"We might be able to return before lunch is over. If not, Trig is right after lunch. I'll be glad to skip it."
"Where do you want to go?"
"I know what you need to let off steam."
I lead him to the stone pathway across from the main building. We walk about ten minutes before we come to a halt in front of a one-story hall where the Olympic basin is.
"We are skipping school on school premises?" he raises an eyebrow. "Why is no one around?"
"Because access to the basin is restricted to those training for swimming competitions."
"So, we'll be trespassing?"
"I have the key," I say.
"How come?"
"My detention is to prepare this place for the girls to be abl
e to start their training next week. We'll only be half-trespassing."
"Is there no one inside?"
"Nope, trust me." When he doesn't look convinced, I add, "You know, for someone who shows up bruised every Monday, I thought you'd be more adventurous."
"I just don't want you to get into more trouble, that's all."
"I won't."
I unlock the door with sure hands. Inside, we pass the supplies room, and then we arrive at the pool. It was filled with water yesterday.
"You should swim. Swimming always helps me let off steam," I say.
His hands in his pockets, his lip curls into a smile, as if he's laughing at a private joke.
"Do they have bathing suits in the supplies room?"
"Oh." I slap my forehead. "No. There are towels and thirty-five different types of equipment for training. But no bathing suits. Well, this is a fail. We might as well go get some lunch then."
"No way. I'll swim, but under one condition. You swim with me, too, and we'll be skinny-dipping."
I pad back, my throat suddenly dry. "What?"
"You heard me." A smile plays on his lips as he throws his jacket on the floor and starts unbuttoning his shirt.
"I've ne-never done this before," I stammer, looking away.
"Weren't you just saying earlier there’s a first time for everything? I won't look when you undress. The water will cover you in the basin."
I raise an eyebrow. "The water is transparent."
"Lucky me." He takes off his shirt, and in a fraction of a second, heat pools low in my abdomen. I also register a tattoo running all along his right arm. I bite my lip, turning away, afraid he might tell how much I'm burning for him. Oh, God, if I react like this just by seeing him without a shirt...Just hearing him undo his belt and unzip his jeans makes the heat spread inside me. When a soft thump resounds, I’m almost swaying. Did he just drop his boxers?
"You can look, you know," Damon says. "I give you permission."
Despite myself, I do peek at him just as he's entering the water. His back and butt greet me. I gulp. He must work out a lot. Every muscle looks sculpted. I wonder how it would feel to touch them. Abruptly, he swirls around, and I'm rooted to my spot. I take one glance down at his shaft and hyperventilate.
He laughs. "So you are looking. You are a bad girl, Dani. You like what you see?" he asks cockily.