Her smile says she believes me. Sydney doesn’t often need or request my praise, but after seeing how happy she was when Jonah fawned over her earlier, I realize I need to be quicker to give it. A job I’m happy to do.

I stand and close the distance between us. Running my hand down her arm, because I can’t freaking help myself, I breathe her in. She smells like my shampoo and body wash and fuck, why is that so hot?

“You look pretty good yourself.” She places a hand on my chest. It’s when she compliments me that I realize I may not have been doling out the praise, but she always has. A new shirt or even an old one that she thinks fits me well, a good hair day, little things sometimes, but she’s always looked for, and been verbal about, the ways I impress her.

I’m a fucking idiot.

“Let’s go show you off.” I hold my arm out, and she grabs on to my bicep.

The Cove is only about five minutes by boat but by car it takes us almost thirty. The Uber pulls up to the front door and I climb out behind Sydney.

The bar is at the front of the place leaving room for tables on the back half that look out at the lake. We squeeze in and order drinks. A band is set up on one side and they’re covering a Heart song. Sydney sways in place to the music.

“I know that look,” I tell her, shaking my head. “I’m going to have to carry you off the dance floor tonight, aren’t I?”

She grins. Yep, that’s a yes.

We take our drinks and weave through the crowd. Jonah is easy to spot, especially since he’s somehow commandeered three tables. They’re pushed together and pitchers of beer and empty shot glasses line the surface.

“Hey!” Jonah calls out when he sees us. “Syd, I saved you a seat next to me.”

She rushes off without hesitation and I take the only other seat on the opposite side by Ollie and a couple of guys I recognize from the boat yesterday.

The band continues to cover popular songs from the past thirty years which fits the mix of ages in here.

I’m half-listening to the guys and sneaking glances at Sydney across the table. She and Jonah talk and laugh. He stands and helps her to her feet.

“So, Tanner,” Ollie starts, pulling my attention away from the hot, blonde otherwise known as my best friend. “Which are you going to do after college, baseball or basketball? I assume they’re both scouting you.”

“I’m not sure.” I finish off my beer and set it on the table.

“Maybe you could do like Michael Jordan did. Play a few years of one and then switch.”