Chapter 1
SUMMER
London is my older brother, and apparently the Hydro Eagles captain, though he keeps it a secret from everyone. According to him, it keeps me out of the spotlight, especially from the girls who might approach me just to get to him.
Funny.
But here we are, at the camp for the nationals. The moment I jump out of the truck, I head straight for the boot, but he grabs me before I can make it.
“Huh, huh, not so fast, little charming,” he says, brushing my bangs off my forehead.
He still treats me like a teenager, even though I’m already preparing for college. Sometimes, it’s cute, just for the having-a-older brother, kind of vibe but not in the public where people might see.
“Stop it, London.” I push his hand away playfully. “Have you forgotten we’re still pretending we’re not actual siblings?”
He frowns. “Alright. I got it.”
I don’t wait for him and move to the back of the truck.
“...And you don’t have to make it sound like it’s not for your own good,”
He calls after me as he comes up behind me, but then Harry. their swimming team coach calls out to him, and I’m left struggling with my travel box.
“Just hold on, princess!” he yells from where he stands.
I grunt. “Stop calling me that out loud!” I yell back. “And don’t worry, I can handle it. Just focus on your thing.”
But nope. The travel bag decides to act funny, slipping right from my grip. I shut my eyes, bracing for impact.
But it doesn’t hit the ground. When I open my eyes, a hand is grabbing my box—strong, muscled hands, at that.
I look up, and my jaw drops. God knows I can’t help it. I am practically gawking at him. Sharp jawline, messy-but-effortless charming hair, and this… confidence.
Dammit! He’s so hot.
“Wanna keep staring, or help me out here?” His voice drops.
I straighten up quickly to help, though I’m still a little stunned.
My leg stumbles just at the right time, and instinctively, he drops the box and slips his arm behind my waist to steady me.
Even if I wouldn’t have liked that on a normal day, but right now, I more than love the little princess falling thing happening right now.
It doesn’t last long though because of the heavy footsteps approaching us, distracting the little moment. Before I know it, London pushes the guy off me and pulls me up instantly.
“Hey, what the hell, man?” the guy says, brushing off imaginary dust.
“Don’t you fucking touch her,” London growls. “Back off.”
The guy looks like he wants to argue but just stares for a second before leaving.
London turns to me the second he’s off sight. “I told you to stay away from guys around here, didn’t I?”
I sigh. “Relax, London. He was just helping. And he’s not exactly the kind of guy you told me to stay clear of. He’s obviously a nice guy.”
“Well, sorry to disappoint you, Summer, but ‘nice’ doesn’t describe Vance. Don’t just avoid him, run away from him as much as you can.”
Is that a joke? I almost shot back.
I roll my eyes instead, and start dragging my bag, but he stops me.
“I’m dead serious, Summer.”
“I heard you, but I honestly don’t see why I should listen to you, London.”
“Well, if anything, because he’s the captain of the Liquid Hawks. I don’t want you anywhere near him. Got it?”
My stomach drops. God, this is insane. The rivalry club?
I nod.
“Don’t just nod, Summer,” he says, stern.
“Alright,” I answer, but deep down, every nerve in me already knows these three days at camp are going to be a roller coaster I’m definitely not ready for.
