Chapter 292

"Don't want to learn?" Ethan Roscente arched an eyebrow, twirling the cue between his slender fingers. "You can't just sit idle while you're with me."

He crooked a finger at her. "Come here."

Sophia Lowell dragged her feet forward.

"Miss Lowell was completely mesmerized watching Mr. Roscente play earlier," Dominic Valrose interjected. "She must admire his skills. You should teach her properly."

Sophia nearly gritted her teeth to dust.

Damn Dominic!

When she met Ethan's amused gaze, her mind went blank.

"Miss Lowell admires me?" His deep voice rumbled close to her ear.

"Appreciates," she corrected, turning her face away.

"Same difference." Ethan shoved the cue into her hands and pulled her flush against him. "I'll teach you personally."

"How?"

"Like this."

His large hand settled on her waist.

Sophia stiffened.

Ethan stood behind her now, arms encircling her to adjust her stance. His scorching chest pressed against her back, breath ghosting over her ear.

"Bend forward. Lower your center of gravity."

Her entire body burned. His heat seeped through their clothes, his exhales stirring the hairs at her nape—each teasing strand making her shiver.

This position was too intimate!

Her heartbeat threatened to crack her ribs.

"Relax." Ethan's palm pressed lightly against her tense muscles. "Don't lock up like this."

"Stop touching me—" Her voice trembled.

"Can't handle it?" He chuckled darkly. "We've done much more than this."

Sophia's ears burned crimson.

She forced herself to focus. Ethan guided her hands through the swing. The white ball arced perfectly into the pocket.

"It's in!" Her eyes widened with delight.

Applause rippled around them.

"Feel accomplished?" Ethan still caged her, eyes crinkling.

"Yes!" She nodded vigorously.

He stepped back. "Now try alone."

Sophia inhaled deeply and assumed the stance he'd taught. Leaning forward, legs slightly parted, the curve of her backside hinted beneath the sportswear.