Page 4 of Fore-Ever Yours

A laugh bubbles out of me.

“Can I get you a replacement coffee, sir?” Ashley asks him.

“Whatever she’s having.”

“Peppermint Latte coming right up.” Ashley walks back toward the counter with a tote of dirty towels.

“I’m Matthew, by the way.” He holds out his hand.

“Beth.” I offer my hand back with a shy smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“It was my pleasure.” He smiles. “I hope you enjoy your fresh cup of coffee. Try not to spill this one.”

He leaves cash on the front counter and slips out of the coffee shop. Great, spilled coffee on a cute mystery man, and still no job.

That’s when I notice a few people staring my way. Specifically, the Madame C’s—Cecelia, Clara, and Catherine—whispering. The town’s unofficial, but official, town gossips. My mom’s going to hear about this before I even get home.

Chai and Chatter

The Hottest Tea in Meadowbrook

Well,well,well…lookslikewe’ve got ourselves a new Romeo in town, but sorry, ladies—he’s already taken!

Our very own Beth Mitchell was spotted atCoffee Loftwith a mystery man’s arm wrapped right around her waist. We all know Beth just got back from earning that fancy marketing degree, but did she bring home a diploma AND a new beau?

Now, don’t get your suspenders in a twist, big brother—word is, the fella was nothing but polite. A real gentleman. But let’s be honest, we wouldn’t mind a little more info…but he seems to be a man who likes to stay under the radar. Anyone got details on who the mystery man is?

Stay tuned, Meadowbrook. Something tells us this isn’t the last time we’ll see Beth’s mystery man.

Until next time, darlings! Keep your ears open and your tea hot!

—Madame C’s

#ChaiAndChatter

#MeadowbrookTea

#NewGuyAlert

Chapter 2

Matthew

“Sothat’swhyyou’rein Meadowbrook. Why keep it quiet?” My agent’s voice crackles with curiosity through the phone.

“What are you talking about, Travis?” I ask, sinking into the plush chair in my hotel.

“Oh, right. I forget you’re not a social media guy.” He chuckles. “Well, remember we’ve talked about the whole…‘unapproachable bachelor’ thing you have going on?”

“Unapproachable? More like a focused-on-his-career bachelor,” I counter. “I’m a delight.”

“I know the real Matthew Wilkes,” Travis continues, his tone softening to a more familiar warmth. “But the world doesn’t because you won’t show them.”

“I didn’t pursue golf to become America’s Next Heartthrob. I’m an athlete. I train; I grind. Social engagements are a distraction from that,” I explain, glancing out at the manicured greens of the Meadowbrook Golf Course.

“Yes, you’ve dodged quite a few things lately. But grit alone won’t land you the Summit Pro Tour card. Sponsors do. Last year, 40th overall in the Horizon Golf Tour—close but no card. Fans love you, kid, but companies need a face, not just putts. People just want to know the man behind the mask.”

“Sponsors…right,” I murmur, his words sinking in.

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