Istare at the happy couple in front of me—the way they keep shooting each other secret glances that aren’t secret at all, the way their hands are intertwined and their shoulders are curved toward each other—and I feel an unfamiliar longing in my chest.
Notjustfor female contact—as a popular pro-golfer, I could snap my fingers, and socialites and drop-dead-gorgeous women would be lining up to go out with me—but for true companionship. To spend time with someone who sees me as more than just a no-strings-attached good time.
I don’t know what’s gotten into me.
Iama famous golf pro and a guy who likes to have a good time. Nothing wrong with that.
But lately, I’ve been feeling…I don’t know. Unmoored? Juvenile? Like maybe I’m ready for something more than casual flings with pretty women.
I blink, bringing my thoughts back to Rose and Anton. “Everything should be all set up for you here. Make yourselves at home.”
“We can’t thank you enough for this, Holland.” Rose’s gaze sweeps around the mansion. “I’m so excited.”
I step out of the way so they can move inside. Anton reached out to me about using some of my contacts in the golf world to secure a house right near the course here in South Carolina. They’ve got the fairway on one side of the property, and it’s a quick drive to the ocean in the opposite direction. It’s a tranquil place that I hope will be the perfect getaway for the two of them.Rose isn’t back to full strength after getting shot this past winter, but she’s moving pretty well.
“This is perfect, man. Thanks again.” Anton shakes my hand and follows Rose inside.
“Call if you need anything, but otherwise, I’ll let you two be.”
I slip out the front door but not before I hear Rose squeal, “Anton, put me down!”
I smirk, but the tugging in my chest tightens. Maybe it would be nice to have a true partner…
My phone lights up with a call from my agent. I answer it as I walk to my car. “What’s up, Noah?”
“Holland, how’s it going? Look, I know you’re busy, but I’ve got a big offer to talk through with you. You got a sec?”
My chest puffs out, and a rush of satisfaction makes me stand up straighter. My career is on the upswing. Endorsement deals are rolling in. I’m the golf world’s darling. Basically, I’m living the dream.
“Sure. Go ahead.” I ease behind the wheel of my car but don’t start it. I check my watch. I’m late, but whatever.
“You know how we talked about the benefit of getting more face time in the mainstream, like beyond your sports deals?”
“Yep.”
“Well, I’ve been working my contacts within the TV world, and I hit pay dirt.”
“I’m listening.”
“How would you like to be the star of the next season ofMost Eligible Mister?”
Whoa.
“Are you serious?” I don’t watch a lot of TV that’s not sports-related, but everyone knows aboutMost Eligible Mister. It’s the longest-running reality dating show on network television. My mom has been watching it religiously since I was eight years old.
“Would I joke with you about something like this? It’s huge, man. A massive opportunity. But only if you want it,” Noah adds.
God bless him. Noah is a really good agent. He has my best interests in mind at all times, and he cares about me as a person.
“I know you’re enjoying your singlehood,” he says, “so no pressure. But if you’re at all interested, tell me, and I’ll get to work hammering out some details.”
I glance out the window of my car to where I left Anton and Rose, blissfully happy, and the feeling of want returns in my chest, humming a bit louder. Idowant to find my person. That’s always been part of my plan. I’ve just had so many women lining up for a chance to spend a night out on the town with me. It’s great for my ego, not gonna lie, and I’ve leaned into it and enjoyed the attention for all it’s worth. But I have no intention of being a playboy for the rest of my life.
“How would it work with my tournament schedule?” I ask, starting the car.
“Filming takes six weeks. Producers would want to squeeze you in this spring so they could air the show at the end of summer and have it coincide with the Tour Championship in late August. Added exposure for you and the show with follow-ups of you and the lucky lady during that tournament. It would be like your coming out party.”
I grin. This is sounding better and better. Find a nice lady in a fun way—being surrounded by twenty beautiful women—and draw more attention to my golf game?
