“He was. He walked me home, used the bathroom, and then left. I’m not sure if he went back to the pool or to his place. I know he was tired, so he may have gone to bed.”
All lies.
So many lies.
I feel like I’m cheating on Lennon.
Fuck! I’ve become Wren. I’m a lying bitch. I can’t do this.
“Wait!” I shouted before he could get a word in edgewise. “He is here. Jace,” I called over my shoulder. “Come out here. I’m not going to lie to anyone. I can’t do it. I know how it feels to be on the other end of the lie, and I don’t want to be that person.”
After walking up behind me, Jace slowly zipped my dress before wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my shoulder.
“Sorry, man.” It was a simple statement. Not actually an apology. More of an I’m sorry you had to see this rather than an I’m sorry I’m doing this because he wasn’t. Sorry, that is.
“I figured. Hell, I was planning on walking her home until you made the move first,” Lennon said, standing. “I’ll leave you two alone, but tomorrow night, I’d like to spend some time alone with you after the group thing, Presley.”
“I’d like that too,” I replied honestly.
After Lennon left, I asked Jace to leave as well, knowing that if I didn’t, things would continue to get hot and heavy between us. Seeing the reaction Lennon had, which wasn’t much more than a small flinch, I knew being with Jace intimately would hurt him. If the situation were reversed, it would hurt Jace as well.
So I can’t cross that point of no return with either of them. Which means I’m going to be sexually frustrated until this is over.
Kissing will have to suffice. I’m prepared to make out like a horny teenager until I’m kicked out of this place. Or one of them is. Then I may reconsider my stance, but until then, I’m celibate.
Fuck me!
Even the word makes me cringe. Not that I was getting any action before I came here, but I chalked that up to not being ready. And now? Now I’m ready to throw myself at both of them like the little slut I feel like I am some days. Because, I’d do it if I didn’t think I’d hurt one of them. Or both. Or myself.
In the end, that’s my main concern. Getting hurt again because I’m not sure my heart would survive this time, especially if I’m the one that destroys it.
“Knock, knock,” Courtney calls out, bringing me out of my daydream as she walks through my open door. It’s a nice day out, and I was hoping the fresh air would help me clear my mind. “You ready for this debauchery?”
Debauchery? Interesting choice of wording to describe what’s about to happen. I wonder if she even knows what that word means? I’m going to guess she doesn’t, but I’m not about to point out her misuse.
“No time like the present to embark on a weird group dating scenario, I guess.” I snag my purse off the counter and then follow her out the door.
“I don’t think it’s going to be weird. It’ll be like we’re hanging out by the pool except we have to wear gross shoes and try not to make an ass of ourselves.”
“I’m guessing you’re not a fan of bowling?”
“It’s not that, I’m just not good at it. In case you didn’t notice, sports are not really my thing. I hope the guys have something better planned for later this week. I’m excited to go on the individual dates.”
Me too, I want to add, but I don’t.
After today, I get to spend some one-on-one time with each of the guys. Away from the ranch. An activity of their choice. It’s going to give me a glimpse into their personalities. Even if a camera is following us around. Which I hope is done discretely for my sanity.
Courtney and I sit in the back of the van on the ride to the bowling alley. All the guys are up front taking bets on who’s going to get the high score. I saw that coming a mile away. They seem to throw money down on anything and everything. Hell, for all I know, they could have side bets going with each other about the girls.
Which makes me wonder if I’m ever the topic of conversation. Based on the fact both Milo and Callen mentioned something to that effect to me last week, I’m guessing Jace and Lennon talk about me when I’m not around.
What about the other girls? Do they talk about them as well? Aside from Milo’s interest in Natasha, are any of the guys interested in any of the girls? Is there a love connection going on that I’ve been too busy with my own shit to notice? I’ll have to pay attention tonight. Maybe I’ll pick up on some clues.
To everyone’s surprise, Ed’s waiting for us outside the bowling alley when we arrive. He has a devious grin on his face, telling me I’m probably not going to like what he has to say.
“Congratulations on making it to week three,” he starts as we all crowd around him. “As you all know, this week you’ll be off the ranch going on one-on-one dates with each other. While you’re out on the town, I want you to pay attention and keep a few things in mind. As much as you will get to know each other, it’s also about putting into play what you you’ve already learned. The guys are choosing the dates this week, so this is their opportunity to prove they’ve been paying attention the last few weeks. Their choice of activity should impress you. It’s all about the ladies this week!
“Sunday morning, the ladies will be receiving a special delivery to your villas, similar to the package the guys received yesterday.” Say what? What did they get? “The most important thing in the package this week will be a card you’ll need to give to Claudia before you vote on Sunday night. One guy will be granted immunity, and the ladies will decide who the lucky one is.”