Page 40 of Almost Him

We wrap in towels and rush over to the makeshift changing area the organizers have made from a couple of tents. The relief of stepping inside the tent and out of the wind is instant. My whole body shakes while we strip out of the wet clothes and dry off. My numb fingers fumble with the button on my jeans.

“Milo had the right idea with that wetsuit,” I say through chattering teeth.

“Nah, that’s the weak way. Look at us, we killed it.”

Once we’re dressed, we step outside the tent to let two frozen women inside. I pull my hair up in a ponytail and put my beanie on. It’ll get soaked but it’ll work until we get to Alden’s truck.

One of the organizers offers us a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I choose the chocolate while Alden accepts the coffee. Cradling the warm cup, I stand beside Alden and watch while more and more people show up to brave the water.

“Do you want to see if Breanna and Oliver want to have dinner with us?” I ask.

Alden shrugs. “If he isn’t still being a dick.”

It’s only a few minutes later that we see Oliver and Breanna arguing outside one of the changing tents. “Never mind on the double date,” I whisper.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah, I still can’t feel my ass.”

Alden reaches down and massages both of my cheeks. “I can. It feels great.”

“You’re such a dork.”

He laughs and takes my hand. I love how he always wants to hold my hand. We’re on our way to the car when Breanna calls out and rushes to catch up with us. “Hey, Alden, I’m sorry to ask but do you think you could give me a ride?”

“Are you okay?” I ask before he can answer.

She nods and glances back at Oliver. “I’m fine. I just need a lift.”

“Sure,” Alden says. He hands me his truck keys. “Go ahead to the truck and get warm. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.”

He makes a beeline for Oliver while we walk up to the truck. Breanna climbs in the back seat, and I crank the heat all the way up. Breanna shakes her head. “You got your hair wet. That has to be so much worse. I only went in up to my neck.”

“Alden didn’t give me much choice,” I laugh, holding my hands in front of one of the vents.

“Oliver wanted to get in and right back out. I don’t know why he even invited me if he hated the idea so much. Or why he came at all.”

“What’s his deal?” I ask, turning in my seat.

“He’s been in a mood all day. I don’t know what his problem is, but I’m tired of him treating me like shit. He was bitching about my swimsuit being too small and said it looked sloppy because my boobs spilled out the side a little.”

“What? There’s nothing wrong with your bikini top. You looked great.”

“Thank you! It took me a long time to get confident and happy with my body. I’m not letting anyone take that away. It felt like he was just picking at me to start an argument. After hours of that behavior today, that comment was the last straw.”

Alden gets into the truck and glances back at Breanna. “Are you still over on Holt Avenue?”

“Yes, thank you for this. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem. I wouldn’t want to ride with his ass either,” Alden replies, pulling out onto the street.

We don’t talk much on the ride to Breanna’s house. She thanks Alden again when she gets out, then disappears inside.

Once we pull away, Alden peeks over at me. I’ve finally stopped shivering, but it’s left me tired. “Do you still want to go out to dinner? Or we could order in at my place,” he suggests.

“Chinese?”

“Hell yes.”

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