Chapter 4
Connie's POV
Back home, I headed straight to the backyard pool.
I needed to cool down and process everything that happened today. Coach Martinez's invitation, Chase's strange behavioral shift, and that inexplicable tension I couldn't shake.
But when I reached the pool, someone was already there.
Chase was swimming freestyle, broad shoulders cutting perfect arcs through the water, each stroke showcasing the power in his back muscles. As the sun set, water droplets slid down his toned chest, bronze skin glistening in the golden light.
DAMN, when did he become so... attractive?
I was about to leave, but screw it—this was MY house! Why should I run away?
I changed into my bikini and walked to the pool edge.
"You swim well." I admitted.
He stopped and turned to look at me. When he saw my bikini, his expression changed. That naked appreciation made my face burn.
"Thanks." His voice was hoarse. "You... you changed too."
Obviously.
"Want to race?" I challenged. "Four laps, see who's faster."
"You sure? I've been swimming since I was little."
"I'm sure." I jumped in. "Basketball isn't my only skill."
"Alright." He swam over to me. "Loser has to..."
"Has to what?"
He thought for a moment. "Loser has to admit the other person is amazing."
"Deal."
We stood side by side at the pool edge, ready to start.
"Three, two, one, GO!"
We both dove in.
Chase was indeed good, but the techniques I learned at Texas public pools were more practical, efficient. The first two laps we were even, by the third I started pulling ahead.
Then during the final lap, disaster struck.
Chase suddenly stopped, face twisted in pain as he grabbed his calf.
"AH!" He cried out. "Leg cramp!"
I immediately swam toward him. At moments like this, I wouldn't think about competition or hatred—life was at stake.
"Don't move!" I reached his side. "Relax!"
I wrapped one arm around his waist, pulling him to me, while my other hand went underwater to massage his cramped calf. In the water, our bodies were completely pressed together—my chest against his solid torso, I could even feel his rapid heartbeat.
"Are... are you okay?" I asked worriedly.
He looked at me, those blue eyes holding something that made me breathless.
"Much better than expected." His voice was soft.
We stayed embraced in the water like that, faces close. The air suddenly thickened, filled with some kind of tension I couldn't name.
His hand gently caressed my waist, my heart pounding like it would burst.
We moved closer and closer...
"Looks like you two are getting along great!"
William and Mom's voices suddenly rang out, breaking the intimate moment.
We jerked apart, faces red as ripe tomatoes.
"Dad!" Chase said frantically. "It's not what you think!"
"Absolutely not!" I quickly denied. "Nothing like that happened!"
William and Mom exchanged glances, both wearing knowing smiles.
"Of course, of course." William said. "We just came to bring you drinks."
"Right." Mom added, eyes twinkling. "Looks like you were swimming very... intensely."
I climbed out of the pool, grabbed a towel and RAN into the house.
Behind me came Chase's voice. "Wait, Connie—"
But I was already inside, heart thundering.
DAMN.
For that moment, I almost...
No, I couldn't think like that. He was Chase Blackwood, my ENEMY, that rich boy who wanted to humiliate me.
But why, when he looked at me, did it feel like the whole world stopped spinning?
Why when his hand touched my skin did I feel electrified?
This was too confusing.
Maybe I should stay away from that pool.
Stay away from Chase Blackwood.
Since that pool "incident," the relationship between Chase and me became subtle. We no longer went at each other's throats like before, but we weren't exactly friends either. More often, we maintained a strange distance—not far, not close, filled with some inexplicable tension.
That day, William's company was hosting its annual charity gala. Though I didn't want to attend this kind of high society hypocritical gathering, I eventually couldn't resist mom's insistence.
When I saw myself in the mirror, I froze.
I wore a deep blue silk gown, black hair pinned in a low chignon, exposing my slender neck. Light makeup made my eyes appear deeper, lips painted berry-colored, my whole being radiating a brilliance I'd never seen before.
"Mija, you look absolutely beautiful." Mom stood behind me, eyes full of pride.
"Thanks." I turned around. "You sure I can handle tonight's scene?"
"Absolutely." She said firmly. "Remember, you're Connie Moreno AND Connie Blackwood. You're not inferior to anyone."
When our Rolls-Royce pulled into the venue, I was stunned by the sight. The luxury ballroom sparkled with crystal chandeliers, champagne towers glittering under lights, socialites in designer gowns everywhere.
My palms started sweating. Deep breath, Connie. You've got this.
"Relax." Chase suddenly appeared beside me.
I turned, nearly forgetting to breathe. He wore a perfect black tuxedo, white shirt highlighting his healthy complexion, bow tie perfectly accentuating his sexy neckline. DAMN, how could he be so handsome?
"I AM relaxed." I lied, trying to ignore my heartbeat.
He glanced at me, something complex flashing in his eyes. "You look... beautiful."
My face instantly heated. "Thanks."
Just then, a sickeningly sweet voice came from behind.
"Chase, darling!"
I turned to see a blonde, blue-eyed girl approaching us.
She ignored my existence, walking straight to Chase, standing on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. I noticed she deliberately pressed her body close, chest nearly touching his.
"You look incredibly handsome tonight. Just as perfect as I imagined."
I clenched my fists. DAMN, who was this girl?
"Brittany." Chase's voice was calm, but I noticed he stepped back slightly. "You look beautiful too."
Then she turned to me, those emerald eyes looking me up and down.
"Aren't you going to introduce your... new roommate?" She said dismissively.
"Brittany Morrison, this is Connie, my stepsister." Chase said, then turned to me. "Connie, this is Brittany, Senator Morrison's daughter, and my..."
"EX-girlfriend." Brittany took over, emphasizing "EX," but the possessiveness in her eyes was obvious.