Page 14 of Freestyle
Immediately, my heart rate accelerates at the thought of being under the same roof as him.Has he forgotten our night, or will there be this awkwardness between us?
Before I can dwell on it any longer, I hear footsteps approaching. I look up to see Gray standing in the doorway, his hair still damp from either a swim or shower, wearing a tired but friendly smile.
“Hey.” His deep voice is casual, but his eyes search mine for what I don’t know.
I swallow hard, forcing myself to keep my composure. “Hey, welcome back,” I manage to say, my voice steadier than I expected.
“Speaking of the devil himself,” Lyndsy chimes in, looking at Gray with a teasing grin.
Gray chuckles, glancing between Lyndsy and me. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” he says with a playful smirk, his gaze lingering on me just a moment longer.
“Always, brother dearest. Anyways,” she looks at her watch then back at me. “I’ve got to go. Dad doesn’t allow tardiness. See ya later, Row,” she calls from the hall, leaving me alone with Gray.
Gray leans his weight against the doorframe, his playful demeanor returning. “So, how have you been?” he asks, his tone light, but I can sense an undercurrent of something deeper.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I’ve been okay. Busy with work and all that,” I reply, hoping tokeep the conversation casual. “How about you? How was the retreat?”
“It was intense but rewarding,” Gray responds, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that makes my stomach flutter. “A lot of hard work, but it was worth it.”
I nod, offering a small smile. “Glad to hear it. Well, I need to get dressed. Guess I’ll see you around,” I mention as I begin to gather my things.
“Need help, sunshine?” The name rolls from his tongue, making my heart skip a beat.
I pause, looking up at him, trying to hide my surprise. “I think I can manage, but thanks,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
Gray chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Alright, but the offer stands,” he says, giving me a playful wink before turning to leave, his presence lingering in the air like a warm breeze.
As he walks away, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The nickname, the playful banter, it’s all too familiar and yet feels like uncharted territory.That night meant nothing, Rowyn. Keep it together.
After quickly getting dressed, I grab my Kindle and head down to the pool. The morning sun is already warming the air, and the sound of the water lapping against the edges of the pool is soothing. I find a comfortable lounge chair, settling in with my Kindle in hand, but my mind drifts backto Gray.
The sun beats down on me as I read, but I can’t focus on the words. Instead, I find myself replaying our conversation. The way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, the way he called me ‘sunshine’, it all sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
Just as I lose myself in my thoughts, I hear a splash. I look up to see Gray diving into the pool, his body slicing through the water with effortless grace. He surfaces, shaking his hair back, droplets glistening in the sunlight.
“Hey, Row!” he calls out, his voice echoing across the water. “Care to join me?”
I hesitate, my heart racing at the thought of being so close to him. Memories of that night with Gray and Phoenix flood my mind, sending a jolt through me. I hated how much I enjoyed being with both of them, and I know I need to distance myself. Gray’s reputation as one of the biggest players on campus is a constant reminder that getting too close to him is dangerous.
“I’m good here!” I shout back, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice betrays me.
“Suit yourself!” he laughs, swimming a few laps, his strong strokes mesmerizing. I can’t help but admire the way he moves, the confidence radiating from him. A part ofme wishes I could join him, to throw caution to the wind, but I can’t let things go further with Lyndsy’s brother.
After a few minutes he climbs out of the pool, water cascading down his toned body. He walks over to me, a towel draped over his shoulder. “You sure you don’t want to join? The water’s perfect.”
He shakes his hair as he approaches, sending water droplets all over me, and I can’t help but squeal in surprise.
“Hey!” I exclaim, trying to shield my Kindle from the water. Gray smiles, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. You looked so absorbed in your book.”
“That’s the point of reading, dumb ass,” I retort, trying to hide my smile.
Gray grins, clearly enjoying the banter. “Fair enough. But you have to admit, a little splash of reality never hurts.”
“And what reality are you splashing me with?”
Gray’s grin widens, and he tilts his head playfully. “Oh, you know, the reality that life isn’t all about books and quiet moments. Sometimes, it’s about unexpected splashes, raw emotions, and a little bit of chaos. Keeps things interesting, don’t you think?”
