AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Evie nodded her head again. “Oh look, here comes dinner!”
Everyone turned to see the waiters bring plates with delicious food and Matt couldn’t stop smiling as he watched Evie eye her food with an unwavering desire. She was a true country girl. That startled him the most… mostly because he vowed never to fall for a country girl.
Once dinner was over, Carl walked over and asked Matt which of the ladies he’d like to have a one-on-one with. Matt looked at each woman and then stood up and walked over to Evie.
“Evie, would you do me the favor of having a one-on-one?”
The look of disappointment that crossed Evie’s face surprised Matt, but she shrugged it off, placed her napkin on the table, and got up.
“Do you mind if I take these high-heeled shoes off?” she asked instead of answering his question.
“Please do,” he replied.
“Then yes, I’ll go on a walk with you.”
Matt hurriedly moved her chair out of the way and motioned her to follow the grassy walkway that led to another section of the mansion grounds. The cameramen followed.
“In what part of California were you raised?” Matt asked.
“Before I answer that question, I need to be honest with you.”
“All right,” Matt hesitated.
“And I’m sure you’ll hear wind of it sooner than later, so I feel it’s best to hear it from the horse’s mouth… no pun intended,” she laughed.
Matt tried to laugh, but it escaped him. What did she have to tell him?
“I didn’t realize this was a dating reality show. When my roommate asked me if I’d like to trade places with her, I thought she was talking about a job-finding reality show.”
“Oh!” Matt uttered. “Now our first conversation makes total sense.”
“Right?” Evie laughed. “I was so confused as to why everyone was offering to give you face massages, wanting to spend one-on-one time with you. Yes, you are very good-looking, but I thought it was so unprofessional. And I’m sorry that I might have crossed the line a couple of times as well.”
Matt smiled when she mentioned she thought he was good-looking but then an idea crossed his mind. “You’re not married, are you? Dating someone?”
“No. Oh no, I’m single. In fact, the only reason I agreed to do what I thought was a job reality show was because not only had I lost my job, but I had also broken off an engagement and I needed a little time away. A brand-new show seemed safe enough for me… but I was wrong. I’ve already tried to get out of my contract because I don’t think this is the right way to meet someone… for me. Obviously, you think it’s alright, but it’s not for me.”
“And were you able to get out of the contract?”
“They said no, but my brother… who is a lawyer, is looking into it. I’m sorry you might have wasted one of your one-on-one’s, but I feel you should know.”
“So, you don’t want to be here?” Matt asked… the pit of his stomach began to ache.
“No. I don’t. This isn’t me!” Evie explained as she motioned her hands to the cameras all around them. “I like being in the background,” and she leaned in closer to Matt and whispered, “and this isn’t quite being in the background? Is it?”
“And you think your brother can get you out of the contract?”
Evie nodded her head.
“Well then,” Matt began.
“I’m sorry to ruin the one-on-one. Maybe you can go back and get someone else instead?”
Matt shook his head. “No. Let’s just enjoy this moment together. Will you be alright with holding my hand as we stroll around the gardens?”
Evie looked at Matt and then at his outstretched hand. She nodded her head. Matt took her hand, grabbed her shoes from her other hand, and began walking again.
“Where did you go to school?”
