Although we have played as a team before when Manny is visiting, I am more excited this time. Alec took his sweatshirt off that was matching his sweatpants and left his white shirt on. The contour of his body is now more prominent. Around his neck is a silver chain with a black stone pendant. He was mindful to tuck the necklace inside his white shirt as we began playing. I made sure Alec and Riel were on the same team, and I teamed up with Josh.
Alec obviously plays basketball a lot because of the way he manipulates the ball and us to score. He is excellent at long shots and defense. He blocked my every attempt to shoot with ease. The few times he tried to steal the ball from me, he held my waist and back making me want to have the ball all the time.
By halftime, he was already comfortable enough to rest his arms on my shoulder. I didn't mind it at all. As sweaty as he is, I can still smell a faint baby powder smell on him. I grabbed one of the clean towels that Nana Ying brought out while we were playing. Alec was focused on a discussion with Josh, sweat dripping from his face to his chest. I didn't want to interrupt them, and without thinking, I started wiping his neck with the towel I was holding. Alec was still talking to Josh when he reached out for the towel I was holding, and without realizing it, he grabbed my hand. I didn't react to it and slowly pulled my hand out, leaving the towel in his hand. My heart started pounding.
I thought nothing of it, since it was an accident. He wouldn't intentionally grab my hand. He wouldn't purposely touch me and make my heart skip a beat again. We continued playing, but I couldn't seem to focus well. Josh asked me a couple of times if I was tired. I shook my head and assured him I was alright. Riel and Alec are winning by six points. Riel is obviously enjoying the game.
I cant help thinking, 'Is it because we are playing team game or is it because of Alec?'
I am normally competitive, but it didn't seem to matter today. My eyes kept venturing towards Alec's sweaty body, and I was unable to concentrate on winning. I know it doesn't matter to Josh. He plays most of the time just to have a reason to spend time with me. We finished the game with Alec and Riel winning. Josh made a promise to be back next weekend to treat them to lunch. We made a lunch bet for the winners before starting the game, and it was Alec's idea. He made sure Riel was okay with it before suggesting it to us. The little things he does that are so gentlemanly make him look so adorable.
My eyes went searching for Riel, wondering if she was still focusing on Alec like she had earlier. I am bothered by how I felt about that. I am probably resenting that Riel is now paying attention to Alec. I did think that I would be fine with it, but it seems like there will be a problem.
Riel was wiping her sweat when my eyes finally landed on her. Unconsciously, I looked at Alec to see if he was looking at Riel, but Alec was walking towards me while drinking water from his sports cup.
Josh was talking to Riel when he yelled that he would take a shower, which made me switch my focus to him. I nodded, then felt a wet skin on my left arm. Alec is now sitting beside me, close enough that our bodies are touching.
My heart started beating fast again. My brain seemed to have frozen because I couldn't think of anything to say. I can feel my sweat getting cold, although my body is warm from being in the sun.
I didn't realize Riel was standing in front of us until she called my name louder.
"Neighbor..."
I was startled and quickly looked at her. "Huh... What?"
"You feel like going for a swim?" Riel asked.
"Sure." I nonchalantly answered.
I looked at Alec. "I have swimming shorts I can let you use if you want."
Alec nodded. "It'll be perfect to cool us down."
Riel excused herself to go home and change. I got up and, without looking at Alec, started walking towards the side gate that would lead to the pool. Still not looking at him, I showed him where the pool shower room is.
"I'll get the swimming shorts and towels." I said this as I walked towards the sliding door to get inside the house.
"I'll go with you. We can change in your room."
This damn heart won't stop doing this. Why is it beating so fast again?
I turned around and finally looked at Alec, telling him he might want to ask Lo-Ri if she wants to swim with us.
Alec's smile disappeared slowly as he nodded.
"I'll grab the shorts and towels, you go see Lo-Ri. It's that room at the end of the hallway with Grace's name on it."
Alec placed his hands on my shoulder as we walked past the sliding door. My heart hasn't stopped beating, and I don't know what to do.