Page 14 of The Perfect Putt

“Hey, man,” I answer as I tilt my ankle to get more of the sand off.

“Hey, you busy?”

“Nah, just coming in from the beach, what’s up?”

“That’s actually what I was calling about. Are you up for some company?”

I smile. “That depends. Are you coming to visit me or use me for my beach house?”

Shaw laughs. “If I say both can we still come?” My smile falls. I forgot that he’d be bringing Sutton. She’s a great person, but it’ll be weird to have them both here instead of just Shaw.

“You know you’re welcome anytime. I’ve got plenty of room.”

“What’s that?” His tone sounds odd. “You said you’re renovating your whole house so you only have one room? I guess that means Sutton and I will have to share.”

It’s my turn to laugh now as I walk up the deck stairs. Ellie is long gone, so I don’t have to worry about her noticing me coming in a different way. She texted me almost an hour ago that she was leaving for the day and would be back in the morning to drop off my dry cleaning. I’m glad she’s gone now, even though I’m feeling better after my time by the water. It was embarrassing to have her see me on edge about my mom.

Sutton’s voice comes on the line, shaking me from my thoughts. “Are you really having renovations, Miles?”

“Yes of course,” I say, but I know I don’t sound convincing.

“Then I hope you have a comfortable couch because your best friend here is going to be sleeping on it.”

“Come on, Jones, don’t be like that,” Shaw says to her, making me laugh harder.

“Don’t Jones me, I know you’re lying about the renovations,” Sutton replies in a huff.

“And I know even if Miles has twenty-seven guest bedrooms, you’re going to end up crawling in bed begging to cuddle that first night.”

“You wanna bet?” Sutton challenges.

“Sure, just don’t forget what happened the last time we made a bet, love.” Shaw’s voice is much too low and raspy for my comfort.

I clear my throat to interrupt their flirting. “If you two are going to be this insufferable I might rescind my welcome.”

“Too late! We already bought tickets to fly out next week. It was Sutton’s idea to ask you. I wanted to show up at your door and yell surprise in the middle of the night.”

I run a hand through my hair. “Of course you did. Well, I’ll see you next week I guess.”

“I was kidding, kind of. That was my idea, but we didn’t buy tickets yet. Nice to know you’d roll with it though.”

“I’m going to start forwarding your calls to my assistant,” I say, making him laugh.

“She’d probably quit if you did that. I’m looking forward to meeting her though.”

“Why? She’s just my assistant.”

“You sounded weird the other night when you were talking about her. Almost jealous. That has me curious.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re defensive.” I can practically hear the smirk he’s no doubt wearing.

“There’s nothing to be defensive about. I barely know her.”

“Mhmm, we’ll see about that. I’ve gotta go, I’ll text you my flight details.”

I manage to formulate a goodbye before hanging up. Prior to today’s events, I wouldn’t have minded Shaw and Sutton meeting Ellie. They wouldn’t have found anything but annoyance from her and mild amusement from me. But after her walking in on my training session…it’s a lot harder to say there wasn’t something between us. It’s not like one of us is in love with the other–the very thought is laughable–but if my lovestruck friends spotted even the smallest bit of attraction, I’d never hear the end of it. I’ll just have to keep things professional. No more teasing or moments sans clothes. I swallow as I recall the way her eyes traveled over me. That definitely can’t happen again.

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