Page 53

My Guy

Mallory

T he look of admiration and awe and gratefulness in Holland’s eyes when I tell him how I feel makes me feel like I can fly. He wraps his arm over my shoulder as the tournament coordinator ushers us off the green to where a TV camera and reporter are waiting for Holland’s comments.

He shakes hands with a guy I recognize from years of watching golf with my dad. Cameron Donald is a legend.

“Great round, Holland.” Cameron smiles at him.

I make a move to step aside so he can have his moment, but Holland keeps me anchored to his side.

“Stay. Please,” he says.

I nod.

Cameron nods. “Thanks, Jim. Holland, what a finish. Walk us through what was going through your head as you faced down the shot over the water hazard that was so similar to the Grand Masters finish that didn’t end so well for you.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” Holland jokes, but then he shrugs.

“You’re not wrong. It felt like déja vu.

Honestly, I was trying to trust the reps I’ve put in at practice, trust myself and my team”—he squeezes my side—“and keep my head clear. So much of golf is a mind game, you know? I’m learning, slowly but surely in this career, that I can’t always control every shot, but I can control my reaction and how I let a bad shot affect me going forward.

I credit the people in my life for helping me get my head on straight ahead of this tournament.

It all worked out for me out there today. ”

“I’ll say.” Cameron grins before he bobs his head in my direction. “Looks like a lot is working out for you. Mallory Walsh, you’re Holland’s coach, correct?” Cameron doesn’t wait for a response. He knows he’s right. “What did you think of his performance today?”

“Pretty sure I showed everyone what I thought,” I chuckle, and Cameron joins in.

Holland’s cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink, which somehow gives me the confidence to stand up straighter and keep talking.

I remember when he said how much he’d want to shout from the rooftops that I was his girl, if he ever got the chance.

Here’s my chance. My face is on fire, but I may as well own this.

“Like I told Holland, he played some great golf. As his coach, I’m proud of him for that and for his resilience and the work he’s put in to get to this point.

” I swallow. “As his girlfriend, I love watching my guy do what he loves out there. I’m really glad to be here to support him. ”

“You two enjoy this one. Thanks for your time.” Cameron smiles at us. “Back to you, Jim.”

Holland nods at him and leads me toward where his family is standing. He dips his head. “Your guy, huh? Possessive much?”

“Don’t act like you don’t like that.”

“Guilty. I love when you take control.”

“That’s what I thought.” I smirk.

We make it to the line of fans, and Holland stops and hugs his parents and Mack, and I’m engulfed by the Kasper sisters.

“You two are the cutest,” Rose says.

Poppy shoves her aside so she can hug me. “Totally called this.”

Noli is next. “Enemies-to-lovers and workplace romances are the best kind.” She shoots me a knowing smile. “Speaking from experience.”

“You know what? I couldn’t agree more.” It’s been a rollercoaster these past six weeks.

If someone would have told me after the tournament in South Carolina that I would not only be roped into dating Holland but actually develop real feelings for him, letting him scale my carefully constructed professional fortress, I would have said there was a greater chance that I’d end up walking on Mars.

But I wouldn’t change a thing. The route Holland and I took to each other has been unconventional, but he’s proven himself at every turn.

He may have fallen for me first, but by giving me the time to let my feelings catch up, he’s kindled my fragile trust into a blazing fire of confident, mutual love.

I glance over at Holland, who catches my eye.

He smiles, and his mom pushes him toward me.

“I’ve got to go—” He gestures to the clubhouse.

“Do your thing. Yeah. Of course you do.” I grin. “I’ll be here.”

“I know.” He kisses my forehead. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Well, start believing it. Oh, and Vivian wants to interview us when you’re done.”

“Yeah. About that. How is she here?”

“I called her and told her we should film the final segment of the season here, for our reunion.” I shrug it off like it’s no big deal. “I had a feeling today was going to be a good day on the course for you.”

He shakes his head. “There’s no way you could have known I’d win.”

“Are you questioning my coaching skills, Bradley?” I put my hands on my hips.

“Never.” He grins. “You’re my secret weapon. But there are never any guarantees in this game.”

“I won’t ever bet against you.” I pin him with a look. “As long as you promise to never bet against yourself.”

“Deal.” He kisses me again. “Thank you.” He holds my gaze for a brief second, and a flurry of emotions fills his eyes. I’d like to take the time to catalog each one, but he blinks. “For everything.”

Then he disappears into the clubhouse .

My phone is blowing up in my back pocket. I huddle up with Holland’s family and check my messages.

Mom

Holland wins!!!

Mom

Saw you on TV.

Jo

Looking like absolute fire.

Mom

You guys are so cute! I’m so happy!!!!

Dad

Proud of you, Mallory!

Mom

When can we go wedding dress shopping?

I snort.

Mallory

One thing at a time, Mom.

Mom

Why wait?

I roll my eyes and stash my phone. There will be time to curb my mom’s enthusiasm later. For now, I’m going to soak up this victory with a giant grin on my face, relishing the freedom I’ve given myself to let my feelings—about both golf and Holland—show.