Page 33 of King of Hearts

Andy turned back to me, his eyes creased from his smile and Marlee seemed to relax a little. He looked at the photographers and his smile faltered before he spoke.

“What are you thinking for today, Arna?” He spoke with confidence, loud enough for everyone to hear, before leaning closer and adding, “Your assertive little speech before was impressive by the way.”

I inhaled a quick breath, suddenly feeling a little flushed. Clearing my throat, I ignored the way his words made me light up and gestured to the field before I responded with something inappropriate. “Well, I was thinking of taking some photos with just you and then some of you with the team. Afterwards we could possibly move into the rooms and get some in the gym.” I shrugged as if the thought alone didn’t cause another hot flush.

“Sounds great. I’ll rally some of the boys,” He replied. “If you guys want to set up over there, we can come over.” He signalled to an unoccupied section of the field, and they nodded. Once they began walking, he reached up and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. My cheeks flamed at the unexpected contact, and he grinned, very aware of the effect he was having on me and seemingly enjoying it too.

“You look really good today.” He spoke as if it were perfectly natural for him to compliment me, sending a flutter of butterflies swarming in my tummy. Composure was what I needed right now, but I was having a hard time even remembering to inhale let alone finding equanimity. Without awaiting my response, he walked away and only then was I able to breathe easier. When he was far enough away that he was no longer in ear shot, Marlee shrieked.

“What the hell was that? He practically eye-fucked you like he did in those photos. I’m struggling to hold it together for both of us. I feel like I’m about to hyperventilate.” She narrowed her eyes at something behind me and froze. “Shit! Is that Jay Towlson and Jack Grant coming over?”

I turned to follow her gaze and spotted Andy and a few of the players approaching.

“I think so, but you’d know better than I would. Keep your cool, you weirdo.” I hissed, warning myself just as much as her.

“Says you, bitch. I bet you need to change your panties after Andy flashed you his abs. Please let me be your bridesmaid.” She mumbled before turning to face them with a shy smile.

I stepped forward, ignoring the way my heart was still beating a little too quickly, and put my work persona firmly back in place.

“Hey guys. Thank you so much for having us here. We won’t keep you long, we would just like a few photos of you training if that’s okay?”

Jay moved quickly, stepping towards Marlee before looking her up and down. I would intervene, especially as she was now dating someone, but judging by the stars in her eyes I didn’t think she minded.

“I don’t believe we’ve met as I woulddefinitelyremember if we did. I’m Jayson, but you can call me Jay.” He said and I looked on in anticipation.

“We all call you Jay, you fool.” Jack laughed, slapping him on the shoulder jovially, extending a warm smile in Marlee’s direction.

Andy laughed and the rest of the boys joined him as Jay grinned cheekily, appearing unfazed by being called out.

“Please ignore these clowns.” Andy said to Marlee and I. “Let’s get these photos before it gets too hot.”

Getting the images was less challenging than expected and I had Andy to thank for that. While he clearly hated being the centre of the shoot, when it was his turn, he transitioned into the perfect model, and we rarely needed a second take. Anytime anyone began jostling, he held them accountable, and they listened, ensuring we got what we needed. When the cameras weren’t focusing, however, he was funny, thoughtful and kind. He peppered Marlee with questions about her role at Pulse, confirming that he didn’t believe she was a colleague of mine, but also took time to show her all the Hearts’ facilities, like he had with me the first time I visited.

When it was time to leave, he escorted us out to where we were parked and thankedusfor our time as though we had provided him the favour. He shook our hands in farewell, and I didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on mine a little longer or the way his thumb caressed my hand for the briefest of moments almost involuntarily.

Marlee barely breathed the entire drive to her house in between describing every thought, feeling and emotion she experienced over the previous three hours. And there were plenty. I hadn’t even told her I was having dinner with him tonight, and given her reactions to everything else, I was glad he didn’t mention it either.

It wasn’t as though I was intentionally hiding it from her, something I would never do, but I wasn’t ready to answer any questions. I needed to be sure I wasn’t reading him entirely wrong before I allowed myself to get my hopes up and I was expecting this evening would allow for that.

When I returned to the office, I was excited to find the images already waiting in my inbox. I scrolled through them, mesmerised by the way the light bounced off Andy’s tanned biceps, highlighting the intricate pattern of his muscles. There were some of him mucking around with his teammates and I lingered on one where he was frozen in a silent laugh. His eyes were scrunched, and he was leaning back slightly with his hand resting on his stomach. Staring at the photo, I could almost hear the dark cadence as it rumbled from deep within.

It seemed that the relaxed and happy version of Andy was my favourite, and I again admired the way he held the full attention and respect of his team – his role so obviously apparent in both the title and his demeanour. What I couldn’t yet determine though, was how someone as sexy, intelligent and respected as he, didn’t have a significant other. Did he prefer to sleep with a woman once and then move on to the next? Would I be interested in that if he were to offer? I pondered what that might look like as I navigated through the last of the files from today.

There was no doubt these photographs were going to compliment the article coming to fruition. That was another exciting thought, yet I couldn’t help but notice how the idea of not needing to see him sat uneasily in my chest. He made it effortless to want to be around him and it wasn’t something I wanted to end anytime soon. A thought which only a few months ago would have been laughable.

Realising it was nearly time to leave, I grabbed my things and headed out, needing every second I had to prepare for dinner. I bit my lip as I remembered his invitation and the anticipation that tonight might be different. Maybe hewantedthings to be different.

Not as a reporter.

His words hopped around my mind – a nerve inducing yet titillating thought which lingered the entire time I readied myself for our date.

Chapter Twenty

Andy

Sergio:Arna is on the way up.

My heart rate increased as I flicked the television off and headed to greet her. We decided that meeting here was best after she accepted my invitation and despite her insistence on driving herself, it seemed easier to have Serg save her the hassle. It also meant she couldn’t race off like she did the first time – an indication of how selfish I apparently was when it came to her.

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