My hand slapped the cool tiles and a rush of exhilaration flooded through me.
Emerging, a smile of triumph stretched across my face, I grinned up at Coach, who stood over me, mirroring my gleaming grin back to me.
I know I just broke my own record. I can feel it in my veins.
"Am I good, or am I good?" I smirked, hoisting myself up so I was propped on my elbows.
"Excellent," he commented with an impressed nod. "Keep that up and you are going to smash the try-outs."
"That's what I want to hear!"
"Come on, let's go do some cool down exercises. Don't want to overwork you, with try-outs this Thursday."
I dived underneath the lane dividers and paddled towards the steps.
Glancing over to him, I noticed Ashton's eyes had become a few shades darker as he watched me.
"What's first?" I asked, trying to appear nonchalant.
He shook his head quickly. "Stretch your arms."
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself smirking.
Stretching one arm out in front of me, I hooked my other underneath and pulled towards me. I repeated the movement on the other arm. I followed him as he did a few side stretches and lunges. We continued with thigh stretches.
After touching my toes, I straightened and let out a slight gasp at Ashton's proximity. His eyes were trained on my lips. I could feel the tension accumulating between us.
He reached out, brushing a loose tendril of hair off my face. His long, slender fingers brushed my skin. His hand cupped my cheek and I moved my head into his hand, seeking his warmth.
"Think I'm good enough to get on the team?" I whispered, biting my lip softly as I stared into his deep, brown eyes.
"There's no doubt in my mind," he murmured. "You're incredible."
***
Ever since my dream-like moment with the Coach, I have been soaring on Cloud Nine ever since.
I have my chin planted in my palm as I gaze, trance-like at the board, completely unfocused on today’s lesson.
"Hey," Harvey said, leaning over and lightly flicking me on the nose. "Anybody home?"
"Huh?"
"Class is over, loser," he snickered, slamming his textbook shut.
Blinking, I stared around, seeing everyone packing up.
"What's got you off with the fairies?" he asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder.
Golden locks, deep brown eyes and a chiseled jaw materialised in my mind. I'm embarrassed to admit a goofy grin spread across my face.
"Hello?" Harvey asked, waving his hand in front of my face.
"Er- It's just the swim try-outs," I lied lamely. I don't want to admit that I am crushing on the Coach, considering Harvey already drilled me about staying the night at his. Plus, he was very sweet to me last week, after the horrible dinner with his family. "They're this Thursday, remember?"
"Right," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "How could I forget?"
"I love that you're always my number one supporter," I teased, shoving him playfully as we walked out to the hallway.
"Looks like I was right Mia," a loud and obnoxious voice called, purposely loud enough for myself and Harvey to hear. "She's with the dork."
My laughter died down as I stare at Mike, who is smirking, leaning against the lockers.
"Nah," Mia sneered. "I still think she's trying to screw the Coach for a spot on the team. She just needs a friend."
"Wow," I commented, rolling my eyes. "Don't you have anything better to do with your time than analyse my life?"
"It's just so pathetic," Mia sighed, placing a hand theatrically on her chest.
"Says the girl who is pining after the swim team captain, who doesn't feel the same way, so she has to settle for this," I said, motioning towards a furious looking Mike. "The prawn of our year."
Flashing her a broad grin, I reached for Harvey's hand and tugged him after me. My eyes connected with Hayden's as he leaned nonchalantly against his locker. His face was impassive as he stared back at me. Something flashed across his eyes but it was so fast, it made me wonder if I saw anything at all.
"Sassy thing you are," Harvey laughed. "I can't think quick like you."
"It's a gift, what can I say?"
"You getting nervous for the try-outs?" he asked as we made our way towards a table outside.
I inhaled the fresh air and openly welcomed it. The classrooms got so stuffy, I appreciated eating lunch outside, not in the cafeteria.
"Nope," I gloated, brushing a bit of hair from my face. I paused, smiling to myself as I thought back to when Coach did the same thing. "I'm feeling really good about it."
"You're going to smash it," he grinned, throwing a thumbs up in my direction.
That's what Ashton said, too.
He sat heavily onto the bench and I followed suit. I shrugged off my hideous coat and rolled the sleeves of my shirt up, wanting to feel the sun rays on my skin. I loosened my tie and immediately felt myself relax.
Harvey withdrew a chicken sandwich from his bag and then another, before passing it to me.
I gave him a questioning look.
"I made it for you."
"Why did you do that?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Because you always bring chips or something. You should enjoy a good, homemade sandwich."
"Aw," I cooed, nudging him. "You're so thoughtful. Thank you."
"If you're going to be the best swimmer, you need to fuel yourself," he said matter-of-factly, taking a bite of his own sandwich.
"Look at you, being all supportive," I grinned. "I knew you had it in you."
"I don't agree joining the swim team," he pointed out. "But I support your decision as your best friend."
"Best friend?" I smiled.
"Yes, your best friend."
"Yay!"
"Shut up," he laughed. "Now eat your food."
I fake gasped. "I am so proud."
"You're a dork."
Unable to keep the huge grin off my face, I took a big bite.
"You holding up okay?"
"Yeah?" I asked, a mouth full of food.
"Charming," he laughed, shaking his head at me. "I mean, about what happened the other night."
"What?"
"Dinner," he said slowly. "I had no idea that happened to you. The car accident."
I placed my sandwich down. "It's not something I really go around sharing."
"You can talk to me about it, whenever you like."
"Thanks Harv."
"I'm sorry for my nosy parents. I will never torture you with their presence again."
I waved him off. "It's fine, they just bought up a subject I'm not okay talking about."
"I bet you miss him a lot," Harvey said quietly, giving me a sympathetic smile.
"Every day," I replied softly, giving him a wan smile.
"Lucky you're tough."
"Totally."
I looked down at my sandwich, not feeling quite as hungry now. Getting the hint, Harvey decided to change the subject.
"Whatcha' doing this afternoon?" Harvey asked, finishing off his sandwich.
"Swimming practice."
"Didn't you already practice this morning?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
"Yeah?"
"Aren't you going to, like, over exert yourself?"
"I'm determined to get what I want and besides, I beat my own record this morning. I want to do it again."
"I wish I was as motivated as you," he sighed. "I can't even convince myself to go for a run."
"Okay, let's start running after school then. Well, after swimming, that is."
"Oh God," he groaned. "What have I just got myself into?"
I give him an evil grin.
"No take backs."
***
"Twice in one day," Ashton smirked. "Am I irresistible or what?"
"Pfft," I replied, rolling my eyes. "You wish. You just happen to always be around the pool. Almost like you're waiting for me?"
"Oh really? Waiting for you?"
"Don't blame you, really."
I offer him a flirtatious smirk, before shouldering past him. I make my way into the change room.
As I take a step into the doorway, Hayden shoved past me roughly.
"Ow," I complained loudly.
I merge left, towards the ladies' room and Mia is there, her arms folded across her chest. She shook her head at me, before making over-the-top throwing up gestures.
I cocked my head to the side as I stared at her.
"Feeling ill?"
"No," she said hotly, glaring at me. "I'm sick from your try-hard flirting."
I snort. "Could have fooled me."
"You're pathetic."
"Is that your favourite word?" I retorted, mirroring her stance by folding my own arms over my chest.
"I'm warning you," she snarled, stepping towards me. "Don't try-out for the swim team. You'll regret it."
"Oh, I'm shaking," I snarled back, narrowing my eyes.
"You should be."
"Because you might kick me in the shin?" I mock gasped, covering my mouth dramatically. "That's all you can reach right?"
Her cheeks burned a scarlet colour. I really shouldn't make fun of the fact she resembles a small, Barbie doll but she makes it too hard to resist.
I let out a laugh as she opened and closed her mouth a few times, looking like a gaping fish. It made me immensely happy that she had no come back for that.
Plastering a smile on my face, I pushed past her and made my way into a cubicle.
I so don't regret stealing her time sheets.