Page 210 of Made Better Together

“I think this arrangement probably violates the safety clause in at least one of the multi-million dollar contracts represented on this boat,” I whisper to Eden,.

“Haha, don’t leak any pictures on social media.”

The boat engine starts humming. “We’re going to the cove?” I shout to Landon.

He nods. It’s our go-to spot for outings—an accidental discovery years ago when Landon was jetting around. Gorgeous views, an uninhabited beach, and shallow waters where we can swim.

When we reach our destination, Landon throws down the anchor, leading Rawley, Avery, and Grover to all jump into the water in succession.

“Avery, don’t do anything crazy and get injured,” Rori shouts. “I’m supposed to come to your game tomorrow.” Close friends now, their mutual ribbing is almost as constant as between Landon and my brother.

“You’re the one talking, Reilly.” She splashes the water. “Are you stuck on the boat with your brace?”

“Nah, it can get wet. I’m just chilling.” Rori grabs a seltzer.

“Are you out of commission long?” Eden asks her.

“Luckily, it’s only a tweak. I should be back to normal by the US Open warm-up tourneys.” She turns to Landon. “Though I am getting old, right, Superstar?” She winks at him.

“Baby, if you’re old at twenty-four, I’m in a world of hurt at twenty-seven.”

“Here, Landon, I think Grover wants to get back on the boat,” Rawley calls from the water before helping the pup over the side.

“He might be hungry.”

The word triggers a growl from my stomach. “Me too, I guess.”

“You should have eaten more lunch,” Eden says.

“I was too busy eating something else,” I whisper in her ear.

Apparently I wasn’t quiet enough. “I’m going to ignore what I just heard,” Johnson says. “Landon, what do we have? I could definitely eat.”

Landon and Rori get us situated with dinner, while Rawley and Avery are joined by Grace and Eden to swim. Another hour passes lazily. The sun is slowly starting to droop down, and they get on board too.

“Will we hear any fireworks out here?” Eden asks.

“No, but it’s for the best,” Landon says. “They freak out Grover.”

“The colors of the sunset are so gorgeous anyway,” Grace adds. “We don’t need anything else.”

We’re all quiet as we take in the visuals that match her words. It truly is idyllic.

“I think we should make some toasts,” Landon says after the moment passes.

“Yes,” we all agree.

“First, happy one-year anniversary, Grace and Johnson.”

“Yay!” Rori says, and we all take sips of our drinks to repeated calls of “Happy Anniversary.”

Once we’ve set our drinks down, Grace toasts next.

“And happy new contract to Connor.”

I can hardly believe it, but the Miami team needed a kicker for the upcoming season—and they signed me. I’m legitimately a starting placekicker in the NFL. With a contract that now touches seven figures, and a lot of incentives if I stay successful. I guess helping a team win throughout the playoffs, all the way through the Super Bowl, opens doors.

“I’m sorry I won’t be with the Waves anymore.” My eyes gravitate to my oldest brother.