The instigator. The drama queen. The comedian.
I’m in for a wild ride, but right now, the calm before the storm, I’m enjoying myself. Until I remember Jace asked me what brought me here.
“My best friend talked me into it one night when I was drunk.” It’s the easiest, most honest answer I can give without bringing up Wren. He’s the last person I want to talk about with a stranger. Now or ever. “What about you?”
“My girlfriend broke up with me about six months ago, and I signed up before I thought it through.”
“Why didn’t you back out?”
“I don’t know. I guess maybe I figured I could at least meet some cool people. Have a little fun.”
His voice trails off, so I finish his thought for him. “And the money’s not a bad incentive either, is it?”
“Nope. I could do a lot with the prize money.”
“Big plans already?”
“No, but I have ideas. A lot of them, and they’re all expensive.”
I’m about to inquire more when laughter booms in the distance. Sitting up, I peer over the fence and watch as Claudia rushes a stocky, built redhead across the property. She doesn’t look amused, but he’s grinning like the Cheshire cat.
“I’m guessing that’s Gage,” Jace notes as they disappear out of sight.
“Where’s she taking him?”
“They separated the guys and girls. Didn’t you look at your map? It’s like page three.”
“Nope. Didn’t get that far.”
Offering me his hand, I hesitate for a brief second before sliding my palm against his. As soon as I’m on my feet, I involuntarily sway toward him. His proximity has me feeling light-headed. Or maybe it’s his intoxicating scent. A shiver runs up my spine as I attempt to break the spell he has me under.
Jace explains the living situation as he walks me around the property, showing me all the amenities this place has to offer. It’s like a luxurious resort only on a smaller scale. The main house is located in the southwest corner. The girls’ villas are located next to the main house, along the south edge of the property. On the west edge, is the bar and game room. Just north of the bar are the boys’ villas, and they run along the northern border.
The pool is centrally located to everything. Across from the pool is an outdoor kitchen. Just south of the pool, hiding the girls’ villas from view, is a large garden with flowers, benches and a gazebo. North of the pool is the fitness center, which is located next to the stables. I can hear and smell the horses as we approach. Along the west side of the pool are basketball, tennis, and beach volleyball courts, along with a beautiful lawn area that leads us all the way back to the girls’ villas.
The compound is huge and spread out, but it also feels all connected. You can walk in a square around the pool and see everything this place has to offer.
“Everyone else is gonna be here soon,” Jace says as we approach my villa. “I’m going to go introduce myself to Gage. I guess I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Thanks for showing me around,” I say as I push through the door, looking back over my shoulder at him. He’s watching me, intently, assessing everything my body has to offer. “It was nice to meet you, Jace.”
“Likewise,” he replies, his eyes finally meeting mine.
Well, fuck. I didn’t expect that. Didn’t expect to like even one of the guys here. I assumed they were all going to be like the idiots I watch on television every week. Drunk whores. Constantly trying to get in the pants of the girls. Making out with all of them because it makes for good TV. Somehow leading them on.
And while there may be a few here that are like that, I don’t think Jace is going to be one of them.
I heardthe rest of the girls arrive, but I stayed in my little bubble, reading the packet I was given. It was filled with tidbits of important information, but for the most part, it was a reiteration of what I’d already been told. The map Jace told me about. How things work on a daily basis. The rules.
No social media.
No details of the show with friends or family.
When you’re eliminated, you’ll be moved to a hotel nearby for the remainder of filming.
Break a rule, you’re eliminated. If you’re eliminated for breaking a rule, you don’t get paid.
That’s the real motivator. If you’re eliminated by the other contestants, you still receive a set amount of money depending on how long you’re here. If you break the rules, cost the show money, or give away anything that may impact ratings, you don’t get a dime.