“Especially we’ll be on yacht in the Mediterranean,” Con rolls his eyes.
“When did you pack for me? Why are we going on a trip?”
“The band’s back together, that’s why. Get your ass in the limo.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders while Con grabs her hand.
“Why is this a surprise for me?”
“Celebration for the transition of Nelson Securities back to you,” Con says with no hesitation. “I rented a yacht in Greece for the next five days.”
“I don’t have my passport,” she stops halfway in the limo.
“It’s in my pocket,” Con replies. “Between Ivy and myself, you have everything you need for the next five days so relax and get your perfect ass in the limo.”
For a second, she looks like she’s going to argue with him on principle, something I don’t think they’ll ever stop doing. Living with them for the past three years I’ve come to learn the signs of an impending argument. But then she reaches up and kisses him, with disgusting enthusiasm. She pulls away and slides in the limo, and he watches her with that smile she’s only one to get from him.
“You guys are fucking gross,” I say with no heat. “Shouldn’t you be out of this phase by now? No sex in the common areas of the yacht.”
“Says the exhibitionist who’s just been reunited with the love of his life,” Con says with a smirk.
He gets in behind her, and I follow. Griff is handing out flutes of champagne, including giving one to Claire which drags a warning growl from Con.
“Stop it, Connor.” Claire stands off against him with an icy glare of her own. “You were drinking when you like fifteen. I think I can enjoy a glass of champagne, especially considering I’m surrounded by your friends.”
“One.”
“As many as I want.” She grabs the bottle from Griff with a devious smirk and starts chugging.
In order to stop a riot from occurring, I take the bottle from her. “Great idea, Baby V,” I wink at her and chuckle at the scowl she tosses my way. She’s always hated me calling her that. I chug the rest of the bottle and set it back in the ice bucket.
Problem solved.
Ives squeezes my knee, and I set my hand over hers. I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding when she leans her head against my shoulder. Everything feels right.
The limo pulls right up to where the plane is parked on the tarmac. We make sure to let Hoodrat get on first, her second surprise of the trip is waiting on board already. She climbs the stairs with Ivy a step behind. Con and I trailing both of them closely.
“Z!” she screams as soon as she’s on the plane. She’s already wrapped in her best friend’s arms, hanging off him like a giant koala. Zion lived with us for a year in college before he declared for the draft. His mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the Bulls had expressed interest, so he was able to move home and take care of her.
He and Hoodrat have also started some local charities for the neighborhood they grew up in. They’re opening a community center with a free after school program in the fall. He’s taken point on that project with Hoodrat traveling to help as much as she can.
I’m hoping to talk to him about my possible project. The camp that Ivy and I went to is for sale. I’m thinking about buying it and starting the camp back up. They closed their doors for good about six years ago. I always thought it was sad, that place holds so many magical memories for me. The possibility of getting it up and running again is exciting.
“Hey man,” I reach out and clasp hands with Zion when Hoodrat finally disengages. He’s become one of my closest friends over the years. We bonded easily over our love of sports in general but specifically basketball. “How’s Mama Jackie?” I always ask about his mother, who’s taken me in just like she did Hoodrat. I talk to her once every few weeks, but I know she’s never honest about her health, always changing the conversation when I bring it up.
“She’s good. Got a clean bill of health at her last appointment.” He gives Ives a hug. “And I know for sure because I went with her. Annoyed the crap outta her, but you know how she is, always being cagey.”
“Yeah, never a straight answer.” We bump fists. “At some point on this trip, I want to ask you a few questions, get your opinion on something.”
“No doubt. I’ll only be with you guys for two days before I have to get back to Chicago though.”
“Maybe on the plane, once everyone settles down.” I look over at Ivy who’s buckling up beside Griff. “I want to keep this all between us for a bit, until I make my move.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” His mossy green eyes follow mine to Ivy. “I hear you two are back together.”
“Yeah,” I smile, “word travels fast.”
“Lil texted me and Ma first thing Tuesday. I wasn’t even out of bed. I’m happy for you guys.”
“Thanks.” We settle into club chairs across from each other.
“Okay,” Con says dropping into the seat beside me as Griff sits beside Zion, “since Z is only going to be here for two days, I have to propose tomorrow morning.”
“Alright,” I shoot a glance over at the girls who are all curled up in a ball together on the couch behind us, “what’s the plan?”
“She loves sunrises, so I’ve coordinated a sunrise sail around the island we’ll be anchored off of the first two days. Then the chef is preparing a celebratory brunch. You all have to be awake and ready to party when we get back.”
“Of course,” Griff answers.
“I’m always ready to party,” I say.
“I can’t believe Lil is getting married,” Z has a soft smile looking over at her, but then his face turns hard. “You hurt her, just once, I will fucking take you out,” he says to Con.
“I’ll help,” I say.
“I’ll cover it up,” Griff says.
“I won’t.”
“I’ll kill you, too, if you hurt Ivy,” Z says to me with the same hard look.
I hold my hands up, “I’m not the one who does the hurting in our relationship.”
“It’s true.” Con nods.
“So,” I clear my throat, “I have news. I told Dad that I don’t want to work with him after I graduate. Let him know I changed my major last year. I also floated the idea of Ivy taking my spot instead of me.”
“Solid plan,” Griff nods, “she’s top of her class at Yale. She’s always been smart and driven.”
“What’d Frank say?” Con asks.
“He was surprised but didn’t seem too disappointed, especially when I tossed out the idea of Ives coming on board. He really seemed to relax when I mentioned my intention to wife her up. He does want me to keep my seat on the board and continue to participate in the company that way.”
“You’re going to propose?” Con asks with surprise coloring his voice.
“I told her a long time ago I was going to marry her and put like five babies inside her. I won’t steal your thunder, though.” I slap him on the back. “We might be engaged by the time you guys get married.”
“Does Claire know you’re proposing?” Griff asks Con as he looks over at her.
“Yeah, of course.” Con’s affection for his baby sister has only grown over the few years they were separated. “I couldn’t keep something like that from her.”
We all settle in for the remainder of the flight. Griff pulls out a laptop, two tablets, and his phone to work. Zion pulls his hood over his eyes and stretches out. Con taps his thumb on his knee while staring out over the inky midnight Atlantic. I go grab a sleeping Ivy and carry her back to the bedroom to snuggle and nap with.
She barely makes a noise as I pull off her shoes and stretch out beside her. I grab the blanket from the foot of the bed and pull it over us. I can’t help but stare down at her, the dim lights from the main cabin give just enough light for me look at her profile. She grumbles and nuzzles closer to me, making my fucking chest feel like a bomb is about to go off. My love for her feels like an explosion.
&nbs
p; I slide my arm under her and pull her onto my chest. Her soft, brown curls cover my arm. Her delicious fruity scent lingers around us. I’m going to buy the company that makes that perfume and only have it produced for her.
23
IVY
This yacht is incredible. There are three decks with outdoor spaces, tons of water toys, an inflatable slide from the top deck down to the water. Levi and I were lucky enough to snag one of the two master suites. Griff, Claire, and Zion all have single rooms a deck lower than ours.
The interior is decorated with Art Deco details, brilliant white upholstery, and shiny chrome accents. Our suite has a wall of windows facing the be,d and the bathroom is huge with a double shower, which we’ve just taken advantage of.
Levi hands me a signature cocktail from the chief stewardess. He looks absolutely ridiculous in a fluffy white robe and slippers that were hanging in the closet. He stares at me with a soft but intense look on his face.
“What?” I ask while I finger comb leave in conditioner through my curls. I’m letting my hair be wild and free this week. There’s no reason to spend hours straightening it when I’m surrounded by friends.
“I love that you wear your hair curly so often now. It’s always been my favorite way.” He reaches out and twirls a curl around his finger. “It’s like a physical representation of how you have moved past the toxicity from Jennifer. Like the curls are your butterfly wings.”
I grasp his hand and bring his palm to my lips, “Thank you.”
“Ivy!” Lilith yells through the door. “Hurry up, we’re all hungry and know you’re the one holding us up.”
I look down at myself, I’m actually dressed in shorts and a yellow bikini top. “I’m dressed,” I yell through the suite. “Levi’s the one who isn’t dressed.”
“We’re all just wearing bathing suits. Hurry up, Levi!”
“Chill, Hoodrat!” Levi yells back, and he pulls on a black speedo.
“Are you actually wearing that?” I chuckle. I’m used to seeing guys in speedos, but I can only imagine the ribbing that is about to take place.
“As if seeing a man in a speedo isn’t an everyday occurrence for you,” he retorts.
“Yeah but not over lunch.”
“Exactly,” he wiggles his brows mischievously.
We walk out onto the middle deck patio where our lunch is being served. Claire is spread out on a chaise lounge in a black one piece with cut outs on the side. She’s under an umbrella and out of the hot Mediterranean sun. Lilith is sitting in Con’s lap, wearing a sporty black bikini and unbuttoned jean shorts with her hair pulled up in a messy bun. Con’s wearing green board shorts an annoyed scowl once he notices Levi’s speedo.
“Really?” He asks dryly.
Griff looks up from his tablet and laughs. His chest and one arm are covered in tattoos now whereas it used to just be his back. He’s definitely added some more. He’s always the serious buttoned up one of the three, but underneath, he’s the tattooed badass.
“Ives has a thing for guys in speedos,” he winks at Con. “What my woman wants, she gets. I brought a pair for both you, Griff and Zion, too.”
“Fuck off,” Con says with no heat.
“Please, no.” Claire says walking up to take the seat between Griff and Zion. “I don’t need to see that much of my brother, ever. Really, all that,” she waves her hand toward Levi, “is too much, too.”
“I’ll wear a pair.” Zion says with a smirk. He’s the most dressed of all us in a white tank top and basketball shorts. “I forgot my trunks.”
“Yes!” Levi fist bumps him. “Come on, I’ll grab it for you.”
The two giants walk off, and Lilith slides in the seat beside me. “They’re going to take us out on the tender for some snorkeling this afternoon. Apparently, there are some caverns that are really amazing.”
“That sounds fun. Have you been snorkeling before?”
“Yeah, we went to Bora Bora a few summers ago. The guys took me snorkeling then. I’ll never get over how over the top these vacations are.” She looks around the deck, “you didn’t grow up quite this extra, did you?”
“Definitely not. We never really even took vacations. Dad has a vacation home on Martha’s Vineyard but that’s as swanky as we ever got.”
“Fancier than a tent in the Ozarks,” she smiles. “Actually, that could be fun. Dragging those three to the backwoods of Missouri or Arkansas. Forcing them to sleep in a tent.”
We both laugh.
“Levi would probably be okay. The other two, not so much. Griff would have to have a SAT phone to keep in contact with work,” I say as we both break into laughter again.
“What are you two laughing at?” Griff looks up at us from his conversation with Con and Claire.
“My evil plan to take you, Con, and Levi camping in the backwoods of Arkansas,” Lilith answers.
“Hard pass,” he answers, “I don’t camp.”
“Oh gross,” Lilith pulls a face looking over my shoulder, “talk about a sight I never to needed to see.”
I turn and see Zion and Levi walking toward us in their speedos. They’re both impressive, cut lines of muscles everywhere. Zion’s dark skin is covered in tattoos like Griff, his hair still curly and long on top with a tight fade down the sides like it was when he first met all of us. His light green eyes are alight with amusement, a match to Levi’s blues.
“Why are all the guys in our lives so fucking attractive?” I whisper to her.
“I don’t know, but don’t let them here you talk like that. The weight of their combined egos would sink the yacht.”
“Surprised it hasn’t already,” Claire says as she steps up beside us. “I don’t know who’s the worst.”
“Levi,” I say.
“Connor,” Lilith says at the same time as we both break into laughter again.
“It’s never a good sign when you two start cackling like that,” Con says.
“We were just comparing who has the biggest-”
“Me. I have the biggest,” Levi’s cut off by Lilith’s hand slapping over his mouth.
“Ego.” She finishes.
Our conversation is halted by the stewardesses bringing out our lunch. We spend the next hour talking about everything from how Zion’s season is going to the community center he and Lilith are opening in their old neighborhood to plans for after we all graduate next spring. Griff is already basically working for NNC full time, even when he’s up at Harvard. Con will graduate from MIT in December and immediately take over the research and development side of VI. Lilith has assumed control of her dad’s security company and merged it under the VI umbrella, so she’s set.
“I’m transferring to Yale,” Levi announces.
Six heads swing in his direction with varying degrees of surprise.
“What?” I ask dumbly.
“I want to be with you. I’ve already started the paperwork, as well as giving a sizable donation to speed things along.”
Lilith snorts and rolls her eyes.
“I’m also looking at apartments for us,” he adds.
“You guys are so ridiculously domineering.” Lilith points a fork at all three of them. “Always doing stuff without asking us first. What if she wants to keep her current living situation?”
“I don’t,” I say quickly, never looking away from Levi. “I’d love to move in together.”
“One less babysitter for you,” Claire jokes to Lilith.
“Oh,” Lilith’s eyes light up, “truth!”
“It’s only an hour and a half away.” His eyes dart to Lilith. “We’ll still have family dinners.”
“Good,” she reaches her hand out for his and squeezes.
A member of the deck crew comes to tell us they’re ready to take us to the caverns whenever we finish lunch. We finish and scatter to our rooms to get everything we need.
“This is so beautiful,” Lilith whispers as our tender glides under a limestone arch painted blue by the sun shining o
ff the azure waters.
I look over at Con, who’s staring at her with a soft smile. The love he has for her is radiating out of his eyes. He sees me watching and clenches his jaw, annoyed I caught him. I wink and blow him a kiss just to mess with him. He turns to talk to Levi, but I catch a little grin before he’s fully turned away from me.
“You giving him a hard time?” Griff asks, amusement in his voice.
“Yeah, he makes it so easy.” I smile up at him. “Like I would care that he’s looking at my best friend with such love and adoration. It’s heartwarming.”
“It’s gross when you live with it all the time,” he jokes. “Now I’m just going to be third wheeling it with them.”
“Ah, yeah. I hadn’t thought about that.” I give him a good once over, his red hair is a shade or two darker than it used to be. His cheekbones slash across his face and his jaw line is wide and defined. He’s just as attractive as his two best friends, the tattoos adding an edge unique to him. “You got a girlfriend, Griff? Any prospects?”
“No,” he looks down at me, “and I’m not interested in a relationship. If I need companionship I know where to go to find it.” He’s clearly already read my mind and my intention to find his someone.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “Okay.” I’ll wait for another time to push it, especially if I can get Lilith involved. The two of us together would be unstoppable.
“Don’t even think about teaming up with Lilith,” he says.
How does it do that?
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I say innocently.
“Right,” he scoffs. “I’m glad you and Levi are working things out. I was worried at the beginning of the summer that he’d act out with you. Maybe do something he couldn’t come back from or something.”
“He didn’t make the first couple weeks easy.” I let my eyes drift over to Levi. “He’s been my best friend, my number one supporter, and the love of my life since I was eleven years old though. There is no way I would ever close the door on us completely.”
“He’d kick it down anyway,” Griff says.
Relentless (Titans of Founder's Ridge Book 2) Page 19