by L. P. Dover
“Dad, you know how hard the pressure is. You were in my place years ago.”
His sigh echoed through the phone. “You’re right, and I had your mother there to help. She talked me off the ledge numerous times.” Just like she’d done to me when she was alive.
“I don’t have her anymore either, Dad. Look, all I want is a break, to enjoy the game without all the pressure. It’s when I play the best.”
“I understand, son. Just wish you would’ve told me, instead of disappearing. Believe it or not, I’m your father, first and foremost. Although, as your manager, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it’s not ideal to stay out of the spotlight. We need you gearing up for the Masters.” His breath hitched. “You are going to play at the Masters, right?”
There was no way I’d miss it. “If I get invited, I’ll be there.” I met all the requirements for it—winning the PGA tour and the U.S. Open last year, which would put me as a qualifier. All I had to do now was wait on the invitation in the mail. My father had won it twice in his lifetime. I was determined to do the same, if not more.
“You’ll get invited, Lucas. I have no doubt. Just make sure you keep playing, and don’t let anything distract you.”
That was going to be hard, especially after the night I had with Sarah. “I won’t,” I lied. “If you need me, I’m at the Emerald Dunes Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach.”
He burst out laughing. “Thank God it’s not summer. I know where your head would be with all those women walking around in bikinis.” It was only October and there were still women in bikinis on the beach. Only, I didn’t want any of them.
We said our goodbyes, and since our conversation didn’t go as horrible as I’d thought it would, my mood lightened considerably.
My phone beeped.
Aiden: Your girl was just down here. Looks like they’re headed out to the course.
That was exactly what I wanted to hear.
Me: I’ll be down in ten.
Chapter Nine
Ashley
“I’m starting to think we need more practice.” Harper groaned as she rolled her neck. Sweat dripped down her temple and she wiped it away as she glared over at Sophia and Allie. “Those bitches killed us.” She tossed her golf shoes into the back of the cart and changed into her tennis shoes.
I shook my head. “Not by much. Just a couple of strokes.” It’d started to get hot once the afternoon sun beat down on us. Luckily, the clouds came to our rescue for the last couple of holes.
We’d just gotten through playing a round of eighteen, and the rust that had built up during the offseason showed in my swing. My drives were spot on, but I had to rely heavily on Harper’s short game. I was lucky I had her as my teammate. Olivia played solo since she was really good, while Sophia and Allie teamed up together. Needless to say, those two gloated when they beat us. I didn’t like losing, especially to them. I needed to squeeze in some practice before our next round.
Sophia and Allie already had their clubs put away and were heading into the hotel when Olivia approached us. “Dinner here tonight. Drinks on me. I think I’m going to take a soak in my hot tub for a while until then.”
Harper sighed and pointed toward the parking lot. “I’m going to put my clubs up and start on the drinking to help with these body aches.”
Olivia giggled and waved. “Sounds good, girlie. I’ll see you two later.”
Harper leaned back in the seat. “Come on, Ash. Let’s go bury our pride in some liquor.”
I drove down to the car, so she could put her clubs away. “Actually, I think I’m going to play some more. I need the practice.”
Her eyes widened. “Shut your face. You’d rather do that than drink with me?”
I grinned. “Hey, someone has to get better, so we can beat Sophia and Allie.” Once I got into the swing of things, I’d be better than them in no time.
“Boo.” Huffing, she slid back into the golf cart. “I would join you, but I really don’t have the energy. Noah took a lot out of me last night.”
With pursed lips, I shook my head. “I think you just want to save what energy you have left for tonight. You don’t have to lie to me.”
The guilty expression on her face was answer enough. “I’m a horrible friend, I know. It’s just, Noah’s so different. You’d absolutely love him if you got to know him. Granted, I don’t know much about him, but he’s pretty cool.”
I shook my head. “Sorry. Not going to happen. You two can have fun without me.” Once I drove her back up to the resort, I checked in with the course and they squeezed me in for a late tee time. Hardly anyone was out there since it was late afternoon, and most of the men were already piss drunk.
There was no one on the first hole when I arrived, and it didn’t look like anyone stood on the second or third either. I loved it when I had the course to myself. I could concentrate on playing my best, without all the pressure of people watching me.
I drove up to my tee box and got into position. My pink ball stared at me as I took a deep breath and slowly brought my club back, making sure to keep my eye on the ball. The words be the ball echoed through my mind in Chevy Chase’s voice. It brought a smile to my face. Every time I golfed, I always replayed scenes from Caddyshack II in my head—one of my favorite movies.
The second I swung my club, I knew it was going to be a perfect drive.
Boy, was I ever wrong.
A gust of wind came out of nowhere and the ball veered to the right, heading directly toward another fairway. It just so happened there were three men in the same vicinity, one of which who was getting ready to hit his own ball.
“Oh, my God.” I panicked and shouted as loud as I could. “Fore!”
It felt like an eternity for the ball to land, like it was moving in slow motion. The three men turned my way, and I watched as my bright pink ball slammed into one of them. The man fell to the ground and didn’t move. Heart racing, I dropped my driver and jumped into the golf cart, foot pressing as hard on the gas as it could go. I prayed to the heavens I hadn’t killed the guy. The thought of it made me sick to my stomach. Thankfully, the trained doctor in me wouldn’t allow myself to panic. I had a job to do.
The closer I got, the more I wanted to turn around and hightail it. The man on the ground wasn’t just anyone . . . it was my sinfully, sexy, one-night stand, sprawled out—pink ball just off to the side. With his buddies flanked to either side, Bryson held onto his head, groaning in pain.
“Move aside. I got this,” I called out with urgency. Slamming on the brakes, I rushed over.
His friends stood but they didn’t move. The one guy I’d briefly met the other night huffed and shook his head. “You could have killed him. We need a doctor.”
Harper’s man, Noah, pulled out his phone, and I grabbed his wrist. He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
“I am a doctor. Let me look at him.” Dread filled me at the thought of dragging him to my office, especially because my father would be there. The last thing I wanted was for them to meet. But I had to suck it up. It was all my fault to begin with.
They both moved out of the way, so I knelt beside Bryson.
Hand on his head, he groaned again and opened his eyes. “You’re a doctor?”
“Yes.”
His eyes roamed down my body through his squinted eyelids, and the corner of his mouth lifted imperceptibly. Even after being hit in the head, he still had only one thing on his mind. “You failed to tell me that last night.”
I snorted. “We didn’t do much talking. I’m sure there’s a lot you didn’t tell me.”
Aiden and Noah cleared their throats, confirming my suspicions. For all I knew, Bryson was married and had three kids at home. The thought pissed me off.
By now, we’d drawn the attention of others. Two men in a golf cart hurried over and rushed to Bryson’s side. I recognized the older gentleman with the white hair. Martin Knight was a friend of my father’s, and more importantly, the resort owner. Keeping everything
a secret wasn’t going to happen now.
Eyes as wide as saucers, he looked at us, and then down to Bryson. “What happened?” He appeared more panicked than me. “We were riding by and saw him collapse. Please tell me he’s not hurt.”
I held up my hand. “Mr. Knight, it’s okay. I don’t know if you recognize me or not, but I’m Trent’s daughter. I got this handled.”
“Thank God,” he breathed, clutching a hand to his chest.
Focusing back on Bryson, I gently moved his hand away. “I need to see where the ball hit you. Can you point to it?” He pointed to a spot, and I didn’t see any marks or bruising. Guess my ball didn’t have as much oomph as I thought. “Look at me so I can check for a concussion.”
He did as I said, and my heart skipped a beat. He looked right into my eyes and I felt exposed, like everyone could see the tension between us. His irises were a medium gray with a pale gold ring around the pupil. I’d never seen anything quite like it. Clearing my throat, I focused on his pupils and they were normal—no difference in sizes, which would indicate a possible concussion.
“Your pupils look fine, but we might need to get you to my office for a CT scan. Do you feel nauseated?”
Bryson slowly lifted onto his elbows. “No, I’m fine. A scan won’t be necessary.” A smile lit up his face. “Besides,” he said, patting my hand, “I have a doctor at my disposal. You can keep watch over me. I believe it’s the least you could do.”
I slid my hand away. “That’s not going to happen.” I could see what he was up to. And by the scandalous look on his face, I began to wonder if I’d even hit him at all.
Martin whispered back and forth with his friend, and I couldn’t help but overhear. “The last thing we need is him giving us bad press,” the man said. “Lucas Montgomery knows too many people.”
“I’ll handle it,” Martin hissed back. “Keep your voice down.”
Mouth gaping, I froze, completely dumbfounded, yet angry at the same time. The man who I’d thought was Bryson peered up at me and shrugged, his smile as devilish as could be.
“Guess I’m busted.”
I’d heard his name before . . . Lucas Montgomery. It wasn’t until I got a good look at his face and thought about why he’d be at a golf resort. Just the other day, I’d overheard one of our nurses in the breakroom talking about him and how he could make her panties wet through the television while watching him play.
“Son of a bitch,” I muttered.
Noah clasped my elbow and helped me up, while Lucas got to his feet. I couldn’t even begin to contain my rage. Luckily, Martin stepped between me and Lucas – pleading with him – before I could attempt to throw a punch or smack him upside the head. Noah pulled me over to the side and I huffed.
“Harper is not going to be happy you lied to her about who you guys are,” I snapped.
Chuckling, he released my arm. “I didn’t lie,” Noah said low. “My name is Noah, and she knows the truth about Lucas, just like I know your name’s not Sarah.”
I gasped. “She told you?”
He grinned. “Secrets tend to slip out in the bedroom.”
I shot a quick glance over at Lucas. “Does he know?”
Noah shook his head. “Nah. I figured I’d let you two sort it all out.”
Then it hit me. Harper had known the truth about Lucas and never told me. “I’m going to kill her,” I grumbled. “So, she knows who Lucas is?”
Noah’s smile faded. “I told her last night. We both agreed we’d stay out of it. Don’t be mad at her.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I blew out a heavy breath. “I am mad, but Harper’s a woman of her word. If you tell her to keep a secret, she does. However, it doesn’t mean I can’t bitch her out for it.”
He moved closer. “And no matter what Lucas lied about, you really don’t have a right to be pissed at him either. You lied too.”
I waved him off. “I know. That’s not why I’m mad.” Worry settled into my gut at the thought of people seeing me with him in public, especially the media. There was no telling what kind of story they’d concoct. Celebrities always had their personal lives on display, even when they didn’t want it.
Martin shook Lucas’ hand. “Mr. Montgomery, I’m so sorry for what happened. It’s unbelievably lucky Dr. Locke was here to help you.”
Lucas rubbed the back of his head as he peered over at me. “Unbelievable is right.”
“Is there anything we can do to amend the situation?” Martin asked him.
Lucas shook his head, looking serious. “You have nothing to worry about. Not unless Dr. Locke meant to hit me with her ball.” Martin jerked his head toward me, and Lucas burst out laughing, drawing his attention back. “I’m kidding, Mr. Knight. You have an amazing resort here. I would never do or say anything to jeopardize that.”
Martin breathed a sigh of relief and patted Lucas’ shoulder. “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. Having you here, enjoying yourself, is what we want. My staff knows to keep your stay here private, unless otherwise advised.” He shook everyone’s hands and took off in the golf cart.
Lucas stepped next to me. “Dr. Sarah Locke, huh? I must say, you’ve surprised me today.”
I glared at him. “Why is that? Didn’t think I was smart enough to be a doctor? Believe me, after last night, I’ve questioned myself.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “You’re definitely smart enough. I could tell when I met you. I’ve just never seen a doctor as sexy as you.” Noah and his friend both smiled at the comment and moved out of ear shot, pretending to clean their clubs.
“Please. Your flattery will get you nowhere. I know who you are and what you’re all about. I’m sure you’ll have another girl dying to be in your bed tonight.” His smile radiated even more, and it made my blood boil. I hated myself for letting him get to me.
Lucas moved closer, the smell of his cologne wafting up to my nose. He smelled so damn good. “Many, probably. But I don’t want another woman in my bed tonight. I want you, Sarah.”
Sighing with embarrassment, I bit my lip. “My name’s not Sarah.” His eyes widened in surprise as he waited for me to continue. “It’s Ashley.”
“Wow,” he said, laughing. “Hypocritical much?”
I smacked his arm. “I’m not mad at you for lying. I mean, unless you’re married or something. You’re not, are you? Married?” He shook his head, relieving my growing tension. Sighing, I continued. “I just don’t want to be a part of the circus that undoubtedly follows you around. And at this point, I’d rather you go your way and I’ll go mine. Our family practice doesn’t need my picture showing up in the tabloids.”
He held out his arms. “Do you see any of the press here?”
I didn’t, and I’d heard what Martin had said about his presence remaining a secret. “Still. That’s only here at the resort. I already took a risk leaving with you from the club last night.”
Lucas picked up my pink ball and tossed it in the air. “Tell you what, Dr. Locke. Since you hit me with your ball—”
“Which is utter bullshit from what I can tell,” I interrupted. “Doesn’t look like I hit you at all.”
His white teeth flashed in the sun. “Maybe, maybe not. It’s your job as a doctor to treat me.”
“Not when there’s nothing wrong, Lucas. You’re being a pain in the ass.”
Aiden and Noah chuckled at my annoyance and sat in their cart, as if watching a comedy movie. I felt like an idiot arguing back and forth, but in a way, I thrived off it. It’d been years since I’d been around a man who lit the fire inside me.
Lucas tossed my ball toward me and I nabbed it out of the air. “Tell you what. Since you injured me today, I feel it’s only your doctorly duty to check up on me at least once. How about tonight, my room, around seven?”
“Forget it.” Even I could hear the lie in my tone. I wasn’t good at hiding what I wanted. He was like a forbidden fruit. Tastes damn good, but bad for you in the long run.
His eyebrows
lifted. “You sure about that?” He walked a circle around me, thumping his pitching wedge against the grass. I could see the wheels in his head turning, and I didn’t like it at all.
“Fine,” I snapped. “I’ll check up on you at seven. Two minutes is all you get.”
Lucas paused and shook his head. “Not enough, sunshine.” He moved closer, his lips just a breath away. “Two hours.”
I gasped. “No.” A lot could happen in two hours.
Grinning from ear to ear, he shrugged. “Two hours, or I will leak to the press about how their local doctor almost killed me on the course. I imagine you don’t want your face plastered all over the internet.”
“I hate you.”
He let out a bark of laughter. “You’re a horrible liar. I know you want me as much as I want you.”
Rolling my eyes, I huffed and turned on my heel.
“See you at seven, sunshine,” he sang.
Hopping in the cart, I put my foot to the metal and sped away, lifting a certain finger in the air for good measure.
I was totally screwed.
Chapter Ten
Ashley
I banged so loud on Harper’s door, people on the other end of the hall had to have heard.
“Geez, I’m coming,” she shouted, sounding out of breath. She opened the door, skin wet from the shower, body wrapped in a towel, with her hair still dry in a high ponytail. Her eyes widened when she looked at my face. “Are you okay?”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I pursed my lips. “You tell me.”
Sighing, she lowered her head. “I knew you’d be pissed, but I have my reasons.” She opened the door wider. “Come in.”
Walking past her, I flopped down on the couch and buried my head in my hands.
Harper came over and sat on the coffee table in front of me. “Are you mad at me?”
I looked up at the sorrowful look in her eyes. “No, I could never be mad at you. As long as you give me a good, solid reason why you failed to tell me the truth.”
