Scorpio

by Lauren Landish

  I’m expecting a bit of sweet smack, but Lee has other plans. He presses his lips against mine and then ignites, demanding entry and tangling his tongue with mine, his fists knotting my dress at my waist and holding me tightly to him.

  Holy shit, my head is swirling and my knees feel like they’ll buckle. I’ve never been kissed like this. After a moment, Lee slows down a little, pulling back, and I open my eyes. I can see the glint of satisfaction reflected in his as I suck in a gulp of air.

  He watches me with a smile on his face, the corners of his lips turning up. He did go a little overboard, but I can tell he knows I liked it. As he releases me, I vaguely hear Meredith from far away. “Cut. Perfect. Let’s head down for the match scene. Emily, you’ll tell us whom you want to cut and then we’ll do the ceremony.”

  Back in front of the hedge backdrop, I discuss my thoughts with Meredith, Nate, and his damn clipboard, going over everything about my date with Lee and the guys during the bowling. I tell them whom I’d like to keep and whom I’d like to see go, several times needing picture name cards to even know whom I was talking about.

  Once we’ve made our list, Nate hands out the cards as the men begin to file in and stand before me with their hands held respectfully behind their backs. Every man looks a little nervous. Well, except two—Hayden and Lee. Lee is confident, and Hayden just looks a little upset.

  It’s because he wanted the date with me.

  “Let’s go!” Meredith yells from the sidelines, motioning at me like I’m a dog that won’t obey his master. “Andele!”

  Lowering my head, I suck in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. After a moment, I raise it and let my eyes roam across all the gathered faces. “Gentlemen, I had so much fun on our group date today. Some of you showed that you were true sportsmen and consummate gentlemen. Some, however, didn’t. Unfortunately, I’ll have to send some of you home tonight.” I let out a dramatic sigh, frowning. “I want you to know it’s really hard for me to make these choices so fast, but I have to decide based on the time we have. Please don’t take it personally . . . you’re just not the perfect match for me.”

  I look over to the sidelines, where McKayla and Brad have shown up. They’re both grinning at me and giving me thumbs up.

  I tear my eyes away from them, even though their presence and support give me confidence to keep going in some weird way. “So, without further ado, Lee. We had the date together, and it’s time to see if we’re a match.”

  Grinning like a wolf that’s caught his prize, Lee walks up to me with his card.

  “Ready?” I ask.

  Lee nods. “Yes, ma'am.”

  He turns his card over at the same time I do, revealing our split image on both cards. I give him a radiant smile. “Lee, we’re a match.”

  He grins, giving me a hug and whispering in my ear, “Thank you, gorgeous,” and goes back over with the group of men.

  I swallow, keeping my eyes neutral just like Meredith instructed so the viewing audience won’t know whom I’m picking next whenever this airs. I work down the rest of the front row of men. Mark, Luke, Shawn, and two more guys who just haven’t stood out are cut.

  And then there were ten.

  Hayden

  Fresh out of the shower, I run my fingers through my hair, checking for stubble on my jawline. Yesterday was rough for me, having my chance with Emily snatched right out of my hands. What made it even worse is that Lee got the date instead.

  “How do you think their date went for real? I don’t believe a word that douchebag Lee says.” asks Dean, the guy the producers have me rooming with. He’s standing next to me at the double vanity, slicking aftershave lotion along his cheeks. Dean seems like a cool guy from Colorado, somewhat laidback with a wicked sense of humor. If we weren’t competing, I might enjoy having a beer with him. Actually, I probably still would. I’m a big boy and can deal with a bit of competition.

  “No idea,” I respond, turning to face him.

  “What do you mean?” Dean gawks in disbelief. “You heard Lee last night after their date, going on about how awesome it was. He even said she’s a good kisser, just a little skittish at first, but apparently, he ‘warmed her right up’. He’s such a player. Wouldn’t be surprised if he finger banged her while the cameraman wasn’t looking.”

  Just the thought of such a scenario unsettles me, but I brush the image away. I don’t really know Emily yet, but I know enough to say that she has class and wouldn’t do something like that on a first date with a man she doesn’t know.

  I shake my head. “Not a chance. One, Emily isn’t like that. Two, Lee’s the type who would brag, so he’d have already shared that with everyone like a cocky asshole.”

  Dean arches an eyebrow. “Okay, you’re right about Lee, but how would you know she’s not like that? She seems like a nice enough chick and all, but you don’t even know her. She could just be here for the fame and is willing to fuck her way to the best match.”

  I give Dean a look to let him know this isn’t a conversation I want to have. “I’ve seen enough to know she’s not like that.”

  He gets the point and turns, running some product through his hair. He’s got a pretty conservative cut that totally makes him look like a regular dude. “Well, Lee’s one lucky bastard either way. First impressions are always big.”

  I’m not going to lie. I hate the fact Lee got the first date with Emily and that she chose to keep him around afterward. It couldn’t have been bad if she kept him afterward. It didn’t help matters that he bragged about the date before the ceremony, making us all a little nervous, and then after, he went around acting like he’s already a shoo-in to win. Just around us guys, of course. I’m not so sure he’s telling the truth, but I haven’t had my time alone with her yet.

  When I do, this whole game will change.

  “Can’t believe we’re doing horseback riding,” Dean complains when he’s done messing with his hair. “I’ve never even touched a horse.”

  “Well, Emily spun the wheel, so now we have to make the best of it,” I say, finishing my grooming. Last night, in another one of those moves that makes reality TV anything but, Meredith announced that our next activity would be horseback riding but we needed to film a scene of Emily spinning a wheel so it looks like a random selection. Yep, reality TV is totally real . . . and if anyone believes that, I’ve got a bridge in Arizona to sell them too.

  After going down for the makeup they make us wear for TV, they make us get dressed in Western gear for full effect. The Ruff Ryder Jeans company is a sponsor of this episode, so we all line up for a camera scan of our asses with their logo prominently displayed.

  It’s no big deal for me. I’ve done it thousand times before. I just go over to the fence and flex my glutes in a way I know makes my ass look good on camera. This should really only take a few minutes, but they keep having to adjust some of the other dudes’ poses.

  While I’m waiting, I feel a tingle on the back of my neck. Glancing back, I catch Emily staring straight at my ass. The corners of my lips curl up as I lift an eyebrow at her. She doesn’t even realize I see her at first, but then she blushes when she realizes she’s caught. She looks so damn gorgeous in her cowgirl gear.

  She’s wearing tight blue jeans that hug her curves, showcasing her ass and thighs. Her hair is loose and flowing in beautiful shimmery waves with height at the crown of her head. For a moment, all I can think about is her hugging my hips with those thighs as I tangle my hands in her hair. Mmm, ride me, cowgirl.

  I start moving toward her, my legs seeming to move of their own volition.

  Unluckily for her, she gets pulled away by one of the makeup crew. I think his name is Brad. He’s whispering something in Emily’s ear, but I see her shooting glances my way.

  We wrap up the shoot and start the horse training as a group. With so many of us, it takes forever, and almost an hour later, we’ve been fully versed on mounting, dismounting, sitting properly on our horses, and guiding them with th
e reins. I feel like I’ve got a bit of an advantage. It can’t be a lot different from riding a Harley, can it?

  We all ride along, Emily in the front just behind the lead horse. One by one, each suitor rotates riding next to her, getting a few moments to chat and make an impression. I can’t wait until she narrows us down so I can get some real time with her. I’m just biding my time, being patient, knowing I’ll shine when I get my chance.

  When it’s my turn, I ride forward and lock eyes with her. “See something you like back there?” I ask playfully. “I could arrange a private viewing.”

  Emily blushes, but she doesn’t look away, nodding while laughing. “I sure did. Brad and I were just talking about Carlos’s ass.”

  I chuckle. We both know she’s full of shit. “Uh-huh. You’re a terrible liar.”

  Emily laughs, lowering her head. “All right, you got me. Maybe I was checking out your—ahem—assets.” Without letting go of the reins, she teases me by lifting both hands in front of her like she’s squeezing melons, and I imagine her squeezing me like that . . . as I pump into her.

  My jeans suddenly feel tight as I reply, “It’s like that, huh? Take a squeeze anytime you like.”

  Her blush deepens as I hold her gaze steady for a moment. “You look pretty comfortable riding. Have you been around horses before?”

  I can tell she thought I was going to make a dirty joke about her riding me or something, and I admit it did cross my mind. But there’s a fine line between flirty and crude, and something tells me Emily is a good girl and might run from anything too over the top. I don’t want to push too far, too soon. I’d like to get to know her before she gets the wrong impression of me. Gotta take it slow and easy so she doesn’t startle, just like these horses.

  She ducks her head and the sunlight hits her face in a way that looks like she has a halo. God, she’s fucking beautiful. “Yeah, I used to ride at summer camp as a counselor. I helped the kids get over their fear of horses. I’d take them up trails and then we would find clearings to ride in.”

  “That sounds like fun. I bet you’re everyone’s favorite camp counselor,” I say sincerely.

  She looks at me, surprised, and eyes me for a moment like she’s trying to figure out whether I’m playing her. “Most folks think I’m crazy for being around kids all day like that. I do admit, teenagers can be like demons from hell sometimes, but they’re not all like that.” A soft smile appears on her face. “Most are looking for validation in some way, attention, and they want to be listened to. I love to be the one to do that for them.”

  The emotion in her words pulls at my heartstrings. I can tell she’s not just saying it for the cameras. She really does love what she does.

  “You make me wish I had you as a counselor when I went to summer camp,” I say. “And I’m not saying that because you look good in a pair of jeans, although you most definitely do. All the counselors I had just wanted me to sit down, shut up, and finger paint.”

  Emily blushes and laughs, and I admire how sexy she looks sitting on the horse. She’s a natural. “Well, since we’re practically the same age, that’d be a little hard. But there you have it. It’s therapeutic for me, and it’s what led to my being a nanny. I can’t wait until the day I have one of my own.”

  As she talks about children, her eyes alight with passion, I’m moved. She’s more than beautiful on the outside. She’s angelic inside too. “I can tell you enjoy what you do. The kids are lucky to have you because that love and patience is a rare combination. The world could use a few more people like you,” I say truthfully.

  Emily stares at me slack-jawed, but before she can respond, I hear Meredith yell, “Next! Let’s move it along!”

  Gritting my teeth, I curse the woman in my mind so my chest mic doesn’t pick it up. Meredith always seems to interrupt just when things are getting good.

  Brushing away my irritation, I dip my chin, tip my imaginary hat, and smile. “I enjoyed the ride, Miss Emily, and I look forward to our next conversation. And no, I’m not saying it because of the game.”

  Emily’s responding smile is like a ray of sunshine.

  After the rest of the guys have had their time, we stop for a picnic lunch on a patchwork of blankets spread across the grass. Some of the guys are cautiously hanging around the edges, but there’s a large majority trying to get Emily’s attention without being overbearing. It reminds me that this, regardless of the connection I feel between Emily and me, is part of a game, and I have to be willing to play.

  Lee somehow snakes his way to her side and I’m forced to listen to them talk. He’s saying all the right things, but my bullshit radar won’t stop going off. It’s more than just what he’s saying when we’re off camera. There’s just a sense of oiliness about him. If I found out he read a book entitled What to Say so Girls Will Fuck You, I wouldn’t be surprised. The way he talks sounds that practiced, like this is a stunt he pulls in bars every weekend. He probably doesn’t respect Emily or any woman.

  Seeing Emily laugh at something he says makes me grit my teeth. It irritates me that she doesn’t seem to see what I see. Or maybe she does and is just playing nice for the camera, but she’s keeping him around for a reason. I’ve never been a man to get jealous, but I can’t stand the sight of the two of them together.

  Chill, I tell myself. His fake ass charm is going to become evident soon enough. If she doesn’t see Lee’s true colors yet, she will eventually.

  After lunch, we head back to the barn and see the TV screen and button setup. Meredith orders us all around it.

  “It’s time to announce who the lucky winner is for the date with Emily,” she says, smiling naughtily, which heightens the anticipation. “Private time in the hot tub!”

  There’s a murmur of excitement around and Emily blushes furiously. My heart is pounding like an iron fist in my chest at the thought of one of these assholes getting half naked with her.

  Looking around, there’s one I don’t want her with more than the others. Lee’s confident grin as Emily walks over to the screen rubs me the wrong way. No way this fucker gets chosen again.

  “Start it,” Emily says. Her chest is heaving with anticipation, but I don’t know if it’s because she’s nervous or if it’s because she’s looking forward to being with one of us in the hot tub.

  Names begin to flash across the screen, all ten this time, decreasing my odds. I watch with bated breath. It has to be me.

  Time seems to slow to a standstill as I watch Emily reach out and press the button. At that moment, I close my eyes for a second and then open them a second later.

  My name is on the screen and Emily is smiling a mega-watt smile right at me.

  Emily

  Confessional

  “How do I look?” I ask Brad, who’s eyeing me from the side. He’s just finished doing a little touchup.

  “Fierce, bitch! Fierce!”

  “We record in ten seconds,” says Joe behind his camera.

  I quickly rearrange my outfit and clear my throat.

  Joe raises his hand out to me. “3-2-1-and go!”

  I smile at the camera as if I’m reminiscing about the date from heaven as I speak.

  “So, my date with Lee went really well, better than I expected. We had some good conversation and he seems like a passionate guy . . . and he capped it all off with that kiss. Like, I’ve never been kissed like that before.

  Besides that, the horseback riding was fun. I’m glad I got to talk to each guy for a few minutes alone to get to know them. The one who stood out the most for me was Hayden, though. I just love his personality! I’ve never been around a guy that hot, with his whole bad boy vibe, but he can actually carry on a conversation that’s genuine. And when he’s talking to me, it’s like he’s lasered in on me and I can feel it in my bones. I want to find out more about him next time I get the chance.”

  I sigh as if I’m talking about my Prince Charming rather than a contestant on Matchmaker.

  “I don’t know if
it’s too early in the competition to be catching feelings for someone, but I definitely feel like I have a connection with Hayden. And the sound of his voice whenever he says my name . . .” I close my eyes and let out a little girly squeal. “He’s just like . . . walking sex on a stick.”

  “I can do this,” I tell myself, running my hands down my sides and examining my body. “He’s hot, sexy, and he actually likes me. Who cares what anyone else thinks, viewers at home or otherwise?”

  I’m feeling pretty good, considering I’m about to go on national television in a fucking barely there bikini. Fuck it, I’m lying. I’m nervous as hell for two reasons. One, because viewers will see all of my body, and two, I’m about to get into the hot tub with the sexiest guy I’ve ever seen. It feels strange to think this, considering how hot and sexy so many of the guys are. Lee’s close, too, and the way he kisses . . . wow. But Hayden has some type of raw magnetism that pulls me in.

  Before changing, McKayla curled my hair into some amazing mermaid waves and Brad added a hint of turquoise right at the outer corners of my eyes.

  For the swimsuit, it’s a white bikini encrusted with silver sparkles from some corporate sponsor of the show. I asked about it being sheer when it gets wet, but Meredith assured me that if there was even a hint of nip, they’d edit it out.

  At least it’s covering me and doing some flattering things for my curves.

  “Action!” Meredith yells, ripping me out of my reverie.

  From my hiding place off camera, I take a calming breath, standing tall to walk onto the mansion’s patio, and I nearly gasp at the lovely twinkle lights hanging above like a private sky of stars. The crew has gone into great detail to make the setting as romantic as possible, even setting up a line of rose petals leading to the tub and beautiful thick candles on small tables nearby.