Page 42 of Fore-Ever Yours

“Morning,” I reply, grabbing a mug and pouring myself a cup of coffee.

“Do you, uh, want to talk about last night?”

“What? My nightmare?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “I don’t mean to pry; I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

I sip my cup of coffee and offer a small smile. “I’m okay, Matthew. Promise. Thank you for asking.”

Matthew hesitates for a moment, then finally nods.

“What did Travis call about last night? Any news on sponsors?”

“He’s happy with the amount of press. As for sponsors, today and tomorrow’s results are the answer to that question.”

His face twists, and I can see the pressure he’s putting on himself.

“Hey—” I set my coffee cup down and grab his arm. “Let your game do the talking.”

He takes a deep breath, nodding as he looks down.

“Don’t even think about the sponsors today. Just do what you do best.”

His gaze flickers up to meet mine. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I know I’m right,” I tease as I remove my hand from him. “Did you eat anything yet?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet.”

“I’ll make some breakfast then. It’s going to be a long day.”

Maggie and Alison are with me in the audience, and I really like having them here with me. I’m not alone and Matthew has his own little cheering section now. Even though he’s independent, I know he appreciates it too.

With each new tournament and practice, I’ve grown to love watching him play. He’s so intense and focused. But when he gets under par, there’s a little smirk he gets. It’s short lived, but if you watch him close enough, you’ll see it.

And unfortunately for my heart rate, I’ve been watching him closely.

Matthew sinks a particularly difficult putt when that smirk appears, and he sends a wink my way.

I shouldn’t be surprised by this, but I am. I know it’s for the sake of appearances, but the smile on my face and my heart pounding in my chest say otherwise.

“There’s that smirk,” Alison says.

“I know. He’s doing great today,” I say. Maggie laughs. “What?” I turn to them.

“I’m not talking about his. I mean yours,” Alison replies.

“Your face lights up every time he looks your way,” Maggie adds, and they both giggle.

Does it really?

Alison sighs. “I only hope to find a man who makes me feel that way. Know of any single golfers here?”

I chuckle. “Not a golfer, but Matthew’s caddy, Nick, is single.”

She pulls her sunglasses down and takes a look at Nick. “He’s hot.”

“And older than you,” Maggie says.

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