Fearless by Chris O'Guinn Page A

with it. The good thing was that I had to focus so hard on making my stupid arms and legs move in the right rhythm that I forgot all about Jimmy and the possibility he was plotting my death.
    After practice, I was worn out. But it was a good worn out, the sort of worn out that reminded me I had done good. I thought maybe I could get used to that.
    “Justin, can I talk to you a second?”
    “Sure, coach,” I said, wrapping my towel around my shoulders.
    “I was wondering if you could hang around for a little bit? There’s someone I want you to meet.”
    “Er, okay….”
    “You’re doing really good, Justin. With you and Jimmy, I think the Frosh-Soft team can do okay this year. But you’re going to have to work.”
    “I thought I was.”
    Lancaster actually smiled. “You have, but it’s going to take more to get you to where I know you can be. We’ve got just over a month to get you ready. You up for that, son?”
    “I guess.”
    “Good. He’ll be here in a few minutes, so just take a seat.”
    “Okay.” I headed over to Liam, who questioned me with his eyes. “Coach wants me to meet somebody. Can you chill for a bit?”
    “Sure.” Liam gave me a proud look. “You really took that Jimmy down. It was priceless.”
    I blushed. “You liked?”
    “Liked? I have it all on video! It’ll get a million views on YouTube!”
    “You what? Dude! That’s so not cool! You can’t—”
    Liam laughed. “Kidding.”
    “Asshole,” I griped, glaring at him.
    “Aw, don’t be a hater.”
    I rolled my eyes at him. “Jimmy’s going to kick my ass.”
    “Or do something to it, anyway.”
    “Dude!” I hunkered down, embarrassed. “You’re terrible.”
    “I’m just saying, the guy has a real thing for stripping other dudes.”
    “That makes him a jerk, not gay.”
    “Sorry to tell you, buddy, but a person can be both of those things.”
    I grumbled, not doubting that for a second. Lancaster called me over and as I came up to him my eyes fixed on the drop dead sexy dude standing next to him. I didn’t know him, but I’d seen him in passing. He had bronze skin, the sort that you have to be born with because no amount of tanning will ever match it. His dark hair was buzzed short, like nearly down to the scalp. I supposed that made it easier to get the swim cap on and off. He was almost as tall as me, which was unusual. I’m used to looking downward when talking to people.
    “Justin, this is Kanoa. He’s on the varsity team.”
    “Hey,” the gorgeous guy said.
    I searched in vain for the vocabulary I’d been using my whole life. After an embarrassing several seconds, I managed to mumble something that combined “Hey” with “Hello” and then had a dash of “Hi” tacked onto it for added stupidity.
    I am doomed to live a lonely, virginal life, I tell you.
    “Kanoa is one of our best swimmers. I’ve asked him if he can help you out, and he said yes.”
    “Coach says you’ve got potential.”
    Of course he had a gorgeous smile; perfectly straight teeth, a slight upward quirk at the left corner, an adorable crinkling around his eyes. I looked into that radiant, friendly grin and lost all capacity for thought. I’m not kidding. My brain just totally shut down on me. I don’t think I was even able to breathe.
    “He does,” Lancaster said. “I think he could be your successor.”
    “Oh, he’s going to fill my suit when I’m gone?”
    I almost passed out. “Huh?”
    Kanoa looked down at his toes. “Sorry, that was gross. Not sure where that came from.” He looked at me then with a sheepish smile. “Well, Justin, what do you say? You want to train with me?”
    I nodded, since I didn’t trust my vocal cords.
    “Cool. Can you be at school at seven AM? That way we can use the pool and the weight room without interfering with classes. Bring your gym clothes.”
    I nodded again, my mind still blank. There was just too much flying at me. Coach thought I was that good? Kanoa was going to be my