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Jamie nodded in approval and carried Madison off.
She saw me watching and sighed, tugging the necklace the rest of the way from beneath her shirt. “It’s a whistle. They think I need it when I’m alone.”
“Take it from someone who knows, whistles do some damage,” I said thinking of Coach.
She laughed. “So how about it? One photo?”
“Ah, I’m not sure,” I hedged. “Maybe take some of me swimming later?”
“Oooh, a camera,” the voice poured over me like warm honey as did the arm that draped around my shoulder.
Stomach buzzing, I glanced out of the corner of my eye at Win who was flashing his bright white teeth and charming as fuck dimple. The mirrored aviators were covering his eyes and his hair was flopping over his forehead.
And he thinks I’m the gorgeous one.
“Smile, Lars. Rory’s trying to do her job.”
He said, gesturing with the hand hanging over my shoulder.
“You aren’t on the swim team.” I pointed out.
“But I’m the intern. So technically, I am.”
I scowled.
Leaning even closer, he whispered, “Stop scowling and smile.”
I did and Rory took her photo then I escaped inside. The bleachers were already filling up, the crowd bigger already than I was used to.
Another round of nerves zinged through me, making my head spin. Inside the locker room, Kruger came out of Coach’s office, a dark scowl on his face.
The second he saw me, his steps angled in my direction. I braced myself, expecting to become the punching bag for his obvious anger. Expecting some sort of blame for swimming today when he couldn’t.
My hands curled into fists at my sides when he stopped in front of me, the back of my neck tight as I readied myself for defense.
“I’m sorry, bro.”
I blinked, not expecting that. Relaxing just a little I said, “What?”
“I tried to talk to Coach, but he’s being a raging hard ass. I’m on the bench.”
“Oh yeah,” I replied. “It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not.” He shook his head. “It’s your first meet with us and I’m out. I know we got other backstroke swimmers, but you’re better than the rest. With me out it puts more pressure on you. I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“You’re upset because you think you not swimming will make it harder for me?” I repeated, trying to understand.
“Well, yeah,” he said like it was obvious.
These guys really meant it when they said they were a team.
“Don’t worry about it, Kruger,” I said. “It might be my first meet here, but I’ve been swimming for years.”
He nodded. “Just do your best, bro. No pressure.” He slapped me on the shoulder and walked off.
I turned to my open locker, staring blankly inside. I know he said no pressure… but now I felt more. These guys were nice. Accepting. They cared about each other and I wanted to swim well. I wanted to pick up any slack that Kruger’s absence might cause.
“You look like you could use this.”
