Going for the Hole

by L. P. Dover

  “Fine. I promise, but only to prove to you that I’m not as bad as you are.”

  “Ashley,” Olivia called out. “We have to go, or we’ll be late for our appointments.”

  I looked up at Lucas. “See you tonight.”

  Harper kissed Noah goodbye and a part of me wanted something like that. Although, it made me wonder how their relationship would work once he left town.

  Noah and Aiden nodded toward the hotel bar and Lucas was about to follow them, but Sophia stepped in his way. I didn’t like her getting within arm’s length of him. Olivia grabbed my elbow, steering me inside the resort and away from Sophia and Lucas.

  Harper could see the turmoil on my face, so she put her arm around Olivia. “I can’t wait to get my massage. It’s going to feel good after swinging those clubs all day.”

  Olivia let me go and gushed about how amazing it was to play with Lucas. Allie took my spot and asked questions about Aiden.

  Using the distraction, I called out, “Girls, I think I might’ve left my phone in the golf cart. I’ll be right back.”

  Harper waved for me to go. “Go get it.”

  The hotel lobby was open in the back, allowing the cool ocean breeze to blow through the resort. I could see Sophia still talking to Lucas, her eyes sultry and seductive. I didn’t like her looking at him like that. It was another reason why it wouldn’t work between me and Lucas. There would always be someone trying to hook up with him. Out of sight, I moved a little closer, just to see if I could hear what they were talking about.

  “Thank you for playing golf with us today. I really enjoyed it,” Sophia said, her voice sounding out of breath.

  Lucas cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.”

  “I was wondering if you’d be able to give me some lessons? And who knows, maybe you could show me a few things off the course too.”

  “Sorry, but I just don’t have the time for that.”

  Sophia laughed sexily. “Let me rephrase it then. How about I come to your room tonight? You know, to help you relax your muscles after a long day.”

  Teeth clenched, I closed my eyes. Why the hell did I torture myself? I dreaded hearing his answer, stomach tightening into a ball.

  “Look, I’m sorry if you were mistaken in my motives, but I’m not interested in anything like that. I’m seeing someone right now.”

  Peering around the corner, I got a good glimpse of her face. It was tight with embarrassment. She stepped back. “I see. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She hurried away, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

  I shouldn’t have to eavesdrop on Lucas and other women, but I was glad I did this one time. Maybe it was a first step to trusting him. He was off to a good start.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ashley

  My legs felt like rubber on the way out of the spa. The massage was superior to any I’d had previously, and it’d been sorely needed after a full day of golf. Sophia skipped out on the massage. The rejection from Lucas must’ve hit her hard.

  “Are you and Noah actually sleeping together?” Allie asked Harper.

  Harper pressed the button to the elevator and shrugged. “Is that a problem?”

  Allie held up her hands. “Oh, no, not at all. I saw you two getting drinks together last night, but I didn’t realize it’d gotten serious.”

  Olivia snickered. “I could tell something was going on today. How could you keep that a secret from us?”

  Harper winked at me behind their backs. “We all have our secrets. He’s a really good guy. We plan on staying in touch after he leaves town. Who knows, it might actually work out.”

  Once in my room, I changed out of my clothes and took a rinse off in the shower, before settling on a pair of khaki capris and a pink tank top. My stomach fluttered wildly, and I tried to ignore it, but I couldn’t. I hadn’t been that nervous in a long time. Even with my ex, I’d never felt the butterflies. Pacing back and forth, my heart pounded as I waited for the knock. When it came, I closed my eyes.

  “What the hell am I doing?” It was a dangerous game. My heart and reputation were too valuable to lose.

  I opened the door and Lucas held up a bottle of wine. “I got your favorite.” And so he had. But then again, he had the money to afford a gazillion of those bottles. Had to give him credit though. He, at least, paid attention to the wine I drank at the club.

  He handed the bottle to me and walked in.

  “Thanks. You know, you didn’t have to spend all that money on me.”

  His eyes narrowed cunningly. “You’re worth it.”

  Dammit. Why did he say things like that? That was why he was so good with women. And here I was, falling for it.

  He’d changed into a pair of well-worn jeans and snug white T-shirt. In a way, he reminded me of Christian Grey in the red room of pain, but I couldn’t let my mind wander to that. I couldn’t give in just yet, even though I really wanted a repeat of the other night. I’d been using hate to fight off those feelings, and it was getting increasingly more difficult.

  Lucas sat down on the couch and I handed him the room service menu. “Order what you want.”

  His eyes lit up. “So, I can order the filet and lobster tail?”

  I took the bottle of wine into the kitchen. “Anything,” I called over my shoulder. “You won the bet, even though it wasn’t necessarily fair, since you’re a professional and all. One could even liken it to taking candy from a baby.” I popped open the wine and poured us both a glass.

  Setting the menu down, he glanced back at me. “You’re a great golfer, Ashley. Who taught you how to play?”

  “My parents,” I answered, smiling at the memories. “I used to go with them to the course a lot when I was a kid. However, I didn’t really get into playing until I was older. I was on my high school golf team and placed third in the state championship.” It sounded so minor compared to his accomplishments.

  “That’s amazing,” he replied, sounding sincere. “I take it you never wanted to compete after that?”

  I shrugged. “Yes and no. I had a choice to make and I chose medicine.” Grabbing our wine, I gave him his and sat beside him on the couch. He looked at me as if I were the only thing in the world. I liked it. His eyes never wavered to my breasts or any other part of my body. They stayed glued on my face.

  “I think that’s the first personal bit of information you’ve given me about yourself.”

  “Did I not need to do that?” I countered.

  He held up his hands. “Feel free to share as much as you want. I like hearing about your life. It means we’re getting somewhere.”

  “Slowly,” I added. “But you should know, I’m not sleeping with you tonight.”

  He chuckled. “Want to make a bet?”

  “Seriously? Do you make bets about everything?”

  He shrugged nonchalantly. “So, what do you say?”

  I guzzled down the rest of my wine. “Fine, you’re on. But you’re going to owe me five thousand dollars.”

  Choking on his wine, he coughed and set down his glass. “Five thousand?”

  “Is there a problem?” I set my glass beside his, grinning smugly.

  Bursting out with laughter, he shook his head. “Not at all. You’re on. But if I win, I get to pick what we do on our date tomorrow. That is, if you want to see me again.”

  My mind shouted at me to say no, but my body thought otherwise. I held out my hand before I could second guess myself. “Deal.” We shook on it and I smiled triumphantly. There was no way he was going to win the bet. I had years of practice controlling myself.

  Lucas grabbed the menu and held it up. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Want to order dinner?”

  I picked up the hotel phone and dialed down for room service. “What do you want?” I asked him quickly.

  His teeth flashed. “Filet and lobster, with fries and asparagus.”

  I rolled my eyes and smiled as I put in his order.

  When it came to my meal, I d
idn’t hold back. “And I would like the filet and lobster as well, with au gratin potatoes, a side salad with ranch, and your baked mac and cheese. Oh, and I’d also like some asparagus as well.” Lucas looked impressed, but I wasn’t done. “And for dessert, I’ll have a piece of your seven-layer chocolate cake.”

  Lucas’ mouth hung wide open by the time I hung up the phone. “You like to eat, huh?”

  Grabbing my glass of wine, I took a sip. “I can’t help it. Good food is a weakness of mine.”

  “I’m in awe right now.”

  I sat down on the couch and brought a foot up under me. “What can I say?”

  Laughing, he took his glass, his eyes never leaving mine. “I think I’m in love with you.”

  Between us both, we’d managed to eat every single bite of food, including the ginormous piece of cake and the whole bottle of wine. Shoes off and feet propped up on the coffee table, we lounged on the couch. The wine had me feeling very tipsy.

  “How was your massage today?” Lucas asked.

  “Not bad. The guy’s name was Fernando. He did a decent job.”

  He scoffed. “I could do better.”

  “Doubt that,” I teased.

  “Move closer and I’ll show you.”

  “No,” I said, drawing an imaginary line on the couch. “You stay on your side.”

  His eyes twinkled. “Are you saying you don’t trust yourself if I touch you?”

  Groaning, I covered my face with my hands. The room felt like it was spinning. “Not at all.”

  “I bet.” He laughed.

  “Whatever, Ace. I don’t fall for men that easily.” Ace was the nickname other golfers gave him. Lucas “Ace” Montgomery.

  “Then kiss me.” He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close, before I could object. Not like I was trying all that hard to get away.

  Heart racing, I placed my hands on his chest. “What are you doing?”

  “You said you could trust yourself if I touch you. Prove it. Kiss me.”

  “This is silly.” Palms sweaty, the butterflies in my stomach came back with a vengeance. I didn’t have time to think before his lips locked with mine. His hands gently caressed my cheeks and I melted against his touch. My lips moved of their own accord and the rest of my body lit up like fire. It wasn’t until I heard his chuckle of satisfaction that the spell broke.

  “You are such an ass,” I shrieked, slapping him on the arm. “You did that on purpose.”

  He leaned his head against the couch. “And you loved it. Admit it.”

  Grabbing the remote, I turned on the television. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” To keep him from seeing how red I was, I concentrated on the TV.

  “I heard about your ex,” he admitted softly.

  Groaning, I swore under my breath. “I’m going to kill her.”

  “Don’t be mad at Harper, sunshine. I wanted to know more about you. If it makes you feel any better, she said she’d stick a putter up my ass if I hurt you.”

  That brought a smile to my face. I peered over at him and nodded. “Yeah, that sounds like her. Believe me, she’ll do it too.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” Angling his body toward mine, his smile faded. “How long were you two together?”

  I mirrored his position and faced him. “Three years.”

  “Damn, that’s a long time. He was a fool for cheating on you.”

  “Yeah,” I answered, but then I shrugged. “It was for the best though. I’m much happier now.”

  He nodded. “Glad to hear. And now there’s room for me.”

  Gaze narrowed, I studied him. “What about you? Any serious relationships?”

  Shaking his head, he glanced down at the floor. “None. The women I’ve been with pretty much fall in my lap. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been one hell of a ride, but it’s all superficial.”

  “Then why don’t you find someone worth being with?” I asked incredulously. “There are plenty of women out in the world who aren’t shallow.”

  His gaze lifted to mine. “And I’m talking to one right now.”

  We stared at each other. The noise from the TV was the only sound in the room, but I couldn’t hear it over the beating of my heart in my ears. “What do you want from me, Lucas?”

  Taking my hand, he pulled me closer and I laid against his chest. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. “A chance. That’s all I’m asking for.”

  There was no denying the warmth in my heart. I’d be lying if I said his words hadn’t affected me. Closing my eyes, I breathed him in, loving the feel of being in his arms. I didn’t want to move.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ashley

  The bed felt lumpy as hell and my arm tingled from falling asleep. Groaning, I opened my eyes and realized I wasn’t in bed, but on the couch . . . with Lucas. Luckily, my head didn’t hurt from all the wine.

  “Morning, sunshine.”

  But my neck hurt like hell from laying on his chest all night. “Morning.” Yawning, I used my good arm to push up into a seated position. I couldn’t feel the other one from lack of blood flow.

  Lucas sat up looking thoroughly content. “Did you know you snore in your sleep? I think you even farted a couple of times.”

  Pursing my lips, I hit him in the head with one of the couch pillows. “I’m sure you snore too. And if I farted, I hope it made you gag.”

  He tossed the pillow back and laughed. “I about threw up in your hair.”

  I placed the pillow neatly back on the couch. “You’re ridiculous.” Lucas stood and pulled me into his arms. Even though it embarrassed me, I had to know. “Did I really fart on you last night?”

  Lucas burst out laughing. “No, sunshine, you didn’t. And I wouldn’t care if you did. I’d just do it right back to you, only I’d pull the covers over your head, so you could get the full effect.” Cheeks burning, I couldn’t help but smile. “How about we play a round of golf today? Just you and me.” He slowly let me go. “Not unless you have to spend the day with your girls again.”

  I shook my head. “Actually, today we’re on our own. Olivia and her friends are going shopping. Which means, you can give me golf lessons, and then afterward, I’ll get another massage from Fernando.”

  Lucas rolled his eyes. “I hate the idea of another man touching you like that. Why don’t you let me give you a massage?”

  I grinned up at him. “Maybe one day.”

  “Always so hard to get.” He started for the door and placed a hand on the handle. “I’m going to take a quick shower and make us a tee time. I’ll text you when I have details.” He pulled out his phone and tossed it to me.

  I programmed my number into it. “Sounds good,” I replied, trying not to sound too elated. I was ready to play one on one with him without the others around.

  He caught the phone and opened the door. “Oh yeah, one more thing.” He paused, face beaming. “You lost the bet last night.”

  “No, I didn’t,” I stated adamantly. “We didn’t sleep together.”

  “Yes, we did.” He nodded toward the couch, and I felt like an idiot. “You practically slept on top of me last night. I’d say that’s sleeping together.” Then he paused and gasped dramatically. “Did you think I meant we’d have sex together? Get your mind out of the gutter, Ashley. What kind of man do you take me for?”

  I chuckled. “All right, you got me. I lost the ten thousand dollars, and now, you get to pick our date today. What do you have in mind?”

  He winked. “One step at a time. First, we golf. I’ll let you know what’s next when the time comes. Just don’t make any plans.” His spontaneity was growing on me. I liked not knowing what was going to happen. Lucas leaned over and kissed me gently on the lips. “See you soon, sunshine.”

  Excitement bubbled in my chest. Once he was gone, I hurried into the shower and dressed as fast as I could. I dried my hair and put it up in a ponytail since it was going to be in the eighties. By the time I looked at my phone, there
was a text from Lucas, and missed calls from my mother and Harper.

  Lucas: Tee time at 9:00. Olivia and her friends are downstairs eating breakfast.

  Me: Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be down there in a minute.

  I called my mother first, since I hadn’t talked to her in a couple of days. She answered on the third ring. “Hey, honey. You having fun out there?”

  “Actually, I am,” I replied. “How’s the office? Not too busy I hope.”

  “Everything’s fine. Your father has it all under control. He’s just excited you’re out and about instead of living at the office. We’ve been worried about you, you know, with everything that went on with Daniel and all.”

  I snorted. “Mom, I’m fine, I promise. Daniel has no impact on my life anymore. I work because it’s what I love to do. However, I have to admit, I’m enjoying the time off. I think I needed it.” My mind wandered to Lucas. She’d scream if I told her who I was seeing.

  “Yes, you do, honey. Anyway, I just wanted to call and check up on you. Your father’s outside cutting the grass, but I know he’d love to hear from you too.”

  “Sounds good, Mom. I’ll call him later.”

  “All right, sweetie. I love you.”

  “Love you too.” We hung up and I called Harper back as I hurried out the door.

  “Hey, girl,” she answered. “I heard you were with Lucas last night.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Yes, but nothing happened. We just talked.”

  “Is that what the kids are calling it nowadays?” She snickered. “So listen, are you good on your own today? Olivia and the others are going shopping, but Noah asked if I’d like to hit the beach with him. He’s going to try surfing for the first time. And I have a feeling he’ll be horrible at it, so I kind of want to watch him make a fool of himself.”

  “Go for it,” I replied, laughing. I pressed the button for the elevator. “Lucas and I are going to golf again. He also kind of won another bet. He gets to pick our date activities tonight.”