Dave handed him the skis, and Aelin moved to the back of the boat with the sunscreen, helping the girls apply while Ryan got settled.
He nodded. "Hit it."
Leo hit the gas, and Ryan's body surged out of the water, first try. His form was perfect, knees bent, arms straight, and within seconds, he was skimming across the lake.
"Holy shit, that little liar."
"Mom!" Bailey gave her a look.
She winced. "Sorry."
"What did he lie about?" Bailey asked.
Aelin backpedaled. "He didn't lie, he just made it sound like he didn't have much experience skiing."
Amaya laughed. "He grew up with a boat. They had a private lake."
Aelin's jaw dropped as she turned back to find him grinning at her. He held on with one hand, leaning back with his hair whipping behind him as he casually crossed the wake and cut into the pristine blue.
The boat picked up speed, and Ryan leaned into the turns, slicing through the water. He jumped the wake, his body momentarily suspended in the air, then landed with only a slight wobble. He cut back and forth, his body fluid and strong, and Aelin cursed under her breath, grateful for the white noise of the engine.
Ryan finished his run, and Leo rounded toward him. The boat slowed as they approached.
Aelin shook her head at him, floating triumphantly in the water. "I feel like you forgot to mention something. Specifically about your time on a private lake?"
Ryan laughed. "You never asked."
"Right. That should always be my first question."
Ryan pulled off his skis and sent them floating toward the boat, then swam after them. He stopped at the ladder, the water lapping at his chest. "Your turn now, I think."
Aelin shrugged. "I think I might wait. Let my mom go first."
Ryan's eyes narrowed. "Hmm."
Aelin scoffed. "Oh please, Iwilldo it, just not right now."
Ryan flicked his hair back and grabbed onto the ladder. "Sure,I get it. No pressure." He winced and hissed air through his teeth, looking down at the water.
"Are you okay?" Aelin tucked her phone into her shirt and climbed up onto the back of the boat.
"Yeah, I just—" His hand slipped on the ladder. "Here, can you—?" He motioned for her to come closer.
"What—?" She leaned forward to see what he was trying to show her, and as soon as her hand hit the boat, Ryan's hand circled around her wrist. He tugged, and Aelin went flying over his head into the lake.
Her body hit the chilly water like a sledgehammer, and she gasped, her vision blurring. The cold seeped into her bones as she kicked, spluttering as she broke the surface. She launched herself at him. "What the hell?"
"Mom, don't swear!" Bailey yelled over the side.
Ryan caught her wrists, laughing as he lowered her arms to her sides and pulled her against his chest. "I'm sorry, I had to."
"Had to? That's a lame-ass explanation," she hissed.
His jaw brushed her cheek as he bobbed, treading water. "It was what Fun Ryan would've done." He released her, then climbed up the ladder, his legs disappearing over the side. Aelin's teeth chattered as she looked up at her sister. "Mariah, can you hand me the skis?"
Mariah pursed her lips, trying not to laugh. "Mmhmm."
Aelin shook her head. "Don't."
