Page 18 of Made Better Together

Her hair long and curled, honey highlights glinting in the lights of the room, her cheeks blush, and her lips plump and shiny. I watch, mesmerized, as her eyes dart around, searching with lively curiosity.

You looking for me, Eden?

The three seconds it takes for her to find me give me a chance to admire her for the first time in a year.

Not surprisingly, she’s still got that perfect mix of curves and muscles I can’t resist. Her pale blue dress has little straps that tie around her neck, but otherwise leave so much of her toned shoulders and arms revealed. A hint of cleavage appetizingly pops out of the top, which fits like a glove on her.

I scan down her frame, appreciating how her hips flare out the dress. The fabric hits above her knees, showing off those strong soccer calves. Absolute perfection, all the way around.

Maybe it’s only the air conditioning, but goose bumps prickle up my arms.

Then the three seconds pass, and her eyes reach mine.

A smile shoots across my face. Yes, here I am.

5

EDEN

FOUR MINUTES EARLIER

It’d been torture waiting to come down for dinner the last twenty minutes. Dad and Tina had been chatting with the other coaches and their wives, no one seeming to be in a hurry to get downstairs.

Downstairs—where I knew a certain blond-haired man with those sexy black glasses was going to be.

Then Nat, returned to us by Johnson’s sister, had tugged on my hand.

“Eden, I need to go to the bathroom. Do you know where it’s at?”

She’s old enough to handle her business herself, but in a strange location, I felt obligated to escort her.

Finally, when we made our way back to our parents, they’d been ready to go down.

“Perfect timing,” Dad observed.

Now, as we take the steps to the first floor, one by one, my anticipation rises.

Luckily, I don’t have to wait long before it’s satisfied. Once we stroll through the door into the ballroom, I spot Connor within a matter of seconds.

Our eyes link, and whoosh—it’s like I can’t look anywhere else.

In the meantime, my dad has been greeted by Landon. I’ve never officially met him, and have only seen Rawley from afar once, but they’re very recognizable as famous members of the Waves.

“Glad you could come, Del. Congrats on your new position. We’d have missed you in the locker room.”

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dad moves on to where Rawley stands next to Connor, as Tina comes forward to shake hands with Landon. Connor tears his eyes away from me, his smile dropping into his normal stoic expression.

“Del—or Coach Del, I should say. Thanks for coming,” Rawley spouts enthusiastically. “What table are they at, Landon?”

“Eight,” Connor responds.

“Huh, good memory,” Rawley remarks before looking at me for the first time. He twists back to Connor, eyes narrowing.

Hmmm, what does he know?

“We appreciate being included in this special day,” Tina says as she stands back by Dad.