12

As soon as my head broke the surface of the water, I clung to Connor's neck, much closer than I would have liked. But it's deep, and I can't swim. I thought it would be shallow.

Connor smiled.
"I..."

"Don't get any ideas," I snapped. "The thing is... I can't swim," I confessed.

My arms tightened around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. At least this way, I won't drown.

"Really?" he asked, astonished.

I frowned. "Have you never met someone who can't swim?" I questioned.

He shook his head.

Our faces were very close, so I avoided his gaze, burying my head in his neck. Anyone who saw us like this would think we were a couple. And then I remembered.

Kayler.

I turned to look at him. He was watching us. I know he was a bit far away, but it was obvious he was angry. He clenched his fists and then suddenly turned and walked away. Where was he going?

"I bet he's coming over here," Connor commented, looking in the same direction I was.

"Why do you two hate each other?" I asked, looking him in the eyes.

He sighed. "It's... complicated. Just don't trust him," he asked me.

What did he mean by that?

I kept looking in the direction of his house. Suddenly, he came out and got into his car, driving off quickly and disappearing down the road.

"Do you think he's coming?" I asked.

"I bet he is."

Yes... I missed these confrontations. Connor was still holding me by the waist, but suddenly I wanted to get out of the water before Kayler arrived. But Connor's face caught my attention. It was intact, as if he hadn't been beaten up last week.

"Hey, your face is intact; it's like Kayler didn't do anything to you," I confessed.

I noticed he tensed up.

"I heal quickly."

I didn't want to ask more, so I left it at that.

"We should get out," I commented.

I saw a spark of disappointment in his eyes, and in that moment, I wanted to slap myself.

"It's fine."

He started swimming with me toward the small dock. I held onto the board to climb up; Connor climbed first and took my hand, helping me up in no time.

I was a bit impressed.

I was about to put on my clothes when a car approached at high speed, parked quickly, and Kayler got out.

Oh no.

He walked toward us and stood in front of Connor, who also faced him.

"I see you don't waste time," Kayler spat.

"And I see you have no self-control," Connor countered.

"Please, don't start fighting again!" I interjected, stepping between the two.

Kayler was in front of me, and he lowered his gaze to meet mine.

"You and I need to talk," he said, his voice firm.

I sighed deeply. I looked at Connor.

"Connor," I began, but it wasn't necessary to continue for him to understand what I was going to say.

He smiled.

"Whatever you want."

I blinked, confused. Was he angry? I couldn't help but feel bad about it.

He grabbed his pants and walked to his car, then left. Now, it was time to face Kayler.

"I'm very disappointed in you," he began. "That body is mine," he pointed to my body, which was still in underwear. "You don't have to show it to any idiot, especially not that stupid Connor."

I scoffed. "Seriously, Kayler?" I questioned, grabbing my clothes. "Are we still doing this?" I started walking toward the house.

"I know you feel the same way I do," he followed me. "Admit it."

I opened the door and waited for him to enter before closing it.

"Kayler," I called him. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

He nodded. "I say things as they are," he approached me dangerously.

His hand touched my waist, and with the other, he caressed my cheek. His touch was warm. At what point did I let myself get carried away by him? He's touching me, and I'm not doing anything!

"Carolina," he whispered, burying his head in my neck. The mere touch made my body tremble. "You are so precious... so beautiful."

I felt a soft tingling in my stomach. Now I realized how much I missed this idiot. But wait! He has a girlfriend.

I pushed him away.

"Kayler, you shouldn't be telling me all these things. You have a girlfriend!" I exploded.

I walked around the room, exasperated. I can't believe we're taking another girl's boyfriend.

"Wrong. I had."

That made me look at him immediately.

"What?"

"I had. The thing with Paige was something like... pretending to be 'the perfect couple,'" he laughed. "I never agreed with it, but... that's how they decided it."

I raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem like the type of guy who takes orders."

He smiled, sitting on the couch.

"I'm not," he confessed. "It was something I had to do, but not anymore. I'm tired of it. Now I've found the person I really want to be with," he looked at me, "and I'm not going to let anyone take her from me."

And that person is me? I mean, because if it weren't me, he wouldn't have said I was his, nor would he be scaring off any guy who comes near me.

"And I'd prefer you put your clothes on," he handed me my shorts and shirt. "It's not good for you to be like this. For your own good."

I frowned. "What do you mean?" I questioned, grabbing my shorts and putting them on.

"I'm a man, Carolina."

Yes, I think I understood.

After putting on my shorts, I put on the shirt. Later, when he's gone, I'll put on dry underwear.

"How's your ankle?" he asked.

I sat next to him and turned on the TV.

"Better. It doesn't hurt anymore."

He nodded.

"I... I'm sorry I haven't been around to take care of you these days," he said. "We had to leave urgently to... a place."

I looked at him immediately.

Tell me where! Why is everyone acting so mysterious? Can't they just say they went to Hawaii or Los Angeles? No, they just stick with "a place."

"It doesn't matter."

His gaze had a special spark, I didn't know why, and then Kayler took my hand, bringing our faces very, very close.

And I swear I had never wanted a kiss so badly as I did now.