Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes shimmering with amusement. Sophia's compliment had brightened his mood. His slender fingers gently encircled her wrist as he guided her into the car.

Just as the bodyguard moved to close the door, Iris darted inside, squeezing herself unceremoniously beside Sophia.

The smile froze on Ethan's face.

He shot Iris a sidelong glance, his displeasure unmistakable.

This rare moment with Sophia was now interrupted by an unwelcome third wheel.

"Miss Evans," Ethan said evenly, "the car behind us offers more space."

Iris waved him off. "Same difference! I need to ask Sophia something." She leaned closer. "What's in that pepper spray? How did that woman itch so badly?"

Sophia glanced at Victoria writhing on the pavement outside. "Lacquer tree sap and peach fuzz. Not lethal, but enough to teach her a lesson."

She'd developed this self-defense tool after the incident in California.

Iris's eyes lit up. "Can I have one? Perfect for warding off creeps."

"Here." Sophia pulled a canister from her bag.

"Thanks, Soph!" Iris planted an enthusiastic kiss on her cheek.

Ethan frowned, immediately producing a sanitizing wipe to clean Sophia's face.

Sophia chuckled quietly, interlacing her fingers with his and tracing light circles on his palm.

Despite himself, Ethan's lips twitched upward. Even Iris seemed slightly less irritating now.

The car arrived at Phoenix Cove.

Ethan had barely taken two steps with Sophia when Iris trailed after them.

"Miss Evans," his voice turned frosty, "exactly how long do you intend to follow us?"

Iris blinked innocently. "I've been helping Sophia restore paintings. I'm staying here too."

Ethan narrowed his eyes, addressing the bodyguard. "Escort Miss Evans to a hotel."

"No way!" Iris protested. "Go enjoy your couple time! I sleep like the dead—unless you break the bed, I won't hear a thing!"

Ethan inhaled deeply, dialing Zane. "Get to Phoenix Cove in ten minutes."

"Ethan, I'm—"

"Take Iris away," Ethan cut him off. "If you want the Scholastic Gardens presale partnership, move fast."

After hanging up, Iris grumbled, "Why pawn me off on that idiot?"

Ethan gave her a look. "He's lucky if you don't assault him."

Sophia nudged him. "It's late..."

"Zane knows his limits." Ethan ruffled her hair. "Don't they make a perfect match?"

Ten minutes later, Zane arrived in a flurry.

Sophia instructed, "Take Iris for late-night snacks. Have her back by midnight."

Suddenly awkward, Iris muttered, "Never mind. I'll go home."

Zane wiped his brow. "Relax, I'm not interested. Wouldn't touch her if she were naked."

Iris pinched his arm hard, making him yelp in pain.

After they left, Sophia called Iris.

Amid background noise, Iris's loud voice came through: "Grabbing BBQ with Zane! Between pepper spray and taekwondo, he won't dare try anything!"

Sophia smiled.

That "Zane the Mutt" nickname suggested potential.

Setting her phone down, she found Ethan already pulling her into the rose-petal strewn bathtub.

His kisses began softly, then grew urgent.

From bathroom to bedroom, their passion burned—making the fleeting night seem all too short.