Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“That’s definitely cool. Would you even have time with so much on your plate?”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “It feels good to do something different, away from the team, if that makes sense.”
Jordan was part of the team, obviously, but it wasn’t like the others would be clamoring to join us. But maybe Remy might consider it? It would be nice to see each other without the prying eyes of his brother. Our schedules were too enmeshed as it was.
Except Remy was right—he wasn’t much of a joiner.
“I’ve been thinking about you too.” When our eyes met, my pulse skyrocketed. “Since the swim meet…and all that exposed skin…and you mentioned getting a tattoo?”
“Yep. Obviously, I’m a blank canvas,” I replied, and he chuckled. My skin tingled as I imagined him watching me compete. “But don’t get any bright ideas. I’d want something pretty small and easily hidden. Don’t wanna freak out the parents.”
“Hidden behind those small swim briefs” He arched a brow. “That doesn’t leave many options.”
“True.” My chest was fluttering now. Was I only imagining him flirting with me? “Maybe your bravery will rub off on me.”
His hand absently reached up to scratch his collarbone, and I wondered if I’d ever get the opportunity to see him shirtless again, like every summer at the lake. But now, there were colorful tattoos over inches of his skin that I’d love to get an up-close view of.
“Guess I’ve been making up for lost time. Mom is more chill about my ink than Dad—and Bailey, of course, not that his opinion on my tattoos matters.”
“Nope, only matters what you think. You missed a spot, by the way.” I reached out and touched his wrist, then pointed out the white splotch of paint.
“Ugh, surprised I’m not messier.”
“I’m surprised too.” We smiled at each other. “In high school, you’d always have pencil marks on your palms and shavings everywhere. You’ve gotten better, apparently.”
He smirked. “You saying I clean up nice?”
“Suppose I am.” My skin felt hot again as I looked away. Yep, definitely flirting.
“So, how is Bailey doing? Okay, that sounded weird.” He sighed. “It’s just that we don’t really talk anymore, and since he walked out that night at the bar, I haven’t really gotten a good read on him, not even after the swim meet. Mom asked me too, and I hate telling her I have no clue.”
I frowned. “Unfortunately, he made it clear he doesn’t want to hang out with his brother in college.”
“I don’t see why not. I’m awesome.”
“And so humble.” I shook my head. “He’d totally deny it, but I bet he liked that you showed up to watch him compete.”
“I came for you too.” He nudged my shoulder, and my skin burned at his touch. “And, of course, to see my parents.”
“And you even paid attention. I’m so impressed.”
“It was difficult, believe me,” he teased.
I grinned, trying to think of something else to say to keep us talking.
“So…” He cleared his throat. “With your busy schedule, do you ever…have time for other things in your life?”
Was he asking about hooking up, or was I reading too much into it?
“I, uh, make time when I need to,” I replied, and the way his cheeks dotted red, I knew I’d made the right assumption. “And so does Bailey because he’s interested in a swimmer named Danica.”
His eyes widened. “I expect the marriage announcement by next week.”
I chuckled. “Someday, he’ll find the one, and all his dreams will come true. The big fluff ball.”
“I wish that for him,” Remy said in a serious tone. “It’s just not for me.”
“Me neither.” We fist-bumped. “At least not anytime soon.”
“Or not ever,” he muttered. I knew exactly when his pessimism had taken root, and it made my gut tighten. It was a shame how much his father’s infidelity had affected him.
“Anyway, thanks for always being there for Bailey,” Remy said. “You’re a good friend.”
“Yeah, of course. Who’s there for you? Derek?”
“Uh, sure.” He shook his head. “I don’t need—”
“Sure you do, Mr. Cynical.” I playfully elbowed him. “Everyone does.”
“You’ve definitely come out of your shell.” He was no doubt remembering the quiet, shy kid I’d been in high school. “College has done wonders already.”
“Guess our playing field has leveled out.”
“Guess it has.”
We stared for entirely too long.
“Shoot, what time is it?” I motioned over my shoulder. “Gotta get to class.”
“Yeah, same.” He lifted his cell from his pocket. “But hey, how about we exchange numbers? You can text me when you decide to come by the shop to see those samples. I’ll make sure I’m free.”
“Good idea.” I pulled out my phone, my skin feeling warm and prickly. “Damn, why have we never thought of this before?”
“Because Bailey wouldn’t want you texting his brother.” He grimaced. “It would be like consorting with the enemy.”
Honestly, I would’ve been obsessing even more if I had his number in high school. Christ, I could just picture it.