No Strings Attached

Chapter 4

Sitting in the splash-free zone on the bleachers, exactly four seats behind the first bench (I learned the hard way the first three practices), I watched the swimmers dive into the water, torpedoing down the lanes. 

As Cyrus tore through the water back to the block, Ashton positioned himself, placing the goggles over his eyes and leaning forward. The second my brother’s hand smacked the wall Ashton was in the water, his limbs moving so elegantly it looked effortless. Swimming truly was a beautiful sport. 

“Wow, someone seems pretty caught up.” 

Blinking, I peered up at an unfamiliar swimmer, who just so happened to be soaking wet and sat down beside me. Had I missed his turn? 

“You Ashton’s girlfriend?” 

Cheeks reddening, I began to sputter, hastily looking away from him. “N-no, god no! I-I just really enjoy watching the team practice.” Closing my journal, I placed it beside me as I started to twirl my thumbs. 

“Oh, I get it. You love seeing us guys in skin-tight swim trunks.” When I shook my head, he blinked, black eyes wide. “Oh? Then why don’t you join the team? I’m sure we could always use another girl swimmer; especially one who doesn’t get distracted by all the guys!” He laughed, clapping me on the back. 

I giggled, pulling on a strand of my hair. “No, thank you. I much rather prefer being on terra firm, to be honest.” 

With another chuckle, he held his hand out to me. “Milo Simmons. I haven’t seen you around school.” 

Giving him a curt nod, a small smile curled my lips as I faced him. “I don’t make much of an impression. I’m Skylar Cove.” 

I wasn’t lying. I knew no one recognized or remembered me in the hallways. It didn’t bother me anymore. I was quiet and shy; most high school students steered away from my type, not wanting to be seen with a “loser”. Students only knew my last name, thanks to my dear brother. So at least that gave me a couple cool points and several “hellos” whenever I was with him. 

“Cove? Whoa, you’re Cyrus’s little sister?” Bingo. When I nodded, his black eyes lit up. “That’s really cool, Skylar. A lot to live up to, though.” 

Shrugging I neatly placed my notebook in my messenger bag and zipped it up. “You could say that.” 

Milo smiled at the pool as he ran his hand through his shaggy blond hair, his wet cap now in his hand. Wow. His hair looked so soft. He must work hard to keep his hair so perfectly golden. 

“Simmons!” came a shout from the pool, no doubt the captain himself. When I peeked over, I instantly sat on my hands to see Ashton storming over. “Goddamn it, Simmons!” He hissed as Milo ran past him and dove straight into the water. 

Glaring down at me through his goggles, Ashton’s lips thinned. “Since when do you know Milo?” He barked and I looked away.