“Is that really how I sound to you?”
“Try my drink and I’ll tell you.”
His eyes flashed down to mine, but before he could say anything, my face brightened with a welcoming smile.
“Mr. Takahari!” I greeted him. “It’s so good to see you again!”
“Rebecca.” He opened his arms, and I ducked inside for a quick but warm embrace. “I’m pleased that you accepted my invitation.”
“Well, you know this one.” I cocked my head toward Marcus and rolled my eyes. “If I hadn’t insisted we go out, he’d still be on the couch, drooling over the stock exchange.”
Takahari roared with laughter, but this time, I was wise enough to take a step back. “And what is that you’re drinking?” he asked curiously. “I’ve never seen anything like that here.”
“It’s some mango-strawberry-vodka extravagance. Want to try?” I offered it to him and he took a huge gulp.
“That’s quite delicious. And surprisingly strong.” He turned to one of his henchmen and muttered something in Japanese. A moment later, the man appeared with another. “Now Rebecca, will you and Marcus do me the honor of accompanying me on the green today?”
Oh, shit…that was seriously deviating from the plan. Not to mention, I’d never swung a golf club in my life.
“I think I’m going to stay here and guard the bar,” I said quickly, “but I’m sure Marcus would love to go.”
Marcus stepped forward, but Takahari held up his hand. “Nonsense! You are both my guests today. I require both of you. Now come, we’ll get you fitted with some clubs.”
He headed out without another word, leaving us no choice but to follow. And while Marcus strutted confidently after him, I discree
tly clawed at his arm.
“Wait,” I whispered in a rush, “I can’t do this.”
He guided me through the crowd of people, never breaking his stride. “Is this like dancing again?”
“No, much worse.” I had to make him believe me. “Marcus, I’ve never played golf in my entire life—I don’t even know the rules.”
“It’s pretty simple.” We got to some sort of armory, and he loaded up two bags with clubs. “You try to sink the ball into the hole, as quickly as possible.” I bit my lip and he held up a pre-emptive hand. “If you’re about to make a ‘that’s what she said’ joke, this isn’t the place—”
“No, I’m being serious.” I grabbed his arm and he finally paused. “I have no idea what I’m doing, and I don’t want to mess this up for you. I know how you people seem to take golf really seriously…”
His face softened, and before I knew what was happening, he leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I stared up in surprise. We were standing by ourselves on the patio. No one was watching, were they?
“You’re not going to mess anything up,” he promised. Then he straightened out with a wink. “Besides…I can teach you how to swing.”
I closed my eyes with a grimace as Takahari spotted us and headed our way. “Fine,” I muttered under my breath, “but I better be allowed to drive the golf cart.”
As it turned out, I absolutely was not allowed to drive the cart. Nor was I allowed to hide discreetly behind Marcus as Takahari insisted that he and I were partners (did golf have partners?) and forced me to walk with him up ahead. Before the first hole, Marcus did teach me how to swing, but I swear, the entire experience left me more flustered than before.
“You just grip it loosely along the ridges here.” His body curved up behind mine, and I felt myself overheating despite the cool breeze. “Then twist from your hips to follow through.”
I gave it my best. “Like that?”
His chest shook as he chuckled silently behind me. “Have you even seen this done before?”
I twisted my head with a glare. “The only time I paid attention to a golf swing was when it decapitated a person in the season finale of CSI.”
More quiet laughter. “Well, then, just think of the ball as a really tiny head. Can you do that?”
My voice grew acidic. “Oh, I have someone in mind.”
“Now twist from the hips and relax.”