Page 47 of Second Chance Saloon

Lyla glanced at her and drew back. “Oh, my fucking god. You’re in love with him.”

Jackie scoffed. “No, I’m not. It’s way too early for that.”

Lyla rolled a strand of her platinum blonde hair over her index finger, tilting her head, delight spreading over her features. “You liar! You so are.”

Jackie’s cheeks burned now. She cleared her throat, the confession slipping off her tongue. “I might be.”

Lyla squealed, throwing her arms around Jackie. “Aww that’s so cute! I better be the maid of honor.”

“Haha. Very funny. No one’s getting married, get over yourself, Lyla.”

“No one’s getting married yet,” Lyla corrected her. “We have college, then med school, but mark my words, once we’re residents—”

Jackie elbowed her side. “You’re a menace.”

Laughter and chatter erupted, bouncing off the tiled walls as the swim team got out of the water.

Jackie closed her textbook, slipped it inside her backpack and pushed her palms flat over her knees.

Mitch tore the goggles and swim cap off his head, droplets of water dripping off his damp blond hair that was looking much darker than when dried. He shook his head and looked up, his gaze shooting straight to the stands and focusing on her.

Water trickled down from his chiseled chest and arms, but she watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down. He ran his hand through his hair, shaking the water off some more.

Jackie smiled, raised her hand and waved to him.

He smiled back, soundlessly mouthing, “I’ll see you outside?”

She nodded, her heart prancing happily inside her chest.

A chuckle coated Lyla’s deep sigh. “Girl, you’re in so deep.”

Jackie turned and mockingly narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Shut up. Or don’t you want an introduction to that guy?”

“Fine. Let’s go.” Lyla let Jackie take her hand and pull her up, guiding her all the way back to the lobby.

They didn’t have to wait long for Mitch.

“Well, hello, Aquaman.” Lyla put her hand on her hip, as he approached them, bag slung over his shoulder. “Good training. Caltech team should shudder with fear ahead of Saturday.”

Jackie sighed. “I told you not to call him that.”

Mitch’s brow shot up, an amused smirk curling his lips. He came to Jackie’s side and put his arm around her waist, kissing her temple. “I don’t mind. As long as it is only you, Ly.”

Lyla stuck her tongue out. “See, Jacks? Your beau doesn’t mind.”

Jackie pushed her hand into Mitch’s sweatshirt pocket, resting her head against his chest. “I regret the day we started hanging out together and you became friendly.”

“I wouldn’t say we’re friendly, we sort of …” Lyla eyed Mitch.

“Tolerate each other,” Mitch offered.

Lyla clapped her hands. “Exactly! That’s it.” She took a step toward them, lowering her voice. “Speaking of, can you introduce me to your teammate? The clean-shaved, tall guy with the hoop earring?”

“You mean Nick?” Mitch asked.

“Yeah, he’s hot and I’m newly single, so …”

Jackie chuckled. She drew away from Mitch, reaching for his hand. Warmth shot through her spine as their fingers linked. “Please, introduce them or else she’ll become unbearable.”