Page 8 of Freestyle (Boys of Frampton U #2)

Gray chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Alright, but the offer stands,” he says, giving me a playful wink before turning to leave, his presence lingering in the air like a warm breeze.

As he walks away, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The nickname, the playful banter, it’s all too familiar and yet feels like uncharted territory. That night meant nothing, Rowyn. Keep it together.

After quickly getting dressed, I grab my Kindle and head down to the pool.

The morning sun is already warming the air, and the sound of the water lapping against the edges of the pool is soothing.

I find a comfortable lounge chair, settling in with my Kindle in hand, but my mind drifts back to Gray.

The sun beats down on me as I read, but I can’t focus on the words. Instead, I find myself replaying our conversation. The way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, the way he called me ‘sunshine’, it all sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Just as I lose myself in my thoughts, I hear a splash. I look up to see Gray diving into the pool, his body slicing through the water with effortless grace. He surfaces, shaking his hair back, droplets glistening in the sunlight.

“Hey, Row!” he calls out, his voice echoing across the water. “Care to join me?”

I hesitate, my heart racing at the thought of being so close to him.

Memories of that night with Gray and Phoenix flood my mind, sending a jolt through me.

I hated how much I enjoyed being with both of them, and I know I need to distance myself.

Gray’s reputation as one of the biggest players on campus is a constant reminder that getting too close to him is dangerous.

“I’m good here!” I shout back, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice betrays me.

“Suit yourself!” he laughs, swimming a few laps, his strong strokes mesmerizing. I can’t help but admire the way he moves, the confidence radiating from him. A part of me wishes I could join him, to throw caution to the wind, but I can’t let things go further with Lyndsy’s brother.

After a few minutes he climbs out of the pool, water cascading down his toned body. He walks over to me, a towel draped over his shoulder. “You sure you don’t want to join? The water’s perfect.”

He shakes his hair as he approaches, sending water droplets all over me, and I can’t help but squeal in surprise.

“Hey!” I exclaim, trying to shield my Kindle from the water. Gray smiles, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. You looked so absorbed in your book.”

“That’s the point of reading, dumb ass,” I retort, trying to hide my smile.

Gray grins, clearly enjoying the banter. “Fair enough. But you have to admit, a little splash of reality never hurts.”

“And what reality are you splashing me with?”

Gray’s grin widens, and he tilts his head playfully. “Oh, you know, the reality that life isn’t all about books and quiet moments. Sometimes, it’s about unexpected splashes, raw emotions, and a little bit of chaos. Keeps things interesting, don’t you think?”

I arch an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. “So, you’re saying I should be grateful for your disruptive antics?”

“Exactly,” he murmurs, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. “It’s my way of reminding you that a little danger and unpredictability can make life a lot more thrilling.”

I smirk, raising an eyebrow. “And here I thought you just wanted an excuse to show off those abs.”

“Like what you see?” he questions, raising his eyebrow.

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. “Meh, I’ve seen better,” I lie.

“Oh, little liar, you’ll have to do better than that.” Gray’s grin widens as he takes the Kindle out of my hand and plops it on the chair next to me. Before I can react, he grabs me and, with a playful laugh, throws me into the pool.

I gasp as I hit the cool water, the shock of it taking my breath away. When I resurface, I see Gray standing at the edge of the pool, laughing.

I glare at him, my anger bubbling up. “Gray, what the hell?” I shout, splashing water at him with force.

He just laughs harder, clearly enjoying my frustration. “Come on, it’s just a bit of fun. Lighten up, sunshine.”

I swim closer, my heart racing, not just from the cold water but from the thrill of being so close to him. “You think this is funny?” I ask, trying to sound serious but failing miserably as a smile creeps onto my face .

“Absolutely,” he replies, his laughter infectious. “You should see your face!”

“Yeah? Well, you’re going to pay for this,” I say, my competitive spirit igniting.

“Oh really? And how do you plan to do that?” he challenges, leaning against the railing at the pool’s edge, his arms crossed, water still dripping from his body.

I smirk, plotting my revenge. “Just you wait.”

With a sudden burst of energy I swim towards him, my hands ready to grab his ankles and pull him in. But he’s quicker, jumping back just in time, his laughter ringing in my ears.

“Nice try!” he taunts, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Okay, you asked for it!” I shout, launching myself out of the water and grabbing the edge of the pool, pulling myself up. I’m determined to get him back.

As I stand dripping in front of him, I can’t help but admire the way the sunlight catches the droplets on his skin, the way his muscles flex as he moves. My heart races, not just from the playful rivalry but from the undeniable chemistry between us.

“Row, you’re not quick eno—” he starts, but I’m already lunging at him, and before he can react, I push him back into the pool .

He splashes into the water, his expression a mix of surprise and delight. “Okay, now it’s on!” he declares.

I jump back in and we spend the next few minutes splashing and laughing, the tension between us shifting from playful to something deeper. Each splash feels like a spark, igniting the air around us.

Finally, we both pause, breathless, our laughter fading into a comfortable silence. I look into his eyes, and for a moment, the world around us disappears. Despite my best efforts to keep my distance, I feel myself being drawn to him again, and the conflict within me grows even stronger.

Before I can let myself fall any deeper into his web, I make a sudden move, jumping out of the water and over the edge of the pool. My muscles protest, but the adrenaline coursing through me dulls the ache. I stand there, water dripping from me, and face Gray with a determined expression.

Gray’s eyes widen in surprise, but a mischievous grin quickly replaces his initial shock. “Wow, I didn’t know you had that in you,” he teases, his voice low and playful.

I don’t respond, my resolve unwavering. Instead, I grab my Kindle from the chair and make a beeline for the house. “See you around, Gray,” I call over my shoulder, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Row, wait!” he shouts, but I don’t look back. My heart is pounding, and I know that if I stay any longer, I’ll be tempted to give in to the magnetic pull between us.

I reach the door and throw it open, the cool air inside a stark contrast to the sun-warmed pool area.

I slam the door behind me and lean against it, my breath coming in short, rapid pants.

I can still hear Gray’s voice calling out to me, but I force myself to focus on the sound of my own heartbeat, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

As I stand there, water dripping onto the floor, I can’t help but replay the events in my mind. The way he looked at me, the playful banter, the undeniable chemistry—it’s all too much. Gray is a player, and I can’t afford to let my guard down, not when I know how easily he can break hearts.

Clutching my Kindle to my chest, I make my way to my room, determined to put some distance between us. I need to remind myself why I’m doing this, to protect myself from getting hurt. But even as I try to convince myself, I can’t shake the lingering feeling of longing, the thrill of being near him.

Once I’m safely inside my room, I collapse onto my bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind.

I close my eyes, hoping to find some solace in the familiar comfort of my room but Gray’s image is etched in my thoughts, and I know that staying away from him is going to be harder than I ever imagined.

Grayson

I lean against the pool’s edge, water dripping from my body, and let out a frustrated sigh.

Rowyn is unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and I can’t get her out of my fucking head. From the moment we spent that unforgettable night together with Phoenix, I’ve been obsessed with her.

She’s a challenge, a mystery, and I’m determined to make her mine. Ours.

I push myself away from the pool and grab a towel, drying off as I plot my next move. I’m not used to being ignored or pushed away, and the fact that Rowyn is doing just that only fuels my obsession and my anger.

I know she’s trying to distance herself, but I’m not about to let that happen. I never chase a girl and having to do it right now is pissing me off. I hate that I want her. Even more, I hate feeling like I’m the only one that plays that night over and over in my mind.

Once I’m in my room, I pull out my phone and text Phoenix.

Gray:

You busy?

It doesn’t take long for him to reply.

Phoenix:

Not really. What’s up?

I type quickly, my fingers flying over the screen.

Gray:

You won’t believe who is staying here for the summer.

Phoenix:

Who?

Gray:

Rowyn.

Phoenix:

What the hell? How did you not know?

Gray:

We were away on the retreat and Lyndsy nor my dad mentioned it.

Phoenix:

Fucking hell, dude.

Gray:

Right? What are the odds?

Phoenix:

Was it awkward seeing her again?

Gray:

Surprisingly not. She was hot as fuck in a two-piece black bikini earlier.

Phoenix:

Damn, I can imagine. So, what’s the plan?

Gray:

No idea but I have this weird urge to push her until she breaks.

Text bubbles appear and disappear over and over until finally his text comes through.

Phoenix:

I needed a summer hobby. Count me in.