Page 47 of The Prize

“Jade,” he snapped, “bring water.”

“I’m fine.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not right now.”

“I made something special for you.”

“I just need a minute.”

“We’ve been trapped in here for days, and I want to prove to you my inventing capabilities can be put to better use.”

What was I doing allowing him to just lead me off like this across the room? Yet with my hand in his I walked beside him. Perhaps this was what it felt like to be in shock even if it was self-inflicted.

“Close your eyes,” he said when we reached the back door.

“Why?”

“I want it to be a surprise.”

“What is it?”

“Zara.” Tobias smiled. “Close your eyes.”

This was insanity, and to prove it each breath that followed was inhaled with a wary sharpness as I listened out for what was coming next. The sound of the lock of the door. A cool breeze on my face. His hand taking mine again as he led me into the garden...

“I put this together for you.” Tobias nudged my side.

My vision cleared as I took in the garden. The landscaping had changed from a lush green lawn to places layered with turf with a geometric layout consisting of obstacles—small ramps, tubes, a minibridge—and all of these led to small holes ready for golf balls.

“You designed a miniature golf course?” I was stunned.

“Do you like it?”

“Why?” I turned to him.

“So we can play.” He pointed to the house. “I thought we’d have some fun. I realized what was so special about this place was how I’d waste the day playing.”

“When did you create this?”

“Edward and I built it years ago. I found it in the storeroom. My aunt never got rid of it.”

I squeezed my eyes shut for a beat, realizing he’d set it up while I’d been distracted in his workshop. “Do you have golf clubs?”

“Over there.” He walked over to the edge of the garden and picked up two golf clubs.

“Do you play regular golf?”

“Any self-respecting businessman knows deals are done on the green.” He handed me a club. “You?”

“No, I’ve never even played crazy golf.”

He grinned, realizing that’s what we called it in England. “Would you like a couple of pointers?”

We stood at the far left of the garden with Tobias standing behind me, his arms wrapped around my body to show me how to hold my club. Strong hands came over mine and I followed his lead with a long sweep of my club. My head swirled with how fast we’d come back to him wooing me. This felt annoyingly right, almost nudging out my doubt.

“Look at the ball and imagine the line you want it to follow before you hit it.” He kissed my shoulder. “This is fun.”