Page 68 of Beyond the Stroke

“You make it sound like we’re in the 1800s marrying for a dowry.”

“No, we’d be marrying to keep your parents off your back so you can train with no distractions. So you can qualify for another summer games and shatter all the records.”

His lips spring into a grin. “I like your confidence in me.”

“Yeah, well,” I smile back, “I think you’ve got potential, Flipper.”

I move to tap him on the nose, but before my finger lands, he catches my wrist and presses his lips to my palm. “Thank you, Wildflower.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest squeeze. It also reminds me we need to agree on the most important rule of all.

“Just so we’re clear, you’re not allowed to fall in love with me.”

“Okay.” He smirks. “That means you’re not allowed to fall for me, either.”

“Not a problem.” I pull my hand back to break the connection between us.

It’s silent for a minute, before I add, “Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t.” He stretches again, sighing with exhaustion. “I’m going to be the best fake husband.”

I don’t doubt that Rory would be a good husband, but something about the way he says it makes it feel like a threat. A vision of a life together flashes in my mind. Beach camping under the stars, nights cuddled on the couch, early morning walks with Edgar before Rory heads off to the pool for training.

We’ve done none of those things together, yet the image is so vivid.

None of that aligns with what I’ve witnessed marriage to be. What I’ve experienced in previous relationships.

What am I agreeing to?

With the quiet around me, my thoughts start to spiral.

A few minutes later, I open my mouth to take it all back, but Rory’s already asleep.

seventeen

. . .

RORY

“What’s this?” Logan holds up his phone from where he’s standing in front of his locker. Naked.

“A wedding invitation,” I say, pulling on my jammer.

“It’syourwedding invitation,” Logan replies, confused.

“I know.”

I sent the text ten minutes ago, right before I walked into the aquatic center.

“What? I didn’t see that.” Charlie grabs his phone, brows wrinkling. Relief flashes across his face when he finds the invitation. But it vanishes just as fast. “It’s for tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I’m aware.”

Most of the team is already on the pool deck warming up. After Summer agreed to marry me last night, I booked an appointment at the courthouse for tomorrow at eleven. I want to keep it low-key, but there was no way I wouldn’t invite the guys.

“Have you seen this?” Charlie asks Eli, who’s just walked over to his locker.

“Logan’s dick?” Eli smirks. “Hasn’t everyone?”

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