Page 94 of Taking the Heat

‘You took him out of the competition?’

She nodded, proud. ‘I did. I hope you liked your present?’

‘It’s just what I always wanted,’ I quipped, hugging her tightly.

***

Henry was next. In his royal blue tee and black jeans, he sat uncomfortably on the edge of the sofa. ‘Righto, Tara, I have something to tell you. And I should have told you days ago, and it’s not that I’m embarrassed, I’ve just been processing, and now, I’ve made my choice, you see, so, um … I want you to know that I’m one hundred per cent in love with Jendayi and I wish to spend the rest of my days with her. So. I hope that’s alright.’

I shrugged, trying to bite back a smile. ‘I already knew. And I think it’s awesome.’

‘You do?’ Henry’s face widened in delight. ‘Oh, that’s wonderful! Oh, Tara, she’s just the most unique creature I’ve ever met, and once I let myself fall for her, it’s like bungy jumping and knowing you’ll never hit the ground.’

‘Tell me how it happened.’ I rearranged the colourful cushions around me, wanting to be comfy for the story.

Henry smiled dreamily. ‘Well, we had our date, and Jen asked if she could kiss me, which was forward and wonderful. Then, after the cyclone, I brought her back to my room and we spent the aftermath together. She was quite upset by the footage of me proposing my idea to you, and didn’t allow me to speak to her for several days, but now we’re back on strong ground.’

‘What do you think the press back home will make of her? And your family?’

‘I don’t give a damn.’ Henry stood, defiant. ‘She is my princess, and I will give up everything to be with her.’

‘Good.’ I was smiling, but the serious part was coming. ‘Henry … did you read your envelope yet?’

His expression drooped. ‘Ah, yes. That ghastly thing. Tara … I know we can’t discuss things properly, but I want you to know, if I had been, or if I do go, inside that cabin, I would always conduct myself like a gentleman. I would make sure the lady didn’t feel uncomfortable, and I would try and make the process as quick and painless as possible. Unless she was really enjoying herself, then I might take a little longer.’ He winked at me.

I laughed. ‘Thanks Henry. I appreciate that.’

***

Chris stood by my door, reluctant to leave. ‘Can I stay a while longer?’

‘No, let’s just get this over with,’ I said. ‘I’m gonna take a shower, Mama Ruby wants to do my hair and then I’ll head for the cabin.’ I eyed him carefully and asked for the hundredth time since that morning, ‘Are you sure you’ll still love me tomorrow?’

‘I will still love you, full stop. Every action in this world is based on either love or fear. I always choose love.’ Chris crossed the room back to me. ‘Am I crazy about you possibly sleeping with another guy? No. But I have faith that it’s going to be okay. Even if you can’t tell me what names were inside the envelope.’

‘The note was pretty specific.Reveal these names to anyone and face immediate disqualification.’ I sighed, then last-minute nerves gripped me. ‘What about you? You don’t need the money! Maybe you’re enlightened enough to pick love and let me sleep with someone else, but I don’t know if I’m that comfortable with it.’

‘I still have to go in. If I don’t, I’ll be ruining someone else’s chance at winning their prize. And after everything we’ve been through, that would be wrong. Besides …’ he smiled at me sensuously, ‘… if it is you and I in there together, it might just be the best night of our lives.’

‘But what if I don’t know it’s you?’ I pleaded.

He pinned me with his aqua gaze. ‘You’ll know.’

***

My hair was loose and scented with frangipani oil, and it wafted around my shoulders as I followed the trail to my fantasy cabin door. The night breezes caught the hem of my red wrap dress, the thin cotton only attached by a few simple ties on the side.

Without a bra to dull their sensitivity, my nipples rubbed against the material, already hard and eager to be touched. I was simultaneously the most nervous and the most turned on I’ve ever been. After weeks of sexual frustration, I was finally about to have my needs fulfilled and my body couldn’t have been more excited.

When I reached the first light-lock door, I turned and smiled nervously at Greg. ‘Okay. This is it!’

He gave me the thumbs up. ‘Good luck, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay, I promise.’

‘Thanks, Greg. And thanks again for raising the alarm on the beach last night.’

He shrugged. ‘I’m only pissed I wasn’t there to capture you kicking Dante’s arse in person.’

Rolling my eyes, I stepped towards him and gave him a hug. After a moment of surprise, he hugged me back, his camera forgotten. ‘Alright, you better get to it! Hey, can you give me a sound bite before you go in?’

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