Finally, Mike, a guy who hadn’t really been on my radar, performs a striptease. It starts out sexy, but then he rips off his tear-away pants to reveal he’s dressed in a Speedo covered in brightly-colored clown faces. Rebecca and I get the giggles, and even Blake, who’s usually as serious as can be off camera, cracks a smile.
The producers prompt Rebecca and me to confer to choose a winner, and it’s no contest, really. Despite the many quality performances, one performance clearly stood out above the rest.
“Congratulations, Caleb,” Blake says. “You win dinner and a show with Olivia.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Caleb shoves his hands in his pockets with an aw shucks air, but the quick glance he sends me fills me with anticipation.
The cameras stop filming for the moment. “I need a restroom break,” Rebecca says, giving me a meaningful look.
Right; she wants to tell me something. “Me too,” I say, and go with her. It’s a good choice, because the camera crews won’t follow us in here.
As soon as we’re alone, Rebecca moves in close and speaks in a near whisper. “I could get in trouble for telling you this, but you need to be careful.”
The skin on my scalp prickles. “About what?”
“Not what – who. Johnny.”
I frown, not entirely surprised, but more bothered than I’d like to admit. “What about him?”
“I can’t tell if you’re really falling for him, but you should know he’s bad news. When you’re not around, he’s a jerk. He doesn’t care about you; he just wants to be on TV.”
There’s a big, queasy lump in my stomach. I hate myself for letting my physical attraction to Johnny blind me to his true personality. “Thanks for letting me know.”
Rebecca gives me a quick hug. “I hope you’ll find the right man, like I did.”
We flush the toilets and wash our hands, just in case any of the crew are hanging around outside. When we leave the restroom, however, the only person waiting for us is Brad, with a big smile and adoring eyes for Rebecca.
“I snuck away from the group so I could say hello,” he tells her. “I watched your season, and I’m a huge fan. I just had to meet you.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.” Rebecca accepts his hug and chats with him for a few moments before saying, “I’d better get back.” She sends me a sidelong glance as she walks away.
Brad, not surprisingly, notices. “What was that about?”
I peer down the hall, but there’s no sign of the cameras. “She told me Johnny’s a jerk who’s only on the show to boost his career.”
His lips compress. “That fits with what I’ve learned. I’ve been asking about the guys’ social media. Caleb doesn’t even have an online presence. Gerard doesn’t do much with it, and doesn’t have a big following. But Johnny has a line of clothing, and I heard him bragging about how the show is going to boost his exposure and sales.”
“Ugh.” I’m still mad at myself for not seeing the truth sooner, but I’m also furious with Johnny for tearing down the other men to make himself look better. I’m not happy with the producers, either, for pushing us together when they must know what Johnny’s really like.
They want drama? I’ll give them drama.
Right on cue, Natalie approaches as Brad and I head back to the others. “You shouldn’t be here,” she tells him. To me she says, “It’s time to get ready for your date with Caleb.”
“Have fun with Caleb,” Brad tells me. “He seems like a good guy, and he’s definitely here for you.”
I wait for him to walk away before I tell Natalie, “I’ve changed my mind about the one-on-one. I’d like it to be with Johnny instead.”
She brightens. “Great! I’m glad you want to spend more time with him.”
Little does she know.
Caleb and I eat in a private dining room at a fancy resort. I’m in a soft, pretty dress, and Caleb wears a dress shirt and tan pants that showcase his powerful body. Beyond the physical, I’m excited that I can let my guard down with him. From everything I’ve experienced and Brad has learned, he seems genuine, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.
“I loved your song,” I tell him. “Have you been playing long?” If Brad hadn’t given him the all clear, I’d suspect that Caleb was on the show to further a musical career. He sings as well as any professional I’ve heard.
“I’ve played since I was a kid, but hardly ever for people outside my family.” He takes my hand, rubbing his thumb lightly across my skin, and I delight in the shivers that ripple through me. “I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Learning guitar and playing songs was one of the ways I passed the time.”