Page 2 of Love Unscripted


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“Liam is incredibly excited to talk to all of you. His decision will be made at midnight.” The man at the microphone spreads his hands wide, his grin bright under the abundance of lights.

I’m used to playing under pressure, but not like this. Not when it involves women’s hearts.

“Once Liam makes his decision, the fun begins.” The man continues. I should know his name but I’ve met so many people tonight that the names have all muddled together in my head. I can’t wait for this to be over. Though since I’m the only man on stage about to offer marriage to a complete stranger, there’s no end in sight.

I should have asked my lawyers to get me out of this. My team thinks it’s hilarious. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re sitting around placing bets on who I’ll pick.

Movement tugs at my peripheral. Alarm jolts through me as I recognize the woman standing behind one of the tables. She stands rigid, and a tight scowl pulls her mouth into a grimace. The reporter who wrote that slanderous article about me.

My hands curl into fists. I shove them into my pockets and roll my shoulders to ease the tension. I can do this. I can pick one of these women, marry her, and guard my heart for three months.

“You all endured an extensive interviewing process to ensure you are a match for tonight’s bachelor.”

Now I do roll my eyes. There are five ballrooms in the hotel, each containing a bachelor suffering through this same process tonight. Five impending marriages, each candidate understanding that we’ll live as husband and wife for three months. Once the show ends, we decide whether to continue the marriage.

Trina the Twitchy Snitch locks her arms tight over her stomach and hugs her elbows. I find her scowl endearing. She’s the only one here not trying to impress me.

Lindsay, one of the participants, stands and sashays my way. “Hey, handsome.”

I remember her name only because it’s the same as my cousin. I plaster on the smile I use for my promotional posters. Wait...where’s the announcer? What’s happening?

Lindsay bats her eyelashes and rests a hand on her hip. She juts one leg forward in a pose that to accentuates her legs.

Heat creeps up my cheeks as she leans toward me, and there’s a significant amount of skin exposed. “We could get out of here, right now.” She touches my arm, then squeezes. “You could pick me up with those big strong arms and put this whole mess behind you.”

“I appreciate the offer.” I sidestep, and her hand falls away.

The other women stand. The announcement must be over, and I’ve missed most of it.

I’m doing this to help my team. The money will go toward my future and the sponsorships my team relies on. I remind myself of this over and over as more women crowd around me.

“If you’d all go back to your seats, we’ll have a chance to speak again.” The smile remains in place even as a sense of panic floods in and sends my heart racing.

It’s why I’ll never find love. These women are here for the money. It’s the same issue I’ve always had when it comes to dating. I can never discern what’s real from the act.

“Did you see our personality results?” Another woman elbows her way closer. “We were a ninety percent match.”

“Oh, sure, Lily.” Another rolls her eyes and purses her lips like she’s about to go in for a kiss. “I’m sure you didn’t google Liam and answer the questions based on what you thought you knew about him.”

The woman cackles, and Lily flushes scarlet.

Why do they act like this? I understand the desire for a better life. What I don’t get is cutting each other down and stepping on necks to get there. I’m not here to watch a cat fight. Could be the ticking clock that has these women acting out. I’ve seen Ferraris go from zero to a hundred in less than five seconds, but these ladies have dropped their manners at a speed that has my head spinning. Is this how they would treat me behind closed doors?

“Please, take your seats.” I offer Lily my arm. “Would you sit with me?”

Trina’s mouth pops open. There. Take that Miss Reporter. I smirk in her direction. The article she wrote is so far off the mark. But even today, it’s the first thing my name brings up in a search list.

I’m about to spend three months of my life under scrutiny. Every moment recorded. TV cameras in every room of my house. My life turned upside down for entertainment. Playing basketball is where I excel. Not this. But it should offer vindication and prove I’m a good guy as my daily life blasts across TV screens.

Lily beams up at me, her hand gripping my arm so hard I’ll have nail prints, as we saunter to the nearest table. I pull out her seat for her and then take my own.

“Tell me about yourself.” I can’t lead her off the cliff of hopes, but I have no intention of falling in love. Not after I broke my last girlfriend’s heart when I chose my career over her. A fact that still pains me two years later.

Lily folds her hands in her lap and tips her head to the side. She’s quite pretty. “I grew up in Maine, and I have a brother. Like you.” She shifts in her seat. “Isn’t your brother a doctor?”

“Pediatric surgeon.” The pride in my voice rings loud and clear. I might be famous, but my brother saves lives. Lily’s tight grip on my arm reminds me of his deeply competitive spirit. It’s a good thing we’re over the idea of competing with each other. Like when we were kids and he’d get mad when I beat him at sports. “What about your brother?”

She stutters an answer. “Oh, you know. He’s in...um...broadcasting. Like news reports. He covers the games in Chicago.”

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