Page 29 of Seductive Swimmer
Somehow, she’s managed to get straight to the hidden pain inside of me. The fear that I’ve never voiced to anyone, ever, not even to myself.
“How did you know?” I ask hoarsely.
“I’ve watched you, my son. Even from afar, I’ve watched you. Never with a woman for long, avoiding any sort of commitment or relationship, except to Brayden and your business. You’ve always shied away from personal relationships, but since you stopped competing, well…you lost sight of the wonderful man you are, whether you swim or not,” she trails off, and when she continues, there’s such grief and pain in her voice. “I know that I should have been there after your accident. I shouldn’t have let your father keep me away. You went through it all alone, and you’ve continued to be alone ever since.” She breaks down into sobs, but I can’t formulate a response. I can’t.
She’s right. Before my accident I dated, and while nothing ever lasted for long, I wasn’t as closed off to the idea of a relationship. But going through the trauma and the recovery alone, grieving the loss of my dreams, my career, all alone — that is what hardened me. My father’s actions in cutting me off from the one person I needed in that moment turned my heart to stone. He proved to me that in his eyes, without swimming, I was nothing and worthy of no one. Not even my own family.
After ending the call with my mum, when I’m back in my apartment, I strip off my clothes and step into a scalding hot shower. Water has always soothed me, and when I can’t get to a pool, a shower helps me center myself. I force my mind to empty, and let the steady spray of water work its magic. When I eventually shut off the taps, I’m much more even-keeled.
My phone screen lights up with a text message as I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist. When I pick it up and see it’s from Savannah, I feel a lightness in my chest and smile. Mum’s words come back to me.You don’t have to be alone.As soon as I open her message and read what she has sent, that lightness turns into a throb of heat that travels instantly to my cock.
SAVANNAH: That’s twice you’ve kissed me and then left me. If only I had known you were such a tease.
I drop down on my bed in shock. This is by far the most flirtatious thing she’s ever said to me, and while my lust for her comes roaring to the foreground, the part of me that has decided she’s more than a casual fuck is uncertain of how to proceed.
It takes several tries before I finally tap out a response that seems adequate.
ALEX: If I had known you wanted more, perhaps I wouldn’t have left.
Hours pass before she replies, and it drives me insane. Not even work distracts me from checking my phone every two minutes. At last, midafternoon, she responds.
SAVANNAH: Again with the teasing.
ALEX: We’ll revisit this when I return from Missouri on Thursday. Have no doubt on that.
SAVANNAH: I didn’t realize you were going with Brayden. Does that mean you won’t be at the pool this week?
ALEX: Correct. Try not to miss me too much, won’t you?
SAVANNAH: Are you kidding? I can swim in my favorite lane without being distracted. It’s going to be great.
ALEX: So, at last you admit that I distract you…
SAVANNAH Don’t let it go to your head, swimmer boy.
ALEX: Too late.
SAVANNAH: Fine. Whatever. It’s not like you don’t know you’re hot.
ALEX: Of course I do, but now I know that YOU think I’m hot.
SAVANNAH: Oh please, you knew that already.
ALEX: True. I must say, love, I’m enjoying this new side of you tonight. You’re far more…friendly than usual. To what do I owe the pleasure?
SAVANNAH: You really want to know?
ALEX: I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.
SAVANNAH: Donuts.
ALEX: Donuts? Deep fried dough makes you flirt with me? Duly noted.
SAVANNAH: No. Donuts make me agreeable, so that my friends can convince me to go shopping and buy something that makes me confident enough to flirt with you.
ALEX: Tell me more
SAVANNAH: Why don’t I just show you.
SAVANNAH:
Bloody hell, this woman. She’s laying down, and her body is on display. I’ve seen her in a swimsuit, and I’ve seen her fully dressed. But I’ve never seen her like this. Deep purple lace cups her breasts and hugs her hips and my fingers ache to trace the seams before ripping it off her. Her curves, which always tempt me, are even more tantalizing. I can’t see her face, but I would wager she’s blushing.
ALEX: Goddamnit woman. Now who’s the tease.
SAVANNAH: *shrugs* Have fun in Missouri, Alex.
