“That’s not true,” Henry said.“You were fine with London, Gerard, and the other locals you met at the cafe.I saw you chatting with girls on your team before you entered the meeting.”
Maia shrugged.“That wasn’t more than a hello to my teammates.To be honest, they seem standoffish.A new person coming into a team always treads on toes.It’s the nature of the business because you’re stepping into a position another woman covets.That sort of thing can’t be helped.Others have received a game day position, and I haven’t, and vice versa.It’s the coach’s job to pick the best player.”
“Do you think your ex-boyfriend would attack you?Or perhaps someone on the team?”
Maia shook her head, refuting the suggestion.After she’d told Samuel they were finished, he’d made out their relationship had left him dissatisfied.His ego wouldn’t allow her to reject him.According to him, he was the one discarding her.He’d informed her they were over because she didn’t follow his instructions.As if!Simple decision on her part, especially since his moods were erratic.She never knew which Samuel to expect.
“No, my ex was in Auckland.As for my team, the coach explained they’d ensured cover for every position if someone was sick or injured.All the girls know this—they’re fools if they don’t accept it.Besides, injuries happen.We get switched to a different position.”
“Take a seat,” Henry said when she took a breath.
“Sorry.Short answer: I doubt any of my team is responsible.”She dropped into a chair.“Times are tough right now.People are stealing trolley loads of groceries from supermarkets.It was a random attack—a burglary gone wrong.”
“You forget the graffiti left behind,” Henry said.
“Oh, yeah.”
“I talked to Gavin.The puppy is doing better today, and I can pick her up in the morning.”
Maia recalled the puppy as a blur of white.That was all she’d seen before she’d blacked out.“It’s unbelievable that someone would hurt an animal.”
“Gerard is watching my dogs while I’m away, but we could bring one here.While someone is threatening you, it’d make sense to have a dog around.”
His offer had her tearing up.“You’d do that for me?”
“It’s no big deal.”
But it was a terrific offer.A kind one.Maia jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around Henry’s neck.She pressed against him and kissed his cheek.Henry tensed.It took her long moments to comprehend his discomfort.Seconds later, the length of the kitchen loomed between them.
Maia blinked because she’d never seen a man move so fast.Henry stared back, almost in shock, his vibrant brown eyes full of golden flecks.
She broke the strained silence.“What is wrong with you?I don’t have cooties.I was trying to say thank you for your generous offer.What was wrong with that?”
“I don’t like being touched.”Henry gave her his back and checked on dinner.
Maia didn’t believe him.It was something else because he kept running from her.She surreptitiously sniffed herself.Not body odor.“You keep running from me.Why?What have I done to you?“ She glowered at him.“You ran from me during the school visit.I remember because you practically sprinted away.”
“No,” he said.
“Yes,” she insisted, seeing it now that she’d spoken the words aloud.“Something about me repels you.”
Henry stared at her for a moment longer before he whirled away and exited the kitchen.The slam of the door said it all.
He’d run from her again.
Chapter 11
“She’salotyoungerthan you,” Gerard said with a hearty chuckle full of implications.
Henry’s mouth flatlined, and he glared at his best friend.He wasn’t a coward.
“Coward,” Gerard taunted.
Henry’s scowl deepened, digging into his cheeks and his forehead.Damn it.He shouldn’t have come home in this state.Instead of returning to base, he should’ve gone for a run to burn off his angst.Now, they sat in their office, drinking beer while he spilled the emotions he usually kept tucked close.
“She’s an exceptional woman.Do you want one of the Mitchell cousins or local men to grab her while you run away?Invite her to dinner.A date.You have the inside track.Instead, you’re behaving like a teenage boy.I’ve never seen you like this before.”His brow crinkled.“Not since…” His expression froze, and his gaze shot to Henry.
“She’s my mate,” Henry said through the knot in his throat.
