Page 10 of In Too Deep

“Right, I see your logic.”

“Plus, if I’m an electric eel, I can blow my competition right out of the water.”

I shake my head. “Really?”

He grins. “Was itthat bad?”

“I’m thinking A-grade Dad joke, to be honest.”

He lifts his shoulders. “Shit, I need to work on my form.”

“I think you do there, eel boy.”

He bumps his shoulder into mine playfully. “Hey, a few of us are heading to a café tonight for dinner. You should come.”

“Me?”

“No, the other Lacy.”

Rolling my eyes, I click my tongue. “Smart arse. Um… can my friend Caro come?”

“That girl you were with earlier?”

I nod.

He smiles. “East thought she was smokin’.”

Furrowing my brows, I tilt my head. “East?”

“My mate Easton, the bicep guy. He’ll be there. Would be nice to get to get better acquainted without the time restraints.”

“Maybe. Let me talk to Caro, see what our plans are. I’m sure I’ll see you around more today.”

“I hope so.”

“100 Fly, please get ready,” a marshal calls.

Nerves hit me like a ton of bricks.

Coby winks. “Good luck, Lady Butterfly.”

“Thanks, Electric Eel.” I’m not sure whether I’m giddy because of my first heat or Coby.

I take my position in the lineup, adjusting my blue caps slightly. I’m wearing two, as my hair is a little longer these days.

The line starts to move. Taking a deep breath, I walk. The girl behind me trips me. I catch my footing, and then I face her. She’s short and gives me a shit-eating grin.

I recall her from the last trials.

Katie Reynolds.

“Hi, Katie,” I grumble.

“You didn’t even talk to me in the marshalling area. How rude!”

“Sorry, I was talking to Coby.”

“Yes, being a tease.”

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