Page 34 of The Naughty Week

Heath Mason playing a squash match with Josh? I have no idea how that will pan out, but if I had to hedge my bets…

Josh is one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met when it comes to any kind of sport, especially one on one. No, scrap that. He’sthemost competitive person I’ve ever met.

I didn’t have a clue Heath liked sport. I gathered he must like something, to keep a physique like his, but I’d never figured what.

“Squash?” I ask our client. “I didn’t realise you liked that kind of thing.”

“That kind of thing?Sport, you mean?” He smiles. “I’m very fond of a good game. I used to be at the top of our local squash league when I was growing up. Unfortunately, playing is a lot less enjoyable when you have a thousand cameras in your face whenever you leave the house.” He points at the floor. “That’s why I have a court downstairs. But I only usually practice solo.”

“A court downstairs? A squash court? Here?”

“And a pool table, dartboard, and gym setup, yes.”

Well that wasn’t on the villa tour. I wonder how much about this place is behind closed doors…

“You look surprised,” Heath says, and I shrug.

“No, it makes sense, it’s just…”

“Just what? You can’t imagine vampires with a squash racquet in their hand? It definitely wouldn’t look so fitting on the screen.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Yes, Ella, I enjoy plenty of sport, just like Joshua. We just don’t get the opportunity to be gym buddies all that often.”

The way Josh smirks and nods at him only reinforces just how little I truly know about Heath.

“That’s quite a reward,” Josh says. “Can’t wait. Finally.”

“Yes, finally.”

There’s a look that lingers between them, and gives me a rollercoaster lurch. It’s clear all over again. I’m in the dark about almost everything Heath related compared to the way Josh knows him.

And I’ll be literally in the dark tonight, it seems.

Even the thought of the upcoming proposal gives me shivers after our Nighttime Whispers binge.

“Where are you going to chase me?” I ask Heath, switching the topic. “Nowhere public, obviously.”

“There is plenty of space here,” he says. “The grounds are probably bigger than you’re aware of, having spent so much of your holiday so far basking on the terrace.”

“And in the pool,” I add, then raise an eyebrow. “And naked, remember?”

He nods, flashing me his Count smile. “Oh yes, you’ve spent plenty of time naked, and that won’t change tonight. Once we’ve captured you.”

“Hmm.” I sit back in my seat. “What about ifIwin? Is there a clause for that? Do you get a time limit on how long you have to capture me? You are playing competitive sports together as a reward after all.”

“We never negotiate with proposals, remember?” Josh says, but I shrug.

“They aren’t usually delivered in person. I can make an exception just once, right?”

“I like that idea, actually,” Heath says. “What do you think, Josh? Twenty minutes?”

“Twenty minutes?” Josh looks right at me. “Easy peasy. We’ll catch her way quicker than that.”

“Oi,” I give his arm a jokey slap. “You’re underestimating me.”

“We’ll soon find out.”

“And if I win?” I ask my boyfriend.

“It’s up to theCount, it’s his proposal after all.”