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“One date. Please.”
MACKENZIE
I’ve been pulled into Mark’s trap. Literally. He pulled me right down and has a grip around me so tight that I can’t get away. I’m glancing around at the people noticing us on the floor together, but I can’t seem to bring myself to care right now. Thank God Summer left when she did. This is the last thing I need her to witness.
But being in his arms feels nice. Safe.Erotic. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been touched by a man. But this man? I think he could be dangerous. And not in the sense of physical safety, but in the sense of guarding my heart. I know his reputation and though there is truth to every bit of gossip; I strongly believe in giving everyone their equal chance to show their true self.
I’ve been stereotyped my whole life. I know how it feels to be labeled. So, even though fighting him has been fun, I want to relent. I’m going to relent. It’s just a matter of time.
“You’re used to getting everything you want, aren’t you, Mark?”
“Clearly not everything since you haven’t said yes. Yet.”
I sigh, making it dramatic. Making it like I’m doing him a favor, but in reality? The pleasure is all mine. And I may be dragging this out a little longer. I enjoy sitting here in his lap, feeling his strong arms wrapped around me, and secretly hoping I get a feeling of adifferentstrong muscle.
“Fine.” I draw out the word. “One. Date.” He leans in quickly, pecks my forehead, the tip of my nose, and then my lips. He stands abruptly, scooping me like I weigh nothing, grabs my bag and begins walking towards the exit. “Mark! Oh my God, you neanderthal! Put me down!”
He jogs. “No way, I don’t want you changing your mind. We’re going on this date right now.”
I squirm out of his hold, sliding my way down his body, still keeping in close contact. I stop him with my hand on his stomach and Oh. My. God. His abs are hard as a rock.Jesus. Don’t think of him like that, Mackenzie.I flex my fingers and he looks down, then back up with a raised eyebrow and a smirk I’d love to kiss right off his face. Our connection is strong, and he continues to pull me in closer with every moment I'm with him.
“Stop. I already said yes. I won’t go back on my word. But I need a shower, a change of clothes. I’m a mess.”
“I think you’re beautiful. I mean, a smile and a bow are all you really need, right?”
I huff a laugh. This guy. “Oh Mark, you’re a dangerous breed.”
“Come on, it’ll be fun. Trust me.”
That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m afraid I’m going to have fun. And I’m afraid I’m going to end up wanting something that is off limits to me. If my father knew I was even talking with Mark, he’d have a fit and most likely threaten my coaching position here at the school.
“Okay, listen. I need you to hear me out first. I’m new here. I just got the head coaching job, and I don’t want to jeopardize it.”
“By being seen with me?”
“By being seen with anyone who works there. Mark, I love this job. I love this town. I don’t want there to be a conflict. I don’t want the drama or gossip that comes from dating at the workplace.”
I don’t want to hear criticism from my father.
“We’re already a couple? Damn, should I book the church?”
I slap his arm and walk past him to the door. I need to get out of here before someone recognizes me and begins to talk.
Or calls me by the wrong name.
We exit the gym and I head towards my car. He follows me silently. When I open my trunk and place my gym bag inside, he leans against the truck parked next to me.
“Of course, you parked there.”
He gives a grin. “Lucky guess.”
“Mark. Seriously. I don’t want to rock the boat. If you want to go out, we can have a date in a town outside of Candy Cane Key.”
His usual sweet and smiley, confident face falls slightly. I notice it and it breaks my heart. I can’t let this go, though. I’m a professional cheerleader turned coach, for goodnesss sake. I’ve already got strikes against myself. Unfortunately, no one has ever taken me seriously.
Especially my dad.
I step closer. “It’s not that I don’t want to be seen with you. And when we’re at work and see each other, I won’t ignore you. Our friends are dating. We’re bound to run into each other. But for now, I need to keep work and,” I move my fingers between us, “whatever this is, separate.”
