Page 39 of Worth the Risk

“So, is this going to be a guys verses girls situation here?” Hector asks.

“Hey now.” Miguel laughs. “Don’t be putting me into a situation up against my new boss.”

“Actually.” Becca glances at her smartwatch. “Oh good, they just got here. I sent a text to our new neighbor who just movedin a few weeks ago to see if she wanted to join us and she just got here with her date.”

“Which neighbor is this?” I stretch my arms overhead, last night’s late-night drinking and lack of any decent sleep making me feel a decade older.

“Oh, I don’t think I’ve told you about her. She and her long-term boyfriend split up a few months back. She’s super sweet; you’ll love her. I am curious about this date she’s bringing, though, because she was really struggling with getting over her ex.”

“Yeah, I know that feeling.” I bend forward, inching my fingertips down to my toes. “God, I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.”

“Well, you look great.” Becca slaps my ass, causing me to shoot upward with a yelp.

“Ouch.” I rub the spot, lifting my favorite pink skort to see if she left a red handprint against my ass.

“Damn,” she teases. “You really wouldn’t enjoy Hector in the bedroom if you think that hurt.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right on me not enjoying your fiancé in the bedroom.”

“What about his brother?”

“You mean the man I just hired?” I whisper, glancing over my shoulder to make sure the guys are focused on their own conversation. Thankfully Miguel isn’t even within earshot. I roll my eyes, pulling the built-in spandex shorts partly up my cheek, out of view of anyone else, and see the distinct outline of three oval-shaped bruises.

“What the f?—”

Oh my God. I’m staring at the outline of Austin’s fingers when he grabbed my ass outside the bar while we were kissing!

“I’m just teasing. Chill. Oh look, there she is!” She steps around me, her hand shooting up into the air to wave. “Over here, Mia!”

Mia?

My head whips up and I look at the sporty blonde walking across the court, her hair up in a high ponytail, a lavender visor matching her cute little lavender one-piece outfit that hugs her petite curves.

“Hey, Becca!” She waves enthusiastically toward us but it’s not her outfit or how cute she is that has my stomach plummeting into my ass. It’s Austin walking next to her.

“Is that?” She squints, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Austin with her?”

“I have to go to the restroom,” I say before yanking the shorts back into place and sprinting across the court to the restrooms. I don’t consider how I must look right now, dashing toward the bathroom as he approaches with the woman he told menot to worry aboutlast night.

I lock myself in a stall, sinking down onto the closed lid of the toilet seat. My feet bounce nervously as I take in a few slow breaths.

“See.” I shake my head. “This is why kissing was a stupid fu—” I pause when the bathroom door swooshes open, followed by a melodic hum and footsteps that walk to the sink. I reach around and hit flush, taking a few seconds before opening the door.

“Oh, hi!” I lift my eyes which are met with two huge blue ones staring back at me in the mirror. “You must be Taylor.” The smile on Mia’s face spreads from ear to ear, making her even more beautiful if that’s possible. “I’m Mia.” She darts her still damp hand out toward me. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Hi.” I smile softly, holding up my yet unwashed hands, even though I didn’t actually go to the restroom—she doesn’t know that.

“Oh, sorry.” Her cheeks flush slightly. “I love your skort; that pink looks amazing on you.”

“Thanks.” I try to offer a genuine smile but a mix of guilt and jealousy surges through me. “The lavender looks great on you too.”

“I bought it because it makes my butt look great.” She giggles, spinning around in the mirror.

She’s right. It makes her ass look amazing. If I had to guess, it’s probably the first thing Austin noticed about her.

“Smart purchase.” I wink, making my way toward the door. “See you out there.” I exit the restroom, rounding the corner and running smack into someone’s chest. “Sorry.” I step to the side but the stranger’s hands are still on my waist.

“Tay, it’s me.”

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