Pawsitively Improvised

Lesson 1

Chapter 8

Never try to outwit someone two steps ahead. That’s the lesson she had thoroughly learned. He had backed her into a corner with his challenge, which was how she found herself standing in the pool room awaiting her first private swimming class. She was so upset over the situation it was a surprise steam wasn’t coming out of her ears.

He had given her an hour to take care of Renaldo, get her swimwear, and return to the pool. Well, she was on time at least and her four-legged ward was content for now. Two out of three wasn’t bad. As Jude entered the room, he took one look at her before bursting out in laughter.

“It’s not funny.” Reigning himself in, she shook his head at her.

“What are you wearing?” She took mild offense at his question. She had gone through all her clothing before settling on what she deemed ‘swim wear’.

“What’s wrong with it?” Glancing down at herself, she found nothing wrong with the navy t-shirt and brown plaid boxer shorts she had on.

“You look like you’re ready for bed, not swimming.”

“These aren’t pajamas.”

“It is at my house.” Before she could stop herself, the question was out. She had only herself to blame for the answer she received.

“You wear a t-shirt and boxers to bed?”

“Well, boxers anyway. Why? What do you sleep in?” The cheeky grin on his face told her he was aware of how uncomfortable he was making her. She would even wager that he was enjoying it.

“That’s none of your business. Can we get started?”

“A proper swimsuit wouldn’t weigh you down like what you have on is all I was getting at.” Sure, he was, and she was born yesterday too.

“I don’t own a bathing suit.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Can’t swim, remember? I didn’t have a use for one.”

“Not even for sunbathing?”

“Why would I do that?” Shaking his head, he began to climb into the pool.

“I forgot it wasn’t on your list.” Gritting her teeth, she decided it would be a miracle if they lived past the next hour. Him because she was likely to strangle him and her because she would drown with no one there to save her.

“Well, get in already. What are you waiting for?” Faced with the start of her lesson, her annoyance was pushed aside by nerves as they made an appearance.

“Don’t I need water wings or a floaty of some kind?”

“I won’t let you drown, Kira. Come on.” Moving to the ladder, she descended on shaky legs. Opting to push her jitters away with snark, she muttered out the first thought in her head.

“I will if you’re dead.”

“What was that?” Gasping, her hands let go of the ladder in reflex, causing her to fall backwards into the water. Her entire focus had been on the rungs that she failed to notice him swimming over to her until he spoke right beside her.

She had been entirely wrong in them both meeting their end in the pool. She was certain that she would drown long before she could ever get her hands on his neck. Jude was quick to react. Reaching under her body, he managed to keep her afloat. Squealing in panic, she gripped his broad shoulders, looking around at the water.

“I told you I wouldn’t let you drown.” His breath hit her ear as he spoke to her in reassurance. Snapping her head in his direction, she nearly bumped his nose with her own. Her eyes widened at her mistake, loosening her hands to let go. He tightened his hold on her, keeping her held against his upper body in response. She became acutely aware of his bare upper half, which she had failed to notice earlier.

“You need to relax or you’re going to sink.” She looked up at him through her lashes, trying to gauge what he was up to now. Her muscles eased when she found no playful hints on his features. He was all business now and his expression was nothing but serious.

“Okay.” She breathed out a sigh, willing her body to listen. His change in demeanor set a new tone that soothed her mind and set the pace of their first lesson together.

For the next hour he was in charge, and she followed his instructions diligently. Even though the only things he had her working on were floating and blowing bubbles. There was a cathartic sensation to the weightless feeling that bordered on a giddy feeling. By the time that the sixty minutes were done, she had found that she could at least float while prone without his help. The sense of accomplishment that flooded her system was much like the feeling she got when reaching a goal. If this was how each class was going to proceed, she might enjoy the activity. She was practically salivating at the thought of swimming laps for a new exercise. She decided right then and there that that was to be her new ambition. It lifted her spirits just thinking about hitting it. Who knew she might actually relish swimming?

Jude helped her from the pool once they were done. She shivered a bit as the air of the room greeted her wet form. The water had been much warmer. Strolling over to a nearby chair, he picked up two towels. Handing one to her, he began drying off with the other.

“Okay, let’s go get changed and then I’ll lock up behind us.”

“Changed?” When she had switched clothing at home earlier, it hadn’t dawned on her to bring a dry set for after. Jude slung his towel over his shoulder as he took in her facial expression.

“You didn’t bring any clothes with you, did you?” She wanted to argue with him. A habit that was becoming a knee jerk reaction for her when she was around him. It was a fight she would lose rather quickly, unfortunately.

“It’s fine. It’s not that far of a walk to my building.” He shook his head with a frown.

“It may not be, but I can guarantee the air outside is colder than what’s in here. Come on.”

They made their way out of the pool room twenty minutes later, stopping long enough to lock the door behind them. Jude smiled happily as he led the way out of the rec center. Any remarks he was thinking of, he wisely kept to himself. At least until they were standing on the sidewalk.

“Same time tomorrow?” She wanted to snap at him, but he didn’t deserve it. She was solely at fault for her current state. Not trusting herself and her now sour mood, she only nodded before turning to head home. His laughter rang out at her back as she hunched her shoulders, stomping away. It was the second time in two days that she ended up wearing his clothes while carrying her wet set home with her. She vowed right then and there it would be the last time she would have to.