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“Figured I should save my energy for tonight.”
“Did you know about the thing between Nate and Cecilia?”
“Thing? You mean Nate trying to get out of the contract because he liked her and the producers tricking her into going on? He didn’t say a word about it beforehand, but he did give us the scoop over the bachelor party weekend. We all had Cecilia in our top three. Ben claims he could tell she was the one from her answers to his questions and the way Nate watched her on the home build date. They are perfect together.”
“Everyone was surprised, but I’m so happy for them both.” Shelby almost sounded convincing.
“How many of the women from Nate’s season came?” He scanned the room.
“About half. Some that weren’t invited to the wedding still came to party last night. One crashed the cocktail party here, but a producer escorted her out. I think she was hoping for a shot at being on Second Chance Island. Speaking of that, fans were posting how they’d love to see you, Ben, and Linc on the island.”
“Not happening.”
“Why not? You’d get paid to hang out on the beach, drink, and go on dates for three weeks.”
“Don’t think I can get leave for that long. And Ben’s married.” Going on one episode for Nate and being minor players was one thing, but there was no way in hell he or Linc would risk their careers.
“Not everyone comes in the beginning. You could come the last week.”
“When people are already paired off? I’d just get sent home.” Like a loser.
“Not if I were there.”
“Isn’t the point to have people who are available? Not in a relationship?” He stretched the truth and nodded toward Elizabeth who was talking in a group that included Lauren and the other women they’d chatted with during the cocktail hour.
“The point is to find love. Explore your options. That’s why I’ll go on if asked. I want to find love and get married. Have kids with the man I sing love songs about.” She batted her lashes at him.
And get airtime to further her career. She claimed to want the same things he did, while Elizabeth didn’t even want to date—anyone. Was he wasting his time hoping she’d suddenly change her mind?
The song ended, transitioning into an old REO Speedwagon love ballad.
“Oh, I love this song.” Shelby draped an arm over his shoulder, her body swaying and brushing against his.
“It is a great one. And I’m going to go dance to it with my date.” He removed her arm and gave her hand a squeeze. “Thanks for the dance.” He beelined toward Elizabeth.
“May I have this dance?”
“You may.” She put her hand in his.
He held her close but kept a few inches between their bodies. “You were supposed to play the jealous girlfriend and tell Shelby I couldn’t dance with her.”
“Then I’d look insecure in our relationship.”
“You’re secure with us, then? Good. Because I can’t fight this feeling anymore,” he sang along. The words rang true. What started out with Elizabeth as friendship had turned into so much more. Because of her, he had a new clarity and direction. He wanted a wife and family more than ever. But not with just any woman. It was deep, unconditional love he wanted. That crashing-through-the-door, crawl-through-a-minefield-to-get-to-her kind of love.
They both needed to feel the same. And he was willing to fight for it.
ChapterForty-Two
THINKING OUT LOUD – Ed Sheeran
Elizabeth dancedwith John and in groups for at least half an hour before John linked his fingers through hers and joined their hands at the small of her back. He leaned close. “I need a drink.”
His body heat and hot breath near her ear dialed up her arousal another notch.
He led her to the bar. “Two waters and one of those Flirtini cocktails.” He downed most of his water and handed it back for a refill when the bartender placed the cocktail on the counter.
Elizabeth took a sip of the Flirtini. “Whoa.”
