Unscripted Love: The Complete Reality TV Romance Collection

by Heather Thurmeier

  “Of course it will. How could it not? We have memories together. He already knows what it’s like to date me, so he’ll have to decide if he wants me again or if he wants to try someone new.”

  “Are you ready to date Brad again if he chooses you?”

  “I don’t know. I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t.”

  Evan scanned the sheet of questions. “I guess that’s all the questions I have for you today. Enjoy the last challenge and good luck.”

  “Thanks,” she said, smiling one of her amazing Cassidy smiles at him. “I need all the good luck I can get.”

  I think we both need that.

  Chapter Twenty

  Cassidy stood in the kitchen comforted by being back in the familiarity of the house she’d called home for the last few weeks. Especially since it meant she finally had a little space from Zoe. Sharing a suite with her at the chateau hadn’t been a picnic for anyone.

  Cassidy whisked eggs in a bowl and dumped them into a hot skillet, then topped them with cheese and ham. It wasn’t healthy, but it reminded her of home and that’s exactly what she needed right now.

  Everywhere she went there seemed to be a lot of packing going on. Cameras were coming down from ceiling corners, mic packs were being inventoried and placed in boxes, even decorations were being removed from the walls and bubble wrapped.

  She’d snuck downstairs when she’d heard Evan go into the shower so she could have a few camera-free moments. The alone time was bliss.

  “Whatcha making?” Zoe asked, coming up behind her, also without her cameraman. Seemed they’d both managed to ditch their responsibilities.

  So much for bliss. “An omelet.” Cassidy rolled her eyes and wished Zoe away.

  “Make me one, too.”

  “How about you make it yourself?”

  “I don’t know how.” Zoe leaned back on the counter to watch Cassidy. “Now if you asked me to make Death by Chocolate Cupcakes, that I could do. An omelet, not so much.”

  Give her one and she’ll go away.

  Cassidy sighed and put the finished omelet on the plate and handed it to Zoe. “It’s not low-fat and borders on burned. Enjoy.” She turned her back and started fixing herself another omelet — one she’d actually get to eat.

  Zoe grabbed a coffee and wandered out the back door with her omelet in hand and without so much as a thank you.

  Bitch.

  The door opened again.

  “What now, Zoe? Need me to hand feed you, too?”

  “I can feed myself, thanks.”

  Cassidy turned, spatula in hand. Susan stood with her arms crossed and looking — well, looking pissed. “Hey, Susan. What’s up? More helpful tips for me today?”

  “I know you think this is all gonna work out between you and Evan after the show ends, but it’s not, so you should get over him now and save yourself the heartache later.”

  Oh boy.

  Cassidy attempted to look innocent. “I’m not sure what you think is going on, but Evan’s just my cameraman.”

  “Sure he is.” Susan took a few steps closer. “Listen. I’ve worked with Evan a long time, so I know the signs. He may say you’re different, but you’re not. You’re just like every other girl he screws on production.”

  Cassidy cringed at her words.

  “I wouldn’t waste your time on him. You actually have a chance with Brad, don’t mess it up by screwing around with Evan.”

  “Thanks for the advice, but mind your own business and I’ll mind mine.” Why did people always think they could tell her what to do? She wasn’t anyone’s pushover.

  Susan’s face turned scarlet, her eyes narrowing to slits.

  Yep, I’ve pissed her off. Great.

  Susan opened the back door again, but paused halfway out. “If I were you, I’d dress up tomorrow unless I wanted to look stupid on TV, but I wouldn’t want to stick my nose in your business or anything. Your eggs are burning.” She disappeared through the door without another glance.

  Cassidy turned back to the skillet to see smoke rising from the pan. She grabbed it and tossed the whole thing into the sink, running water on it. The water hissed and spit as it hit the hot pan.

  She suddenly felt like her future with Evan had gone the way of her uneaten omelet — burned and unappealing.

  • • •

  Cassidy and Zoe been told the final challenge would be away from the house, so they needed to pack a small bag, as well as get the rest of their belongings ready to ship home.

  Cassidy had enjoyed the experience, but she was ready for the show to end. The sooner they were on their way to the final challenge, the sooner the show would be over and she’d be free.

  Free from Brad bringing up feelings from the past she didn’t want to explore.

  Free to be with Evan — if he still wanted her. She had thought he would before, but after talking to Susan, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

  Cassidy grabbed the black backpack provided for the challenge and began thumbing through the T-shirts folded on her shelf. Of course, since she didn’t know what they were doing, packing was a challenge in its own rite.

  “Any hints as to what I might pack?”

  Evan stared at her silently.

  Cassidy sighed. Going back to the silent treatment got harder and harder every time. She couldn’t wait to be away from the camera for good. To be normal around Evan, if he stuck around long enough.

  “Okay then, I guess I’ll pack one of everything and hope for the best. The least they could do is hint at what kind of clothes we might want to bring.”

  Of course, Susan had hinted, but could she be trusted after the whole Corona incident?

  She rummaged through her dresser drawers pulling out clothes and separating them. Some went right into the overnight bag for the challenge, everything else needed to go into her suitcases to ship back to New York.

  Her stomach tightened at the thought of going back to the city. With the show almost over, she’d have to face real life again. Her chest ached when she imagined waking up in her cramped little apartment after getting used to the sprawling mansion.

  How would she feel about Brad once she was surrounded by memories of him again? Was she really ready to head home with nothing — with no one? No Evan or Brad.

  Did she even want to go back to the city? Back to the subway station, lost among the throngs of busy people fighting their way to work. She could almost smell the ripe, hot stench streaming out of the street vents and the stuffiness of the thick air in the subway tunnels.

  She stared at Evan who was leaning back against her dresser casually recording her every move. She studied his face, the line of his jaw, and toned muscles of his arms.

  Or would she rather stay here with him? Was that even an option? Or maybe she should try somewhere new — somewhere warm, like California.

  He peeked his head out from behind the camera and gave her a curious look. She read his lips when he mouthed, “You okay?”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. Her head spun with uncertainty. Everything seemed so confusing all of a sudden.

  The possibility of not seeing Evan, not being near him, stole her breath away. What am I doing? I barely even know him and I’m worried about not seeing him every day.

  She ran her fingers under her eyes, wiping away the tears before they started and wouldn’t stop. She wouldn’t cry about this. Not yet. She didn’t even know how she felt about Evan yet, let alone how he felt about her. There was no sense crying over something she didn’t even understand.

  Cassidy placed the backpack on the top of the dresser. She could finish the rest of her packing later, but right now she needed to relax in a nice warm bubble bath.

  She sat on the edge of the tub adjusting the water until it was hot enough to soak the
tension out of her weary muscles. She grabbed one of the fancy little bottles of bubble bath and poured the last bit of liquid left from it into the water. Hundreds of bubbles came to life, floating across the surface of the water. The delectable scent of chocolate filled the air.

  Cassidy wiped her eyes again to make sure no tears still lingering on the brink before turning to face Evan and the camera. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave so I can take a bath.” She tried her best to make her voice sound strong. “I’m sure America doesn’t need to see that.”

  Evan clicked the record button off and set his camera aside on the counter. He took her in his arms before she could protest. His hands found the mic pack hiding in the small of her back, which he expertly removed and shut off, placing it on the counter next to his camera.

  Cassidy inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of his cologne as he wrapped her in his arms. He was strong and gentle and incredibly handsome. How could she ever believe memories of Brad could compare to the reality of Evan? But how could Evan ever catch up to the history she already had with Brad?

  Evan kissed the side of her neck sending a shiver down her back.

  “Evan, be good.”

  “I’m very good. Haven’t I proven that to you enough times yet?”

  “That’s not what I mean.” She hit him playfully on the shoulder, pulling back from him. “I mean you shouldn’t be in here with me. You should be out in the bedroom where the cameras can see you’re not in here with me.”

  “I’ll go in a minute and no one will be any the wiser.” He gazed at her, his eyes serious. “But first I want to know what’s wrong. You were almost crying a few minutes ago.”

  “It’s nothing,” she said. “I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed.”

  “Cassy, if there’s something wrong, please, let me help you.”

  She tried to put on a happy face. “Really, I’m fine.”

  And deeply confused.

  She wasn’t ready to tell Evan she’d been tearing up at the thought of not seeing him every day. He’d probably think she was crazy.

  “I’ll let you keep your secret, but you know you can talk to me if you need to. You’re not in this mess alone.” He paused for a moment before sighing and continuing like it pained him to say the words that came next. “If you’re starting to have feelings for Brad again, you can tell me. I’ll try to understand enough to talk about it.”

  “It’s not that.”

  It’s both of you.

  “It makes me very happy to hear that.” Evan kissed her and her body melted into his. She wanted more than anything to stay in this moment forever and forget about Brad, the show, and everything else around her.

  She kissed him back harder, holding on to the feeling of his lips on hers before pulling away. Would she be able to remember this feeling when she was alone in New York again? When he left her like he had all the other production flings?

  “Can I get in the tub before the water goes cold and the bubbles disappear?” she asked, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I won’t be long if you want to hang out in your room for a bit. I’ll knock on your door when I’m finished.”

  “I’m going to need a cold shower while I wait. It’s torture picturing you in all that hot, soapy water and knowing I can’t join you.”

  Grabbing her butt, he gave it a squeeze before letting her go. “When we finally get finished with this stupid show, I might not let you out of my sight for a long, long time.”

  “I might hold you too that.” She smiled weakly, tears threatening her eyes again. “Now go.” Cassidy pushed Evan out of the bathroom and closed the door before he could see her eyes well up with tears again.

  She undressed and sank into the tub. Hot water washed over her skin, soothing her. She closed her eyes and leaned back against a towel, only then allowing a couple of tears to trickle down her cheek.

  Cassidy didn’t understand why she had this strong of a reaction to the thought of leaving Evan — and to the thought of Brad walking away from her again. When Brad told her he hoped she might still be the girl to spend his life with, it was like she’d gotten back a little piece of herself. It felt great to know at least a part of him still regretted how he’d treated her — regretted how he’d left things.

  And then there was Evan, the man who made her feel something she’d never experienced before — something new, something deeper than lust or desire. A man who made her forget there was a world going on around them when she was in his arms.

  A man she didn’t know if she had any future with outside of this house.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Seriously?” Cassidy’s voice came out tighter and squeakier than she’d meant it to. “I can’t believe this is our last challenge.” Everywhere Cassidy looked was nature, nature, and more nature.

  Susan was a bigger bitch than Zoe.

  Dress clothes my ass. Cassidy shifted her weight on her already sore feet — feet that were trapped in three-inch-high torture devices. Of all the days for the medic to approve of me wearing heels again, it just had to be today.

  “Okay, Chip. Now you’ve gone too far even for me.” Zoe wore a distinctly sour expression.

  We’ll actually have something in common. Oh my God, did I really just admit to having something in common with the she-devil? Kill me. Kill me now.

  Spencer and Brad appeared before them.

  “Welcome back,” Spencer said with a TV smile. “You should both be very proud of yourselves. I’m sure Brad picked both of you for good reasons, and I for one, can’t wait to see how this will all play out.”

  Spencer took a moment to scan the area then moved to stand beside a pile of gear. “This is your final challenge and as such, we’ve decided to put you to the ultimate test. This challenge will test your survival skills, your physical ability, and also your emotional stamina.

  “First, you’ll grab your gear and use a map to hike to your campsite. Second, you’ll have to set up your campsite. This will include pitching tents and starting a fire. I hope you brought some matches.” He laughed.

  Cassidy didn’t.

  “Now, I know you didn’t stop at the grocery store on your way here, so in with your gear, you’ll find everything you need to prepare a gourmet outdoor meal.”

  Brad laughed and slapped Spencer on the shoulder like they were best buddies. “Wow. It sounds like I’m in for a good time. I can’t wait to see how these girls handle living outside for a full twenty-four hours.”

  “This challenge will give the girls a chance to really show you who they are and what they’re made of. I should also add you’ll get a private date with each of the girls. This will be your last chance to learn everything you need to know about them to help make your final decision.”

  “Sounds good,” Brad said.

  Spencer grabbed a backpack from the pile of gear and placed it on the ground in front of Cassidy. He did the same for Zoe. Along with their sizable backpacks, there were also tents, bags with dishes, food and cooking utensils, as well as sleeping bags, creating a rather intimidating pile of gear.

  Are we driving to camp?

  Spencer handed Cassidy a paper rolled like a cigar and put a small round object into Zoe’s hand. “That’s the map and compass to help you find your camp. Grab the rest of your gear and good luck. I think you’ll need it.”

  Spencer didn’t linger. Instead, he walked over to the production trailer and disappeared inside.

  The challenge had officially started and they were on their own.

  Cassidy unrolled the map and held it out to get a better look. A highlighted line indicated the hiking paths they needed to use and a campsite number they needed to reach to find their final destination. It didn’t seem quite as complicated as Spencer made it sound.

  “Okay, it looks like we need to go n
orth until we find the tree split in two and then we hang a left onto yellow trail five. Which way is north?”

  “You’re actually going along with this?” Zoe asked.

  “What do you mean? This is the challenge.”

  “You’re willing to wander into the wilderness to find some stupid campsite? You know, if we both refuse, they’ll have to take us to the campsite some other way.”

  Cassidy studied the map again. She wasn’t thrilled with the idea either, but it didn’t seem like that hard of a hike. “I think we’ll be okay.”

  “Come on, Zoe.” Brad squeezed between them, putting an arm around each of their shoulders. “You’ve always been up for a good time before. Don’t go changing on me now.”

  “I, um. I guess I didn’t realize you’d be joining us on our hike,” Zoe stammered. “Cassidy, read the map already and tell me where to go so I can use the compass.”

  Oh, I’ll tell you where to go.

  Zoe stood with her hand on her hip waiting for Cassidy. Never mind that Cassidy had already told her they needed to go north. Now that Zoe knew Brad was involved, a whole new girl came to play.

  “I said north. Do you know where north is?”

  “Of course I know where north is.” Zoe stared at the compass, first spinning in one direction, then the other. “Great, they gave us a broken compass. Now what are we supposed to do?”

  Zoe held a simple compass with the four coordinates clearly marked and a needle spinning in the middle. Cassidy had never used a compass before, but how hard could it be, right?

  “What part isn’t working?” she asked.

  “Well, when I spin, the little dial thingy spins, too. The little arrow is pointing to the N over there, but when I turn toward the N, then the arrow points a different way. Are we supposed to follow the N or the arrow?” Zoe handed the compass to Cassidy. “I give up. You figure it out.”

  Cassidy held the compass flat in her hand. I couldn’t be that hard to figure it out. She tried to recall all the things she’d ever heard about using a compass, which wasn’t much.