But she does better than that. She sinks her next chip right into the hole, and we all cheer, as does the crowd surrounding the green. I have to resist the urge to pick her up and twirl her around in a circle.
When we get to the thirteenth hole, I spot Auburn Bouvier at the front of the crowd and give him a wave. His wife, Gianna, is by his side. They’re a stunning couple, both with dark hair and light eyes. Gianna flashes me a thumbs up, which I return. I guess the storm eased up enough for their plane to take off.
“Those are the Bouviers,” I say quietly to Mindy as Chandler tees up for his drive. “I’ll introduce you later.”
“Wow, she’s gorgeous,” Mindy says, eyeing the statuesque brunette.
I tilt my head over and whisper, “Not as gorgeous as you.”
The look she shoots me almost melts my Nike golf shoes to the pristine grass. And I can’t wait to lose myself in her again tonight.
Gianna and Auburn follow along until we get to the final hole. My old friend approaches as we walk off the green.
“Good job, man,” he says, shaking my hand and pulling me into a bro-hug. “That birdie on the last hole was killer, and who is my replacement? She’s good.”
“That’s Mindy Espinoza, my executive assistant,” I reply, and his left eyebrow migrates toward his salt-and-pepper hairline.
“Any relation to?—”
“She’s Juan’s daughter,” I answer, andhe chuckles.
“Shit, that explains the talent.”
“Come on, and I’ll introduce you.”
Introductions are made all around, and our group chit-chats for a while before Chandler and Cesar give us a wave, telling us they’re going to the bar for an end-of-the-day drink. We’re in first place according to the leaderboard, and everyone is feeling good about our chances.
“I just love your hair,” Gianna says, looping her elbow with Mindy’s as we walk. I’ve never been jealous of a limb before, but I’m certainly wishing I was Gianna Bouvier’s left arm right about now.
Auburn gives me a knowing smirk. “She’s pretty,” he says in a low voice so the women in front of us can’t hear. “You don’t exactly look at her like she’s your executive assistant.”
We pause when two teenage girls yell out Mindy’s name from the grandstand and watch as a look of surprise crosses her face as she speaks with them. Then she laughs before signing their golf hats and walking on with a friendly wave back at them. I love that for her.
Auburn and I follow along, giving only brief nods and practiced smiles to the horde of reporters snapping photos and yelling questions at us. Once we’ve passed beneath the grandstand and taken a left turn into the area where the media isn’t allowed, I tell my friend, “I’ve sent an email to HR letting them know we plan to pursue a relationship.”
He nods and turns serious. “You’re the CEO. They won’t tell you no unless there’s some gross misconduct or…”
“Or what?” I ask.
His face looks pained. “Or if it doesn’t work out. Then she might make a complaint that could really shake things up.”
“Things will work out,” I say confidently, though nerves flutter down my spine. When I told her I loved her, she didn’t say it back, so…
“Remington Hale!”
Auburn and I stop walking as his wife whirls around, her green glare directed at me.
“Whatever it was, I didn’t do it,” I defend, hands raised at my shoulders.
Her lips twist to the side. “I know you didn’t, and that’s the problem. I just asked Mindy what she was wearing to the cocktail receptiontomorrow night, and she said she wasn’t going.” She narrows her eyes in accusation.
“Oh.” I drag a hand down my face. Mindy and I weren’t even together before we left, so I hadn’t planned to take her as my date. But now…
I cast my eyes toward my girl, who has an uncomfortable grimace on her face. “It’s fine,” she says sweetly.
Taking a step toward her, I brush a hand down her arm. It’s January, but it’s also Florida, so her skin is warm and tan from the sun. “Of course you’re invited, Mindy,” I tell her. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it before, but I’d love for you to go with me. It’s a private event only for the golfers, caddies, and their dates, with no media, so it should be fine.”
Gianna raps her knuckles against my head. “Hellooooo, McFly? What is she supposed to wear? Women have to plan for these things.” Auburn snickers beside me, and I shoot him the death eye.