Page 17 of In Too Deep

“Stupid fucking commentator,” he murmurs.

Sniffing, I cuddle him. I take in the mixed aroma of manly deodorant and chlorine. Gulping, I glance up at him. My bottom lip trembles slightly. “Why couldn’t they come? Just this once!”

He frowns. “Your family?”

I try not to tear up. “They don’t believe I can go anywhere with this. As far as they’re concerned, it’s all a pipe dream.”

He shakes his head. “Parents, hey! My dad’s a difficult taskmaster. He’s my coach, and he pushes too hard. Failure is not an option. If I fail… I don’t even want to think about the consequences. So we both have shitty parents. Yours don’t care, and mine care too much. But hey, I got you something.”

Raising my brow, I smirk at him. “You did?”

He pulls his hand out from around his back, presenting me with a simple, single white daisy, twirling it between his fingers as he hands it to me.

Some may think that is a lame attempt, but to me, it means so much right now.

My shoulders slump, the brightest smile lighting my face as I take the small flower, bringing it to my nose and sniff. “You got me a daisy?” I can’t help the happiness present in my tone.

He chuckles, sliding his arm around me. “Was a shit of a thing to find before you finished your interview, but I just wanted to find something to bring back that beautiful smile of yours.”

Tilting my head, I stare into his eyes. “Maybe we should run away?” I only half-joke.

He smirks. “See, I told you I’d get my grip on you.”

“I don’t believe those were yourexactwords.”

“It was something like that. But anyway, can we do this running away thingaftermy final? I mean, I’m cool to go now, but I’ve kinda worked my gorgeous arse off for this moment.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “What man refers to himself as a ‘gorgeous arse?’”

“A very confident one.”

“Well, Mister Confident, go blow their arses out the water.”

He dips his chin. “You got it, just one small, little thing for good luck?”

Furrowing my brows, I bow my head slightly. “Sure, what?”

He leans in, placing his hands on either side of my head and forces his lips onto mine. A spark explodes, tingling all the way from my lips throughout my entire body. My knees give way, and he catches me in his arms.

“Falling for me already?”

Straightening my legs, I stand still in his grip. I swing my head slightly, licking my lips and stare into his eyes. “You just shocked me, is all.”

“That was nice, though, right? I’m swimming my final, so don’t hurt my feelings,” he teases.

“Yes, it was nice… electrifying even. Now, go get ’em!”

He leans in, his lips brushing softly against my forehead. The world seems to still for a moment. Then, without a word, he turns and strides toward his lineup. I didn’t even hear them call his final.

I exhale, the breath shaky as I sink into the nearest seat. My fingers drift to my lips, still tingling with the warmth of his touch. A smile breaks across my face—wide, unstoppable. I twirl my daisy between my fingers, my butterflies flurrying like mad in my stomach, and for the first time in a long time, everything feels right.

CHAPTER FIVE

Caro and I had gone to the café with the boys to celebrate Coby’s win. He’s become the first ticket holder in our group to Melbourne. It was riveting to witness him race to win his spot. He’s such an incredible athlete that when Coby asked again if we would go out tonight, I couldn’t say no—especially after that spine-tingling kiss. Despite Tuck’s warning, we brats sneak out tonight.

It’s us four and a couple more of the group from Playford. We’re sensible and do not drink. We only eat salad and protein for our dinner. We can’t go off track the first night into the trials.

A band plays. We don’t plan to stay out too late. It’s already nine-thirty. Some of the guys and girls have to swim in the morning—like Caro and East, who are shaking it on the dance floor. Coby and I sit in the corner, snickering as those two make a mockery of dancing.

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