Page 23 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘Something touched my leg,’ she managed to gasp once she’d caught her breath.
‘Probably seaweed,’ Pete said, his voice matter-of-fact but not unkind, ‘or a curious fish.’
‘Scarlett! Are you okay?’ Lou was back at her side, staring at her in horror.
‘I’m fine,’ Scarlett assured her, though she made no move to disentangle herself from Pete’s steadying grip. ‘Just got a bit spooked.’
‘I’m so sorry!’ said Lou. ‘I shouldn’t have left you…’
‘Don’t be daft!’ said Scarlett, before coughing up more water. ‘I’m fine.’
‘Let’s get you back to shallower water,’ Pete suggested. ‘You’ll probably feel better with your feet under you.’
Scarlett nodded gratefully.
Pete kept one arm around her as he helped her swim back towards the shore, his strong kicks propelling them both with an ease that would have been impressive if Scarlett hadn’t been so mortified by the whole situation. Lou bobbed along beside them, throwing concerned looks at her.
When they reached a depth where Scarlett could comfortably stand, Pete released her, though he remained close by, watching her with careful eyes.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry for overreacting.’
‘No such thing as overreacting,’ said Pete. ‘You feeling okay?’
‘Fine,’ said Scarlett.
‘Breathing okay?’
Scarlett nodded again. Sure, her breath was coming faster than normal, but that had more to do with being pressed against Pete’s chest while she coughed and spluttered all over him.
‘Do you want to get out?’ said Lou.
Scarlett shook her head. ‘I think I’ll stick to the shallows for now, though.’
‘Good plan,’ said Pete. ‘No shame in having a quick breather. Don’t let this put you off, though. You were doing great before you got spooked.’
‘Thanks Pete,’ she said with a sheepish grin. ‘Sorry about that.’
‘Nothing to apologise for, seriously,’ he said. ‘If you start feeling unwell, go straight over to Dylan at the first aid tent.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ said Scarlett.
‘Right, well, I should get back to...’ He gestured vaguely behind him at the sea full of happy swimmers.
‘Of course,’ Scarlett said quickly.
With a final nod, Pete turned and waded back out into deeper water, his movements as smooth and confident as ever. Scarlett couldn’t help but watch him go, admiring the way he seemed so completely in his element.
‘He’s right, you know,’ said Lou, splashing around next to her. ‘You were a natural out there. Until nature decided to say hello.’
Scarlett laughed, relief making her light-headed. ‘I wouldn’t go that far, but thanks for the vote of confidence.’
‘Well,’ Lou said with a significant look, ‘it was certainly one way to get his attention.’
‘I didn’t do it on purpose!’ Scarlett protested.
‘No,’ said Lou, ‘but you can’t deny it worked out rather nicely. He practically flew through the water to get to you.’
Scarlett splashed her friend again, but she couldn’t quite hide her smile. Something told her she wasn’t going to forget the feeling of Pete’s strong arms wrapped around her in a hurry!
