I FOUND LOVE IN CALIFORNIA 2: Close, But No

◈WILLIAM WOOLLETT JR. AQUATICS◈

Coach Harry clapped as the swimmers climbed out of the pool, water dripping and muscles tight with tension, calling out, “Forty-eight point seven, Alex, good job. Forty-six point nine, Marco, excellent.” The words carried over the splash of retreating water and the shuffle of bare feet on the tiles.

Swimmers hustled past, grabbing towels, shaking hair, laughing or groaning at their times, leaving only the tense murmur of exhaustion and pride.

“Connor,” Coach Harry called, voice firm but disturbed by the timing, “come here a second.” Connor, still catching his breath, jogged over, sweat slick on his skin and goggles hanging around his neck.

I leaned against the edge of the pool, towel over my shoulders, and smirked as Marco approached, dripping water glinting under the harsh gym lights. “You’re getting faster,” he said, voice low, eyes tracking me with something more than admiration.

I scoffed, shaking my head and twisting my towel. “Coming from the guy who smoked me by two seconds? Really?” My tone was playful, but I felt my chest tighten slightly.

He smiled, leaning casually on the railing, water sliding from his shoulders. “You’re stubborn, but I like it. Keep it up. Second place isn’t bad.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment,” I said, moving toward the lockers.

He laughed, falling into stride beside me, leaning back slightly with his arms crossed. “I mean it. You’ve got style, technique, the whole package. I’d say it’s unfair to the rest of us.”

“Unfair, huh?” I muttered, trying not to smile.

His grin widened. “Second isn’t bad, you know. And honestly, it’s better competition when someone actually pushes me.”

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, letting a small smirk slip anyway.

“So, you sticking around after practice or heading out?”

“Got a few things to handle,” I said, shrugging. “Mom had me running late this morning anyway, so I’m behind schedule.”

He nodded, stepping a little closer. “Maybe next time you can skip the family distractions. You’d be unstoppable in the pool if you were always on time to practice.”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “Family comes first. Even if it slows me down, I can survive. And make sure you flush that thought that I can’t beat you.”

Marco’s gaze lingered a moment longer than usual. I blinked, swallowed, and forced the words out. “Excuse me… I need to use the restroom.” I backed toward the door, trying to look calm, though my chest was racing.

Marco followed, careful but deliberate, his eyes flicking around the hallway before settling back on me. He matched my pace, calm and measured, like he wasn’t about to let me out of sight. As I ducked toward the restroom and swung the door open, Marco quickened his pace and slipped through the doorway with me before I could fully step inside.

His hand came up, soft but firm, pressing gently over my mouth, and I froze, caught between surprise and a rush of adrenaline. His eyes locked with mine, dark and unyielding, as the sound of someone finishing at a urinal in the next stall echoed. He waited, listening until the footsteps faded and the door clicked shut, then slowly pulled his hand away and shifted his attention back to me.

“I’m sorry,” Marco whispered, his voice trembling slightly, “I cannot hold it anymore.” His other hand brushed against mine, fingers curling around them as his gaze swept my body slowly before snapping back to my eyes.

“Alex… I’ve been holding it in, trying to stay steady, but I can’t anymore.” He took a step closer, and I stumbled back almost without realizing it.

I swallowed, gripping the edge of the counter, heart hammering. He ran a hand down his face, shaking his head slightly. “I know we’re supposed to focus on the championship, and maybe I shouldn’t… but I’ve been showing you. Every damn light…”

His fingers twitched at his sides, a subtle tremor I couldn’t ignore. "... and you never noticed.”

He took another step, closing the distance between us, the space impossibly small, every shallow breath between us loud, his eyes softening, almost desperate. “I love you, Alex.”