Jayson and Jonathan both looked over.
Perry also seemed intrigued. “Let’s hear it.”
Matt nced at Nancy, then turned meaningfully to Ariel. “There are only twodies here. How about a little friendly match between the two beauties?”
Ariel paused. She lifted her head and noticed everyone looking at her.
Nancy’s tone was unreadable. “Matt, you’ve always got funny ideas.”
Matt shrugged. “We’ve all yed a few rounds already. Figured it’d be fun to watch the two of you go head–to- head. Right, Jayson?”
Jayson gave him a t look. “You should ask what thedies want.”
As Nancy spun her golf club, her eyes brimmed with confidence. “No problem for me.”
Which, of course, shifted the pressure to Ariel.
She withdrew her gaze coolly. “I’m not really good at golf.”
She wasn’t about to force herself into something she wasn’tfortable with.
Of course, she understood what Matt was doing. It was nothing more than a setup. Everyone knew Nancy was a strong golfer and could easily outshine her.
With all eyes on Ariel, they probably thought she would agree just to spite Nancy.
“In other words, you know the rules, right?” Matt was clearly not backing off. “You can practice a bit first. If you’re not confident, we can y doubles. Each of you can pick a partner.”
He gave Ariel no reason to refuse.
Ariel frowned. When she turned around, she saw Jonathan listening to Matt’s arrangements with good–natured interest. Not wanting to spoil the mood, she finally agreed.
“You can choose a partner for doubles.” Matt handed the choice to Ariel.
Then he turned to Nancy. His tone suddenly became yful. “As for Nancy, of course she’s going with Jayson.”
Lounging in his chair, Jayson just smiled without saying a word. Clearly, he was fine with the idea.
Nancy smiled and gave Matt a mock–scolding expression.
Perry, knowing the backstory, gave Ariel aplicated nce.
Ariel lowered her gaze, looking distant and unbothered.
Suddenly, Jonathan spoke up. “That doesn’t seem fair, does it? Everyone knows Mr. Larkin’s a top–notch golfer. I’ve never even beaten him. If you set it up like that, aren’t you just making sure Ms. Walker loses?”
He waved a hand. “Let’s draw lots. That’s fair.”
Matt cleared his throat. “That’s fine too…”
Ariel had no interest in this wholepetition, so she casually picked a ball from the basket.
But when everyone saw that the number on her ball matched Jayson’s, their expressions shifted.
Nancy, on the other hand, drew Matt.
Matt frowned. “This can’t be right. Let’s redo it.”
But Nancy interrupted. “No need for that. Let’s follow this.”
She didn’t even seem a little upset.
Ignoring Arielpletely, she looked at Jayson, raised an eyebrow, and smiled with casual confidence. “Jayson, let’s see who scores more. Just so you know, I won’t be going easy on you.”
It was supposed to be a four–person doubles match. But with her, it became a flirtatious game between her and Jayson.
She looked at him like no one else existed.
Jayson smiled faintly, which counted as a response.
IN
As Matt nced at Nancy, his eyes were inevitably filled with admiration.
She was confident, elegant, and radiant. Nancy wasn’t like other women. She didn’t stoop to petty rivalry or jealousy.
No wonder Jayson had no interest in the cold and dull Ariel.
Who would want a woman who was both nd and boring?
Ariel didn’t care what the two of them were doing. She adjusted her grip on the club, testing the weight.
She hadn’t yed in a while, so she was definitely rusty.
Nancy and Matt made a solid team. And Jayson, alone, was more than capable.
Meanwhile, Ariel moved at her own pace.
After Jayson sank another ball, he nced at her before walking over.
Leaning in slightly, he gently wrapped one hand around her wrist while the other brushed softly along her lower back.
His eyes locked on her face as he said calmly, “Don’t be nervous. No one said you couldn’t ask for help if you mess up.”