Page 120 of Pros Don't

I didn’t think it was possible, but the fans go even crazier all around us. I see flashbulbs going off in my periphery, but Mallory is kissing me like we’re the only two people on this eighteenth green.

I’m more than happy to follow her lead. She takes control, demanding my full attention with the slant of her mouth. I drink her in, savoring the pressure of her lips against mine and the electric current running between us.

“I missed you,” she says when we break for air. She rests her head against my forehead. “I’m so dang proud of you, Holland. You did it.”

I shake my head. “Wedid it. I still don’t understand. How are you here? What about your mom?”

“She told me she’d disown me if I didn’t leave her alone and come see you…especially after I told her there was some unfinished business between the two of us.”

I arch my brows. “What might that be?”

She kisses my lips again, hard and fast. “Well, you see. There’s this pretty incredible guy who told me he loved me in a tree house, and I never said it back. I’ve been wanting to,” she adds more quietly, gazing at me with clear, sure eyes.

“Have you now?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Don’t let me stop you.”

Mallory cups my cheeks in her hands. “I love you, Holland Bradley. You are an incredible golfer and an even more incredible man. I want to be on your team. Professionally, personally, all of the above.”

I stare at her, and she laughs. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Trying to memorize this moment.” The sounds of screams and people yelling our names reach my ears, and I flick my gaze overMallory’s shoulder to where the cameras are rolling. We’ve got to move off the green shortly, and I’ve got to get to the clubhouse to turn in my scorecard.

I set her on her feet but grab for her hands, dipping my head so it’s close to her ear. “What about your reputation? You sure you’re okay with all this?”

She shrugs. “I care more about you than I do what people think of me.”

46

My Guy

Mallory

The 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’smychance. 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.”

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