Page 67 of Releasing 10
I narrowed my eyes. “Because I’ve never not touched the bottom before.”
Chuckling, he swam over to me. “Hold on to me.”
I quickly did just that and let him steer us to the edge of the pool. “Here. Use my hand to push up,” he instructed, giving my foot a boost with his hand.
When I got out, I sat back down on the edge and smiled at him. “I have a crush on you.” At least, that’s what Caoimhe said it was. I didn’t know what was happening until I explained all about the flutter-cups. She laughed and told me that I had my first crush.
His cheeks turned bright pink. “You’re not supposed to say that, Liz.”
“But I do,” I told him.
“Yeah, but.” He looked around before saying, “The guys will laugh at us if they hear you say things like that.”
“So?”
“So…” He seemed to think about it for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t know what comes after so.”
I grinned at him. “Do you have a crush on me, too?”
“Jesus.” Blushing, he dipped under the water, reappearing a few seconds later and a lot farther away.
“Wait!” I called after him. “You didn’t answer me.”
“Yes,” he called over his shoulder as he swam back to our friends. “My answer is yes!”
I sprang to my feet and clutched my chest, unable to stop the grin on my face from spreading.
Because he had a crush on me, too.
Hugh Biggs liked me back.
“Come back for me,” I called out, jumping back into the water and kicking my legs.
I didn’t feel the same fear others felt when their heads went underwater or when water went up their nose. The more pain I felt, the calmer my mind grew.
“You are a crazy girl,” Hugh laughed, hooking an arm around me when he swam back to me. “What would you have done if I didn’t swim back for you?”
“I knew you would,” I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck as he swam us over to the shallow part.
“Oh yeah?” he teased, releasing me when I could stand. “How?”
“Because I trust you,” I told him. “You make me feel safe.”
That seemed to confuse him because his brows furrowed together. “You’ll always be safe with me.”
“I know.” I splashed him with my hand. “No matter what, right?”
“Yeah, Liz,” Hugh chuckled, splashing me back. “No matter what.”
BRAZEN BOYFRIENDS AND BRAVE BROTHERS
Hugh
DECEMBER 17, 1994
“IKNOW YOUR SISTER” WERE THE FIRST WORDS THAT CAME OUT OF MY SISTER’S MOUTHwhen Lizzie’s sister stepped foot through our door on the last Saturday before Christmas. “She’s my best friend at school, but Gerard’s my best friend at home.”
“Is that so?” Caoimhe laughed, allowing Claire to drag her upstairs to see her doll collection.
