Matched

by Angela Graham

  Still, she says nothing. I release a strangled breath, deciding to drop it and change the subject. “Cruz told me about Alport syndrome—about your dad and Uncle Jack.” At that, her eyes widen and lips part. “I’m so sorry. I’m here for you—anything you need.”

  “He told you?”

  “Yes, and I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re dealing with…how difficult it’s been growing up…and I just want you to know that—”

  “You’re here for me. You already said that.”

  “Yes.” I sit up straighter, at a loss for words that will penetrate.

  “Did you question him about it?” she asks.

  My brows knit together. “What?”

  “My brother. Did you do the whole twenty-question thing until you wore him down for the answers?”

  “No!” I nearly shriek, appalled at the presumption. “He told me, and I listened. Why would you think I’d…” Tears sting my eyes and my head snaps to the side. I’m determined to keep the reins on my stoicism. “I know you’re mad at me, but I’m not a horrible bitch, Emma. I’m sorry you think I’d stoop so low.” I stand slowly. “I’ll leave you to rest.”

  “Please sit down. I didn’t mean to imply…” She sighs. “If anyone’s being a bitch, it’s me.”

  Watching the melancholy ripple over her face, I sit. “You’re allowed to be. Pretty sure you get a free pass.”

  “Can I cash it in for a kidney?”

  My empathetic smile vanishes. “Emma, I—”

  “Stop, seriously. I’ll be fine or I won’t, but that’s not something you can change. If it’s my time to go, I can’t stop that. I just want to live a little bit longer, ya know?”

  I nod, inhaling deeply to control the surge of beckoning tears. If she can lie there and keep her composure while knowing any day could be her last, I sure as hell am not going to force her to watch me break down.

  “I know you like my brother,” she says quietly. “Most of the house knows it, and it pissed me off because he never lets anyone in. But I saw the way he looked at you. Harlow, you’re the first girl I’ve ever seen him actually care about…and not in the cheap-thrills sort of way. He really saw you—saw something he wanted to be a part of.”

  I’m breathless, completely hooked on every word, and relieved she’s opening up.

  Emma’s hands smooth over her blanket, her countenance bleak as she continues. “You have to understand…he’s had a hard childhood, trying to take care of me when my mom wouldn’t, and trying to take care of her at the same time. It’s been rough again since our Uncle Jack passed. Aunt Melanie does a lot, but Cruz feels like I’m his sole responsibility. When I heard he got invited to the show, I made him sign on and bring me because I wanted to escape—to live it up as much as possible. But more than anything…” Her chin quivers. “I hoped he’d find someone here…that epic once-in-a-lifetime love…someone to cherish and take care of him like he deserves. ’Cause he does. More than anyone in this world.”

  “Emma.” I clutch her hand.

  “I know it’s silly.” A stifled laugh breaks free. “Who finds lasting love on a reality show? But I’ve always been an optimist; I have to be. And I was right, you’re everything he needs and more. You were meant to be here, meant to meet him. I couldn’t stand the idea that it wouldn’t work out—that you’d cheapen it by having some fling with him to get over Oakley. I wasn’t just angry, Harlow. I was devastated.”

  I’ve never felt shittier, offering a sheepish smile to ease the heaviness. “You know your brother’s smarter than that. He stopped anything from happening—me from screwing things up. But I barely know him. Just because we may have an attraction to each other doesn’t mean I’m the one.”

  “Don’t you see? It was fate, all of this. I’m begging you to please give him a chance. He’s a good guy—the best—and I can’t leave this earth knowing he’s alone.”

  “Em…”

  “Please, just a chance to see. Don’t fuss over ‘too soon’ or ‘can’t be,’ Harlow. Feel, embrace, and love like there are no rules. ’Cause there really aren’t.”

  My answer’s easy, because she makes me want to jump without concern for what’s below. “Of course.”

  “Thank you.” It’s a relieved breath of air that seems to take everything out of her. She closes her eyes, draws the blankets up over her shoulders, and snuggles into her pillow, getting comfortable. “We should sleep. You’re staying, right?”

  “If you don’t mind.”

  “You kidding?” Her eyes open, shining bright. “I insist. It’s why they brought in a recliner. Blankets are over on the shelf.”

  I smile, thankful she’s letting me back in, which releases the weight of a thousand bricks from my shoulders. But then the fear of what tomorrow brings—awaiting her results—causes them all to crash right over my heart.

  Confessional: Court Callahan

  “Why am I here at the house? Good damn question! Don’t worry, Mom—no need to tan my hide. I’ll be more’n happy to kick my own ass.

  “But you haven’t met my Emma…yet. Girl’s as bullheaded as anyone you’ll ever meet, I tell ya. ‘Go home,’ she says…‘Get some sleep,’ she says. How am I supposed to even think about sleepin’ when she’s lyin’ in that bed, hooked to machines, fightin’ for…for…

  “Shit! I feel so fuckin’ helpless! Lil’ darlin’ drives a hard bargain—knows damn good and well she’s got me by the balls. I made a promise, and finally got to kiss those precious lips. So that’s exactly what I have to do—cowboy up and keep my word. But the minute she’s better, you can bet I’m gonna spank that sweet ass o’ hers.

  “Sorry again, Mom. Ask Dad. He’ll understand.”

  Chapter 26

  I awake to Emma’s laughter, and hear her speaking quietly. “Yes, Mel, I know. He’s not like that, though, I swear.”

  My eyes open, and I yawn as I adjust to a better position. The blanket is pooled at my feet, so I pull it up around me and rest my head back in the chair.

  Morning, Emma mouths to me.

  I smile, listening as she laughs again. “Oh my God, you did not just say that! Uncle Jack would flip if he heard you...I know you do, but Court’s a perfect gentleman…Yes, exactly…Nope, Cruz’s only punched him once, so there’s hope.”

  It’s me giggling now. Poor Court’s still got discoloration from Cruz’s wrath.

  “I promise I’ll call you later…love you too. Bye.” She hangs up, smiling to herself as she grabs a glass of water from the side table. “You sleep okay? Your neck looked kinda painful at one point.”

  I’m kneading out the kinks as she speaks. “Yeah, I’m good. How’s your aunt?”

  “Worried as always, but understanding. She gets me—knows what being on this island means to me and won’t let Adam or Cruz mess that up.”

  “I’m glad. I want you safe and healthy, but I’ll miss you if you leave.”

  “Not gonna happen. Doctor will be in shortly, and I already know what he’s gonna say.” Her confidence is promising.

  “Which is?”

  “Continue the dialysis and take it easy—both of which I can do in paradise.” Her feet swing off the bed and settle on the floor. “Did I mention how much I despise IVs?” She stands, stretching her hands as high above her head as the contraption allows, then down to almost touch her toes. “I get cramped in that bed. Need to stay on my game for the next challenge.”

  “You make me feel lazy,” I tease, watching her climb back into bed with a begrudging frown. “So, um…dialysis?”

  “Yeah, I’m used to it by now. Been almost a year. It doesn’t hurt. Makes me feel better, actually.”

  Curious, I prompt, “You’ve been coming here for it?” I look around, wondering how often she visits this place and how I missed that not-small fact.

  “No, thank God. Adam got a home machine. You should see the basement in the house. Seriously, it’s as decked out as the upstairs! It has the cutest kitchenette, bathroom, couch—ever
ything you could need. Pretty much an apartment down there.”

  The mansion we’ve been staying in is massive, elaborate, and over the top, so I’d expect no less for the basement. “So you just go down there and…”

  “Yup, around five every morning. Adam had a meeting with the crew and told them not to bother me, and they’ve been cool about it.”

  I’m completely stunned all this has been going on, and I’ve been clueless. Then again, 5 a.m. isn’t exactly my social hour. Poor Emma.

  “So I’ll probably be stuck here the rest of the day, and I know if I talk to Adam he’ll let you stay and skip the challenge—if you want, that is.”

  Skip a challenge? I couldn’t smile any wider, even if my mouth had no corners. “Now we’re talking!”

  We’re both laughing when there’s a knock on the door. I’m barely out of my seat to answer it when it cracks open. “Safe to come in?”

  It’s Cruz. Emma and I exchange a look; mine’s nervous, hers exhilarated.

  “Yes,” Emma chirps. The door opens further and his foot is barely one step in when she yells, “If you don’t mind seeing Harlow in her bra!”

  He pauses for the briefest second, then continues in. “Calling your bluff.” His gaze sweeps over my wrinkled clothes and tangled hair, and an effortless grin curves his lips. “How’d you sleep?” He sits on the bed beside Emma.

  “Great. And before you ask, I feel great too,” she answers.

  “Mm-hmm.” His cynical scrutiny is undeniable.

  “I do! I just had too much sun and not enough water. Really, Cruz, see for yourself. The swelling in my ankles is gone.”

  I slip back into my flip-flops and stand again when he moves to get a better view of her feet, still looking unconvinced. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

  “No, stay!” Emma squeals, her eyes on me but flicking back to Cruz not so subtly. My cheeks heat at Cruz’s low chuckle.

  “They’re serving breakfast inside,” he says.

  “Great. I’ll be around.” I hustle out of the room, my heart still pattering from just the sight of him.

  “Come back when you finish!” I hear Emma call out, followed by a quiet, “Told you she likes you.”

  I give them more alone time than they probably expected because I have to take care of one thing that can’t wait—a blood test. I can already hear my mother saying, “You barely know Emma, and you want to give her your kidney?” But it’s not even a question for me; if I’m a match, it’s hers. Luckily, the doctor I speak to is friendly enough to help me right away.

  When I leave the lab, already pulling off my Band-Aid, I spot Adam on his cell in the parking lot. The closer I creep, the louder his voice resonates.

  “No fucking way! You hear me? It’s not happening.” He curses again to himself and listens to whoever’s on the other end of the line, his frown deepening with every passing second. “I swear to God, I’ll walk away. Do not threaten me with that shit.”

  I stop near a large van—and yes, I’ll admit shamefully, I eavesdrop. If it has to do with Emma, I want to know.

  “You know why I’m here, and it’s not to be a part of the fucking circus!” His nostrils flare, his eyes angry slits. “That’s on you, but I quit. And not just the show—I’m done working for you.” His eyes snap shut, his jaw working under his skin as he grits out, “Why am I surprised? You never knew the meaning of being a father!” He presses a button and tucks the phone into his pocket, cursing under his breath.

  It may not be the smartest move, but I step into view. “Shitty morning?”

  He swings around and looks at me, the severity in his features concrete. “I’ve had better,” he replies, staring back out across the parking lot to the ocean on the other side. “Cruz said you slept with Emma last night. How is she?”

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say perfect.” I hesitate, then add, “She’s ready to go back to the house.”

  “I have no doubt.”

  He starts toward the courtyard to leave me standing there when I ask, “How’s Miranda feeling?”

  That stops him in his tracks, and his shoulders stiffen. He doesn’t look back as he answers. “I haven’t seen her. Told one of the interns to keep an eye on her through the night and return her to the house when she wakes up.”

  He hasn’t seen her? “Where did you sleep, then?”

  “I haven’t.”

  He begins walking again and I run to catch up, darting in front of him to block his retreat. “I heard you say you quit. What does that mean?”

  He cocks a brow. “You need the definition of the word ‘quit’?”

  I roll my eyes. “Are you finishing the show first?”

  Adam huffs an irritated breath. “No. They’ll be bringing in someone new to take over for me. I’m sure he’ll do a fine-enough job.”

  He steps forward, but I don’t move. “Anything else?”

  “So that’s it? You’re just leaving? What about you and Miranda?”

  “What about us?”

  “I just mean…it’s obvious there’s something there.”

  “It seems the network agrees. They’ve viewed some of the footage, and want to include whatever they think developed between me and her into the season.”

  “I can’t say I’m surprised,” I reply honestly. I know I’d watch, considering Miranda has told me next to nothing.

  His eyebrows arch inquisitively. “Really? Well, I don’t air my business to the world and I refused to sign off on them using the footage, so they can fuck right off.”

  “You’re no better than us!” I prop my hands on my hips. “And don’t even try to lie to yourself and say you don’t care about her. If that was the case, why did she sleep in your bed last night?”

  “She needed to be looked after.”

  “There are cameras and crew all over the main house. She’d have been safer there.”

  “They don’t see everything.”

  “Admit it, you wanted her close—wanted to take care of her, and didn’t trust anyone else to do it.”

  “She and I would never work.”

  “Why? Because you’re an arrogant ass?”

  His head tics to the side. “Because I don’t have time for a relationship, and she needs to figure out what she wants in life. I’m not foolish enough to believe she’ll go back to Los Angeles and truly walk away from that life when she’s still living in their world. Whether she likes it or not, retiring means nothing unless she sets herself up elsewhere. They’ll just pull her back in.”

  “Not if she has a supportive man by her side to remind her why she left to begin with.”

  “Drop it. I need to talk to Emma. Tell Miranda I said goodbye.”

  “Are you kidding me?” I shout as he maneuvers around me and walks away. “You’re not even going to see her again to tell her yourself? I was so wrong about you. I’m glad you quit! She doesn’t need you!”

  Adam enters Emma’s room while I’m still ranting to his back, and Cruz steps out to hear his fair share. I slam my mouth shut and watch every facet of his approach.

  “He quit!” I bellow. “Can you believe that? And he’s not even gonna tell Miranda himself—wants me to do it for him. What the hell kind of man is that?” I scream, hoping he can hear me.

  Cruz chuckles, snaring my arm gently. “Adam’s never been one to settle down, so maybe it’s good Miranda gets out now before some messy breakup unfolds a few months down the road.”

  “That’s a hell of a way to look at things,” I reply with a scowl.

  He shrugs. “Just know Adam. His longest relationship was two weeks.”

  “What about yours?” I say without thinking, my face flaming the second it’s out and I realize it can’t be retracted. “Never mind. So how’s Emma?”

  “Never had an actual girlfriend before,” he replies, answering my first question. “Not even for two weeks. And Emma’s good. Everything checked out, and she’ll be discharged tomorrow morning.”

  “That
’s fantastic!” I lunge forward and hug him. My enthusiasm for Emma morphs into something far different when his hand curls around my back, the other wrapping around me at the base of my neck.

  “Emma said you might be sore this morning.” His fingertips massage my knotted flesh, and my eyelids slide themselves shut.

  “A little. No biggie.” I force my eyes open and lean back to look at his face. A smirk awaits me there, so I return one of my own.

  “Will you do me a favor today?” he asks, and I nod easily. “Stay with Emma. I have to go back to the house.”

  “How come?” They’re making him leave his sister? “You told Adam there was no way you were going back there without her.”

  “Changed my mind.”

  “Why?” I ask in a low voice as his fingertips apply more pressure to my neck.

  “So you don’t have to.”

  My brows pinch together. “What?”

  “Only one person can stay with Emma and miss the challenge today. Figured I’d let you relax and hang out here.”

  “But you hate challenges.”

  “Nah, they’re not so bad. And I’ll deal, knowing my sister has someone to girl talk with. I’m not so good at it.”

  I look away, giggling. “Thank you.”

  His hand slips around to stroke my cheek, the expression on his face growing heated. I make the move this time, winding my hands around his neck and drawing him in until our lips meet. The kiss is passionate albeit short, interrupted by Adam, who’s already back at his jeep.

  “You want a ride, you better get in.”

  Our lips part, foreheads touching. “He’s just pissed his dad’s an asshole,” Cruz whispers.

  “Yeah,” I reply absentmindedly. I’m still absorbed in the aftermath of the kiss, my tongue skimming my lips to gather his lingering taste.

  He smiles and pulls me in close for one last quick kiss before running off toward the jeep that’s already backing out of its parking spot, jumping in the second before Adam floors it.

  Confessional: Jasmine Cox

  “Sorry for my whispering, but I can’t even tolerate my own voice yet. Head is killing me. I slept off most of the hangover, but I’m still feeling it. And to top it all off, I woke up in some cabin, alone. I guess they kicked me out last night? Dunno. Weird thing is, I must’ve been dreaming about Adam more than usual, because when I woke up I could’ve sworn I smelled him on the pillow. I swear, if you could smell through the TV, you’d know how incredible that scent is. All male.