Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
“You look great,” Emma insisted, straightening out my teeny-tiny triangle bikini top.
“I didn’t know appearing in a bathing suit was part of the plan,” I said. “This is going straight up my butt.”
Emma tucked a piece of her short dark-brown hair behind her ear. “That’s the style now-adays,” she said, pulling up the strap on my shoulder.
We were still in my quarters, but the guys were already waiting for me outside. Brady had excitedly knocked on my door this morning, insanely large coffee in hand, to inform me that it was “pool party day.”
Being outside in the sun didn’t sound like the worst thing in the world. Especially since a cool breeze had been drifting off the ocean the past two days.
Last night’s elimination had, surprisingly, been the smoothest one so far. Freddy and Joey had bitten the bullet and been completely gracious about it. They’d said goodbye to the guys and each offered me a hug before leaving without incident.
Now, there were only six left. Every time the number decreased, it became a little less overwhelming.
Although now that there were fewer guys, I was expected to lead our conversations into deeper waters: ask them about their lives back home, whether they wanted families, where they saw themselves in five years.
Questions I was still trying to figure out for myself. And questions I certainly didn’t want to discuss while wearing a thong bathing suit. Where was the dignity in it all?
“Also, I hate to bring this up, but Brady needs you to kiss someone else.”
I snorted, only to glance up and see the serious look on Emma’s face. I cringed. “What? You can’t be serious.”
She waved her arms in the air and started pacing around the guest cottage kitchen. “I mean, technically you don’t have to. But if you only kiss Tripp and Austin, it’ll look like you're playing obvious favorites. We're already showing Tripp as the front runner, but we need to have some conflict.”
“I did not kiss Austin,” I said, appalled that his assault on my mouth could be construed as a kiss. I’d begged Emma and Brady to get rid of him at last night’s elimination, but apparently he was still too vital in production’s plans.
“That’s not what the camera angle makes it look like,” she said apologetically, and I groaned. “But don’t even worry about it. Seriously. And you do not have to kiss him again. It can be anyone. Jeremy is cute.”
I frowned. The last time I spoke with Jeremy, he’d asked me how many cavities I’d had, and if I’d ever considered veneers. I mean, he was a dentist so maybe that was his version of flirting? But when I said I’d never had a cavity, he didn’t believe me and begged me to open my mouth wider.
“Christian?” she offered, and I winced, still thinking about how simultaneously untalented and overly competitive he had been in the billiards competition.
He’d also cried when Joey went home last night, which was sort of sweet, but they’d also already made plans to see each other as soon as the show wrapped. Next week.
“Well, pick whoever you’re most comfortable with. Just something to keep in mind. Brady might say something to you, but he’s got his hands full managing the guys.”
“How’s that going?” I asked. Filming continued with the guys every time I was shut in my guesthouse for the night.
“Oh, y’know. The typical. Grant and Austin have a fun little storyline where Grant keeps intentionally getting under Austin’s skin to piss him off. Austin and Christian have kind of ganged up on Tripp a little. They can tell he’s the front-runner.”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, great. That’ll make Tripp like me.”
She laughed. “He’s a strong guy. Hasn’t let anything affect him. Don’t worry.”
“I just don’t want to look ridiculous,” I muttered, pulling again at the microscopic piece of spandex fabric that was a nip-slip waiting to happen.
Emma pulled a glass from one of the cabinets.
“It’s entertaining. Trust me. You want entertainment that doesn’t involve you.
When you’re on the screen, you want the audience to think one thing: who is worthy of this stunning woman’s time?
” She filled the glass with water and slid it my way.
“Here, hydrate before we have to get out there.”
I arched an eyebrow at her and took the glass. “You really think people will think that?”
“I know they will.”
“I wish I was so confident.”
“Hey, you’re doing great, okay? And there is something there with Tripp. Everyone can see it.”
Something gnawed at my chest. I wanted it to be real, but was it? “I guess… I don’t know.” When had I become so unsure of my own feelings?
Emma came around the kitchen island and placed both of her hands on my shoulders. “It’s not like you’re a stranger to reality TV. I know the last time didn’t end in an ideal scenario, but at least you know real feelings are possible.”
“I guess,” I said, just to appease her.
The truth was, as nice as I thought Tripp was, I hardly knew the guy.
We barely got to see each other, and when we did, it was recorded and heavily produced.
It was nothing like the show I’d met Danny on.
That one had us together constantly, with hidden cameras everywhere.
All there had been to do was talk to each other, so we got to know each other really well really quickly.
I briefly wondered if Danny had been here, on this ridiculous new show, if I’d fall for him—the grizzly bear who had a hard time opening up.
I probably would.
“We’re ready for Trace.” The walkie talkie crackled and Emma gave a confirmation back.
“You ready?” she asked.
I said yes, but only after insisting on putting on a knit cover up.
Then I was ushered outside, making sure to keep the glowing smile on my face. Last night, a bottle of whitening mouthwash had magically appeared in my bathroom, as if production was trying to send me some cryptic message. Appearances were everything, as my mother always said.
“Trace!” Isaac and Christian cheered from the edge of the pool as I approached.
“Watch this!” Christian shouted before he stood up in his tiny red swim trunks, rushed to the pool, and threw a front flip into the water.
I laughed and clapped my hands. Actual amusement bubbled somewhere close to the surface.
Six was a comforting number to see—half of where we started, and a lot less intimidating.
Funny, before this started, if you’d have told me I’d be going on a date with six men, I’d have laughed in your face. Now that the number had dwindled down from twelve, though, I welcomed it. I could actually keep track of everyone now.
My eyes went to Tripp the same way they did any time he was in my vicinity. He was already in the pool, wiping the water from Christian’s splash off his face. He smiled and waved at me.
My chest tugged a little at the sight of him.
He felt comfortable. Familiar, even. Maybe this really could go somewhere.
Sure, sparks were limited, but maybe sparks weren’t all they were cracked up to be.
Maybe they were just anxiety and nerves, rebranded into something that seemed more like chemistry.
Seemed like a hell of a way to trick women.
I clocked that thought and stored it away for a future song.
The complex psyche of a woman. Something my label would hate.
All I knew was that my sparks couldn’t be trusted, because the only man who had ignited more in me than anyone else ever had before, had left me like I was nothing. Clearly sparks weren’t that important when it came to a lasting, healthy relationship.
Austin lounged by the edge of the pool, practically glistening with all the oil he’d lathered on himself. He didn’t make a move to get up, and I said a silent prayer of gratitude. I did not want to start the day with that. It would sour the whole thing.
Instead, I went over to the grill where Jeremy and Isaac had started grilling hotdogs.
“Hey, you look great,” Jeremy said, flashing me a toothy smile and setting down the tongs before offering me a side hug.
Isaac nodded in agreement. “Blue is definitely your color.”
“Thanks guys. This looks great.” I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as they offered to make me a plate.
We chatted casually as they continued grilling. I even threw on a flirty smile and shoved Isaac playfully in his chiseled chest when he made a joke about relish being the worst hotdog topping while I loaded mine up with it.
He ducked his head and a gelled wave tumbled free, hovering over his face.
I wondered briefly if I should kiss him.
I didn’t particularly want to, but he was cute, friendly and shy.
It wouldn’t be so bad. But as his cheeks reddened and he took a step away from me, I realized he wasn’t the best candidate.
He’d never make a move. I’d have to initiate it, and the last thing I wanted to do was throw myself at the poor guy.
Even as the three of us spoke I noticed Jeremy and Isaac seemed a lot more interested in talking to each other than me.
Bromance, for sure. I didn’t fault them for it.
If I were on a show like this where my chances of finding love were slim to none, why not focus on making some friendships that might actually last?
My eyes found Tripp’s again. He smiled as soon as our gazes met.
Emma’s words stuck in the back of my mind. I couldn’t make it too obvious I was only interested in Tripp. I went back to examining Isaac and Jeremy. They had started animatedly talking about biking, a hobby I had zero interest in. Should I pull one of them aside? Force a more in-depth conversation?
“Morning,” a deep voice said from behind me. I turned to find Christian shaking off water from his hair.
“Nice suit,” I said, commenting on his very short red number that left little to the imagination.
“Thanks.” He grinned and did a little shimmy. “Brought it special for this occasion.”
“It’s perfect,” I said, giggling.
“Can we talk over there?” he asked.