Page 89 of Putting Out
“As a previous winner I have lifetime eligibility.”
“I know the rules,” she said. “I thought you were done playing professionally.”
“For the most part, I am. I thought this would be fun. My network found someone else to do color commentary with Jim, so I’m free as a bird.”
Reilly’s eyes narrowed and it occurred to her what a crappy liar he was. Which was why he was never able to stay married for more than a few weeks at a time.
“Luke, you don’t have to do this. I told you I’m not five.”
“Do what? Play a few rounds of golf with the greatest golfers in the world on possibly the greatest course in the world. Although, don’t tell that to the Scots.”
“You’re trying to babysit me again.”
He sighed and looked away from her. “I’m trying to give you an ally on the field of play. That’s not a bad thing.”
“And protect me from the boogie man.”
“This particular boogie man is real. One more person inside the ropes watching your back isn’t a bad idea.”
“If you were nervous you should have told Mark to move in.”
“We’re not there yet. Nothing else has happened, has it? No other suspicious letters, right?”
“Just something I got in the mail that made me a little nervous. Apparently, there is thing called a Prize Patrol that plans to follow me around. I don’t know, it sounded a little fishy.”
He smiled, then reached out and cupped her chin.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m considering kissing you.”
She pulled back. “Luke! You can’t kiss me here. What if someone sees?”
“They’ll know you’re into me,” he teased.
“They’ll think I’m a girly girl instead of a badass,” she hissed.
He moved an inch closer but she held her ground. “Reilly, I’ve got news for you. You are a girly girl. Don’t let anyone try to take that away.”
“Fine, but even if I were going to let you kiss me, which I’m not, I wouldn’t allow it here.”
Luke dropped his hand. “All right. No kissing on the course. After all, it’s bad enough you’re desecrating…what was that you were desecrating again?”
“Sacred ground.”
“Right, sacred ground. How about we put this sacred ground to the test and take her out for a spin? Change out of your suit and we’ll go play a round of skins.”
“I can’t.”
“What do you mean you can’t? You didn’t bring a change of clothes?”
“I mean Birdie Smithfield has not authorized me to play on this course prior to the event. Unless I can get a member to invite me, I’m not allowed to put a painted toe on this sacred ground.”
Luke scowled. “That’s crap. I’ll invite you.”
She shook her head. “You’re not a member.”
“Bastards. All of them. It’s like we’ve stepped back in time. I feel like I should be wearing a fedora, looking for the nearest speakeasy and calling you my dame.”
