Page 12 of Fore Better or Worse
“Never,” I admit before I can stop myself. “And there’s a reason for that. Spontaneous decisions lead to spontaneous disasters. And I am, by far, the most rational person you’ve met, believe me.”
“Then let’s talk about this like rational adults.”
I could tear my hair out. “I’m the rational one. You’re the one who just proposed marriage to a stranger.”
Hurt flashes across his features.
“Sorry, not strangers. I mean, we are birthday buddies, and we’re both Leo’s, so that’s another thing in common, though I’ve never really identified with that sign, whereas you could be the poster child for it.”
He reaches for my hands, clasping them in his, and looks straight into my eyes. “Rational adults also don’t let opportunities slip away because they’re afraid to take a risk, Leah.”
Chapter eight
Leah
Before I can respond, Hays moves toward Sean and Nicole’s table, glancing around before liberating the half-empty bottle of champagne from the ice bucket. The sun is dipping below the horizon, painting the summer sky in shades of coral and gold. A warm, gentle breeze carries salt air across the deck.
While everyone’s attention is focused to the west, Hays grabs my hand and guides me toward the port side—or maybe, it’s starboard—where a wooden bench, with a sign showing life vests are stored inside, is built against the bridge.
I feel like slipping one of the orange vests over my head and cinching the strap tight, because I’m clearly drowning in whatever this is between us. And Hays seems determined to pull me under completely.
“Champagne?” he offers, extending the bottle in my direction.
“Please.” Two drinks is usually my limit, and I’ve already polished off three rum and Cokes, but this turn of events has me lifting the bottle to my lips. It’s perfectly chilled, bubbles dancing on my tongue as I take a sip.
I pass it back, and as he takes a swig, I blow out a long breath. “Explain how proposing marriage to someone you just met could possibly seem rational to you.”
He sets down the bottle and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The golden sunset catches the amber flecks in his hair as he stares at the floorboards. “You want the honest answer?”
“Always.”
“I’ve never felt like this.” His voice has lost its playful edge, serious now as he glances over at me. “I’ve dated plenty of women, Leah. Most of them threw themselves at me the second they found out who I was. But you? You basically told me my career was a liability. You paid for your own drinks. You called my pickup lines ridiculous.”
“They were ridiculous.”
“Exactly.” He shifts closer. “You see me and not just the golf pro with the viral interviews. And when I kissed you…” He trails off, running a hand through his hair. “Hell, sweetheart, when I kissed you, it felt like coming home after being on the road all season long.”
My breath catches at the raw honesty in his voice, but logic still wins. “That’s just chemistry, Hays. Physical attraction. I mean, sure, the kiss was…spectacular, but it doesn’t mean we should get married. You’re a pro-golfer focused on winning. I’d be a…distraction.”
“Or the best thing that’s ever happened to my game.”
“You don’t know that.”
“My parents fell in love at first sight. Met when they were nineteen and married less than three months later. I never understood how that could happen until tonight.”
The picture in his wallet. Him here supporting his brother. He must be close with his family. I grasp for the argument thatmight finally get through to him. “And what would your parents say if you got married tonight without them here?”
“My mom would be thrilled, believe me.”
Not the answer I expected, but then again, I’m learning I need to be ready for anything from this force of a man. “And what about your dad?”
“My dad died when I was nine.”
Oh.“I’m so sorry.”
The words feel inadequate, but the shift in his expression tells me he heard the sincerity behind them. The cocky confidence that seems to be his default setting dims, replaced by something raw and unguarded that pulls at emotions deep inside me.
“He had a heart attack during one of my junior tournaments.” Hays looks out over the water. “I was on fourteen when my mom pulled me off the course. By the time we got to the hospital…” He shrugs, his shoulders dropping. “That was it.”
