Chapter 293

The golf club traced a graceful arc in Sophia's hands. As she bent forward, the taut line of her waist accentuated the alluring curve of her hips beneath her athletic pants.

Ethan Roscente stood behind her, close enough to catch the scent of roses in her hair.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as his gaze swept over her slender waist. He took half a step back, his expression unreadable.

"In!" Sophia spun around with a cheer, her eyes sparkling with triumph. She looked up at Ethan like a kitten waiting for treats.

Amusement flickered in Ethan's dark eyes as he brushed a fingertip over her damp temple. "Not bad," he murmured, his voice rough. "Two more years of practice, and you might catch up to me."

"Obviously." Sophia lifted her chin proudly. "I'm—"

"Just like me." Ethan cut her off.

Sophia's eyes narrowed playfully. She raised her club threateningly. "Mr. Roscente, do you enjoy taking advantage of me?"

"Last night, who was the one who—" Ethan began, but her glare made him chuckle. The way her ears turned pink in the sunlight reminded him of how she'd gasped his name, soft and breathless beneath him.

"Lucky man." Dominic Valrose approached with a champagne flute, his gaze lingering on Sophia. "Miss Lowell would look even more stunning playing in a miniskirt."

Ethan's expression turned glacial. The glass in his hand creaked ominously. "Mr. Valrose," he said, his voice laced with frost. "Mind your eyes."

Dominic laughed awkwardly, raising his hands. "Just a joke. But..." He lowered his voice. "If Miss Valentine finds out you're here with your secretary..."

"The Valentines?" Ethan scoffed. "Beneath my concern."

A burst of applause erupted in the distance. Sophia's final shot landed perfectly in the hole. She turned, waving in the sunlight, her hair whipping around her like a scene from a painting.

"Miss Lowell!" A young man jogged toward her. "How about we make things interesting?" He pointed at the scoreboard. "Loser removes an article of clothing."

Ethan's eyes darkened. He slammed his glass onto a passing waiter's tray.