“Are you guys ready?” Finn asked, interrupting my wandering thoughts.
Adam turned, revealing dark goggles that obscured his beautiful eyes. His jaw was taut, his body stiff, and when he nodded to my son, I knew he meant business.
I made my way to the edge of the pool. “Let’s do this.”
Adam moved to my side, but I didn’t dare peek up. He was huge in comparison, and I wouldn’t let that deter me.
Grayson snorted. “I’m pretty sure there’s a size advantage here. Maybe Adam should give Cassidy a head start.”
Adam and I glared at him. “No,” we shot back in unison.
“Alright.” Grayson shrugged. “Four laps. Freestyle.”
With a deep breath, I stared into the water, clearing my mind and conjuring focus, until Finn screamed, “Go!”
With a perfect take-off, I dove into the water, resurfacing a second behind Adam. As if I hadn’t missed a day’s training in my life, I pounded through the water, desperately wanting to stay in the game. To my surprise, I kept my pace. I performed each stroke with precision, but I needed an edge to keep up with Adam’s sheer size.
On the final lap, I pushed aside my pride and took Adam’s advice. I straightened my body and focused on my kicking technique. I regained the distance I’d lost and was now matching Adam’s stroke to two strokes of mine.
The screaming grew louder in the final few meters, but when my palm slammed against the wall, everything silenced.
Adam tore off his goggles the moment we surfaced and met my stunned gaze.
“Looks like you’ve met your match, Adam!” Josie laughed. “I’d call that a tie.”
His eyes flew to my smiling face. “Bullshit.”
Grayson held his bouncing chest. “If you want proof, we can review the security footage.”
“No!” Adam and I exclaimed together.
Josie watched us in amusement. “Wow, you guys are in sync today.”
I gnashed my teeth, shooting Adam a “you-fucking-better-have-deleted-that-footage” look.
“I’m happy to call it a tie,” Adam muttered with a grimace.
Finn jumped up and down. “Does that mean you both get prizes?”
“No, no.” A nervous laugh left my mouth as I waded toward the ladder. An hour alone with Adam was bound to get me into more trouble. “It was just a bit of fun, Finn. Prizes aren’t necessary.”
“That sucks.” Finn folded his arms. “I told Adam what your favorite crystal is.”
I wrapped myself in a towel. “Aw, thanks, kiddo, but you didn’t need to do that.”
“I know. I just thought you could score something cool out of it.”
I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed.
“Gross, Mom! You’re all wet!”
“Hey, Finn,” Josie called out as everyone was filing out of the room. “We’re going to take Luci for a walk. Want to come with us while your mom and Adam dry off?”
His eyes brightened. “Can I hold the leash?” Finn always wanted a dog.
“Of course!” He glanced back as he raced toward the door. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours, Adam!”
“What’s happening in a couple of hours?” I asked once everyone was gone.