Gray Areas | Englot | GirlxGirl

28. New York Part II

POV CHARLOTTE

I told you, the Hamptons were going to be amazing. How could they not be?

This is my first time playing golf on a real course, not in some arcade with mini golf or anything like that, and Engfa Waraha is teaching me-though, I can't exactly call it "teaching" in the traditional sense. Her method... well, let's just say it's unique, to put it mildly.

Like, for instance, when she leans in close from behind, her body so near to mine that I swear we're one. Her hands guide mine on the club, her fingers brushing over my arm in a way that sends a jolt straight to my chest.

Forget hitting the ball-I can barely remember how to breathe, let alone focus on anything else.

It's not even about golf anymore. It feels like I'm in the middle of a marathon, but my body's barely prepared for the race.

"Make sure you're aiming properly. I thought you were good at sports, Charlotte. Is golf your exception?" Her voice is low and teasing, right in my ear.

Her breath is so close, I can feel it on my neck, and it sends a shiver down my spine. My skin tingles under her proximity, and suddenly, all I can focus on is her-her warmth, the heat radiating from her body, the way she's so close.

Damn it. Is she teaching me... or is this just her clever way of making my head spin?

Luckily, the course is empty, just us, the caddies, and a few staff members hanging in the background. It feels like the world's ours-like this is a private playground just for the two of us.

"I'd actually learn something if you'd stop talking to me in that... sensual voice of yours!" I mutter, my voice betraying the way my heart's speeding up. I try to sound unaffected, but it's no use.

She laughs softly, the sound warm and teasing, before pulling her hands away from mine. She steps back a few feet, her posture shifting as her hands slip behind her back, and she shoots me that familiar, playful smirk I can never resist. Damn it. Why are you so charming Engfa Waraha?

"Alright then, prove it. I'm done teasing you. Show me what you've got." She smirks wider, clearly savoring every moment of this.

I narrow my eyes, doing my best to ignore the heat creeping up my neck. I need to focus. I force myself to block out the effect her smile has on me and concentrate on the shot.

I take a deep breath, steady myself, and swing-hard.

I connect with the ball, or at least I think I do. But instead of that satisfying thwack of a perfect shot, there's nothing. I scan the area in front of me, my eyes sweeping across the green. No sign of the ball. My frown deepens. Where the hell did it go?

And then...

Engfa bursts into laughter, her whole body shaking as she doubles over. Her laughter rings out across the green, and I'm frozen in shock, unable to look away.

She's laughing so hard that tears are threatening to spill from her eyes. I should be angry, but I can't even bring myself to feel that.

Instead, I'm embarrassed-and, yeah, a little pissed. I glance down. The ball's still right there, below my feet, clearly untouched. I missed completely.

My cheeks flush, but I try not to let her see how much this is getting to me. I throw my club to the ground with exaggerated force, stomping my foot like a petulant child.

"You're so annoying!" I shout, shoving her lightly. She stumbles back, and before I can stop it, she loses her balance completely-falling backward into a puddle with a loud splat.