Page 73 of In Too Deep

“Go get him,” she whispers and walks off as I race toward Coby.

He picks me up into a giant bear hug and kisses me in front of everyone. I break out into goose bumps as sparks fly between us.

“No fraternization!” an official yells.

He slides me down his body and gazes into my eyes. “I’m proud of you.”

My shoulders lift and fall. “It was a team effort.”

“Yes, but you didn’t have to swim—”

“Yes, I did.”

He smiles a full-on ear-to-ear grin. “Okay, go get ready for your medal presentation. It’ll be after mine, then I want you all to myself.”

“Sure thing,” I beam.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

After changing for the medal ceremony and leaving Coby in the marshalling area, I’m heading back toward the athletes’ area at the back of the pool deck, where I prepare to receive my medal. My pride and elation for myself and my country is still incredible. To have done this not once but twice, is something I could never have dreamed of.

Smiling to myself as I walk with a spring in my step, I see a couple hugging over in the corner. I smile at the love people show around here. It’s amazing the support you have when you have the right people by your side. Even though the Hughes aren’t here right now, I still have Coby, and he’s all the support I need.

I continue to stare at the couple—I vaguely recognise the girl as Katie. Opening my eyes wider—as I had no idea she had a boyfriend—I stop on the spot when they separate and stare at each other. My heart leaps into my throat when I see the guy she was hugging so tenderly is none other than…

… Coby.

My stomach flips.

He leans in, kissing her cheek.

Bile creeps up my throat as I watch them interact.

My heart sinks.

I’m shattered.

How could he do this to me?

After everything we’ve been through.

We’re not officially a couple, but I thought we meant more to each other than this. My eyes fill with tears as my heart thumps.

His eyes shoot up as if he senses me, and my chest tightens at his expression. He frowns while he shakes his head slightly.

Katie turns to me, and her eyes widen.

“Lacy!” Coby calls.

That’s just the kick I need to knock me back into gear.

I turn, my feet hitting the concrete.

Tears cascade as the betrayal sinks in.

Coby saw Katie behind my back?

Is that why she was so nice to me?

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