“Certainly, ma’am.” The man nods and smiles down at me. “Just through the main hall, past the gentlemen’s lounge, and into the formal dining room.”

“Thank you.” I nod on my way past him, trying not to outwardly roll my eyes at the fact that this is the kind of establishment that actually entertains the idea of a gentlemen’s lounge.

The formal dining room is even more exquisite than the foyer, and I’m rendered speechless when I walk through the double doors. A perfectly planned maze of beautifully decorated tables fills the space, complete with candles, fresh flowers, and fancy silverware. Soft music resonates throughout, accompanying the sound of gentle voices murmuring amiable dinner chitchat. As much as I try to pretend as if I do, I certainly do not belong in a place like this.

“Murph!”

I stop mid-step, looking to my right and breathing a sigh of relief to see Nash through the sea of pompous country club members. And, for a moment, I’m left breathless by the sheer sight of him. He looks incredible. His sandy hair is a little messy, like he’s been running his fingers through it all day. His azure eyes seem to illuminate the otherwise dim light of the room, sparkling beneath the low-hanging crystal chandeliers. He’s dressed in a navy suit that looks as if it was made to fit only his body. I’ve never seen him look so put-together, so grown-up, so handsome.

“Murph, over here!” Nash yells out again, chuckling this time as if I’d not seen him.

I come to, snapping myself out of my daze. His hand is in the air, beckoning me over and that same boyish grin I fell in love with years ago beams as he waves me over.

“Hi.” I smile awkwardly, approaching the long table set up in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the eighteenth hole lit up like Christmas, providing a spectacular backdrop.

Nash makes his way to me and, before I know it, he has me wrapped in his arms. He holds me so close I can feel his breath fanning over the sensitive skin at the base of my neck and, again, I’m breathless, speechless, and everything in between. The things this guy is capable of doing to me without really doing anything, I swear he might just be the death of me.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispers, pulling back and holding me at arm’s length. “You look beautiful, Murph. Real beautiful.”

I roll my eyes at his compliment, feeling my traitorous cheeks blush.

“Come.” Nash takes my hand in his, holding it tight. “I want to introduce you to Anna.”

My heart falls at the mention of her, as if somehow in the last three minutes spent rapt in everything Nash, I’d forgotten the reason I was here. I try desperately not to let my smile fall but, when I’m led to the striking blonde woman I remember from my social media stalking session, tentatively standing from her chair, looking from Nash to me and back again, the overwhelming happiness I felt just moments ago has all but disappeared.