkin. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

  “Mon chéri?”

  “Yes. What does that mean?”

  Javier leaned back. “My dear.”

  Anna nodded and then furrowed her brow. “Do you call all the female guests here my dear?” She wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or insulted. And what kind of guy calls a woman who he thinks is married, my dear?

  Javier gave her another smile. She swore she saw a sparkle on one of his teeth just like those dental commercials. “Only the truly beautiful women.”

  Heat raced to her cheeks as she dropped her gaze. Thankfully, the waitress brought her food, giving her the perfect distraction. She picked up her fork and motioned toward her plate. “I should eat. I’m starving.”

  Javier studied her for a moment and then nodded. “Sounds good.” He pushed back from the table and stood. He turned to leave but then stopped to glance down at her. “Will you be at the bonfire tonight?” His voice had changed. As if his flirty, exotic persona was gone. Instead, he looked sincere. Probably for the first time in a long time, he was finally real. “I’d really like to meet up with you.”

  Anna met his gaze. She wasn’t sure how she felt about any of this, but what did it hurt? She could meet up with Javier. After all, it wasn’t like anything could ever happen. She was leaving in a few days. That wasn’t enough time for her to get feelings for him and then have him break her heart.

  So, she threw caution to the wind and nodded. “Sure. I’ll be there.”

  Javier rested his hand on her shoulder and smiled. “I’ll look for you.”

  He left, leaving her alone. Before she let thoughts of doubt enter her mind, she began shoving her lunch into her mouth. Perhaps it was to stifle the conflicting emotions rising inside her. No matter how good it felt to have another man who might be interested in her, it didn’t replace the fact that Michael had broken her heart.

  Anna sat on the couch in McKenna and Sam’s hut, staring at the setting sun. She’d successfully avoided Michael the rest of the day. After a long swim and sunning on the beach, she read half her book and did a few crossword puzzles. Magical things that everyone dreams of when they come to an exotic island. Not.

  Now showered, she was dressed in McKenna’s sweat pants and t-shirt. She wanted to be relaxed and comfortable.

  The bathroom door opened, and McKenna stepped out. She was dressed in a flowing dress. It swished around her ankles as she moved. Her hair was pulled back into a bun with a few curly wisps framing her face.

  “Kenna, you look beautiful,” Anna said, smiling over at her best friend.

  An uneasy expression passed over her face. “Really? You don’t think this is too much?”

  Anna shook her head. “Definitely not too much. Sam’s socks are going to fall off.”

  McKenna’s skin paled as she pressed her hand on her stomach. “You think so?”

  Anna reached out and grabbed McKenna’s hand. “You okay? How are things with you and Sam?” Guilt brewed in her gut. She was the worst friend. She’d spent this entire trip obsessing over her relationship with Michael, and she’d completely forgotten about McKenna. She should have been supporting their marriage and not focused on her fake one.

  A smile played on McKenna’s lips. “It’s been going really well, actually.” She sighed and looked around. “I mean, this place has to be magical. We’re talking again”—she leaned in—“flirting even.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  Anna wrinkled her nose. “That’s probably all I need to know,” she said.

  McKenna laughed. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She pressed on her stomach again. “I just wish I could shake this nausea. Bleh.” She stuck out her tongue.

  “You’re still feeling sick?” Anna asked, inching farther away from McKenna. There was no way she wanted to catch what her friend had. Nothing like projectile vomit and a broken heart to really ruin a vacation.

  McKenna nodded and then swallowed, forcing a smile. “But don’t worry. I’m sure it’s just something I picked up. I mean, airplanes are crawling with germs. But enough about me, tell me what’s happening.”

  Anna’s stomach twisted. When she’d come up to McKenna earlier and asked if she could crash in her hut, McKenna was hesitant. When she’d asked why, Anna had told her that she wasn’t ready to talk about it.

  She should have known that this secrecy wasn’t going to last forever. She was going to have to tell McKenna everything. Even if it did make her sound like an idiot.

  “I just need a break from Michael right now,” Anna said, flopping back against the couch cushions.

  McKenna nodded. “Okay. Why?”

  An emotional lump rose in Anna’s throat. What was she supposed to say? She needed a break from Michael because why? She’d fallen in love with him? Her heart pounded at those words. Fallen in love with him.

  She was in love. Love.

  Crap.

  “He’s engaged.” Her heart broke at those two little words. Michael already had a girl he wanted to marry. And with her, it was real. Not their fake relationship. He wanted to marry Daisy. He asked her because he wanted to.

  McKenna’s eyebrows rose. “Yeah, to you.”

  Anna pinched her lips together. “Nope. Not with me. Apparently, there i
s some girl in New York that he’s been engaged to all along. She. . .” Anna’s voice broke as she dropped her gaze to her hands and studied them. “She’s here.” Probably making out with Michael right now. But there was no way she wanted to say those words out loud. She did not want to put them out into the universe.

  “Here? At this resort?”

  Anna nodded. “She showed up during our counseling session. I hightailed it out of there and have been avoiding him since. It’s all over.”

  McKenna leaned back. Her gaze was focused on the other side of the room as if she were processing what Anna had just said. “That’s so weird. He never said anything to me about this.”

  “Me neither.”

  McKenna turned her attention over to her. “Why are you so upset?” And then recognition passed over her face. “You like him.”

  Anna swallowed. Apparently, she was not very good at hiding her emotions. If McKenna picked up on this so quickly, then it was only logical to think that Michael knew as well. And he’d led her on.

  What was she supposed to say? Confess everything? Without thinking, Anna said the first thing that came to her mind. “We kissed.”

  McKenna raised her eyebrows. “Yeah, you told me.”

  Anna shook her head. “No, no. We kissed here. At the resort.”

  “So, you kissed at my wedding and now here?”

  Anna was the worst friend. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”

  McKenna chuckled. “I’m just surprised.” She settled back on the couch and tapped her foot. “So, what’s the plan?”

  Anna grabbed a pillow and hugged it. “I have to get over these ridiculous feelings. That’s the only logical step now.”

  McKenna studied her and then reached out to grab the throw that was hanging on the back of the couch and fiddled with the edge. “Anna, can I ask you something?”

  Anna swallowed. She wasn’t sure how she felt about anything right now, and if McKenna was about to ask her exposing questions could she answer them? “Okay.”

  “Do you love my brother?”

  Yes.

  But if she spoke that word out loud, she wasn’t sure she could come back from it. Lying seemed like the only way to survive this entire week.