Jake pulled on my hand and chuckled. “Yeah, we don’t want to hear that.”
He took me to the back door that led to the patio and grabbed a jacket off the coat rack, draping it over my shoulders; it smelled like his cologne. He winked at me and opened the door.
“It’s a little chilly outside, but I need to get some fresh air and distance from the rest of the family.” He released my hand and held the door open for me, closing it quickly behind us. “Finally, some peace and quiet.”
“What did you expect?” I said, leaning against the patio railing with a smile. Jake smiled back and came over to stand next to me. “No one has seen you for months. They’re all excited,” I added, bumping him with my shoulder.
The chilly winter air blew around us and he crossed his arms over his chest, revealing his well-toned arms. Clearing my throat, I nodded at his bare skin. It was winter in the mountains and all he had on were jeans and a gray, short-sleeved polo shirt.
“You should’ve grabbed another jacket,” I teased, snuggling into the one he put around my shoulders. “I’m not cold at all.”
Jake chuckled. “I’m fine. I miss the weather up here. We’re supposed to get some snow tonight.”
He was right.
From what I remembered, it started snowing while we talked outside. I couldn’t wait to have a white Christmas. It felt amazing being here with him again. I didn’t realize how much I missedhim until now. I missed our talks and the way he’d make me laugh.
Even though he was still gaining success in the golf world, he was still the same Jake. The fame hadn’t gotten to his head yet, and I hoped it never would. Jake nudged me with his elbow.
“How are things at the gallery? Is business good?”
Beaming, I looked right into his eyes, loving how genuine he was. “It’s going great. You should stop by before leaving town and see all the changes Violet and I made.”
It was exactly what I had said to him that night two years ago, even though I knew what the outcome would be.
Jake’s grin widened. “I’ll try to fit that in. If not, I promise I’ll be by soon.”
I remembered feeling hopeful of him coming by, but he couldn’t. If he wasn’t busy competing, he spent the rest of his time in interviews and talk shows. I couldn’t hold that against him; he was trying to build his future and make a name for himself.
“If not, it’ll be okay,” I assured him, changing up our conversation from two years ago.
We were just in a dream, so it didn’t matter if I said the exact same things as I did when this conversation actually happened.
“Besides,” I added, moving to stand before him, mirroring his stance by crossing my arms over my chest. “I predict you’ll be super busy in the new year.”
Jake smirked. “Oh yeah? Do you think I’ll win any tournaments?”
If he only knew.
Nodding, I couldn’t help but snicker. “I believe you will. Want to hear my predictions?”
He tilted his head to the side, his eyes taking on a curious twinkle. “Go for it.”
I pursed my lips and narrowed my eyes in mock concentration. “Okay,” I started, “here we go. You’re going to win The Sentry, the Phoenix Open, the Masters, the US Open, and the RSM Classic.”
Jake threw his head back and burst out with laughter. “Wow, Lydia. That’s pretty optimistic.”
I shrugged. “You can do it. I have faith in you.”
His smile faded slightly, almost like he didn’t believe in himself. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
I poked him in the stomach. “And when you make those millions of dollars, you’ll owe me an expensive dinner.”
He held out his hand. “Deal.” It was a shame none of this was genuinely happening. Jake released my hand and crossed his arms again to block out the cold. “I’m assuming you came here alone tonight?”
Regretfully, I nodded. “Yep. I can’t seem to find that right person.”
He looked away and nodded. “It’ll happen.”
