I’m too into my own head, not looking where I’m going, and end up slamming into a rock-hard chest. I stumble backward and almost fall on my ass before long arms wrap around me, holding me upright.
A pair of sparkling blue eyes and tousled blond hair are the first things to catch my attention. His crisp white smile slowly lifts until he’s beaming down at me.
Wow. How did I not see him before? He looks like he should be slow-mo running on the beach for a movie or a commercial.
“Sorry about that. You okay?”
His voice sends goosebumps skating across my skin. Skin that’s almost completely exposed thanks to this stupid excuse for a bikini.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Can’t say I’m mad about it,” he says as his smile grows, along with the butterflies soaring in my chest.
“I’m Noah.”
“Courtney,” I answer almost breathlessly.
My God. Who am I? I don’t get breathless unless I’m taking the stairs. Over a man no less? I’m not a man-hater by any means, I believe they have their purpose, and some of them are even decent. I’ve just had zero time or mental space for them… really ever. I guess that needs to change, though, especially since I’m literally here for a love/dating show or whatever they’re calling it.
His eyes seem to sparkle as the door opens once more and I hear Alex’s voice.
“Alright, you two, save it for the cameras.”
Noah and I chuckle as his arms slowly unwind from me. Kinda sad to see them go. They were nice arms.
“I’ll see you soon, Courtney.”
“Your chances are good,” I agree.
He lets out a short laugh as he rubs his jaw like he’s attempting to wipe his smirk away. It doesn’t work, though. And it’s because of me. Not bad for my first flirtation in literal years.
It took me ten minutes of wandering to finally find the bunk bedroom where all the girls are staying. That’s not an exaggeration. Literally ten minutes. This place is basically a palace. It’s absolutely mind-blowing. Though, when a TV show is putting up five million dollars as a grand prize, I guess the accommodations should be insanely nice.
When I finally make it to the room, I find Luna busily unpacking her suitcase. I also see several girls rifling through several racks of clothes, fighting over pieces like vultures.
“What’s up with that?” I ask as I gesture to the girls tugging on a sequined red dress.
“Apparently, the showrunners are providing us with most of our outfits. We are highly encouraged to utilize the provided wardrobe,” she says in the snootiest voice possible before smirking.
I laugh and find my suitcase on the bottom bunk beside her.
“I didn’t know which you preferred,” she says as she gestures to the bunk beds.
Again, they aren’t ordinary bunk beds. They’re set against the wall, encased in smooth white wood with delicate mesh nets draped over the top and lower bed. For decorations or bugs, I’m not quite sure. It is pretty, though.
“I’m easy,” I say as I unzip my bag, smiling softly to myself when I find the picture of Lily and me that I packed. I had this weird feeling they’d be taking our phones, and as much as I hate that it’s true, I’m glad I have at least a piece of her with me.
“Who’s that?” Luna asks over my shoulder.
I look to her in surprise, and she laughs.
“Oh yeah. I’m not big on boundaries. You’ll have to get used to that.”
I’m a little unsure how to take Luna, honestly. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met before. Not that it’s a bad thing. She’s been warm and welcoming to me ever since I got here, which is more than I can say about the rest of the girls.
“My sister,” I answer. “Lily.”
Luna nods. “I have two sisters and an older brother. Pains in the ass.”
