My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I chose to ignore it. Most likely it was one of my brothers, calling to find out if I was okay.
Well, I’m not.
After taking a few deep breaths to calm down, I glanced at my phone to see I’d missed my mom’s call. Shit! She wasn’t someone I could easily ignore, nor would I ever, so I called her right back.
“Hello, honey. I tried calling you.” Her voice was sweet and soothing, just like when I was a kid.
“Hi, Mom. Yes, I saw that you called. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but that’s why I wanted to talk. I watched you today, and when I saw you hustle past the young reporter without a glance, I knew something was wrong. That’s not like you, sweetheart. What’s the matter?”
I rubbed my hand over the scruff that had formed on my jawline. “I screwed up today. My head wasn’t in the game. It’s actually a miracle I’m only four shots behind. But I lost my lead, and you know how hard it’s going to be to get it back.”
“You can do it. I have faith in you. Do you want to talk about it?”
Did I? No.
“Not really. It’s fine, Mom. I’ll be fine. I’m going to turn in and put today behind me. Tomorrow’s a new day. Isn’t that what you always told us?”
“Dane, you know I’m here if you ever need me. It doesn’t matter how old you are; you can always come to your mother.”
Even though I couldn’t see her, I could hear my mom’s smile through the phone. Strangely enough, it actually made me feel a little better.
“I know, and you’re the best. Thank you.”
“Have a great day tomorrow, and if you see that reporter, be nice.”
I let out a laugh. “Okay, I will. I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
• • •
“That’s it, Dane.” William studied my swing as I launched ball after ball at the practice range the next morning. “You’re following through today. Your lines are clean. Much better.”
He was right; I could feel it. Generally, when I swung the club, it was effortless. Sometimes if you thought about it too long, everything went wrong. Yes, I needed to concentrate, but a golf swing should never be hurried. It was like sex—smooth, yet powerful; bold, yet controlled.
I continued practicing everything from putting to driving. William was pleased, and so was I. My head was back in the game. I’d be damned if I was going to lose today. Yes, the top ten finishers made the tour, but I wanted to be number one.
“Looking good, Prescott!”
Emmy’s sweet voice made me smile. She looked adorable, much like she had the other day, but today she was wearing a short white summer dress, and her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail.
I turned to make the introductions. “William, this is—”
Before I could finish, he held out his hand. “Emmy Adams, ladies champion. It’s good to meet you.” They shook hands before William excused himself.
“So, are you ready?” she asked. “Today is the big day.”
I grabbed my bag and walked toward the clubhouse with her.
“I hope so. Yesterday my head was all fucked up, but I think I got it together.” I gave her a lame smile and set my clubs down near the caddie stand.
Emmy studied me for a moment. “I’d ask what’s wrong, but if your head is in the right place, let’s keep it that way. I understand nerves and all of that. To be honest, I almost had an anxiety attack when my name was announced on the first tee.”
That made me chuckle, because I remembered how calm, cool, and collected she’d seemed. “But you didn’t.”
“No, because you were there. So I’m here to return the favor.” Her light blue eyes met mine.
There was an understanding between Emmy and me. She knew how to calm me, and apparently, I did the same for her. Even after all these years, some things never changed.
“Are you going to follow me around like a groupie?”
I chuckled and took a step back as she balled her hand into a fist but stopped short before hitting me.
“No, you have enough of those. I’m going to hang back and watch you do your thing. If something bugs you, I want you to look at me.” Catching my eye, she gave me a serious look. “It will be me and you. Think of it as us playing a fun round of golf. Remember when you told me you were going to kick my ass and I teased you about not being able to hit it past the ladies’ tee box? You reminded me of the unwritten rule—if a man doesn’t hit his drive past the ladies’ tee, he has to play the rest of the hole with his penis out. If memory serves, I said ‘bring it,’ and we laughed and played a great round of golf.”
I chuckled. “You just hoped to see my dick.”
She crinkled her nose. “Hardly, but do you know what I’m saying? Enjoy it and take it all in. Golf is in your blood, just like it’s in mine. It’s part of who we are, so relax and enjoy the ride, okay?”
She was right.
“Yeah, I got it.” I pulled her into my arms and hugged her. “Stay in my line of sight so I can see you, Emmy.”
“I’ll be exactly where you need me to be.” She started to walk away but then turned to look back at me. “I’ll be at the eighteenth green when you sink the winning putt.” After a wink, she walked away.
William came up to me and clapped me on the shoulder. “Ready?”
“You bet I am.”
CHAPTER 24
~ Beverly ~
We all gathered around the large plasma television in Jack’s family room in anticipation of seeing Dane win the qualifying tournament. It was a shame his parents weren’t here, but Rick had a conference out of town.
After yesterday’s round, Dane was no longer in the lead. Gretchen, Lucy, and I were huddled together on the couch, while Drake, Josh, and Jack were in the chairs surrounding us. All of our eyes were focused on the screen in front of us. To say my nerves were at an all-time high would be an understatement.
Dane’s name was announced by the commentators, and when the camera cut to him, he looked gorgeous. Reporters interviewed the top two golfers. Even though Dane was playing with them today, he wasn’t interviewed. My heart ached for him and how disappointed he must have been. But it was when they said “Dane Prescott is looking good today” that we all clapped.
The cameras cut to him on the sixteenth hole where he made a birdie. He was now only one stroke back. His foursome was the last to play. Out of the four, only Dane had gained any ground, but he was still one shot behind the leader, Brian Stewart.
“You better fucking believe he looks good today,” Jack said proudly as he took a swig of beer. “My brother knows what’s at stake—he’s a Prescott. I knew he’d tear the course up.”
Josh lifted his bottle in agreement. “You got that right.”
During a commercial, Gretchen and I got up to get a few more beers and snacks from the kitchen. As Lucy tried to follow us, Drake pulled her onto his lap.
Gretchen rolled her eyes. “They’re like lovesick teenagers.”
I laughed. “But they’re perfect together.”
She grabbed a six-pack from the refrigerator and said, “That they are,” but her lips curled down a bit.
“Are you okay?” I asked. “Is it Scott?”
She shrugged. “I just wish he was here.”
I knew the feeling. “I understand.”
Then she perked up. “But we’re all together watching our favorite golfer.” She motioned for the bowl of chips on the kitchen island. “Grab that and let’s get in there.”
We all sat in the family room with our eyes fixed on the screen as they played through seventeen. Our group let out a few oohs and ahs as golfers made or missed their putts.
Each time I saw Dane, my heart fluttered. He was impeccably dressed in black slacks, a gray shirt, black shoes, and a white baseball cap with Jack’s company logo on the front. Dane’s dark hair curled beneath the bottom of the hat, making him look even sexier, if that was possible.
At
the eighteenth hole, Dane was tied with Brian for the lead. The other two golfers in their foursome were back two strokes and had finished their round. Brian and Dane both had short putts, but the commentator said that Dane had a better lie, which meant he should have the advantage.
Lucy was back to sitting with us girls. After Drake practically dropped her when he sprang from his chair when Dane tied the leader, she laughed and decided she’d be safer on the sofa. Gretchen, Lucy, and I held hands as we scooted to the edge of the couch. If my hands were free, I would have been gnawing on my fingernails.
Brian was up first. He brought back his putter and struck the ball, which rolled about two inches past the cup.
Gretchen squealed, making Lucy and me jump. “Come on, big brother, you’ve got this.”
Gretchen’s words made my skin prickle. I kept sending Dane good vibes, thinking, You can do this; you can do this.
Dane glanced at something in front of him, smiled, and then lined up his putter behind the ball. With one smooth stroke, he drained the putt.
We all erupted into cheers and whistles as we stood up and hugged each other, but my eyes never left the screen. My gorgeous man hugged his caddie before he shook Brian’s hand.
Dane did it . . . he won! He was now a professional golfer. That thought was both incredibly exciting and terrifying for me at the same time. Thinking of how that might impact our—
“Everyone be quiet! They’re going to interview him,” Jack practically yelled at us, interrupting my thoughts.
We all obeyed and sat down, completely riveted and practically vibrating with excitement as we continued watching.
Then my heart stopped beating. A gorgeous blonde in a white dress jumped into Dane’s arms. He swung her around and planted a quick kiss on her lips. They beamed at each other before stopping to speak to the reporter, their arms slung around each other.
My eyes stung as my heart began beating again, speeding up to a hard hammering. I took a few calming breaths, doing my best not to get upset and risk looking like a fool in front of Dane’s family, even though I had started to feel like one.
Who the hell is she? And why did he kiss her?
Lucy, who was holding my hand, gripped it a little tighter. “She’s probably just a friend.”
I nodded, knowing Lucy was trying to make me feel better, but Dane still hadn’t moved away from that damn blonde. A burning sensation grew in my stomach, and a few seconds later, I could feel the bite of bile in the back of my throat.
Josh exclaimed, “That’s Emmy Adams. Remember her?” When he looked at his brothers, who both wore confused looks on their faces, he scoffed. “They were on the same golf team in college, remember? She just won the ladies’ tournament.”
“Oh, Emmy!” Jack’s face lit up with recognition while Drake still looked confused.
Meanwhile, I continued to stare at the beautiful couple as my stomach churned, my eyes burned, and sweat slicked my palms.
A young reporter approached him. “Congratulations, Dane.” They shook hands while Dane kept his arm slung around Emmy’s shoulders.
“Thank you.”
Dane’s deep voice hit me straight in my heart, and he flashed that broad smile that could bring me to my knees.
“You looked good out there,” the reporter said. “Tell us how you’re feeling right now.”
Dane took off his cap and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand before running it through his hair, which looked damp with sweat. “I just knew I had it. My caddie and I studied these greens. I knew I needed to keep the right pace, and luckily I did.” He slid the cap back on his head.
“You fell behind yesterday but made a great comeback today. Can you tell the viewers what you did differently?”
Faint laugh lines appeared as Dane grinned broadly. “Yesterday, I was tense and my head wasn’t in the game. Today . . .” He glanced at the woman, Emmy, and winked. “Today, I was relaxed.”
My heart fell to my feet. Memories of our last conversation flew into my head.
“Tell me, what does a golfer usually do to relax before an important round?”
“Have sex.”
I felt sick when I made the connection, and my insecurities wormed their way into the forefront of my thoughts.
Did Dane have sex with her? Oh my God! No, he wouldn’t. Would he?
I hadn’t realized I’d released Lucy’s hand and was frantically rubbing mine on my thighs. When I noticed it, I stopped and glanced up to find Drake gazing at me with a sympathetic look in his eyes.
Great. Apparently, he knows what relax means to Dane. Is that a guy code or something?
“They’re just friends, Beverly,” Josh said to me, and everyone else chimed in, backing up that statement.
Acting as if I believed them was all I could do, because at this point if I did otherwise, I’d burst into tears.
“One last question.” The reporter’s voice broke through our conversation, and all our heads swiveled toward the television. “Is there someone special cheering you on at home?”
Gretchen started bouncing next to me. “Get ready to hear your name!” She nudged me with her shoulder.
I focused on his lips and watched—no, prayed—he’d say my girlfriend, Beverly.
Dane nodded. “Yes, my family . . .”
“They must be thrilled.”
“I’m sure they are. They’ve always been there for me.”
I had no idea what he said after that because I sprang off the couch as if it were a trampoline, thanked Jack for having me, and said a quick good-bye to everyone else. I’d endured enough embarrassment for the day.
Lucy stopped me on the porch. “Please don’t leave. I’m sure it just slipped his mind with all the excitement. You know how he gets—”
“I’m sure I did slip his mind.” At my curt tone, Lucy’s shoulders dropped, and I felt like a jerk. She was only trying to help. “Thank you for being a great friend, but I don’t belong here. I appreciate all of you for inviting me and welcoming me, but I think it’s best if I go. The last thing I want is to bring the celebration down because I’m feeling left out.”
Lucy frowned, but her expression told me she understood where I was coming from. “Dane will probably call here soon, and I’m sure he’ll want to talk to you.”
I gave her a tight smile. “He has my number. If you talk to him, tell him I’m very happy for him and Emmy. Thank you, Lucy.” I gave her a quick hug and walked away.
“Beverly, please . . .” Lucy called out to me, but I needed to get home and sort out what I was feeling.
Driving carefully because my vision was so blurry, I made my way back to my apartment. Finally home, I burst from the car and ran to my front door, slamming it behind me. Hot tendrils of embarrassment coursed through me as I threw myself down on my couch.
How could Dane do this to me? And why? Once a player, always a player, my inner self said in a singsong voice, to which I mentally replied, But he didn’t seem that way. I thought he’d changed when he told me I was his. What was worse, I’d told him he had my heart.
Jealousy coupled with deep-set insecurities made me feel second best. Which was ironic because when I was with Dane, I felt good about myself and us. No, scratch that. Before Dane, I felt good about myself. But here I was once again feeling like the chubby girl in high school, jealous of the popular one.
I grabbed the remote and turned the television on only to see I’d left it on the sports channel. Some preseason football highlights played before they cut to golf.
And there he was, my gorgeous non-boyfriend. They replayed the interview, but the only word I could hear was relaxed, and the only thing I could see was his wink at Emmy. Then they showed him as he spun her around and kissed her. It was as if it played in a slow-motion loop—the pucker, the kiss, the beaming smile.
The camera cut to the male sports reporter at the desk. “Congratulations to Dane Prescott and Emmy Adams, the newest additions to not only the prestigious ranks o
f TGP golfers, but they were also named as spokespeople for V1 Sports Drinks, based in Baltimore.”
A female reporter chimed in. “Talk about a model-worthy couple. These two look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. V1 hit the jackpot.”
Yes, they sure did.
I shook my head in utter defeat. Emmy was perfect for Dane. She was beautiful, confident, appeared to be nice, had a great body, and most of all, she lived for the same thing he did. Golf.
CHAPTER 25
~ Dane ~
If I weren’t a dude, I’d be crying happy tears right now.
After I turned in my scorecard, I said good-bye to Emmy and William, and then called the airport to confirm my flight for later that night. I couldn’t wait to get home to Virginia to celebrate with Beverly and my family. Just thinking about sharing this with them filled my heart with joy. Every one of them knew how much becoming a pro meant to me, and I honestly couldn’t have achieved this dream without their unwavering support.
According to Beverly, she was going to be at Jack’s, so I decided to Facetime them, knowing Jack would answer the call on his laptop so I could see everyone. I headed for a back hallway in the clubhouse so I could hear better. Jack picked up right away, but what happened when he did shocked the shit out of me.
Jack’s grinning face appeared. He said, “Congratulations,” and then looked away and shook his head for some reason as he adjusted the screen, bringing the rest of my siblings into the picture.
Weird. That was the lamest congratulations I’d ever heard. Something wasn’t right. All the joy I’d been feeling slipped away.
“What’s that look for?” I demanded as my heart raced. All I could think of was that something terrible had happened to someone.
Jack kept smiling, but it felt off. “Well, little brother, before I tell you, let me congratulate you. We’re so happy and proud of you.”
“Thanks.” I studied the screen on my phone. Drake, Lucy, Gretchen, and Josh all had the same weird-ass look on their faces. “Where’s Beverly?”
Gripped (Prescott #2) Page 17