I showered in the locker rooms. Warms ups didn’t go the way either Jim or I wanted, but it was early in the week. I had time to get in the zone. And knowing Ava might be a part of that put a smile on my face.

I didn’t expect to see her at the pool, but once I did I knew my last laps were the best ones.

I picked up my gym bag and slung it over my shoulder.

Jim was waiting for me on the other side of the door. “The press hasn’t left,” he warned.

“I’m not up for interviews right now.” I exhaled. “I’ve got dinner plans.” I wanted to get back to the village and change before my date with Ava. She wasn’t calling it that, but I was. I had an incredible night planned for us.

“About that. Who’s the girl?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Someone I met at finals last month.”

“You met her in Sydney?” He looked surprised.

“Yeah, why?”

He took his cap off and adjusted it on his head. “Not used to you seeing the same girl twice. She’s lasted over a month.”

I chuckled. “I didn’t say that, but we don’t tell each other everything.” I gripped his shoulder.

“Don’t stay out late, Blaine.” He eyed me as we reached the door.

“Now you sound like my dad.”

“Or the coach that wants you to take the gold back to Australia.”

“I’m taking it home.” I grinned, backing out of the aquatics center.

“Don’t get distracted. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Okay. Okay,” I groaned.

Jim waved to me as I hopped on the shuttle for the village.

Thirty minutes later, I was getting ready for my date with Ava.

* * *

She was waiting for me when I walked into the hotel lobby. I eyed her long legs under her skirt. Her tits had never looked more full and delectable in a tight top. She might be pissed, but she dressed like she wanted something from me.

I could see the anger in her eyes. I didn’t know which thing she hadn’t forgiven me for: Sydney, Rio, or both.

“You look gorgeous, love.” I leaned toward her for a peck on the cheek, but she turned her head.

“Do you have any idea what you cost me today?”

I shook my head. “I didn’t try to cost you anything. I think it was a mis-communication. A language barrier.”

“We both speak English,” she spewed. “Some of us better than others.”

“I don’t see how I did anything to you.”

“Well, you did. I put everything into that story and it was a complete bust. You were out of the pool for what? Four hours? That’s not news. It’s an inconvenience, but it’s not news, Blaine.”

“It was news to me. It happened. I was supposed to swim today and I couldn’t get my ass in the water. Sorry.” I felt the tension grip my shoulders. This wasn’t how I wanted to start our date. I had half a mind to swing her tight ass over my shoulder and carry her upstairs, but I listened to her berate me in the lobby instead.

I tried to explain what happened. “I had no idea the press would be there. It was as if I planned it.”

“Did you think to call me? To let me know so I wouldn’t make a fool of myself in front of my new boss, or did you like the part where I made an idiot in front of my old boss?”

Fuck. I should have called her. I should have realized what a colossal fuckup it could have been for her.

“I’m sorry, Ava. Come on. Let’s have a good time and you’ll forget about the pool today. Forget about work. I have something fun planned for you.”

She crossed her arms.

“I only agreed to meet you because you held me hostage in front of the press. I know a lot of those people. The Sports Now people. So now that you’ve seen me, I’ve told you off, we can go our separate ways.”

She spun on her heels to climb the staircase, but my hands landed on her shoulders, rotating her to face me.

“You promised me one drink. And I’m going to make you honor that promise.”

“Is this your second kidnapping attempt?” she smarted off.

I felt my cock jerk. The last time she said that I had taken her back to my hotel and had the most fucking incredible night of my life. I wanted it again. I wanted her again.

“Is that what you want?” I ran my fingers over her arm, pressing into her wrist.

She pulled away from me quickly. “I don’t want to get fired again. I want to keep my job. That’s what I want.”

“I don’t think drinks with me will get you fired. Come on, we’re getting out of here.”

I didn’t give her a chance to protest, but led her through the lobby and outside onto the sidewalk. She was going to let me buy her a drink.

“I know a place where the locals go.”

“You do?”

“I can’t stay in the village all the time.” I grinned as I felt her palm relax when I wound my fingers around hers.

“Where is this place?” she asked.

“Around the corner. You like music?”

“Who doesn’t like music?”

I laughed. “Good, because I’m taking you dancing.”

“You said drinks, not dancing.” I saw the scowl on her face.

“You have to dance with me to get the drink.”

“That’s—that’s blackmail.”

I shrugged. “It’s what I want.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And I guess that’s what you’re used to. You always get what you want, don’t you?”

I stopped in front of the bar, where we could hear the music blaring from inside.

“I want the gold.” I stared into her eyes. “I want the world record.” I touched her finger to my lips, biting on the tips. “And I want you.”