His Tidal Love by C.Nicole

Chapter One

The water lapped at my skin as I pushed myself to go faster through the water. My strokes were smooth but hard. The freestyle kept my muscles burning and my lungs begging for air. My goggles had drops of water sliding down the plastic covers, making it harder to gauge where the end of the lane is. 

I blinked and gasped for another gulp of air as I make another hard stroke. I let my head turn to the other side so I could get another breath. I squinted through my goggles and saw that I was coming up to the other side of the pool. I felt the determination to finish, even though my legs and body just wanted to stop.

My feet moved through the water, helping me to propel forward. I saw the wall of the pool and I took one last breath and pushed myself forward. My hand touched the marble wall and I forced myself up into a standing position. 

I heave myself out of the water, feeling just how heavy I am without the water holding me up.  I pant as I grab my towel and dry my drenched body with it.

" That was great, baby," I hear my boyfriend, Blake's, deep voice say behind me.

I pant as I look at him. I shake my head, letting my blonde hair out of its cap.

Blake has been my boyfriend for two and a half years. He, like me, is on the high school swimming team. His slicked back, blonde hair and morning stubble shone in the new morning light. His broad shoulders cast a shadow over me, taking the heat that I would have gotten from the said light.

I smile at him.

" What's my time," I ask him.

He looks at the watch on his wrist.

" Three minutes and thirty seven seconds," he says.

I sigh in disappointment. It isn't the best I could do for a hundred meter lap. Two minutes would be awesome, but unrealistic. I come to the school pool every morning at six. An hour before school even opens. I wake up at five o'clock so I can get ready, get dressed, pack, and then drive here.

The coach gave me an exclusive key for the indoor pool, so I could practice here. He said I had potential. I love swimming, it gives me peace, and helps me think more than anything else.

" We need to get a Pace Clock. That way I can see my progress easier," I sigh as I stand up and wrap my towel around my shoulders.

He shrugs and smiles softly before wrapping his big strong arms around my waist. I cringe and wiggle from his grasp.

" I'm wet and disgusting," I say as I walk to my locker that held all my clothes and swim gear.

He laughs.

" I don't care. I love holding you," he says sweetly.

I huff and smile softly.

" Ah, you said that on purpose," I accuse, sending a fake glare over my shoulder.

" Partly. But it's also true," he says honestly.

I open my locker and shuffle some stuff around. I was so distracted that I forgot Blake was in the room with me. So, naturally, I jumped when he wrapped his warm arms around my waist, again.

Involuntarily, I shivered and melted into his heat. I sigh and he kisses the top of my head.

" You're freezing," he whispers in my ear.

I have to admit. Coming out of that already cold water into the freezing AC didn't help. I shivered again.

I grabbed my leggings that had pink camouflage on the waistband and the cuffs before turning around in Blakes arms.

"I have to change."

He huffs, but let's go.

"You know... I could always help you change," he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively with a bad boy grin.

I shove his shoulder and roll my eyes all the while grinning at him.

"Pervert."

He laughs loudly.

"But you like it," he accuses.

I gasp dramatically.

"You accuse me, a lady, of liking perverse thinking. Outrageous, " I put my hand to my chest as I fake offense.

Blake narrows his eyes and gives me a heated look. My heart pounds and I take a step back. He stalks toward me as I try to back up. I failed miserably when my back met the lockers.

Blake puts his hands on either side of my face and leans in close. Close enough that I could feel his breath fan my face. His eyes drop to my lips and I instinctively wet them. His finally closes all space between us as he kisses me. I sigh and lean into him.

I feel his muscles tense beneath my touch. We kiss fervently until Blake groans and pulls away. He rests his forehead up against mine.

"You have to get ready for school and I have to let you," he groans.

I pout slightly. He chuckles.

"I know, but I know you want good scholarships. So ..."

"Ahh, darn you and your sense, "I sigh as I duck under his arms and grab my underwear and my sports tank that matched my leggings.

I saw Blake grin out of the corner of my eyes.

"You also can't deny my good looks," he boasts.

"Oh, yes I can, "I say stubbornly.

" That's not what your body was saying a few seconds ago, " he shrugs.

I grab one of my extra shoes and chucks it at him.

He ducks just in time.

"Damn! Calm down, "he chuckles.

I roll my eyes and walking into the changing room. I quickly got out of my wet clothes into my clean, dry ones.

I walk out barefoot and go into my locker again to search for my memory foam flip-flops.

And then I realize I threw one of them at Blake. I huff and march to grab it from where Blake sat on a bench, playing with his phone.

I snatch it up and slip it on with my other one. I gather my stuff and put my bag strap on my shoulder. I stuff my phone in the waistband of my tights since they didn't have pockets.

"All right, ready to go?" Blake ask coming up beside me.

I nod and we walked by the pool. I couldn't tell if it was just me, but there seemed to something different about the water. It rippled and it seemed to have new energy to it.

I shook my head to clear it.

I must be tired.

Blake and I were walking towards the exit just as I saw a ripple form from the middle of the pool.

Blake, like a gentleman, opens the thick metal double doors for me.

"Ladies first, "Blake gestures with his hand on my waist.

I grin and we both walk out into the beginning of a new school day.

~~~

Hey! If you have made it this far, I want to thank you for reading my book!! It means soo much to me! Please leave comments, they help so much!

C.Nicole