Chapter Seven
Kurt closed his eyes and relaxed his arms and legs, letting the cool water rush over him in a wave. He sank to the floor of the pool, silent and still and focused, his posture belying the turmoil inside. He found quiet beneath the surface. Serenity. A temporary escape from the surety of rejection and falling short that had begun to insert themselves into his identity again. When his shoulders tensed and the burning in his lungs became unbearable, Kurt released the breath he’d been holding and pushed himself to the surface. Water streamed from his hair into his eyes and he grabbed for the edge of the pool. Fingers closed over his, bringing him to the side.
Kurt opened his eyes and came face to face with James kneeling by the side of the pool, his eyes a brilliant blue, refle
