Page 73 of Through You
“What?”
“You can’t? I’ve done it several times since the day we arrived.”
It’s not a small pool. But I think I can pull it off.
“And what’s my prize if I succeed?”
“Maybe I’ll change my perspective about you and go back to believing you’re a human being.”
“Yay.”
She leans in, hands on the edge of the pool. “Good luck, iceberg.”
“Thanks, dummy.”
Claudia shoots me a murderous look. “You’re dumber that I am.”
I grin when I hear the familiar response. I head to the other side of the pool, accepting the challenge. I give her one last glance before I plunge in. I swim underwater as fast as I can, completing my first lap with success. In the middle of my second lap, my lungs start to burn, and I’m desperate for air. But I’m not ready to give up, especially when I have just one more turn left. I emerge from the water just as I reach my goal, taking in huge breaths.
Claudia isn’t on the edge of the pool anymore, and when I look around I see her walking to the doors.
“Hey, Claudia!”
She turns and gives me the finger. Oh no, this is not going to end like this. I leap out of the pool as quickly as I can and run after her. Claudia is through the sliding doors and into the hotel lobby, making her way to the elevator.
“Sir, you’re wet and should . . .” a member of the hotel staff begins, but I ignore him. I keep moving until I reach Claudia and grab her by the arm.
She’s surprised. I take advantage of the moment and bend to lift her up, throwing her over my shoulder. Other guests are staring at us and whispering. I pay no attention as I carry her back to the pool area.
“Artemis Hidalgo! Put me down, now!”
I lower her to the ground near the edge of the pool.
“You throw a challenge at me then take off when you lose, and to top it off, you give me the finger?”
She crosses her arms. “I didn’t think you could make it.”
“But I did. And now you have to admit that my lungs are no longer weak.”
“No.”
God, she’s too damn stubborn! She always brings out my playful side without much effort. I grab hold of her dress with one hand, twisting the top part. I spin her so she’s barely standing on the edge of the pool, hanging over the water.
“Admit it.”
“No.”
I pretend I’m about to let go and she grabs my wrist, letting out a squeal.
“It’s your last chance, Claudia.”
She sticks her tongue out at me. “I’m not afraid of water. I’m not made of sugar.”
At that very moment, I release my grip and let her fall backward into the pool. She emerges from the water, pushing hair that’s come loose from her bun off her face.
“You’re a jerk.”
“And you are a sore loser.”
