Chapter 18
Matthew
There’s still one more thing I need to do. Something that’s more important than any championship win or tour card. One more piece that needs to fall into place.
I look at Beth, her eyes shining and full of hope, and I know that she is that missing piece.
I reach over to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, then lean in to whisper in her ear.
“I like the sound of that.”
This isn’t how I planned to tell her, but I can’t wait any longer. She needs to know now. I don’t want to waste another moment in this fake relationship. I want Beth to be mine.
“Come with me,” I say, holding out my hand to her. Her eyes flicker in surprise for a moment before she places her hand in mine.
“Where are we going?” she asks, looking bewildered but willing to follow me.
“You’ll see,” I answer, giving her a reassuring wink.
As we walk, my mind races through the maze of our journey. The lies that started this relationship now seem meaningless, as if they were built on a foundation meant to crumble for this truth to emerge.
We walk away from the clubhouse, away from the reporter tents, away from everyone else, toward the tree line.
“It feels like we’re on a secret mission,” she whispers with a small giggle, her grip tightening on my hand. Her laughter is contagious, and I can’t help but laugh along with her.
Reaching the trees, I guide her to a hidden spot between two oaks that offers a clear view of the sunset. It’s peaceful here, away from the crowd’s prying eyes and suffocating expectations. Just us.
Beth gasps softly at the sight of the sunset and immediately pulls out her phone to snap a picture. “It’s beautiful.” She looks up at me with sparkling eyes and smiles.
I take a deep breath, getting ready to bare my soul to this woman who has turned my world upside down in the most wonderful way possible.
I stand in front of her and grab both of her hands. “I lied to you,” I start, my gaze locked onto hers.
Her lips part slightly as confusion washes over her face.
“I signed our contract, and I haven’t kept my part of the deal.”
Her eyes widen as she processes my words. “What...what do you mean?”
“I mean, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say. Something I should’ve told you already.”
I can see her mind racing to understand.
“I’ve broken a rule,” I continue, trying to keep my voice steady. “Specifically, rule #4…I’ve fallen for you, Beth.”
Her eyes widen, and she stares at me in surprise. Then slowly, a smile starts to form on her face.
“While I noticed your outer beauty the first time I met you, I grew to know your inner beauty. You’re sweet, kindhearted, and the hardest worker I know. You tease me and make me laugh and smile more than anyone. And…” I pause, my heart trying to escape from my chest. “I want you. Not only as my brand manager. Not only as my friend. I want you to be mine, for real. No more fake dating.”
Her eyes glisten as she opens her mouth to say something, then closes it again, seemingly lost for words.
I release her hands and reach to cradle her face. “Beth,” I say softly. “I love you.”
The moment I utter those words, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief and fear at the same time. I’ve laid all my cards on the table, and now, there’s no turning back.
The silence stretches for what feels like forever, until she whispers back, “I love you too, Matthew.”
I lean in, closing the small gap between us and gently press my lips to hers. They move against mine in perfect harmony, as if she’s been waiting for this moment just as long as I have.
A soft sigh escapes as she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me even closer. I hold her tight against me, never wanting to let go.
When we break apart, she has this glow about her. “I’m in. I’m all in.”
The words are music to my ears. I grin down at her, feeling like the luckiest man on earth. The girl I love loves me back and wants to be with me.
“So...” She looks up at me expectantly with those mesmerizing eyes of hers. “Do we revise our contract now or what?”
I chuckle lightly at her question. Leave it to Beth to always keep our banter alive even in moments like this.
“Definitely,” I say, nodding seriously before breaking into a wide smile. “I have the first rule.”
She raises an eyebrow in question. “Oh? And what would that be?”
I lean in and press my lips to hers. “That…a lot of that.”
She lets out a laugh. “I think I can get used to that.”
“And I,” I pull her in closer, “plan to ensure you do.”
We share a look that’s full of promise and understanding. This is it. The beginning of us. The real us.
“I never would have thought I’d fall in love with a stranger in three months, but I suppose life has a funny way of surprising you.”
“Three months, three years, or three decades, it wouldn’t make a difference,” I answer, pulling her even closer. “I’d fall for you no matter what.”
She smirks. “I’ve made quite the impression.”
“Indeed, you have,” I reply, leaning in for another kiss. Her kisses are utterly intoxicating. Addicting.
“Alright, come on, Mr. Summit Tour Pro. Time to celebrate your big win.”
“I’m fine celebrating like this, with you,” I say, squeezing her in my arms. Her eyes sparkle with excitement.
“Betthew Forever, remember? Plus, Travis, Nick, your mom, and Alison are waiting to celebrate with you.”
“I suppose we wouldn’t want to disappoint them,” I muse, pressing a final kiss to her forehead before stepping back. She squeezes my hand, offering me a radiant smile that outshines even the setting sun.
“Come on, let’s go,” she says, tugging at my hand and leading me back toward the clubhouse. I allow myself to be pulled along, content in the knowledge that no matter what comes our way, Beth is by my side.
As expected, they are all waiting for us.
“Finally,” Travis says with a sly grin on his face. “Thought we’d have to send out a search party.”
Alison steps forward as she cocks an eyebrow at us. “Been out celebrating alone?”
“We had…something to discuss,” I deflect, a grin tugging at my lips.
“Is that what the kids are calling ‘making out’ now?” my mom asks with a wink, making everyone burst into laughter.
“Mom!” I groan, half mortified and half amused.
Nick joins in the banter with his own teasing remark. “Seems like Matthew’s game is strong both on and off the green.”
Beth’s cheeks burn red, and she tries to hide her face behind her hands. She nudges me lightly in the ribs, a faux scowl on her face. “Look at what you’ve done.”
I flash her an innocent smile, winking as I pull her closer to my side. I lean my head down and murmur low enough so only she can hear, “This is just the beginning. Our beginning.”