Page 137 of Stroke of Fate

It took me a long time—and some input from my mom—to find the perfect gift that symbolizes how important she is to me.

Suck it, Mack. Looks like there’s a new Mr. Miyagi of relationships.

When the projector screen goes dark, I take it as my cue and slide out of my seat while everyone claps for Bear. And rightly so. She was amazing up there. I may have zoned out a few times, staring at her, but I paid attention when it counted.

I take the stairs two at a time and quietly leave through the back door.

***

Later that same day, I wait for Bear outside her last class. Grabbing the bill of my hat, I turn it backward and lean against the wall, kicking my feet out in front of me.

Usually, I head to my second practice of the day at this time. Since it’s Thursday, we have dry land training. But tomorrow is the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break.

Since Coach Schmidt and the other coaching staff are using today and tomorrow for staff training, practice ended a few days early.

We’ve got a swim meet the first weekend back, and I know Coach will make us pay for the missed days. So, it’s safe to say I’m taking full advantage of my vacation.

My muscles feel the strain of nonstop training, and recovery is just as important as pushing ourselves.

The double doors I’ve been staring at for the last ten minutes finally open, and a flood of students spills out. My eyes narrow when I see that douchebag Finn talking to someone.

Thankfully, Huska’s big enough that I haven’t bumped into him since the day in the courtyard.

But this must be the one class he has with Bear. And knowing he gets to spend an hour with my girl sparks a surge of irrational jealousy in my chest.

I know nothing happened between them, but like I said— it’s irrational.

Call me possessive or protective. I don’t care. She’s mine.

He’s heading straight toward the wall I’m leaning against, so I know he’ll see me. I keep my expression blank, running my tongue across the backs of my teeth, waiting to see what he does.

Not that I expect him to do anything, but I’m curious if he’s gotten over his pick-me bullshit when it comes to Bear.

When he spots me, I see the moment of recognition flicker in his brown eyes. We lock eyes in a silent stare-off as he walks past. He dips his chin in my direction, and I dip mine back.

Just like that, the whole thing is behind us. And fuck it. I have the girl, so I’ll let him off the hook.

Familiar laughter pulls my attention back to the doors, and I see Bear, head bent low, talking with a friend. My face breaks out into one of those giant ass smiles that only seem to come out when she’s around.

I’m a little disappointed that she’s changed out of her pantsuit and into something more casual. I was hoping to bring that fantasy to life this afternoon.

Feeling my eyes on her, her head snaps toward me. Her eyes widen when she sees me, but the surprise quickly melts into a sweet smile that makes her look so damn pretty.

She says something to the girl next to her before breaking off and heading my way.

“This is a nice surprise,” she says, taking my hand.

I squeeze her hand gently. “Figured since I had the afternoon free, I’d walk you to your car.”

“Oh, hey!” She stops abruptly and slaps me playfully with her free hand. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were going to watch my presentation.”

Grinning, I catch her hand and bring it to my lips, brushing a light kiss against her knuckles. She shivers under the feather-light touch.

“I wasn’t sure I could make it, but I snuck in early enough. If I’d known how much you’d talk about my muscular body, I would’ve made sure not to miss it.” I wink.

“It was part of the presentation. I practically had no choice but to include it,” she mumbles, cheeks staining pink.

“I think your description of my—how did you put it? Lean, sleek muscles, powerful legs, and strong shoulders,” I say, mimicking her earlier words, “was pretty spot on.”

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