Page 20 of With Every Breath

“The first of many.” I slapped my hand against his before lacing our fingers together. I glanced down at my shoes, and then inched to the edge to look down. It looked higher than it really was from our perspective, and I swallowed before looking back at Dex.

“Ready?” He squeezed my hand.

I nodded and stepped back from the edge. “To the first of many!” we shouted together before racing to the edge and jumping.

My stomach vaulted up into my throat as we free fell for mere seconds before plummeting into the cold water. I kicked for the surface, and released my grip on Dex as I breached the waterline. Water droplets sprayed through the air as I shook my head and wiped my eyes. Dex appeared beside me and grinned. “What a rush!” he shouted, followed by a hoot of excited laughter.

“That was amazing.” I threw my hands in the air. “Can we go again?” I glanced up to where the next person was waiting for us to move out of the way, before beginning to swim to our exit spot.

“We can, but we gotta walk back up. You think you have the energy for that?” he teased.

“I’m suddenly feeling fully energized.” I giggled as I climbed a makeshift ladder and stood on the gravel path we’d have to hike up. My legs were wobbly from the grueling practice I’d had, but the adrenaline rush I’d just experienced was giving me newfound strength. “Let’s go.” I waved as I started marching up the path.

Dex trailed behind me, making sure I didn’t lose my footing. Our wet sneakers squished as we climbed. I later found out that the walk back was why we needed shoes. Next time we came here, I’d make sure I packed my beach shoes.

We made two more jumps before calling it quits. The walk was tiring, and I didn’t want to wear myself out so much that I might suck at practice the next day.

“How’d I do?” Dex opened my door, and helped me in.

“With?” I let my head roll to the side as I stared at him. I’d had such a fun day that he’d caught me off guard.

“With this date.” He smiled. “I told you that I’d try to find fun things and I thought this was pretty fun.” He shrugged.

“This was more than pretty fun.” I sat up and flung my arms around his neck. “This was awesome.” I planted a kiss firmly on his lips before pulling back. “I’m kinda hungry now, and I’d like to get some dry clothes.” I glanced down at my wet tank and soccer shorts.

“I was thinking we’d change, and maybe order takeout?” He closed my door, and made his way to the driver’s side.

“Sounds good to me.” I smiled before leaning back against the seat. I closed my eyes and let the sun warm my face as Dex took us back to the highway.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I know, Dex is patting my arm and telling me we’re home. My eyes fluttered open to see him unbuckling my seatbelt. “I must have been more tired than I realized.” I yawned.

“That doesn’t surprise me. You’ve been going full throttle for the last several hours. Let’s get some food; I’m starving.” It was in that moment that his stomach growled.

Dex grabbed a bag from the back, and followed me up the stairs. When I opened the door, Madi was sitting on the couch eating a salad.

“Where have you been?” She eyed my clothes and messy hair.

“Dex took me cliff jumping.” I grinned as he stepped around me and headed for the bathroom.

“And you didn’t invite me?” she squeaked as she set her bowl on the coffee table.

“Would you have gone if I did?” I tossed my bag on the floor.

“Yes.” She pouted. I gave her a look. I remember all the coaxing it took to get her to jump from the high dive at the local pool growing up. “Well, maybe.” She crinkled her nose. “Ok, probably not.” She sighed as she flopped back against the couch.

“I didn’t know we were going.” I toed off my wet shoes and set them over one of the AC vents. “Dex surprised me.”

“That’s some surprise.” Madi grinned.

“Yeah, it was. Let me go change. These wet clothes are not comfortable.” I held up a finger for her to give me a minute as I rushed down the hallway to my room.

I tore the wet tank and shorts from my body, and then began the wrestling match with my sports bra. It’s hard enough to get those things off when you’re sweaty, but when they’re wet too… it’s like getting into a fight with a giant rubber band. After successfully stripping, I slipped into a pair of lounge shorts and an oversized tee. I didn’t plan to leave the apartment, so I wasn’t really worried about looks. Dex and I are past the needing to look our best for each other stage. I honestly don’t think we ever had that stage, but whatever.

“Pizza or Chinese?” Dex called as I made my way back to the living room.

“Say Chinese.” Madi crossed her arms over her chest.

“Neither.” I made my way over to the drawer where we kept the takeout menus. “Tacos!” I tossed the cardboard menu at them.

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