Meet Your Mate

by Donna Michaels

  * * * *

  The dark figure eyed the blonde contestant sunbathing on her lounge chair, then glanced at the one swimming with Matthew.

  Things had taken an interesting turn between her and that Jack. She'd just better not get any ideas about Matthew. He is off-limits. She had been awfully brave—or stupid—making that dare.

  The dancer turned and peered straight up at the hiding spot. The figure stilled, slowly pulling back into the shadows. She stared a moment, then shook her head and twisted back to Matthew. The figure heaved a sigh.

  Clever, that one.

  It's a good thing Brielle doesn't like Matthew, or she'd be nothing but trouble. The figure's gaze snapped back to the sunbather.

  Elimination time is just around the corner.

  * * * *

  That afternoon, Brielle floated in the ocean, bobbing in the waves, while part of her wished the ocean would swallow her.

  "Brielle? What's gotten into Jack?” Matthew's question forced her to open her eyes and reenter reality.

  They were alone, the other two contestants having already had their fill of the water.

  She stiffened and looked up at the yacht. Something glinted.

  "What's wrong?” Matthew followed her gaze.

  "I just felt ... like we were being watched.” She surveyed the decks, then shrugged. Jack had her all out of whack.

  Matthew laughed. “Of course we're being watched. We're on national television.” He pointed to the array of cameramen shooting down at them.

  Maybe it had been their equipment she'd seen glinting.

  "Don't remind me.” She swam away, wishing she could tread water to Hawaii.

  "Hey, don't think I didn't notice you never answered my question about Jack.” Matthew followed her like a barracuda. “Now, tell me what's going on with you two. This morning, you couldn't keep your hands off each other, and now you can't stand to be on the same ship together. What gives?"

  She stopped and spun around to face him. “Jack found out my real reason for being on the show. Funny thing is ... he wasn't too happy. But hey, who could've predicted that? Oh, wait a minute.” She slapped the water, then raised her hand. “I did!"

  "Brielle—"

  "But did I listen to my instincts? Noooo! I listened to several very well meaning but misguided people. It's official—” She lay back in the water, resisting the urge to cry. “I'm an idiot!"

  "You're not an idiot and neither is my brother. Just give him some space,” Matthew said. “Jack hasn't had an easy time where love is concerned."

  She opened an eye, then the other followed. “Go on."

  "Well, sixteen years ago, he was engaged."

  She straightened. “He was?"

  "Yes, then the Gulf War came around and he was deployed, but Heather wasn't cut out to be an army wife. She sent him a Dear John.” Matthew shook his head, his expression as sour as Brielle's stomach.

  "How awful.” Her heart squeezed for the young soldier. The last thing he'd needed while fighting for his country and his life was a rejection from the home front.

  "It gets worse.” Matthew's words brought her gaze to his unsmiling face.

  She swallowed. “How?"

  "Five years ago, Caroline came along, headstrong, ambitious—completely different from Heather—so Jack took a chance and lost. She used him and his company to try to make a big score from one of his client's estates."

  The knot in Brielle's stomach tightened. She knew how it felt to be lied to and used because of her job.

  "Luckily, Jack found out. He had Caroline and her brother arrested, and his client didn't press charges."

  Brielle sucked in a breath, dove under, then opened her mouth and released the scream burning inside. Stupid! Stupid! Following the bubbles to the surface, she wiped the sea from her eyes, then punched Matthew.

  "You took that well,” he said, rubbing his shoulder

  "How could you allow this to happen?” Her fists clenched under the water. “The last thing Jack needed was another betrayal. Geez, Matthew! I just poured salt on his wounds. He'll never forgive me.” She sniffed, swiping away fresh tears.

  Matthew grabbed her upper arms, his features softening. “Brielle, he just needs time. Can you give him that?"

  "I'd give him forever, but I don't think it's enough.” Tears rolled off her face into the Pacific. She glanced at the water. Even if she cried that much, he'd still never forgive her.

  A gentle finger lifted her chin. “He won't need forever. Jack loves you. Just—"

  "He does?” she cut him off, shock making her tremble.

  "Yes, he loves you. I've never seen him as happy as he was this morning and as upset as he was in the gym an hour ago. He punched the heavy bag right off the hook. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.” Matthew winked at her. “Just give him a few days. I promise he'll come around."

  Hope filtered into her darkened heart. She really would wait forever. “We'd better get back on board. I think the captain's supposed to weigh anchor soon."

  They completed their swim to the ship in silence. She prayed for the strength to survive ... and to keep her mouth shut, while Jack came around. That stubbornness of hers tended to sharpen her tongue and right now, it needed to be dull.

  "I'm sorry I've caused all these problems.” Matthew helped her onto the deck where they dried off. “I just want you to know I'd understand if you left the show."

  "I'm not going anywhere, Matthew.” She removed the towel from her face and smiled. “I gave you my word, and I'll stick to—"

  "Help!” Danni's cry cut her off. The fear in the woman's voice hit Brielle like a heavyweight's fist.

  "Help! Help us!” Mandy's voice followed.

  Brielle dropped the towel and raced up the stairs to the top deck to find both women hanging over the side. Danni clutched onto Mandy's ankle while the blonde clung to the rail.

  "Hold on!” Brielle grabbed Mandy's wrist and turned to the approaching Matthew. “Get Jack and his men. Hurry,” she added when he hesitated.

  "My hand's slipping, Brielle,” Mandy squeaked. “I can't grab Danni."

  "It's okay. She's got you. You just hold on.” From the corner of her eye, Brielle spied Matthew, Jack and Rodriguez rushing toward them.

  Mandy's grip slackened. “I'm falling!"

  Hooking her right elbow around the rail, Brielle hopped over the side and grasped Mandy's forearm with her free hand just as the woman's gripped slipped.

  "Don't drop us,” Mandy cried, clinging to Brielle.

  "Mandy, look at me, I won't drop you.” She heard Jack order his men to the deck below to see if they could grab Danni.

  "Can you lower her down at all? We can barely reach her ankles,” his men called up a minute later.

  "Mandy, Brielle has long legs. Can you slide down them a few inches?” Jack asked from above.

  "I ... I ... don't know. What if I slip off?” She looked down, then immediately burrowed into Brielle's side.

  "It's just a few inches, Mandy. I know you can do this,” Brielle said. “I'll keep a grip on your wrist the whole time."

  Fear apparent in her eyes, Mandy nodded. “Okay. Just don't let go of my wrist."

  "I won't,” Brielle promised again, lowering the woman as far as possible before she slid her grip to Mandy's wrist.

  "Okay, that's good. We've got her,” the men called.

  Brielle could feel Mandy's grasp tightening while a big pulling weight disappeared. “You did it, Mandy. Good job.” A small smile crossed the blonde's lips as she looked up. Brielle winked. “Now it's your turn."

  Using strength she hadn't known she possessed, Brielle lifted Mandy straight up into Jack's waiting hands. He pulled the blonde to safety as Danni and his men appeared.

  "Give me your hand,” Rodriguez told Brielle, helping Matthew to unhook her numb arm from the rail before hoisting her onto the deck.

  Brielle's feet had barely touched the yacht when Mandy barreled into her. “Thank you, Briell
e. Thank you, thank you.” The blonde hugged her tight and was soon joined by Danni.

  "We would've ended up in the ocean if you hadn't come along.” Danni closed her eyes, then shivered.

  "What exactly happened?” Jack asked.

  "We were pushed!” Mandy pointed to the rail while Danni nodded.

  "Pushed?” Matthew gathered them close.

  "Did you see who did it?” Jack pressed.

  "No.” Danni shook her head. “We were lying down on those chairs right there.” She pointed at two towel-laden chaises in the corner. “And I thought I heard something so I got up to check, and the next thing I know, I'm hanging over the side!"

  "That's when I opened my eyes and rushed to help, but before I could call anyone, I was pushed over too.” Mandy shuddered, burying her face in Matthew's shoulder. “Thank goodness you and Brielle came when you did."

  "Where were you?” Jack's eyes narrowed on her and his brother.

  "In the water. Hey! Wait a minute.” Matthew glanced at Brielle. “Didn't you say you thought you saw someone?"

  "What?” Jack's gaze snapped to hers, disgust crossing his face. “You saw something but stayed in the water?"

  "Calm down, Bro. We both looked, but no one was around.” Matthew dropped his arms from the girl's shoulders and shook his head. “Don't even go there."

  "Yeah, Brielle came and saved us, and she's not even in the military.” Mandy harrumphed, bringing a smile to Brielle's lips.

  Jack glared before turning to Rodriguez and his men. “Tell the captain to head back to port. I want Matthew and these ladies escorted to their rooms to pack, then escort them to the salon. Rodriguez, you will stay with my brother and the contestants while the rest of you search this ship from top to bottom—again."

  "Yes, sir,” his men chorused, following Danni and Mandy down the stairs.

  Matthew put his arm across Brielle to keep her from leaving, then shot a look at his brother. “Aren't you going to ask Brielle if she's okay?"

  Her heart flipped. She could've choked Matthew as she slowly looked up at Jack.

  "Why should I? She was just doing her job.” Pivoting on his heel, he strode away.

  "Jackass,” Matthew called after him, hugged her close. “I'm sorry. Guess he needs more time. Can I interest you in Rodriguez? He's a good guy."

  Jack's second-in-command smiled and stood aside to let them pass.

  * * * *

  "What am I missing?” Jack slammed his pen on the stack of evidence on the desk, then rubbed his eyes. Brielle's haunting image flashed through his mind. Groaning he leaned back in his chair. “I do not miss her."

  Liar, his hat glared from the desk like a beacon flashing Dodger-Dodger. Reaching for the cap, he fingered the brim. This hollowness in his gut had nothing to do with dodging a relationship. Did it? Jack frowned at the two letters adorning his hat. A smile tugged his lips. How had Brielle nailed his nickname like that? Dodger wasn't literally on there, it was a figurative reference, a gift from his men and yet ... Jack shook his head. She knew.

  "Doesn't matter.” Grunting, he tossed the cap onto the blotter.

  "What doesn't?” Matthew asked, entering the study.

  Jack shook his head.

  "Okay, well, since you're not busy—"

  "Not busy?” He jumped to his feet and rounded the desk. “Matthew, I've barely had time to breathe since we arrived back in port three days ago. Between eliminations on Monday and then accompanying you and Mandy on your one-on-one overnighter—which we just got back from two hours ago—it's a wonder I haven't keeled over."

  "I have wondered that on occasion.” His brother rubbed his jaw. “Exactly how do you do it, Jack?"

  "Don't patronize me, Matthew."

  "Wouldn't dream of it.” His brother's eyes widened. “I feel bad. You're not sleeping, and you're under a lot of stress."

  "Who says I'm not sleeping?"

  Matthew raised his brows. “I do, and so do your bloodshot eyes and your vinegar attitude. I mean, come on, Jack. You've got poor Rodriguez afraid to sneeze when he's in the same room with you."

  "The man's too loud. I can't think,” Jack muttered.

  Matthew laughed. “Too loud? Rodriguez doesn't speak unless spoken to."

  He remained silent.

  His brother nodded. “I rest my case."

  "Yeah, rest whatever you want. Just do it elsewhere. I have a lot to do.” Jack rubbed a hand over his face.

  "I'm sorry. I know this show is demanding. You still have to sit through dinner tomorrow night when the two girls come over to meet our parents. Then you have to accompany me and Brielle on our one-on-one stay over Friday and Saturday.” Matthew narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. “Or will you be giving those duties to Rodriguez?"

  "No, I won't be assigning Rodriguez to those duties, although...” Jack paused. The idea did have appeal.

  "Sorry, I like Rodriguez, but he's not my brother and doesn't qualify.” Matthew shook his head, turning toward the door.

  "Qualify for what?” Jack frowned, watching his brother reach into the hall for something.

  "For being a jerk.” Matthew returned with a canvas in his hand. “Look at this, and tell me what you see."

  "Ah, the painting that has consumed your free time since we got back into port."

  Matthew turned the canvas around and ripped the air from Jack's lungs.

  A barefoot Brielle in her strapless black dress, danced with him on the yacht.

  "How did ... when?” He blinked, stunned at the accuracy of emotion his brother had captured in his expression. The oneness, the love, the desire he'd felt for Brielle ... it was all there. Tearing his gaze from the painting, he focused on Matthew. “How? You weren't there."

  His brother smiled. “I was there for a moment. I came looking for you, but what I found took my breath away. It spoke to me, and I couldn't wait to paint it.” He glanced at his work, then back up at Jack. “Now, answer the question—what do you see?"

  Jack looked at the painting. “She's so beautiful,” he whispered, longing to run his finger over Brielle's face gazing up at him. “She looks happy, vibrant, free ... like a woman in...” He blinked, refocusing on her expression.

  "Like a woman in ... what, Jack?"

  He swallowed. “Like a woman in love."

  Chapter Sixteen

  "Let's go, ladies. It's getting late. It's almost showtime,” Bill said, ushering Brielle and Mandy into the bachelor mansion Thursday night.

  She looked around the foyer and held back a smile. With the exception of Monday's finale, Brielle wouldn't have to step foot inside this place again. Her smile peeked through. Forever would be too soon.

  "Matthew, his parents and his brother are waiting for you in the Gathering Room.” The producer tapped his clipboard as he led them across the marbled floor. “You'll mingle, have a few drinks, then head to the dining room."

  "I can't believe we're the final two.” Mandy glanced over her shoulder and frowned.

  "What's wrong?” Brielle stopped to look behind them, seeing only their cameramen.

  "I just thought I saw...” Mandy's voice faded and her lips twisted. “I thought I felt someone watching."

  "Probably just your nerves.” Bill glanced around.

  "Yeah, I'm sure you're right.” Mandy giggled, putting a shaky hand to her throat. “I'm so nervous I'd even forgotten how to strap my shoes."

  She eyed Mandy's strapless black heels and smiled. “Good choice."

  "Aren't they just darling? I got these Jimmy Choos on sale and—” She wrinkled her nose. “I went off in my little world again, didn't I?"

  Brielle nodded, still smiling.

  "Thought so.” Mandy shrugged. “Well, anyway, I'm glad I brought my Jimmy's because they were much easier on my nervous fingers.” She giggled again, wiggling her hands.

  "Yes, yes, very nice.” Bill grunted, moving toward the Gathering Room once again. “Come along. We mustn't keep the bachelor and his family waiting."


  Brielle counted to ten. I can do this. No matter how Jack reacts to me, I'll keep my cool. Tonight wasn't about dinner and mingling. It was about one of her final chances to solve this case. The time had come for her to add this to her pile of finished jobs and put it all behind her. Of course, that didn't include Jack. She'd never be able to put him behind her. The memory of their night together would be imprinted forever on her heart.

  Sleep had been scarce since Sunday. Images of Jack's face—glaring, accusing, betrayed—haunted her dreams. She couldn't shake them. They'd plagued her to the point of insomnia.

  Desperately needing the distraction and with sleep out of the question, she'd thrown herself into the case. Many hours later, her study of video footage and audio tape had produced nothing more than a pounding headache. She'd switched gears. Taking advantage of the two days Matthew, Mandy and Jack were in Aspen, Brielle and her uncle's team had searched the bachelor mansion from top to bottom. They found nothing—just like on the yacht.

  Her lips twisted. No footage of the girls being tossed overboard had been captured. What a surprise ... not. The camera for that section had conveniently been unplugged.

  Whoever was behind this knew what they were doing.

  Shoulders set, she continued down the hall, undaunted. I'll solve this case. She'd never failed before and wouldn't stop until she found the offender.

  "Maybe it's Jack."

  Brielle started. “I'm sorry. What did you say?"

  "Bill had asked who we thought was making the threats. I said maybe it was Jack.” Mandy brushed imaginary lint from her red dress. She looked up and frowned at Brielle. “What?"

  "It's not Jack.” Brielle shook her head vehemently, her heart and mind in total agreement for once. “That's ridiculous."

  The blonde shrugged. “Yeah, but, he's been so miserable lately."

  "That just makes him a jerk, not a punk.” Brielle sighed. Why was she defending him? Because you love the jerk, her heart shouted.

  "That's a good one. He's a jerk, not a punk,” Mandy repeated, laughing along with the others. “You're so funny, Brielle.” Sobering, she smoothed her dress again. “Gosh, I'm so nervous. I hope Matthew's parents are nice."