Chapter 294
"What kind of game?" Sophia's fingers tightened around her golf club as she eyed Dominic warily.
Kevin flashed a knowing smile. "Just a friendly mixed doubles match. My partner and I will team up against Ethan and you, while Dominic pairs with Lydia."
Sophia instinctively took half a step back. "I'm not good enough..."
Her peripheral vision caught Ethan approaching. The black athletic wear accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs.
"Afraid you'll embarrass me?" Ethan's hand suddenly settled on her waist, his thumb pressing precisely against her sore spot.
Sophia froze.
The warmth of his palm seeped through the thin fabric, the perfect pressure nearly drawing a moan from her lips.
"I..." Her ears burned. "I'll drag you down."
Ethan studied her with dark eyes. "I've got you."
Those three words steadied her. Biting her lip, Sophia nodded, missing the calculating gleam in Kevin's eyes.
Dominic interjected smoothly, "The losing team must grant the winners one request—within legal bounds, of course." His gaze swept meaningfully across the group.
Sophia botched the first swing.
When the ball rolled past the hole, she wanted to vanish into the ground.
"Relax." Ethan's voice came from behind her. "Pretend they're watching monkeys perform."
Sophia burst out laughing. Her second swing landed perfectly. She turned excitedly—only to meet Ethan's usual icy expression.
By the decisive third round, her palms were slick with sweat.
"Don't tense up." Ethan suddenly leaned close, his breath brushing her earlobe. "I'll take the blame if we lose."
Her hands jerked. The ball soared straight into the sand trap.
"Sorry!" She stomped her foot in frustration.
Ethan glanced at the adjacent course—where Kevin's team had made an even worse mistake.
When the final scores lit up, Dominic's team won by a narrow margin. Lydia winked at Sophia while Kevin's partner hurled her club in anger.
"A deal's a deal." Dominic removed his gloves leisurely. "My request is..."
His eyes traveled between Sophia and Ethan.