Page 19 of With Every Breath

“Ok.” He seemed unsure.

“Are you Bailey’s boyfriend now? I mean, are you two like a thing?” I slapped her, and she pulled away. My stomach flip-flopped as I listened to him. Speakerphone did have its perks at times.

“What’s she saying?” he asked skeptically.

“She’s not, that’s why I called you. She’s like a vault when it comes to secrets.” Madi rolled her eyes.

“Then yes, I’m her boyfriend, and tell her it’s not a secret that I like her. I’ll shout it right now.” I listened to what sounded like footsteps, and then a door creaking open. “Hey, everybody!!!” Dex shouted. “My girlfriend is Bailey French and I’m crazy about her!!!” The door shut. “See?” His voice was normal again.

“Ok, then. Thanks.” Madi giggled.

“Anything else?” Dex had a happy lilt to his voice.

“Nope.” Madi laughed harder.

“Tell Bailey I’ll see her Friday for our date, and that I hope she has sweet dreams tonight.”

“Will do.” Madi disconnected the call. “He’s crazy about you. I don’t know how he lasted as long as he did.” She tossed the phone onto the coffee table. “I want an invite to the wedding.” She grinned at me. I just sat there, staring at her. I know I probably had some stupid look on my face, but for the first time I felt happy, like really happy about everything and I told myself right then and there that I would live life to the fullest every day and that included love.

Chapter 9

Bailey

It’s been five months, and I’ve never been happier. Dex and I spend almost every day together. School’s out for summer break, and even though I have soccer practice every day, we’re still making time for each other.

Today has been a long practice. It’s hot, and there’s not much of a breeze. Dex told me he had something planned for later, so he’s been sitting in the stands waiting. Every once in a while, I glance up and wave. He waves back, and then goes back to the book he’s reading.

Coach has been setting up defense drills all day, and for some reason my partner doesn’t understand that we’re on the same team. Cara, this new recruit, has been playing like she’s angry with me all morning. I don’t quite understand, but I’m over the bullshit. Coach lines us up on the field again. Cara has the ball, and I’m defending her. One swipe, and I took control, dribbling around her, and through the other members of her team. I drilled it into the net, and then spun, grinning at Dex. I didn’t know if he was watching, but Madi cheered for me. Cara’s mouth turned down as she scowled. Coach said something, but all I heard was the ‘see you tomorrow’ before darting toward the benches where I’d left my gear. I wanted to shower and relax.

“All set?” Dex jogged down the bleachers all the while grinning like a fool.

“For today. I’m exhausted. A shower and a nap might be in the future.” I flung my bag over my shoulder. Dex met me at the gate to leave the field, and took my bag from me.

“I know you’re tired, but I think I have something that might make you forget about that.” He smiled as he opened the door to his new Jeep for me.

“Really? Like what?” I perked up. We’d been saying that we were going to do something fun for the last few days, but all it had turned into was watching TV at each other’s apartments.

“You’ll see. Do you have extra clothes in that bag by chance?” He eyed my soccer bag before cranking the Jeep.

“Not really. It’s mostly my gear. I only have extras on game days. What exactly are you wanting to do?” I tipped my head as I tried to figure out what he was hiding. If we were at home, I’d just tease it out of him, but I don’t really want to cause an accident right now.

“I have a plan. Just enjoy the view.” He pulled out onto the highway along the coast. The ocean was mere feet away, and the breeze felt heavenly as my hair whipped around my face. The top was down on the Wrangler, and freedom was within a fingertip’s reach.

I lost track of where we were going as Dex took a few side roads, finally ending in a dirt parking lot. There were other cars parked nearby, and a crowd of people in the distance. “What is this place?” I opened the door, and climbed out.

“Malibu Creek Rock Pools.” Dex’s smile widened. “I was hoping to appeal to your fearless side. This way.” He held out his hand for me to take, and began leading me down a path where more people were gathered.

“What are we doing here?” I scanned the crowd as we came to a halt.

“That.” Dex pointed just as a guy went running off the edge of the cliff. A few seconds later, we heard a splash.

“Cliff jumping?” I bounced on my toes.

“Yep. I’ve climbed here a few times, and seen people doing this. It makes me think of you every time.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “Wanna go together?”

“Are you scared?” I teased.

“No, I just know that we haven’t really faced anything together yet, and I thought this could be the first of many.” He shrugged before releasing me and putting his hand out, palm up. The crowd parted, and we stepped forward.

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