Crap.
“I, uh — I’m going to go put my horse back before she finds another way to humiliate me today. Bye.” Cassidy turned on her heel and pulled hard on Corona’s reins, not allowing the horse to resist her. She didn’t want to stand out in the corral for another second alone with Evan, or who knows what else she’d decide to blurt out. Nope. Corona was coming with her whether her huge horse ass liked it or not.
Cassidy passed by Susan at the barn entrance. “Thanks for the recommendation. Corona was a real peach.” Cassidy laughed halfheartedly.
“Sorry. I was only trying to help.” Susan smirked. “I can’t help it if you don’t know how to ride.”
Ouch.
Cassidy sucked in a breath. Recommending Corona hadn’t been an accident at all. “Just trying to help. That’s why I ended up with the only horse that wouldn’t listen, huh? What did I do that made you not like me?”
“I like you fine. But maybe some of the other girls are better suited to be here.”
How dare Susan make the assumption that she wasn’t cut out for these challenges? Cassidy could do anything the other girls could — she’d just do it with a few more bruises and a lot less grace.
“Keep your nose out of my business from now on. I don’t need you looking out for me.” Cassidy walked away from Susan before saying anything else she might regret. She’d prove to everyone she deserved to be here. And she wouldn’t need anyone protecting her while she did it.
Not even super sexy Evan.
• • •
Spencer walked into the barn. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
Cassidy wandered into the main hallway to join the rest of the girls.
“Brad has decided who he wants to put in the bottom three this week, so without making you wait longer, we’re going ahead with that ceremony now. Here.”
Cassidy glanced around. All of the girls looked shaken by this sudden turn of events. Everyone except Zoe, of course. She always looked confident.
“I’m sorry to do this so quickly but sometimes you have to pull the bandage off all in one go, right?” Brad asked. “So, the first girl in the bottom three is Paige.”
Paige bit her lip, her chin quivering. Cassidy hated seeing her upset, taking everything to heart.
“The second girl in the bottom this week is Nicole. This last one is really difficult, but I have to go with my gut.” Brad looked down at his feet as if he couldn’t bear to look the final girl in the eye. “Zoe, I’m sorry. I’m not sure we click.”
Chapter Eleven
Cassidy eased into the outdoor Jacuzzi beside the pool, letting her body acclimate to the heat. It bordered on too hot, and she felt a little bit like a lobster going into a steaming pot, but she’d tolerate the heat if it meant she’d feel better afterwards. Her muscles ached after the long day on the trails.
She’d mistakenly believed horseback riding would be fun. Everyone on TV was always laughing and smiling while they galloped through fields or on the beach with the wind streaming through their hair all cool and sexy.
That was a total load of bullshit.
It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t exciting, and Cassidy never wanted to do it again.
She rested her head back against the side of the hot tub. As the water lapped over her shoulders, the heat finally penetrated deep into the muscles, dulling the aches she felt everywhere. She ached in places she didn’t even know a person could ache. Not only was her ego badly bruised but it felt like her ass would probably be a brilliant shade of indigo by morning.
“Hey, Cassidy, great riding today,” Zoe snickered. “You should, like, give lessons or something.”
Even with her eyes closed, Cassidy could see the smiles, and there was absolutely no missing the laughter echoing around the tub.
Bitch. Deep breath … count to ten … One, two, bitch, three, four. I hate you. Five …
“That’s funny, Zoe,” Cassidy said, not bothering to open her eyes. “You should, like, be a comedian or something.”
“Aw, what’s wrong, Cassidy?” Zoe’s voice dripped with artificial concern. “Not feeling well tonight?”
“I feel fine, Zoe.”
“All right, honey. If you’re floating down a river called denial, I’m not going to force you to swim to shore. Maybe the hot water will help your bruised ego as well as your ass.”
Gee, thanks.
“Don’t let her bother you,” Paige whispered. “She’s jealous because Brad paid you so much attention today.”
“Yeah, negative attention.”
“It’s attention nonetheless.” Paige sighed. “And she’s pissed to be stuck in the bottom three with me.”
“How are you doing?” They hadn’t had much time to talk since the surprise announcement in the barn.
“Okay. It sucks, but somehow it makes me feel better knowing Zoe’s in the bottom with me.”
Cassidy grinned. “I couldn’t be happier at the possibility she might actually go home this week.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. There’s no way America will vote out the girl who causes the most drama. I’ll be going home.”
“Don’t send yourself out the door yet.”
“At least I’ll only have to deal with Zoe for a few more days.”
“I’m too damn sore to deal with her issues tonight.”
“Are you all right?” Paige’s voice was barely audible above the rumble of the Jacuzzi jets. “I know today was pretty rough on you,”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Nothing a little hot water and a good night’s sleep won’t fix.” Cassidy groaned and turned her head to whisper in Paige’s ear. “Of course, I’m not so sure I can say the same for my ego, but if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll kill you. Well, when I can move again, I’ll kill you.”
“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”
Cassidy sank deeper into the water. Any lower and she would need snorkeling gear. She let herself drift in the current created by the water jets while her mind and body relaxed. Around her, the murmur of voices blended together into an incoherent white noise.
Until she heard something she couldn’t ignore.
“I don’t know about you girls,” Zoe said, “but I definitely think there are more hot men here than just the bachelor we’re all fighting for.”
“What are you talking about?” Holly asked. “Brad is super-hot. Like hawt.”
“Yeah I know, but you can’t honestly say you haven’t noticed the guys following us around, right?” Zoe nodded her head in the general direction of the cameramen surrounding the pool a few feet back.
“Zoe, you know they can still hear us in here,” Erica whispered.
Cassidy opened her eyes at the talk of cameramen. What is Zoe up to now?
“I know they can hear us, moron. That’s the point.” Zoe propped herself up on the edge of the hot tub on her forearms, forcing her breasts to jut out in front of her. “And I’m hoping one particular cameraman likes what he hears … and sees.”
Cassidy’s jaw dropped into the hot water as she realized Zoe was not only being overtly sexual, again, but this time it was projected directly at Evan. Her Evan.
Back off bi-otch. Six, seven, eight … Just relax. Keep your mouth shut. This is none of your business.
“You know we can’t do anything with the crew,” Erica said. “It said so on one of those forms we signed.”
“I know that,” Zoe huffed, “but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun while I’m waiting around for the finale, does it? Besides, someone needs to give America something good to watch. You girls certainly aren’t helping the ratings.”
Holly rolled her eyes. “So you’re going to screw around with the crew to help ratings?”
“Oh relax, girls. It’s not like I’m going
to sleep with him or anything.” Zoe smirked. “Just a little harmless flirting, that’s all. Unless of course, someone else already has her eyes on him?”
Cassidy locked eyes with Zoe.
Is she implying there’s something going on with me and Evan? Why would she think that? Just because I want to jump him every time I’m near him doesn’t mean I have a thing for him. I can’t help it if my mind goes to dirty places when he’s around. I’ve never acted on one of those thoughts, so what’s she getting at? It’s not like she can read my mind … Can she? No, idiot, she can’t.
Say something, she’s still staring at you.
“You can do whatever you want, right girls?” Cassidy said to the other women. “Maybe you’ll even get yourself kicked off the show.”
“They can’t kick me out for saying hello and being polite.”
I can kick you.
Cassidy tried to act unconcerned as Zoe hopped out of the hot tub and dried herself off with a towel like she was starring in a beer commercial. Then, she sauntered over to Evan using her towel to dry her hair instead of wrapping it around her body.
Cassidy couldn’t hear what Zoe said to Evan over the noise of the Jacuzzi, but it didn’t matter. She couldn’t stand watching Zoe flirt with him. She shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like she was overheating. She stood up quickly and perched on the edge of the Jacuzzi with her legs still in the water.
“You okay?” Paige asked.
“Yeah, just really hot. I think I’ve been in the Jacuzzi too long already. I’m not used to this kind of heat.” Cassidy wiped a towel across her face, sneaking a glance in Evan and Zoe’s direction. His camera was still directed at Cassidy, but his eyes were on Zoe.
Just then, Zoe laughed, throwing her head back dramatically and grabbing onto Evan’s shoulder in an effort to control herself.
Nine, ten … Counting isn’t helping.
“You know what, Paige,” she said loud enough for the cameramen to hear. “I think this heat has gone straight to my head. I’m going to bed.” Cassidy climbed out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself, then walked toward the house without so much as a glance at Evan.
She didn’t need to see if he followed her or not. A moment later, she heard his familiar footsteps fall into place behind her. Hell, she could be blind and deaf and she’d still know he was behind her — like she could sense him on the most primal level.
You might have your sights on Evan, Zoe, but as long as I’m here, his attention will always be on me.
Cassidy smiled at the image of Evan walking away from Zoe in mid-flirt. Evan was her cameraman, and nothing Zoe said or did could change that.
At the bottom of the stairs, Evan held her arm while she limped up them slowly. The strength in his hand sent a shiver of electricity down her spine. When they reached the top, he dropped his hand without a word, leaving a tingle on her skin. His touch did more to warm her than the twenty minutes she’d spent cooking in the Jacuzzi.
As she reached the door to her room, she turned to say a quick goodnight to Evan, only to find he’d put his camera down and now stared at her with his thumbs hooked in the front pockets of his jeans.
Hot. Damn. Seriously, he should be in front of the camera, not behind it.
“What was that cat fight about back there?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Cassidy glanced away, not meeting his gaze.
“Really? ’Cause I was worried you and Zoe were about to start mud wrestling in the flower beds.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Not that I would’ve minded seeing that.”
“Zoe was just being Zoe, and I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her tonight.” Cassidy lounged against the door to her room, trying to act indifferent.
What was that all about? He’s not my boyfriend so why was I staking my claim out there by the pool?
Because he’s not Zoe’s boyfriend, either, and he’s not going to be if I have anything to say about it.
“So you were fine with all that stuff she said about hitting on the cameramen?”
“You heard that, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Like I said earlier, she’s free to do whatever she wants. It’s her life.” Cassidy held her head high and faced Evan straight on. She wouldn’t let him see it bothered her when Zoe made it clear she had her eyes on Evan specifically.
Because of the show, Evan got to know every move Cassidy made and when she made it. He didn’t need to know what she was thinking every moment, too.
“So it didn’t bother you when she came over and flirted with me in what can barely be called a bikini?”
“Nope. Did you have a nice chat?”
“Well, we didn’t really get to talk much since I had to follow you back up here.”
Cassidy crossed her arms. Did he really want to talk to Zoe? Had forcing him to follow her into the house been a hardship for him?
“Sorry. I didn’t realize I interrupted your good time. Next time, I’ll cook in the Jacuzzi until I’m sure you’re finished socializing.”
Evan smirked. “I never said I wanted to talk to Zoe and you certainly didn’t interrupt anything. You’re jumping to conclusions.” Evan leaned closer, causing Cassidy’s heart to feel as if she’d just finished running a marathon.
“I wouldn’t want you to cook too long. You’re hot enough already.” Evan reached past Cassidy and opened her door behind her. “You should get some rest. After the day you had, I’m sure you need it.” He hovered over her, smiling.
Cassidy took a deep steadying breath. He was so close. She caught the slightest scent of his cologne mixed with sweat after the grueling day of filming. It smelled like a long night of fulfilled desires — wrapped in chocolate. His lips were right there — only inches from her. If she tilted her head slightly …
She ignored her own dirty thoughts. “Don’t even start with me about what happened with that stupid horse. You might think it was hilarious, but I don’t.”
“Who said anything about the horse? I just thought you might be tired after a long day. Do you need anything for your foot before I go?”
Cassidy struggled with another deep breath.
Just you. You could rub it or something …
“No. I’m good. Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She limped back a couple of paces into her room and closed the door, leaving Evan standing in the hall.
What was going on with her? She couldn’t seem to breathe the same air as Evan without imagining what it would be like to feel his lips on hers. Those beautiful, soft-looking lips.
She needed to get a grip before her imagination ran away with her. The last thing she needed right now was to get involved with the hunky cameraman. She’d signed her life away with those contracts for the show and she didn’t want to think about what would happen if she got caught making out with Evan. Not that she’d mind making out with him, but that was a whole other issue. Wanting was not the same as doing and she had to remember to keep it that way.
• • •
The night was still and quiet, a welcome change from the chaos of the day. Evan leaned back in his chair and took another gulp of his ice-cold beer. Cassidy was in her room sleeping while he sat out on the back patio, relishing the calm of the night.
If he closed his eyes, he could almost convince himself he was on the front porch of his cabin, away from the drama of a house full of girls. God, he missed the cabin. He ran through his mental list of things still needing fixing before winter. Hopefully he’d have the time and the money to complete them after filming was done.
“These hours are harder than I expected.” Jake groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, interrupting Evan’s reverie. “I think I might be getting too old for this.”
“I hear you.” Evan put his feet up on an empty chair. “These challe
nge days are brutal.”
Evan and Jake had been friends for a long time. They’d met during a Miss America Pageant. Neither knew what the hell they were doing or how they’d gotten hired for such a high profile gig. In the end, they’d become good buddies.
Over the years they’d gotten into plenty of trouble together. Many mornings he’d woken up with a hangover after a late night with Jake. Those days were behind them now that they were older and Jake had a wife and kids.
Evan had been ready to settle down and start a family too, until Carter lost Melissa in a rock climbing accident and everything Evan thought he wanted changed. He often wondered if falling in love was worth it if it could be snatched away at any moment.
Then he met Cassidy. She complicated everything.
She was smart, feisty, funny, and everything he hoped for in a girl to settle down with.
But she was also here for the adventure.
That was a sore spot he wasn’t sure he’d be able to get over even if there was a way for them to be together. Being adventurous had killed Melissa. And really, was an adrenaline rush worth risking your family’s happiness?
Nope. Which is exactly why he’d given up flying around the world to film. His niece and brother needed him here and that was more important than any paycheck.
“How’s your girl Cassidy working out for you?”
“She’s fine. Who’s your girl?”
“Erica,” Jake said. “She’s alright. But it seems like every time I turn around she’s trying to talk to me. It doesn’t matter how many times I explain she’s not supposed to talk to me, she does anyway. Seriously, Chip’s gonna be up my ass soon about all the footage she’s ruining.”
“That’s sucks, man. Cassidy was like that the first day or so, but she seems to have the hang of it now.”
“Erica’s also friends with that Zoe chick, so half the time I end up having to listen to her bitch, too.” Jake rubbed his forehead like he had a headache.
“Luckily, Cassidy hates Zoe so I don’t have to spend much time around her.”
“I don’t know about that. You haven’t forgotten the whole Jacuzzi scene already, have you?”
Unscripted Love: The Complete Reality TV Romance Collection Page 10