Page 32 of Fore-Ever Yours

“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. Peopletrusthim.”

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.”

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