Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

GEMMA

Back in my room, my heart pounds hard behind my sternum. Dario really knows how to get the blood pumping. The urge to go to him is strong. The man seemed sincere in his words and actions. But I don't understand, why me? What is it about me that attracts his attention?

With nerves in my stomach, I quickly change into my shorts and vest before climbing onto the bed. I lay down and open my phone. My finger hovers over one of the social media apps. Before I can change my mind, I open it and see the hashtag #DarioNelson.

My heart sinks. He has been tagged in several pictures, all taken within the last thirty minutes. A certain blonde girl is in all of them.

So much for him wanting to go out with me. At least now I know he was lying. I'll be careful from now on. I plug in my phone and get under the covers. Just as I'm about to drift off, disappointment settles in. I wanted to believe that Dario likes me as much as I like him.

Fool me.

I try to ignore Dario as I check things off my list as the equipment and team get on the buses. I had a bad night; upset about the first man I'd been seriously attracted to in a long time. I mean, I have sex. It's a bodily function. Not often, in fact, the last time was a couple of years ago. Maybe that's what I need to get over the hurt that Dario's teasing has caused, because I'd gotten my hopes up.

Dario and his two friends are wearing dark sunglasses as they approach. I say hello to Madden and Bradford and ignore Dario. That brings him to a halt. "Am I missing something?" he asks, clearly confused, the glasses going up on his head. He squints as the light hits his eyes.

"Did you have a good night?" I raise a brow.

"If you're mad at me, you're going to have to tell me so, because I've got a headache from hell."

"Naomi posted a lot of pictures of your night together," I say in a sweet voice.

His eyes go wide when my words register.

I clear my throat. "You need to get on the bus."

"Gemma—"

The bus horn honks loudly. He flinches.

"We'll talk on the bus." He waits for me to get on, but I shake my head.

"You get on. I'm not ready yet."

He doesn't like it, but he gets on. I wait a moment for him to find a seat, then signal the driver to get going.

I turn my back on the bus and climb onto the smaller one. Luckily, I'd told the driver to wait.

In the back of the bus, I make myself comfort‐ able for the five-hour ride back to Boston.

Tired and grumpy, I'm in no mood for Dario to grab me as soon as the bus pulls into the Viking Arena and I get on. I dig in my heels, but he's too strong for me.

"Dario," I snap, "what the hell has gotten into you?"

"You knew I wanted to talk to you, but you got on the other bus!"

"Didn't you realize that I didn't want to talk?" I stand facing him with my hands on my hips.

"You don't get it," he mumbles.

"I'm going to regret this," I mutter. "I don't get what? Because from where I'm standing, it's simple. You saw me by the pool and told me you wanted to ask me out. Then you went and spent the night fucking Naomi!" I let out a loud breath. "Did I misunderstand something?"

His sad, dark eyes meet mine. "No!"

I blink back tears because he's destroyed my hope that he didn't have sex with her. "All right then." I walk away without looking back and find my nice red SUV. I get in and leave the arena feeling alone and lost.