He shrugged, grinning. “I bring offerings. I should be worshiped.”
Ali snorted. “Oh please. You bring carbs and suddenly you’re a god?”
“To be fair,” Abigail called from the water, “He broughtmultiplecarbs. That counts for something.”
Ali reached for a slice and took a slow, dramatic bite—eyes locked on his like she wasdaringhim to say something. “Well, your holiness…we thank you for your sacred delivery.”
He chuckled, low and warm, and leaned in so only she could hear. “Careful, Presley. You keep looking at me like that, and I’m gonna make you eat that pizza in my lap.”
She choked on her bite.
And it was absolutely worth it.
Dylan adjusted his laptop on his desk in his office, angling the camera so the sunlight from the back windows wasn’t blowing out the screen. His hoodie sleeves were pushed up, hair still a little damp from the pool earlier. The smell of sunscreen and pepperoni lingered faintly in the air.
Kallie’s face popped up first, her brunette curls pulled into a high knot, glasses perched low on her nose. “You look suspiciously happy. Where are you, McKenzie?”
“Home in Lake Nona,” he said, leaning back on the stool. “Girls are outside...”
“Good. We’ve got Coach Peterson joining in a sec.”
Right on cue, the coach’s square filled the screen—stern face, ball cap, and a Tritons polo.
“Mac,” Coach said with a curt nod. “Kallie said you wanted to talk schedule?”
“Yeah,” Dylan said, voice steady. “Just wanted to put it out there before things get too packed. I’m planning to split myoff-days time this year. I’ll still be based in Orlando for team obligations, but when we’re not in full schedule mode, I’d like to spend part of the week in Georgia.”
Coach’s eyes narrowed just slightly. “Distractions?”
“No, sir. That’s why I’m saying it now. I’ll still be doing everything I’m supposed to—film, lifting, conditioning. Hell, I’ve already scoped gyms near Honeyshore, can drive to MBU if needed, and I’ll be on campus here the rest of the week for practices and team events. Nothing’s changing on my end when it comes to the Tritons.”
Kallie raised a brow. “You’re not trying to pull a Brady and start practicing from the beach, right?”
Dylan smirked. “Nah. But if y’all see me on a paddleboard throwing spirals, don’t be surprised.”
Coach grunted, which was basically his version of a laugh.
“Just keep your priorities straight,” he said. “You’ve been focused and sharp. I don’t care where your home base is when you’re off, as long as your head stays in the game.”
“It will,” Dylan said firmly. “I just... want to be able to breathe a little, too.”
Kallie’s voice softened. “You deserve that.”
Coach nodded again. “Then we’re good. Anything else?”
“Not today,” Dylan said. “Appreciate you.”
Coach Peterson’s screen blinked out, and Dylan reached for his water bottle, twisting the cap just to do something with his hands.
Kallie didn’t log off.
She tilted her head, watching him through the screen like she could read every thought. “So…you’re really doing this, huh?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I mean…I’m not retiring. Not going anywhere. I just—” He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “I need the space. And I want the time.”
“To be with her?” Kallie asked softly.
“To be myself,” he said, then cracked a faint grin. “But yeah. Her, too.”
