Page 35 of You're The One
I lead us over to the waterfall feature, counting on the rush of water to mask our voices from any stray mics. She doesn’t seem to be wearing one, but I’m not about to risk another kick to the shin.
“Good date?” She smirks, the glow from the pool lights catching in her hair.
“Oh, fantastic,” I deadpan. “A fortune teller correctly predicted you’d be a pain in my ass.”
She doesn’t hold back her laughter this time. “I wish I could’ve seen your face.”
“Well, good news.” I drag a hand down my face. “You and the rest of America can catch it on TV in about ten weeks.”
She snickers again, unfazed by my glare.
“Come on, it was a little funny,” she tries to play it off. When I don’t answer, her expression sobers slightly. “You’re not really mad, are you?”
“I’m… disappointed?—”
“Oh, God,” she groans. “You sound like my father. Are you going to put me in a time out? Send me home?”
I hadn’t even considered it until now. And let’s be real, it’s still not an option. Though she doesn’t know that. I bite back a smile, blowing out a slow breath as I tip my head back, then step in closer. She has to tilt her chin up to meet my eyes.
“I don’t know.” I narrow my gaze. “Are you going to keep screwing with me?”
“No?” It comes out as a question instead of an answer, her expression just shy of innocent.
Her big blue eyes stay locked on mine. I hadn’t known eyes could be that light until I met her. I’ve never been good at holding a grudge, and even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could with her looking at me like that.
I break our contact first, glancing toward the other girls who duck back from the windows when I look their way. “Just… Can youtryto be helpful moving forward?”
She nods once. “I’ll try.”
The next night, at the rose ceremony I send six women home. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Mia isn’t one of them.
HALF-SMILES AND WHOLE TRUTHS
WEEK 2
THIRTEEN
I curlup on the giant sectional, feet tucked beneath me, a warm cup of coffee resting on my knees. Even if the coffee’s terrible, it’s one routine I’m glad to hang on to—though it’s a little different sharing it with nearly a dozen other women. One of whom is Ashley. Maybe I was onto something, after all.
We’re all gathered this morning to find out who’s going on the next group date. And more importantly, who’s getting the coveted one-on-one.
I think I might be the only one hoping it’snotme.
Not that I have to worry about that, Dominic wouldn’t pick someone he’s not interested in.
After last week, Dominic hasn’t exactly asked for my input on who he should date. Which is fine. He seems surprisingly serious about the whole love thing. I thought he signed up for the attention and buffet of women, but now… I’m not so sure. He’s willing to keep me around just to help him find his happily ever after.
Emma walks into the room clutching the date card. Excited shrieks echo off the walls, along with a dozen wild guesses about who’s getting solo time with Dominic.
For dramatic effect, Emma clears her throat, quieting the room. The sound of the seal tearing and the rustle of the card seems almost deafening, with everyone holding their collective breath.
“Ladies,” she reads, “you’re invited to a day of wine, views, and if we’re lucky, deepened connections. Summer, Victoria, Mia…”
I tune out the rest after hearing my name. A winery? Sign me up. Though I do find it strange they’d plan a date like that for Dominic. He doesn’t even drink. I’m still not sure why, but that’s none of my business.
I’m just happy to get out of the house. It’s been a little over a week, but I’m already going stir-crazy. Like a hamster in a cage.
We’re not even allowed to take a walk around the neighborhood or stroll on the beach unless production gives us the green light.
