Matched

by Angela Graham

“I’m alrea—”

  He’s shaking his head. “I couldn’t care less about the bullshit gossip mill that’s gonna start when the show airs, but you…I won’t let you get bashed on TV, jumping into something with me one or two episodes after you ended it with him.”

  It’s the first time I realize that the last few weeks will be summed up in only a dozen or so hour-long episodes. I think of the reality shows I’ve watched, criticizing and judging the people on them for actions I only got a glimpse of. The emotions and tensions they endured rarely mattered to or were ever considered by me. If a girl hopped from one guy to another, she’d be considered one thing by the mass audience.

  I can’t stomach it. I lower my head to hide the shame I feel.

  “Hey, look at me.” He lifts my chin. “They don’t see everything I do. The people in this house—your friends—know the truth...saw it all unravel…but I don’t want to create a storm. Not gonna lie—it’ll kill me not to touch you the way I want.” His fingers tease the flesh around my navel then retreat, his hand settling on my shoulder innocently before he continues.

  “It’s not about that, though. I’m happy just having you close and talking…discovering everything that makes you you. I want something real here, Harlow—no games, no playing. I want you in every way. I may not have the best track record with girls, but I think my smartest move here would be to start things slow…as friends.”

  “Friends?” I’m not sure if I should be flattered, angry, or sad. “We’re already—I mean, I already consider you a friend.”

  He swivels the stool so I’m facing him, capturing my knees to steady me. “Yeah, you are, but I want it stronger—a foundation that can withstand all the shit anyone can throw at us. I want your absolute trust in me—to be the first one you come to when you need a friend.” He dips his mouth to my ear and murmurs, “Oh, and I’m looking forward to watching you squirm every time I get the chance to do this.”

  His lips brush the faintest kiss to my cheek before he moves away. With a promising smirk on his lips, he dives into the pool. The tingle that zips through my body reaches the tips of my toes, leaving a mutiny of hysterical nerves sizzling with anticipation.

  Confessional: Emma McCall

  “I’m back! And yes, I feel amazing. I know they stationed a cameraman outside the hospital, so I’m sure you all know I had a little scare, but I promise I’m fine. So let’s talk about something happier—or how about sexier, like Court?

  “I swear, that man…gah! Not sure how to sum up how I feel about him, honestly. He’s sweet, no doubt about that, and I know how he feels—he’s made it very clear. And as much as I hate what he did with Ivy¸ he’s gone above and beyond to make up for it. I’d like to think I have the willpower to tell him to screw off once and for all, but I can’t. And I no longer want to, because I’ve seen his heart. He’s shown it over and over again, and that means more than anything else.

  “When I came home this morning, he was in our room, waiting for me, ready for anything I needed. And not in the pansy-ass, whipped-puppy kind of way. The man stands his ground on plenty, believe me! It was near impossible to convince him to leave the hospital. I had to downright bribe him…not that I minded. And today, when I took a bath, he stood outside the door the entire time in case I needed help. The man refused to budge on the issue, and it’s impossible to resist when he takes me in his arms, clearing all my insecurities and inexperience, guiding me into the perfect kiss.

  “He’s the most charming and kind man I’ve ever met, and I know that I’m falling for him hard. It’s the scariest feeling, the unknown…putting yourself out there, hoping you won’t get burned. But he makes it feel easy and safe.

  “There’s only eight people left in the house, so I know it’ll only be a matter of time before it all ends and we go back to our old lives. Not sure what will happen then, but right now, in paradise, it’s only me and him. For the first time in my life, I’m ready to take that enormous leap of faith and give myself to the one man who has earned it.

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this and Court has no idea, but that promise I made him…it’s for a part of myself I never thought I’d find someone worthy to give to. I’ve never felt so alive, so cherished, as when I’m with him. And before I leave this island and risk never seeing him again, I want to give everything I have to offer to Court Callahan.

  “Okay, that felt good to get out. Let’s hope it doesn’t backfire now. I need some wood to knock on or something. How about you all just wish me luck? I could really use it!”

  Chapter 28

  I spend most of the day bouncing around the pool, flirting with Cruz when I get the chance. Jensen steers clear of Miranda, even before I corner him by the bar and make the future of his balls clear if he doesn’t.

  By the time the sun sets over the water, we’ve all migrated down to the beach and are surrounding a bonfire, roasting marshmallows. Even Nadia is on her best behavior; turns out she’s tolerable in small doses when she puts forth a little effort. I mean, let’s be real—she’s still a bitch—but I’m grateful she’s reining it today.

  I’m sitting cross-legged next to Cruz, roasting my fourth marshmallow and basking in every slight touch of his hand with every tiny move I make.

  “Okay, enough for you. Let me show you how it’s done.” Cruz grabs my twig and, ignoring my dramatic scowl, flings my gooey mess into the fire and shoves a new fluffy marshmallow on the end.

  “Hey, that one was actually edible!” My defense is a complete and utter lie.

  He looks my way, one challenging brow cocked.

  “Fine,” I drawl. “I give up. I don’t have the patience to wait for it to turn all perfect and golden.”

  “Lucky for you, I know what I’m doing.” A slow, tantalizing grin sharpens his features.

  My nipples perk up at the insinuation in his tone. And he’s got skills, all right. Without shoving the stick straight into the flame as I’d been doing, or hovering it over the top and waiting forever, he places it just close enough that it only takes a few moments before he’s pulling it out of the pit and holding it to my lips.

  Dear God. The look glistening in his eyes is aphrodisiacal when he nudges it closer, my lips parting to welcome the warm sweetness. His cobalt eyes flicker between my own and my lips until a shuffling sound behind us suddenly interrupts.

  We turn in unison to see a cameraman a little too close for comfort.

  Cruz clears his throat and pulls off what’s left of the marshmallow, shoving it in his mouth and returning his attention to the fire. My belly clenches as I watch the muscles in his throat, completely mesmerized as he swallows, smiling at the thought of my lips and his sharing something so delicious.

  I settle into my spot, with an undeniable ache to lean into him and snuggle close like Emma and Court are across from us. She’s sitting between his legs with her head propped back against his chest, and not a word of protest has yet to come from Cruz. There’s a serene air among everyone—a sense of kinship and camaraderie. There’s no drama or fighting; all of us are enjoying the peaceful moment in time.

  Everyone, that is, except Miranda. She sat at the fire for a few minutes with her gaze trained on the ocean before she got up and started walking toward it. Since then, she’s been walking the long stretch of beach silently, stopping occasionally to pick something up and tuck it into her pocket.

  “She’ll be fine,” Cruz whispers.

  “He should’ve talked to her before he left, or at least said goodbye.” I take the stick and try my hand at roasting another marshmallow. “He’s a dick for leaving like that, and you can’t expect me to think otherwise.”

  Cruz sighs but doesn’t disagree. “He’s a private guy.”

  “Then he should’ve talked to her privately.” I thrust the stick into the flames, watching another failed attempt as my marshmallow lights up in a crispy mess.

  I feel Cruz watching me, my body tensing when I peer over at his considering expression.


  “You trust me?”

  I set the twig down beside me, unsure where he’s going with his question but determined to answer honestly. “Yes.”

  A grin curves his lips. “Like hearing that.” He sits up on his haunches, turning his attention to Emma and Court.

  “Where are you going?”

  A moment passes before he angles his head, puts his lips next to my ear, and whispers so softly I barely hear him, “Get Miranda. Walk down the beach about half a mile or so until you spot the trail with a red sign, then beeline it that way. Keep on it till you see me.”

  They’ll follow, I mouth.

  “Trust.” He winks at me, then stands and walks around the fire toward Court and Emma. He watches them closely, his face twisting up the longer he does.

  What the hell is he doing?

  “Hey, Court. We should talk.”

  I slip on my sandals quickly, catching Emma roll her eyes. Court kisses the side of her head, then hauls himself to his feet.

  “Yeah, what’s up?” He stops in front of Cruz, and I can’t look away.

  “You really think I’m gonna let you sit there with your hands all over my sister, asshole?” Cruz shouts, getting in Court’s face.

  “Not much you can fuckin’ do about it!” Court comes right back with.

  Holy shit, what is he doing? And worse, what is Emma not doing? Instead of jumping in the middle to break it up, she’s slow to even stand.

  “Stop it, both of you.” Okay, I hear the words leave her mouth, but she’s not looking as pissed as I’d expect.

  “You want to be allowed near Emma, you better watch those fucking hands!” Cruz growls, looking deadly serious.

  “Or what? You hit me, your ass is gone, and then my hands have free rein.”

  It clicks then. Emma not freaking out, Court coming back at Cruz? I back away from the scene that has drawn both the cameramen closer, focused solely on them.

  God, I have a smart man. I still as I repeat the thought. Is Cruz my man? I don’t know, but he is smart, and that’s what counts right now.

  “Whoa, calm down, fellas.” Jensen attempts to wedge himself between them. Gigantic mistake, because Court and Cruz both turn on him like bloodthirsty wolves.

  “Nobody’s fucking talking to you, dipshit!” Cruz is now in his face.

  Court prowls around behind him and I take off in a sprint toward Miranda, who’s standing on the shore, her eyes transfixed on the guys’ standoff.

  “What the hell’s going on?” she asks quickly.

  I snake my arm through hers, dragging her away. “Shhh, come on.”

  “Are they gonna kick Jensen’s ass? Because I need front-row seats for that.”

  I can’t contain my pumping adrenaline as we watch Jensen with his hands out in defense, trying to retreat from the big pile of shit he stepped in.

  Court doesn’t let him, though, yelling out how Jensen shouldn’t even be here—how he’s a sick pervert and deserves every disease Nadia gives him. All the while, Cruz is moving away slowly until he’s completely out of the limelight and running up to the house, grinning at the diversions he’s created.

  “Hurry!” I’m giggling and running farther and farther away, Miranda following along until we make it out of sight. Breathless, I slow down. “Cruz is up to something. We’re gotta go meet him.”

  “And I’m tagging along why?”

  “Come on! Aren’t you tired of the cameras?”

  “You’re right. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

  We pick up speed again, and soon spot the red sign up ahead. We make it to the trail just as the sun dips completely out of sight.

  “You didn’t think to bring a flashlight?” she cracks teasingly.

  No, but I wish I had because it’s pitch black. Ten steps into the forest and I’m rooted in place, my fear spiking to unbearable heights.

  “I say we wait here,” Miranda suggests. “No need to go farther in there, right?”

  There’s a rattling in the trees overhead, and we cling tightly to each other’s sides. Damn Cruz and his spontaneous-yet-seriously underdeveloped plans. So that’s where Emma gets it.

  “Maybe we should wait back at the beach, or—”

  Suddenly, there’s a rumble in the ground, and a glowing light in the distance growing closer. I squint my eyes and hold onto Miranda’s arm for dear life.

  “If that’s an ax murderer, just want you to know, it’s been fun.” Miranda attempts humor, but the terror blanketing us as the light stops a few feet ahead is too overpowering to even try to laugh at.

  We both shriek, jumping when the harsh lights flick off to reveal Adam’s jeep, with Cruz at the helm.

  “Hop in, ladies. Got a surprise!”

  “Where are we going?” Miranda asks, buckling up after we’ve scrambled in.

  Cruz throws it in reverse. “You’ll see.”

  I can’t contain my laughter, the seatbelts doing nothing to stop our bodies from bouncing up and down with every pothole in the trail until we hit the main stretch of road. It’s beautiful out here—wild, yet serene. And being with him, away from the cameras and crew…nothing has ever felt more right.

  I slip my hand over his on the gear shift. He doesn’t look my way, instead smiling out at the road ahead of us. His fingers spread to let mine nestle in their grooves, then tighten against them securely. There’s no need for the radio or idle chitchat. Everything’s perfect.

  We slow in front of a sprawling resort and park on the side under a bright neon sign. It’s a club! How’d he know about this place?

  “Taking us dancing?” I ask, not ready to release my hold on him. Or his on me…whichever.

  He lifts our joined hands and kisses the tops of my knuckles. “You’ll see.”

  He’s saying that a lot tonight, and each time I can hardly wait.

  “I’m gonna need a drink, hope you brought some cash!” Miranda shouts over the music as we enter the raucous atmosphere.

  I catch her looking down at her frayed cutoffs and white tank top and survey myself. I’m thankful I at least happened to throw on a dress earlier—albeit a casual one—because one scan around the packed room reveals gorgeous bronzed bodies all dressed impeccably.

  “Come on.” Cruz’s hand is still clutching mine and he takes Miranda’s elbow in his other, leading us to the bar in the back.

  “Have you been here before?” I ask, my lips close to his ear so he can actually hear me.

  He shakes his head, looking around for something or someone. “There.”

  I look in the direction he’s staring, to the very end of the bar. Adam is sitting there, chatting over a drink with a perky blonde at his side.

  “No way, Cruz!” I dig my feet into the tile to halt his lead and am grateful Miranda’s still checking everything out, unaware where he’s heading and unable to hear his hushed voice over the music.

  “Relax. Trust me.”

  My anger peaks. “How? He’s here with someone! Didn’t think I could hate him more, but I was wrong!” Any smidgen of hope that Adam would snap out of it and come back for Miranda is squashed when the blonde’s hand settles on his knee. “We’re leaving—now!”

  He releases his hold on Miranda and cradles my face. “I know how he feels about Miranda. Please, just trust me.”

  Reluctantly, I agree; he’s never given me a reason not to. Plus, one way or another, Miranda will hopefully find closure tonight. I can’t even be mad he didn’t tell us where we were going in the jeep, because there’s no way in hell she’d have gotten in. He’s trying to help, and has both their best interests at heart. I truly believe that, now that I stop and think about it. Still, she deserves a heads up.

  I tap her on the shoulder and she looks at me, smiling, her shoulders bouncing to the music. It takes everything in me to raise my finger and point. Her eyes take only a second to follow, widening as they spot Adam at the bar.

  “Screw you both!” she screams, elbowing through everyone between her and escap
e.

  “Miranda!” I turn to Cruz, desperate for help, but he’s not there. Instead, he’s next to Adam, who stands, his face hard and menacing. He says something rough to the blonde and she’s quick to scurry away, clearly offended. Adam’s focus returns to Cruz, and they exchange what look like fighting words until Cruz points out Miranda in the mob.

  Adam shoves past him, taking off in her direction. I inch my way toward Cruz and frown when I reach him. “You really thought this was a good idea? If he hurts her…”

  Cruz doesn’t answer, swooping his head down and smashing his lips to mine. “Open,” he grunts on my mouth, and I do, allowing his tongue to delve inside. His hands thread through my hair; mine remain limp at my sides. I’m caught completely off guard but unable to do anything except melt against him. I feel the vibration of his hungry growl and weave my arms around his neck, boneless in surrender.

  Too soon, he robs me of his domineering kiss. He releases a few heavy, short breaths at my cheek before speaking. “Now that I have your attention, please hear me. I know Adam. He won’t admit it, but he’s crazy about the girl. Figured we’d help ’em out.”

  “And how do you know? You said he never settles down.” My voice is lazier than my resurfacing pessimism and my mind’s a bit fuzzy, my tongue busy wiping up his lingering taste. The music cuts out and the DJ speaks, allowing me to be heard without yelling. “I don’t doubt your intentions, but I still need to make sure she’s okay.”

  My head whips around, helping to clear my daze as I search for Miranda. I find Adam caging her into a corner and start to move toward them when Cruz’s hand grasps mine. I’m still staring, and see Miranda’s tears glistening from across the room. When the light hits them, I see she’s enveloped in his arms.

  When I peek back at Cruz, he’s smiling. It’s an adoring, sensual expression I can’t imagine ever tiring of. His palm flattens against my cheek. “Adam called the house this morning to check on Emma. He refused to leave the island till he was certain she’d be okay.”

  “I get that he’s good to Emma, but that doesn’t mean Miranda—”