Plunge (Alpha Athletes 1)

“Oh, I’m on a list.”

There was a burst of excitement behind us as Blaine touched the wall and emerged from the water.

He slid the swim cap from his hair, dipping his head backward in the pool. He pushed himself from the surface, shaking the water from his hair. My mouth dropped as I watched

the droplets glide over his skin, rolling over his torso and dropping toward that deep V of sinful muscles. Shit.

“How was that?” he asked his coach.

“You’re off pace, but it’s warm-ups.”

I cleared my throat and Blaine whipped his head in my direction.

“Ava.”

I couldn’t let his thrilling shirtless wet body get to me.

“You owe me an explanation.” I glared at him.

“Aww, love, what’s wrong this time?”

I hated and loved that pet word all at once. “You fed me a bogus story, Blaine Crews,” I fumed.

“What are you talking about?”

I knew the chatter behind us had stopped. Everyone was leaning toward us to listen to our exchange.

“The pool?” I looked around us. “It looks fully functional to me.”

“It wasn’t. I swear.” He cocked one eyebrow up in confusion, while his muscles glistened under the lights.

“And you conveniently showed up here to swim in front of two hundred members of the press. Come on, I know this was planned. I can’t believe you. For a minute today, I almost believed you. Almost.” I spun on my heels, catching a slick patch on the tile.

My arms flew out to the side as my feet gave way and I squealed for something to break my fall. That something was Blaine.

“Gotcha, love.” His hand wound around the small of my waist, clutching me with one arm.

I looked into his green eyes and caught the quick wink he gave me while the press went ballistic taking pictures.

“Shit,” I whispered.

He leaned down and pressed a dripping wet kiss against my lips. “Not the first time I’ve caught you in my arms.”

I wiggled for him to free me, but my heels were like slippers on an ice rink. I couldn’t gain any traction on the wet tile. It only made him hold me tighter.

I couldn’t imagine what I looked like. Blaine dripped all over me, smiling and laughing. He didn’t give a shit how this appeared. He was enjoying every minute of it.

“Let me go,” I hissed. I didn’t want to make any more of a scene than I already had.

“Only if you promise something,” he taunted.

“What?” I was at a complete disadvantage. If he let go of my waist I’d fall.

“Drinks tonight.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“Not after what you did today.”

He began to loosen his grip and I squealed, clutching at his shoulders. “Don’t you dare, Blaine. I will land on my ass in front of all those people.”