Spaced around the contestants’ quarters lounge on bright-coloured couches, they described their dates with Wil, their attraction to him, and their intentions.
Emily’s chest tightened and jaw clenched when listening to the others. She pretended to smile and appear interested in their hopes to win over Wil’s heart; after all, there were cameras in her face. But deep down, she resented every contestant here.
That should indicate if she were to be rational and honest, that she may be developing emotions—real emotions. But she wasn’t in the mood for rationality and honesty, not when every person and scenario around her was contrived. So, she continued to see this bitterness, instead, as her competitive spirit bearing its teeth.
Somehow, the girls had managed to choose Regina as the favourite—like she was some well-trained race horse about to embark on the Melbourne Cup with the best odds. Emily inconspicuously rolled her eyes when all the women nodded and agreed. How they came to that conclusion was beyond her. Wil had been skilled at not showing favouritism and did well to share himself around.
Emily wanted to groan out loud to have even phrased her thought in that way—“share himself around”, as though he was expensive caviar they could all enjoy. It always came back to that: her uneasiness with the premise of the show. It harked back to the days of harems and pandered to the male fantasies of multiple partners. Objectification at its finest. This was supposed to be the twenty-first century, a time of growing equality. Emily couldn’t deny that she was contributing to the backwards slide of feminism—if there was such a thing to start with.
But, it was too late to back out now. And, besides, she knew what she was signing up for. And what she was here to do. Win!
The next morning, the girls were primped by professional stylists before the group lunch with Wil. Another contestant would go home by the end of the day. After the sensations Emily felt when she mistakenly thought she had been eliminated, she was doubly nervous to avoid that ego-blow again.
Emily wore a red wrap dress and exchanged her heels for boots. Not only were boots miles more practical, but they were super-comfy and smoking hot. Today, she even donned a straw cowboy hat and left her hair to hang long and wavy down her back.
Once again, their seats were pre-designated, and the spare chair left for Wil was no longer at the head, but rather one from the top. The directors had chosen Emily to be at the head today. What was their angle? Or would the women be dutifully rotated so they each got their fair share of the cowboy?
Wil made his way down the paddock to the table. His jeans and checked shirt, accompanied by boots, a belt with a big buckle, and a white cowboy hat were becoming his trademark. Not that she was complaining. Each time she saw him, he stole her breath away.
It was his unassuming swagger. The confidence in the set of his broad shoulders and square, stubbled jaw. He was well-groomed, but possessed a ruggedness that played upon Emily’s primal side like fingers at a harp, strumming away until the most delicious melody was produced.
And the more she saw him dressed, the greater the desire to slowly peel off every layer of clothing like it were wrapping paper, revealing the present underneath. After her brief physical interaction with him yesterday, when she had touched his hard shoulders feeling the muscle beneath, and the ease in which he lifted her tall frame up onto that horse, she could tell that underneath those clothes was strength. And Emily was itching to see that strength—naked. Maybe even dig her nails into it.
As he neared, the girls’ backs straightened to push those breasts further out. Sad to admit it, but she did the same. Again, she imagined the footage and a smile crept onto her lips. If she didn’t find the funny side in all of this, she’d cry, or worse, grow very bitter.
Wil caught her eye as he took a seat and arched a brow when his gaze fell to her semi-suppressed grin. He wore a cheeky smile, but his expression was one of question.
She shook her head and waved his silent inquiry away. ‘It’s a long story.’
He cocked his head to the side. ‘Another challenge?’
She shrugged. ‘Not intentionally.’ She nearly humiliated herself yesterday with a similar situation. Wil had made a comparison between the horse she was to ride and the scary people she would have to deal with in her job. She had thought of Mike and how he was like a stocky, angry gorilla thumping at his chest. Then her thoughts drifted to what type of animal Wil would be and a muscled, stud bull came to mind. Her fantasy went wild and he was naked, she was on all fours before him as he moved in to mount her. This farm was doing crazy things with her mind, not to mention, her libido. When Wil asked her what she had been thinking about, heat rose in her cheeks. There was no way she’d admit any of that to him.
Wil kept his hat on. After all, it was the middle of the day and their only shade was of the newly blossoming branches overhead. Emily couldn’t wait to see this place in the thick of spring.
‘Hi, ladies,’ he said, tipping the brim of his hat.
The women replied with smiles and over-enthusiastic pleasantries.
‘Did you enjoy your day yesterday, Wil?’ asked Regina.
Wil nodded. ‘I did. Thank you all for your company.’
Emily forced herself not to read too much into that answer because Wil hadn’t once indicated, even inadvertently, that he relished in the perverted pleasure of dating ten girls at once. Up until now, he’d been perfectly polite. But was she kidding herself to believe that he would be the only man on the planet who wouldn’t be loving his current circumstances? Perhaps he was just really good at concealing it.
Wil discreetly cleared his throat and looked at each of the ladies. Was he nervous? Emily peered closer, trying to discern why. But then he opened his mouth and said, ‘I’m going to start the questions off today because I’m curious about something specifically.’
Emily’s belly fluttered.
‘As you know, this farm is my life. It’s been in my family for three generations.’ He stopped, reached for his glass of water and took a gulp. The cameras squeezed in closer. ‘I also understand that you’ve all worked hard at establishing careers and friendships and a life in your hometowns.’ He peered down at his hands, which he had clasped in front of him, and didn’t look up again until he’d finished his next sentence.
‘Could you give that up for love? Could we make that work?’ When he lifted his head, he was frowning.
‘Are you asking if we could leave our lives behind for this farm?’ asked Regina.
He nodded, shrugged, then shook his head. ‘It sounds … arrogant on my part. But, I guess, I need to make it clear that those are the terms.’
Regina nodded, leant across the table and placed her hand on Wil’s. ‘We knew those were the terms when we signed up for this. And I’m in a lucky position because my skills could be used here on the farm.’
Wil looked at her hand, then eventually met Regina’s gaze. ‘That’s good to hear. And what about you other ladies?’ He slowly slid his hand out from under Regina’s and reached for his glass of water again. This simple act brought tremendous relief for Emily.
The other girls shared the same sentiments as Regina, paraphrasing in their own way that they knew what the terms were, that they loved the farm, and could be rewarded by learning a new way of life here.
Wil turned his blue eyes to Emily. She had attempted to avoid answering his question because she found it hard to lie. Especially to this man who was being nothing but honest and upfront with her. But, at the end of the day, this was a game. A competition. And she had every motivation to win it.
‘From what you said, Em, your career is incredibly important. You earn a good living from it.’
She nodded and said with a weak voice, ‘It is important.’
He nodded slowly. Was that disappointment in his expression? Her heart sank. She shifted in her seat and forced a smile on her face. ‘But I feel the same as the other girls.’ The words were delivered with the best acting skills she could muster. Yesterday,
while horse riding with Wil, she had wondered what it would be like to wake up to this life every day. And yesterday, among all that aesthetic splendour, she did see herself doing exactly that. But then she remembered the rush of her career, the apartment she worked so hard to buy, and the fast paced city. She had everything on her doorstep—restaurants, theatre, concerts, sporting events. To leave that behind for this quiet would send her stir crazy, surely.
His eyes brightened when he smiled. ‘That’s good to know.’
That wasn’t so hard, was it? To lie through my teeth.
So why did she feel so guilty?
Emily was no longer nervous about the possibility of going home today. Perhaps it would be the easier option. She wasn’t cut out for this. Yes, she had a competitive spirit and gave her best at all things, but she never lied flat-out to someone’s face. This show was dragging her down to a new level. One she wasn’t proud of.
Emily fell silent for the remainder of lunch. She sat back and watched the other girls talk over one another, interrupt, and fight for Wil’s attention. He would glance at her from time to time and she would plaster a smile on her face. But he wasn’t stupid and she knew it.
At the elimination later that evening, Regina’s name was called out to be the next contestant to go home. Shocked gasps rang out, evidence that nobody was expecting her to be the next. Regina bit back tears as she said goodbye to Wil.
Emily stood by and watched the theatrics, conflicted about the result. On one hand, she was happy to see Regina go because that meant she had secured more time with Wil. And, on the other, she felt guilty because her own intentions were insincere. Then again, she could guarantee that every other girl’s intentions were also dishonest.
The consensus on the way back to the contestants’ quarters was that nobody could be sure, from now on, exactly who Wil desired and who would be sent home.
Emily was desperate to vent to Xanthi, so after dinner and a shower, Emily snuck out the back towards the thick-trunked tree in the distance.
‘Did you survive the cut?’ asked Xanthi when she answered the phone.
‘Yes.’
‘You don’t sound very happy about it.’
Emily pressed her head back against the tree and sighed. ‘Wil’s a great guy.’
‘And that’s a problem because?’
‘Because he asked if I was willing to leave my life for the country and I said yes.’
‘And?’
Emily screwed her nose up and clicked her tongue. Did her best friend not know her at all? ‘Surely, if I win this, they couldn’t possibly expect me to move here. I can’t cook for starters, and you know I hate housework. What else would I do here?’
‘Who says you’d have to do any of that?’
Emily switched the phone to her other ear. ‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’
Xanthi laughed. ‘No, I’m just saying that if you like this guy, then see where it goes. You have no idea what his expectations are.’
‘I know he wants the winner to move to the farm.’
‘Yeah, okay. But when? I’m sure he’d be just as willing to make sure the relationship works first before anyone is expected to move anywhere. And besides, you may end up falling head over heels for this cowboy and find yourself willing to do anything for him.’
Emily scoffed. ‘I doubt it.’
‘It sounds to me like you may have some feelings for him already?’
Emily closed her eyes and bit down on her lip. She did. She knew it. Because she would never feel this guilty about lying if he was someone she hadn’t developed some crude emotions for. But how could that be after such a short time?
She had watched reality shows in the past and thought the contestants were brilliant over-actors, but perhaps she’d been too harsh. Being a part of the show, bundled together on this farm, was a different experience altogether. Yes, it was contrived, but she was real. Her emotions were very real. And she was sensing that Cowboy was the same.
‘I respect him,’ she said.
‘Right. Respect? That’s a step above doubting his motivations like you were last time we spoke.’
A crackling noise in the distance broke through the silence. ‘I better go. There’s someone here,’ she whispered.
‘Oh. Okay. Call me—’
Emily hung up and shoved the phone in her dressing gown pocket. She focused on the dim landscape around her. The sound was getting closer. Quick footsteps, like an animal. Emily’s heart rate ratcheted. It could be a wild boar, or something equally dangerous. She tensed and spun to rush back to the house when she heard loud panting.
She glanced behind her as a creature sprung out from the long grass and jumped at her legs. Emily bit back a scream until she realised it was a dog. It was wagging its tail and in no way threatening.
A chuckle sounded in the distance, accompanied by long footsteps. ‘She won’t hurt you,’ came a deep male voice that made her body come alive.
Wil.
He was strolling towards her. ‘Sorry, Daisy got away from me and I didn’t want to call her back, in case I drew attention to you.’
Emily shook her head and tentatively petted the dog’s head.
‘Not a dog person?’ he asked with a chuckle.
‘That obvious?’
‘A little. Come here, Daisy.’ The dog rushed to him and sat at his side.
‘What … what are you doing out here?’ she asked.
He arched a brow. ‘I could ask you the same question.’
She smiled and lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘I snuck in a second phone. I know it’s against the rules.’
Wil laughed softly, being sure not to be too loud. ‘I don’t blame you. I’d be lost without mine.’
‘Really? Out here?’
He laughed again. ‘Might be the country, but it’s still the same century.’
Emily lowered her gaze and grinned bashfully. ‘Of course.’
‘I was on my way back from my parent’s house. They live on the neighbouring property,’ he said pointing behind him. ‘I saw you slinking across the field and thought it a good opportunity to get you on your own. Away from the cameras.’
‘On my own? Why?’
He took a step closer until she could see his face clearly under the thin slice of moonlight. He may even look better under this light.
‘I wanted to make sure you were okay. You were a little distracted today.’
The guilt in her belly strummed again, but she ignored it. ‘I think I’m tired, that’s all.’
He nodded, silent for a moment. ‘Whatever you’re worried about, we’ll make it work.’
Emily’s eyes widened to hear that statement. He took another step closer, then another, until his chest was almost touching hers. His heat stretched across the space between them and caressed her flesh. Reaching a hand to her face, he smoothed a finger down her cheek. Emily’s eyes closed at the touch and her missing O stretched and purred. The pads of his fingers were rough and created the most pleasurable friction.
Her belly tugged and pulled when he said with his deep, husky voice, ‘I really want you to stick around, Em.’
Her heart fluttered. She nodded. ‘I want to stay longer too.’ And she truly did. She wanted to know this man more intimately. Especially now that she had a taste of him up close. But, she also knew that at the end of the day, this attraction could be nothing more than fleeting, meaningless fun because she couldn’t give up her independence for a man.
Yes, she wanted a husband, and this cowboy was very much reinforcing that point, but she didn’t want one if it meant uprooting herself from the life and security she’d made in Melbourne.
He smiled warmly. ‘Good.’ For a long moment, he gazed at her, his focus flicking between her eyes and mouth, until she wanted to fist his shirt and pull him to her for a kiss. He took a deep breath in and looked towards his farmhouse in the distance. ‘I better go before they find us here together.’ His voice was even deeper, gravelly. ‘I’m s
ure it would break some ridiculous production rule and I’ll end up getting a wrap over my knuckles.’
She nodded, still breathless. ‘Probably.’
‘I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night, Em.’
‘You too.’
She watched him walk away, the dog following beside him, surprised by how being close to him, and alone, made her body hot and tingly. It had been such a long time since a man had made her feel like this.
Emily tilted her head back and peered up at the black sky, full of blinking stars. After that simple gesture of stroking her cheek, no longer was she here to simply win. She was also here to explore every facet of this cowboy. What happened beyond that … could be dealt with later.
Chapter 15
‘You’re helping me on the farm today,’ said Wil to the girls.
Emily’s eyes widened at the news. ‘Helping? How exactly?’
He leant down so his face was closer to hers. ‘Getting your hands dirty.’
All three women looked at each other with widened eyes.
‘Fine by me,’ said Becky, tying her long red hair up into a ponytail.
‘Me too,’ said Daniella, a petite blonde dancer from Melbourne.
Emily shook her head. ‘I don’t know what to do … absolutely no clue …’
Wil laughed. He was finding a perverse pleasure in pushing Emily to her limits. ‘That’s why I’m going to show you.’
He marched to the big four-bay shed and grabbed three pairs of gumboots. He handed Becky and Daniella their pair, then held Emily’s out for her. She reached for them as he stepped closer and whispered, ‘As sexy as those boots you have on are, these will be more practical.’
A beautiful blush crept over her cheeks—exactly the response he was hoping for.
‘Go drop your shoes up at the farmhouse. I’ll meet you here.’
The girls strode off and Wil got to loading hay bales into the tray of his ute. When they arrived back to the shed, having donned their gumboots, he was in the thick of it. The weather was warm enough to wear a short sleeve shirt and he was already working up a sweat.
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