Текст книги "Love Surfaced"

Автор книги: Michelle Lynn

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

fifteen

“I DON’T THINK IT’S A necessity to walk the check to the charity,” Curtis says to Tanner from the passenger seat.

I dissect Tanner’s mannerisms from the backseat of his rental car because there’s something off with this whole situation.

After Curtis lost at pool last night—four times—he’s been more high-strung than usual. I begged him to stop at double or nothing, but he pushed a too-pleased Tanner into best out of five. Tanner did his usual tactic of letting his opponent win once just to keep them interested.

The consequence of Curtis’s actions is the three of us in a car on our way to deliver a check to Tanner’s favorite charity.

“I’m in agreement with Curtis, Tanner.”

Tanner glances in the rearview mirror and then back to the road. “I won, my rules.”

I lean back in my seat, refraining from arguing. It will do me no good because the one thing Tanner won’t ever change is his bullheadedness. Instead of wasting my breath, I might as well wait and see what he has in store.

“That’s mature. What are you? Ten?” Curtis glares at him.

Tanner laughs. “If you’d beat me at pool, you wouldn’t be here. Don’t be a sore loser.”

“I’m not a sore loser.” Ironically, Curtis sounds like the ten-year-old now.

“Hmm . . .” Tanner glances at me through the mirror again.

I cross my arms over my chest in a huff and try to focus on the new developments of Marlowe out the window.

“We’re here.” He pulls over to park on the street.

When I read the sign, my heart melts.

“Washington Court? You want me to give my money to an”—his face inches closer to the window—“athletic club?” The disdain in Curtis’s tone isn’t missed.

I cock my head behind him, wondering why he feels they aren’t worth his money.

“This isn’t really a charity, is it, Tanner?” I ask.

“Don’t worry. You know how I love surprises.” Tanner winks at me through the mirror.

Curtis opens the passenger door. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“Your boyfriend is touchy today.” Tanner turns around in his seat.

Narrowing my eyes, I remain silent, my hand on the door handle.

“Or is it every day?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he climbs out of the car, meeting Curtis on the sidewalk.

The two of them weave around one another, each wanting to hold the door open for me. Reluctantly, Curtis allows Tanner to do it, but then Curtis ushers me through before he follows right behind me.

The lobby is nostalgic. The windows lined to the right overlook the weight section. The sound of bouncing basketballs echoes up to the front desk area from the court below.

“With the opening of a door, we’re back in high school,” Tanner says to me and we share a smile.

“No changes at all,” I remark, taking in every aspect of my second home during high school.

“You used to come here?” Curtis asks, his eyes slowly moving over the lobby.

Tanner slaps him on the back. “This was the place when we were younger, a regular Saturday hangout.” He rocks back on his heels, looking Curtis up and down. “Well, for us athletes. Did you play a sport, Curtis?”

“Tennis,” Curtis states proudly.

“And golf?” Tanner nonchalantly raises his shoulders.

“Yes.” Curtis nods, still proud, until he notices Tanner’s smirk.

“Let it go, Tanner.” I say.

He chuckles. “What? I like golf.”

He holds his hands up, but I can predict what’s crowding his brain.

“Typical country club sports—I get it. Gotta go with what you know, right, Curtis?” Instead of waiting for a rebuttal, Tanner walks over to the counter.

“What’s his deal? I’m ready to call CBS and tell them what an ass he is.” Curtis swings his arm around my shoulders and tugs me closer. His possessive move only confirms that he isn’t blind to why Tanner is an ass to him.

“I don’t know.” I’m not going to have this conversation.

After a small back and forth talk with the girl behind the counter, Tanner walks over, rubbing his palms together. “Ready?” he asks.

Curtis’s hand goes for his back pocket.

Tanner raises his hand to stop him. “We have to go downstairs.”

I scrunch my eyes at Tanner. The only things downstairs are the pool and tennis courts. All the administrative offices are currently surrounding us. His cocky grin appears before he turns around and walks down the hallway.

“Welcome to Washington Court Athletic Club. Thank you for your time,” the girl says from behind her desk.

Curtis peers down to me and mouths, Time?

Although I shouldn’t laugh, I can barely hold it in, figuring out the secret Tanner has been keeping. But instead of telling Curtis, I shrug my shoulders to appear as clueless as him.

We follow Tanner down the stairway, and the chlorine smell wraps around me like an old friend. Oh, how I’ve missed it. My feet rush a little faster down the steps, my body eager to slink into the water.

We lived in this pool on Fridays and Saturdays when we were younger. Before we could drive, our parents would drop us off, and we’d swim and play volleyball and tennis. My friend Ava and I even convinced Brad and Tanner to take an aerobic dance class once. I’ve always believed that during those days of swimming and sweating, is when I fell in love with Tanner McCain. It was when he clicked in my mind as more than my brother’s best friend.

He changed, too.

With one smell of chlorine, my mind floats back to my adolescence—his leg running along mine because he swam closer than normal, his high fives when we’d be on the same team for tennis, the long glances at the snack shop. It all weaseled him into my heart a little more. There were times when I was positive he wanted something more, but Brad always turned the corner or showed up out of nowhere.

Tanner turns to find me when he reaches the bottom of the stairs, and his eyes reveal everything I just remembered. The chance that he did in fact have a flashback similar to mine brings an enormous amount of hope within me, which guilts me at the same time—especially with my hand in my boyfriend’s at the moment.

When we walk into the commons area, a guy is there, appearing to be waiting for us.

“Hi, Lyle.” Tanner places his hand out.

The guy shakes it. “I can’t tell you how much this means to us, Tanner. The kids have been talking about it for the past month.” The older gentleman smiles over to Curtis and me.

I cock my head to Tanner, but he never glances over.

A month? I think to myself.

“No problem. Lucky for me, I was able to bring two friends. This is Curtis Zeker from Zeker and Son Law Firm.” He points to Curtis, who steps up to shake hands with Chris.

“Soon-to-be Zeker and Sons. Nice to meet you.”

Inwardly, I roll my eyes because I’m sick of him correcting that phrase to everyone under the damn sun.

Tanner doesn’t say anything more, but he moves over between Curtis and me, throwing his arm around my shoulders. “And this is Piper Ashby. She was practically raised in a pool. She should be in Colorado with me, but—” He doesn’t finish because he knows there’s no way I could have been by his side, trying for the Olympics.

“I’m not as good as him,” I finish the sentence.

Tanner pulls me tighter into him.

God, I shouldn’t be enjoying his nearness this much, but I want to lean in closer to smell his cologne.

“Not true at all. She’s an amazing swimmer.”

Lyle smiles and reaches his hand out for mine. I shake it and notice the embroidery on his shirt—Boys & Girls Club.

The puzzle slowly pieces together in my mind. Tanner’s always had a soft spot for this charity. Even in high school, he’d mentor for them. I look up to Tanner, puzzling it all together, and he’s already smiling down at me. Shivers run up my spine.

“Thank you all for helping out today. Do you mind if I grab Piper for the pool, too? There were a few extra kids who wanted to swim, and we need to make sure we have enough people,” Lyle begins.

I’m wondering what Curtis will have to do.

“Curtis, would you be willing to teach a few kids the rules of tennis?”

Tanner smacks him on the back. “Right up your alley.”

Curtis fumbles forward and bleakly looks over to me. He clears his throat. “What exactly do you need me to do?”

Lyle turns his attention to Curtis. “Just hit the ball back and forth. Teach them some rules. Just make it fun. Here, I’ll head over there with you.” He starts walking before turning around. “Tanner, why don’t you and Piper go right to the pool area? The items you sent me are in the bag there.” Lyle points to a bag on the worn-in chair.

“Perfect. Thanks, Lyle,” Tanner calls out.

Curtis turns around, his face still in shock from this sudden change of activities today.

“Don’t thank me. Prepare to cover your ears because the kids are going to scream when they see you.” He laughs and then begins talking to Curtis.

My teeth nibble on my bottom lip as I awkwardly stand there next to Tanner while he searches the bag. He pulls out two bathing suits, and I tilt my head, staring at him with my mouth ajar.

“Here you go.” He throws a blue Aqua Sphere swimsuit at me.

I catch it in my hands. “Why didn’t you tell me? You know I would have willingly done this with you.” I investigate the suit, not surprised it’s my size.

“Would you really have come?” He steps toward the locker rooms.

I scramble to catch up. “Of course. I haven’t worn one of these since college, Tanner.”

I hold it up in the air, and he chuckles.

“You have no idea how hard it was for me not to buy the two-piece, but I know how you always preferred the one-pieces—except for when we were ‘training.’” He puts up air quotes because he’s referring to our Truth and Dare games in the college pool during those early mornings.

“One-piece is just fine.” I begin to escape through the doors of the women’s locker room.

“Piper?” he calls out.

I stop, turning to face him.

“Thank you.”

He’s so genuine that I can’t be mad that he tricked us here.

“You’re welcome.”

The locker room hasn’t changed much. Benches are lined between rows of lockers. Showers are wide and open with no separation. This club is in desperate need of facelift. I change into the swimming suit, thankful I shaved this morning. Otherwise, I’d be swimming in my clothes.

Just as I’m about to walk around the circular tile wall to the pool area, an eruption of screams echoes throughout and right to my ears. Then, a chanting of Tanner’s name quickly follows. Stopping, I back up against the tile wall to hear how he is with the kids. When more yells echo, I know Tanner’s doing something to entice it. Once I turn the corner, I shake my head because Tanner will always remain a child himself.

Kids duck for cover while long sprays of water squirt toward them. My eyes follow the stream right to a Super Soaker in Tanner’s hands. All the boys and girls are squealing with laughter, enjoying every moment of it. My heart swells from watching his easiness with the kids, especially with how natural it comes to him.

After a while, he puts the Soaker down and sits on the side of the pool. His feet hang in the water, and all the kids swim up around his legs, spouting a zillion questions.

“Are you really going to the Olympics?” one kid asks, practically bobbing up and down.

“I hope so.” Tanner’s modesty is a quality everyone loves.

“What if you don’t make it?” the same kid asks.

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms, wondering how he’ll answer these questions.

“Then, I’ll work really hard and try again in four more years.” His muscles curve in a defined shape as he leans back on his hands.

“In four years, I’ll be fourteen. How old will you be?” This kid is full of questions.

Tanner chuckles. “I’ll be twenty-eight.”

“That’s old,” the kids remarks.

Tanner laughs. “What’s your name, inquisitor?” Tanner nods his head to the kid.

The kid steps up closer to Tanner and pushes out his chest. “Nick.”

A cute little blonde girl turns toward the young kid, and Nick backs up a step. “Nicky, stop asking questions.”

“It’s okay. Ask me whatever you want.” Tanner waves Nick closer.

The kid grins from ear to ear.

“Is she your girlfriend?” Nick asks, pointing right toward me.

Tanner leans forward and says something super quiet, so I can’t hear. All the kids listen intently, and then look over to me.

“Hello, Piper,” they all say in unison.

I shake my head, walking over to join them. Sitting down next to Tanner, a glint of humor in his eyes as he watches me. I swear he purposely grazes his hand over mine when he sits up straighter. How on earth will I get through this day?

“Hey, guys. You ready to swim?” I say excitedly, clapping my hands together.

Some of the girls crowd around me while the boys remain faithful to Tanner.

Dipping down into the water, Tanner bounces around a little, getting used to the temperature. “Why didn’t you guys tell me it was so cold?” He places his arms around his chest, pretending to shiver.

I kick some water toward him, and he submerges under before rising back up. He’s always looked good wet, but now, his shoulders are broader, and his stomach is further ripped. I think a god just emerged out of the pool. My eyes rake over every inch of his exposed skin as beads of water slide down the same spots I want to lick.

“Piper, get in.” One of the girls distracts me from my sexual thoughts of Tanner.

Tanner chuckles, and I narrow my eyes at him in an attempt to hide the fact that his body has an effect on me.

Sliding in like Tanner, I begin bouncing up and down because cold isn’t even the correct word. It’s freezing. I’m not used to an indoor pool being so cold.

“Get under!” one of the girls hollers at me.

For some reason, I’m reluctant.

“That’s okay. I kind of like this view of Piper,” Tanner jokes.

I follow his line of vision right to my chest, seeing my boobs bouncing up and down. I sink into the water, cooling me down from the heat Tanner elicits in me.

When I float to the surface, the girls cheer for me.

Tanner swims close to me. “You ruined these boys’ wet dreams tonight.”

He laughs, and I push him on the shoulder.

“Hey, just think you’ll have seven boys whacking off to the vision of you before they go to bed.” Then, he leans closer. “Including me,” he whispers.

The warmth rushes up my neck to my face. “Whatever!”

The other helpers divert the kids to the roped-off section for us.

“You have no idea how many times you in a bathing suit has been my vision while beating off. I was probably their age the first time.”

Without another word, he swims away, toward the children, leaving me in a combustible ball ready to explode all over him.

“Piper will take the girls, and I’ll take the boys. If you guys all listen good, we’ll do the diving board afterward.”

The kids scream and cheer.

Tanner has the boys laughing every second. My girls are drilling me with a zillion questions about Tanner—how long have I known him? Will he make the Olympics? Do I like him? I try to answer truthfully, but that last one catches me off guard. All their little faces fall when I respond that I have a boyfriend, and it isn’t Tanner.

Half an hour later, the kids have listened.

The lead helper, Sue, instructs all of them to climb out of the pool and line up to jump off the diving board. Tanner and I swim across the ropes to catch them. He’s so close that my breathing hitches constantly, anticipating the next brush of his leg.

“Can I talk to you tonight?” he asks.

Sue disciplines the children for pushing and not waiting their turns.

“Explain things,” he clarifies.

I’ve anticipated this moment from the second I heard Tanner was coming home. Not that my stomach stops plummeting each time I think about the conversation happening.

“I’m not sure.” It’s only because I can’t handle talking about two years ago. That mistake of a decision on his part is what ruined us, and once I forgive him, it’s sure to lift the gate keeping my heart at bay from him.

“I think your guy can be solo for one night.” He shifts in the water, moving a little farther away from me.

“It’s not that,” I fight. I’d say anything right now so that he’ll come back over to me.

“Then, say yes. I’ll have you back by midnight, promise.”

He holds up his two fingers as a scout’s honor, and I’m back on the floor in my apartment two years ago.

“Okay,” I agree, surprised I gave even the half-assed fight I did in the first place.

“Great. Pick you up at six.” His smile so wide, his teeth shine through.

“This isn’t a date, Tanner,” I remind him.

He nods. “I should probably tell you that I have a girlfriend.”

My legs stop treading, and every muscle in my body stops fighting the water. “You do?” I ask, my mouth drying.

“No. But will it make you more at ease with me tonight if I lie?” He winks.

Instantly, I confirm what he already assumes. This might not be a date, but he knows he’s got a shot to win me back.

“Lying has always been your strong suit,” I snap, angry that he’s testing me in some way. But maybe I’m madder because his plan worked.

He got the reaction he wanted from me—fear.

“Maybe you won’t believe that after tonight.” He stares at me, long and deep.

“Or not.”

Tanner’s face falls, and I swim away, waiting for the kids to jump off the diving board.

After everyone gets two chances to jump and Tanner and I help them swim to the side, everyone climbs out of the water and grabs towels. As I’m toweling the water off my body, my eyes veer over to Tanner, and I see Tanner sneaking looks here and there. We catch each other a few times, but quickly, I turn away. I’ve given away too many of my feelings already.

Nick comes up to me. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Aw, I’m sorry. I already have a boyfriend.”

The little boy’s head turns to Tanner and then back to me. “The douche,” Nick deadpans.

Tanner chuckles.

“No, Curtis is a nice guy. I bet you’d really like him.” I tell him nice things while shooting Tanner an evil glare.

Tanner has a way with kids, and he won Nicky over immediately today.

“He’s not Tanner,” the kid deadpans.

All of a sudden, the kids are in front of me, asking me why Tanner isn’t my boyfriend. I look up at him, and he’s covering his laughter with his hand. When I narrow my eyes at him, he holds his hands up in defense.

“Your doing?” I ask.

“No!” He shakes his head. “But they have a point.”

Douche? I mouth. Lately, that’s been Tanner’s favorite word to describe Curtis.

Sue comes over and calms the children down, whisking them away from me.

“You’re trouble.” I poke Tanner’s rock-hard chest.

His hand grabs mine. “Only when it comes to you.”

He opens my hand, weaving his fingers through mine. The worst part is that I don’t stop him. Instead, I tighten my fingers around his hand.

“I’ll play dirty to win you back.”

My heart stammers at his first declaration that he has a hidden plan.

“Even using a bunch of ten-year-olds?” I joke, still not pulling back from his grip.

“Yep. Since they didn’t work, I have other tricks up my sleeve.”

We stare into each other’s eyes, and I want to sway into his body. I want to have his warm arms around me as my arms hug his waist. I want to feel his lips kiss the top of my head, enticing the safe and cared for sensation he always cocoons me with.

“I’m with Curtis,” I say with little conviction.

“Not for long,” he says softly.

“Tan,” I sigh.

His smile lights up.

“What?”

“That’s the first time you’ve called me Tan since I got back. It means you’re softening.” He grins wide.

“It was a slip,” I lie. Today, in the water, he captured my heart, but I don’t trust my heart anymore.

He shakes his head, still able to call me on my bullshit. I try to straighten out my face because those three letters slipped much too easily off my tongue. He’s right. I’m slowly forgiving him, if not already.

“Nope,” he says.

Sue calls us over, and I drop my hand from his.

“Until tonight, Piper.”

“Yeah, tonight,” I mumble to myself, watching Tanner’s back retreat over to the kids.

I change my clothes, and when I walk out to the commons area outside the racquetball courts, I find Tanner signing a bunch of pictures of himself. His hair still wet, he smiles at each kid in line, asking for their names while writing a unique note to each one.

He watches me walk toward Curtis, who’s fiddling with his phone.

“Hey,” I say.

He doesn’t look up. “What a waste. I can’t believe he tricked me into actually volunteering.”

I lean in close to whisper in his ear, “Lower your voice. It was a nice thing to do.”

“You know how much time I wasted here? Do you know how many cases I should have been researching for the firm instead of being here?” He’s angry.

Nick walks by us, giving Curtis the evil eye.

“Jeez, Curtis, give it a rest.” I fold my arms over my chest and see Tanner intently staring over at us. “I’m sure the firm survived.”

Curtis shoves his phone in his pocket. “Do you even get the point? I need to prove myself to my dad and my brother. That means anything I’m not doing there is considered a waste.”

I inch back from him. “Including me? Am I too much of a disruption for you?”

I cock my head, and he steps forward to me.

“God, no. You know what I mean. Money would have helped these kids much more than an afternoon with me.”

He’s failed to see what I did this afternoon. Then again, he probably didn’t do much of anything the whole time.

Douche! Nick mouths to me from across the room.

I hope the kid didn’t hear too much of my conversation with Curtis.

“Let’s go.” I grab Curtis’s arm, forcefully moving him toward the door.

I look at Tanner and point to the stairs, signaling that we’ll meet him outside. He nods with a pissed off look splashed on his face.

Nick steps in front of us, blocking us from leaving. “You’d better treat her right.”

“What?” Curtis asks with disdain in his voice.

“Otherwise, she’ll leave you—for me.” He laughs and begins walking away.

“The nerve of—” Curtis begins.

“He’s going to make a great boyfriend,” I interrupt.

Nick winks.

What? Did Tanner show the kid all his moves?

When I turn around, Tanner’s rolling in laughter, holding up his hand for Nick to slap it.

“That kid’s got a mouth,” Curtis remarks.

I don’t say anything as I usher us to the stairs.