Unscripted Love: The Complete Reality TV Romance Collection

by Heather Thurmeier

  By the expression on Brad’s face, they’d also had a nice bump and grind session and Cassidy was pretty sure he was ready to use his rod to cast a line of his own. A twinge of something — jealousy maybe — ran through Cassidy. She still wasn’t sure she wanted to ever get involved with Brad again, but that didn’t mean she was okay watching him get frisky with Zoe.

  I don’t think the fish in the river are the only little swimmers ready to make their way upstream. I can’t believe they act like that on national television.

  Cassidy’s fishing rod jerked in her hand as something tugged on the end of the line. “I’ve got something.”

  Brad let go of Zoe and rushed to her side. “Reel it in.”

  Slowly reeling in the line, she could feel the fish on the hook swimming back and forth as it tried to get away. The rod bent toward the water as she pulled on it, trying to reel the fish in. Just as her arms were starting to tire, the fish broke through the surface of the water.

  She lowered the fish to the ground and grabbed it. Its cold, scaly skin slipped through her fingers as she tried to get the hook out. She slid the hook out the way it had gone in and held up the fish in both hands.

  “I did it. I caught a fish. I can’t believe it.” Cassidy held the large fish, trying to find somewhere to put it now that the excitement had worn off. “Um, what do I do with it now?”

  Evan tapped the bucket beside him with his foot and winked.

  “Oh, right. The bucket makes sense.” She dumped the fish into the bucket, rinsed her hands in the river, and wiped them on her jeans.

  “I guess since we have dinner, thanks to my girl Cassidy, we can call it quits with fishing and head back to camp.”

  “Thank God. I really wasn’t in the mood to teach you how to fish,” Zoe said dropping her pole to the ground.

  “You don’t know how to fish. Brad just showed you.”

  Zoe winked. “I went fishing every Sunday with my dad after church. I was just having fun with Brad’s fishing pole.”

  “Gross. I thought Brad was the one with the sleazy moves, but you’re just as bad.”

  “Aren’t you a sneaky girl,” Brad said snuggling up to Zoe again. “What else do you need me to teach you that you already know?”

  Zoe whispered into Brad’s ear. Brad’s smile widened. Cassidy felt nauseous.

  She spun on her heel heading in the direction of camp. She’d impressed herself by pitching a tent and catching a fish. Maybe camping wasn’t so bad after all.

  Zoe, on the other hand, was just as awful as ever.

  • • •

  Evan sat at the picnic table with his elbows resting on the tabletop while supporting the weight of his camera. His shoulders and back ached and he could hear his pulse pounding in his ears.

  Today had to be the longest day he’d suffered through in a long time. He and Zoe’s cameraman had had to capture every moment of this challenge, which meant they had little time for breaks.

  Across the campfire, Cassidy sat with a plate on her lap. After they’d come back to camp with her catch, they’d had to fillet it and cook it over the fire. To his surprise, Cassidy had done great. She hadn’t been skittish about touching the fish or prepping it. In fact, it seemed like she’d really enjoyed getting her hands dirty.

  Zoe, on the other hand, was currently surviving on diet soda and granola bars. She might know how to catch a fish, but she apparently didn’t eat it. But she did know how to flirt with Brad.

  Cassidy’s eyes flickered up to meet Evan’s gaze. He could feel the heat between them and it had nothing to do with the campfire. He longed to be alone with her again — to learn more about her and her life back in New York.

  He had about a million questions and no way to ask. The only chance he ever had to find out anything about Cassidy was when they were alone, which was rare, or when Brad decided to ask her a question about her personal life, which was rarer still. He had no choice but to bide his time and be patient. They would be alone soon enough and then he’d get a chance to find out everything and anything he’d ever wanted to know about her.

  When they were finally alone again, it would be uninterrupted and unrestricted. His pulse quickened at the thought of where that would inevitably lead.

  For the first time he could remember since his sister-in-law’s accident, he didn’t feel afraid at the possibility of getting closer to someone. As long as that someone was Cassy.

  He cocked an eyebrow at Cassidy and stifled a laugh as she turned a bright shade of pink. He enjoyed being able to make her blush and he hoped that would never change. Pink was a good color on her.

  “Cassidy.” Brad’s voice interrupted their private moment, bringing Evan out of his thoughts and back into the present. “Would you join me on a sunset walk?”

  “Sure. That sounds nice.”

  Does it?

  “Zoe, you’ll be all right here alone for a little while?”

  “I’ll be fine. But don’t leave me for too long or I might have to hunt you down and bring you back.” Her laughter rang out, sounding a little too Fatal Attraction for Evan’s taste.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll be gone an hour or so and then I’ll be all yours.” He rubbed Zoe’s hand before circling around the fire and taking Cassidy’s.

  “Let’s go before the sun sets and we’re left to find our way in the dark.” Brad grinned. “On second thought, that sounds like more fun.”

  Cassidy walked with him out of the campsite as Evan walked backward a few steps in front of them, close enough to hear what they said but far enough ahead to not get in their way. It was tricky to film and walk backward, but the footage was better.

  Evan tried not to focus on the fact that they were holding hands for fear that might lead to him punching the surfer boy in his pretty face and the whole world finding out about his feelings for Cassidy. Instead, he focused on angles, catching the right light, and walking without falling over anything.

  “You did great in the challenges today. You really surprised me. I had no idea you could be so outdoorsy.”

  Cassidy laughed. “Thanks, I surprised myself. I had no idea it was so much fun to rough it in the wilderness. Is this kind of stuff normal for you in California? Because you certainly didn’t do anything like this in New York.”

  “The fire yes, everything else, not really. We usually have big bonfires on the beach after a day of surfing.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  Brad nodded. “It is. And you know, I think you’d really like it, too. We cook, drink beers, and watch the stars twinkle over the ocean. It’s heaven.”

  The trail came to an end at a scenic outlook. There was a picnic blanket set up overlooking a view of the sun setting behind the mountains with a few cushions strewn around to sit on. Alongside the blanket was a bottle of champagne on ice and an assortment of little desserts.

  It was romantic and exactly the kind of place Evan would take Cassidy if he ever got the chance. Instead, he was forced to film her enjoying it with surfer boy. His annoyance built inside at the frustration of the situation he’d gotten himself into, annoyed he’d let himself develop feelings for someone.

  “Why don’t we sit? This sunset is too beautiful to miss,” Brad said.

  As they got settled, Evan took his place leaning against the safety rail separating the viewing area from the cliff. He was off to the side of them so he wouldn’t block their view, but was still able to get a good shot of the two of them together.

  Brad popped the cork on the champagne and poured them each a glass. “To us. To finding the person you want to ride the waves with for the rest of your life.” He clinked his glass against hers.

  Dude. Totally lame.

  “Since the last time we tried to eat dessert and enjoy the view didn’t work out so well, I hoped we could try
again. A second chance to get things right.” He picked up a chocolate covered strawberry and held it toward Cassidy. “Maybe it’s a third chance by now. I’ve sort of lost count.”

  Cassidy reach out to grab it, but Brad gently pushed her hand away. “Uh, uh. This time we’re going to do things right.” He held the strawberry to her mouth so she could take a bite.

  “Really, it’s okay. I can feed myself.” She tried to protest as he shoved half the berry into her mouth. With an expression of reluctance, she took a bite.

  Brad popped the rest of the strawberry into his own mouth, wiped his hands on the blanket and reached for another.

  Cassidy held up her hands. “I’m good. Thanks. That was great. Very yummy.”

  “Are you still searching for a guy like me, Cassidy?”

  Or do you want a guy like me?

  “I don’t even know what kind of guy you are anymore. I thought I knew who you were, then you left me.”

  “I know I did, and I’m sorry.” He twirled a strawberry in his fingers. “Maybe you can tell me what you’re hoping for and I can tell you if that’s me.”

  “Okay. I’m hoping for someone who’s strong, not necessarily physically, but you know, mentally and emotionally. I’d like someone who has goals and dreams. Someone who wants a family someday. Someone who’s funny and makes me laugh.” Cassidy’s face turned wistful and dreamlike. “Most of all, I want someone who loves me for me, just the way I am.”

  Damn, that’s me. Whether I want it to be or not, that’s me.

  Brad took her hands — his face serious yet kind. “I’m strong. I go out into fifteen-foot waves and surf some of the most dangerous waters. I have goals and dreams, too. One of them is to have a beautiful girl like you on the beach waiting for me each day.” He cupped Cassidy’s jaw in his palm and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

  Okay, surfer boy. Back off.

  “I like you for you, Cassidy. I always have. I was stupid to ever let you go. All I need to know is if you still want me, too.”

  Before Cassidy could answer him, Brad’s lips were on hers. He pulled her closer and Evan watched in horror as their mouths parted and tongues emerged — not just Brad’s, Cassidy’s, too.

  What is she doing? She said she wouldn’t kiss him. That’s not even a kiss. It’s a tonsil hockey tournament.

  Cassidy put her hand on Brad’s chest, but Evan couldn’t tell if it was to pull him closer or push him away. What Evan did know was that the kiss went on far longer than it should have.

  What the hell is this shit?

  Finally, they decided to come back up for air. Brad had a big goofy smile on his face. Evan’s blood turned to lava.

  How could she do this to me? We had a deal.

  “God, I’ve missed your kisses, Cassidy.” Brad sighed, leaning back on the blanket.

  “Thanks,” she blushed a deep shade of red, “for saying you like me for me. It’s nice to hear after months of thinking I wasn’t good enough for you. Why did you choose surfing over being with me?” Cassidy sank back on the blanket beside Brad so they were both staring up to the stars.

  Oh great, now you’re going to lie down with surfer boy. Just invite the guy to stay the night already.

  “At the time, I chose surfing because I missed it so much, but I’m not so sure I made the right choice.” Brad rolled onto his side and put his arm across Cassidy, essentially trapping her on the blanket. “Come to California with me. We could have a perfect life together if you’d only find a way to get over your stupid fear of the water. We could have everything we’ve ever wanted.”

  Brad kissed her again, hard on the mouth. His body shifted onto her, obviously pinning her to the blanket.

  Evan watched as Cassidy started to struggle underneath of Brad. Her hands pounding his shoulders and he could hear her mumbled protests.

  I’m going to kick the shit out of this asshole once and for all.

  Evan lunged for Brad just as he cried out in pain. Brad rolled off of Cassidy and back onto his side of the blanket, grabbing his groin, groaning.

  Evan reached out a hand to Cassidy, but she shook her head and waved him to stay where he was.

  “What the hell was that for, bitch?” Brad gulped in big breaths of air.

  “It’s not a stupid fear, you jackass. And if you really liked me for me — like you claimed you did two minutes ago — you wouldn’t insist on trying to change me. I’m sorry my stupid fear of water doesn’t fit into your perfect little world. Oh, and how about for forcing yourself on me? Just because you’ve had the privilege of kissing me before, doesn’t mean I want you pinning me to a blanket in the dark, in the middle of the wilderness. Think with your brain for a change.”

  Cassidy kneeled near Brad’s face. “If you ever call me a bitch again, that little ouchie you feel right now is going to feel like a mosquito bite compared to what you’ll feel next time. I’m a New Yorker. We don’t put up with garbage like that.”

  Evan followed Cassidy as she strode back toward the campsite. He turned on his camera light so she could see where she was walking.

  “Cassidy, wait,” Brad called. “I’m sorry. I thought you wanted me to kiss you again.”

  The scenic outlook hadn’t been far up the trail so they made it back to the campsite quickly. That also meant Brad wouldn’t be far behind them. Evan hoped for a few more minutes walking on the trail since he still hadn’t figured out what the hell just happened back there. He needed more time to sort things out.

  He wasn’t sure who he should be mad at more, Brad for forcing himself on Cassidy, or Cassidy for letting Brad kiss her in the first place. She was supposed to avoid kissing him, not encourage him.

  “Didn’t you forget someone?” Zoe stumbled out of her tent in a sequin top, skinny jeans, and what had to be three-inch stilettos. Apparently she thought there was a possibility of going clubbing later.

  “Yeah, he was a little sore after our hike, so he stayed behind to rest.” Cassidy snapped. “Nice outfit. Great choice for hiking.”

  “Wow, sounds like you had another winner of a date. What are you at now, zero for three?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it depends if you count the challenges plus the fact he’s my ex-boyfriend. That could put me at zero for like … a thousand.” She grabbed the paper plates from dinner and tossed them into the garbage bag.

  Zoe put her hand on her hip. “You really did have an awful date, didn’t you? I guess you’re not the kind of girl guys like Brad want to date, huh?”

  Cassidy balled her hands into fists at her side. “I did not have an awful date and for your information, Brad does want to date me. He kissed me, not once, but twice tonight. Okay? Oh, and did I mention he asked me to come back to California with him? So why don’t you do something useful for a change and shut up until it’s your turn to play second-fiddle again?”

  Cassidy stormed into her tent leaving Zoe with her mouth hanging open like a suffocating guppy.

  “Cassidy! Where are you?” Brad hobbled into the camp. He limped to the door of her tent, breezing past Zoe without a glance. “Come out and talk to me.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about. Go have fun with Zoe.”

  Zoe sauntered over to Brad with her best bedroom eyes firmly locked on his. She stood in front of him, blocking his way to Cassidy’s tent and put a hand on either side of his face, forcing him to look her directly in the eyes.

  “Why get upset about her when you can have me and be happy?” Zoe practically purred. “Just say the word and I can make you forget all your troubles.”

  “I know, but we had a misunderstanding. I wanted to clear it up before my date with you, Zoe, if Cassidy would just give me a chance to explain.”

  He tried to move around Zoe to get to Cassidy’s tent, but Zoe quickly diverted his attention again by ki
ssing him. A small groan escaped his mouth.

  If I have to watch this joker kiss another girl …

  “Let’s get out of here.” Brad broke away from her kiss, his eyes glazed over with lust. “I’m sure we can find a nicer place to continue this.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Brad gave one last glance back to Cassidy’s tent before he slipped his arm around Zoe’s waist. “Your loss again, Cassidy,” he called over his shoulder as he strolled out of the campsite with Zoe, leaving a quiet tension in their wake.

  Evan sighed. He turned his camera off and set it on the picnic table. His shoulders ached. Even with the weight of the camera gone, he still felt weighed down. He had to talk to Cassidy now while everyone else was away from camp. It might be the only chance they got to try to sort this out.

  Cassidy stepped out of her tent. “Are they gone?”

  “Yeah, lover boy has gone off on his date.”

  “Don’t call him that.”

  Cassidy sat down opposite Evan at the picnic table and threw her mic pack to the side before putting her hand on his. He folded his arms across his chest. “What the hell happened back there, Cassidy? How could you do that to me?”

  “Evan, you can’t be serious. You know I didn’t want to kiss him.”

  “I’m not so sure anymore. You didn’t even try to push him away. Hell, you were thanking him afterward for saying a few nice things about you. What the hell?”

  “I did push him away, or did you forget I put my knee in his very sensitive place?”

  “No, I saw that, and I’m glad you did. I was on my way to save you, despite your earlier actions.”

  “Again, Evan? We’re really going to do this again? Jealousy is really ugly on you.”

  “Brad is really ugly on you.”

  “You’re so frustrating,” Cassidy yelled, getting up from the table and pacing around the fire. “I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to do. I’m playing along with the show. I don’t know what you expect from me.”

  “Really? ’Cause I was pretty sure we agreed you’d do everything you could not to kiss that punk and the first chance you get, you’re swapping spit together. Just tell me the truth. Do you still have feelings for him?”