Page 82 of Lust & Lollipops

Rhett looked back at the guys. “Now, you all get the chance to say a few words about why you think you should win.”

Kyle cleared his throat. “I’ll go first.”

He stood and took two steps forward, so we were face to face. “Molly,” he began. “When we first met, you clearly disliked me.”

I winced.

Cam snorted.

“But I used that to get myself to the end of the game, outsmarting everyone except the two men here with me now. I caught fish for you and won nearly every challenge, proving myself to be a damn good protector and provider. What more could you want in a man? Choose me, and you’ll live a happy, healthy life.” Kyle dipped his head.

Then he captured my hand and lifted it to his lips so he could kiss my knuckles. He did it so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to pull away.

Then he winked at me, and took a seat.

Travis was on his feet before Kyle had even sat down all the way.

“I watched everyone from the beginning,” Travis said. “I waited until I could see who was controlling the game, and realized it was Kyle and Cameron. Because they were the two you disliked the most, I worked with them, letting them do the dirty work and take the fall for it. No one saw me as a threat, but I was always going to make it to the end, because I allied with the right people. I deserve to win,” he said.

I tucked my hands behind my back as he finished speaking, so he wouldn’t be tempted to grab me.

Since my hand was out of reach, he set a palm on my shoulder and squeezed lightly.

I tried not to grimace at the unwanted physical contact.

If Cam and I really could change the way Survival worked at some point in the future, we needed to make more rules about touching.

When Travis sat down, Cameron finally stood.

His steps were calm but confident as he strode over to me. He took the time to smack both other men on the arms as if in congratulations on his way to me.

His lips curved when our eyes met.

“Hey, Lollipop,” he said.

“Hi, Cam.”

“I started falling in love with you the day I began guarding you,” he said simply. “I kept the secrets I was required to keep, and made sure nothing I did would disqualify me from being here, fighting for you. On the island, I managed to convince every other asshole that I wasn’t a threat, blended in with the crowd until I couldn’t do that anymore, and fought my way to the end. I did it because I love you—and because I cannot and will not imagine a future without being by your side.” He didn’t take my hand, or touch my shoulder.

Instead, he went back to his seat, leaving me with that.

I was in a bit of a daze when Rhett gave me a rose—a connection to Bachelorette—and told me to choose.

I was still in that daze when I crossed the room and put the flower in Cameron’s hand.

And when he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

Confetti rained down on us, congratulations followed, and champagne was dispersed.

When that was done, we were led to yet another speedboat.

The cameras remained at the island, filming our departure, as the boat carried us away.

And when we were left on the beach of a small island that held a massive mansion, we were finally alone.

seventeen

MOLLY

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