Page 19 of Swimming for Seduction

“Thanks, Coach,” I say, reaching for my towel and wrapping it around me. “I cut out the distractions to focus. It’s paying off.”

“Uh huh.” Her smile falls. “Listen, Ricki. I applaud your dedication to the sport, but don’t mistake having people care about you as distractions. Swimming may be a non-contact sport, but that doesn’t mean life should be.”

I nod as I walk past her toward the locker room. The truth is, I don’t feel the same high from beating my best time as I would have a few weeks ago. There’s an underlying disappointment because I don’t have anyone outside of my sport to celebrate the accomplishment with me. With the college swim season comingto an end after next week, I won’t even have my teammates. As scared as I am of relationships in general, I don’t want to be alone anymore.

After my shower, I sit on the bench and pull my phone out to send a text.

Ricki:Beat my best time today and all I want to do is celebrate with you.

Even though we haven’t talked in over a week, he responds immediately.

Tyler:I just got off duty. Give me a time and place and I’m there.

Ricki:Ball Busters in an hour.

Tyler

“Finally heard from your girl, huh?” Becky laughs when I fist-pump the air with “whoop” before slamming my locker shut.

“Yep.” I grin. “Thanks for your advice. All I had to do was give her a little of the space she asked for and nowshewants to seemefor a change.”

“She always wanted to see you, Ty.” Becky gives me a knowing smile. “She just needed the distance to realize it.”

“Maybe.” I shrug, hoping she’s right. “I better go so I’m not late meeting her. I’ll see you tomorrow."

On the drive to my apartment, my mind wanders to the past few weeks since Ricki pulled away from me again. This time wasdifferent. She wasn’t mean and she didn’t avoid me. If I called or texted, she’d return it…eventually. She just wouldn’t reach out to me on her own, and she always had a reason not to see me.

I didn’t know what to do and wanted to get a female’s perspective. I couldn’t go to Tracey, because I didn’t want it to get back to Brady and give him any reason to have a negative opinion about his sister. So, I asked Becky. It was only slightly weird, asking for relationship advice from a woman that I’d wanted to date at one time. But Becky’s advice turned out to be golden and I’m glad we’ve made it to friend territory without any awkwardness.

Now that my relationship is hopefully back on the mend, I don’t feel as guilty as I would have when I dial Devon’s number and put the phone on speaker while I get ready for my date. As soon as he answers, I get straight to the point.

“You still down to help me get Brady and Ricki to spend some time together?” I ask as I pull on my teal-colored shirt that’s Ricki’s favorite.

“Hells yes!” Devon says excitedly. “But I thought you said Ricki was focused on swimming right now.”

“She is,” I admit. “Her last meet is next Saturday. She’ll still be training for the Olympics, but she won’t have any more competitions until team tryouts in June.”

“Okay.” I can practically hear him scratching his head in concentration. “So, what do you have in mind?”

“I’d like her to have more than just me in her cheering section next week,” I tell him. “Think you can pull it off?”

“Psht,” he scoffs. “Who are you talking to? We’ll be there.”

“Great,” I say, relieved that he’s still willing to help me. “I’ll send you the info. Thanks, Devon.”

“You’re welcome,” he says seriously. “See you next Saturday.”

By the time we hang up, I’m climbing onto my bike. I make the short ride to Ball Busters and try not to trip over my tonguewhen I walk in to see Ricki leaning against the bar in green sundress, showing off her long, toned legs.

Chapter 18

Ricki

I smile as I stretch my muscles, preparing for my final swim meet of the season. It feels good, knowing that I’ve come so far in my training. My times are consistent and based on the research my coach has done, they should be more than fast enough to get into the Olympics this summer. But that’s not the only reason I’m smiling.

My relationship with Tyler is going great. Now that I’ve finally admitted my feelings to myself, I’m enjoying having someone to support me and my dream. I’m sure he’s already sitting in the bleachers, ready to cheer me on as I compete in the 50 meter breaststroke and the 100 meter freestyle today.

Listening to my coach’s non-swim-related advice, I’ve started setting goals for my personal life as well as my athletic career. I want to admit my feelingstoTyler. I want to try meeting my brother again. But I want to do it right, without ambushing him. I want to have friends and a social life. There’s more to life than swimming, and I want it all…after I slay this competition.

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