He heads to the weights, and I keep running. We're both pretending this is normal. Two neighbors who happen to work out at the same time. Nothing to see here. Except I can see him in the mirror, lifting weights. His arms flexing, the shirt riding up slightly when he reaches overhead.Focus, Joelle.
I turn up my music and run faster. Ten minutes later, I'm drenched in sweat, my legs are burning, and I slow to a walk, trying to catch my breath.
"Are you training for a marathon?" Emmett asks from the bench press.
I pull out one earbud. "What?"
"You've been sprinting for ten minutes straight."
"Just burning off energy."
"Right." He sits up, grabbing his towel. "Stress?"
"Something like that."
He stands, walks over, and leans against the treadmill.
"You know what helps with stress?"
If he says his dick ... "What?" I ask cautiously.
"Swimming."
I raise an eyebrow. "Swimming?" That wasn't at all what I was expecting him to say.
"The pool's heated. It's relaxing."
"I don't have a swimsuit with me."
"Neither do I." He smirks.
My face flushes. "Emmett."
He grins. "I'm kidding. Mostly. But seriously, the pool helps. You should try it."
"Maybe I will."
"Maybe tonight at eight, after practice?"
"I ..." I stop. This is dangerous. But also ... the answer is out of my mouth before I realize. "Okay.”
His smile is worth it. "I'll see you tonight after practice at the pool."
I nod. "Enjoy your workout," I call out as I leave the gym.
That night, I show up at the pool at eight. The water glows blue under the overhead lights. Emmett's already there, swimming laps. I watch him for a moment, the way he moves throughthe water. Smooth. Powerful. Effortless. He surfaces at the edge when he sees me.
"You came." He sounds surprised.
"I did."
"Come on in. It's nice." He grins, placing his chin on his arms as he clings to the edge of the pool.
I drop my towel. I decided on a one-piece, thought it would be less sexy. But judging by the way his eyes widen as he takes me in, I don't think it worked. I take a step into the water. It's warm.
We swim in silence for a while. Back and forth. Easy laps. No pressure. No tension. Just swimming.
"This is nice," I admit when I stop for a break.
