That’s strange. Most guys wanted to talk while she tried to swim. How refreshing.
Her mind wandered to the man, and she struggled to stay focused on her strokes. Get over it, Shelly. Men aren’t worth it. She forced thoughts of her ex-fiancé out of her mind and swam harder, pushing herself to the point where she couldn’t feel anything besides the rhythm of her strokes. Even the water had disappeared for a moment, and she was content just to exist in a state of limbo.
***
Brandon had come to the pool on a whim, hoping to find a way to ease some of the tension caused by the move back home. Swimming had done the trick, loosening him up enough he figured he could handle another visit with his parents. He made enough money to afford his own apartment but was nowhere near as successful as his twin brother Rory.
Being the older twin, Brandon had always felt like he should have accomplished more in life than Rory. Not that the few minutes separating their births really meant anything. Rory was just kinda charmed. Anything he did turned out well, where Brandon had to work hard for his successes. After years of school and some time working with a firm in Chicago, Brandon had been recruited to join Davis and Nill, Inc. As an architect, Brandon had thought he’d finally outshine his brother.
Rory had made big money off the web design company he’d started about the same time Brandon had left town for college. Brandon would be paying off student loans for years and Rory was talking about buying vacation homes in warm places.
Stop comparing yourself to him. He repeated the now familiar words. If he’d only listened to that bit of advice and not been so obsessed with outdoing his brother, he might still be married. Kathy had left him, claiming he was never around or there for her and that he put his job before her. It was hard to admit she did have a point, but when she married a former coworker a few months later, he didn’t think it was all his fault.
Brandon showered quickly and rubbed the towel through his short hair. Maybe he should let it grow out a little. Set him apart from Rory. Brandon shook his head. He liked it shorter. I don’t have to change my life to accommodate Rory.
Brandon wrapped his wet trunks in his towel and shoved them in his gym bag. As he walked out of the locker room, he saw the girl who’d joined him in the lap pool. She was tall and thin, her long arms made for powerful strokes. Her brown hair was wet and braided tightly, falling just between her shoulder blades.
She didn’t seem to notice him, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was beautiful, and carried herself with confidence and assurance. She turned away from the counter where she’d been talking to the receptionist and met his eyes. Brandon took a slow breath, telling himself not to get involved, but as her eyes remained locked on his, interest flooded him.
Just before he could take a step forward to introduce himself, she frowned and looked away pointedly. She waved at the receptionist. “See you tomorrow, Janice.”
Janice mumbled something without looking up. Brandon took the opportunity to watch the girl walk out the door then approached Janice at the desk. “How much for a membership?”
He hoped to see that beauty again.
If you’d like to see what happens next, you can read the book for free here.
Other books by Laura D. Bastian
Romance:
Sink Or Swim
The Way it Should Be
Echoes of Summer
Winter’s Kiss
Autumn’s Embrace (coming soon)
Young Adult Speculative Romance:
Eye On Orion
Beyond Orion
Heart of Orion
Fantasy
Burden of Blood
Guardians of the Gate
Laura D. Bastian grew up in a small town in central Utah and now lives in another small town in northern Utah. She always loved stargazing and imagining life outside her own little world. Though they grew up only thirty miles apart, she didn’t meet her husband until they went to college. A graduate of Utah State University with a degree in elementary and special education, Laura has been using that training as she raises her children, teaches other people's children, and writes make-believe worlds. You can usually find her on her laptop either typing away, or on social media interacting with friends when she isn't busy with lesson plans or grading. You can learn more about Laura at her website.
Acknowledgments:
I'd like to thank my parents for teaching me to read and how to be a person. My teachers for teaching me how to learn. My friends for teaching me to interact with real people. My husband for teaching me how to love. My kids for teaching me how to be patient. My dog for teaching me how to play fetch. My students for teaching me how to explain things. My editor for teaching me about tingles and commas. My writer buddies for teaching me to tell stories. D. Weaver, D. Henderson, and C. Mortensen for letting me tag along on that fabulous research trip to Scotland and England. And my Father in Heaven for letting me live here and teaching me about life.
Never Trust the Rain (Destined for Love: Europe) Page 12