Page 33 of Fore-Ever Yours

“Thank you, Jason. We’re excited about the partnership, as well.”

“You two make a good pair, on and off the green. Matthew, I wouldn’t let this one go if I were you.”

I smile, slipping my arm around her waist, like it’s second nature. She rests her hand on my chest, playing the perfect doting girlfriend.Does she feel my heart pounding beneath her palm?

Beth laughs effortlessly, like this is the easiest thing in the world. “Well, I do my best to keep him in line.”

I stand here as if it’s not killing me to be faking this relationship. As if Idon’twant to tear up the rules and Idon’twant to press my lips to hers.

But does she feel it too? The spark between us, the longing to be more than fake? Does she wish this were real, too? That’s the million-dollar question. And I’d pay to get the answer.

We continue to circulate the room, and I let Beth steer toward the next few introductions. She seems to thrive in this environment. The way she holds herself, how she can speak to anyone. I watch her, captivated, as her fingers lightly trace patterns on my arm in an absent-minded way. All I can think about is how much I want more.

The orchestra begins to play a slow waltz, and I excuse us from the current conversation with someone from an online newspaper.

“Need a breather?” she asks.

I extend a hand to her. “May I have this dance?”

Beth looks at me with surprise but places her hand in mine nonetheless. “Why, Mr. Wilkes,” she teases as we make our way onto the crowded dance floor, “I didn’t know you could dance.”

“I have a few talents hidden up my sleeve,” I reply with a grin.

As I pull her in close, everything else fades into the background. I only see her. Not that anyone else has caught my attention throughout the evening. Her presence has held my gaze captive from the moment I saw her earlier tonight.

When she opened her hotel door, I couldn’t help but be taken aback by her beauty. Her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves, her radiant smile that threatens to outshine even the brightest of stars.

And now, the way her hand fits into mine feels natural, like it’s always belonged there. The same can be said about the way we move together on the dance floor or the way we work together, like two pieces of a puzzle that fit seamlessly.

Her heels give her an added height, bringing her tantalizingly closer, so that her lips hover just inches from mine. All night, they’ve occupied my every thought, their soft pink hue both delicate and alluring.

There are so many questions swirling in my mind, but they all come down to one, the most critical of them all. Would it be a terrible idea if I kissed Beth?

I gaze down at her, drinking in every detail. A soft smile curves her lips as she leans against me.

“Beth,” I whisper, our dance slowing to a gentle sway.

She looks up at me curiously. “Matthew,” she breathes out, her fingers tightening around my hand.

I pull her closer to me as I lean toward her. The world seems to fall into a hush as I feel the warmth of her breath on my skin.

A flash goes off nearby. Startled, we both turn toward it to find a swarm of paparazzi aiming their cameras at us.

Chai and Chatter

The Emerald Coast Charity Gala Sizzled…and So Did They!

Well,darlingMeadowbrookers(andfellow Betthew fans), we may not have snagged an invite to the Emerald Coast Charity Gala, but trust us—we have eyes everywhere.

And those eyes caught quite the moment between our new favorite couple.

They were spotted looking absolutely stunning on the dance floor—her in that amethyst gown and him in a tux that should come with a warning label. They were the definition of “hottest couple EVER.”

And just when things looked like they were about to get steamy (we’re talking a swoonworthy kiss), someone with a camera decided to ruin the moment.

Paparazzi timing: 0/10

Until next time, keep the gossip sweet and the tea hot.

---