Page 7 of Blocking Her Love

“No,” is all Sean says. He shakes her off, takes my hand and stalks straight to the door. Once we’re in the cool night air, he lets out a harsh breath. “She hasn’t changed.”

“Some never will. Let’s go. I need to get out of this sticky shirt.”

Heat blazes in Sean’s eyes. Then he blinks and it’s faded. Not gone, but not so strong. He nods and we’re silent on our walk back to the apartment. Once we’re upstairs, he releases my hand, says good night, and disappears into his room.

Frowning, I make my way to the bedroom Maya and I share at the other side of the living room. I’m confused by his actions. And mine. I really did want him to kiss me. I thought he wanted that, too. What either of us want in this situation—whatever it is—doesn’t matter. We have a tournament to prep for. There’s no time for distractions.

Carefully opening the door, I peek into the bedroom. Maya’s propped up in bed working on her laptop. “Have a good time?” she asks.

“You will never guess who we saw at the bar.”

five

Sean

As Nyla predicted,we had a few days before people discovered our practice sessions. Then as word spreads, more and more curious onlookers show up every day. Most of them are respectful of the time and space we need and observe from a distance. There have been a few times though, I’ve been glad Nyla’s husband and his brother have been around to control rowdy onlookers.

Business at the Sandy Sipper has been fantastic according to Boots, one of the waitresses. Her grin when she mentioned the extra tips made my day. The arrangement has been good all the way around.

The only dark spot has been Karol showing up every day. Not one of the respectful fans, she brazenly brings a folding beach chair and plops herself down close to where we’re working. Says she’s looking for a new partner so she can get back on the beach circuit. I haven’t seen or heard anyone mention her hanging around other teams though.

She’s been all compliments and supportive to Ellie and me. But she ignores or makes snide comments about Maya’s playor appearance. Always making a point of being extra loud when Maya is close enough to hear her. My sister acts like it doesn’t bother her. I know it does. I’ve asked Karol nicely to leave. To stop with the bullying. My efforts have had no effect. Since she’s well behaved otherwise, I don’t know what else to do.

Ellie is steamed over her presence and it’s starting to affect practices. From what Maya’s told me about Karol in college, she’s an expert at underhanded tactics to get what she wants. Or believes she deserves. Pretty sure it wouldn’t take much for me to encourage Ellie to go after her and the situation would be taken care of. Even though Karol acts tough, I think she’s afraid of my girl.

My girl. I really need to stop thinking about Ellie as mine. One day those words are going to slip out and there’s not going to be a way for me to hide my feelings. Ellie is my girl. Mine, damn it.

“Oh, Seansy.”

Fuck, that’s another thing. Karol has taken to calling me Seansy. What kind of name is that? I’ve tried ignoring her, but then it only gets worse. Louder. How do I get rid of this crazy-ass woman?

“Stop calling him that.” Fists clenched at her sides, Maya stomps toward Karol. “Show some respect. You sound like you’re calling for a six year old. It’s a shame you haven’t learned any manners over the years. Now, if you don’t mind, I want you to leave.”

“I do mind. This is a public beach.”

Carrying a tote with water bottles dripping condensation in the heat, Nyla joins the conversation. “Actually, this beach belongs to the Sandy Sipper. It belong tome. If I believe you’re trespassing on my property it’s my right to ask you to leave.”

Karol crosses her arms, plumping her bikini covered, augmented boobs. “And if I refuse?”

Nyla’s husband moves behind her. “Then I will be forced to escort you from the property.”

Karol’s eyes light up as she scans Paxton from head to toe. I’ll give it to him, he doesn’t flinch under her blatant scrutiny. Somehow she lifts her boobs even higher. “Well, hello there, handsome.”

Paxton rests his hand at Nyla’s waist and she leans against him. “And this ismyhusband. No trespassers allowed. I suggest you leave.”

“Now.” Paxton’s tone is bored and dismissive. I could learn a few things from him when it comes to unwanted attention. When Karol doesn’t move, he simply arches his brows.

“Okay, fine. Whatever.” Karol gives me what I imagine she thinks is a sexy wave. “Don’t be a stranger, Seansy.”

Dragging her beach chair and with an exaggerated sway to her hips, she stomps away. Half way back to the building a couple of young men join her, one grabbing her folded chair and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Her giggles carry back to us and Maya gives a derisive snort.

“She hasn’t changed. If she doesn’t have a man—or two on the hook, she’s not happy. Maybe now she’ll leave you alone, big bro.”

“Hope so, but I’m not going to hold my breath.” I turn to Nyla and Paxton. “Thanks for the timely interruption.”

Her lips twitch. “No problem. I was bringing out water to you anyway. We’ll let you get back to practice.”

When I turn Ellie’s glaring at Karol’s retreating back. “That bitch,” she mumbles under her breath. “That fucking bitch.” She gives herself a shake and moves to take Maya’s hand. “I’m so sorry she’s such a mean, vindictive person.”

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