Seven Roses (Haremworld)

“I am!” I nodded enthusiastically.

“America, stay tuned—you’ll get to meet all seven of them right after this commercial break.” Charles tipped the microphone forward and let out a sigh. “How was that?”

“Perfect!” The guy behind the camera pointed at him and grinned.

“Good. Alright, Lyn.” Charles turned back to me. “Once we start introducing the guys, there won’t be any do-overs. If you trip over your own two feet, that’s just how America will remember you.”

Great, no pressure.

“Okay.” I nodded and tried to make sure my feet were firmly in place.

“Welcome back, America!” Charles turned to the camera enthusiastically. “While we were away, Lyn was telling me how excited she is to meet her seven contenders, so we won’t keep the lady waiting—that isn’t polite.”

I didn’t say any of that.

“You’ll know the first man just by the sound of his voice.” Charles pointed to a dark doorway and Her Heart Champion by Mars Landing started to play, backed up by the powerful vocals of Dawson Mars.

Holy shit, Dawson Mars?

My heart skipped so many beats I thought I would pass out when the light came on to reveal the lead singer of Mars Landing. Dawson Mars was a rock star in every sense of the word. He was so far out of my league they didn’t even make a level for it. If the scale was one to ten, he was a fifteen. He had blond hair that hung past his ears—hair that made me jealous, it was so perfect. His wide shoulders were hidden underneath a t-shirt, but I had seen them on full display once when I got a chance to see the band perform live.

His deep blue eyes fixated on me as he approached. My knees literally started to sweat he was so freaking hot. He took my hand, keeping his eyes on mine, and lifted it to his lips. Feeling his lips against my skin made me almost buckle on the spot and swoon like a teenager meeting her crush. He let his lips linger for a moment and then he stepped back, taking his position on the crisscrossed white tape that he was supposed to stand on.

“Obviously, he needs no introduction, but do you have anything to say to the lovely Lynette?” Charles pushed the microphone towards him.

“You’re as pretty as a picture and I hope I’m the last man standing when this is all over.” He flashed his smile and winked at me.

I’m going to melt.

“The first man he will be competing against is a returning contestant who was voted off a couple of years ago—America, you already know this man—Markus Cole!” The light came on again.

Markus Cole—Oh my god! He was one of the finalists—he’s so sweet!

Markus Cole looked like he could bench press a truck, throw it at someone, and then break their neck before it ever landed on what was left of them. He was nearly seven feet, built like a tank, and an active Navy SEAL. The last time he was on the show, he didn’t get chosen because the girl—Jamie or Janie, something like that—didn’t feel like he would be there for her very often. He was rather secretive about the work he did, which was completely understandable. He was so sweet to the girl he was vying for and when she chose the asshole with a bigger bank account, America tore her apart.

I looked to Dawson Mars and then to Markus as he approached. I wasn’t sure which one of them I liked more. Dawson Mars was hot, but Markus Cole was a real man. Just the thought of having his powerful arms wrapped around me made me quiver. He walked up the steps and kissed my hand. His smile made his emerald eyes come to life and I had to contain my grin to remain as impartial as I could that early in the show.

“Markus, do you have anything to say to the lovely Lynette?” Charles tilted the microphone towards him.

Didn’t I tell him I wanted to be called Lyn? He even said it earlier. What is with all this Lynette crap, it makes me sound like an old lady.

“Mr. Montgomery, I’m just honored to be back here and to have a second chance. Lynette, you’re gorgeous. I can’t wait to get to know you.” Markus walked to his spot next to Dawson.

Such a nice guy.

“Our next contestant...” Charles walked back to his spot in front of the camera. “Is from a small town called Granite Falls. He’s a construction worker and although he isn’t as well-known as our other two contestants, I think he has a real chance of showing Lynette that a simple guy from a small town can be just what she is looking for—John Williams.”

The light came on again and a man walked out wearing a flannel shirt. He waved towards me and I could see that he was a bit confused by what he was doing. He was handsome and well-built, but it was hard to stand him next to Dawson Mars and Markus Cole. I didn’t want to judge a book by the cover, but with the two of them standing on the stage, it was going to be an uphill battle for him. His smile was genuine and when he finally stepped into the light, I couldn’t deny that he had a lot going for him. His arms weren’t as big as Markus Cole’s but they looked like they were crafted from hard work instead of a gym. He walked up the stage carefully, taking each step as though he was afraid he would fall on his face. He actually seemed more nervous than I was. There was a genuineness about him. When he took my hand, I could feel callouses and scars along his palm. He kissed my hand briefly and looked away, swallowing hard as he walked to his spot.

“John, do you have anything to say to the lovely Lynette?” Charles took a step towards him with the microphone.

“I didn’t realize I would be standing here on the stage with a rock star and a Navy SEAL... If you give me a chance, Lynette, I’ll make sure you’re always the object of my affection.” He took his spot and I could see beads of sweat on his forehead.

He’s charming—I’ll give him that.

“America, you’ll know our next contestant—or at least you should. He’s an actor, but he hasn’t worked on any big projects in a while. You’ll probably remember him for his role on Good Charlatans, ladies and gentlemen—Adrian Cook!” Charles motioned towards the doorway and the light came on.

Adrian Cook? I used to love him...