Page 84 of Pros Don't

I find myself nodding along with his response. It was polite but honest.

“How was your practice this morning?” Ava asks Holland and then bounces her gaze to me. “Was it good to get back out there?”

I cut Holland a look. He’s staring at me. “You’d have to ask Mallory. She’s in charge.” He offers me a smile and a small nod.

I feel slightly panicky when I remember the events of the morning, but I keep my response as close to true as possible. No one needs to know I’m not talking about golf.

“It started out rough, but we had a strong finish. I don’t want to speak too soon, but things look…promising.” I refuse tolook at Holland, because I’m afraid I’ll blush or swoon or appear completely transparent in these newfound feelings for him.

“Agreed,” Holland says.

“Oh! Look who’s here!” Zelda holds up her hand and waves to Chad, who enters from off camera.

“Ladies, Holland. Good afternoon! I hope everyone’s settling back in here in Cashmere Cove.”

We all murmur our yeses.

“Good. Good. It’s time for another one-on-one date. The lucky lady chosen will be leaving with Holland directly from here. Are we ready to find out who she is? Holland, are you excited?”

“I personally cannot wait.” Holland cuts me with a quick look before bouncing his gaze around the circle.

“Mindy Sue, since you had the one-on-one date during Grand Masters week, why don’t you do the honors?” Chad hands Mindy Sue the date card, and she pulls it to her chest, giving it a hug.

“Here we go,” she says as she breaks the seal. Her eyes scan the contents of the card, and I find myself holding my breath, which is stupid because I know my name is on it.

“Mallory,” Mindy Sue reads, her eyes bouncing up and over to me, “let’s go see something beautiful today. Xoxo, Holland.”

She hands me the card, and I thank her.

“Congrats, Mal.” Britt gives me a side hug.

Jennah and Zelda look annoyed.

“I can’t believe she gets to go on a second one-on-one date, and I haven’t even had one!” Jennah mutters but not quietly enough that the mics won’t pick up her comment.

“Agreed,” Zelda whispers back.

I keep my shoulders back and my mask in place. It’s my default, and this is all sorts of awkward—even more so than my first one-on-one date. At least then there were more women to act as a buffer. That, and I didn’t actually care at that point. Now, though? A twinge of doubt wiggles its way up my spine. If thesewomen are feeling attached to Holland, is he feeling the same for them?

I blink the thought away. If I’m going to do this, I need to take him at his word and trust what he says. I couldn’t have asked for him to be more direct. I’m not going to get in my head about the other women.

“Well, Mallory, I’m sure you’re excited to spend the day with Holland,” Chad says.

I flick my gaze to Holland, and he’s grinning at me.

“She adores spending time with me. Don’t you, Mal?”

“I mostly just put up with him.”

Chad booms out a laugh, and Holland snickers.

He holds out his hand. “Ready?”

“Or not.” I take a deep breath and slip my fingers through his. This is either going to be a great idea, or I’m throwing everything I’ve worked for out the window. Am I ready? I guess we’ll find out.

31

Cherry Blossoms or Bust

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