Free Dying Forever (Waking Forever Book 3) by Heather McVea

her sister’s sudden interest in her social life would wane sooner rather than later.
     
     
    Chapter 5
    Stroke, stroke, breathe. Stroke, stroke, breathe . Alison had repeated the same mantra in her mind for over twenty years. She began swimming competitively her freshman year of high school and had continued until her junior year at UNC, when she had to decide whether to pursue her academics more vigorously or take her swimming to the next level. Knowing the relatively short professional life of a competitive swimmer, she had opted for a more sustainable path.
    Three times a week she came to the university pool and swam laps, proud she had maintained the form and fitness necessary for the butterfly stroke. Stretching for the wall at the end of her last lap, Alison grabbed the side of the pool, enjoying the burn in her legs and arms.
    Pulling the black Speedo latex swim cap off, Alison leaned her head back in the water, smoothing her tousled hair. Wiping the water from her eyes, a quick flicker of heat shot through her as she looked up and saw Bryce standing near the bleachers talking to a petite, middle aged Hispanic woman.
    The women stood with their backs to the pool . Both were wearing form fitting swimsuits, but Alison could only see Bryce. The woman’s legs were flawlessly toned, her arms were a perfect balance of definition without being too bulky, and the navy blue swimsuit clung to her in just the right places. Alison loved the woman’s long, thick auburn hair, but found the sight of it pulled up in a tight bun, exposing Bryce’s long neck, even more enticing.
    Having never blushed in a pool before, Alison waited for the heat in her face to subside before she pulled herself up and out of the water. Grabbing the small, black hydro towel she had left next to the pool, she wiped the excess water off her arms and legs before adjusting the shoulder straps on her black Speedo swimsuit.
    Grabbing at a moment’s courage, Alison walked over to the women. The large aquatic center was filled with the echoes of splashing water and enthusiastic co-eds as she approached the two women.
    “Hey , Bryce.” She had wanted to say something clever and brilliant, but evidently two syllables were the extent of her charm this evening.
    Both women turned around. There was a flicker of excitement across Bryce’s eyes, followed immedia tely by a broad smile. “Alison, hi. What are you doing here?”
    “Playing rugby, and you ?” Alison looked at the Hispanic woman, who laughed.
    Bryce winced. “Sorry, stupid question.” The other woman cleared her throat . Bryce looked at her and then shook her head. “Oh, god, sorry. Sylvia, this is Bryce - ah, I mean Alison, this is Sylvia.”
    Alison was torn between being amused at Bryce’s social awkwardness and feeling sorry for her. Extending her hand, Alison greeted the shorter woman. “Nice to meet you. How do you know Bryce?”
    The woman smiled warmly at Alison. “We’re taking a swimming kinesiology class together.”
    Alison let the woman’s hand go and looked at Bryce. “Really? Where do you find the time? I mean my class, at least one night course, and now swimming. When do you sleep?”
    Bryce chewed nervously on the inside of her bottom lip and Alison thought it was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. “I manage.” Bryce responded.
    Alison nodded, and the awkward silence was broken by a stout Caucasian man in a pair of yellow swim trunks and a well-worn gray University of the Incarnate Word t-shirt walking briskly past the three women. “Okay ladies and gentlemen, let’s get our fannies in the water.”
    Sylvia fell in behind the man. “Nice to meet you , Alison.”
    Bryce shrugged. “That’s the instructor. Have to go.” She hesitated like she wanted to say something, but as quickly as the inquisitive look crossed her face, it was gone. “See you late r?”
    Alison nodded. “Evidently we can’t help ourselves.”
    Bryce chuckled, managed an awkward wave, and