Page 97 of The Golden Scoop

My arms wrap around his waist, and I melt against him, face hiding in the comfort of his chest.

“You did great,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

I tilt my chin up to look at him.

“You said a couple of times…”

His grin turns sheepish. “Played in high school too. Nothing major, though.”

I gasp dramatically. There goes my advantage.

“So this entire date was set up.”

“You brought me here.”

Potayto, potahto.

“Only because I was sure I was going to beat you.”

“We can keep practicing,” he encourages. “Swing’s getting better each time.”

“Can we come back every weekend until I win?”

I don’t register what I’ve said until I watch his expression shift into slight shock. His eyebrow raises. Matt goes still, caught off guard in the softest way. I can tell he’s trying not to react too hard to what I’ve accidentally implied.

“What if that takes ten years?” he asks quietly.

The question settles between us heavier than it should.

A future.

That’s what he’s asking. I don’t know what happens tomorrow, let alone a decade from now. Relationships in my life have never lasted long enough for me to question this. But standing here with Matt wrapped around me so naturally, I know one thing with certainty: I want more time. However much that may be.

“With your ego?” I tease. “Probably longer. You’ll sabotage me once I’m close.”

His laugh comes out breathless.

“Emma.”

I pull back slightly. Really look at him.

“Then so be it,” I answer.

Something vulnerable flashes across his face. I don’t have time to pinpoint it before he’s leaning down to kiss me.

His hand cups the side of my neck while mine bunch up the front of his shirt, neither of us pulling away when we probably should. Matt swallows a groan. I clear my throat weakly.

“Alright,” I mumble against his mouth. “Go back out there before we get told off for public indecency.”

“You sure you want me to practice?”

“Ideally, no. But I need a five-minute break.”

“That’s it?” Matt grins and leans close enough for his lips to brush my ear. “I hope your stamina’s this impressive in bed too.”

My jaw drops.

“Matthew!”