Nobody's Obligation (Swimming Upstream #2)

by Rebecca Barber

  “Oh,” Ava replied.

  Dropping her perfectly manicured fingers on Ava’s shoulders, Katie bent down and whispered into Ava’s ear. “It’s okay. Promise. Let’s just hope to hell he wins this and then you two can celebrate.”

  Katie’s words sank in and Ava wanted to spin around and argue, but the buzzer sounded and suddenly they were off and racing. The crowd went wild. Squealing and clapping. And there were those damn inflatable clapping sticks. Ava wanted to join in. It looked like so much fun. But instead she just stood there, catatonic. She didn’t speak. She didn’t move. She didn’t blink. She just stood there, wide-eyed and praying for a happy ending. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Ava knew Tyler’s times by heart, she knew it would all be over in a matter of minutes, but this time it felt like it went forever. Each stroke looked slow. Each kick seemed half-hearted. As they turned and began the final lap, Ava risked a glance up at the board. Barely point one of a second between the first four. And Tyler was sitting in second. With her hands dangling lifelessly by her side, Ava felt fingers slip around her wrist. Another hand landed on her shoulder. Katie and Amanda were supporting her and even though Ava appreciated the gesture, she wasn’t sure why. Shouldn’t someone be holding Katie’s hand? After all, she was Tyler’s family. Not Ava.

  As they swam under the five-metre rope, all three women held their breath and prayed for the best while they secretly prepared for the worst.

  Around them the whole crowd was on their feet. Clapping and cheering and squealing. This was the sort of race people came to see, the kind where you didn’t know who won until the results flashed on the big screen. At some point Ava joined them. She didn’t remember standing up, but there she was on her feet. She couldn’t cheer or yell or scream. Her wide eyes stayed fixed on the middle lane.

  They seemed to hit the wall in unison. The wave which had been towed behind them crashed into the blocks a second later. Ava’s gaze never wavered. She watched as Tyler spun around to check the screen. Ava didn’t move. Instead she concentrated on Tyler. He didn’t react. After what seemed to be a lifetime, Ava risked a glance at the screen. It was blank.

  Chapter 53

  Tyler

  This had happened before but it didn’t make it any easier. Tyler knew there could be a thousand reasons they hadn’t yet released the times. Someone could be disqualified, the touch pads mightn’t have worked or maybe there was an issue with the screen itself, but Tyler wasn’t worried. From somewhere unknown he was filled with confidence. He had no idea if it was justified or not, but there was no disputing it.

  He pulled his cap off and dunked his head. He hated that thing. It always pulled at his hair and he was convinced that one day he would take the damn thing off and he’d be bald underneath. Thankfully today wasn’t that day. After all there was a camera in his face. Sneaking another look at the screen, Tyler was bored by the fact it was still blank, but the marshal instructing them to clear the pool brought him crashing back to reality.

  Floating across the lane ropes, Tyler’s mind started to formulate a speech. He knew what was about to happen. Win, lose, or draw, he’d been on this ride before. If he lost, they wanted to capture his heartbreak, and if he won, they wanted to share in his jubilation. The press was fickle. Tyler reached the edge of the pool and started climbing the ladder. The crowd roared but Tyler didn’t hear it. Instead he looked up into the stands and spotted Ava. Moving her seats had been a stroke of genius, even if it had been Katie’s idea. Seeing her shaking with nerves made him feel like a superhero. She was wringing her hands in front of her, her eyes tracking his every move. Unable to resist the temptation, Tyler winked at her as his feet hit the concrete and he strode towards the awaiting cameras.

  When he reached the anxious suits, Tyler risked another look. Ava was looking for something behind her. With a deep breath and shake of his head, Tyler refocused his attention on the matter at hand.

  “That was quite a race, Tyler,” an aging reporter stated. “Did you think it would be that close?”

  Finally a question. The quicker they asked their old, tried and true questions the quicker he could get out of there. “I knew it would be close, but I didn’t think it would be that close. Do we have a result yet?”

  The reporter exchanged confused glances with the cameraman. No one knew. But Tyler had asked anyway and put them on the spot.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Tyler added, trying to ease the tension.

  “Luke and Sam really pushed you that last lap. No matter the result, we’re looking good for the relays.”

  “Yeah. Luke has worked really hard over the past couple of months and now he’s getting the results. Sam has made some changes and is getting good results to vindicate them.”

  “They now train in your squad, don’t they?”

  “Yeah, we’re all together now.”

  “So it seems something’s in the water, then?” He laughed a dry laugh. Tyler offered a tight smile. It wasn’t that funny. “You seem happier in your own swimming these days. What would you attribute that to?”

  Tyler gulped. The next words out of his mouth could change anything and everything. He’d always prided himself on answering honestly and he didn’t want to compromise that. But telling the whole truth could cost him. Dearly. Pushing his hair from his forehead, Tyler stole a glance up into the stands, his gaze instantly locking with Ava’s. The words formed of their own volition. “I have the right people in my corner now,” Tyler replied pointedly, his eyes never wavering.

  He watched as the words reverberated through the stadium and Ava’s face blushed a deep pink. Katie bent down and whispered something in her ear, which put the widest, most lovely smile on her face that Tyler had ever seen.

  “And who—” the reporter’s question was drowned out by wild cheering and clapping.

  Tyler spun around, trying to figure out what was sending the crowd crazy. There it was. Up in orange on the screen. The results. He’d won by two one hundredths of a second, holding off Luke, with Sam trailing close behind in third. A sense of relief flooded him. He hated losing. And losing to those two would be hell at training.

  Turning his attention back to the reporters, Tyler forced himself to focus. Well, as much as he could with Ava sitting in the stands, cheering him on adamantly.

  “Congratulations on another win, Tyler,” the reporter acknowledged tightly.

  Before Tyler had the chance to reply he felt two big hands slap down hard on his shoulders. “We did it, Tyler! We fucking did it!” Luke exclaimed. Tyler couldn’t contain the chuckle. Luke was like a kid on Christmas Day. He’d never come that close before and he had every right to be ecstatic.

  “Yeah, Luke, you did it!” Tyler laughed as he shook his mate’s hand.

  “Couldn’t have done it without you!” Luke grinned, pulling Tyler in for an awkward man hug.

  When a loud “awww” echoed, Tyler and Luke broke away and looked around. The camera was still rolling and they had just inadvertently shown their brotherly display, which had been broadcast onto the four big screens around the aquatic centre. Everyone in the stadium had front-row seats to what should have been a private moment.

  Tyler found Ava with her head tipped back, laughing. She looked happy. All the fear and nerves had evaporated. When she turned back to face the pool, Tyler caught her eye and shrugged innocently. Ava offered him a nod in return before Tyler floated from the pool deck and beneath the stands.

  Twenty minutes later Tyler climbed from the warm down pool and watched as the crowd filed out slowly and made their way home. As Tyler stalked around the pool to where he’d dropped his stuff, he noticed how quiet it was. He’d been at enough of these meets over the years to know it was never this quiet. Many swimmers had already taken off and those who were left were existing in their own bubble as they packed up for the night.

  Tyler patted himself dry and pulled on his shorts before flopping onto the bench to put on his shoes and socks. Half dressed, Tyler start
ed packing up. The irony wasn’t lost on him. When he raced he only needed a handful of things—goggles, cap, and Speedo, but to warm up and cool down there was so much more crap he had to cart around. Silently laughing to himself, Tyler scooped up his kickboard, flippers, and wet towels and dropped them into his bag.

  A girly giggle brought him back to earth. “Tyler! I brought you a present!”

  Spinning on his heel, he spotted Katie and Amanda giggling uncontrollably, each with an arm linked through Ava’s. Tyler could barely contain his excitement. He straightened himself and was secretly glad he’d taken a moment to pull on his shorts. Tyler knew that it wasn’t worth the risk of being that close to Ava wearing nothing but a pair of Speedos that left absolutely nothing to the imagination.

  “Hi,” Tyler offered in the same breath as Amanda and Katie propelled Ava towards him.

  Obviously Ava wasn’t expecting to be nudged forward and immediately her feet didn’t work. Thankfully Tyler was close enough that when she fell forwards he caught her against him. With his hands on her hips, Tyler felt her tense under his touch.

  “Shit!” Ava muttered under her breath, which Tyler rewarded with a warm smile.

  “You okay?” he asked softly, tucking Ava under his arm without hesitation.

  “Um…yeah. F-Fine,” Ava stuttered as she tried to wiggle from his grasp. Tyler held firm.

  “Good,” Tyler murmured.

  “Hey, Amanda,” Katie called out, “I think we should leave these two for a bit. My eyes are getting sore looking at all these damn fireworks.”

  “Fireworks?” Ava asked, confused.

  “Yep! There’s sparks flying everywhere and I don’t want to get burnt.” Amanda giggled as she spun on her heel and skipped across the pool deck.

  They watched them go and Tyler felt Ava stiffen in his arms. “Did you have a good night?” Tyler asked genuinely as he looked down into Ava’s face.

  “It was interesting,” Ava offered vaguely.

  “Interesting?”

  “Yeah. Definitely not what I was expecting.”

  “In a good way?” Tyler asked, suddenly nervous.

  “Well, let’s see,” Ava taunted, slipping out from under Tyler’s arm. “I had planned on coming here with a girlfriend, sitting in the nosebleed section before heading out for dinner in a daydream. Instead my seats got upgraded so I was in the front row—where you don’t miss a thing. Absolutely nothing at all. Then security escorts me somewhere and all I can think is that the change of seat has caused some problem. Instead I’m led to a room where a cocky and confident swimmer is waiting to watch me make a fool of myself. Oh, and not just in front of him, that would be too easy. No, I have to be the bumbling idiot in front of his sister as well. Then after completely bewildering me, he leaves me with a toe-curling kiss and vanishes. So I make my way back to my new and improved seat and watch him swim. And it was the most painful race I’ve ever seen. I still can’t believe it took them that long to declare the winner. And now here I am, standing on the pool deck, and I have no idea what the fuck’s going to happen next,” Ava rambled.

  Tyler’s face felt like it was going to crack. He had the widest, cheesiest, and most satisfied smirk across his face. “Boring night, then?”

  Ava couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “You’re a shithead!” she admonished as she slapped him playfully on his arm.

  “Seriously, Ava. The only things I took out of that was a toe-curling kiss, dinner, and a great night.”

  “Why am I not surprised you skimmed over cocky and arrogant?”

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about!” Tyler chuckled. “Since you’ve had such a stressful night, how about I make you a deal?”

  “Go on.”

  “Give me a minute to finish getting my crap together and then I’ll feed you?”

  Even though she seemed happy enough to be in his arms, Tyler couldn’t help it. He was nervous and unsure. Taking a moment to gather her scattered thoughts, Tyler watched her intently. The longer she stayed silent, the more frazzled he became.

  “Sounds great,” she agreed, putting him out of his misery.

  “Oh, thank fuck!” Tyler pulled a t-shirt over his head. Seconds later Tyler swung his backpack over his shoulder and turned to face Ava. “Ready?” he asked, holding out his hand.

  Tentatively Ava accepted, dropping her clammy hand into Tyler’s. “As I’ll ever be.”

  “Come on! You’ll be fine.” Tyler grinned, giving her hand a tug until Ava ended up tucked under his arm.

  Chapter 54

  Ava

  Ava had no idea what the hell she was doing. She was wrapped in Tyler’s arms, water dripping from his hair landing on her shoulders and cheeks as he led her through the maze of corridors underneath the stands. They didn’t say a word. But they didn’t have to. Ava was content just to be with him. And it was more than just being content. She was happy. Something that didn’t come easily or often, but right there, in that moment, Ava was floating on a cloud.

  The closer they got to the entrance, the louder and louder the chatter became. Ava felt her nerves returning and the idea of running in the opposite direction appealed more with every step.

  “Ava?” Tyler’s voice cooed softly into her ear.

  Ava didn’t answer. She couldn’t form words. Instead she looked up into his face with complete and unadulterated trust. “Mmm,” she murmured weakly.

  “This is completely your decision, okay?” Tyler paused, waiting for Ava to confirm she understood.

  “Okay?”

  “Around that corner are going to be reporters. They are going to want photos and comments and basically just annoy the crap out of me. It shouldn’t take too long, but I can’t avoid it.”

  “Okay.”

  “It’s up to you whether you step out into that with me or I go alone. I’m more than fine either way. I’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with.”

  Suddenly Tyler’s words sunk in. She knew what he was asking her. Did she want to put herself on the front page or would she prefer to slip unnoticed into the night. “If it’s okay…” Ava’s voice trailed.

  “Absolutely.” Tyler promised. He didn’t need her to finish the sentence, he already had his answer. “Why don’t you go out first and I’ll come out in a few minutes. Amanda and Katie are at my car. If you want to wait for me there, I’ll be there as soon as I can and we’ll go find some food.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Ava agreed happily, reaching up on her tip-toes to kiss Tyler’s cheek. “Thank you for understanding.”

  “Anytime,” he swore, reaching out and taking her hand. “Take these.” He dropped his keys into her outstretched fingers.

  “Thanks.”

  “See you soon,” Tyler growled, his voice thick with promise.

  Ava didn’t want to move. Her feet felt heavy, but she couldn’t face the media. She‘d already had enough of them. And there was no way she was going to let them ruin her night. Not tonight. Ava forced one foot in front of the other as she strode out of the doors. Camera flashes almost blinded her but thankfully they didn’t block her hasty exit.

  And then as quickly as it had started it stopped. As soon as she heard his voice she knew why. Tyler Andrews had just stepped into his spotlight.

  “Wow! There’s so many out tonight.” He chuckled, sending tingles down Ava’s spine.

  Shaking her head, she knew she had to get out of there, but as soon as she stole a glance over her shoulder, all of her good ideas were abandoned. Instead of walking away, she froze and turned to watch as Tyler commanded the attention of the circus that was circling him.

  “Tyler!” a short, square man called out. “Another great night for you.”

  “You have no idea,” Tyler answered automatically as his trademark smirk crawled over his face.

  “You seem to be enjoying your swimming again.”

  “Yeah, I am. I think the changes that I have made have been good for me.”

  “Is this change permanen
t then?” the squat man probed.

  Ava forgot to breathe. She couldn’t drag her eyes from Tyler. He definitely had a commanding presence. When she felt a hand on her hip, Ava jumped, but was relieved to see Amanda standing beside her. And when Katie stepped to her other side, Ava felt stronger than she ever knew was possible.

  “I think so,” Tyler said hopefully, his eyes landing on Ava. “If they’ll put up with me.” Tyler’s honesty instantly calmed them and earned him a laugh from the crowd, which had now swelled to more than thirty, some holding phones, others microphones and cameras, while the news crews were providing the spotlight.

  “I’m sure that you’ve heard the rumours going around suggesting a certain author might have something to do with this newfound lease on life,” a flirty, blonde-haired, big-boobed, Bambi-eyed reporter asked in her most seductive bedroom voice.

  Ava wanted to pummel her where she stood. The realisation of how intense her jealousy was knocked her sideways. Ava knew she had no claim on Tyler, and for the first time, she wished she had been stronger and had stayed at his side. Inwardly Ava cursed her own stupidity at making yet again another wrong decision. Now all she could do was hope she’d get another chance. Hopefully she wasn’t so stupid to make the same mistake twice.

  “Yeah, I’ve heard something along those lines.” Tyler grinned, giving nothing away.

  Ava felt herself step backwards and shrink into the darkness. She wanted Tyler to stop watching her. Surely someone would notice and then she’d be caught. But Tyler’s penetrating gaze never wavered.

  “So, Tyler, I guess the question on everyone’s mind these days is what is your relationship status?”

  “That’s what’s on everyone’s mind? That’s just sad,” Tyler laughed at the over-dramatics.

  Ava’s heart stopped.

  Without blinking, Tyler’s stare never budged. “I’m not single,” Tyler stated strongly, leaving no room for question.

  Gasps echoed through the crowd. For years they’d asked the same question over and over and over again. Every time that Tyler had been spotted with someone the question had been asked. And every time Tyler had given the same tired answer. ‘I’m still looking.’ But tonight he’d shocked them all. He was off the market.