Page 60 of Playing With My Heart Strings

Her brows pinch together. “What is it?”

“Can you look into one of the other contestants for me?”

She purses her lips and narrows her eyes. “Why?”

“One of the girls, Aspen, seems to be out for my blood. But I feel like she’s hiding something, too, and I want to have all the information I can. You know, in case I need to defend myself.”

“You know that’s risky.” She hesitates, but then she seems to give in. “But I’ll do it for you. In the name of love. And so you and Dusty Wilder can have gorgeous country music babies.”

The familiar chime of Daniella’s ringtone interrupts our conversation, and she looks down at the screen.

“Oh, that’s Alex. I’ve gotta go, but I’ll look into Aspen for you, okay? And I want to hearallthe details of you and Dusty later.”

Shortly after Daniella leaves, there’s another knock at my door—one of the producers letting me know we’re heading back to the house for the day. Something about getting footage of all the contestants spending time together.

The only reason I’m somewhat excited to go is the possibility of seeing Dusty. However, I’m not sure if I can keep a straight face if he does show up. Memories of last night are still rolling through my mind like a broken record, and I have to squeeze my legs together on the car ride there to relieve some of the ache. I just hope the other girls don’t notice.

While I was okay with telling Sage about the first time Dusty and I kissed, there is no way in hell she can find out about last night. Kissing off camera is breaking the rules, but engaging in sexually intimate activities off camera would be enough for me to not only get kicked off the show, but likely be fired on the spot and blacklisted from other publicity firms. Not being able to follow the rules—no matter how attracted you are to the other person—is not a desirable trait in any profession. And it would jeopardize Dusty’s career as well.

So, for now, it has to stay a secret. Preferably until either I get eliminated or the show is over. Probably until Dusty finishes out his contract with Sparks Studio Productions, too, to be safe. Daniella can be the only person outside of me and Dusty who knows. And she’s my best friend, so I know she would never tell anyone.

When we arrive at the house, Dusty is nowhere to be seen. Which is fine—I’d rather not watch him kiss other girls knowing where his mouth was less than twelve hours ago.

“We just need to get some shots of you all talking and some other B-roll footage,” the producer explains when we sit down inside. “Talk about whatever you’d like. Conversations about your relationship with Dusty are great, but do whatever is most comfortable.” He cues us to start talking, making a wild gesture when we don’t immediately strike up conversation.

“Okay…” Katherine glances to the side. “How is everyone feeling about Dusty? Baylor, what was it like performing with him on stage at the bar?”

I wasn’t expecting her to call me out like that. “It was fun. I’m really grateful to have had the chance to sing with him on stage.”

“I’m honestly a little bit jealous,” Valerie adds with a laugh. “I felt like I was interrupting something watching you two together. You have great stage chemistry, it must feel really good to have been able to show that off.”

“Yeah, I mean, I was just doing what felt natural, I guess.” I’m not really sure what to say. I like Valerie, but it feels wrong to brag about our relationship. It would feel wrong to brag about my relationship with Dusty even if we weren’t on a television show.

“I got to record a song with him a couple weeks ago,” Aspen cuts in, and for once, I’m glad she took the attention off me.

“You did?” Sage raises her brows.

“Yep,” she pops the P. “At Ace High Entertainment’s recording studio.”

“Wow…” Katherine sighs. “Have any of you ever done anything like that before?”

We all shake our heads.

Sage turns her head toward Aspen. “Wait, you haven’t? I thought you worked in music?”

I don’t know if the other girls noticed at all, but Aspen flinches. It’s a tiny movement, one I would’ve easily missed if I wasn’t paying attention.

“You must be mistaken,” she replies dryly. “I’ve beentryingto get into the music industry, just like all of us, but I don’t already work in music, no.”

“Huh, I guess I’m thinking of someone else, then.” Sage shrugs then changes the subject. “Do any of you have siblings? Or what’s your family like at home?”

“I’m the oldest of five,” Valerie answers first, her face gleaming with pride. “My family is super important to me. Knowing how hard my parents worked to set up our futures, getting a record deal with Dusty would be life-changing for meandfor them.”

The difference between me and Valerie is stark. I’m an only child, and judging by the way she speaks about her family, Valerie’s parents probably love her and are proud of her regardless of what she accomplishes in life. I know it’s wrong to make assumptions, but I’m guessing her family supported her coming on the show. Meanwhile, my father would probably have an aneurysm if he knew I was dating a man—who’s also been dating nine other women—on live television.

“Baylor?” Valerie’s voice jolts me out of my thoughts.

“Hm?”

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