Page 138 of Beyond the Stroke

I sigh, hating to admit the truth.

“I’ve been pushing myself to keep up with Connor. I mean, I can keep up with him. I can dominate him if I want to, but doing it every practice, every day. It’s catching up with me. With my body.”

“Is that normal? Pushing teammates to the point of fatigue? Or is this because you and Connor aren’t on good terms?”

“The latter. The team challenges each other for sure, but not to the point of detrimental impact on our bodies.”

“Are you going to talk to him, or just metaphorically beat each other up in the pool every day?”

“He leaves tomorrow for a tour as an ambassador with the Rising Tides Swim program.”

“So, your body gets some time off from training with him. Shouldn’t you be excited?”

“I am. But?—”

“Wait. Isn’t that the same program Whitney is an ambassador for?” she asks, her brows lifting with suspicion.“She told me about it at the bonfire. Was really excited to get the spot.”

“Yeah, it’s the same one.”

Summer’s eyes widen. “So, Connor and Whitney are traveling together for a week? Do you think?—?”

I cut her off, laughing. “Never in a million years. Whitney is too focused to let a guy like Connor mess with her.”

“Hmm.”

“What’s ‘hmm?’”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “I didn’t think I’d ever get married, even if it was fake, and here we are.”

“I don’t like what you’re implying.”

“That something might be going on between Whitney and Connor?” she asks.

“No, that Connor and I are similar in any way.”

“You need to talk to him. Clear the air. You’re a people person. You’re trying to be best friends with our waiter, how can you not want to resolve things with Connor?”

I let Summer’s assessment sink in.

She’s right. I am usually a forgiving person, but with Connor, he’s issued no apology, and shown no remorse for his actions. He’s been a cocky asshole since he walked into the aquatic center a few weeks ago so I’ve responded accordingly. It’s not like me at all. I secretly hate it but he’s the one who entered into enemy territory waving a red flag, not me.

Our food arrives and we dig in. Summer slowly, while I do my best not to look like a cave man. I use the toast as a vessel for the eggs, then wrap a banana walnut pancake around a sausage link before dipping it in peanut butter.

Summer laughs. “Is it a game trying to see how many calories you can pack into one bite?”

“Maybe.” I chuckle around my full bite.

She’s been eyeing the last banana walnut pancake so I push it onto her plate.

She forks the remaining steak on hers and transfers it to mine. I devour it in a single bite.

“What’s your schedule for the rest of the day?” I ask, curious.

“Lunch shift at the café. Then afternoon dog walking.” She lifts her wrist up. “Today was the first day my wrist didn’t ache so I texted Winnie she said I could ride my skateboard finally.”

“Must have been the orgasm last night.” I grin. “See? Even though I injured you, I healed you.”

She nudges me playfully with her shoulder.

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