Diving Into You

Chapter Seven

Riley

This was it, the chance to go from intern to actual journalist. It’s what the last few years of my life had been gearing towards. All those sleepless nights trying to juggle a job with school not to mention many thousands of dollars.

It was strange that it had all come down to this. Just a few moments would make or break my career. And I wasn’t about to ruin it now.

Smoothing down the slim pencil skirt, I have myself the once over. Eve had been right I couldn’t do this as me, I had to look professional, suave. Unfortunately for me I didn’t have anything to make me look sexy professional like Eve or Marilyn but I looked …. Ok. The pencil skirt hugged my slim legs , making them seem longer especially with the spike heels I had put on once I had got out my car. My blouse was pale pink , almost boxy but the colour suited my complexion.

Yes I looked fine.

I would look better than fine if I wasn’t so nervous beads of sweat weren’t running down my face. The make up I had taken so long to do was going to be running down my face before I even got to the interview if I weren’t careful.

Dabbing some powder under my eyes and swiping some peach gloss across my lips I shook my shoulders out.

Show time.

Pushing my way into the area that held the media was harder than I thought it would be. The fans that were milling about were young and mostly female. Their excitement tangible .

Was swimming really such a big draw to women my age? Or were they just here to watch Elliot.

I was guessing the latter.

I didn’t see the elbow until it was too late as an over zealous fan rushed past me, it jabbed into my ribs causing me to lose my footing. Giving a small shriek I toppled and would have gone down if a thick hand hadn’t caught me by the bicep. Fighting me.

“Easy little lady.”

I blinked , recognising the voice as warm brown eyes stared down at me.

“Well well we’ll.” his drawl made me smile as we walked the rest of the way together. “If it isn’t little Riley, Marilyn finally giving you interns a chance or are you still glorified personal assistants to the ice queen herself?”

I laughed , I couldn’t help it. “Still the last one I’m afraid.”

“Yet here you are.” His face surveyed me. He was only a few years older than I was. Just finishing his internship when I was starting.

Marilyn hadn’t employed him and I wasn’t the only sad woman in the office that day. Johnny was full of life and fun. And he was a damn good journalist. It hadn’t taken him long at all to find another job.

He gave me hope.

Maybe he saw it in my face. “Ah little Riley, you up on the chopping block if you don’t do this well? I wouldn’t worry to much about it. You’re a good reporter, you will get what she needs. Have a Little faith.” He squeezed my arm.

“She wants Elliot’s interview.”

The warmth drained from his eyes. “She wants you to get Elliot’s interview otherwise you are sacked?”

Mutely I nodded.

Johnny swore. “Damn girl, no one can get that mans interview. Not even Marilyn . She’s set you up for the fall.”

I swallowed hard. “Seems that way but doesn’t mean I won’t do my best.”

“Of course little lady, and if she does fire you come and find me. I’m sure I can help you out somehow.”

“Thank you.” Awkwardly I patted his shoulder. “Means so much Johnny.”

“Oh stop with the mushy stuff now, it’s about to start.”

I followed his eyes but just couldn’t muster up the same enthusiasm as Johnny could as he watched the races.

Pool side was sticky and humid, the stench of chemicals clung to my nose as I took out my phone and started scrolling.

Elliot Davis.

The elusive man with his model good looks and our ticket to several gold medals. How many hours had I spent researching him.

Too many.

And I had found very little. There was no nothing concrete on his past, nothing but rumours. He was rarely seen with a woman and when he was it was always some model or actress who was clinging to his arm and staring up at his face like he was a god.

He never seemed to be photographed with the same woman twice.

He was a total mystery. And I was meant to be the one who unravelled it? Me? When thousands before me hadn’t be able to.

It was impossible.

“Riley.” I flicked my eyes up from the screen, acknowledging the cameraman Marilyn had assigned to me with a nod.

The crowd was going crazy and I didn’t need to know who had just walked out. His lithe body seemed to glow in the over head light.

My eyes weren’t the only ones to drift over those wash board abs , the narrow hips that tapered down into.. my eyes skirted away.

That ass.

The most famous ass in America if not the world. Barely contained in his trunks. Trunks which left absolutely nothing to the imagination. “Holy cow.” I muttered it under my breath and next to me Johnny laughed.

We watched in silence as he swam, Elliot looked more comfortable in the water than he did out of it.

Beautiful and graceful and unbelievably fast.

I couldn’t help but clap with everyone else when he emerged from the pool victorious. But I couldn’t dwell on the euphoria that filled the space for long. I had a job to do.

And I was going to do it.

Or at least try.

“Elliot.” My voice joined the chorus of others that called to him. Every single one of clamouring for his attention.

“Elliot.” I called louder this time. And he paused as if he heard my voice above all others.

This was it. My chance.

“Ell…” I wasn’t sure what had pushed me, but I stumbled forward, my heel went from under me . Trying to right myself before I landed on my face my arms thrashed out. I grabbed onto the first thing I came into contact with.

I grabbed onto Elliot Davis ass. Tugging those snug trunks down over one golden brown cheek.

The stadium exploded into life but I barely heard it as strangely familiar deep blue eyes speared me to the spot. Strong hands rugged me up right but didn’t let go.

“Don’t you think you have grabbed my ass enough!” His voice was mocking but I barely had time to react before the lights of a hundred flashes blinded me.