Page 39 of Perfect (mis)Match

“Piper?” Vincent demanded, probably because he couldn’t tell I was laughing. “Are you hurt?”

“No kidding they’re tippy,” I said through my tears of laughter.

He reached out to help me up, the heat of his body close enough to feel. When I took his hand, I gave it a yank. His hammock nearly did a three-sixty before it dumped him on the ground next to me.

“Piper,” he growled, flat on his ass. The way he said my name—low, almost dangerous—made my stomach flip.

I bit my lip to hold back more laughter, but the sight of him sprawled there, hair slightly mussed, had me losing it again. Hetried to keep his scowl, but eventually he cracked. Vincent Forde knew how to laugh, apparently.

We finally managed to collect ourselves, still grinning like idiots. He stood up first, offering me his hand again, and when he pulled me up, he drew me so close I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, clean and woodsy and delicious.

“You’re overtired and punch drunk,” he murmured, his breath ghosting over my temple. “It’s going to be a long night.”

My laughter subsided as reality hit. I glanced toward the bungalow, and there it was—a single bed down the hall.

Yup. It sure was going to be averylong night.

If I was grading our performance as a couple, I’d give us an A+. We were so adorable over dinner that even I started believing we were the real deal.

As expected, the meal was an impeccable selection of local fruits and vegetables, paired with seafood Joe told us had been caught just hours before. We were finally finishing dessert, and thanks to all the food, champagne, and jet lag, I could hardly keep my eyes open.

But I was having the best time ever.

“Before you head out for the night, I want to confirm our itinerary for tomorrow,” Jean said. “You can have breakfast whenever you like, either here in the main house or down in your bungalow. Just call the house line on the phone in your room and let our manager know your preference.”

“Then, horses at eleven,” Joe said.

Vincent flinched almost imperceptibly. “I was thinking…”

I held my breath. For my part, I was more than happy to drop the idea of riding now that I knew it was a touchy issue for Vincent, but Jean loved her itinerary. Was she going to be offended if he asked to change it?

“You might know my Piper is quite the golfer,” he continued, flashing a look at me, “and I was thinking it might be fun if the four of us went out for a quick nine holes? Assuming you still play.”

I started to say something. After all, where Vincent had baggage with horses, I had baggage with golf. Prentiss had almost ruined my love of the game. But I stopped myself. Golfwasa good solution to get us away from horses. And I’d heard the courses out here were gorgeous. Did golfing have to be a bad thing? Maybe this would be a chance to reclaim the game for myself. Instead of it being a bone of contention between me and Prentiss, I could use it to help close a deal.

I met Vincent’s eyes. He was looking at me hopefully. I mustered a smile and gave him a nod. If Joe and Jean agreed to change the plans, I was on board.

Joe raised an eyebrow. “We do indeed, but Jean had her heart set on you two going out riding…”

“No, no, no,” Jean said quickly. “I just wanted to make sure we had plenty for you to do, but if you prefer golf, then golf it is. And what’s this business about nine holes? If we’re playing, we’re going for the full eighteen.”

“Guys, there’s just one problem,” I said hesitantly. “I didn’t bring golf clothes or shoes.”

“Don’t you worry,” Jean swished her hand at me. “I’ll have the club send over a few options for you. But are you sure you want us old folks joining you?”

“Of course,” Vincent insisted. “This trip isn’t just about me and Piper, it’s about our partnership.”

Jean melted, and Joe gave Vincent a nod of approval. “I like to hear that. I’m looking forward to embarrassing you on the course tomorrow.”

“Not so fast,” I said, starting to get into the spirit. “Why don’t we make this even better? Let’s switch up the teams. I’ll partner with you, Joe, and Jean can play with Vincent.”

Jean clapped her hands delightedly. “Oh, this is going to be so silly and fun!”

We finalized our timing, then Vincent and I headed back to our bungalow. I was so tired that when he took my hand, I automatically leaned against him.

“You were perfect,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

“I’d say we both were. Masterful job getting out of horseback riding, by the way.” I glanced up at him and saw that he was smiling.

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