Chapter 12
Matthew
My golf game has been great, better than I expected actually. It’s this feeling I have whenever I’m around Beth that’s distracting though. We practically spend every waking moment together. And in those moments, there’s something more. And I know it’s not one-sided. I’m not blind; I know what I’ve seen, what I’ve felt, the look in her eyes, the way she’s looked at my lips.
But what am I supposed to do? It goes against our ground rules. The ones she “accidentally” texted me the other day after our photoshoot. I think that’s her not-so-subtle way of reminding me what we’ve agreed to.
Rule #1: No public displays of affection beyond what is necessary to keep up appearances.
I can work with that.
Rule #2: No dating anyone else. We have to make this convincing, even though it’s not real.
I wouldn’t even think of it.
Rule #3: Separate rooms.
Easy peasy.
Rule #4: No falling in love or real feelings.
Welp, that one’s already broken. Feelings are becoming very much real.
And what I really want is to toss the rules out a metaphorical window, or at this moment, the limo window.
We’re on our way to the Emerald Coast Charity Gala, and Beth is even more breathtaking at this moment. She’s always beautiful, whether her eyes are sleepy before she’s had her coffee or, like tonight, in her dark purple evening gown that’s causing her green eyes to pop even more than usual. The diamonds in her jewelry sparkle against her skin.
I had a personal stylist bring samples for her to try. I reserved a hair and makeup artist for tonight. My sister helped me research these things; otherwise, I’d have no idea who to use. Whether she used one or all, I just wanted her to feel confident and beautiful tonight. It might have been too much, but I’d like to think that if she were my real girlfriend, I wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment to do the same.
I take a moment to look at her.
The glow of the lights skims over her features as we drive through the city. It’s an arresting sight, one that makes me feel like I’m falling and flying all at once.
“Matthew?” she asks. “You’re awfully quiet. Are you nervous about meeting all these high-profile folks tonight?”
I try to keep my expression neutral. But no, absolutely not. Those people are the last thing on my mind. She’s making me nervous. The rules are making me nervous. I’m making myself nervous.
These feelings I’m having are throwing me for a loop. I’ve never felt so strongly about someone before. I’ve had crushes and women I’ve thought about getting to know more. While I haven’t dated a ton, I have dated. But Beth…she’s different. I strongly desire to know everything about her. To continue to spend every moment with her. I want to whisk her away from the crowds, and for it to only be her and me together.
Before I can answer her, we arrive and step out into the flashing lights of the photographers. Beth slips her hand into mine. It’s a simple thing, one we’ve done in public several times before, but right now, it sends a jolt through me.
There’s a blur of camera flashes and reporters calling our names.
“Beth! Matthew! Over here!”
I pull her in close as we pose for a few photos together, then enter the grand hall. It’s filled with people, all dressed in their best attire with jewels gleaming under the lavish chandeliers.
There’s an indescribable comfort in her presence. A warmth that seeps through the nerves and settles deep within me. Is it wrong to say I enjoy her company way too much? To be around her is inexplicably delightful.
I lean down to her ear. “To answer your question, no. I’m not nervous about meeting anyone here, Beth. I don’t find ‘high-profile folks’ half as charming as you.”
Beth playfully nudges me with her shoulder. “Flattery will get you nowhere,” she retorts with her signature smirk lighting up her face. “You’re just trying to distract me from your silence.”
“Silence? What silence?”
“Matthew, while I haven’t known you long, we’ve spent every day together for almost two months. I know you more than you think I do. Something’s going on up there.” She taps the side of my head. “So yes, you’re distracting me.”
I chuckle. “It’s working, though, isn’t it?”
She rolls her eyes and laughs softly. Music to my ears.
“We have mingling to do, Mr. Wilkes.” She wraps her hand around my arm. “Come on.”
There are fellow athletes, business leaders, wealthy donors, and media here. I let Beth lead me and introduce me to whomever she thinks we need to chat with.
“There’s Jason Stone, senior executive of DriveForce,” Beth whispers.
The partnership isn’t final, but it’s close. Beth has been able to grow my social media accounts exponentially, seemingly overnight. I’ve been in interviews that have done well also. I’m not a limelight kinda guy, but Beth has been great in preparing me for them.
“Jason, it’s so good to finally meet you in person,” Beth says, her smile warm and genuine.
“Likewise, Beth.” Jason returns her smile, then turns to me. “And Matthew, it’s a pleasure.”
“You as well, sir.” I shake his hand.
“You’ve been having a solid season so far. Keep it up and you’ll be in every major next year.”
I nod. “That’s the goal. Keep playing well and let the results speak for themselves.”
Beth, ever the professional, jumps in. “And they have. His game has been consistent, and his personal brand has grown as well. His brand-new accounts have grown from zero to fifty thousand followers in under two months. His interviews have been getting great traction, and we’re seeing more fan engagement than, well, ever.”
Jason hums in approval. “That’s exactly what we like to see. A strong performance on the course and a growing presence off it. DriveForce values longevity—we don’t just want a short-term partnership, we want long-term ones. A brand ambassador.”
Beth tilts her head slightly. “And that’s exactly why Matthew is a perfect fit. He’s got the talent and work ethic, but he also resonates with fans, including fellow golfers. People trust him.”
Jason raises an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. “Quite commendable. You’ve certainly made a name for yourself, Matthew.”
“Thank you. But Beth deserves all the credit for the branding,” I respond without missing a beat. It’s the truth; she’s been the driving force (no pun intended) behind all of it.
Beth flushes, her cheeks turning a delightful shade of pink under my praise.
Jason nods with approval. “Remarkable. It’s clear you have a vision, Beth. I look forward to seeing how you will leverage that vision for Matthew’s career and potentially DriveForce.”
“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 I don’t want to tear up the rules and I don’t want 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.