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You could have cut the tension at the table with a knife. We were here to have fun, and we knew we were supposed to sleep in the bedroom because of our contract. Things were going to happen, and we were all going to be witness to it.
“Should we make a rule here and now to at least try to be respectful of each other?” Oliver asked. “Sex happens. It always does on shows like this, but we can try to keep the volume down and avert our eyes if we see anything.”
“I agree,” I said, already thinking about how much I wanted to kiss Diego after his warm welcome earlier. “If it becomes an issue, we talk about it as a group without being assholes.”
“Agreed,” everyone said.
Things would undoubtedly be uncomfortable when a couple was fucking not four feet away from the rest of us, but we knew that was a distinct possibility when we signed up for this. All of us giving consent in person made me feel better about it.
We inhaled our food, all of us ravenous after the travel and first day of collective filming. I wondered what time today’s footage would air and if we were already being broadcast over the internet. Then I wondered what Esmeralda would think as she watched.
Kayla stood up and clinked her fork against her wineglass. “A toast!”
We all raised our glasses and looked at her expectantly. She beamed under the attention like a natural leader ready to take on anything.
“To new friends, a great summer, and love!”
“To love!” the rest of us echoed back. As I sipped my wine, I let myself believe, for the first time since finding out about the show, that sex—and fine, possibly, perhaps, however slim the chance was, love—was a real possibility.
Suddenly, the sound of a phone ringing could be heard throughout the house. All of us whipped our heads toward the cabana, and there, in the center of the table, was the bright red phone demanding to be answered. All at once, the contentment that had settled throughout dinner was gone, and an ominous feeling settled over the room.
CHAPTERFOUR
Sophie
We abandoned the dishes,grabbed our wineglasses, and made our way over to the cabana. As we grabbed seats on the couch, we looked at each other to see who would answer the phone.
“Here we go,” I said, leaning forward and picking up the receiver. “Hello?”
“Hello!” Troy shouted back, startling everyone. His voice was everywhere, and a few of us looked up, finding speakers hidden in the ceiling so we could hear both sides of the conversation. That was helpful.
What did I do with the receiver now? I just held it aloft like a dick that had gone limp and I was just hanging on for the fun of it.
Troy laughed like he could see us. “I hope you have all been settling in and making friends.”
“We have,” I said, smiling at the others surrounding me. “The house is amazing!”
“Excellent! We’ve got something planned for you to get to know each other tomorrow, but for tonight, there’s a little surprise down by the beach.”
We cheered about the festivities kicking off, and I shared a look with Gia, who seemed a little wary of the surprise.
“Don’t get into too much trouble tonight, guys! And have fun!”
The call ended, and we all sprang into action.
“Let’s go!” Aaron called as he gathered Kayla in his arms, threw her over his shoulder, and bolted away. She laughed wildly, and the rest of us followed.
Diego took my hand, slowing me and falling into step beside me behind the group.
“I’m disappointed I didn’t move fast enough earlier,” he said.
I looked up into his dark eyes and smirked at his forward nature. “It’s only the first night. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?”
I left him with that tease and picked up the pace, finding the beach had been set up with twinkle lights and a tiki bar. Music with a heavy bass began playing, and it was clear we were meant to party.
Daniel moved behind the bar and put his hands on his hips. “I’ve got rum, tequila, vodka, and a bunch of mixers. Any preferences?”
He looked every part the island bartender with his long brown hair tied up in a man bun and the flickering tiki torches making his tanned skin glow.
