Marrying an Athlete

by Anne-Marie Meyer

  “I wasn’t going to die of embarrassment. There are just some things I’d like to keep secret from you.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I have a feeling there is a lot about you that’s a secret.” His expression grew serious as he met her gaze.

  “Knock, knock,” McKenna’s voice came from the opening of the cabana, halting Anna’s words. She wanted to tell Michael that his statement wasn’t true. There wasn’t anything mysterious or special about her to keep a secret. She was just about as vanilla as a person could be.

  But there was no need to come up with a quick comeback with McKenna here. Anna walked over to the opening and pulled back the flap. “Hey, come on in,” she said, waving her hand toward the inside.

  McKenna nodded as she stepped in. She was wearing a sleeveless dress that swished around her legs as she moved. She looked more relaxed.

  “Are you guys ready for dinner? Our guide, Kaipo, said it’s time to eat,” McKenna said. Sam was waiting at the opening, looking as if he didn’t want to step inside.

  “I’m starving,” Michael said as he made his way over to Sam and clapped him on the shoulder.

  McKenna turned and smiled at Anna. “How was your couple’s massage?” she asked.

  Anna swallowed, forcing a confident smile. “Amazing,” she said, following McKenna.

  “Right? Aren’t you glad you decided to listen to me?”

  Anna nodded. Except that she wasn’t. She felt even more confused about Michael than when she’d walked into the cabana. But, right now, she couldn’t think about that. No matter how confused she felt, that wasn’t what she was here for. She needed to remember that.

  Chapter Ten

  Michael

  The sound of waves crashing against the shoreline drew Michael’s attention out the open window. The sun had dipped below the horizon, streaking the sky with oranges and pale purples. The lasting light sparkled against the ocean’s water.

  Anna had chosen to sit next to McKenna which left him sitting next to Sam who kept arranging his silverware next to his plate. His nervous energy was making Michael anxious.

  “How was your massage?” Michael asked and then mentally smacked himself. What guy asks that?

  Sam glanced over at him. “It was okay. Yours?”

  “They did a good job.” He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. This conversation was about as enjoyable as the sprints up and down the rink’s stairs that coach always made him do when he was late. Anna wasn’t much help. She was busy talking to McKenna about something. He couldn’t really make out what they were saying.

  “Are you ready to order?” the waitress asked as she stopped at their table.

  Everyone nodded and rattled off their order. She wrote it down and then took their menus. Anna and McKenna settled back into their seats leaving Michael alone with Sam. Again.

  Make conversation, he told himself. He took in a deep breath and turned. “So Sam, how’s work going?”

  Sam glanced over at him. “It’s okay. I just coded a new app to help the finance department. So, that was exciting.” For the first time in their entire trip, Sam smiled.

  Michael had begun to doubt that his mouth could even make that shape.

  “Wow. That’s. . . interesting.” Except that it wasn’t. Michael knew very little about computers and even less about coding. Sitting in front of a screen was the last thing he found enjoyable.

  Sam smiled wider as he nodded. “It’s been a pretty wild ride.”

  Wow. How was this guy his brother-in-law? He couldn’t be more opposite of McKenna. When he glanced over at his sister, his heart sank a little. She was watching them with a strange look in her eyes. As if she wasn’t sure what to make of Sam’s suddenly gleeful disposition.

  “What are you guys talking about?” she asked, leaning over the table.

  Sam’s smile faltered as he turned back to the table and began straightening the silverware again. “It’s nothing. You wouldn’t be interested.”

  Michael studied Sam and then glanced over at McKenna who looked as if someone had just shot her dog. Her lips turned downward, and she looked from Sam over to Michael. He shot her a sympathetic look as he turned to Sam.

  Michael’s first reaction was to take Sam outside and tell him that he couldn’t treat his sister that way. But, Anna’s words came into his mind. The last thing he needed to do was alienate his brother-in-law. He was here for McKenna. To help her. And if she wanted to stay married to Sam, then he’d help that happen.

  The beginning notes of the band caught his attention. They were set up at the far corner, tuning their instruments. A wooden dance floor spread out from the platform. They played a few chords together before they started a slow song.

  When Michael turned his attention back to the table, he saw that McKenna was sitting back in her chair with her arms folded. She was drumming her fingers against her skin as her gaze made its way over to Sam every so often.

  Anna was staring at him as if she were trying to tell him something. When his gaze met hers, she pursed her lips and tilted her head toward McKenna.

  He scrunched his eyebrows together. What was she trying to tell him? She had to know that he didn’t speak girl motions well. Half the time, he misread what was trying to be said.

  She pursed her lips again and tilted her head toward McKenna, this time with much more emphasis. He stared back at her and shook his head. Suddenly, a foot slammed into his shin. He yelped, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.

  He said the first thing that came to his mind. “I—er, wanna dance, McKenna?” Was that what she wanted? From the relieved look on Anna’s face, that was exactly what she meant. How the heck was he supposed get that from a head nod?

  When they got back to the hut after dinner, they were going to have a frank conversation about her secret girl language. And kicking. He wasn’t a fan of either.

  McKenna stared at him and then shrugged. “Sure.” She reached out her hand and he took it.

  She pushed away from the table and stood. He led her over to the dance floor where he wrapped his free hand around her waist, and she set her hand on his shoulder. He waited for a moment before he stepped forward and she followed.

  A shocked expression passed over her face. “Wow. I’m impressed. I didn’t think you knew how to dance.”

  Michael feigned a hurt look. “I know how to dance.”

  McKenna snorted. “I don’t think that the sprinkler is considered dancing.”

  “A lot has changed since we went to middle school dances together.”

  Sadness passed over McKenna’s face as she nodded. “Yeah. It has.”

  Suddenly feeling protective over his sister, Michael pulled her closer. He didn’t want her to hurt. He wanted to take away the pain that she felt. If there was only something he could do. “It’ll be okay, Kenna,” he said, smiling down at her.

  She shrugged and then let out a sigh. “I don’t think so,” she said as she chewed her lip, and glanced back at Sam who was engrossed in his phone again. “I think it’s over.”

  Michael pulled back to look at her. “Is that what you want?” He could see the tears form on her eyelids.

  “I don’t know. Sometimes, it’s yes. Sometimes, it’s no. I love Sam. I do. I just wish this could get fixed.” She shuddered as a tear slipped down her cheek.

  He pulled her closer, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ll do what I can, Kenna.”

  She nodded. “I know. I’m just happy that you and Anna are here. It’s definitely helping with the awkward moments. How’s it going with Anna?” She asked, pulling away.

  He looked at her. What did that mean? “Fine. Why?”

  McKenna glanced at him and then over to Anna. “Just be careful with her. She’s not as strong as she seems to be. Patrick did a number on her when he cheated.” She turned and eyed him. “And you’re not exactly Mr. Reserved. She’s always had a crush on you, you know that.”

  Michael’s heart pounded so
loudly in his chest that he feared McKenna would hear it. “What? No, she doesn’t. She’s like my sister.” He couldn’t help the heat that permeated his cheeks. Did McKenna sense what her words were doing to him? Anna liked him? Him?

  McKenna stared at him and then shrugged. “It was a long time ago, and I’m sure she’s moved on, but just in case, keep your Michael-ness to yourself. The last thing she needs is some playboy flirting with her.”

  Michael let his gaze fall to Anna who was running her finger along the rim of her water glass. She was chewing on her lips as if she were in deep thought. There was something so familiar about her expression, and the way she brushed her hair behind her ear.

  And she cared about him. His heart picked up speed as he thought about what that meant. What did it mean for them?

  “So, you haven’t told me much about New York. Anything new there?”

  And just like that, Michael came crashing back to earth. New York. Daisy. His proposal. His mess. He swallowed as he glanced down at his sister. “Same old, same old.” Did she believe him? He wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about his mistake right now. Not when he hadn’t cleared things up with Daisy.

  McKenna looked as if she didn’t buy a word he said. “That can’t be true. You’re always running from something. Your sudden desire to come see me is a big tip off.” She waved her hand toward herself, as if to show him that he could confide in her. “You can tell me, big brother.”

  Michael shot her his best fake smile, and shook his head. He didn’t need to bother McKenna with his problems. “Nothing. I swear. And besides, aren’t we here to help you with your Sam issues? Talking about mine would just get in the way.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “So, there is a problem.”

  Crap. That’s not what he meant to say. “I meant talking about my life.”

  McKenna coughed. “Yeah. Sure.” Then she sighed. “What do you think I should do? You know, with him?” She nodded in Sam’s direction.

  “Honestly? Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Do things that you both are uncomfortable with. It’ll help you be vulnerable. You’re both too bull-headed. You need to let your guard down.”

  McKenna’s eyes widened as she stared up at him. “Wow. That was really insightful for someone who knows nothing about relationships.”

  He nodded, even though her words stung a bit. Sure, he was a screw up when it came to women. But it wasn’t because he didn’t care. He wanted a relationship. And even though he tried to convince himself that he didn’t want marriage and kids, there was a small part of him that did. He just always seemed to make mistakes.

  She rubbed his shoulder. “Sorry. That was harsh. I’m just. . . crabby. Maybe it’s low blood sugar.” She glanced behind her, drawing his attention along with her gaze.

  His heart sped up as he saw Anna approaching them. She smiled when she met his gaze. “Hey guys, dinner’s here.”

  McKenna pulled away and rubbed her hands together. “Perfect. Finish this dance for me?” she called over her shoulder.

  Michael had wanted to follow her to the table and eat, but Anna turned around and raised her eyebrows. “I guess we can,” she said.

  His stomach dropped as he stared at her. So much had been revealed in his conversation with McKenna, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to face what she said about Anna right now. The confirmation that Anna had indeed once cared for him. And then the fact that his own sister doubted his ability to have a meaningful relationship.

  He was a jumble of nerves. So, he decided not to think and just act.

  “Okey dokey,” tumbled out. He forced a smile as if that had been the most natural thing anyone would say, when inside he was kicking himself for sounding so dumb.

  Anna studied him and then smiled. “Great.” She raised her hands, and he took them in his.

  When he wrapped his hand around her waist, he realized that this had been a mistake. He should not have agreed to dance with her. But, she stepped closer to him and rested her fingers on his shoulder. There was nothing he could do right now other than dance with her.

  He stepped forward, and she stepped back. As much as he wanted to deny it, they fit together perfectly. Like they were meant for each other. He tightened his grip on her back, and he glanced down at her. What would it hurt? If he liked Anna and she at one point liked him, why couldn’t they be together?

  “This is nice,” Anna said, leaning in toward him. She glanced up at him as if she expected him to say something. Or do something. And, oh, how he wanted to lean forward and kiss her lips. Would that be so bad?

  Suddenly, McKenna’s words came rushing back to him.

  Keep your Michael-ness to yourself.

  And that was his answer. He couldn’t drag Anna into the mess that his life had become. In fact, he was mistakenly engaged to Daisy. Why would he allow himself to knowingly hurt the one constant girl in his life?

  The one who had been there for him for so long. He’d kissed her and left her once. He couldn’t do that again. So he forced the next movements as he stepped away.

  “We should go eat,” he said, dropping his hands.

  Anna pulled back as she glanced up at him. “Oh. Okay. Yeah, you’re right. We should eat.” She nodded as she started over to the table.

  “Anna, wait,” Michael said, reaching out and grabbing her arm. “It’s just that, we should really be focused on helping McKenna and Sam.” Why did he keep dragging her back? He should just let her walk away. It was what was best for everyone.

  Anna smiled up at him, but it felt forced. So similar to the ones he seemed to give everyone in his life. He knew that look. She wasn’t happy.

  She raised her hands, breaking their contact. “I get it. We’re here for them.” She sighed. “Let’s just go eat dinner and go to bed. I’m exhausted, and we’ve got a lot going on tomorrow. While you were dancing, Javier dropped off our itinerary for the rest of the week.”

  He stared down at her. “Itinerary?”

  “Lots of couple skill-building activities and a therapy session. So, that should be fun. Luckily, I know most everything about you, and hopefully you can remember enough about me.” She nodded toward the table. “Let’s go help McKenna.”

  She walked off, and this time, Michael let her go. He didn’t want to hold her back. Even though he wanted to tell her that she was wrong. That he had just about everything about her memorized. He wanted to confess everything to her. Ask her what he should do about Daisy. But he couldn’t.

  Dumping his problems on her was exactly what McKenna was talking about. Anna didn’t deserve any of that. These were his problems, and it was his job to fix them. Right now, it was best for everyone if he just kept to himself. At least then, he wouldn’t hurt anyone except for himself. And that was okay with him.

  Chapter Eleven

  Anna

  After they finished eating, they walked together toward the huts. It was dark, but the water glowed as if an entire world existed below it. It was magical to see. Like all Anna’s childhood fantasies about life under the water were real.

  She let out a relaxed sigh and glanced over at Michael who was studying the ground. He looked deep in thought, and she contemplated leaving him alone, but decided against it.

  It seemed as if he had the world on his shoulders, and she wanted to help. This was Michael, after all.

  “You okay?” she asked, leaning closer to him. She could hear the soft voices of McKenna and Sam behind them. It felt good to hear them talk. It wasn’t about anything groundbreaking, just the scenery around them. But it was a start. Perhaps, there was a chance for them after all.

  Michael massaged the back of his neck. “Yeah. I’ll be okay.”

  She glanced up at him, and he flicked his gaze over to her. She could tell from the uncertainty in his eyes, he wasn’t okay. Something was wrong.

  She threaded her arm through his, hoping it would come across as supportive. “You can tell me, Michael. It’s me. Anna.”

  He pu
lled a goofy expression. “Oh, that’s who you are. I was about to call security about a crazy lady on my arm.”

  She smacked his shoulder with her free hand. “You’re so funny.”

  He winced as if she’d really hurt him but then straightened and sighed. “I guess I just never saw my life going in this direction.”

  “Fake married and at a relationship resort?”

  “Well, not that. I saw that.” He smiled at her. “It’s where I’m at right now. I’m hoping things take off with sponsorships, but I’m not really getting anywhere. I’m”—he emphasized his swallow as if what he was about to say was painful—“getting old.” He raised his eyebrows. “I’m not always going to be able to play hockey. I’ve made a mess of all my relationships.”

  Anna’s heart picked up speed from what he said. What relationships was he talking about? Did she want to know? Instead of focusing on that part of their conversation, she decided to lighten the mood. “Yeah. You’re ancient. Do you need me to get you a walker, grandpa?”

  He laughed. It was deep and soulful. And so familiar. “You’re no spring chicken yourself.”

  Anna chuckled as they stepped up onto the boardwalk. The sound of their shoes on the wood slats filled the air. She kept their arms hooked as they made their way toward their hut. They paused outside of it and said goodnight to McKenna and Sam.

  When they got inside, Anna grabbed her pajamas and slipped into the bathroom to change. Michael mentioned that he was going to do the same. Once she slipped on her nightgown, she paused outside the door.

  She didn’t want to walk in on him getting dressed. And she definitely didn’t want to catch him putting his shirt on. She had enough times of seeing him bare-chested to last her a lifetime. Plus, she was about to climb into bed with this man. She needed her wits about her.

  So, she knocked on her side of the door.

  “You can come out,” Michael said. His voice was muffled.