Facade of the Echoed

Trial by Water and Fire

I could feel my cheeks flaming crimson as Prince Charming steered us swiftly down the empty hall. Really, swimming trials?! Luna's glitchy memories distinctly lacked crucial details on Liam's jock status! I barely tread water in human form without jeopardizing this stylish blowout. Yet one glance at Sebastian's expectant grin and I couldn't summon words to protest. Curse my weakness for magnetic smiles and muscle tees hinting at godlike physiques!

My skin prickled entering unfamiliar territory as we neared ominous double doors muffling raucous male energy. Before I could flee, Sebastian thrust me into sultry steamy air reeking of sweat, chlorine and testosterone. My wide eyes barely adjusted to the scene of scantily clad beefcake before Sebastian piped up too loudly.

"Dude, why are you staring around all starry-eyed?" he laughed. "It's not your first time in here!"

Crap! I scrambled wildly for some macho excuse as nearby teammates glanced over curiously. Think fast Chloe!

"Um, just psyching myself up to crush today's meet!" I lied gruffly, puffing Liam's firm chest while striding cockily toward the lockers, steam wisping around my beet-red cheeks. Hopefully nobody glimpsed my flustered once-over of their ridiculous hotness on display in here!

I scrambled for Liam's designated locker. Once safely hidden behind its metal door, I quickly shimmied out of street clothes under the too-revealing lights. But given present company, no way was I flashing my borrowed family jewels for all to see! I hastily knotted a towel sarong-style over hips before sliding on what I prayed were swim shorts.

Raising tentative eyes to the small mirror inside, I nearly squealed realizing Sebastian leaned casually right beside me, curiosity glinting in those striking hazel eyes.

"Dude, did you sneak off campus and get high or something?" He squinted in accusation. "Because you're being weird as hell..."

Mortification seared through me. "What? No! Pre-meet jitters!" I squeaked out. Before my raging blush betrayed me further, I darted toward the tempting refuge of private shower stalls. Peace at last!

At least until the curtain swished open abruptly behind me. I whirled in horror to find a literal Greek sculpture standing there - dripping wet and magnificently nude. In my panic to avoid eyefuls of man parts, I totally crashed right into his rock-solid eight pack.

Obviously the universe hated me. Why else would the hottest guy from Liam's squad appear while I was butt naked and shrieking?!! As we untangled our disastrous collision, I recognized Brody's chiseled jaw from Sebastian's Instagram page. And utterly perfect abs I was now intimately familiar with.

Face flaming, I accepted the proffered hand up before realizing OH GOSH HE'S STILL SO VERY NAKED! Swiftly yanking my eyes skyward proved impossible however, the enticing trail of dark hair below his navel holding me rapt. I finally wrenched gaze upward to find Brody's confused expression.

"Dude did you just seriously check me out?" One brow cocked as he frowned uncertainly. "What is UP with you today..."

So much for not acting totally weird!! Leave it to my hopeless thirst shattering Liam's macho persona! "Uh...crazy dizzy from the heat!" I yelped lamely. "Gotta blast!"

Before Brody replied, I grabbed my towel and fled the confrontation, mortified beyond belief. Could this undercover scheme spiral any further out of control??!

Still cringing internally from Brody's accidental full frontal encounter, I emerged poolside clad safely in Liam's standard swimwear. Settling onto the hard bench, I couldn't tear eyes away from one stone-faced guy emitting seriously ominous vibes. Every nerve bristled under his hostile aura permeating the otherwise relaxed practice atmosphere.