Four Keeps

“I’ve always thought two would be nice.”

He squeezes my hand. “Two sounds perfect.”

Drama-free Marcus, so open and straightforward about his feelings, might just be the ideal man. How could I go wrong with someone so honest? We wouldn’t have many misunderstandings, and any that did arise would be easily resolved.

I’ve tended to prioritize physical attraction over the needs of my heart and head, and I won’t make that mistake again. I could have a good life with Marcus. His arm still around me, I drift off into my own little fantasy of domestic bliss until the producers summon us back.

The final competition of the group date takes place inside the barn. I enter to see that the men are now wearing nothing but shorts. At first, I’m distracted by their mostly-unclothed bodies … and then I see the inflatable wrestling ring behind them. It’s filled with mud.

“Who will triumph in the ultimate mud-wrestling challenge?” Blake asks the camera. “Let’s find out. First up are Xavier and Brad.”

It’s difficult to focus on the men’s moves when their bodies are so distracting. For the first time in my life, I’m jealous of mud as it clings to their abs, their arms, their chests and thighs … I can’t take my eyes off them. I wish Brad M. were here to watch his golden guy in action.

Brad gives it a valiant effort, but it’s not really a contest, and before long, Xavier has won. Marcus and Zack go next, and Marcus attacks with his usual focus and determination, besting Zack easily.

Fortunately, Zack is a good sport, not taking his loss personally. He’s really a nice guy, and I hope he finds the right woman.

James and Sean take their places in the ring, and this time it’s a much closer match, with neither man able to get the upper hand easily. I’m careful not to show any partiality as I cheer them on, but I find myself hoping that James wins.

I file that away for future reference. I like Sean, but he doesn’t make me feel anything like what James does. Between the two of them, I’d definitely have to send Sean home.

Gerard and Christian are the final pair, with Gerard taking the win. The producers schedule a quick break for the men to drink some water if they want it, and then we go right into the next round of matches – the playoffs, as it were.

Marcus goes up against Xavier, and it’s an epic match. The men wrestle for long minutes, with first one man, then the other dominating. I cheer for them both, and notice that I’d be happy with either of them winning before Xavier finally pins Marcus.

The other match is Gerard and James, and this one is not nearly as close, with James winning fairly quickly. And then it’s time for the final.

James and Xavier seem very evenly matched – in my heart, as well as in the ring. I can’t decide who to root for. I wish I could get in the ring with them; I’m not a fan of mud, but it would be worth it to be trapped between their two hard bodies.

I cheer them both on, and am starting to think they’ll battle it out to a tie when Xavier looks my way. Our eyes meet for a fleeting moment, and that brief distraction is all it takes. James pins Xavier and becomes the mud-wrestling champion.

He comes over and gives me a playful peck on the cheek, making sure to leave a streak of mud on me. I don’t even care; I just wish I could climb in the shower with him and help rinse it all off, followed by other shower-related activities.

After he’s cleaned up and back in his jeans and flannel, we’re loaded into a wagon for a sunset hayride. It would be completely romantic, if not for the camera operator sitting a few feet away.

“First horseback riding, and now this,” I tease him. “You’re turning into quite the country boy.”

James laughs. “I may need to rethink my lifestyle, especially if it means seeing more of you in that outfit.” He gives me a wink. “Maybe you could ask the wardrobe department if you can keep it.”

“Oh, do you have a thing for country girls?”

“I have a thing for you.” Beyond his easy smile, his eyes say he means it. “We could keep that outfit around in case we want to spice things up in the bedroom, not that I think we’d have any problem keeping things exciting.”

I love that he’s imagining us together. I just hope I don’t end up breaking his heart.

We kiss, and it’s just as good as I remember. I could easily go for an old-fashioned roll in the hay with James, if we weren’t being filmed.

When we draw apart, his expression turns serious. “The show has been fun, Olivia, but I want you to know it’s more than that for me. I really like you. It’s not a stretch to say I’m falling for you.”