Chapter
Ten
Jayne
I’ve been procrastinating for over an hour, not really wanting to go down to the party, but I finally realized I needed to get it over with. I’d just gotten to the pool area when I spotted a group of kids blowing bubbles. It was cute so I watched for a few seconds, taking that time to acclimate myself with my surroundings and all the people.
But before I had time to take it all in, I saw Lindy running toward the kids in the shiny new slippers Lourdes made her put on. She started to flail and I instinctively called out, running toward her because she was precariously close to the pool and Lindy still doesn’t know how to swim.
Instead of catching her, I lose my balance on the slippery liquid the kids have made a mess with, and I run into what I assume is one of the players, because there is no mistaking the hard, muscular body of a professional athlete.
And to my complete horror, we go into the pool together.
Fuck. Me.
My dad is going to be pissed and I’m sure whoever the guy is won’t be happy either.
I sputter, shaking water out of my eyes as I break the surface—and stare right into a familiar face.
“B-Bodi?” I whisper, blinking as if that might clear my vision.
“We really do have to stop meeting this way,” he says, one hand at my waist. “Are you okay?”
“We don’t know each other!” I whisper in a panic.
He looks surprised but doesn’t seem to miss a beat. “Of course not. But are you okay?”
“Y-yes.” I spin around, looking for Lindy, who’s standing at the edge of the pool looking sheepish.
“I’m sorry, Jayne,” she says, holding out a towel.
“That’s one way to add excitement to a party,” a tall, bearded man says, holding out a hand to help me out of the pool.
I take it because I don’t want to be rude. “Thank you,” I say, accepting first his hand and then Lindy’s towel.
“West McGregor,” he says, smiling.
He’s really cute, but I’m too flabbergasted at seeing Bodi to give it much more thought.
“Jayne.” I’d know my father’s disapproving tone of voice anywhere. “What did you do?”
“It was my fault, Daddy,” Lindy says hurriedly. “I was running and she tried to stop me. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, baby.” He pats her on the head and then casts his very disapproving gaze on me. “Jesus, Jayne.” He shifts his eyes to Bodi, who’s just gotten out as well. “You okay, son?”
“Just a little water,” he says, chuckling. “Didn’t want your daughter—er, either of them, I guess, to get hurt.”
“No more bubbles!” Lourdes says firmly, coming over to join us. Her expression is more annoyance than disapproval. But that’s just par for the course.
“Bodi Michener,” Bodi says formally, extending his hand to me. His eyes dance with mischief despite the situation and I have no choice but to play along.
“Jayne Morrison. I’m Coach Morrison’s older daughter.”
“Jayne, honey, you’re a mess.” Lourdes wrinkles her nose and makes a shooing motion. “Why don’t you go change?”
“Uh, yes, of course.” I manage a feeble smile for the crowd that’s gathered by the pool, wishing I could just disappear, and then hurry back into the house. I kick off my sandals in the mud room before running up the back staircase.
I slam the door to my bedroom shut and then press my back against it.
